Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/39006
10 Reasons to Belong to AEA 1. Local action Through your local association, you are part of the negotiations process with your school district. You have a say in decisions about your working conditions, your salaries and benefits, your class sizes, and the professional growth op- portunities you have. 2. Information AEA is your best source of accurate, timely, education information – award-winning maga- zines and special newsletters, email listservs for news, grant opportunities, and legislative updates, as well as a website, www.arizonaea. org, with a section exclusively for members. Additionally AEA staff remains current on education laws and state regulations and poli- cies. The latest update is merely a phone call or mouse click away. 3. Lobbying The Association is recognized as the single most effective voice for school employees and students at local school districts, at the Arizona Legislature, and in Congress. Through voluntary donations to special political action funds – not dues money – AEA members help elect friends of education to public office. Local association committees recommend and help elect local school board members who support students and educators. 4. Professional Development The Association offers high-quality work- shops, seminars, and training sessions on educa- tion topics like classroom management, mentor- ship, and student and professional standards, as well as human and civil rights, political action, communications, and negotiations. Also, NEA’s Professional Library offers the latest in education publications, new teaching ideas, and practical handbooks, at exclusive, members-only rates. 5. Networking As a member, you can connect with other teachers and school employees from across the state and nation who are feeling the same joys and frustrations as you. Through Association Facebook pages and electronic bulletin boards accessible through the members-only section of the NEA website, www.nea.org, members can meet online to get news, share ideas, and find solutions to problems. 6. Public Relations The Association shares the story of pub- lic education from the school professional’s viewpoint with media across the state, through public school support campaigns, and through outreach to community and parent groups. 7. Legal Assistance The Association trains leaders at schools and work sites in ways to ensure employees are treated fairly. AEA’s Advocacy Help Desk pro- vides fast, easy, and expert assistance to mem- bers’ questions about employment concerns. Our members also benefit from AEA’s attorneys, who are experts in employment and school law. 8. Liability Insurance If you are sued over something that happens while you are on the job, AEA’s liability insur- ance will provide you with an attorney and $1 million in coverage for any judgment against you. 9. Representation Whether it’s the state board of education, a legislative committee, or an education coalition, whenever decisions about teachers and stu- dents are being made, AEA is there representing educators. 10. Discounts Many members save with Association dis- counts on car and health insurance, hotel stays, car rentals, pet care, a credit card, investment opportunities, and more. In many cases, a single use of an Association member benefit program will save more than your dues. AEA Advocate ❘ Fall 2011 23