GOOD NEWS ALERT! 📣 This week, the Arizona State Schools for the Deaf and the Blind Governing Board set aside a proposal that would have CUT salaries by up to $40,000 for the skilled educators serving some of Arizona's highest-need students.

Reminder: Public money doesn't pay for union dues. Educators pay OUR dues from OUR paychecks. (The anti-union politicians who say otherwise are lying)

Hey you! Yes you! Have you signed up for next Wednesday’s Educators at the Capitol Lobby Day for Public Education? Don’t miss your chance to hone your lobbying skills over Spring Break and meet with legislators alongside your union siblings from across the state! www.mobilize.us/aea/event/84...

We are UNION BY CHOICE! Today, AEA members came together at the state Capitol to speak up for more investments in our schools and an end to the political attacks that drive educators from the classroom.

Eight years ago, Arizona voters rejected universal voucher expansion at the polls. Why did it become law anyway? As AEA President Marisol Garcia explained to the U.S. Senate earlier this year, it was politicians and special interests who pushed for the out-of-control mess we're dealing with today.

BIG news: A judge has ORDERED AZ lawmakers to fix our state’s long-standing failure to fund school building repairs + maintenance. This is the final Superior Court ruling in our nearly decade-long legal fight to get the state to fund the safe + modern schools that every child deserves. BUT (cont.)

Have you signed up for AEA at the Capitol? Every year during Spring Break, hundreds of union educators come together to meet with lawmakers & make our voices heard. With our basic freedoms as educators under attack, this year's Lobby Days are more important than ever. Register:

I just found a 2024 charge for $1,348.03 to French Laundry - the 3 Michelin star restaurant in California - in Arizona ESA reimbursements.

Low pay is forcing Arizona’s next generation of teachers to put their dreams on hold. Marty Meyer — a new dad and proud union teacher in Flagstaff — recently spoke out about the pressure low salaries put on families like his. Marty and his colleagues deserve a raise, and so do you.

“Thousands of parents used Empowerment Scholarship accounts to purchase at least $10.3 million on banned items -- including paying themselves, buying condoms, and other sexually explicit items -- in less than a year.” Remember: the politicians who oppose voucher reform are defending this.

ALERT: AZ politicians are pushing a bill called HCR 2040 — a referral that would ask voters to restrict how educators can organize for better working conditions AND ban unions like ours from accessing public services that are widely available to corporations. Tell your elected officials to vote NO:

“This legislature should be talking about: 'How do we keep great teachers in our state?' Instead of addressing any of those problems, [they are] advancing a set of bills that will hurt funding for our public schools," said Marisol Garcia, the president of the Arizona Education Association.

Happy Valentine's Day to all of Arizona's AMAZING union educators ❤️

No matter when you plan to retire, early planning is key. In response to member feedback, AEA-Retired is hosting 2 seminars to help both younger & longtime educators prepare for retirement. 2 sessions are available — an in-person session in Phoenix on 2/17, and a virtual session on 2/26. Register:

Despite living in one of the most expensive parts of AZ, Flagstaff teachers make $7,403 BELOW the state average. They can’t pay rent with pine trees & scenic views! In advance of today's FUSD board meeting, FEA union members gathered to make signs & strategize to win the higher wages they deserve.✊

HOT OFF THE PRESS! The co-chairs of our voucher accountability ballot initiative just published a new op-ed on @azcentral.com. Read the full piece ⬇️

BREAKING: Arizona educators & families just filed a NEW ballot initiative to rein in our state’s billion-dollar voucher program. We’re fighting for: ✅ Stronger safety standards to protect kids ✅ Accountability to stop waste, fraud & abuse ✅ Recovering critical funding for public schools

Today, our union is proud to endorse Katie Hobbs as she campaigns for a second term as governor of Arizona. As the sister of public school teachers and a longtime friend to Arizona’s unions, Katie understands what educators and our students need to thrive. We’re all in!

Happy Black History Month! Black history is an essential part of the American story. As a union, we're proud to fight for the rights of all educators to celebrate the contributions of Black Americans and honor the legacy of past generations with honesty and care.

Looking to strengthen your resume and interviewing skills? Your union is a great place to start! On Tuesday, March 3, AEA is hosting a members-only virtual coaching clinic for certified educators looking to prepare for future job applications. Register here >> www.mobilize.us/aea/event/75...

WATCH: On Wednesday, AEA President Marisol Garcia took Arizona’s education crisis to the U.S. Senate — exposing the state’s neglect of public schools and the low pay driving educators out of the classroom.

"Marisol Garcia, president of the Arizona Education Association, testified about the negative repercussions of vouchers. Garcia described her state’s voucher program as a 'bloated mess costing three times more than it was projected' and said vouchers 'often only offer the illusion of choice.'"

Our students can’t learn when fear follows them into our schools. Tomorrow, following Friday’s Day of Action in solidarity with Minnesota, educators are coming together for a Day of Learning to keep showing up for our students and each other. Monday, Jan. 26, 2026 | 6 PM MDT. Join tomorrow👇

#ICEOutInSchool #WearBlueForMN #WeAreMinneapolis #EducatorsUnite I stand in solidarity with Education Minnesota and the Minneapolis community. Keep ICE Agents Out From Ours Schools And Ours Communities @neatoday.bsky.social @arizonaea.bsky.social @educationmn.bsky.social

#Solidarity with Minnesota educators from AZ educators #ICEOutSchools Kyrene Education Association @arizonaea.bsky.social

“A message for all of my Minnesota educators: We are your friends here in Arizona, and we stand in solidarity." #IceOutSchools

Arizona educators stand in solidarity with our @educationmn.bsky.social union siblings. KEEP ICE OUT OF SCHOOLS.

