Just in time for winter break, The ATPE Podcast is back from its hiatus with a mid-year reset of its own: a new format!

The refreshed podcast format features two co-hosts—Andrea Hutlock and Kate Johanns—as well as a shorter length, a wider variety of content, and, coming in the new year, the inclusion of member voices. We’ll still feature advocacy and legal content on the regular, but we’ll also cover professional learning, leadership growth, and opportunities to save money using your member discounts!

In this episode, we:

• Discuss the 2026 ATPE Summit Call for Proposals (Submission deadline: 12)
• Learn about new courses available on demand in the ATPE Professional Learning Portal
• Explore opportunities to save on online shopping using the ATPE Discounts & Rewards Marketplace

Discuss this episode and share ideas for future segments in the ATPE Online Community.

From jury duty to military service, educators may encounter unique situations that require time away from the classroom. But what happens if you are injured while breaking up a fight at school? Can a district require you to use personal leave when you are called for jury duty? How long can you be absent for military service and still return to your job with full benefits?

These are just a few of the questions educators may face when it comes to lesser-known types of leave. Knowing how they work and what protections are available can make all the difference in a difficult situation.

In this episode of The ATPE Podcast, ATPE Managing Attorney Lance Cain discusses assault leave, civic duty leave, military leave, administrative leave, and more. He explains what the law requires, what districts may offer at their discretion, and what educators should keep in mind if they ever need to use these forms of leave.

The legal information provided here is accurate as of the date of publication. It is provided here for informative purposes only. Individual legal situations vary greatly, and readers needing individual legal advice should consult directly with an attorney. Please note: Rights based on the Texas Education Code may not apply to all. Many Texas Education Code provisions do not apply to public charter schools, and public school districts may have opted out of individual provisions through a District of Innovation plan. Eligible ATPE members may contact the ATPE Member Legal Services Department.

The 2025 Texas legislative session was one of the most politically charged in recent memory. With pre-election pressure and influence from outside interest groups shaping the agenda, lawmakers clashed over key education issues and long-standing policy goals.

For the first time, voucher legislation became law in Texas, marking a significant shift with major implications for families, educators, and school districts. ATPE Governmental Relations Monty Exter explains the political machinations that ultimately broke through the public education community’s wall against vouchers, what it means going forward, and how quickly the effects might be felt.

The session also brought renewed debates over school funding. Many educators are left wondering whether public schools gained ground or lost support as lawmakers pushed to prioritize voucher programs. We examine the outcomes and what districts should expect as they plan for the new school year.

Another standout trend was the growing hostility toward groups that support public education, including ATPE and other educator advocacy organizations. Monty discusses how this rhetoric developed, its connection to the voucher push, and what educators can do to fight back.

And yet, despite the challenges, there were several bright spots. We highlight positive outcomes for educators and look ahead to what the next election cycle might bring.

In the latest episode of The ATPE Podcast, we’re excited to welcome back ATPE Governmental Relations Director Monty Exter to help us make sense of it all.