Every Child Every Opportunity

Transcription

1 Every Child Every Opportunity

2 Important Dates for June 30 - July 5, 2012 November 2-4, 2012 Nov , 2012 November 13, 2012 November 14, 2012 Nov Dec. 1, 2012 February 5, 2013 February 2013 March 2, 2013 March 8-10, 2013 March 22-24, 2013 March 26, 2013 March 8-9, 2013 May 5-11, 2013 May 7, 2013 June 12-14, 2013 July 1 - July 6, 2013 NEA Representative Assembly, Washington, D.C. AEA Minority Leadership Training Perdido Beach Resort, Orange Beach, AL American Education Week Retired Teachers Day National ESP Day AEA Delegate Assembly, Renaissance Montgomery Hotel & Spa at the Convention Center, Montgomery, AL 2013 Legislative Session Begins SAEA/FTA Conference (Date TBA) Read Across America/Dr. Suess Birthday NEA ESP Conference, Louisville, KY AEA Divisional Professional Development Conference, Birmingham- Jefferson Convention Complex Sheraton Hotel, Birmingham, AL AERA Annual Meeting, Renaissance Montgomery Hotel & Spa at the Convention Center, Montgomery, AL PR & R Conference, Renaissance Montgomery Hotel & Spa at the Convention Center, Montgomery, AL Teacher Appreciation Week National Teacher Day AEA Leadership Conference The Renaissance Riverview Plaza Hotel, Mobile, AL NEA Representative Assembly, Atlanta, GA Meeting dates and locations are subject to change without notice. Please check the or websites for up-to-date registration information.

3 Table of Contents President s Message 2 Dr. Mabry s Message 2 Dr. Graves Message 2 Your Local Information 3 Legal Services 4 Your Liability Protection 4 Attorney Referral Program 5 Member Assault Protection Program 6 Field Services 6 UniServ Directors 7-10 Advantages of Being an AEA Member 11 AEA ACCESS Program 12 Advantages of Being a NEA Member Professional Development 15 Student Programs 15 Research and Technology 16 Survey Center 16 Public Relations and website: 17 Funding Public Education 18 The Important Role of Retired Members 19 Business Office and Membership Department 19 AEA Board of Directors 19 Headquarters Staff Directory 20 Key Contacts/Other Important Phone Numbers 21 1

4 From the President Dorothy J. Strickland AEA President From the Executive Secretary Dr. Henry C. Mabry AEA Executive Secretary and Treasurer The agenda of the Alabama Education Association puts students at the center of education improvements. AEA is committed as a professional organization, just as its individual members are deeply committed, to the success of every child. The teaching and caring for students in our public schools is a profession. We know that teachers and education support professionals must work to connect and motivate every student, yet we need parents and families to help instill values of respect, responsibility, and love for learning. In Alabama, our elected leaders must invest in classroom priorities that build the foundation for student learning; early childhood education, smaller class sizes, and fully-funded programs for reading, math, science, and technology. We need funding for up-to-date textbooks and computers, and the ability to provide a well-rounded education that includes history, arts, physical education, and music. AEA is the voice of the education profession with more than 95,000 members who believe that every student must have qualified and caring professionals in our schools. Lending your voice as an AEA member has meant many recent successes in the Legislature. AEA protected the integrity of your retirement system, stopped charter schools, prevented the loss of 1500 education jobs, began to restore classroom supplies, stopped diversion, and killed efforts to destroy the Education Trust Fund. We have much to do for our students and our schools, and your participation in AEA gives us the strength to improve our schools and improve our profession. From the Associate Executive Secretary My predecessor always said that he woke up in the morning looking for somebody to sue. I can tell you from personal experience that he usually succeeded. While I have a different approach, I want to assure you that the goal of the office of Associate Executive Secretary of AEA remains the same, to protect and defend the rights of our members. AEA s legal team is unmatched in its expertise and experience with education law. Working in concert with our local UniServ Directors, we can handle any problem from a scheduling issue to a termination Dr. Gregory T. Graves AEA Associate Executive Secretary Another year has come and gone. We saw many changes take place and we are still standing steadfast in everything we do for public education. Our agenda is the same, and that is to educate the students of Alabama. What about the children? What about our future? They are our future and if we don t invest in our future, we will be short-changed. Our students need and deserve a quality education. We cannot give it to them if we continue to destabilize their opportunity to achieve and succeed. Educators speak for the children. They are the ones who know what is needed in a conducive learning environment. Why not give it to them? To those of you who teach, it is always students first. The challenge that was brought before us by the Legislature this year is not the productive environment we want for our students. As the voice of public education, we will continue to speak up, speak out; and, most of all, stand up for what we believe is right when it comes to educating our children, our future. I want to re-emphasize to all education employees to continue to be the very best that you can be and stay committed to keeping public education alive and well in Alabama. Education s purpose is to replace an empty mind with an open one. - Malcolm Forbes and everything in between. While we can t guarantee that you will never experience employment difficulty, we can guarantee you that as a member you will get the best advice on your situation available and that you can count on AEA to be there when you need us the most.

