The Early Career Educators of AEA
Building personal and professional relationships through community outreach, networking, and political action to support our interests for Arizona students.
AEA/NEA’s Aspiring Educators Program supports, develops, and empowers diverse, pre-service teachers with the resources, networks, and opportunities to lead in their schools, communities, and in all phases of their career. This is accomplished through an embodiment of its four core values in all program activities:
AEA/NEA Aspiring Educators matter because they are the leading voice of the next generation of educators and leaders in this nation. Aspiring Educators make a difference because of their passion, commitment, and vision as association members who believe in public education and its potential to uplift individuals, families, and communities.
Like you, AEA/NEA Aspiring Educators advocate for and support:
- Improving the quality of educator preparation programs
- Providing affordable college options
- Recruiting and supporting diverse educators
- Enhancing safe and supportive learning environments for all students.
AEA/NEA Aspiring Educators—a pathway to excellence as an empowered educator and leader—today and tomorrow!
How Does NEA Help Aspiring Educators?
Members of AEA/NEA Aspiring Educators belong to a network of nearly 50,000 students who believe in improved teacher education and support for prospective teachers. As the nation’s largest pre-professional association for future educators, NEA connects practicing teachers and fellow NEA Aspiring Educators through state and national leadership conferences, workshops, and public forums.
Members can also enrich their teaching and advocacy skills by holding local, state, or national office, or serving as a delegate to NEA’s annual Representative Assembly. Members of AEA/NEA Aspiring Educators also serve on the NEA Board of Directors and NEA Resolutions Committee, and they serve on committees that address a variety of issues, including human rights, legislation, and membership.
NEA offers so much for early career educators, for details visit the NEA page.
Check out all the perks of Aspiring Educator membership, including discounts on insurance, cheaper movie tickets, and coupons for stores such as Target, Ann Taylor, and Best Buy through NEA Member Benefits.
NEA Aspiring Educators CREATE Grants
State Aspiring Educators (AE) organizations and campus chapters are eligible to apply for CREATE grants. These grants of up to $2000 should strengthen the AE Program and build stronger partnerships.
To learn more about the scholarship and apply, click here.
Jack Kinnaman Scholarship
AEA / NEA Aspiring Educator members may apply for an NEA-Retired Jack Kinnaman Memorial Scholarship of $2,500. Up to five scholarships are awarded each year, funded through the generosity of NEA-Retired members. To be considered for this award, aspiring educators must submit an application and several letters of recommendation. The NEA-Retired Intergenerational Committee selects the winners, who are announced at the NEA-Retired Annual meeting.
To learn more about the scholarship and apply, click here.
Student Chapter
If you are interested in starting an AE chapter, contact Jeff Lang, AEA Aspiring Educator Program Lead
Suggested Further Reading
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