Capitol Expeditions are a new ATPE initiative, replacing ATPE at the Capitol, otherwise known as Lobby Day. Instead of bringing hundreds of members to the Capitol all at once, ATPE is hosting small groups of members on a series of more targeted visits with legislators that, when available, include the ability to attend and testify at committee hearings. The members eligible to attend Capitol Expeditions are those who have completed the new ATPE Member Advocate Program (ATPE-MAP) State-Level Microcredential, which is an online, on-demand professional learning experience. (Learn more and enroll in ATPE-MAP at atpe.org/member-advocate-program.) 

During a Capitol Expedition, members arrive in Austin on a Monday, when they are treated to a working dinner with ATPE staff before spending the night at a local hotel. On Tuesday, members spend the day visiting representatives. The first Capitol Expedition included visits with seven House reps and two senators, as well as a photo with the Speaker of the House (see above). After a busy day at the Capitol, members visited the ATPE Governmental Relations office to debrief before heading back home. 

ATPE State President Jason Forbis said: “The MAP program really helped me just feel prepared and gave me the confidence to come and speak about my passion, which is education and our profession. It was a great opportunity to learn more about how to speak to people like our school board or, if you want to come to Austin, to speak to people at the Capitol.” 

Jeremiah VanBlaricom, a newly certified educator and Capitol Expedition attendee, agreed. “MAP reminded me to have a personal story and relate legislation back to how it affects you and your students,” he said. 

The next Capitol Expedition takes place Feb. 17–18, and spots on the remaining Capitol Expeditions throughout the session are filling up fast. If you’re interested in participating in this special member experience, enroll in and complete the ATPE-MAP State-Level Microcredential today!  

Rep. Gary VanDeaver (R–New Boston).

Past State President Jayne Serna and Rep. Colonel Terry Wilson (R–Georgetown).

Front row: Past State President Jayne Serna and State Treasurer Teresa Millard. Back row: State Secretary Eli Rodriguez, State Vice President Jerrica Holt, Rep. Brad Buckley (R–Salado), State President Jason Forbis, and ATPE member Jeremiah VanBlaricom.

Front row: ATPE Senior Lobbyist Mark Wiggins, Lobbyist Heather Sheffield, Past State President Jayne Serna, House Speaker Rep. Dustin Burrows (R–Lubbock), and State Treasurer Teresa Millard. Second row: State President Jason Forbis, State Vice President Jerrica Holt, Lobbyist Tricia Cave, ATPE member Jeremiah VanBlaricom, State Secretary Eli Rodriguez. Third row: Governmental Relations Director Monty Exter and ATPE Executive Director Dr. Shannon Holmes.

ATPE member Jeremiah VanBlaricom, State President Jason Forbis, Rep. Gina Hinojosa (D–Austin), State Secretary Eli Rodriguez, State Treasurer Teresa Millard, State Vice President Jerrica Holt, and Past State President Jayne Serna.

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