5 Your Local Association Information UniServ Director: Phone/Fax: Local Association Leaders President: Phone: Vice President: Phone: Secretary: Phone: Treasurer: Phone: Membership Chairperson: Phone: Other: Phone: District s Members on AEA Board of Directors (1) Phone (2) Phone (3) Phone Alabama s NEA Directors effective September 1, 2012 (1) Sherry Tucker Phone (2) Dr. Susan C. Brown Phone (3) Sheila Hocutt-Remington Phone (4) Ashley Strickland Phone Alabama Education Association Headquarters in Montgomery To call AEA Toll Free: Local: To fax AEA: Administration: Research: Legal Department: Field Services: Business Office: To visit AEA s website: (to connect with any AEA staff member) To leave a message with my senator in Montgomery: To leave a message with my representative in Montgomery: Website: To call NEA in Washington, DC: To fax NEA in Washington, DC: Website: 3

6 AEA Legal Services AEA provides legal assistance and support to AEA members and affiliates in conjunction with certain job-related disputes through the Professional Rights and Responsibilities (PR&R) Legal Services program. The program is intended to protect employment rights and privileges of members involved in adverse employment action. All active and educational support professional members are eligible for legal services under the program. As a member of the association, you may petition the association for legal services and assistance by submitting an Application for Assistance and Support (PR&R form). Theron Stokes Nancy Perry After review of the application, if assistance is provided, AEA may assign a staff attorney, an outside attorney, or other staff member to assist you in resolving your employment problem. In cases where you are, by law, granted a due process hearing, AEA will provide legal assistance to you. A request for legal services will be considered by AEA when it involves a dispute between a school system or other institution involved in the teaching or learning process and a member or local affiliate on matters established by law or adopted policy. The following list demonstrates some of the areas for which legal services may be available: terminations, cancellations or suspensions, tenure issues, salary matters, demotions, promotions, certificate revocations, on-the-job injuries and board of adjustment claims, DHR charges of abuse, criminal charges related to corporal punishment, and transfers. Charles Norton Clint Daughtrey Tamika Reed 4 Your Liability Protection As an association member, you are insured under the NEA s Educators Employment Liability (ELL) program, which provides payment or reimbursement of legal costs for defending civil proceedings, civil rights violations, criminal proceedings, or posting bail bonds in certain employment-related cases. The program assigns an attorney and pays legal fees for defending civil proceedings (other than civil rights violations) brought against members in the course of their work as educators. The policy provides $1 million per member in coverage in such lawsuits. The policy also provides up to $250,000 for defense, settlements, or judgements for proceedings involving civil rights violations. There is a $3 million cap per occurrence where there are multiple member defendants. As a member, you may seek reimbursement of attorney fees and other legal costs up to $35,000 if you are charged with violating a criminal statute in the course of your employment as an educator, and if you are subsequently exonerated of the charges. You may seek reimbursement of up to $1,000 for a bail bond premium if you have to post bond as a result of an occurrence arising out of your educational employment. (The insurance company is not obligated to furnish the bond.) You may also seek payment of up to $500 for damages to personal property if you are attacked during the course of your employment. The program provides coverage for educational employment activities on and off school grounds including school-sponsored athletic events, laboratory experiments, shop training, field trips, and after school trips. Defense settlements or judgements, and court costs up to a maximum of $250,000 are provided when incurred as the result of the defense of an action arising out of educational employment activities and alleging a violation of another person s civil rights. Certain activities are excluded and the policy explicitly states those exclusions. You will receive a copy of the policy when you become a member of AEA. Read the policy to familiarize yourself with the terms and conditions of coverage.

7 AEA Attorney Referral Program Members can get legal advice on non-job related issues through the AEA Attorney Referral Program. Don t confuse this program with job-related problems that must be addressed through the Professional Rights and Responsibilities (PR&R) procedure. Who is eligible? All active, life, educational support, or retired AEA members and, at the request of the member, his or her spouse and dependent children. What services are covered and what do they cost? Each eligible member is entitled to two free consultation sessions of up to 30 minutes each on any topic (except income tax preparation) during each year of the program. If a consultation leads to follow-up legal services of at least one billable hour, or equivalent services at a flat fee, it will not be counted as one of the consultations to which the member is entitled that year. If the member decides to use the services of a participating attorney, the attorney s regular fees will be discounted by 30 percent if the problem falls into one of the following five core areas covered by the program. These areas and some examples of covered matters are: Real Estate Wills and Estates Domestic Relations Consumer Relations Traffic Violations A particular attorney s fees will be 30 percent less than his or her regular rates for service in the five core areas, whether billing is on an hourly or a flat fee basis. (The discount does not apply to incidental fees such as court-imposed filing fees and attorneys out-of-pocket expenses.) Are there any legal problems that are not covered? Almost any problem can be discussed with an attorney during the free advice and consultation sessions. Certain matters, however, are excluded from the 30 percent discount, including assistance with bankruptcies, preparation of federal tax returns, and defense of criminal violations (other than traffic). Also, please remember that a particular attorney may not practice in a particular area of the law. Any matter in which the attorney was retained prior to participating in the program, or involving a member s business dealings, is also excluded. The fee in the excluded matters would be determined by you and the attorney and may be higher than the program rates. A participating attorney cannot represent you or any other AEA-NEA member under any arrangement if the adverse party is the NEA, an NEA affiliate, a UniServ Council, or another NEA or AEA member. The one exception to this is that an attorney may represent you in a separation or divorce proceeding if your spouse is also an AEA-NEA member. How do I contact an attorney? The names, addresses, and telephone numbers of the law firms participating in the program for your area may be secured by calling AEA at A convenient way of finding out who the referral attorney is in your area is to go to AEA s website, You may consult an attorney in person or by telephone. You should always call an attorney s office to arrange for your first appointment. If necessary, a participating attorney may be available to meet with you evenings, weekends, or other times outside your regular working hours. When you make your first visit to an attorney s office, you must present some evidence of AEA-NEA membership. 5

