On Tuesday, 1/12/21, Gov. Asa Hutchinson announced COVID-19 vaccination would be available beginning January 18 for school employees and others in the 1b category.  

The updated timeline for school employee vaccinations is welcome news for the educators serving on the frontlines of this public health crisis. 

Providing quality learning opportunities for Arkansas’s students while also creating as safe an environment as possible, has placed our educators in an extremely demanding situation. The return to in-person education has resulted in the deaths of more than two dozen educators and, unfortunately, continues to put children and families at risk. Vaccinations will begin to help educators feel more comfortable as they continue working to provide the face-to-face connection for which there is no replacement. 

This updated timeline brings an opportunity to return to an in-person education where every student can thrive – but only if vaccination campaigns are done safely and equitably. We urge state agencies to use consistent and transparent communications on the benefits and safety of vaccines. 

Until the vaccine effort begins to curb the spread of this virus, it is vital that we all continue to practice social distancing, masking, and hand washing. We urge districts to extend emergency leave for educators due to COVID-19 infection or for those forced into quarantine after potential exposure. Districts should act quickly to ensure educators are not forced to use their sick leave to prevent the spread of this dangerous virus.

Registration is now open for the AEA’s 2020 Rozzell Lecture featuring former Teacher of the Year Mandy Manning. Mandy will talk about the great power that comes along with great responsibility for educators.

2020 has demonstrated the importance of community and the power of the individual. Our strength is in our collective. As educators, we must recognize our power, own it and use it, while also empowering our students and colleagues for the betterment of our schools, our communities and our society.

This virtual lecture, held in partnership with the Clinton Presidential Center, will provide educators an opportunity to receive professional development hours as well.

Register NOW!

With the COVID-19 related upheaval this year, there has been some confusion around voting this year.   

In Arkansas, we have local, state and national races on our ballot as well as some proposed changes to our state Constitution.  With so much on the line, we want to make sure you know the scoop on voting in Arkansas this year.  

Register to vote by October 5th

The first thing you should do is check your voter registration information.   

If you need to register to vote please print, complete and mail in this application by October 5th. You may also pick up a voter registration form at your county clerk’s office or your local public library. 

Absentee voting information

Governor Hutchinson and Secretary of State John Thurston have both declared that the COVID-19 emergency means that any voter can apply for an absentee ballot by giving the reason for the request as “illness.”  

1. Review the absentee ballot application and confirm that you meet the eligibility requirements for voting absentee.  
2. Fill out the application completely. 
3. Submit the request to your local county clerk. You should request your ballot as far in advance of the election as possible. The deadline to request a ballot by mail is (received by) Tuesday, October 27, 2020. 
4. When your ballot arrives, read it carefully and follow the instructions to complete it and return it.  After you complete your absentee ballot, you’ll need to sign it as well as submit a photocopy of your photo id.   

Critical deadlines 

• Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2020. 
• The deadline for registering by mail to vote is (postmarked by) Monday, October 5, 2020. 
• The deadline to register in person to vote is Monday, October 5, 2020. 
• The deadline to request a ballot by mail is (received by) Tuesday, October 27, 2020. 
• The early voting period runs from Monday, October 19, 2020 to Monday, November 2, 2020, but dates and hours may vary based on where you live. 

 If you have any questions about voting, please contact Susana O’Daniel, AEA Director of Public Affairs: sodaniel@aeanea.org  

Arkansas Education Association Calls for Virtual Start of School Year 

Arkansas Education Association President Carol Fleming told state lawmakers today it is unsafe for schools to return to in-person learning as Arkansas continues to struggle to limit the spread of the coronavirus. 

Fleming also shared a set of principles and expectations that must be met to keep students, educators and

our communities safe once conditions allow for a return to in-person learning. The AEA Return to Learn Committee created the school reopening matrix to guide any decisions about the upcoming school year. The committee is made up of educators from across the state who have used their own expertise, along with guidance from health professionals to create the guidance. 

Fleming asked state lawmakers to join the AEA’s call for education officials to make a conscientious decision to keep children, educators and our communities safe by beginning the 20-21 school year with virtual only instruction. 

“While we agree in-person education is the best thing for students, moving kids and educators in and out of school based on isolation and quarantine protocols will be too risky and too disruptive to the teaching and learning environment,” Fleming said. “Let’s work together to maximize the next two weeks to ensure that we keep students and educators safe, and prepare for a new way to deliver education and support until we can get this virus under control.” 

President Fleming’s remarks were made to the Education Caucus of the Arkansas General Assembly. Sen. Alan Clark and Rep. Mark Lowery called the meeting to hear from stakeholders on the topic: COVID-19 School or Not?  

Arkansas Education Association Return to Learn Committee

Chair: Kendall Tabor

Wonderview School District

Vice-Chair: Nanette Patino

Little Rock School District

Recording Secretary: Anna Beaulieu

Fayetteville School District

At-Large Committee Members

Ryan Gray – Fort Smith School District

Mary Knight, AEA Vice President – Lee County School District

Kyla Lawrence – North Little Rock School District

Audrey Nichols, AEA Secretary-Treasurer – Pulaski County Special School District

Corliss Stuckey – Hope School District

Evelyn Wilson-Thomas – Strong-Huttig School District

Ex-Officio

AEA President, Carol B. Fleming

AEA Executive Director, Tracey-Ann Nelson