Lara Sursa | Killeen ISD

"I was able to share info about ATPE when the student ATPE chapter at Texas A&M University–Central Texas donated bags of school supplies for the students at my school last year. One student in each grade level received the entire supply list for their grade level. This was amazing considering my campus has more than 70 percent of our population on free and reduced lunches."

Gayle Galloway Sampley | Humble ISD

"My mother, Frances Duff Galloway, was the one who insisted I join ATPE when I started teaching over 20 years ago. Mom was a homemaking education teacher who had taught in Santa Rosa ISD alongside ATPE's first president Alafair Hammett. When that district made unfair choices in the 1980s about how the first career ladder money would be distributed, ATPE's attorney Jay Brim successfully represented Mom and the vocational agriculture teacher, getting them the share they deserved of that merit pay. Being a member of ATPE is a family tradition. My sister Mary Kay Erben is an elementary GT teacher in Comal ISD, sister Carol Galloway Hagler is an elementary instructional coach in Dallas ISD, and my sister Susan Galloway Bitts is an elementary school nurse in Dallas ISD. My daughter Stephanye Sampley was a kindergarten teacher in Goosecreek ISD, and until just recently, my niece Laura Erben Pfister, was a middle school math teacher for Alvin ISD. We are all proud members of ATPE. Mother Teresa said: 'Love begins by taking care of the closest ones—the ones at home.' My mom did that by teaching us about the protection ATPE provides. Mother knows best!"

Michael O'Gea | Alvin ISD

In 2009, I finally followed my calling my into education. I started as a paraprofessional in our district. My wife, Julie--known to many around Alvin ISD as the "ATPE Lady," discussed with me the importance of being "protected" by ATPE. She explained to me that it was better to "have protection and not need it" than to "need protection and not have it." Ahhh, the logic of our spouses. It is because of that kind of one-on-one conversation that I have been a member of ATPE and will continue to share the philosophy of "Each One, Reach One" with others to get them to join ATPE.

Courtney Young | Alief ISD

"I was student teaching at an elementary school my senior year of college and was new to Houston, Texas. I didn't know anything about ATPE until my mentor teacher asked me if I belonged to an organization yet. I knew I had been covered back in Nebraska, but the thought never had crossed my mind when I moved down to Texas. She gave me a flier and had me fill out the card and mentioned it was free for student teachers; this way I would be covered. Later on, when I was offered a job by Alief ISD, I was more than happy to join ATPE as a continued member!"

Marisela Yanez | Rio Hondo ISD

"The first time I was asked to join ATPE it was by a teacher in the district. I was hired to be a paraprofessional, and they asked me if I had heard about the ATPE organization. They were very nice and took the time to explain all the benefits that were available and also about the discounts. The best part is the peace of mind, knowing you have someone taking care of us while we do what we love best: teaching."

Mary Betke | Robinson ISD

"Linda Roberson, the lady who started Robinson ATPE, asked me to join ATPE. Until Linda started ATPE, Robinson only had one organization to choose from, Robinson Classroom Teachers. I asked a question or two, but, in truth, I joined ATPE because Linda asked me to join. That was about 15 years ago. Linda has since retired. I have since become involved at the local level, serving as president for several years and attending regional and state conventions regularly."

Erika Crain | Coldspring-Oakhurst CISD

"My first year teaching, my mother, a paraprofessional at the time, told me about ATPE. She kept telling me 'just in case.' Well, 'just in case' happened to me several years ago. ATPE protected me when I didn't know how to protect myself. I recommend ATPE to my co-workers every chance I get, 'Just in case.'"

Gayla Parker | China Spring ISD

"Dawn Wilson, our school representative, introduced me to ATPE over eight years ago. She is a highly motivated teacher, mentor to all the staff and an asset to ATPE."

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."

Congratulations to our Each One, Reach One drawing winner!

The winner of the Each One, Reach One drawing for a $50 Starbucks gift card is Roberta Hemken of Montgomery ISD!

