By Susie Hovater Malone
Lifestyles Columnist

At the beginning of each school year, the Alabama Education Association district directors attend and support in-service (professional development) meetings for each county they represent.

Attendees receive the AEA member guide which includes information and any changes in their benefits for the upcoming school year. New employees to the system have an opportunity to join AEA. UniServ directors also assist in funding refreshments, door prizes and luncheons for meetings and orientation.

On August 1, the Franklin County School System held its county-wide in-service meeting at Belgreen High School, featuring speakers, as well as a variety of vendors, including the University of North Alabama; Athens State University and AEA. County personnel received educational material, favors, school supplies and other items.

On August 3, the county school system continued its in-service meeting at Red Bay High School. Jennifer Willis Warhurst coordinated a luncheon and orientation which was held for fifty new FCS educators.

Tracy Moore presented the welcome and spoke on the subject what every Alabama educational employee must know. 
Russellville City cafeteria employees were treated to a luncheon on August 2 at Russellville Elementary School.

Elaine Vaughn arranged for two outstanding speakers to speak on the importance of child nutrition, emphasizing milk as an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, especially calcium.

Nutritionists recommend that adults and children have milk and other dairy products, such as yogurt and cheese, every day as part of a balanced diet and for bone health.

The main purpose of in-service meetings is to have planned activities designed to increase the competencies needed by all licensed personnel in the performance of their professional responsibilities.

The Alabama Education Association is Alabama’s largest professional association and the voice of public education in every city and county of Alabama. AEA represents teachers, future educators, bus drivers, librarians, custodians, postsecondary employees, child nutrition professionals, principals, secretaries, assistant principals, coaches, school nurses, school resource officers, counselors, registrars, central office staff, superintendents, retirees and so many more educators throughout Alabama.

The AEA UniServ directors are the hometown assistance that live in the districts and communities they serve. They know the law and help with issues such as professional learning, grievance issues, salary negotiations, communications and many other employment-related issues. They also assist with professional development opportunities, policy development, professional counseling, training and advocate for legislative action.

There are thirty-four UniServ Directors in Alabama. Serving as our UniServ Director for District 4 is Tracy Moore. The counties that she serves is Colbert County; Franklin County; Lawrence County; Muscle Shoals City; Russellville City; Sheffield City; Tuscumbia City; NW Shoals Community College (Phil Campbell and Muscle Shoals).