Pub. 1 2011-2012 Issue 2

17 By Charity Smith, Utah Membership Director | AAE CHOICE Professional Association of American Educators: A Professional Choice for Teachers O ver twenty years ago, a survey of teach- ers across the country revealed that educators were beginning to stray from the union approach of representation. No longer identifying with the “teamster mentality” of the unions, educators across the country were search- ing for an organization that transcended the sta- tus quo thinking, partisan politics, and adver- sarial relationships of teacher labor unions. This recognition ushered in the idea of an innovative approach to supporting the next generation of teachers via a professional association. This led to the creation of the Association of American Educators (AAE). The group of nationally recognized educators who came together to form AAE believed that America’s teachers needed a group that would advance them as professionals. AAE still operates on the premise of proving teachers with similar benefits of the traditional union such as liability insurance, and legal protec- tions, but at a fraction of the cost. And rather than involving themselves in partisan politics, AAE provides teachers across the country, and here in Utah, with a modern and affordable approach to teacher representation. During the same time AAE was formed, charter schools were established in states across the country to serve students through new and innovative strategies. Created as a catalyst for change in our system, AAE and the charter school movement share an aligned philosophy for education. At AAE, we know charter schools were created to promote an environment in which administrators and teachers have the flexibility and freedom to make instructional decisions that are in the best interest of students. Fitting into this model and approach, AAE provides teachers with the benefits they need without the headaches of lengthy and stifling contracts or expensive dues. Charter school leaders recognize that a top-down, one-size-fits- all organizational structure limits a school’s ability to adjust to the individual needs of students. Similarly, AAE was created in part because we recognize that the traditional one-size-fits-all union structure does not effectively serve the needs of teachers or students. AAE is a new kind of teacher association—one focused on professionalism and putting kids first. We, charter schools and AAE strive for the same goals. Charter teachers across the state are taking notice of this inno- vative vision. During our “Celebrating Teacher” event in Salt Lake City, Allyson White (member of AAE) told the crowd that she now feels empowered as an educator. “I’m confident that as a member of AAE, I will no longer fund organizations that don’t align with my beliefs. I know that with AAE I’m being supported as a professional and my dues are going exclusively to quality benefits and advancing educators as professionals.” AAE stands behind teachers who put their students first and are committed to working hand-in-hand with charter schools in Utah. AAE wanted to empower you, as a teacher, to provide students with the best possible education, regardless of background. As a charter school teacher, you are part of a national movement that seeks to advance educators as academic professionals. We hope that you will consider joining AAE in creating a vision for the future. AAE is partnered with the Utah Association of Public Charter Schools in providing professional membership to charter school teachers at a reduced rate. Visit www.aae- teachers.org/Utah for more information. Charity Smith is the Association of American Educator’s Utah Membership Director. A former educator, Charity resides in Bountiful with her husband and three children. Charity@aaeteachers.org