Arizona Education Association

Winter 2012/13

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POINT OF VIEW by Andrew F. Morrill A New Day Means New Challenges Elections come and go; their impact, howev- er, lasts for years. November 6, with its victories and defeats, has passed; and we who educate Arizona's students must now move forward and address important challenges. In the wake of Prop 204's defeat and other election results, we must identify what is es- sential to create the conditions and culture of success in our public schools; to ensure our students receive a high quality education; and to recruit, develop, compensate, and otherwise support those who build the future of Arizona through the education of our students. An election day never signals the end of the work; it merely brings a shift in focus. We still have a promise to keep. Public education in Arizona is facing many changes, including the implementation of Common Core Standards and the ensuing PARCC Assessments, the new teacher and prin- cipal evaluation systems, and a mandate that third graders read at grade level before progress- ing on. As education professionals, even as we AEA OFFICERS Andrew F. Morrill President Joe Thomas Vice-President Nidia Lias Treasurer AEA STAFF Sheryl Mathis Executive Director Sheenae Shannon Editor Penny Skubal Graphic Design Advertising Associate Doug Stagner Editorial Associate - 9 4 Winter 2012/13 x AEA Advocate 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 E-mail: sheenae.shannon@arizonaea.org. AEA's Web site 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. advocate for critical resources and for public policy grounded more in research than ex- tremist rhetoric, we must stay informed about education issues, respond to the changes in our profession, and advance our practice; that is still at the core of the work we do. AEA has created a series of professional development trainings for members on topics including the Common Core and new teacher evaluations; read more on page 16. We will also host an organizing and bargaining training in December. Please consider attending these trainings to enhance your skills and knowledge as an educator—whatever your role—and as a member of your local and state professional organizations that advocate for you and your invaluable contribution to students. In addition to new education policies, Arizona still faces an education funding crisis. AEA members, within a growing grassroots coalition, will demand that the legislature halt its Cut and Run approach to education fund- ing and invest in the outcomes identified for Arizona's students. AEA members will lead much of the direct contact with legislators. AEA is moving forward in our mission for quality public education for every child in Arizona. We must not attempt to rewrite November 6; instead, we must engage together in the work that lies ahead. Andrew F. Morrill AEA President

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