8 AEA Member Assault Protection Program The Member Assault Protection Program (MAPP) is free to all AEA membership categories when the member is actively employed and paid by a board of education or public employer. To qualify for this benefit, the member must file an official complaint with local law enforcement authorities, obtain a copy of the police report, complete a MAPP form, and forward all related documentation to AEA. AEA will pay up to $5,000 per occurrence for an attorney, if the local district attorney fails to bring appropriate legal charges, to prosecute any parent, guardian, student, or person who physically assaults a member while the member is performing an authorized school function or participating in assigned jobrelated activities. (Assault by another AEA member is not covered under the program.) All claims must be filed with AEA within 45 days of the assault. AEA membership must be in effect at the time of the assault. If an assault occurs while you are on the job or performing a required school function, here s what you do: File an official complaint against the perpetrator with local law enforcement officials. Obtain a copy of the police report or sheriff s report of the incident. Complete and file a MAPP form, with all documentation, within 45 days of the incident to: Dr. Gregory T. Graves, Associate Executive Secretary, AEA Legal Department P. O. Box 4177, Montgomery, AL AEA Field Services The AEA Field Services Department provides on-site professional services for all members and local associations. Field Services is headed by Assistant Executive Secretary Darryl Sinkfield, and is assisted by regional Darryl managers Leigh W. Phillips Sinkfield in Birmingham and Curtis Assistant Travis in Montgomery. Thirtyfive (35) UniServ Directors Executive Secretary complete the Field Services Department and provide assistance to AEA active, ESP, postsecondary, and administrator members throughout the state. Membership in the Alabama Education Association entitles you to take advantage of the collective strength of an organization with over 100,000 members statewide. The National Education Association (NEA) provides financial assistance to support the field services program offered by the Alabama Education Association to its members. NEA has approximately 3 million members nationwide. The services provided to you as an AEA member by the UniServ Directors include assistance with professional development, grievance proceedings, employment problems, employment hearings, salary negotiations, communications, policy development, political action, organizing, professional counseling, and training. Your UniServ Director is only a phone call away. A complete listing of UniServ Directors and the school systems they serve follows. If you are unsure of who is assigned to your area, please call AEA s toll free number , or log on to for assistance. 6

9 AEA UniServ Directors Northern Region Manager Leigh Phillips P. O. Box 520 Helena, AL Office: Fax: UniServ District 5 Morgan, Winston, Haleyville City, Decatur, Hartselle Gloria Johnson 1707 Lake Pointe Dr., SW Decatur, AL Office / Fax: gloriaj@alaedu.org UniServ District 1 Lauderdale, Limestone, Athens, Athens State, Florence, University of North Alabama Emmitt Jimmar P. O. Box 456 Leighton, AL Office / Fax: emmittj@alaedu.org UniServ District 2 Huntsville, Alabama A&M University Rex Cheatham Huntsville Education Association 709 Arcadia Circle, N.W., Huntsville, AL Office: Fax: rexc@alaedu.org UniServ District 3 Madison County, Madison City, J. F. Drake Technical College, John C. Calhoun Community College Beverly Sims 392 St. Clair Drive, New Market, AL Office / Fax: beverlys@alaedu.org UniServ District 4 Colbert, Franklin, Lawrence, Muscle Shoals, Sheffield, Tuscumbia, Russellville, NW/Shoals College/ Phil Campbell Campus, Northwest Shoals Community College Diana C. Anderson 562 Pinegrove Drive Muscle Shoals, AL Office / Fax: dianaa@alaedu.org UniServ District 6 Marshall, Albertville, Arab, Boaz City, Guntersville, Snead St. Community College Rhonda Jett 604 Main Street, NE Hanceville, AL Office / Fax: rhondaj@alaedu.org UniServ District 8 Blount, Cullman County, Cullman City, Oneonta, Wallace Community College/ Hanceville Cathy W. Smith 3285 Pope s Chapel Road Ragland, AL Office / Fax: cathys@alaedu.org UniServ District 9 Cherokee, Etowah, Attalla, Gadsden, Gadsden Community College Lanny Lancaster 518 Walnut Street, Suite A Gadsden, AL Office / Fax: lannyl@alaedu.org UniServ District 11 Fayette, Lamar, Marion, Walker, Jasper, Bevill State/Fayette, Bevill State/Sumiton, Bevill/Hampton, Winfield City David Butch Sargent 333 Hickory Ridge Road Cordova, AL Office: Fax: butchs@alaedu.org 7