Here's Roberta's Each One, Reach One story:

"I was at our annual breakfast for the new school year and signed up. As a para, I wanted to be in ATPE. I have been a member for 16 years. I have served as a treasurer in our group as well."

Thank you to everyone who submitted a story! Those who submitted their stories by Friday, Aug. 16, were eligible for the drawing. We will continue publishing your Each One, Reach One stores, so please keep submitting them ... and please keep sharing ATPE.

Irma Barrientes Sherman | Brownsville ISD

"I was approached by our ATPE president J.M.Garza while a counselor at Faulk Middle School at least 10 years ago. I went to a summit and became the secretary and am presently the vice president of our local unit. I got my husband to join knowing he was experienced as a treasurer in another organization and is now our treasurer."

Emily Fortune | Killeen ISD

"I joined ATPE 10 years ago this month. During our in-service week at our campus, Yvonne Frate introduced herself to the staff as our ATPE representative and explained the benefits of being a member and how we could join. When we took a break, I sought her out and asked for an application. I have been a member ever since."

Robert Borden | Alvin ISD

"I was introduced to ATPE at a new teacher in-service five years ago, and my wife was already a member. Enrolled in payroll deduction, and this year I will be the ATPE campus rep for my school."

Gloria Silva | Weslaco ISD

"My sister, Maria 'Aggie' Aguirre recruited me in the late 80s, and I have been a member ever since. I went from a teachers' aide to a special ed teacher to a retired teacher/substitute, and all that time I had peace of mind as far as my job was concerned. I became a campus rep many years ago and am currently secretary of Weslaco ATPE in Region 1. Last year I recruited five-plus teacher aides."

Vivian Warren | Mt. Pleasant ISD

"I was one of those teachers who didn't feel like I needed a 'union.' I work so hard at doing everything right, and I didn't feel I was a troublemaker. I had taught for 15 years when Gene Baxter talked to me about how ATPE is not a union and showed me all of the benefits available, as well as the training available. Because training has always been one of my biggest things, I was impressed and joined. I am so glad I did. It has been so worth it. Great support, advocacy, benefits and training."

Robert Powell | Katy ISD (retired)

"I was recruited to ATPE by my brother. At the midpoint of my lif,e I had a career change. I had said that one thing I never wanted to do was become a teacher. You see, my older brother, Jim, was a schoolteacher, and he kept on me to do it. When I was 40, I decided to make that career change. Eventually I fell into the teaching profession. The first thing Jim told me was that I had to join a professional organization. I didn't think I needed that; after all, I really didn't think I was going to teach, but as it turned out I did. After much pressure from him, I joined ATPE, and I will admit it was the absolute best move I ever made. I got so much out of my ATPE membership, including legal support for a case ATPE helped me win. Even though my brother Jim is no longer with us, I am proud that I listened to him and followed his direction. I miss him, but I am happy with my years of experience with ATPE."

Jayson Pineda | Garland ISD

"I am new to the district, and my mentor asked me what association I was with. She said [belonging to an association] was not required but was a must. It will help and protect me with, God forbid, lawsuits and legal stuff. She said she was a member for more than 20 years but never had one lawsuit, but that it is like buying insurance for a low price. That is the reason I joined, [but I soon learned] ATPE is not just for that. It has a lot of professional growth activities and even day-to-day teacher stuff. I am very thankful for having my mentor and for her introducing me to ATPE."

Jeri Davis | Galena Park ISD

"I begin teaching full time before ATPE was founded. My team leader, Martha McCollum, introduced me to ATPE after the local unit was organized shortly after the state organization was created. That was 1981. I have served as a building contact, secretary, vice president and president of our local unit. As a building contact, I have recruited many of my fellow educators as ATPE members. I am turning over my building contact responsibilities this year as I retired after 35 years of teaching."

