General Description The American Educational Research Association (AERA), with approximately 25,000 members, is the largest national professional organization devoted to the scientific study of education and learning. Founded in 1916, AERA advances knowledge about education, encourages scholarly inquiry related to education, and promotes the use of research to improve education and serve the public good. Members include faculty, researchers, practitioners, and graduate students who work at colleges and universities, independent research institutes, federal and state agencies, school systems, and other organizations throughout the United States and internationally. AERA members conduct research on a broad range of topics including