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. 

• House Public Education Committee holds second interim hearing
• Catch the latest ATPE Podcast episode: “Holocaust Education Through Personal Stories”
• ATPE to sponsor Texas Tribune education symposium on July 1
• Get to know your 2026-27 ATPE state officer candidates
• Use your teacher voice with ATPE’s member advocacy tools

INTERIM HEARING: The House Public Education Committee held its second interim hearing Monday, June 1, focusing on special education, teacher recruitment and retention, and implementation of House Bill (HB) 2. 

ATPE provided oral and written testimony on the charges: 

• HB 2: ATPE Governmental Relations Director Monty Exter discussed the Teacher Retention Allotment (TRA), sharing survey data showing our members appreciate the pay raises but have concerns about how the allotment is distributed and which educators qualify due to bill language that only gives raises to a “classroom teacher.” Read ATPE’s written testimony.  
• Teacher recruitment and retention: ATPE Lobbyist Tricia Cave urged lawmakers to address factors beyond pay that drive educators from the profession, including workload, support, and work-life balance. She also shared survey feedback on the Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) and asked the committee to study ways to improve the program so all teachers can qualify. Read ATPE’s written testimony. 
• Special education: Cave shared survey data that shows teachers feel unsupported and unprepared to support their students when dealing with inclusion in general education settings. She urged the committee to consider ways to provide the necessary support and resources to ensure student needs are met. Read ATPE’s written testimony. 

Cave has more in this blog post. 

PODCAST: In the latest episode of The ATPE Podcast, Holocaust descendant and educator Claudia Loewenstein shares how personal stories can help students connect more deeply with the lessons of history. This episode is a follow-up to ATPE Engagement and Learning Specialist Andrea Hutlock’s recent conversation with Elizabeth SoRelle from the Texas Holocaust, Genocide and Antisemitism Advisory Commission (THGAAC). Find the episode on atpenews.org. 

TRIBUNE: 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! 

SUMMIT: The 2026 ATPE Summit is just over a month away, and we look forward to seeing you in San Antonio! Before you head to the summit, get to know your 2026-27 state officer candidates at atpesummit.org/house-of-delegates/candidates/,  where you can view candidate bios and videos.  

Plus: The delegate certification, registration, and housing deadlines for the 2026 ATPE Summit are next Friday, June 12. If you would like to serve as a voting 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.  

Learn more at atpesummit.org.  

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.