Esther Vasquez | Aransas Pass ISD

"I was introduced to ATPE 11 years ago by a past president, Betty Upton. I have been an active member and have recruited many members in my years of service! I have been a region officer and am president of my local unit, which I reactivated this past year. My local unit had been inactive for three years, and I took charge as president. Well, as my year comes to an end, so has my job at APISD. On to another district, Ingleside ISD, where I hope to activate them! Yay for my activating two districts in two years! Looking forward to recruiting more members to the greatest organization: my ATPE!"

Melissa Fortenberry | Community ISD

"I was introduced to ATPE through Region 10 as a professional going through the Teacher Preparation and Certification program. I joined although I was not in the classroom, but I discovered a lot of valuable information I would use. ATPE's partnerships with TCEA last year provided another facet of information on integrating technology in the classroom through the free Lunch and Learn webinars. I am going into my first year of teaching, and I am already registered for the Teacher Support Program, which I know will enhance my experience and success."

Ruby Aguilar | Rio Hondo ISD

"I was sitting in a new-teacher orientation session. I remember that I was so excited to start my teaching career. I had already met some of my wonderful, helpful colleagues, so it did not surprise me that when the ATPE officers were introduced to us they were my new friends! I was so glad they came and offered us ATPE membership. I knew I did not want to walk into a classroom without ATPE backing me up."

Roger Gutierrez | Weslaco ISD

Roger Gutierrez (left) and his fellow Weslaco ATPE leaders

"I got my start in ATPE 17 years ago during my second year of teaching. I was approached by then-President Aggie Aguirre about the benefits of being a part of a professional organization. She stressed the liability insurance and the member discounts and did so with a real passion for ATPE. To this day, I still believe that taking the time to have a heartfelt discussion with potential members is the best recruiting tool of all. Thank you, Aggie!"

Tessia Brixey | Alief ISD

"For my first few years of teaching, I was actually a member of another teacher organization, which I joined at a new teacher meeting before I even started working. The reason? They gave me a really neat bag of goodies for signing up. I didn't know anything about any of the organizations, other than that I should join one. After a few years of what seemed to be a lot of money being withdrawn from my paycheck, a friend of mine became the campus rep for ATPE. She asked me which group I was a member of and told me about ATPE and how it was different and more teacher-friendly, as well as being more affordable. I switched that same day, and after a couple of years, she asked me to take over as campus rep, as she was moving to another campus. I thought this was a great opportunity and said yes--again, the same day she asked."

Roseann Webb | Paint Rock ISD

"I was getting ready to start my education classes in college. My mom never asked me to join ATPE ... she told me I had to join. I knew what ATPE was and what they did for teachers because both of my parents were educators and members of ATPE. My mom had always talked about ATPE. She told me that I had to join ATPE because they had the best coverage, they would always take care of their members, and the members got to vote on the issues. She told me that you never know what will happen in the classroom and you always have to be prepared. So I signed up as a college student. I have been an ATPE member since then, and I wouldn't have it any other way."

Carrie Janet Godfrey | Katy ISD

"It was very easy for me to decide to choose ATPE. As a relatively new school employee, I was promoted to a position as a special education aide. The teacher I worked with, Margery Wightman, told me that I should join ATPE in order to protect myself from any possible lawsuits. I had never expected such a thing could even happen. She pointed out how important it would be to me and my family. I joined the next week and have been a member ever since. Since then I have learned much more about ATPE and am proud to be my campus representative."

Misty Houston | Lorena ISD

"I was first introduced to ATPE at Lake Worth ISD over 10 years ago. I then moved to teach at Holland, and we didn't have an active local unit, so I sought out how to create a local unit and have had a great run at Holland. Now I will be looking to make Lorena ATPE my new home and get them active."

