Mission Viejo, CA – The Association of American Educators (AAE), a national non-union, professional association serving educators in all fifty states, is pleased to announce it has named nationally recognized educator, advocate, and author Jessica Saum as its inaugural National Educator Fellow.

“The passion and professionalism with which Jessica approaches every aspect of her career and her advocacy work made her the natural choice for this vital position,” said AAE’s executive director Colin Sharkey. “We congratulate Jessica and are excited about her forthcoming opportunities to elevate the educator voice and engage in meaningful dialogue for our students’ brightest futures.”

This newly created position reflects the high priority AAE places on the central role of the educator voice in the important discussions affecting both the profession of education and the policies enabling students to achieve their full potential. Jessica currently serves as Collaboration and Inclusion Coordinator with the Special Education Office of the Cabot Public School District in Cabot, Arkansas, and was selected as the 2022 Arkansas Teacher of the Year. Her career has encompassed eleven years as a special education teacher and extensive advocacy for children of military families.

“I am truly honored to have been chosen for this national appointment,” said Ms. Saum. “The advocacy training I received through AAE and its state chapter Arkansas State Teachers Association prepared me extremely well for the work I have accomplished thus far and for what lies ahead. I look forward to working with education thought leaders, the media, parents, and educators across the country on policy issues and concerns that affect the education landscape.”

Ms. Saum is uniquely qualified to fill this critical role as a national advocate and spokesperson for AAE. Her excellence in the classroom and her effective advocacy work have earned her numerous accolades and positions with the Literacy Advisory Council for United Through Reading, the Advisory Board for GiGi’s Playhouse Little Rock, and an appointment in 2024 by Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders to the Arkansas Council for Military Children. Jessica also served as a non-voting member on the Arkansas State Board of Education. She received both her Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood and Special Education degree and her Master of Science in Education in 4-12 Special Education degree from Arkansas State University.

The Association of American Educators (AAE) is the largest national, nonunion, 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 and its Arkansas chapter ASTA are 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 includes $2 million professional liability insurance, employment rights coverage, professional resources, and many other benefits. Classroom teachers, paraprofessionals, administrators, student teachers, university professors, and supporters can learn more at joinaae.org.

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