Committees

Chairperson: Lem Wheeles, lem.wheeles@anchorageea.net
Contact: Christian Haich, haich_christian@asdk12.org

The Negotiations Committee will gather grievance data, surveys, and feedback from members to determine what items will be priorities for upcoming contract negotiations.

The Bargaining Team is appointed by the Board of Directors to prepare language that improves or sustains a positive educational environment, safe workplace conditions, and competitive wages, health care, and benefits to recruit and retain quality education professionals in our district.

Your AEA Bargaining Team is made up of Anchorage EA member volunteers, and NEA-Alaska staff. They actively bargain for a better contract for all members.

Chairperson(s): Christi Sitz
Contact: christi.sitz@anchorageea.net

Previously referred to as the Bylaws Committee, the AEA Bylaws & Policy Committee reviews the present Bylaws document and presents changes that they, the Board of Directors, or the Representative Council deems necessary. The Bylaws Committee is available to assist a member(s) in proposed bylaws changes. Bylaws may be amended in one of three ways: 

Proposed bylaw changes must be presented to one Representative Council and is voted upon at the next Representative Council meeting. An affirmative vote of a two-thirds (2/3) majority of those representatives present shall be necessary for adoption.  

Proposed bylaw changes may also be voted upon at Policy Assembly. Proposals must be submitted to the President and shared with all members no later than 15 days before the meeting of Policy Assembly. An affirmative vote of a two-thirds (2/3) majority of those voting shall be necessary for adoption.  

Proposed bylaw changes may be voted upon by a general membership vote. Members must have received written notice of the proposed changes at least 30 days before the vote. An affirmative vote of two-thirds (2/3) of those casting ballots are necessary for adoption. 

Meetings: See AEA Calendar for more information.

Chairperson(s): Susy Gullickson
Contact: susy.gullickson@anchorageea.net

The Elections Committee is responsible for organizing, conducting and supervising all elections that are not spelled out in the bylaws, such as the election for President and contract ratification.

Chairperson(s): Cindy Poteet
Contact: Poteet_Cindy@asdk12.org

Section N. Evaluation Committee

1. Committee members are appointed by the AEA President.
2. Committee members represent the members’ best interest in the development, implementation, training and ongoing review of the AEA/ASD Evaluation Process, Procedures and Policies:
   1.     The Certificated Employee Evaluation Document,
   2.     All forms used in the evaluation of any member,
   3.     The platform for which the evaluation is implemented,
   4.     Suggestions for negotiated agreements/MOA’s,
   5.     Community/student/teacher input forms, and
   6.     Member support services that may be offered to educators on evaluation plans,
3. The committee will inform, update, and train members on the evaluation process and any other item related to a member’s evaluation (not to preclude ASD’s responsibilities).
4. The committee shall keep abreast of educator evaluation issues at the state and national level in regard to such areas as legislation, certification, tenure and general trends.
5. The committee will work in conjunction with the AEA Educational Excellence Joint Committee to create, implement and oversee all Mentoring, Evaluation Support Coaching, Onboarding, Orientation, and Induction Programs involving members.
6. Committee members will serve as a resource to the Employee Rights and Bargaining Committees regarding evaluations.
7. The committee will assist members, building reps, and Uniserv Directors with questions, concerns, and potential problems.
8. Committee members recognize State Statute AS 14.20.149 section H requiring confidentiality with regard to educator evaluations. Confidentiality of all discussions and associated activities related to evaluations will be preserved.

Chairperson: Afshan Mohammad
Contact:  afshan.mohammad@anchorageea.net

Phone (personal): 907 764 6716
ASD: 907 742 2700 ext. 8462

The Human and Civil Rights Committee has many goals:

1. This open committee meets regularly to serve as champions for social justice and advocates for underrepresented individuals in our community.
2. All members are welcome regardless of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender, age, domicile, marital status, sexual orientation, physical disability, or political affiliation.
3. Members have opportunities for courageous conversations about race and equity issues impacting our association, schools, community, and students.
4. The committee promotes diversity in AEA representation, and recruits minority leadership in Anchorage Education Association and NEA-Alaska.
5. Members have opportunities to train at minority caucus events and national affiliate conferences so that they may develop social justice and racial equity trainings for AEA members while bringing in partners from community coalitions.
6. Members join coalitions and form partnerships in our community to facilitate action and affect change in the advancement of human and civil rights.
7. The committee nominates individuals for recognition in the annual NEA-Alaska Human and Civil Rights Awards and NEA Human and Civil Rights Awards.

