OEA members offer solutions to state’s growing teacher recruitment and retention crisis
As Ohio continues to contend with an alarming decrease in staffing in its K-12 public schools, educators from around Ohio have come together to take on the problem and offer potential solutions.
Celebrate Educator Appreciation Week with the Blue Jackets!
The Columbus Blue Jackets have partnered with The Ohio Education Association again this year to celebrate all Ohio Educators on Saturday, November 19th at Nationwide Arena when the Blue Jackets host the Detroit Red Wings. Additional games are offered during the week using the special ticket offer.
September 2022 OEA Retirement Systems Update
Report to the OEA Board of Directors — the State Teachers Retirement System, the School Employees Retirement System, & the Ohio Public Employees Retirement System.
OEA celebrates advocacy wins in new state report card system
As families and education stakeholders around the state continue to examine the newly released state report card data, the Ohio Education Association (OEA) is celebrating the hard work of Ohio’s dedicated educators to support the state’s students as they continue to overcome the challenges of pandemic-era learning. Further, OEA expresses its sincere gratitude to the lawmakers who answered OEA’s calls for report card reform, resulting in the fairer assessments that were made public today.
Help end student retention under the Third Grade Reading Guarantee
House Bill 497 - Help end student retention under the Third Grade Reading Guarantee
OEA members recommend pro-public education candidates for statewide, legislative races
Decisions made in Ohio’s statehouse and by other elected officials impact what happens in our public-school classrooms every day. Ohio Education Association members have spent the last several months interviewing candidates in political races around the state to make recommendations about who will best serve Ohio’s students, educators, and public schools if elected to office
Celebrate Ohio’s exceptional educators. Nominate an educator in your community today!
Ohio’s educators make a difference in their students’ lives every day. From classroom teachers to paraeducators, professors, bus drivers, school secretaries, custodians, and more, Ohio’s public school employees have dedicated their lives to serving our kids and making our schools great. Help recognize an Education Champion by nominating a special educator!
OEA – Teacher wage gap report highlights teacher shortage cause
A new report from the Economic Policy Institute examining the “teacher wage penalty” data is shining the spotlight on one of the root issues behind Ohio’s growing educator recruitment and retention crisis
Public Sector Employment and Political Activism: Using Your Voice While Protecting Your Job
The First Amendment protects all citizens of the United States by limiting the government’s ability to abridge freedom of speech. However, when the government is also a person’s employer things can become a bit more complicated.
A Teacher’s Brain Following Yet Another School Shooting…and Yet Another Misguided Response by Legislators
Ohio Teacher Julie Holderbaum shares more questions whirling around in a teacher’s brain…this time following a school shooting and recent legislation passed in light of it.
Ohio Education Association expresses disappointment in Gov. DeWine’s shortsighted decision to sign HB 583
After charter and voucher hawks snuck 11th hour amendments into legislation meant to address the substitute teacher shortage in Ohio’s public schools, Governor Mike DeWine had the opportunity to do the right thing and line-item veto those ridiculous changes. Unfortunately, …
Ohio Education Association decries Gov. DeWine’s decision to sign HB 99
Ohio Education Association decries Gov. DeWine’s failure to stand up to gun lobby, address school safety concerns
Legislative Watch – June 3, 2022
Bill that Dilutes Training Requirements for Armed School Staff Clears Ohio Legislature; School Security Grants; Bill to End Student Retention Under Third Grade Reading Guarantee Clears House; HB 616: “Divisive Concept/Don’t Say Gay” Bill Gets First Hearing Testimony From Bill Sponsors; Updates on House Bills 583, 529, and 151
June 2022 OEA Retirement Systems Update
Report to the OEA Board of Directors — the State Teachers Retirement System, the School Employees Retirement System, & the Ohio Public Employees Retirement System.
Ohio Federation of Teachers and Ohio Education Association Urge Gov. DeWine to Veto House Bill 99
Ohio Education Association (OEA) and Ohio Federation of Teachers (OFT), released the following joint statement in opposition to House Bill 99, legislation that would gut training requirements for teachers and other school staff members who are authorized to carry guns in school buildings. OEA and OFT are urging Governor DeWine to veto the bill when it comes to his desk
Legislative Watch – May 27, 2022
House Bill 616 has been scheduled for a first hearing in the Ohio House State and Local Government Committee on Tuesday, May 31, 2022, at 3:00 PM, in Room 114 of the Ohio Statehouse. The committee will hear testimony from the bill sponsors, Rep. Mike Loychick (R-Bazetta) and Rep. Jean Schmidt (R-Miami Township). Take action to protect educators and students.
