"Education Matters" is the monthly newsletter of the Association of American Educators (AAE), an organization dedicated to advancing the American teaching profession through personal growth, professional development, teacher advocacy and protection. This issue of the newsletter includes: (1) The Big Shift: Changing Demographics in the Teaching Profession (Alexandra Schroeck); (2) Finding Your PLACE in AAE: Promoting Leadership Advancing Connections Educating (Paula Jackson-Eaglin); (3) Protecting Your Career: Teacher Liabilities and Tips for Staying Out of Legal Trouble (Sharon Nelson); (4) News from Washington, D.C.: Reports from AAE's Office in the Nation's Capital--Department of Education Releases Final Guidelines for Race to the Top--Early Learning Challenge; (5) Professional Tools You Might Have Overlooked: How Goals, Words, and Mentors Can Make a Difference (Jill Newell); (6) Educators' Observations & Days 2011-2012; (7) Harvard Study Links Selection Criteria to Student Gains; and (8) Results of New Poll Confirm Need for Nonunion Teacher Organizations.