Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/348932
AEA Advocate x Fall 2014 9 Born is president of the Flagstaff Education Association and belongs to the Arizona Education Association (AEA), which represents thousands of teachers and education support professionals throughout the state. He believes elected leaders need to invest in those policies and practices that will result in a better education for students, including reducing class sizes. He says the last thing ALEC-politicians should be doing is supporting vouchers. "AEA's core values are equity and fairness and a great public school for every child," said Born. "But when you give public money to completely unaccountable organizations, you have no way of knowing if those dollars are benefiting students or increasing performance. We owe it to our students to make smarter investments in their futures." 2 More AT THE CAPITOL on page 22 As educators, you offer a powerful vision, insight, and first-hand experience to your legislator. This past legislative session, AEA members gave up a day from their spring break to visit the Arizona Legislature. About 150 members from all across the state came to the Capitol to engage with their elected officials and share their knowledge and perspective on education issues. Each Capitol visit began with a briefing from AEA Lobbyist Jennifer Loredo and bills moving in the legislature that impact education policy and funding. Then AEA President Andrew F. Morrill spoke with members about the impact educators have in making personal connections with elected officials and sharing their expertise on what's best for our students and Arizona's public schools. Participants heard from state legislators with different perspectives and priorities and took questions from the audience. Senator Lynne Pancrazi (pictured), a retired teacher and former local association leader, spoke about the work she has done at the legislature and the importance to get engaged in the public policy. Another former teacher, Senate Democratic Leader Anna Tovar spoke about the need to appropriately fund public education and told members, "I'm here to stand with you!" Representative Eric Meyer, a former school board member, also talked about the need to invest in our public schools and his work in the House to stop voucher expansion bills. Members also heard from different Republican legislators with different points of view. Representative Doug Coleman gave his perspective at the Capitol as a former teacher and past mayor of Apache Junction. Senator Bob Robson spoke about his support of public and education and the legislative process and he also urged everyone to vote in the Primary Elections. Senate Education Chair Kimberly Yee defended her opposition to the Arizona College and Career Readiness Standards and her attempts to repeal them at the Legislature. Members heard from many more elected officials during their lunch, including Senators David Bradley, Chester Crandell, Don Shooter, John McComish, Steve Pierce, and Bob Worsley and Representatives Heather Carter, Stefanie Mach, JD Mesnard, and Lisa Otondo. Members from AEA Retired, Benson, Buckeye, Cartwright, Chandler, Creighton, Deer Valley, Dysart, Flagstaff, Gilbert, Glendale, Isaac, Kyrene, Littleton, Madison, Mesa, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, Tucson, and Washington participated in the Capitol visits to give voice to educators' concerns and priorities, build relationships with their elected officials, and learn more about the impact of public policy in the classroom. "It was fantastic to hear Senator Tovar passionately supports public education despite being in the minority in the Senate," said Chandler EA member Jennifer Pawlik."I am thankful she took time out of her day to speak with us." The visit to the Capitol created new connections between legislators and their constituents, who are educators, and sparked new interest in members who are looking to do more for their students and their profession. 2 Spring Break Visits to the Capitol AT THE CAPITOL AZ Voucher Program, cont. from page 8