Arkansas Education Association

09/26/2026

Quick action shot of some of your AEA Board working hard for you on their Saturday off.


09/25/2026

Your school has the chance to send an educator to Disney Institute, Nov. 15-17, 2026.

Horace Mann Insurance will select 25 schools, and each will choose one eligible educator to attend A Heart for Service in Education, a full-day Disney Institute workshop in Florida. Attendees will explore Disney’s approach to service, communication and meaningful connections, and participate in a behind-the-scenes field experience inside a Disney park.

The experience includes round-trip airfare, two hotel nights, workshop admission, two hosted group dinners and group airport transportation.

Enter on behalf of your school by Oct. 19!

Horace Mann is giving 25 schools the opportunity to send an educator to the Disney Institute workshop: A Heart for Service in Education: Delivering Service Excellence Through Purposeful Connection

09/23/2026

What a great day for AEA Retired Members!

We held our kickoff meeting today with a full room, inspiring speakers, and plenty of great ideas. We were honored to hear from Senator Fred Love, Kristian Stuart withArkansas Appleseed Legal Justice Center and ArchWell.

AEA Retired Members are ready to stay engaged, get out the vote, take care of our health, and make our voices heard as we look ahead to the 2027 Legislative Session.
Together, we’re informed, involved, and ready to make a difference!

09/21/2026

The Arkansas Education Association (AEA) and our state's educators care deeply about every single student who walks through our classroom doors.

And those who don't, as well.

Our entire life’s work is helping children learn, grow, and thrive, and we want nothing more than to see all Arkansas students succeed.
That is precisely why reports and policy pushes that sideline educators are so deeply frustrating and counterproductive. Real, lasting progress in education cannot be handed down from the top without listening to the people actually doing the work.

When policy decisions are made without bringing educators to the table, the state misses an invaluable frontline perspective. Teachers, specialists, and school staff understand the day-to-day realities of our classrooms, the actual needs of our students, and what it takes to foster a true love of learning. Taking our voices away does a disservice to the profession and, more importantly, to Arkansas students.

True educational excellence relies on collaboration, respect, and partnership. Educators are ready and willing to work toward solutions that genuinely support our schools.

The real question is, are our policymakers ready to work with the real experts?

NEA Today

09/21/2026

We need to help our aspiring educators, not hinder their progress. Learning on the job is great, but they should be paid for the work they perform.

Starting this spring, all aspiring teachers in Arkansas attending a state-approved educator preparation program must complete a yearlong supervised residency with a mentor teacher in a classroom to graduate.

In the first semester of their final year, the state requires teaching residents to spend a minimum of three days, or 18 hours, in the classroom each week, for a total of 270 hours per year, Arkansas Department of Education spokeswoman Rachel Starks said in an email last week. The requirement increases in the second semester, to at least four days, or 24 hours, per week, or a total of 360 hours per year.

Read more at the link in the comments.

09/20/2026

Twenty two of our member leaders from across the state worked in collaboration with staff and NEA to organize our efforts to strengthen and protect public education in the state of Arkansas yesterday.

09/18/2026

AEA Member shout out!

The Hignite family in Springdale Education Association know what it takes to have a shared commitment with families to improve education.

The Hignite family is a great example of how Springdale Schools bri...

09/17/2026

Tonight!

ESP Learning Network Webinar

Join us for "Your Vote in 2026," the first ESP Learning Network webinar of the school year. The NEA ESP Quality Department hosts these webinars throughout the year to provide ESP members with additional professional learning opportunities.

From special education and food assistance to book bans and voucher programs, the issues on the ballot this November can have a significant impact on public schools and communities. This webinar will explore ways to plan, protect, and promote the vote this fall, and how to get involved in the election season around issues that matter to you, your students, and your school community.

Presenters: Wes Gibson, Michelle McGrorty, Cynthia Sebian-Lander (NEA Campaigns and Elections)

Register here:

From special ed and food assistance to book bans and voucher schemes, your public school is on the ballot this November. Join us to learn how to plan, protect, and promote the vote this fall. Get involved this election season to support public education allies and the issues that matter most to you,...

09/15/2026

TONIGHT - September 15 | 8:00-9:30 p.m. EDT

Promote the Vote Virtual Kickoff Rally

Join NEA President Princess Moss and special guest Minnesota Governor Tim Walz for a virtual Promote the Vote Rally. Hear from speakers, including NEA partner the Empower Project, about ways to take action this election year and make a meaningful impact in your community.

If possible, please join the Zoom event from a different device than the one you will use to take action during the event.

Register here:

Join NEA President Princess Moss and other special guests for a virtual Promote the Vote Rally! Hear from speakers and NEA Partner the Empower Project on how to take action this election year to have a big impact in your community.