NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Association of American Educators (AAE) and Professional Educators of Tennessee (PET/ProEdTN) today announced an affiliated partnership designed to expand support for educators in Tennessee through stronger protections, broader professional learning, and a shared commitment to student success.
This partnership unites two established, non-partisan educator associations dedicated to advancing educator professionalism, legal protection, and advocacy without political spending or traditional labor union structures. Both organizations support educators throughout their careers. Today’s educators need professional liability protection, employment rights assistance, and professional development. Tennessee educators will benefit from PET’s state-specific advocacy and personalized services while accessing AAE’s national resources and professional network.
“This partnership reflects a shared belief that educators deserve an organization focused on serving them and safeguarding the profession,” said Colin Sharkey, Executive Director of the Association of American Educators. “Together, we can offer stronger protections, more growth opportunities, and a more effective voice for educators at both the state and national levels.”
“Our members have always expected us to prioritize educators over politics and to build bridges across the ideological spectrum to find common ground,” said JC Bowman, Executive Director and CEO of Professional Educators of Tennessee. “By partnering with AAE, we are expanding—not replacing—the services our members value. Tennessee educators will gain additional resources and benefits while preserving the legislative advocacy, legal protections, and professional learning that define PET.”
Expanded Professional Protections. Members will have access to a comprehensive educator protection program that combines Tennessee-specific employment rights assistance, credential and licensure defense, classroom liability coverage, coaching and tutoring protections, and legal representation with AAE’s national support services. The result is broader coverage for professional risks and stronger defense when educators need it most.
Stronger Advocacy at Every Level. PET will continue its statewide work before the Tennessee General Assembly and State Board of Education while AAE extends the organization’s reach through federal engagement. Together, the affiliation creates a stronger educator voice focused on practical policy improvements, student achievement, and the teaching profession—without diverting dues to partisan politics or unrelated causes.
Enhanced Professional Learning. Members will gain access to PET’s TASL-accredited Leader U courses alongside AAE’s webinars, publications, leadership tools, and professional learning network. The combined offerings provide more options for continuing education, career development, and classroom support.
Greater Member Value. The affiliation offers opportunities to enhance member value through operational efficiencies, expanded discounts, and greater access to resources, all while keeping dues competitive. It will also strengthen our legislative influence on key issues like teacher pay and education reform, while prioritizing non-partisan, Tennessee-focused initiatives.
National Reach with Tennessee Roots. Professional Educators of Tennessee will remain a trusted local association while joining a national network focused on advancing educator professionalism. This affiliation aims to improve student outcomes and increase the number of young Americans ready for college and careers. It preserves PET’s Tennessee identity and legislative presence while connecting educators with peers and best practices nationwide.
The organizations emphasized that members would experience continuity throughout the affiliation. Existing services, Tennessee advocacy, and educator support will remain central as additional national resources are introduced. Together, AAE and Professional Educators of Tennessee believe the affiliation offers a modern approach and national model for strengthening the profession through collaboration, service, and educator leadership. Both organizations are committed to empowering educators, protecting the profession, and ensuring that every student has access to high-quality learning environments supported by confident, well-prepared, and respected teachers.
About the Association of American Educators. The Association of American Educators is the nation’s largest non-union professional educators’ association, serving educators in all 50 states. AAE provides professional liability insurance, legal protection, professional development, scholarships, and advocacy dedicated to advancing excellence in education.
About Professional Educators of Tennessee. Professional Educators of Tennessee is Tennessee’s leading non-partisan professional association for educators. The organization provides employment rights protection, professional liability insurance, legal assistance, TASL-accredited professional development, legislative advocacy, and member services and benefits designed to support educators throughout their careers while promoting excellence in Tennessee’s schools.
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JC Bowman is the Executive Director of Professional Educators of Tennessee
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