10 AEA UniServ Directors UniServ District 12 UniServ Staff UniServ District 28 UniServ Staff Bessemer, Birmingham, Fairfield, Midfield, Alabama School of Fine Arts, Bessemer State Technical College, T.A. Lawson State Community College Lance Hyche Jocelyn Schilling Jefferson County, St. Clair County, Pell City, Tarrant, Leeds City, Trussville City, University of AL/B ham, Jefferson State Community College, DYS/Vacca Campus, DYS/Chalkville Campus Birmingham Education Association th Avenue, North Birmingham, AL Office: Fax: Jefferson County Education Association th Avenue, North Birmingham, AL Office: Fax: Brenda Thompson Tracee Binion UniServ District 14 Calhoun, Cleburne, Randolph, Anniston, Jacksonville, Oxford, Piedmont, Roanoke, Jacksonville St. Univ., Southern Union CC R. Todd White P. O. Box 1124 Jacksonville, AL Office / Fax: toddw@alaedu.org UniServ District 29 Mountain Brook, Vestavia, Homewood, Hoover Dana Clement 124 Walking Horse Trace Alabaster, AL Office: Fax : danac@alaedu.org UniServ District 15 Clay, Coosa, Talladega County, Sylacauga, Talladega City, Alabama Institute Deaf & Blind (AIDB) Charmelle C. Lewis 204 South Elm Avenue Sylacauga, AL Office / Fax: charmellel@alaedu.org UniServ District 34 DeKalb, Ft. Payne, Jackson, Scottsboro, Northeast Alabama Community College Sheila Cornelison 1670 County Road 28 Scottsboro, AL Office / Fax: sheilac@alaedu.org 8

11 AEA UniServ Directors Southern Region Manager Curtis Travis P. O. Box 4177 Montgomery, AL Office: Fax: UniServ District 13 Shelby County, University of Montevallo Janet Novatnak P. O. Box Birmingham, AL Office / Fax: janetn@alaedu.org UniServ District 16 Tuscaloosa County, Tuscaloosa City William D. Tunnell th Street Tuscaloosa, AL Office: Fax: williamt@alaedu.org Lynn Pettway lynnp@alaedu.org UniServ District 19 Alex. City, Chambers, Lee, Auburn, Lanett, Opelika, Tallapoosa Co., AL Cooperative Ext. Service, Central AL CC Thomas T. C. Coley 2316 North Central Avenue Kellyton, AL Office: Fax: thomasc@alaedu.org UniServ District 20 Dallas, Marengo, Sumter, Wilcox, Demopolis, Linden, Selma, GCW/Comm. College/Selma Labarron Mack P. O. Box 2068, Selma, AL Office: Fax: labarronm@alaedu.org UniServ District 21 UniServ Staff Montgomery, Alabama State University, Auburn University/ Montgomery, H. Councill Trenholm Technical College, Ingram Technical College, State Dept. of Education (SDE), Troy University/Montgomery UniServ District 17 Bibb, Greene, Hale, Perry, Pickens, Marion Military Institute, Shelton State Community College Crystal Ratcliff P. O. Box 123 Woodstock, AL Office: Fax: crystalr@alaedu.org Quintlon Shun Ross quintlonr@alaedu.org Montgomery County Education Association 434 South Decatur Street Montgomery, AL Office: Fax: UniServ District 18 Autauga, Chilton, Elmore, Tallassee City Carolyn Abrams 6312 Wynfrey Place Montgomery, AL Office / Fax: carolyna@alaedu.org UniServ District 22 Barbour, Bullock, Macon, Russell, Eufaula, Phenix City, Chattahoochee Valley Community College Douglas Stephenson P. O. Box 3950 Phenix City, AL Office: Fax: douglass@alaedu.org

12 AEA UniServ Directors UniServ District 23 Choctaw, Clarke, Monroe, Washington, Thomasville, Alabama Southern Community College Sandra Jackson P. O. Box 812, Jackson, AL Office: Fax: UniServ District 24 Conecuh, Covington, Escambia, Andalusia, Brewton, Opp, Reid State Tech, L.B. Wallace Comm. College, Jeff Davis Comm. College Vivian M. Jones 207 West Granberry Street Brewton, AL Office / Fax: vivianj@alaedu.org UniServ District 27 UniServ Staff Mobile, University of South Alabama, Bishop State Community College, Saraland, Chickasaw, Satsuma Mobile County Education Association P. O. Box Mobile, AL Office: Fax: Eric Beck ericb@alaedu.org Robert Goodwin dannyg@alaedu.org UniServ District 25 Coffee, Dale, Daleville, Elba, Enterprise, Henry, Ozark, Enterprise St. Community College Amy Vaughan Folmar 402 W. College Street Enterprise, AL Office / Fax: amyf@alaedu.org UniServ District 26 Dothan, Geneva City, Geneva County, Houston, Troy University/Dothan, GCW Wallace Community College/Dothan/ Sparks/Eufaula Rhonda Flynn Hicks P. O. Box 8886 Dothan, AL Office: Fax: rhondah@alaedu.org UniServ District 31 Butler, Crenshaw, Lowndes, Pike, Troy City, DYS/Mt. Meigs, Troy University Julie Swann 100 Camellia Avenue, Suite D Greenville, AL Office: Fax: julies@alaedu.org UniServ District 32 Baldwin, J.H. Faulkner State Community College John Hudson Baldwin County Education Association P. O. Box 589 Loxley, AL Office: Fax: johnh@alaedu.org 10 Jesse McDaniel jessem@alaedu.org

