Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/1096861
I t was only a year ago that we walked hand-in-hand with our students, parents, and community members into our neighborhood public schools. We courageously took a vote to walk out in solidarity for better schools for our students. On April 26, 2018, we marched on the Capitol, 75,000 strong, and made history. Since that time, we've inspired a nation of educators and changed the narrative around public school funding in Arizona. We have also inspired fear in those who currently hold power and wish to keep the status quo of underfunded schools. Policymakers are hoping they've placated our movement with raises for a few. I know better. Like you, I know increased pay only addressed one issue. We still have overcrowded classrooms and unmanageable workloads. Teachers continue to leave the state or leave the profession. Too many of our students still learn with outdated or insufficient technology and read from torn up or too few books. And many of our schools themselves need structural repairs so that they are safe, inviting places to work and learn. Like you, I know our work is not done. We are growing a movement, and the most powerful work is accomplished not at the Capitol, but at home. We build power by engaging people at our work sites, at the bargaining tables, and at school board meetings. And when we share our stories with parents, local business owners, and community members and engage them around our students' needs they will stand with us for better schools. The governor and legislature think the movement is about raises. They think small. I know you are not satisfied with the current state of our schools. Our students deserve better. We deserve better. #RedforEd is about providing the public schools our students deserve to learn in. It's about the schools you deserve to work in. It's about honoring the commitment rooted deeply in our communities that says every child deserves a great public education, regardless of where they live. We will continue to build the #RedforEd momentum until we deliver on our promise of a quality public education for every child in Arizona. 4 ADVOCATE | SPRING 2019 IN SOLIDARITY by Joe Thomas AEA OFFICERS Joe Thomas President Marisol Garcia Vice President Angela Philpot Treasurer AEA STAFF Renae Costa Interim Executive Director Sheenae Shannon Editor Roxanne Rash Graphic Design Advertising The AEA Advocate is published by the Arizona Education Association, 345 East Palm Lane, Phoenix, Arizona 85004-1532. Phone: 602- 264-1774 or 800-352-5411 Fax: 602-240-6887. Email: sheenae.shannon@arizonaea.org. AEA's website may be found at www.arizonaea.org. Permission to reprint any material originating with this publication is granted provided that credit is given to the AEA Advocate. The AEA Advocate (ISSN 0194-8849) is published in Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer for $3.50 per year by the Arizona Education Association, 345 East Palm Lane, Phoenix, AZ 85004-1532. Periodicals postage paid at Phoenix, Arizona. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the AEA Advocate, 345 East Palm Lane, Phoenix, AZ 85004-1532. Moving? Please let us know before you go. Simply clip your mailing label from the back of the Advocate and send it along with your new address to: AEA Advocate 345 East Palm Lane Phoenix, Arizona 85004-1532 - 9 Joseph H. Thomas, President Arizona Education Association