Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1495467
AROUND AEA 8 ADVOCATE | SPRING 2023 AEA local leaders and members work year-round to push for better wages, benefits, and working conditions for educators in their area. And that hard work pays off in ways big and small. Here are some of the wins that AEA locals are bragging about these days! Want to see your local featured here in an upcoming edition? Contact AEA Communications Director Emily Kirkland or AEA organizing staff. What AEA Locals Are Bragging About Florence Education Association dea Douglas Education Association Florence Education Association recently won an H policy, ensuring that FEA will have 4 dedicated seats at the bargaining table each year. This was five years in the making— congrats! Gilbert Education Association won 12 new art teaching positions in the Gilbert Public Schools, as well as a dedicated prep period for nearly 700 elementary school educators. Among other wins, Tempe Elementary educators are bragging about limiting PD time to 3 hours during PD days at the beginning of the year, so that teachers have time to travel to their campuses and work in their rooms. Douglas Education Association recently won additional pay for teachers based on years with the district–$500 per year served, up to nine years. That helps ensure that veteran educators who have served the district faithfully are paid what they deserve! Tucson Education Association won raises this year for classified and certified staff, along with increased starting salaries and increased coaching and extra duty pay. They also won $7,500 retention stipends, created a health and safety task force and increased access to gender affirming care in the health plan. Tolleson Union now has a starting salary for teachers of $60,000. Nicely done!