Julia Turner | Arlington ISD

"As a new teacher 10 years ago, I was terrified my first day. The current ATPE Arlington president happened to work at my school. She showed up with a huge basket of teacher supplies, paper clips, note pads, pens, mints and cups. It was such a nice gesture. She asked me if I had joined a professional organization, and when I said no, she explained what it was and why I needed it. My fellow ATPE members have been there for me outside of our workplace by becoming my lifelong friends, even through the tragedy this summer of the loss of my son. My local ATPE family has done fundraising and also has been there for me during my grief. It is truly a family, and I am a lifelong member."