Mary Sue Brown | Plano ISD

"For the past 17 years, counting this upcoming school year, I have taught fifth-grade at my wonderful community elementary school. This is the same school that my own three children attended. When I first resumed my teaching career after taking time off being a full-time mom, I heard the other teachers in my school discussing ATPE. There were several of the older, very respected teachers who were members and who encouraged me to join. Their reasons: insurance coverage and protection, discounts, etc. Because almost all of the teachers at my school were members, I thought it was a wise decision. I've been a member ever since and the campus rep for too many years to even count. Keep up the good work, ATPE, and remember, everyone, Teach the Vote!"

Sandra Bounds | Huntsville ISD

"It was August 1993. We had just finished the district opening meeting, and my mentor teacher Shelia Sims said, 'We need to stop at this table.' She handed me a form and said, 'Sign here and write a check for the dues.' I followed directions well back then. I handed the form and the check to the folks at the table, and they said, "Hey, you would be a great officer." Before the end of the day, I was a local officer and a member of ATPE, and I'm not sure which happened first. I didn't know how important it was to join an organization then, but my mentor did, and she made sure I chose the best."

Nancy Tom | Harlandale ISD

"My first year (1989), I was young and short on money. An officer of our local unit (Linda Smith) approached me to join. She said it was a great organization, explained why I needed the insurance and that it was the cheapest. I was sold. The following year, she recruited me as an officer, and I have been one ever since. I am hooked on ATPE!"

Donna Ward | Willis ISD

"I moved back to Texas in 1991 and joined the same group I had belonged to in college eight years earlier. When I began teaching in Texas, I inquired about my certification and what test I needed to take. I was told the timeline for taking the test. I made plans and had the test scheduled for later in the year. I learned that the information I had been given was wrong when I was removed from the classroom because I hadn't taken the state test. The group I belonged to at the time was of no help. I joined ATPE as soon as I could and have been a member ever since."

Sharon Dressel | Irving ISD

"I think you should change the name of your contest. 'Each One, Reach One' is good, but 'Each One, Keep One' should be an option. I think I may remember who introduced me to ATPE (Betty Simmons), but I know who has kept me there.

Robin Hurt is our building rep for ATPE, and she does an outstanding job. She leads by example and makes sure that we are taken care of. Robin is also very active and engaged in the work of ATPE and what it stands for. She works hard to make sure we are informed, and she is always willing to listen to (and bring forward) our concerns. I have observed other teacher organizations (that shall remain nameless), and I find that their professionalism, value for the membership and level of effectivess do not begin to approach what ATPE offers. They also do not have Robin!

Robin Hurt and the work that she does, as well as what ATPE provides as an organization, are what keep me coming back year after year. Robin is my 'Each One, Keep One' story!"

Kristi Daws | Jacksboro ISD

"ATPE Past State President Sam Spurlock was my recruiter. I started my education career in Olney, Texas. As I was setting up my classroom for my very first teaching position, Sam came to my room with an application in his hand and said. "You need this.' That was the beginning of my ATPE story. He was also the first one to encourage my volunteer leadership roles within the association. He has been an amazing mentor, and I am very thankful that I had the opportunity to work with Sam."

Jerry Jarrell | North Lamar ISD

"On the first day of 'in-service' training, the campus librarian handed me an ATPE membership form and told me I needed to fill it out and turn it back in to her as soon as possible. I asked her what it was, and she told me all about the ways ATPE could help me as an educator. Twenty-three years later, and I am following her example ... and I took over her job when she moved to another school."

Tina | Port Arthur ISD

"As a new teacher in the district 16 years ago, a mentor teacher assigned by the principal told me I should join a teacher association. I asked her and other teachers several questions about the different associations and decided that ATPE was the one for me. I never had to use the services of ATPE until four years ago, and when I contacted ATPE, they were ready, willing and able to help me out. I am very glad that those teachers gave me such good advice 16 years ago. Thank you, ATPE, for all you do to help keep teachers informed and safe."

