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.

What makes in-person events so valuable for educators today? In an age where virtual meetings and webinars are more accessible than ever, why should you still consider showing up in person? Whether it’s for professional development, networking, or simply feeling a deeper sense of connection, these face-to-face moments can offer something uniquely impactful.

Joining the conversation is ATPE Engagement & Learning Specialist Andrea Hutlock, who recently attended SXSW EDU 2025. She shares reflections on what makes face-to-face experiences so energizing and meaningful, including thoughts on those spontaneous hallway chats and casual meetups that often leave the biggest impact.

In this episode, Andrea offers practical tips for navigating the cost and logistics of attending events and explains how educators can get the most out of each opportunity—from planning ahead to decompressing afterward. If you've ever questioned whether it’s worth the time and effort to show up in person, this episode is for you.

Have you ever wondered what it means for an educator to be "protected" while taking time off for medical or family reasons? Understanding what that entails is crucial when faced with a family emergency. This includes knowing the steps to request FMLA, eligibility requirements, the types of medical conditions that qualify, and the amount of leave you are entitled to under the law. Key benefits, such as job security during an absence, are also important to understand. Additionally, it's essential to know how Texas Disability Leave (TDL) differs from FMLA and the potential consequences if an employee exhausts both of these resources.

In this episode of the ATPE podcast, ATPE’s Member Legal Services Department Managing Attorney Lance Cain continues his deep dive into educator leave, focusing specifically on protected leave and the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).

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.