AEA supports public education, employees

The Alabama Education Association is dedicated to working hard for public education, its employees, support staff and postsecondary employees. In the most recent session of the Alabama Legislature, several bills beneficial to public education passed.

The Education Trust Fund budget (totaling $9.3 billion) passed.  The legislature also appropriated an additional $650 million in supplemental allocation, including a one-time expenditure, as well as a $1 billion allocation for advancement and technology to be divided among school districts.

This year, all public education employees, including support staff and postsecondary employees, received a two percent pay increase. Starting teacher salary has been raised to $47,600, which places Alabama among the highest starting salaries with the neighboring southeastern states; however, the AEA’s retiree division – Alabama Education Retirees Association – did not receive any cost-of-living appropriation.

Future Teachers of Alabama program directors received $1,500 for program activities and expenses. Other education programs were funded as well, including, but not limited to, the Alabama Reading Initiative, Alabama Teacher Mentor Program, K-3 Reading Coaches and summer reading camps.

The Legislature passed several education bills, and Gov. Kay Ivey signed them. “The Alabama Teacher Bill of Rights was a huge victory for educators,” said Amy Marloe, AEA’s executive director. “This bill grants teachers with more authority when dealing with the challenges of student discipline in the classrooms.”

Educators and administrators received encouragement to enhance their leadership skills by attending the AEA-sponsored leadership conference June 13-15 at the Von Braun Civic Center in Huntsville. This conference gave AEA members a chance to enhance their leadership skills and make a positive impact within not only AEA, but also with local associations.

AEA sponsors the Future Teachers of Alabama. FTA is an organization of middle and high school students who are interested in exploring education as a career. FTA hosted Educator Signing Days. This is similar to student-athlete signing days where a commitment is made to the student’s chosen college for continuing sports endeavors.

The Educator Signing Days event commemorates the student commitment to pursuing an education in the teaching profession. The students receive certificates and sign their documentation on tables decorated with their future schools’ paraphernalia.

AEA is getting ready to make 2024-2025 another banner year for Alabama students.