Allen Bettis | Klein ISD

"I was a paraprofessional working as a one-on-one aide for a student who was diagnosed with PDD. The teachers at Langham Creek High School advised me to sign up for ATPE. The reason they gave me was legal protection because this student could say anything, and at times it was expected that I would be alone with the student. Everything turned out very well, and the student progressed and grew to the point that he needed a one-on-one aide very little, if at all, and he later graduated. I am now an economics teacher at Klein Forest High School and am still a member of ATPE 20 years later. I am also the president of my local unit."

Past State President Deann Lee | Paris ISD

"As a new teacher, the three major organizations gave me materials. My assistant principal, Betty Key, sweetly advised me to look at all of the materials and go with the one that most fit my philosophy, but she supported ATPE. I carefully considered them all, but, of course, chose ATPE. Through the years I have revisited that decision to consider if my thoughts have changed. Yes, they have. I am more adamant every day that choosing was the best professional decision of my life!"

MaElena Ingram | McAllen ISD

MaElena Ingram and Alafair Hammett, ATPE's first state president, reunite at the 2013 ATPE Summit.

"In September of 1982, a group of Rio Grande Valley ATPE founding members drove to Zapata and helped us establish our Zapata local unit. Among those founding members was Ms. Alafair Hammett. She introduced herself to our Zapata group and proceeded to explain to us the benefits of ATPE membership. I joined that evening and have been a leader in this teacher owned-teacher governed organization for the past 32 years. I have experienced major changes in ATPE and in education these past three decades, and I feel blessed to have been introduced to an organization that has allowed me to grow as an individual and a professional because it truly supports my 'freedom to teach.' At the 2013 ATPE Summit, I had the honor of being reunited with Ms. Alafair ... she remains as sweet as I remember her and remains a firm believer in the ATPE philosophy."

Janie Leath | Nacogdoches ISD

"When I began teaching in 1992, I shared a classroom with our current ATPE State President Ginger Franks. This 'spicy hotdog' was passionate about ATPE even back then and told me I needed to join. Of course, I was a new teacher, and she had experience, so I figured she knew what she was talking about. Turns out she did!"

Charlie Anderson | Hutto ISD

"I first learned about ATPE while attending the mandatory preparatory meetings at Texas State University for student teaching. There was an entire day dedicated to professional organizations that are beneficial to teachers. Representatives from various groups spoke about their organization, including ATPE. As a student teacher, we were required to have liability coverage, which ATPE offered. In that way, the university and organizations were partnered to shuffle pre-service teachers into the organizations that offered liability insurance, but that wasn't the only benefit to joining ATPE. During my student teaching, I took advantage of my FREE membership and took part in various webinars to gain some continuing professional development credits. I was thinking ahead, and I knew this would be an important component when it came time to renew my teaching certificate(s). I don't think I took full advantage of my membership during that time, but I learned about the organization, gained insight, experience and resources, and renewed my membership after that year to more fully explore the benefits available to me to continue my educational journey and growth as a teacher."

Leigh Ellen Howeth | Madisonville CISD

"I was introduced to ATPE years ago at Wylie ISD by a state officer. I was teaching special education and advised to get ATPE ASAP!"

Hector Cruz | Weslaco ISD

"I was recruited by Leticia Gonzalez. She made me her campus rep assistant that year and gave me full responsibility the following year. During my third year of membership, I was elected local unit president (that was two years ago). I became Region 1 vice president last year and was elected Region 1 president for the 2013-2014 year. How's that? :)"

We say: Way to go, Hector!

Teresa Millard | Woden ISD

"I was at orientation as a first-year teacher, and [current State President] Ginger Franks was an ATPE officer for Woden. We had an ATPE breakfast, and Ginger told all staff about ATPE."

Charrie Waters | Sherman ISD

"Cheryl Oberst and I were eating lunch during in-service at Plano East. After the campus rep had given her spiel about ATPE, Cheryl said, 'Charrie, you need this because you work in special ed.' Cheryl kept telling me for my own protection I better sign up ... she gave me an application, and I completed it and turned it in. Then Cheryl started talking about Plano's meetings. I attended once, and look where I am today."

