AAEA: On a Role!

Mike Mertens, AAEA Assistant Executive Director

This month’s featured staff member likely needs no introduction - Mike Mertens has worked for AAEA for 15 years as the Assistant Executive Director. Prior to joining AAEA, he spent 37 years in Arkansas education working in the Des Arc, Bryant, and Greenbrier school districts.

Mike works directly with our AACTEA, ASPMA, and TEL-AR constituent groups. He sends out the Daily News email blast, assists with the Our Two Cents publication, and gathers news articles for the AACTEA newsletter, The Cutting Edge. He also develops the annual administrator salary survey report, coordinates the required training and mentoring activities in the New Superintendent Mentoring Program, and assists the Executive Director in lobbying efforts and in providing leadership, coordination, and development of association activities. Mike additionally assists the AAEA staff in the operation of statewide conferences, workshops and certification classes. He says, “I am always available to answer any questions our members have in areas such as ethics, bidding laws, and school law.”

When not in the office, Mike enjoys spending time with his wife, Margie, and their kids and grandkids. He says, “Margie and I love to go to the movies and we have league bowled for 25 years. We also love spending time with our kids, 12 grandchildren, and two great-grandsons, with another one on the way!”