Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/543920
AEA Hosts Annual Statewide Convention in Litchfi eld AEA Advocate | Summer 2015 9 This past April, on the 24 th and 25 th , the Arizona Education Association (AEA) hosted its annual Delegate Assembly at the Wigwam Resort in Litchfi eld, Arizona. The AEA Delegate Assembly is the highest decision- making body within AEA. With over 400 delegates, who are elected in local elections, Delegate Assembly is also Arizona's largest democratic deliberative body. Over the course of three business sessions spanning two days, delegates debate the vital issues that impact Arizona public education – and set Association policy and activities for the year ahead. In the wake of a legislative session with mixed results, additional education budget cuts, and the statewide rollout of the new assessment, delegates focused on using their individual voice and story to collectively advocate on behalf of their students and profession. AEA President Andrew f. Morrill told delegates in his welcoming speech, "Arizona policy makers are failing our students. We must tell our stories to the public and legislators. Silence will give others permission to speak for us and our students and they will not have our best interests in mind." View stories from members on page 5. Top and right photos: Delegates conduct the business of the association during the annual AEA delegate Assembly. Middle photo: AEA President Andrew F. Morrill welcomes delegates. Bottom photo: Amphi EA past president John Fife speaks on a business item up for a vote. Around AEA