(Charrie is now a local unit treasurer and campus rep in Sherman ISD and was a finalist for the ATPE Educator of the Year Awards in the Associate category.)

Sherri Ledford | Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD

"I was new to the area and accepted a paraprofessional job at one of our high schools. Actually, it was the only high school at the time. We have grown so much we now have two in our district! MaryAnn Litt, a paraprofessional I worked with at the time, gave me an application packet and asked me to look it over. She told me that after I read what ATPE had to offer, she was pretty sure I wouldn't want to look elsewhere. She was correct! I am now a teacher, but I continue to be an ATPE member with pride."

Andrea Keller | Irving ISD

Irving ATPE Vice President Andrea Keller recently blogged about her experience at the ATPE Summit and her introduction to ATPE:

"So, I paid my dues every year and knew I was covered ... but then I attended ATPE Summit and I realized how much more ATPE does for me as an educator. This year I also am taking on more at the local level as I am now the Vice President of Irving ATPE."

 Read Andrea's full post here.

Brooklynn Stapleton | Decatur ISD

"I was introduced to ATPE while attending Texas Woman's University. I became very involved in the organization, including attending all events as well as being a 'poster child' for ATPE posters that went out for an upcoming year of recruitment. Once I landed my job after college, I was able to use several of the online professional development courses."

Hilda Martinez | La Joya ISD

Norma Vega and Hilda Martinez

Have you submitted your Each One, Reach One story yet? Tell us how you were introduced to ATPE by Aug. 16 for a chance to win a $50 Starbucks gift card! Here's Hilda's story:

"After I stopped teaching in 2003 and took a few years off, I never thought about joining any organization. When I started substitute teaching in 2006, I met up with Norma Vega, a former colleague from Mission CISD. She told me that I needed to join ATPE because she believed that I would benefit in many ways by joining. I didn't think much about it because I had had a bad experience with the union I was a member of. She helped me every step of the way then as she does now. Every year I strive to get at least 10 members, but last year I had a goal, which she helped me achieve. [Hilda was ATPE's top recruiter in 2012-13! She recruited 104 members.] Thank you, Norma, for introducing me to the BEST organization in the state of Texas. I believe that if each one of us has contact with at least five people, we can sure speak to them about the protection, advocacy and resources that ATPE offers."

Stephanie Bailey | Cy-Fair ISD

"I had been lured to a training by another organization. Then I found out that I would have to pay more than $400 for a membership [in the other organization]; we all were tricked into joining by signing for the certificate from the training. When I returned to my campus in Cy-Fair, I told a teacher friend. Her name was Becky Keels. She told me that I didn't have to pay that much and that she would assist me in transferring to ATPE. I have now been with this wonderful organization for six years, and I am a campus rep. I am an avid supporter of this organization."

Carole Henry | Southwest ISD

"I belonged to another organization for years. Our local unit president, Veronica Reyna, tried for two years to convince me that ATPE was better. I finally agreed to sit down with her while she showed me a side-by-side comparison. She finally convinced me with that information and I made the switch. I only wish I had listened to her earlier."

Jennifer Bowland | Mansfield ISD

"I originally came to the district as a substitute, and then the following school year in 2005, I joined the district as a paraprofessional for SPED Content Mastery ELA. One of the SPED teachers I was working with was Debby Skinner, and she was the campus rep at DP Morris and was involved as a local unit officer. She asked me to join ATPE, and I have been a member ever since. Without her asking me, I would have never been asked to be a campus rep on my campus when I was a new teacher. In addition, without knowing her, I would have never been encouraged to explore local events and find out how I could become more involved. This in turn led me to serving as LAN coordinator and secretary, and this year I will serve as our president. I am very fortunate to be involved in such a wonderful organization, and I owe it to Debby Skinner who introduced me first to ATPE."