Chairperson: Rhiana Gay
Contact: rhiana.gay@anchorageea.net

Previously referred to as the Communications Committee, the AEA Member Engagement Committee seeks to develop internal and external understanding of the purposes and programs of the Association, the values and importance of education and, in cooperation with the administration, the educational philosophy and programs of the schools. 

The Communications Committee meets the second Wednesday of every month. See AEA Calendar for more information.

The Contract Action Team (CAT) Leads & Organizing Committee is responsible for mobilizing, activating, and engaging members to support both internal and external relationships that advance AEA’s strategic priorities. Its work will focus on building sustainable systems of member involvement to recruit, retain, and develop a diverse and effective leadership network within the Association.

Through coordinated organizing efforts, the CAT Leads & Organizing Committee will ensure that AEA members remain informed, connected, and unified in their advocacy. By doing so, the Association enhances its ability to achieve a fair and competitive contract that supports the retention of certificated educators and reflects the professional value they bring to Anchorage’s students and community.

AEA members stand together in solidarity for a contract that strengthens our schools, supports our educators, and upholds the standards of excellence our students deserve.

Watch your personal email for updates from the AEA Organizing Committee.

Chairperson(s): Natasha Graham
Contact: natasha.graham@anchorageea.net

PACE is the Political Action arm of the Anchorage Education Association. Aside from educating members on legislative and municipal educational-relevant information and actions, PACE makes recommendations for endorsement for Anchorage Mayoral, Assembly and School Board elections. Recommendations are made after reviewing candidate surveys, holding a members-only Forum and conducting research on Candidates past voting practice and involvement. Recommendations for endorsement are based solely on Education issues. 

NEA-Alaska PACE prides itself on being a non-partisan committee of teachers and support staff from all across Alaska. Endorsements are made with the goal of electing pro-public education legislators regardless of party or affiliation.

Chairperson(s): Kevin Klott
Contact: klott_kevin@anchorageea.net 

The Professional Development Committee shall work to secure and create professional development opportunities for the membership.

Teachers who fully participate in 15 hours of Teacher Institute Seminar Series (TISS) sessions are eligible to request one Advanced Academy CEU (AdvA CEU).  Teachers can earn two AdvA CEU per school year.  Within guidelines/negotiated agreement, AdvA CEUs may be accepted by ASD for salary advancement and by DEED for recertification.  AdvA CEU Request forms must be turned in no later than June 15 to be considered this year.

• Members may earn two (2) CEU credits (30 hrs) per academic year
• Forms must be submitted to the Teaching and Learning Department by June 15.
• Members must sign-up for their various seminars via MLP / Frontline
• See the TISS FAQ for additional information

Chairperson: BC Kindred
Contact: bc.kindred@anchorageea.net

The Rights Committee assists the President and UniServ directors in exploring and processing grievances. This committee also works to educate members on the contract. See AEA Calendar for more details.

Who is My Representative?

• Your “AEA Building Rep” is not the same as an “AEA Employee Rights Rep.”
• Building Reps provide a connection to the RepCouncil, AEA governance, and general information for you to reach committees and services in your Association.
• For a minor meeting such as a quick pop-in with your administrator who has a few questions, you can ask any member from your building to join you. However, it is advised that you contact someone who has completed the two-day AEA Employee Rights Training–meaning they are “Rights-Trained” Representatives.
• In more serious matters, you should contact your designated Rights Advocate.

Chairperson(s): Vicki Price & Susan Ritter
Contact: price_vicki@asdk12.org, ritter_susan@asdk12.org

The AEA Special Education Committee is a forum to discuss employment issues pertaining to the field of special education. The committee’s purpose is to work toward resolving identified issues leading to a positive work environment and compliance with IDEA and ESSA. 

The Special Education Committee meets the 3rd Tuesday of each month except January will be the 4th Tuesday (1/23/24).  No meeting in May. See AEA Calendar for more details.