Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/348932
AEA Advocate x Fall 2014 11 AROUND AEA can be done, and what resources are needed to accomplish that goal. "As we take this challenge on, we have to think about why we chose to enter a profession in public education… Our greatest danger is not privatization, it's not vouchers, and it's not charter schools. Our greatest threat is that those of us who are entrusted right now of being in this profession allow them to destroy what public education was for us." Recipients of the AEA Foundation for Teaching & Learning awards were honored at the AEA Salute to Excellence Awards Luncheon on the second day of the delegate assembly. Read more about the winners on page 12. Throughout the business meeting delegates approved the legislative agenda, new business items, and resolutions, and elected board members who are listed on page 36. Of the resolutions passed, one of note is a resolution on classroom size. Sunnyside EA member Casey Shove moved the resolution as a first step towards legislation that would make a classroom size cap for the state of Arizona. "I personally felt this was an issue because I am a teacher and I have had several large class sizes and I've heard multiple times from my students about how crowded the classes are. Also, having students come from really difficult backgrounds and not being able to talk with them each day due to number of students is really challenging." Visit the AEA website to look at all new business items and resolutions passed. 2 RIGHT: Keynote speaker NEA President Dennis Van Roekel, past AEA president and math teacher from Paradise Valley. BELOW LEFT: Scottsdale EA member Julie Cieniawski speaking about a new business item. BELOW RIGHT: Mesa EA members Joe Goglia and Josh Buckley having fun with Jenga at the eSWAG reception following the annual business meeting. PUHSD CTA member Evan Tiras and Tempe Elementary EA member Liz Leivas, eSWAG organizers, work out details for the reception. Paradise Valley EA members enjoying a coffee break. LEFT: Marana EA members Angela Wagner-Gabbard and Miriam Friedan show off their support for the AEA PAC Fund.