13 Advantages of Being an AEA Member For additional information on AEA Member Benefits programs, contact Leigh Lackey, AEA Member Benefits, , Monday through Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. or visit the AEA website at AEA Free & Discounted Programs AEA Personal Passenger Vehicle Protection (free): Affix the AEA sticker to the front, lower edge of the driver s window to protect your personal passenger vehicle against theft. AEA will pay a $500 reward to the person providing information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for the theft of your vehicle. VisionChoice - Free For AEA Members: Provides you with discounted vision purchases of exams, lenses, and frames at participating providers. Your AEA membership identification card also doubles as your Vision- Choice member card. Tickets At Work: Members save on discounted tickets and special offers for theme parks and attractions including Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Studios Orlando, Disneyland Park, Sea World, Busch Gardens, Cirque de Soleil, Las Vegas and New York City shows and performances and much more nationwide. Learn more at by clicking on Member Benefits and then looking at TicketsAtWork. Sears Commercial Sales Offers: Purchase the latest appliances and other great products for your home from Sears. Preferred Program Pricing available only through Sears Commercial Sales. Go to org>member benefits. AEA Endorsed Insurance Plans Offered by Collateral Educator Services AEA has partnered with Collateral Benefits to market and manage certain insurance and discount programs for AEA members. For more information Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. call toll free, or the web at Voluntary Group Disability helps protect your income when you suffer injury or illness and cannot work. Short- and long-term plans are available. Voluntary Group Life provides basic, cost effective life insurance coverage while actively-at-work and beyond. Critical Illness Insurance covers the Big 3: Heart attack, stroke, and cancer, (or other qualifying conditions), with lump-sum coverage. Includes an annual wellness benefit for preventive testing. Voluntary Group AD&D provides life and dismemberment coverage for accidents only,offering AEA members 24-hour protection, worldwide, on and off the job, while traveling for business and pleasure. Also available is the MEDEX Travelers Assistance Network, helping you in the event of a travel-related emergency. Cancer Insurance provides coverage that pays directly to you. in order to cover out-of-pocket expenses. All plans include a wellness benefit and first occurrence benefit. Two plans include an intensive care benefit. Term Life Insurance allows you to purchase coverage for a specific period based on your situation. Our 10- and 20-year payroll deduction policies require no medical exams. Other terms are available upon request. Permanent Life Insurance. Depending on your plan choices, your coverage could last to age 120 with premiums guaranteed not to increase. Spouse Life Insurance. We can help you protect your family and your loved ones by covering your spouse with your choice of permanent or term life insurance. Child Life Insurance. You are always protecting your children, so covering them with whole life insurance makes sense. Coverage can be purchased on a simplified issue up to age 17. whole life is only $9.75 per month. Davis Vision: Your vision is important to your health. Whether it s 20/20 or less than perfect, everyone needs to receive regular vision care. Vision insurance plans with monthly premiums starting at $6.45. Accident Insurance: Prevents the financial hardships associated with accidents. Benefits are paid directly to you for such items as emergency room visits, hospitalizations, intensive care and wellness exams. AirMed Traveler - Members Only Pricing: Travel more than 150 miles from home at least once a year? AirMed will transport you to a facility of your choice if you are more than 150 miles from home, injured or ill, and cannot travel commercially. For more information or to apply, visit TIAA-CREF Investment Program: Collateral Benefits Group, a registered investment advisor (RIA), offers you independent, unbiased investment advice designed to help you realize your retirement savings goals. TIAA- CREF is a leader in K-14 retirement programs. 11

14 AEA ACCESS Program ACCESS is a group discount program created for AEA members at no cost. Printed right on your membership card, the ACCESS logo is honored at over 300,000 locations. In some cases members can save up to 50 percent by using the AEA/ ACCESS membership card. How does it work? 1. Find offers from participating merchants in your area. Log in to the ACCESS card portion of the AEA website, using your ID number on your membership card. Then, browse the online savings directory of participating merchants by entering the city or ZIP code where you are or plan to be. You ll instantly get a list of discounts and special offers in that area. 2. Redeem your offer. Click on a merchant from your list and follow its redemption instructions. Note: Some merchants may ask for a coupon when redeeming your discount. These merchants are clearly identified in your search results by the words coupon required. To get your coupon, click the merchant s name in your search listing, then click the print coupon icon on the following page. If you have any discount related questions or problems activating the ACCESS card, please call: Enjoy the savings. With your membership card, you receive discounts on: Fast food Movie tickets Ski passes Hotel rooms Vacation packages Health products Casual dining Video rentals Outdoor recreation Beauty products Family entertainment Luxury cruises Dry cleaning Auto service & repair Advantages of Being a NEA Member As an AEA/NEA member, you have access to a wide range of great products and services. our buying power helps you get the best deals available from companies you can trust NEA Auto and Home: Long Term Care: AEA Valuebuilder: Insurance Programs NEA Complimentary Life Insurance*: No-cost life insurance and accidental death and dismemberment insurance while actively engaged in your occupation. NEA Introductory Term Life Insurance*: $15,000 of life insurance at no cost to eligible new members. NEA Group Term Life Insurance Plan* provides up to $500,000 of decreasing term life at affordable group rates for members and spouses. For peace of mind at home or when you travel, get NEA AD&D Insurance*. The NEA Level Premium Group Term Life Insurance Plan*: Coverage amounts up to $1,000,000 are available for 10-year, 15-year and 20-year terms. Premiums won t increase or decrease for the 12 entire term. NEA Hospital Care Insurance Plan: Two options to help you pay the extra expenses associated with a hospital stay plus at-home recovery. NEA Income Protection Plan: Provides income when you are unable to work due to illness or injury. NEA Group Long-Term Care Insurance Program: Financial support in paying for necessary long-term care services like nursing home, home health and assisted living care. NEA Dental and Vision Insurance Program provides you with substantial coverage for a majority of your dental care expenses and optional vision insurance to cover your eyewear needs. NEA Medicare Supplement Program*: Coverage for hospital and medical expenses not covered by Medicare.

