AERA Foundation Board
Overview
The Alabama Education Retirees Foundation (originally named the Alabama Retired Teachers Foundation) was officially incorporated on September 29, 1989, and received its Federal Income Tax exemption under 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code on October 31, 1989. The Foundation was created by the Alabama Retired Teachers Association, Inc. (ARTA), which is now the Alabama Education Retirees Association, Inc. (AERA). One of the purposes of the Foundation is to offer scholarships for those who are currently engaged in teaching as a career. The Foundation has been actively pursuing contribution to build a financial base that will provide the financial support for a series of scholarships awarded to educators who wish to pursue further training.
Scholarship Program
The initial action of the Foundation included the creation of the Elementary/Secondary Education Scholarship Program. This program is designed to provide onetime scholarships for educators who are currently employed in a state public school system (K-12). Scholarship recipients will receive training in areas of counseling, mathematics, science, computer education, library media, special education, English as a second language, or other specialized areas where a proven need exists. The Foundation’s board of directors determines the amount and number of the scholarships annually.
Accomplishments
Each year, the Foundation awards nine $2,000 scholarships to active educators who are also AEA members. One recipient is chosen from each of AERA’s nine districts. As of May 2018, a total of 200 scholarships have been awarded since the program began in 1991. Also, non-certified personnel are eligible to participate in the scholarship program to receive assistance in obtaining certification.
Contributions
To supplement the financial support from state membership and local units, the Foundation actively seeks contributions to reach its goal. One significant means of contributing is to have the name of a loved one or friend included on the “Hall of Fame” wall located in the AERA state office in Montgomery for a contribution of $100 or more. All donations are tax deductible. Additional information may be obtained by calling the state office at 1-800-537-6867.
District | Name and Info | Term |
---|---|---|
1 | Mitzi Smallwood 1337 Elm Street S Cullman, AL 3505 256-734-5706 Zip Code: 35055 |
2020-2023 (First Term) |
2 | Larry Stewart 409 Newberry Drive Weaver, AL 36277 256-820-7235 or 256-453-0015 (cell) lbs1@cableone.net |
2020-2023 (First Term) |
3 | Carol Abernathy Secretary 592 Abernathy Road Fayette, AL 35555-4607 205-932-6599 or 205-270-9993 Abernathy437@centurytel.net |
2020-2023 (Second Term) |
4 | Leannier Turner Post Office Box 1397 Sylacauga, AL 35150 cell 256-404-2496 Leanniertuner@gmail.com |
2018-2021 (Second Term) |
5 | Katie Walton 2740 16th Avenue SW Lanett, AL 36863 334-576-2209 walton2740@charter.net |
2018-2021 (Second Term) |
6 | Annie Robertson Vice President 60 Aspen St. Gallion, AL 36742 205-919-8081(cell) or 334-295-5261 (home) robertsonannie@yahoo.com |
2018-2021 (Second Term) |
7 | Gwen Peterson 2136 Beverly Drive Montgomery, AL 336111-2704 334 300-0636 gweynnovations@yahoo.com |
2019-2022 (First Term) |
8 | Herbert White 3920 Berwyn Drive South Apt. 214 Mobile, AL 36608-2163 251 343-9192 or 251-454-4787 hkhwhite@bellsouth.net |
2019-2022 (First Term) |
9 | Susan Helms President 544 County Road 622 Enterprise, AL 36330 334-347-7350 Shelms4@roadrunner.com |
2019-2022 (Second Term) |
10 | Mildred Switzer 2656 Meadowlark Lane Northport, AL 35476 205-886-7619 4switzer@att.net |
2019-2022 (First Term) (First Seating for District 10) |