To promote educational excellence, the Alabama Education Association serves as an advocate for its members and leads the advancement of equitable and quality public education in Alabama.
AEA Professional Learning Opportunities
Your membership in AEA connects you to the largest association of education professionals in Alabama, and with that comes unmatched opportunities for growth. At AEA, we are committed to supporting the professional development of every member who works tirelessly to educate and inspire our students.
One of the greatest benefits of your membership is exclusive access to professional learning opportunities at little to no cost. We encourage you to explore some of our professional learning offerings below that are designed to help you sharpen your skills, expand your knowledge, and excel in your profession!
SPECIAL EDUCATION PROFESSIONAL LEARNING COMMUNITY (PLC)
The AEA Education Policy and Professional Practice (EPPP) Department is proud to relaunch its Special Education Professional Learning Community (PLC)—a dedicated space created by and for Special Educators.
This virtual PLC will convene monthly, offering opportunities to dive into timely topics and challenges in the field of Special Education. Each session will be led by EPPP Director Katie Stuart alongside guest presenters who bring valuable expertise and practical insight.
The Special Education PLC Session Dates are:
- February 12, 2026
- March 12, 2026
- April 9, 2026
- May 7, 2026
If you are a Special Educator, this is your space to learn, connect, and grow with peers across Alabama. Register at the link below, and you’ll receive a confirmation email with the full PLC schedule and Zoom details.
Click HERE to Join the Special Education PLC!
NBCT JUMPSTART
Join the AEA NBCT Jump Start 2025–2026 Cohort and get the guidance you need to successfully navigate your National Board Certification journey!
We’ll kick off the Fall 2025 semester with a Virtual Informational Session on Thursday, September 18, 2025, from 6:00–7:00 p.m. (via Zoom). This session will ensure you have the most up-to-date information to begin your NBCT path with confidence.
Starting in September, our monthly deep-dive sessions will focus on one component at a time, meeting on the first and third Thursdays of each month from 6:00–7:00 p.m. Led by dynamic NBCT facilitators, these sessions are designed for both novice and advanced candidates.
You’ll have the flexibility to:
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Participate in the full four-component experience, or
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Join only for the component you’re currently working on.
Along the way, you’ll collaborate with fellow members, share strategies, and access resources to help you achieve your goal of becoming a National Board Certified Teacher.
Register in advance below and take the next step toward certification!
Click HERE to Register.
UPCOMING CONFERENCES
2026 SAEA Aspiring Educator Conference
February 7, 2026
Auburn Marriott Opelika Resort & Spa at Grand National | Opelika, AL
Click HERE to register.
2026 AEA Postsecondary Conference
February 6-7, 2026
Perdido Beach Resort | Orange Beach, Alabama
Click HERE to register.
2026 AEA Administrator Conference
February 6-7, 2026
Perdido Beach Resort | Orange Beach, AL
Click HERE to register.
2026 AEA ESP Statewide Conference
February 20-22, 2026
Renaissance Riverview Plaza Hotel | Mobile, AL
Click HERE to register.
UPCOMING APLDS/ACLD-APPROVED PLU STUDIES
Enhance your leadership skills with professional learning opportunities that focus on leadership and educator empowerment. Both courses are designed to reinforce leadership principles and allow educators to rediscover their purpose. These learning sessions will give educators the tools to become stronger educators and support long-term growth.
Stay Strong, Lead Well.
This course will delve into John Maxwell's "Leadershift," allowing participants to remain steadfast in their vision, model resilience for coworkers and students, and foster a positive culture that supports both teaching and learning. Educators will leave with confidence to handle pressures both in the classroom and within the broader community.
Register on PowerSchool Using Course #327058 Empowering Educators.
This professional learning experience helps educators reconnect with their 'why' and align daily classroom practices. Throughout this course, you’ll learn to craft and apply a mission statement that guides classroom leadership and build and sustain a purposeful, motivating classroom culture legacy focused on projects that create lasting classroom impact.
This professional learning experience helps educators reconnect with their 'why' and align daily classroom practices. Throughout this course, you’ll learn to craft and apply a mission statement that guides classroom leadership and build and sustain a purposeful, motivating classroom culture legacy focused on projects that create lasting classroom impact.
Register on PowerSchool Using Course #337594
The deadline to register for both of these courses is February 6, 2026.
UPCOMING WEBINARS
FEBRUARY 10, 2026 | 4:00 P.M.
Moving on Up! Stepping into Leadership with Passion and Purpose
Are you ready to move upward in your educational journey? Do you see yourself utilizing your skills and talents in a broader venue that will benefit even more educators and students? This session will provide you with the tools to tap into your ability to maximize opportunities that will advance your educational journey. Gain insight and network with fellow, motivated individuals to build a support system of greatness as you all step into leadership with passion and purpose.
Click HERE to register.
FEBRUARY 17, 2026 | 4:00 P.M.
Career and Technical Education
This session will celebrate Career and Technical Education Month by exploring the heart of what Career and Technical Education is and its impact on our students. We will also look at the new Career and Technical Education Diploma Pathway and the requirements for students who choose this pathway.
Click HERE to register.
MARCH 17, 2026 | 4:00 P.M.
Celebrating Arts Education Month
Celebrate Art Education Month with this interactive session, which will teach you more about the arts in education while allowing you to leave with a keepsake that you create during the session.
Click HERE to register.
APRIL 14, 2026 | 4:00 P.M.
Point of Order! Parliamentary Procedure for Local Leaders
Tired of meetings that drag on, or worse, ones that could have been an email? This session is your crash course in running purposeful, effective meetings using parliamentary procedure. Designed with Local Leaders in mind, you’ll learn practical tools to keep meetings on track, productive, and engaging.
Not a Local Leader? No problem! All members are welcome to join and gain valuable insight into how meetings work, as well as how to make your voice count.
Click HERE to register.
APRIL 21, 2026 | 4:00 P.M.
Special Education in the General Classroom
This session will equip you with best practices and practical strategies to support all learners, including those with special needs. Together, we’ll explore the shared roles of general and special educators, effective co-teaching models, individualized instruction, and inclusive practices that make a difference. You’ll also gain clarity on key areas of the IEP process and the diploma pathways available to students, ensuring you’re prepared to help every learner reach their full potential.
Click HERE to register.
May 5, 2026 | 4:00 P.M.
Title IX and the Educator's Role
Title IX impacts every educator, but do you truly know your role in upholding it? Whether it’s recognizing, implementing, or reporting a violation, there’s often more to the story than most realize. In this session, you’ll get the facts on Title IX as it relates to your students and gain a clear understanding of your responsibilities as an educator.
Click HERE to register.
#myAEA edChats
The #myAEA edChats are a monthly space for educators to connect, share ideas, and engage in meaningful conversations about the issues that matter most in education. Join us once a month on X (formerly Twitter) and Bluesky to exchange insights, strategies, and experiences with colleagues across Alabama. See the dates below and make plans to be part of the conversation!