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. 

• ATPE urges Congress to protect federal education funding and oversight  
• Summit housing deadline extended to June 24 
• ATPE to sponsor Texas Tribune education symposium on July 1 
• Support student success by serving on a TEA assessment committee 
• Use your teacher voice with ATPE’s member advocacy tools 

EDUCATION DEPARTMENT: In light of the U.S. Department of Education’s ongoing efforts to reduce federal education funding and shift the agency’s responsibilities to other federal departments, ATPE has sent a letter to the Texas congressional delegation expressing the association’s concerns.

We’re also calling on members to urge their U.S. representative and senators to protect federal education funding; oppose cuts to IDEA, Title I, and educator workforce development programs; and preserve a strong, coordinated federal education infrastructure. Learn more in this blog post by ATPE Lobbyist Heather Sheffield, and visit Advocacy Central to learn more and get in touch with your lawmakers. 

SUMMIT: The housing deadline for the 2026 ATPE Summit has been extended to June 24 so members who are planning to attend the summit can still secure incredible rates at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa! Learn more in this atpenews.org blog post.  

SYMPOSIUM: ATPE is thrilled to sponsor the upcoming Texas Tribune symposium "What Makes a Great School?" on July 1 at the Holdsworth Center in Austin and streaming online. This event is a unique opportunity for public school teachers, administrators, and leaders to dive deep into the changing landscape of Texas education—from legislative shifts to technological advancements in the classroom. ATPE is incredibly proud to support Texas educators by providing continuing professional education (CPE) credits for those attending. Don't miss this chance to collaborate, grow, and shape the future of our classrooms. Register today at https://whatmakesagreatschool.splashthat.com/ATPE to secure your spot and claim your hours! 

TEA: The Texas Education Agency (TEA) is offering educators the opportunity to serve on a Texas Assessment Program committees. Visit TexasAssessment.gov or use the QR code below to sign up. 

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.    
• 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.