Tuesday, 16th of June 2026, 02:43:42 PM
AEA Members Travel to Mobile for the AEA Leadership Conference
Educators from every corner of the state convened in Mobile, for the 2026 AEA Leadership Conference, held June 11-13. The theme for the conference was “Rooted in Leadership, An AEA Family Reunion,” recognizing the importance of a strong foundation to support effective leadership. Attendees participated in breakout sessions featuring topics such as sparking engagement to deepen learning, special education law for educators, and understanding the difference between a gripe and a grievance. They also gained valuable information to put themselves and their students on the path to success in the upcoming school year and beyond.
The conference began on Thursday, June 11. Members were welcomed by AEA President Dr. Bridgette Massey Johnson and received a greeting from Baldwin County Schools Superintendent Marty McRae. AEA Executive Director Amy Marlowe then gave an address reporting on the strong state of the Association. The opening general session also included the “Rooted In” panel. The panel featured educators with diverse areas of expertise who explained what they are rooted in and why. To end the opening session, Dr. Johnson recognized this year’s outgoing AEA Board Members and thanked them for their dedication and commitment to AEA and the education profession. Once the session was adjourned, attendees moved into a reception where they fellowshipped with other members to conclude the first day of the conference.
The second day began with a morning full of breakout sessions led by local association leaders and AEA staff. Members gained valuable information on education-related topics and how to conduct their local meetings more effectively. As the conference continued into Friday afternoon, members received a greeting from Eshwaa Godfrey, the 2026 Alternate Teacher of the Year, Slema City Schools. Attendees then heard from the conference’s two keynote speakers, Lulu Gribbin and L. Kobie Wilkerson. Lulu is a 17-year-old amputee advocate and the founder of the Lulu Strong Foundation, which aims to improve access to advanced prosthetics and therapeutic solutions for all amputees. Kobie, a master teacher and internationally award-winning author, specializes in activating students and educators alike to cultivate a love of learning. Following the dynamic speakers, the new AEA Board Members were installed, and the day was adjourned.
The final day of the AEA Leadership Conference kicked off with breakout sessions regarding the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and CPR Training. After the breakout sessions, the last general session began. AEA Associate Executive Director Attorney Theron Stokes provided news from the AEA Legal Department, followed by AEA Government Relations Director Dr. Allison King, who shared an AEA Legislative Update. The closing session also recognized the future of AEA leadership with the presentation of the 2026 Building Effective Local Leadership (BELL) Team and Emerging Leader Cohorts. These promising educators represent the next generation of advocates and change-makers for Alabama’s public schools. Dr. Johnson wished everyone safe travels home, and the conference concluded.
Not only did educators benefit from this conference, but their students and colleagues will as well. The information shared provided educators with new and innovative tools to implement in their classrooms or schools. Educators left energized and prepared to incorporate their newly learned skills into their worksites and local associations.
While this was our last conference until the Minority Leadership Training (MLT) Conference, we encourage members to remain rooted in their local associations and communities. We cannot wait to see how AEA continues to grow over the remainder of the summer and into a new school year!
Click HERE to view the conference photo album.
