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ALABAMA SCHOOL JOURNAL JANUARY 2022
The Alabama School Journal (USPS/ISSN 0011-821) is published bi-monthly while the Legislature is in session, monthly otherwise, by the Alabama Education Association, 422 Dexter Avenue, Montgomery, AL 36103-4177. Periodical postage paid at Montgomery, AL. Postmaster: Send address changes to Alabama School Journal, P.O. Box 4177, Montgomery, Ala. 36104-4177. Editor: Amy Marlowe; Managing Editor: Ashley McLain; Editorial Staff: Kynesha Brown and Susie Ellison Manuscripts and other material submitted for publication, as well as advertising matter, should be addressed to Managing Editor, Alabama School Journal, P.O. Box 4177, Montgomery, AL 36103-4177 or myaea@ alaedu.org. Advertising rate card furnished on request by contacting Kynesha Brown toll free at 800.392.5839. Problems concerning delivery or addresses can be answered by calling toll free to 800.392.5839. We encourage letters and opinion articles from members of AEA. All submissions must have your full name, mailing address, phone number, and local affiliation. Because of space limitations, we reserve the right to edit for length. Letters of less than 200 words are given preference for publication. CONTENTS 2021 The Alabama School Journal. All rights reserved.
AEA Board of Directors
President Dr. Susan Williams Brown Vice President Dr. Bridgette Massey Johnson Secretary-Treasurer Dr. Victoria K. Reese Past President Sherry Tucker NEA Directors Nashasta Craig-Pollard Dr. Barbara Cady Mary Beth Tate NEA Director Retired Anita Gibson Administrator President Dr. Cathy McNeal Postsecondary President Amy LaCount ESP President Joseph K. Hammonds ACT President JoAnn Wilson AERA President John Paul Jones SAEA President Chloe Newell District 1 Directors Kimberly Windham Mary Bush Ashley Strickland District 2 Directors Pamela D. West Brenda M. Hansen Amy Thomas District 3 Directors Jason Clayton Vivian Mitchell Martin, Interim Joshua Horn, Interim District 4 Directors Laura Hill Pamela Hayes Miles Mason District 5 Directors Rona Blevins Bonnie Garrett Greg Martin District 6 Directors Bernard Sanderson Larry Gibson David Tarell McKinney District 7 Directors Amanda Miller Sharon Martin Amy Knight Fowler
AEA Main Office Hours of Operation: M-F - 8:15 a.m.- 4:45 p.m. As we begin 2022, I am optimistic for a
rewarding second half of the school
year.
I know the first
couple of weeks have
been challenging
with weather events,
spikes with the Omicron variant, and the back and forth of in-person
learning to remote learning days. We have learned to adjust to the changes
placed in our paths. We know we do
this for our students! I want you to know AEA has traveled
the state speaking with members to hear their thoughts and suggestions on how we can move forward in an effective manner of learning for our students. We all want the same result in the end, which includes effective
and applicable learning of appropriate material for our students.
The Alabama Legislature is in Montgomery for the 2022 session, so what does this mean for AEA? This
means we are working and advocating
for you and your benefits. We are promoting a $2000 bonus for our retirees and a substantial raise for all K-12 and postsecondary education
employees. We are promoting a change to TRS Tier II so education employees can retire after 30 years of service. In addition, we are pushing for a delay of the retention portion of the Alabama Literacy Act.
AEA has conducted legislative roundtable discussions across the state sharing educators' priorities with legislators. Many of you have participated in these valuable discussions. You have shared your
personal experiences and stories with your local legislators. I have attended
a number of these discussions, and you have revealed your personal experiences that help others understand educator needs and the
needs of Alabama students at a deeper
level. The information shared is so
beneficial to state legislators and helps them enact better policies and laws. If you have not communicated with your legislator, please do so now and make
our priorities known. Remember, no
one can tell your story and share your
experiences in education better than
you can.
AEA members, please take time to read communications sent to you by AEA through publications like the Alabama School Journal and take time to read the Teacher Retirement
Systems (TRS) publications such as the
ADVISOR . Together, we are stronger
advocates for education employees. It's important to be active with professional
organizations such as AEA and our retired educators division AERA, both of which communicate with
legislators and school board members to help them make informed decisions concerning laws dealing with education and educators.
As always, AEA strives to make the lives of our education employees
and students better so they can shine
doing what they do best, educate!
Remember to invest in the membership
that empowers YOU to change lives. Some people live an entire lifetime and wonder if they have ever made a difference in the world. An educator
will never have that problem.
Happy New Year to all education employees and students! Remember you can jumpstart the new year with virtual professional learning
opportunities from AEA! Each session is FREE for AEA members and $50 for non-members to earn CEUs. To register or for more information, visit myAEA. org!
I wish you a Happy, Healthy, and
Joyous 2022!
AEA President Dr. Susan Williams Brown
Start the new year advocating for public education
SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES: Handles all correspondence as assigned. Maintains and updates all files. Types routine narratives, form letters, and other reports. Provides assistance and/or coordination for AEA meetings as directed. Works with committees, commissions, and other bodies as directed. Provides relief for receptionist when assigned. Receives, opens, sorts, and distributes mail and other correspondence. Handles telephone calls. Assists with day-to-day functions of the department. Ability to work independently and in a collaborative/team environment Strong written and verbal communication skills and attention to details Performs other duties as assigned by Supervisor or Executive Directors. GENERAL DUTIES: Performs all secretarial work and any other assignments as needed. ACCOUNTABILITY: Employee will function under policies adopted by the AEA Board of Directors and will be accountable to AEA executive officers and the manager of Education Policy and Professional Practice. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: This is largely a sedentary position that requires the ability to speak, hear, see, and lift small objects up to 20 pounds. The position requires the ability to travel locally, regionally, and nationally. SALARY: Salary as per established negotiated agreement. FRINGE BENEFITS: Annual leave Sick leave Retirement same as public school employees; Holidays, including a week for Christmas; Medical insurance and a contribution toward dental and vision insurance Accidental death insurance coverage while on Association business APPLICATION DEADLINE: January 28, 2021 FOR APPLICATION AND FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Pamela Fossett, Education Policy and Professional Practice Manager Alabama Education Association P. O. Box 4177 Montgomery, AL 36103-4177 Telephone: 800-392-5839
EDUCATION POLICY AND PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE (EPPP) SECRETARY
JOB VACANCY
The 2021-2022 AEA Regular Elections are currently underway and members are
encouraged to make their voice heard. The official AEA Election materials were mailed directly to you at the address on file with AEA, Monday, January 10, 2022. Once you receive your ballot, select your candidates. If you need more information about candidates, the Meet the Candidates Guide was included in the December 2021
issue of the Journal and can be found at
myAEA.org.
Complete the ballot and place in the postage-paid envelope and mail by the February 11, 2022 deadline. All ballots must be received by February 11, 2022 to
be counted. If you did not receive your ballot or your address has changed, please contact AEA at 1-800-392-5839.
AEA Regular Election material mailed to members
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