Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/208500
IN DEPTH LOOK Meet the New Generation of Educators, cont. from page 21 to their profession," says Gould. "And getting involved, whether that is through organizing, political action, or through the Association, eSWAG offers that opportunity and helps create that connection of teaching being a career instead of just a job." In addition, she believes that as veteran leaders and teachers retire, a void will be left unless younger members are willing to step up into these leadership roles. She advises that potential young leaders need training and support to help the Association grow. Association Membership Makes a Difference While the Association needs new young members in order to thrive, it can also be said that new young teachers need the AEA. "I belong to my professional association because L-R: NEA Student Chair I want to have an impact on the direction my David Tjaden and profession is heading," says Cobos, a member AEA Student Chair of Cartwright EA. "I want to be on the deciding Josh Watson met with side and have input and be aware of the Congress members this changes that are happening to education. My past summer regarding AEA membership has given me professional student loan debt. development opportunities to assist me in my leadership roles and my teaching in helping advance my students' learning, it has made me more politically aware of how politics can impact the education profession positively and negatively. I have Join eSWAG! also been able to For more information on how you can become network and meet more involved in eSWAG and participate in other educators and various activities and professional development share experiences opportunities: and ideas that have Vsit the eSWAG website at arizonaea.org/eswag; and have not worked in their association, Like the eSWAG Facebook page at community, district, facebook.com/AEAeSWAG; and classrooms." Follow the eSWAG Twitter profile at Gould believes twitter.com/AEAeSWAG; or that the support she Contact AEA Organizational Consultant has received from the Francis Stennis at francis.stennis@arizonaea.org. AEA as a new teacher has been influential in her career. "Mainly, the AEA has supported me in my growth as a leader. There are not many organizations that are willing to let someone so new in their career jump into leadership roles. What's even better is that I can look around Winter.13advo.indd 22 this organization and see other young teachers being welcomed into similar roles whether that is in their locals or at the state level. If we want to continue to grow, then we need to make sure that younger members are being utilized in our Association." Get Active! As members of the AEA and groups like eSWAG, young members have an opportunity to develop leadership skills, take part in political action that influences education policy, and have an impact on public education in Arizona. "It is important for young teachers to get involved and take action because they are investing time into their community and into their profession," says Cobos, PR chair of eSWAG. "They become part of the community in which they teach and by being a part of the professional association they will strengthen the organization to improve teachers' rights and conditions." She believes getting involved in political action, such as lobbying legislators and the community around education and funding issues is a way for young people to improve working conditions, including salaries and benefits. "Since politicians impact the laws of education, it's important that teachers speak up and make sure that their voice is heard because it affects the teaching profession." While lobbying for the DREAM Act, keeping schools safe, and student loan debt crisis in Washington, D.C., Watson felt that telling his personal stories impacted politicians' decisions and altered their perceptions of their worldview. "It becomes important to get involved and take action because student potential is at stake. Attending board meetings, meeting with officials, and even lobbying local, state, and national leaders is all effective. Sharing your personal stories of what you experience on a day-to-day basis with your students only provides validity to your argument and case. If we stop fighting, we lose. If we keep fighting, we will only get better, stronger, bigger, and have more power to manifest our professions." "We have to be more willing to ask our members to do things and participate in the Association; specifically by asking our millennial members to participate," says Gould. "Millennials want a cause to fight for, so we must provide them with that opportunity." 2 22 Winter 2013/14 x AEA Advocate 11/4/13 3:23 PM