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August 29, 2025



    Happy Friday, and happy first week of school with students! I hope everyone had a wonderful summer break. Summer is a busy time for us at the AEA office. Over break, we visited all of the Summer School locations, attended the NEA Representative Assembly, participated in weeklong trainings sponsored by VEA, Rep training, welcomed new Administrators and new staff, spoke at School Board meetings in support of our trans students, and so much more.

    This year, Support Staff will be re-negotiating their contracts. We will be hosting several events seeking feedback (see below). If you haven't completed the feedback survey, please contact your Building Rep. Interested in joining the bargaining team?  Email president.arlington@leavea.org to let me know.   In the spring, we will be holding elections for Building Reps and Officers.  

    Have you ever thought of becoming more involved?  We are looking for Building Reps for the following sites: Campbell, Facilities, Glebe, Long Branch, Nottingham, Randolph, Science Focus, and Taylor.

    Have a safe and restful weekend.

    About the AEA Office

    The AEA Office is open Monday - Friday from 9-5, and we follow the APS schedule for holidays. If APS is closed, we are closed.  If you plan on visiting the office, please call first to make sure someone is here (703-379-1650) as we often have offsite meetings.  Contacting the office is THE BEST way to have AEA related questions answered.

    About Your Contracts

    I strongly encourage you to read your contracts. Contracts are available on the APS website, the AEA website, and hard copies are available if you contact the office. Our contracts remain strong when we don't acquiesce!

    Licensed Staff:

    Planning time: Please review Article 7. Planning time is a MUST.

    Meetings and Events: Also Article 7.  Do not feel pressured to volunteer your time (this includes Outdoor Lab overnights). If you are asked to do something outside of contract hours, and it isn't listed in the contract, you must be compensated.

    SPED Support: Please review Article 16:  SPED teachers will be provided clerical support to assist with support related to meetings and records.  PLEASE take advantage of the release time to work on paperwork!

    Support Staff:

    Review Article 7: Take your duty-free lunches and do your training ONLY during contract hours.  

    Article 15: Support Staff should not be asked to sub for T-scale.  

    Last year, we were informed in late June that contract violations were happening all year. We can only enforce the contract when we know our rights!  If you believe the contracts are being violated, reach out to your building rep or the AEA office.  

    Plans for the Weekend?



    Upcoming Events


    Using Noncooperation to Combat Authoritarian Overreach.  

    With authoritarianism on the rise, noncooperation has emerged as a powerful tool in defending our freedoms and resisting unjust authority.

    All 2025 NEA RA Delegates will also be invited to this special training.

    This webinar, offered by Daniel Hunter (Choose Democracy/Freedom Trainers) and Maria J. Stephan (Horizons Project/Freedom Trainers) is a valuable opportunity for NEA members concerned about the rise of authoritarianism and eager to explore nonviolent strategies to use in your local communities.

    This training will include:

    • Understanding authoritarian overreach and its impact on society

    • The power of noncooperation as a form of nonviolent resistance

    • The essential role of unions in noncooperation strategies

    • Historical and contemporary examples of successful pro-democracy movements that have employed noncooperation strategies.

    • How noncooperation can be a collective and sustainable strategy for change, and practical ways to engage in social, political, and economic noncooperation.

    Webinar Details:

    Title: Using Noncooperation to Combat Authoritarian Overreach


    Date: September 4, 2025


    Time: 7pm (Eastern)


    Platform: Zoom


    Duration: 2 hours


    Cookies and Contracts for Support Staff


    New Member Social and the Return of Union Power Happy Hour (now on Thursdays)




    New Perks and Benefits

    Working Advantage Program

    APS Perks and Discounts


    APS has partnered with AEA to offer staff Perks and Discounts and an exclusive employee perks program. After signing in, APS staff will have access to a wide variety of money-saving offers, including discount tickets, cars, rentals, and hotels; as well as amazing product and service deals for your everyday needs. Additional information is available online. Signup begins Tue, Aug. 19.

    Flyers are available to be placed around your buildings.  

    Benefits Resource Center

    The Benefits Resource Center is a new, free service to assist staff with health insurance-related questions. They can be reached by email at BRCEast@usi.com or by phone at 855-874-6699, Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

    CloseKnit Clinic

    The CloseKnit Clinic, located at Syphax, is available for staff to use for wellness exams, chronic disease management, vaccinations and more. The clinic is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. on Thursday and Friday. Walk-ins welcome or email APSclinician@CloseKnitHealth.com to book an appointment.  


    American College of Education has partnered again with Arlington Public Schools. Through this partnership, we are delighted to offer all members of the AEA a 3% tuition reduction on any of our fully online programs. Whether your members are looking to earn a master's degree, a certificate, or advance their professional skills, we are here to support their goals.

    Please check your AEA Bulletin Boards for this flyer:


    NEA Member Benefits Zoom seminars

    September 18

    Federal Student Loan Forgiveness

    With the news claiming all Federal Student Loan assistance is over, that may not be the case for you as a public servant. Come listen and ask if your loans can be reduced or even eliminated. If so, how to file the applications.

    October 21

    Navigating Your Investment JourneyEducation professionals will gain confidence in their retirement plan by exploring savings, statepension options, and financial concepts for Early, Mid, and Late Career life stages

    November 20

    What You Should Know About 403(b) and 457 PlansEducators deserve the opportunity to make informed decisions about a retirement savingstrategy that’s right for them. This seminar equips participants with a basic understanding ofproduct types, costs, and saving strategies (Pretax/Roth) often associated with 403(b) and 457plans. It also introduces participants to the NEA Retirement Program.

    December 17

    Navigating Your Investment Journey — Early CareerThis 30-minute seminar will help guide early career professionals through the basics of 403(b)plans and the benefits of starting to save for retirement. Participants will be introduced to pretaxand Roth saving strategies and get a checklist for getting started with their retirement plan. https://bit.ly/3JlDCk5

    January 27

    Navigating Your Investment Journey — Mid CareerHelp mid career educators and education professionals stay focused on their journey toretirement. Participants will receive tips to ensure their savings plan has kept up with lifechanges and help them envision their retirement future.

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    NEWS FROM VEA

    Please check your email for news from VEA President, Carol Bauer


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