Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/83243
POINT OF VIEW by Andrew F. Morrill Vote — Advocate for Quality Public Education This election, as in past elections, I have been approached by members with the same question, "Why does the AEA recommend candidates?" Or in another vein of thought, "Why does the Association get involved with politics?" My answer to these questions is that we, the AEA, must enter into and take on the political enterprise in service to our values. Every year AEA members and leaders create an agenda to advance our core values and support our mission of a quality public education for every child in Arizona. It would be foolhardy and naïve of us to spend time and effort in developing an agenda but give no thought to the people in office who can impact the success of that agenda. We would not be able to fulfill AEA's core values without engaging in political advocacy. In order to advocate for teaching as an esteemed profession, teachers must have the political freedom to teach. Here's a timely example of how AEA's AEA OFFICERS Andrew F. Morrill President Joe Thomas Vice-President Nidia Lias Treasurer AEA STAFF Sheryl Mathis Executive Director Sheenae Shannon Editor Penny Skubal Graphic Design Advertising Doug Stagner Editorial Associate - 9 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 E-mail: sheenae.shannon@arizonaea.org. AEA's Web site 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. 4 Fall 2012 ❘ 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. member-driven agenda relates to our values. Even before the 2012 Delegate Assembly adopted the new Education Support Professionals as Valued Partners core value, AEA advocated for years for legislation that would grant due process rights for classified staff. On a national scope, the stakes become massive. If NCLB taught us anything, it is the enormous impact the office of President can have on every classroom in the United States. The failure of NCLB as a policy speaks volumes to the importance of who gets elected into office at every level of government – national, state, and most importantly local. I encourage you to check out AEA's recommended candidates on page 19 and support those candidates who support AEA's values. In addition to candidates, AEA supports initiatives, such as Prop 204, that will create stronger schools and communities for Arizona. Read more about this ballot initiative developed by a coalition of public education supporters, including AEA, on page 8. Prop 204 is a must- win campaign. As November 6 approaches, we must not only keep in mind our core values and the legislative agenda pushing those forward, but also those we elect into office who can either support or oppose our agenda for strong schools and successful students. Being an effective educator of students includes working as an effective advocate for those candidates and initiatives that support quality teaching and schools. Andrew F. Morrill, President Arizona Education Association