The ATPE Governmental Relations team recaps the past week’s education news, legislative and election updates, and regulatory developments. ATPE members: Share your thoughts and ask our lobby team questions in The Rotunda on the ATPE Online Community. 

• SBOE expands state influence over classrooms with book list approval, TEKS controversy, and curriculum decisions
• SBEC to meet Friday, April 24, to finalize rules related to educator preparation, certification, and misconduct
• Announcing the professional breakout sessions for the 2026 ATPE Summit
• Use your teacher voice with ATPE’s member advocacy tools

SBOE: The April meeting of the State Board of Education (SBOE) went into the late night/early morning hours and featured heated discussions and votes with direct implications for Texas educators, particularly around curriculum, instructional materials and the educator workforce.  

Several SBOE members sent a formal letter raising concerns about the involvement of a Texas Public Policy Foundation (TPPF)-affiliated individual who was reportedly paid to assist in drafting portions of the Social Studies TEKS.  

The board also voted to approve a controversial version of a statewide list of literary works required under recent legislation, took additional actions tied to implementation of House Bill (HB) 1605 including continued oversight of Bluebonnet Learning materials, and voted to continue implementation steps for the required civics training program for teachers and administrators, confirming the program will move forward through Education Service Centers. 

Overall, the meeting's actions reinforced that the decisions that were once largely local are increasingly being made at the state level. ATPE Lobbyist Heather Sheffield has more in this blog post. 

SBEC: The State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) will meet in Austin next week on Friday, April 24. The agenda includes final approval of rules related to educator preparation programs and educator certification as well as educator misconduct and the temporary suspension process. The board will also hear an update on the development of the Texas Test of Educator Proficiency (T-TEP), as well as an update on the materials review pertaining to National Board Certification's continued inclusion in the TIA designation process. ATPE Lobbyist Tricia Cave will have a full recap following the meeting. 

SUMMIT: We are excited to announce the professional breakout sessions for the 2026 ATPE Summit! Attendees will be able to earn up to eight hours of continuing professional credit (CPE) at the summit, including two hours at your choice of 16 different breakout sessions covering topics including support for neurodivergent students and educators, technology accessibility, artificial intelligence, 3D printing, personal growth and stability, and more!   

Additionally, you can earn CPE credit for attending the advocacy update, House of Delegates, and two keynotes featuring Juan Bendana, a best-selling author often described as a “walking shot of espresso,” and our hilariously inspiring closing keynote, Devin Siebold! You will also have the opportunity to earn an additional hour of CPE credit by attending a live podcast taping! In Rancheras—The Unsung Heroes of the American Revolution, we’ll hear the untold stories of the rancheras, who commanded vast cattle networks that fueled the war effort and were the unsung power brokers of the frontier. This session offers Texas educators a fresh, revolutionary lens for the classroom.  

Plus: Delegate certification for the summit is open through June 12. If you would like to be a delegate this year, reach out to your local unit president (or region president if you are an at-large member). All members must register themselves, and this process is separate from the delegate certification process. Registration and housing are also open through June 12.  

The ATPE Summit will take place July 14–16 at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa. Learn more and register today at atpesummit.org. 

Artists’ appearances arranged by Gotham Artists. 

MEMBER ADVOCACY: Even when the Legislature’s not in session, we urge you to stay informed and engaged. Here are a few advocacy resources to check out: 

• ATPE Mobile App: Check out the new ATPE mobile app to conveniently access member benefits and advocacy tools.  
• Advocacy Central: Get in touch with your elected officials about the legislation impacting your profession.  
• Judy: Chat with ATPE’s AI assistant for Texas educators, ready to help you with all things ATPE and all things #txed.   
• ATPE Member Advocate Program (ATPE-MAP): Enroll in ATPE-MAP to earn state-level and local-level advocacy microcredentials, as well as earn continuing professional education (CPE) credit. ATPE-MAP is included in your member benefits, so be sure to check it out today.    
• ATPE Professional Learning (PL) Portal: Three sessions from the 2025 ATPE Summit are available in the ATPE PL Portal: an HB 2 compensation overview, the ATPE lobby team’s advocacy update and the closing keynote by Jonathan Alsheimer. Log in to watch the recordings and earn 1.5 hours of continuing professional education (CPE) credit. (Jonathan Alsheimer’s appearance arranged through Gotham Artists.) 
• The Rotunda: Don’t forget, members, that you can interact with your ATPE lobby team throughout the week when you log in to the ATPE Online Community.