The AEA 2009 Legislative Agenda is developed by the AEA Government Relations & Legislative Action Task Force and approved by the AEA Board of Directors. It is based on the broad public policy statements included in the AEA Legislative Platform (adopted by the 2008 AEA Delegate Assembly).

Goals of the 2009 AEA Legislative Agenda

1. To promote necessary and adequate funding for public education as an investment in Arizona's children and its future.
2. To advance sound education policy that meets high standards for teaching and learning.
3. To promote fairness and respect for public education and all public education employees.

AEA will work to introduce legislation to reach the following goals:

• Public School Employee Compensation
  AEA will advocate to improve teachers' salaries to at least the national average, and AEA will advocate for improving the salaries of Education Support Professionals to be competitive with the private sector.
• English Language Learners
  AEA will advocate for the necessary flexibility and the adequate funding required to meet the needs of all English Language Learners.
• Employment Rights
  AEA will advocate for due-process rights for classified employees comparable to those reserved for other state employees.
• Reinstate the state equalization property tax rate for education funding priorities
  AEA will advocate to direct the state equalization property tax rate be used to permit all school districts to participate in the Career Ladder Program.
• Professional Standards Board
  AEA will advocate for the creation of a statewide Professional Standards Board with teachers as the largest stakeholder group included, and with responsibility for policies related to teacher quality and professional certification.

AEA will monitor all legislation and will take a position to oppose or support any bill that enhances or detracts from the AEA Legislative Platform.