Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/348932
4 Fall 2014 x AEA Advocate Notes from the Field: Authenticity Over a couple of weeks this past spring, I visited with members and local leaders in schools around the state. Let me confess: I don't do enough of this. Since taking office, I have struggled to manage the gravitational pull of statewide meetings—the kind wherein too many "experts" of one type or another— who make up with political clout what they lack in actual education experience—discuss education issues, challenges, and their favorite solutions. Elected as a voice for educators around the state, I often feel that if I miss one of these meetings, I have somehow silenced our members. And our silence is always permission for others to tell our stories. Still, there is nothing more authentic than visiting with and listening to our members—in every category—holding one-on-one or small group conversations to hear their experiences in Arizona's public schools. On this trip, I heard from teachers and education support professionals about what keeps them going each day, what they continually struggle with, and what they need to keep the promise that first led them to teach and work in our public schools—and keeps them returning. From these great conversations I saw in the midst of this election year a clear connection between the needs of our members and students and those we elect to office. A teacher in Flowing Wells shared with me her concerns about the increased vocabulary her special needs students will face in a new assessment—one they must pass; one by which she will be evaluated and her school in part rated; one for which her students need more assistance. I heard from many members about the effect of layoffs due to years of state funding cuts. The result now is that many teachers are so busy performing duties once overseen by others, that they have no or very limited time to collaborate with colleagues or design lessons for new higher standards. Arizona's Superintendent of Public Instruction must lead the effort to direct more state resources into our public schools and call for a moratorium on accountability measures tied to the state's higher expectations. An AP History teacher in Flagstaff, whose wife is also a teacher, told me his family is struggling financially with a new mortgage and with the costs of raising a two-year-old daughter. He was heading into the field of construction management but switched to teaching, even though he would have made more money, because he believes in the cause of public education. Arizona's public school employees deserve fair compensation; the next Governor must ensure adequate funding in the state budget to reflect the needs of our schools and ensure Arizona is attracting and retaining quality public school employees. I heard from many members about the sacrifices they have made for their students as a result of the cuts in education funding over the past several years. I was touched by the immeasurable commitment our members hold for their profession, their students, and their association. Consistently, members expressed their appreciation for the work their local association has done on their behalf, from bargaining agreements with the district to keeping them informed on education issues. 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 Email: sheenae.shannon@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. 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. POINT OF VIEW by Andrew F. Morrill AEA OFFICERS Andrew F. Morrill President Joe Thomas Vice-President Nidia Lias Treasurer AEA STAFF Mark Simons Executive Director Sheenae Shannon Editor Penny Skubal Graphic Design Advertising Nancy Hall Editorial Associate - 9 Continued on next page