Among the first ten bills to be introduced and discussed by Arizona’s 49th Legislature is a repeal of the State Equalization Rate, a tax investment contributed mostly by large corporations which benefits Arizona’s public school children. The legislation, designed by Senator Jim Waring, will eliminate state revenue totaling nearly $250 million.

Building new schools and roads, upgrading state technology for 21st-century proficiency, and meeting the needs of all Arizona families are issues incoming legislators will face this January. More than a third of Arizona’s legislature will be made up of first-time Representatives and Senators, and they will be asked to deal with these issues while also solving the state’s $1.5 billion deficit.

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California math teacher, Tom Farber, is selling ads on his test papers as a result of budget cuts to school funding. Read the story.

With the economy in recession and state budgets across the nation facing huge deficits, it isn't surprising that public school employees are resorting to creative means to ensure students' learning.

Arizona is facing a $1 billion budget deficit and everyone is sure to feel the squeeze when cuts are made. AEA wants to hear from teachers and education support professionals about the impact cuts to public schools will have on your lives and your classrooms.

What changes to your lifestyle or your classroom have you made because of the declining economy?

What creative ways have you found to save money at home and in the classroom?

What impact have you seen on your students and in your community?

We know that National Board Certification offers great professional development for teachers, but now a new study has come out saying that students benefit from it as well. Read the AP News story. Leave a comment and let us know what you think about the National Board Certification program. If you're a National Board Certified teacher, let us know what impact you see on your students. Learn more about this advanced certification.

A coalition of parent, education, and civic organizations is lauding a decision today by the Arizona Court of Appeals, which ruled that tax-payer funded vouchers that subsidize private school tuition are unconstitutional. John Wright, President of the Arizona Education Association, said, “Just like voters in other states who have declined vouchers, Arizonans understand that public schools are our pathway to great public schools that serve every child equally and that vouchers only divert funding and attention away from public schools.” Read entire story.

In his April 24 commentary, Austin Hill hits on a point, maybe by accident, that government control over K-12 curriculum is neither effective nor desirable. This glimmer of insight appears in Hill’s recent opinion piece on legislation designed to stop the “Raza Studies” program in the Tucson Unified School District. Read the rest of AEA President John Wright's op-ed article in the East Valley Tribune.

When the Arizona Legislature mixes shortsighted thinking with an all-too-common dose of reality denial, it puts Arizona's students at risk.

The Legislature proved once again that it is willing to do just that - put the interests of students behind rhetoric and fantasy - when it passed legislation to repeal the State Equalization Rate, a tax designated for public schools. Read the rest of AEA President John Wright's op-ed in the Arizona Republic. Take Action - Ask the Governor to Veto HB 2220.

Last week, Senator Paula Aboud held an ELL forum with representatives from the Arizona Department of Education, district superintendents, and AEA President John Wright. The forum focused on ELL funding. Watch the video online and leave a comment about what you thought about the forum.

On March 5th the Arizona Education Association and its members made a lasting impression on the Arizona Legislature while visiting the Capitol for Education Day. Record breaking turn-out and persistent interaction with legislators ensured that lawmakers heard the AEA message on public education through voices of experience and knowledge. AEA efforts to support pro-public education were enhanced and those attempting to damage public education received a clear message – do no harm to public schools.

Click the image below to view a slide show of the day's events.



While we were successful in building connections among teachers, ESP, and state legislators we must now use those connections to support positive legislation, stop harmful legislation, and pass a budget that does not damage public education.

In the coming weeks the AEA will be very active at the legislature. How will you support our efforts? How will you represent the interests of our united membership? How will you express the most sacred union value, collective action?

Respond to these questions and share your experiences at Education Day by commenting below.

Hundreds of schoolchildren scored some reading touchdowns when they huddled with stars of the gridiron on January 30, 2008, to kick off NEA’s Read Across America, the nation’s largest reading celebration.

While millions of Americans await the outcome of Super Bowl XLII—whether it be the New England Patriots scoring a perfect season and a Super Bowl win or the New York Giants nabbing a historic upset — students showed they got game across the Valley of the Sun when National Football League players provided some reading inspiration at two Phoenix elementary schools.

Read the entire story. What are some ways you motivate students to read in your classroom? How do you plan on celebrating Read Across America on March 3?

Last night, KAET's Horizon took a look at this question and hosted a panel of education leaders as they discuss options and opportunities to make the state more responsive to the needs of its students. Scheduled guests included former Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction Lisa Graham Keegan, Arizona Business and Education Coalition Executive Director Susan Carlson, and Arizona Board of Regents Vice President Ernest Calderon.

AEA President John Wright is shown in the beginning of the program offering his ideas on how to improve education in Arizona. Watch the video of the program and leave a comment on some of your solutions.