ATPE members are committed to making positive contributions to the education profession and to the lives of students by :

• Maintaining personal and professional dignity by respecting and obeying the law, demonstrating personal integrity, and exemplifying honesty and ethical behavior; and
• assuming the responsibilities for professional teaching practices and performance.

ATPE members, using a representative form of government, guide the Association through their elected local, region and board of directors' representatives and by participation at the annual House of Delegates.

ATPE members believe educators have the right to teach without being forced to join any particular organization, and strikes or work stoppages are detrimental to children, the community, and the profession.

ATPE members believe their association should provide quality services and benefits to its members through a dedicated professional staff.

ATPE members believe all members of the public education community (including teachers, administrators, paraprofessionals, retirees, teacher trainees, college students, and the public) should be invited to join ATPE.

ATPE members believe they have an obligation to be proactive, effective leaders in the field of education while representing themselves and their profession.

ATPE members believe in working with others in order to advocate positive solutions to education issues facing public education today.

ATPE members determine and advocate a platform of education issues in accordance with ATPE philosophy in a proactive, professional manner. ATPE is nonpartisan and does not endorse any particular political party or candidate.

ATPE members believe ATPE should maintain its autonomy while collaborating with other groups throughout Texas and the nation.

ATPE members support local public control of the local public school system through the elections of school board members and the involvement of the local community members.