History
The story of the Association of Texas Professional Educators began in 1975, when Texas' then-predominant educators' organization, the Texas State Teachers Association (TSTA), united with the National Education Association, a national teacher union.
The unification divided TSTA because many educators didn't agree with union tactics, such as strikes, which they felt were detrimental to schoolchildren. They also felt that as professionals, educators shouldn't belong to labor unions. Subsequently, many of these disillusioned TSTA members joined either the Association of Texas Educators (ATE) or the Texas Professional Educators (TPE), two groups that formed in response to the TSTA/NEA unification.
TPE was started by a group of classroom teachers in the Houston area, and ATE originated in the Dallas area. The two groups shared similar philosophies and similar inclusive memberships composed of teachers, administrators and support personnel. Consolidation talks began in 1977, just a year after each association was formed. Three years later, the two groups merged into one larger, more influential professional association.
ATPE was born on April 1, 1980. Since that time, ATPE has become the largest independent educators' group in the nation and has done so because of its strong philosophical foundation.
In January 2001, the ATPE Board of Directors formally adopted the following 10 official ATPE tenets, which were then presented to the House of Delegates. These principles have guided ATPE since its inception and will guide it for the next 25 years.
Source: "2004-2005 Leadership Guide" published by ATPE
Vision:
The Association of Texas Professional Educators is the preeminent educator association in Texas and makes a positive difference in the lives of educators and in the lives of schoolchildren. As professionals, our members are committed to supporting quality public education and the professional rights and obligations of the education community. Working in partnership with parents, business, community and government, ATPE provides the programs and services that enable educators and schoolchildren to achieve their highest potential.
Tenets:
Professionalism
ATPE members are committed to making positive contributions to the education profession and the lives of students by:
• Maintaining personal and professional dignity by respecting and obeying the law, demonstrating personal integrity, and exemplifying honesty and ethical behavior; and
• Assuming the responsibilities for professional teaching practices and performance.
Member-Owned/Member-Governed
ATPE members guide the Association through their elected local, region and board of directors' representatives and by participation at the annual House of Delegates.
Right to Work/Oppose Strikes
ATPE members believe:
• Educators have the right to teach without being forced to join any particular organization; and
• Strikes or work stoppages are detrimental to children, the community and the profession.
Quality of Services to Members
ATPE members believe their Association should provide quality services and benefits to its members through a dedicated, professional staff.
All-Inclusive
ATPE members believe all members of the public education community (including teachers, administrators, para-educators, retirees, teacher trainees, college students and the public) should be invited to join ATPE.
Leadership
ATPE members believe they have an obligation to be effective, proactive leaders in the field of education while representing themselves and their profession.
Collaborative
ATPE members believe in working with others to advocate positive solutions to education issues facing public education today.
Nonpartisan/Issues-Oriented
ATPE members determine and advocate a platform of education issues in accordance with ATPE philosophy in a proactive, professional manner. ATPE is nonpartisan and does not endorse any particular political party or candidate.
Independent
ATPE members believe ATPE should maintain its autonomy while collaborating with other groups throughout Texas and the nation.
Local Control
ATPE members support local public control of the local public school system through the elections of school board members and involvement of local community members.
