Cynthia Villalovos | Houston ISD

"Dr. Marla Banks introduced me to ATPE at McMurry University in Abilene. She helped us start the ATPE local unit back in 1995 (I think ... that was so long ago.) After we elected officers, we held a meeting in which [then-state officer] Amy White from Wylie High School attended. My first ATPE conference was in Houston. The funny thing is that my first teaching job was at Wylie High School, and now I'm the President of the Houston local unit."

State Secretary Cory Colby | Willis ISD

"On the first day of new-teacher orientation in Willis ISD, there was a group of people standing outside of the room where we were holding our orientation. When we went on our first break of the day, Judi Thomas (now our region director from Region 6) and Donna Ward (now our region president) were standing out there with a few others and started pulling us aside to tell us about ATPE and why it was an essential part of our toolkit to being a new teacher.

"They got me signed up that day and continued building the relationship with me as a new teacher and got me even more involved by asking me to go to Lobby Day—once they found out my political background— and then to Leader U and the state convention.

"Now I am excited to get to work with them on a weekly basis to build our local unit and region!"

Julie Lewis | Irving ISD

"I joined ATPE 16 years ago as a new teacher. Little did I know how much I safer I would feel knowing I had answers to my questions any time I needed them. After attending the summit for the first time this year, I became excited all over again about the benefits of belonging to a great professional organization. My goal as campus representative is to make every teacher feel special, supported and appreciated during the first few weeks of school, letting them know that ATPE provides that year-round for its members!"

Maria (Aggie) Aguirre | Weslaco ISD

"I was a brand-new teacher at an elementary campus back in 1983-84. Ana Smith was our assistant principal. She came into my room one day and handed me an application. She said, "Here, you need to fill this out. As a new teacher, you need this." Since she has been a mentor to me. I did exactly as she said. I am sooooo happy I did. I am 'ATPE' in our district, although I prefer to promote new, fresh, talent to be our leaders at the regional and state levels."

State Vice President Richard Wiggins | Boerne ISD

"When I first started teaching, Diane Casteel told me about ATPE. She said, 'You would not drive a car without protection; why would you teach without liability protection?' As time has gone by, I learned that ATPE leaders are among the finest people and most professional educators in the country. Our services and caring about one another and the success of our students is amazing. It has been a terrific experience."

Pamela Kerl | Lewisville ISD

"David Bach and Julie Latshaw, sixth-grade teachers at Grace Hardeman Elementary in Birdville ISD, introduced me to one of the 'parent' groups of ATPE back in 1980. In April of 1980, ATE and TPE joined forces as ATPE. My son's birth in September of 1982 coincided with my husband's Air Force change of assignment to Oklahoma. With lots of military moves, I left the teaching profession for a few years; however, when I returned to Texas and to teaching, I also returned to ATPE! This past year, I also enjoyed the benefits of membership in TCEA through my membership in ATPE. Thank you, ATPE, for all that you have done for your members in the past 30 years. I'm looking forward to the future of ATPE!"

Cheryl Drews | Irving ISD

"Connie Kilday invited me to join, and I did!"

Editor's Note: Connie Kilday is another one of ATPE's unstoppable past state presidents!