AERA’s governance structure is comprised of the Council, Executive Board, standing committees, and award committees. Ad hoc committees, task forces and working groups may also be established for specific purposes and for limited periods.  

Elected officers of the Association include the President, President-elect, Immediate Past President, Division Vice Presidents and Council Members-at-Large. Presidents appoint members and chairs of standing committees and award committees. 

Council is the legislative and policy-making body of the Association, with the power to review and direct the general affairs of the Association within limits set forth in the Bylaws. Council members include the President, President-elect, Immediate Past-President, six At-Large Members, 12 Division Vice Presidents, the Chair of the SIG Executive Committee, the Chair of the Graduate Student Council, and the Executive Director serving ex officio, without a vote. 

The Executive Board serves as an advisory group to the AERA President and Executive Director, and has the power to act on behalf of Council between meetings and on other matters as determined by Council. Executive Board members include the President, President-elect, Immediate Past-President, three At-Large Members, three representatives elected by the Council from the Council membership, and the Executive Director serving ex officio, without a vote. 

AERA standing committees are established and assigned charges by the Council. In general, standing committees are responsible for conducting specific business in accordance with the mission of the Association (e.g., professional development, social justice, Annual Meeting policies and procedures, etc.). Standing committees may also propose projects or programs that are consistent with established AERA policies specific to their respective charges.