Union members growing in our profession Free professional development by educators, for educators
Our Learn and Lead professional development program is created by educators, for educators, with trainings offered by current union educators from all over the state. We provide training, tools, and community support to help you excel as an educator and integrate racial and social justice into your work.
Completing professional development through your union counts towards clock hours for renewing your certificate. In some districts, completing AEA professional development sessions can also be used for salary advancement.
Free Trainings & Wellness Events
Our webinars and trainings are led by Arizona educators and focus on the topics you most need to know! Our offerings include:
- Professional development workshops for educators, by educators, on topics like trauma-informed teaching
- Leadership trainings
- Wellness events like hikes and kayaking
All events are free to members, with mix of virtual and in-person events.
SEE OUR UPCOMING EVENTS.
Free Self-Paced Online Courses
If you're looking to build your skills as an educator on your own time, your union membership gives you access to a huge array of free courses and options. In some districts, you may be able to get a salary boost for completing these courses.
Explore our FREE, self-paced digital learning courses by registering for AEA’s Professional Growth Portal. Once you complete your registration, our system will automatically verify your membership. The portal is constantly being updated with new content, so be sure to check in often.
Micro-Credentials
A micro-credential is a short online course that you can complete on your own time and at your own pace. Many micro-credentials simply ask you to prove the skills and knowledge that you already have. NEA offers over 175 micro-credentials that have been created by educators for educators, on topics ranging from climate change to classroom management. And completing a micro-credential may allow you to get a salary boost from your district.
Learn more about micro-credentials.
Independent Study and Blended Learning Courses
You can take a wide variety of independent study courses, webinars, and blended learning courses through NEA's Professional Excellence Portal. Take a two-part, two-hour course on cultivating mindfullness and well-being, or jump into a five-hour series on stategies to prevent bullying. Learn how to create a safer classroom environment for LGBTQ+ students, or how to support English Language Learners. All courses are free for members.
Leadership and Growth Summit
AEA Leadership and Growth Summit is the new name for Summer Institute. This three day event equips AEA leaders with everything they need to be powerful, visionary organizers in their schools and locals.
Stay tuned for dates and location for the 2025 LGS!
Racial and Social Justice Conference
This one-day conference, offered each year, provides a space for educator leaders to move into action for Racial and Social Justice and equity both within our worksites and within ourselves. In 2023, this was our first-ever fully bilingual statewide conference, offered in English and Spanish. To ensure these trainings are immediately applicable to the work you’re doing, we aim for 100% of the conference sessions to be member-led!
Stay tuned for dates and more information about the 2024 Racial and Social Justice Conference.
Resources
Looking for something in particular? Browse NEA's huge array of online guides and teacher resources.
