Mission Viejo, CA – The Association of American Educators (AAE), a national non-union, professional association serving educators in all fifty states, announces today the addition of a California chapter to serve its hundreds of current members in the state as well as provide a responsive, trusted professional resource to the hundreds of thousands of California’s educators whose association rights have been restored through the U.S. Supreme Court Janus v. AFSCME decision. The launch of the California chapter will support educators as they exercise their right to choose the professional association that best reflects their values, professional goals, and budget.

“In the aftermath of the Janus decision, we recognized the need for a greater presence in the state,” AAE Executive Director Colin Sharkey explained, “California educators are eager to explore their options when making an active, informed, non-partisan, and voluntary decision about which professional association works for them. We are thrilled to provide the information, services, and legal support they need as well as advocate for an education profession that is student oriented, well respected, and personally fulfilling.”

The AAE California chapter will be based in AAE’s national headquarters in Mission Viejo, California, and AAE has posted a job listing for a Regional Membership Director. AAE membership includes a $2,000,000 liability insurance policy, job protection coverage, teaching license protection, discounts, and professional resources.

AAE’s founder and Chairman Gary Beckner, a longtime California resident, shared his excitement about the new chapter, “California was my home for nearly five decades, it is where my wife and I raised three boys through the public school system, then the envy of the nation. Now, more than ever, California needs an organization to support and empower educators committed to professionalism and student achievement.”

Classroom teachers, paraprofessionals, administrators, student teachers, university professors, and supporters can learn more at aaecalifornia.org. New professional members may be eligible for a special promotional rate.

AAE serves members in all fifty states and has several state chapters and regional staff serving members in Arkansas, Kansas, Colorado, Idaho, Washington, Oregon, Georgia, and New Jersey. State chapters provide additional local support without an increase in member dues. Every educator has the right to join the professional association of his or her choice and cannot be forced to pay or join a union as a condition of employment. Although many do, educators who join AAE are not required to end their union membership and the terms of any negotiated agreement still apply to educators who do not belong to the union.

The Association of American Educators (AAE) is the largest national, non-union, professional educator organization, advancing the profession by offering a modern approach to educator empowerment and advocacy—promoting professionalism, collaboration, and excellence without a partisan agenda. AAE is committed to a teaching profession that is student oriented, well respected, and personally fulfilling. AAE serves members in all fifty states and welcomes professionals from all education entities. Membership is $16.50 per month which includes $2 million professional liability insurance, employment rights coverage, professional resources, and many other benefits. Visit aaeteachers.org for more information.

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