AEA Opposes HB 2101
AEA opposes HB 2101, sponsored by Rep. Monty Betts, D-Searcy. HB 2101 would remove the teacher's authority to schedule their 200 minutes of preparation time as they saw fit. These 200 minutes are currently given to teachers to be used at their discretion. The amendment permits parent-teacher conferences and "collaborative meetings" with other staff to be held during the 200 minute minimum. The bill also permits planning time in excess of the 200 minutes for student achievement, assessment or district-wide instructional planning.

Please contact your representative and encourage him or her to oppose this bill. You may contact your representative online. Go to www.capwiz.com/nea/ar/state/main/?state=AR&view=myofficials

AEA Opposes HB 2072
AEA opposes HB 2072, sponsored by Eddie Hawkins, D-Vilonia. This bill states that "passing time," or the time between classes, is not included in a teacher's non-instructional duties. AEA believes that this bill would allow administrators to put all teachers, at all times, on duty during passing time.

Teacher duty during passing time is currently handled at the local level, and AEA believes that is should continue that way, so that each school will be better able to arrange its schedule to allow for the most effective use of teachers' time, as well as student safety.

Please contact your representative and encourage him or her to oppose this bill. You may contact your representative online. Go to www.capwiz.com/nea/ar/state/main/?state=AR&view=myofficials

AEA Opposes HB 1918
AEA opposes HB 1918, sponsored by Eddie Hawkins, D-Vilonia. This bill would reduce the number of paid 15-minute breaks from two a day to one a day for classified school employees who work more than 20 hours per week and up to 35 hours a week.

There is currently no law that specifies that classified school employees will also be given a lunch break, unless it is stated in individual school policy. If this bill passes, it is possible that an employee may only have a single 15-minute break during a seven-hour work day.

Please contact your representative and encourage him or her to oppose this bill. You may contact your representative online. Go to www.capwiz.com/nea/ar/state/main/?state=AR&view=myofficials

Together we can, and together we will build a great public school for every child.