AEA 2020 Virtual RA

“As an Association, we have done a lot during the past year; yet, there is still much to do.”

Carol Fleming, AEA President The AEA held its first Virtual Representative Assembly in November as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. The annual business meeting normally includes robust debate from elected delegates across the state, but technology limitations required a streamlined agenda similar to the NEA RA held in July. Delegates heard reports from Officers, Committees, the NEA Director, and Executive Director. The program also celebrated the work of our volunteers and recognized our awardees. A video also recapped the activities and events of the year. It, along with a copy of the Awards ceremony, can be found on the AEA Members Only section of our website. Delegates who attended the meeting said it was energizing and motivating. State Senator Joyce Elliott delivered the keynote address, calling on educators to stay involved in the upcoming legislative session to ensure students remain at the center of Arkansas’s public education system. “As an Association, we have done a lot during the past year; yet, there is still much to do,” AEA President Carol Fleming said. “The work we do shapes our lives and the lives of our students. We have the power to advocate for our schools, ourselves and the communities.”

The 2020 Rozzell Lecture was also held virtually, featuring 2018 National Teacher of the Year Mandy Manning. She spoke about the great responsibility and power educators have to advocate for our students, telling attendees, “A lone voice is a whisper, but our collective voice is a ROAR!”