15 NEA Pet Insurance: With this plan you can visit any licensed veterinarian and Pets Best reimburses you 80% of the vet s bill for covered services, after a deductible. *Provided through the NEA Members Insurance Trust NEA and the NEA Member Benefits logo are registered service marks of NEA s Member Benefits Corporation. Credit Programs NEA Credit Card Program : Exceptional benefits exclusive to NEA members including low introductory annual percentage rate offers, rewards and competitive APRs. NEA Cash Rewards SM Card NEA Platinum Plus credit card with WorldPoints rewards NEA Accelerated Rewards American Express Card For more information on the rates, fees, other costs and benefits of these cards or to apply, please call or visit National Foundation for Credit Counseling / Credit Card programs are issued and administered by FIA Card Services, N.A. American Express is a federally registered service mark of American Express and is used by the issuer pursuant to license. Platinum Plus, Accelerated Rewards and WorldPoints are registered trademarks of FIA Card Services, N.A. Loan and Mortgage Programs NEA Home Financing Program : New mortgages, refinances, and home equity loans. Members enjoy competitive rates and exceptional service. Plus, you ll get $200 in gift cards after closing on a new purchase mortgage or refinance loan through this program. To learn more, please call NEA Smart Option Student Loan by Sallie Mae : Get the money you need, and use the funds for tuition, fees, room and board, and other school-certified expenses. NEA Personal Loan : Borrow at members-only rates with affordable monthly payments. No collateral required. NEA National Board Certification Loan : A special revolving line of credit designed to help cover the assessment fee for National Board Certification. Investment Programs NEA-Sponsored Money Market Account and NEA- Sponsored CD : Both programs offer competitive yields with easy access to your funds. FDIC-insured up to the maximum allowed by law. NEA Valuebuilder Program: A tax deferred retirement savings program, call Discount Programs NEA Auto Purchase Advantage Program: Provides members with low, no-haggle prices on new and used cars from certified dealers across the country. NEA Click & Save : Save online at hundreds of your favorite stores! NEA ID Theft Protection Program: Protection for you and your family members. Choose from five plans starting a $19.95 per year. NEA Long Distance: Get rates as low as 3.9 per minute on state-to-state calls. NEA Magazine Service : Save up to 85% off the cover price of over 900 popular magazines. NEA Moving and Storage: 67% off interstate moving services (some exclusions) and 45% off storage costs with one-on-one customer service provided by Bekins Van Lines. NEA Wireless: Member discount on AT&T mobility. H&R Block: Tax preparation (only available January to April 15th). Heat USA: NEA SM Heating Oil Program: Receive substantial savings and a free or discounted service contract in selected areas. SmileMakers: Special discounts on classroom supplies. Whirlpool Corporation VIPLINK Program: Save on popular consumer brands from Whirlpool Corporation. Health and Wellness Programs NEA Hearing Care Program: Special discounts for members and their families. NEA Vision and Prescription Savings Plan: Discounts on vision and prescriptions for a $10 annual membership fee. Jenny Craig: Enjoy special savings from Jenny Craig on a program that fits your lifestyle. T-Tapp Wellness Workout: Get 25% off selected items in the T-Tapp store and choose from one of three discounted NEA Member packages. 13

16 Travel Programs NEA Car Rental Program : Get preferred member rates and other special benefits when you reserve your rental car in advance from Hertz, Alamo, or Enterprise. Red Roof Inn: Enjoy 20% discount at any of the 350 locations nationwide in 36 states. Park Ride Fly USA: Get 10% off already low airport parking rates. Professional Services NEA Academy Degree & Continuing Education Program: Offers members an affordable way to earn their degree and continuing education through on-line courses. NEA member-specific scholarships available. Adopt-A-Classroom: No-cost way to help with funds to purchase the classroom supplies and materials you need. Carson-Dellosa Publishing: A one-stop educators resource for classroom, instructional, and resource activities, along with bulletin board, student incentives, and more. Exclusive 15% discount on all orders and free shipping on orders over $35. Curriki: Free access to peer-reviewed content with opportunities to collaborate with other educators and to share your own content. Digital Wish: Lets you build a wish list of technology products for your classroom. Lesson Plant: The search engine for teachers, with over 350,000 reviews, lesson plans, and activities. 20% off registration. Costco Membership Discount: Special savings for members and their families. Weekly Reader: Special savings on classroom magazines. Member Assistance Program (MAP): at assistance provides guidance, information and tools for dealing with the financial repercussions of job loss and preparing to find a new position. Includes a useful Job Layoff Checklist, links, resources, and more. NEA Programs NEA Educators Employment Liability Program: Provides professional liability insurance for members if they are sued as a result of their work for their employing school districts. NEA Attorney Referral Program (ARP): Provides legal services for members personal legal problems. ARP is available only through participating affiliates. There are currently 41 participating affiliates. Absolutely no dues dollars are used to market NEA Member Benefits programs. Some programs may not be available in all states and subject to change without notice. Check neamb.com frequently for new programs and services. TeachAde.com: A professional community to share ideas, media and lessons. SmileMakers: Special discounts on classroom supplies. Teachers-Teachers: Free on-line job search site for educators. 21st Century: A list of providers who offer curriculum, instructional and assessment resources for the 21st century educator. Learn more about interactive white boards and mobile devices. UBoost: A way to recognize the accomplishments of students with recognized positive behavior awards FLOWERS.com: Enjoy savings on flowers, plants, gift baskets, gourmet foods and more. Spanish-speaking representatives available. 14