Friday, January 23 is a DAY OF ACTION for Arizona educators to stand with our union siblings in Minnesota & nationwide. Showing solidarity can be as simple as wearing blue on Friday, holding a walk-in, or just checking in with your neighbors to see how they are feeling. 1/2

As educators, our goal isn’t just to teach - it's to help students prepare to be the brave, resilient & outspoken leaders the future demands. As Tucson EA's Jim Byrne told KVOA, now is the time to listen to our students — to hear their fear & anger over ICE brutality in our communities.

Students can’t learn — and educators can’t teach — when we don't feel safe. In solidarity with our union siblings in Minneapolis and across the country, Arizona union educators are taking part in a nationwide Day of Action on Friday, January 23 to demand that ICE stay away from our schools.

Today and every day, our union is proud to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his enduring fight for equity and justice in public education and American life. 1/2

As educators, we have a moral and professional responsibility to keep all students safe, no matter where they were born or who they are. We stand firmly with parents, neighbors, and faith leaders in Minneapolis and beyond to defend our schools and protect our students.

Arizona's proud union educators had a place of honor in the Capitol today as AEA President Marisol Garcia joined Governor Katie Hobbs and Assistant Minority Leader @nancyforaz.bsky.social (an AEA member!) as their guest for the State of the State address.

BREAKING: New polling shows that Arizona voters overwhelmingly support reforming our state's ESA voucher program — backing accountability, safety, and transparency reforms as the 2026 legislative session approaches.

Happy New Year, union educators! Writing your resolutions for the new year? Add these to the list! ⭐ Talk to 3 colleagues (or more!) about joining the union ⭐ Register to vote ➡️ arizona.vote ⭐ Explore AEA’s free professional development offerings ➡️ arizonaea.org/PD

"Take a closer look at your retail salesperson or ride-hailing driver during the holiday season. They might be your child’s teacher." Ashleigh — a longtime Florence teacher and union leader — spoke with the Washington Post about the economic strain caused by low teaching pay and rising inflation.

Our union won't be silent as the Trump admin attacks educators & devalues our profession. As regulators consider a new proposal to cut student loan options for educators pursuing advanced degrees, NEA is collecting stories about how a graduate degree helped your teaching. Share your story👇

Trivia time: What is the Spanish word for STRIKE? One correct answer will be chosen at random, and the winner will be highlighted in our next trivia spotlight!

Still looking for a gift for that special someone? Make it union-made with this holiday gift guide from our union siblings at the AFL-CIO. From the classroom to the factory floor, life is better in a union. 🤝

You made it! 🎉🎉 As winter break begins, take a moment to congratulate yourself on your amazing accomplishments during the first part of the 2025-2026 school year. Now is your time to rest, recharge, and spend quality time with the people you love.

“Since August, when a federal judge blocked a Trump executive order that imperiled the funding, nothing has legally compelled Arizona to go to war against DEI.” Phoenix New Times looked into the reality behind ADE’s efforts to end inclusive education in Arizona. Here's what they found:

Worried about how the Trump administration’s proposed student loan caps will impact your future plans? As your union fights to stop this harmful policy from moving forward, NEA’s policy experts have prepared a helpful explainer to explain the proposal and what it would cost educators. More👇

The Arizona Education Association seeks a Political Liaison to be based in Phoenix, AZ. Details can be found at unionjobs.com/listing.php?... #1u #UnionStrong @arizonaea.bsky.social

Check your mailbox! The winter issue of THE ADVOCATE (our union's quarterly all-member magazine) lands this week, packed with valuable tips on AI in the classroom, highlights from the 2025 elections, details about next year’s Delegate Assembly, and more.

Congratulations to our new—and maintaining!—National Board Certified Teachers 💜 And to all this year’s candidates, I see your effort and honor you striving!

🚨 The State Board of Ed is considering a proposal to erase DEI from teaching standards — rolling back programs that help every student succeed. Ahead of Monday's Board meeting, our union is urging the Board to reject this harmful proposal. Read our full letter: www.arizonaea.org/sites/aea/fi...

Did you know that November is Native American Heritage Month? Arizona is home to many tribes with unique culture, history, and traditions. As a union, we're proud to uplift the stories & contributions of our Indigenous union siblings and their students. Learn more about AZ's tribal communities:

Happy Thanksgiving, union educators! This holiday, we are grateful to everyone who is using their voice to make our state a better place to teach, learn, and grow. 🦃🍎🙏

Making a last-minute grocery run for Thanksgiving dinner? Honor the work of our union siblings by choosing union-made products with this handy list from the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union. 👇

Congratulations to our amazing president @marisolgarciaaz.bsky.social on being named to the Power 50 — Capitol Times' annual list of the changemakers who hold the power and influence to shape Arizona's present and future. There's power in a union — and Arizona educators aren't afraid to use it. 💪