Arizona Education Association

Advocate Fall 2011

Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/39006

Contents of this Issue

Navigation

Page 21 of 39

The Arizona Education Association (AEA) is your voice for quality public education in Who We Are Founded in 1892, AEA was formed when a group of Arizona educators banded to- gether to protest the use of 14-year-old text- books. Since then AEA continues to take the lead in advocating for support of Arizona’s public schools, improving the quality of public education through positive change, and en- hancing the professional lives of teachers and school staff members. AEA members are elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support professionals (ESP), retired educators, students prepar- ing to become teachers, and community members who support our public schools. The AEA is an affiliate for the 3.2-million-member National Education Association (NEA), the larg- est professional employee organization in the United States. Together, Association members are working toward a common goal of creating great public schools for every child in the nation. What We Do The Association represents educators stand- “AEA’s strength is in our members standing up together for what’s right for public school employees and students. AEA supports the work you do by fighting for your voice at the local, state, and national levels.” Andrew Morrill, AEA President ing together, united as one voice, for quality public education. We speak up on behalf of educators and students at school board meetings, at the legislature, and in Congress. AEA fought to gain revenue for schools by passing Proposition 100 and protect funding for early childhood educa- tion programs by helping defeat Proposition 302 in the last election. Across the state, local associa- 22 Fall 2011 ❘ AEA Advocate Arizona. AEA is the most effective advocate for those who work and learn in our public schools, and with nearly 30,000 members, the Association is the largest representative of public school employees in the state. tions bargain for better salaries and benefits for members. Many have successfully worked to pass bond and override elections. In addition, the NEA worked to pass the federal jobs fund to protect educators’ jobs. ESP Are Key Players on the Education Team Association membership helps Education Support Professionals make the most of their careers. Without them, education wouldn’t happen. But these days it’s getting harder and harder to get the job done. School budgets are stretched to the breaking point and school em- ployees are expected to do more with less. The AEA knows what members are up against and keeps ESP connected to their profession, their peers, and their community. ESP positions encompass many areas: • Paraeducators – Instructional and Noninstructional • Clerical and Administrative Services • Custodial and Maintenance Services • Building and Grounds Maintenance and Repair • Transportation, Vehicle, and Delivery Services • Food Services • Skilled Trades and Machine Operations • Health and Student Services • Security Services • Computer, Audiovisual, and Technical Services • Media, Public Relations, Writing, and Art Specialists

Articles in this issue

Archives of this issue

view archives of Arizona Education Association - Advocate Fall 2011