17 Improving the Quality of Public Education Dr. Tyna Davis Manager of Education Policy and Professional Practice Dr. Pamela Fossett Director of Education Policy and Professional Practice The Education Policy and Professional Practice (EPPP) Department has the responsibility of organizing and coordinating AEA activities to help reform public education and restructure public schools, including the professionalization of teaching and the improvement of professional practice. For complete information about the services and responsibilities of the EPPP Department, visit The EPPP Department offers assistance to AEA members including: Assisting members in certification and licensure renewal, specifically, Professional Learning Units (PLUs) for renewal of professional educator certificates for administrators and supervisors. Assisting members in the areas of teacher education, closing achievement gaps, Family School Community Partnerships (FSCP), parental involvement, special education issues, technology and data driven decisions, National Board Certification, and classroom management. Working with the State Department of Education in implementing the National Board Certification process (NBPTS) for the state of Alabama and in advocating for support in implementing Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) regulations. Providing training in C.A.R.E., EDUCATEAlabama, I Can Do It!, Jump Start into Spanish, priority schools, power language, and understanding cultural diversity, IDEA, English as a Second Language (ESL), Elementary and Secondary Act (ESEA), No Child Left Behind (NCLB). Offering training that provides members with skills and strategies to advance their instructional and professional development interests, including the Minority Leadership Training Conference and more than 50 different workshops at the AEA/ ACT Professional Development Conference. Providing continuous assistance to local affiliates in various EPPP concerns, including urban education, minority dropout rates, and higher education enrollment, opposing those forces that promote prejudice, discrimination, and intolerance in our schools, providing guidelines for assessments and recognition of good teaching and outstanding schools, and providing technical assistance in implementing guidelines that evaluate teachers. Serving as staff consultant for the Association of Classroom Teachers. Coordinating and informing members of the NFIE Award for Teaching Excellence, and scholarships and leadership grants. Student Programs AEA Student Programs operates under the auspices of the Education Policy and Professional Practice (EPPP) Department. It consists of the Student Alabama Education Association (SAEA), an organization for college students who plan to pursue careers in the field of education; and the Future Teachers of Alabama (FTA), an organization for high school students who have expressed an interest in teaching as a career choice and who have been recommended by faculty members to join. The EPPP department keeps student members abreast of educational issues and organizes, coordinates, and assists student members with the organization and implementation of educational programs and activities on national, state, and local levels. AEA Student Programs organizes and coordinates annual conferences for SAEA and FTA members. It also provides on-campus speakers on specific topics of interest to student members. The State Student Organizer encourages national, state, and local involvement of SAEA members. Participation on these levels enables them to develop leadership skills and promotes networking opportunities and many other benefits available through the Association. SAEA members are eligible to serve as members of the NEA and AEA Board of Directors, NEA and AEA delegates, NEA committee members, and state and local officers. FTA members are eligible to serve as state and local officers. 15

18 Gathering Information the Association Needs The AEA Research Department accumulates important educational data from a variety of sources. The data are mathematically analyzed and various reports are provided to the membership. Of high importance in the process is financial data having impact on revenue and expenditures for public education in Alabama. The information is shared with state government officials and members of the Alabama Legislature as the annual education budget is discussed and modified. Amy Marlowe The department is also charged with the responsibility for keeping the association Manager of on the cutting edge of technology to make the business of AEA more efficient. Electronic communication with staff and members has been steadily increasing. Research and Establishment of AEA s website, and our response to Technology members has allowed a greater and more instant flow of information. The AEA, in conjunction with the national organization (NEA), maintains a communications network available to every staff member both at the headquarters and in the field. AEA has established an Internet home page and staff addresses to receive and send messages to members. Every field staff member has been provided state-of-the-art computer equipment for use in data maintenance, word processing, and newsletter production. The AEA Technology Department provides necessary and ongoing training for staff members in the utilization of computers and software. Dr. Gerald W. Johnson Director of Capital Survey Research Center The Capital Survey Research Center (CSRC) is the polling department of the Alabama Education Association. Established in 1996, the CSRC is a 24 station state-ofthe-art telephone interviewing center. The CSRC uses a Computer Assisted Telephone Interviewing (CATI) system that efficiently produces highly accurate survey results. The center conducts a variety of polls, including: Statewide Public Policy Issues and Political Surveys AEA Membership Surveys Legislative Issues Surveys Election Surveys Special Surveys for Local School Districts and Others The results of public policy and legislative surveys are used to inform the legislative and policy-making processes and participants, particularly those related to education policy. Special surveys are conducted for local school districts on topics ranging from school calendars to education tax referenda. AEA membership surveys are conducted each year to learn about member attitudes and expectations so that AEA programs can best meet the needs of members. The CSRC provides an in-house, timely, efficient, productive, and responsive capability to conduct surveys of interest to the mission and welfare of AEA and its membership. CSRC polling data play an important role in the arena of public policy, specifically as it relates to public education policies, programs, legislation, budgets, and personnel. Results of recent CSRC polls can be found on the AEA website at 16

