Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/1233441
4 ADVOCATE | SPRING 2020 IN SOLIDARITY by Joe Thomas Joseph H. Thomas, President Arizona Education Association Read that sentence again. It goes against our nature, but it's valuable advice we must heed. Once again, you are being asked to do more, and I know you will rise to the occasion. You will be no good to your family, your colleagues, or your students, however, if you forget to take care of yourself before leaning into the important work at hand. Students remain our priority. At no time has that been more apparent than during this worldwide crisis. I feel pride seeing AEA members on my newsfeed talking about how they are working to continue to meet our students' educational, health, and safety needs. No one should be surprised by how educators are handling the challenges from the coronavirus pandemic. We are creative, flexible, and problem solvers. We've learned to meet higher standards with fewer resources. We've learned to manage more students with less support. We've become experts at adapting and adjusting to change because that is what we do every day. AEA must also adjust to these unprecedented times and plan accordingly. To that end, the AEA Board of Directors decided to postpone our annual meeting, the Delegate Assembly. We will hold important elections online in May, but we cannot safely assemble our delegates in person at this time. More information is forthcoming, but our priority remains your safety and well-being. We will get through this just like we have gotten through past crises and challenges – by relying on our friends and colleagues, by being kind to each other, by listening, and by assuming good intentions. We need to find the balance between social distancing and building connections. These trying times will test our patience, skills, and stamina. Now, more than ever, we must take care of each other and be there for our students. It only works, though, if you remember to take care of yourself first. It is a necessity. Stay healthy. AEA OFFICERS Joe Thomas President Marisol Garcia Vice President Angela Philpot Treasurer AEA STAFF Luis A. Heredia 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 "Please place the mask over your own mouth and nose before assisting others." UN