Student Organizations

Association of Texas Professional Educators (ATPE)

The Association of Texas Professional Educators is open to students in all fields of education. As members, they join more than 100,000 Texas educators bound by the belief that educators are professionals who must work as a team to ensure that our children receive the best education possible. Not only does ATPE membership provide liability insurance for students involved in field experiences, but it serves as a vehicle for providing both information and support to students throughout their program. Through monthly meetings in conjunction with the Student Council for Exceptional Children (SCEC), members have opportunities to receive updates on current issues, hear speakers on various topics, develop leadership skills, plan and implement fund raisers and charitable events, contribute to the community and local schools, and attend state ATPE conventions. A bulletin board in the first-floor hallway of Stoddard Hall provides information on meeting dates. Follow us on Twitter @twuatpe

Student Council for Exceptional Children (SCEC)

The Student Council for Exceptional Children is primarily for students being certified in Special Education or a related field. As members of the student organization, they join the largest international organization dedicated to improving educational outcomes for individuals with exceptionalities, students with disabilities, and/or gifted. Through monthly meetings in conjunction with the Association of Texas Professional Educators (ATPE), members have opportunities to receive updates on current issues, hear speakers on various topics, develop leadership skills, plan and implement fund raisers and charitable events, contribute to the community and local schools, and attend state and national Council for Exceptional Children conventions. A bulletin board in the first-floor hallway of Stoddard Hall provides information on meeting dates. 

Bilingual Education Student Organization (BESO)

The Bilingual Education Student Organization (BESO) is one of the oldest Latina organizations on campus. Approximately 30 years ago, when the bilingual program was initiated in Texas, TWU was one of the first universities to begin a bilingual teacher preparation program. Along with the new program, Dr. Rudy Rodriguez began the student organization initially named the Student Association for Bilingual Education (SABE), which later was changed to the Bilingual Education Student Organization (BESO). The BESO students take an active part in support of all students on campus who speak two or more languages and invite all future bilingual teachers to participate in their activities, which include attending and participating in conferences related to bilingual education. Under the guidance of the university’s bilingual education faculty, a number of undergraduate and graduate BESO students have attended, presented and facilitated at the BEAM (Bilingual Education Association of the Metroplex) conferences held in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, the TABE conferences, and the NABE (National Association for Bilingual Education) conferences. Many also volunteer their time in surrounding school district classrooms as tutors for bilingual students. Follow us on Twitter @twubeso

Pi Lambda Theta (PLT)

Pi Lambda Theta (PLT) recognizes academic excellence and outstanding leaders who are pursuing a career in education. PLT has a rich history on the TWU campus dating back to 1940 and is the most selective national professional honor society of educators. Its mission is to honor outstanding educators and inspire them to be effective leaders who address critical issues in education. Students must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or above and maintain a financial obligation to join. Membership dues cover initiation and graduation ceremonies, honor cords to wear at graduation, access to scholarships, grants, job-search and referral services, a professional journal and international conference information. Initiations are held in September and February. For more information, contact faculty advisor Claudia Sanchez, PhD.

Convention of American Instructors for the Deaf (CAID)

CAID helps you learn more about deaf culture and provides opportunities to volunteer with members of the deaf community and practice signing with others. The organization also hosts social activities with peers and faculty, Dues are $10 per year. For more information, contact faculty advisor Sarah Wainscott, PhD.