19 Keeping AEA Members Informed David Stout Manager of Public Relations Suzie Smith Director of Public Relations Jim Wrye Director of Public Relations The Public Relations Department performs a variety of functions for the association including the publication of the Alabama School Journal. The Journal, the association s primary contact with all of its members, is printed and distributed at least 31 times per year with a circulation of over 100,000. The regular publication dates are the first and third Mondays of each month and weekly when the Alabama State Legislature is in session. The department publishes, through its in-house printing facility, many booklets for members such as association representative handbooks, handbooks for local leaders, pocket and planning calendars, new teacher and ESP handbooks, and promotional materials for membership retention and recruitment. The department is responsible for media contacts with all television stations, daily and weekly newspapers, and radio stations in the state. The department is responsible for periodic press conferences for AEA leadership. The Public Relations Department is responsible for daily coverage of the Legislature when in session, as well as coverage and promotion of all association meetings and activities. The public relations staff serve as consultants to the AEA Resolutions and Public Relations Commissions. AEA s website, is a members-only communication tool designed to provide up-to-date information, news, and contacts for AEA members. Information about legal issues, public opinion surveys, research, and recent publications of the AEA is readily available. Members can also easily inform or ask AEA staff about concerns and issues in the workplace. When AEA members log in at they can instantly receive important messages regarding legislative matters that affect members salaries, health benefits, or working conditions. AEA has now gone social! AEA can be found on Facebook at: Alabama Education Association, on Twitter as: myaea, and on LinkedIn as: Alabama Education Association. Information and links to current events affecting education along with information and conversations among members can be found on the social sites. Each UniServ district has its own Facebook page as well. To find your UniServ district on Facebook, go to: and click on the UD Facebook link for a listing. AEA s website provides easy links to NEA and numerous member benefits including AEA s ACCESS discount card only for AEA members. Ashley McLain Director of Public Relations 17

20 Funding Public Education Susan E. Kennedy Manager of Education Funding and Revenue The Important Role of Retired Members AERA is the retired division of AEA and the staff stands ready to assist you with specific retiree issues. Call on AERA Executive Secretary Janice Charlesworth, Assistant to the Executive Secretary Keron Forte, Director of Membership/Bookkeeper Vicki Rohan or Administrative Assistant Veronica Dewees at to answer your questions about getting involved in your local AERA organization. Area coordinators can assist AEA members who are preparing for retirement and are also available to present programs on retirement for local associations. Listed below are the AERA area coordinators with the counties and universities they serve: Janice Charlesworth AERA Executive Secretary Marian Wood Area home cell woodmb@otelco.net Counties: Blount, Calhoun, Cherokee, Cleburne, Colbert, Cullman, DeKalb, Etowah, Franklin, Jackson, Jefferson, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Limestone, Madison, Marion, Marshall, Morgan, Shelby, St. Clair, Talladega, Walker & Winston. Universities: Alabama A&M, Athens State, Jacksonville State, University of Alabama/ Birmingham & Huntsville, University of Montevallo & University of North Alabama. The AEA Funding and Revenue Department works to promote tax structures that are fair, broad-based and stable for our public schools. Funding and revenue are the lifeblood of our public schools, and maintaining adequate funding is sometimes the difference between great public schools and schools that fall short. Fair and stable taxes create and maintain our neighborhood schools. The department evaluates tax laws and policy to prevent the loss of education dollars, and to close corporate loopholes so that valuable education dollars are collected and delivered to our schools. Every economic development project and tax subsidy for business should be evaluated for its impact on public schools, and when a business gets a tax subsidy - there should be strong accountability measures to make sure that the promises made by business to bring jobs and economic development are kept. Where appropriate, the department advocates for additional funding for schools in an effort to fund all our schools adequately and equitably. In many instances, our state funding for public schools is far from adequate or equitable. AEA believes that all students have a basic right to a great public school. Making funding for schools adequate and equitable is the necessary first step to making that vision a reality. Alma Wyatt Jones Area awj5514@aol.com Counties: Autauga, Barbour, Bibb, Bullock, Butler, Chambers, Chilton, Clay, Coosa, Elmore, Fayette, Greene, Hale, Lamar, Lee, Lowndes, Macon, Montgomery, Perry, Pickens, Randolph, Russell, Sumter, Tallapoosa, & Tuscaloosa. Universities: Auburn University, University of Alabama/Tuscaloosa, University of West Alabama. Otis Brunson Area dado347464@bellsouth.net Counties: Baldwin, Choctaw, Clarke, Coffee, Conecuh, Covington, Crenshaw, Dale, Dallas, Escambia, Geneva, Henry, Houston, Marengo, Mobile, Monroe, Pike, Washington, and Wilcox. Universities: Troy University & University of South Alabama. AERA Foundation Alabama Education Retirees Association has a foundation that awards nine scholarships each year to active AEA members. This year, nine $1,800 scholarship were awarded. Scholarship applications are available in late November and can be found at the AEA or AERA website. Applications should be postmarked by January 18, The goal of the Elementary/Secondary Education Scholarship Program is to provide one-time scholarships for educators who are currently employed in a state public school system (K-12). Scholarship recipients will receive training in areas of counseling, mathematics, science, computer education, library media, special education, English as a second language, or other specialized areas where a proven need exists. These scholarships are open to certified and noncertified personnel. 18