Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1543950
Dear Union Siblings, As we enter the final months of the school year, I hope you are staying hydrated, taking deep breaths, and remembering just how extraordinary you are. As educators, we show up every day in ways the world rarely sees. We bring stability to our students' lives. We transform our schools into centers of civic life. We spark curiosity and nurture a love of learning — in young minds and in ourselves. Despite low pay, tough working conditions, and a lack of professional respect from those in power, we carry on. But we do not accept that today's conditions are permanent. We organize — and together, we change systems so they work for us. Labor unions are the antidote to what we're seeing across our country. When we stand together in collective power, we can dismantle the systems that have kept our pay low and our voices unheard. e strength of that power is no secret. at's why, for decades, those in power have tried to weaken labor unions — undermining organizing efforts and driving division among working people. But we're still here. As educators, we play a critical role in helping students reach their goals. But we must remember: our working conditions are our students' learning conditions. To care deeply for your students, you must also care deeply for yourself. e months ahead will bring tough fights — including battles for the very existence of our union and the future of public schools. Politicians won't save us. District leaders won't save us. e only people who will save us are us — and organizing is our secret weapon to win. In solidarity, 1 ADVOCATE | SPRING 2026 IN SOLIDARITY by Marisol Garcia AEA OFFICERS Marisol Garcia President Angela Philpot Vice President Margaret Chaney Treasurer AEA STAFF Joaquin Rios Executive Director Geneva Fuentes Editor Allison Crompton Senior Graphic Design & Communications Specialist e 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. Email: info@ArizonaEA.org. AEA's website 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. e 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. Moving? Please let us know before you go. Simply clip your mailing label from the back of the Advocate and send it along with your new address to: AEA Advocate 345 East Palm Lane Phoenix, Arizona 85004-1532 Marisol Garcia, President Arizona Education Association President Garcia met with Arizona Senator Mark Kelly in January to discuss union priorities and investments in our schools.