Arizona Education Association

Fall 2013

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POINT OF VIEW by Andrew F. Morrill Look to AEA Members for Education Leadership AEA OFFICERS Andrew F. Morrill President Joe Thomas Vice-President Nidia Lias Treasurer AEA STAFF Sheryl Mathis Executive Director Sheenae Shannon Editor Recently, a good friend asked me what Arizona would look like if we treated every child as sacred. I responded, "It would look like a state where education policy was written by educators." Politicians are quick to value teachers— rhetorically. They encourage teachers to express their opinions—individually…quietly. But when we educators dare to speak and act collectively—that's when the trouble starts. That's when we become the political party crashers. Together, as the Arizona Education Association, we speak with a collective voice for Arizona's students, as the advocate of public school employees, and with the wisdom and experience of educators; but, when it comes to education policy in this state, we compete with an extreme agenda. Advanced by lobbyists (whether on contract or by appointment), a former corporate CEO or two, and some entrenched extremist legislators, Arizona's public school policy agenda has careened off the tracks, detoured from research, and screeched far past the expertise of the state's educators. So we educators must act with authority if without authorization. Our expertise will grant the authority we need if we let it. Teachers in Gilbert are training each other on Arizona's revamped academic state standards. Employees in Scottsdale USD stood strong last spring for professional respect and now are organizing Penny Skubal Graphic Design Advertising 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 Doug Stagner Editorial Associate E-mail: sheenae.shannon@arizonaea.org. AEA's Web site may be found at www.arizonaea.org. -9 Fall.13advo.indd 4 Permission to reprint any material originating with this publication is granted provided that credit is given to the AEA Advocate. their community in support of a district override. Amid the pandemic of Legislative HDAD, locals all over Arizona are leading the design of new teacher evaluations. In districts across the state, AEA members this summer held welcome events for their new colleagues. And a group of young, motivated AEA members known as eSWAG (Educators Soaring with Aspiring Goals) created workshops and a four-month-long supply drive for new teachers at AEA's first ever New Teacher Education Bazaar. It should come as no surprise that AEA members are taking charge in student-centered, union-led initiatives; or that these acts of leadership come from AEA members. Education leaders, as do other career professionals, join their professional association for access to vital resources, to network and join with colleagues, and to learn to lead in their profession. While so many legislators wallow in extremism, we have work to do. "Statutes?! We don' need no stinking statutes!" When you want to find commitment, look to educators; when you want to find education leaders, look to AEA members. Andrew F. Morrill, President Arizona Education Association 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. 4 Fall 2013 x AEA Advocate 8/7/13 2:35 PM

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