Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/154758
AROUND AEA AROUND AEA AROUND AEA AROUND AEA AROUND AEA AROUND AEA AROUND AEA AROUND AEA AROUND AEA AROUND AEA AROUND AEA AROUND AEA AROUND AEA AROUND AEA AROUND AEA AROUND AEA AROUND AEA AROUND AEA First-time delegate and Dysart EA AEA Members Get Down to Business at 2013 Delegate Assembly Nearly 400 members of the Arizona Education Association (AEA) gathered April 26 – 27, 2013, to decide the business of the Association. The annual Delegate Assembly is the largest governing body in Arizona and gathers elected delegates from local associations across the state to discuss and vote on business items and resolutions that determine the direction and actions of the AEA. This year's delegates met at Phoenix Mesa Marriott in Mesa and were welcomed by AEA President Andrew F. Morrill, who spoke about the changes within the organization and the teaching profession in Arizona in his opening remarks and AEA members' unwavering dedication to the mission of Keeping the Promise of Quality Public Education to every child in Arizona. "Our promise to Arizona's future, is a bold and audacious promise, that we will build Arizona's future." Many first-time delegates were excited to take part in the business proceedings of their professional association. Dysart EA member Susan Palek is a kindergarten teacher and has been a member for six years. She was enjoying Fall.13advo.indd 9 her first Delegate Assembly and the opportunity to be more involved in the Association. "I wanted to come here to learn more about how the system works and how to advocate more effectively for my students and my profession." More experienced delegates found the experience renewed their faith in the mission and the work of the Association. Mesa EA member Anna Cicero, a member of 32 years, feels reenergized at Delegate Assembly, "You start to lose your willpower through the school year so I gotta come here to get my dose to pick me up and keep me going." Flagstaff EA member Michelle Powers, a 13-year member, felt the meeting met her expectation and was excited to Continued on next page member Susan Palek shows off her PAC Pacesetter tiara and wand signaling her support for the AEA Fund for Public Education. AEA Advocate x Fall 2013 9 8/7/13 2:35 PM