AEA is a vehicle through which teachers can join together to address common problems collectively. Decisions regarding what to do and how to do it are made democratically by members and their elected representatives. Specific goals are adopted annually by the Representative Council.

The AEA has been recognized by the AUSD as the exclusive employee organization representing teachers, counselors and speech and language pathologists. It has a legal obligation to provide fair representation to each of those employees in any matter involving employee-employer relations.

Specifically, AEA…

• Works to lead public education in a positive direction.

• Works to make teaching a profession.

• Works to protect and improve public education.

• Consults with the District on curriculum and instructional issues.

• Serves as a vehicle for problem solving.

• Counsels members on matters related to their employment.

• Provides legal assistance to members on employment-related matters.

• Supports candidates or issues which support the teaching profession.

• Provides assistance to community groups.

• Bargains the employment contract.

• Processes grievances related to that contract.

To provide the best possible service to members, the AEA is incorporated as a non-profit employee organization. It employs a full-time professional staff person and maintains an office and one office manager. The elected president is released from teaching to work full time on Association business.