May 2022 OEA Retirement Systems Update
Report to the OEA Board of Directors — the State Teachers Retirement System, the School Employees Retirement System, & the Ohio Public Employees Retirement System.
OEA Congratulates 2022 National Teacher of the Year Kurt Russell
Oberlin High School teacher Kurt Russell has been named the 2022 National Teacher of the Year by the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO). Russell had been in the running for this prestigious honor after being selected as the 2022 Ohio Teacher of the Year.
Legislative Watch – April 11, 2022
HB 616 Introduced: Doubles-Down on “Divisive Concepts” Prohibitions; Adds “Don’t Say Gay”
Unite to oppose House Bill 616
House Bill 616 Doubles-Down on State Censorship; Combines “Don’t Say Gay” and “Divisive Concept” Prohibitions. Take action and tell your representative to speak out against this bill and oppose it.
OEA denounces House Bill 616
Ohio Education Association denounces House Bill 616, vows to continue fight to ensure students have freedom to learn and thrive
March 2022 OEA Retirement Systems Update
Report to the OEA Board of Directors — the State Teachers Retirement System, the School Employees Retirement System, & the Ohio Public Employees Retirement System.
Unite to oppose House Bill 327
Let’s unite to oppose House Bill 327 – legislation that would force educators to whitewash our history and distract from the real issues facing Ohio’s schools!
OEA condemns latest version of House Bill 327
Ohio Education Association condemns latest version of House Bill 327, vows to continue fight to give Ohio’s children an honest education
Backpack Bill would come at enormous cost
The Ohio Education Association (OEA) is sounding the alarm about the grievous consequences House Bill 290 – known as the Backpack Bill -- would bring for Ohio’s children and communities. HB 290 would drive a massive hole in the state budget with little accountability for the money, all while leading to greater racial segregation and worse student outcomes, OEA leaders warn.
Urge Ohio Redistricting Commission to Adopt Fair Maps
Last week, the Ohio Supreme Court rejected highly partisan maps for the state legislature and sent the Ohio Redistricting Commission back to the drawing board. The Court gave the Redistricting Commission just 10 days to agree on new maps that adhere to the Constitution. Please make your voice heard and insist upon fair legislative maps, time is of the essence!
Putting Education First – Messaging Guidance for Local Leaders
This content is for OEA members only.
Help us celebrate OEA’s 175th Anniversary in 2022. Visit the links to learn about and participate in various events.
Foundation Gala
Thank you to all our attending members and guests who participated in the 2022 Foundation Gala commemorating the OEA 175th anniversary.
OEA marks 175 years as the Voice for Public School Educators and Students
Follow a timeline that traces the early years of the OEA as it grew from an organization founded by a small group of men to a union more than 120,000 members strong
OEA 175th Anniversary Video
Since 1847, the Ohio Education Association has been proud to lead the way for great public schools for every child. As OEA marks its 175th anniversary, members and leaders have been sharing their memories from the last several decades of …
OEA/NEA MEMBER-ONLY BENEFITS
Your OEA membership is there to support you in the important, life-changing work that you’re doing. Visit OEA ACCESS to unlock even more dining, travel, auto, retail, and recreational discounts.
OEA Legal Services — Protecting Your Rights
The high cost of hiring an attorney to protect employment rights should not be a deterrent to an OEA member. Each year, the OEA-NEA Legal Services Program provides paid legal representation to members who are forced to take legal action in a matter relating to their job.
Wellness Issues and Resources
There is currently an increased need to provide OEA members with information and resource offerings in relation to stress/wellness. This is a roundup of resources to support student and staff mental health.
Student Loan Forgiveness ZOOM Workshops
The demand for information about loan forgiveness increased exponentially following the announcement of the Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program overhaul announced by the Department of Education in October 2021. By popular demand, NEA Member Benefits is continuing to offer additional Student Loan Forgiveness ZOOM workshops
Month-at-Glance — Featured Events
OEA Master Calendar
- Online Master Calendar — (How to submit and use the calendar portal.)
Additional Events
2022-2023 OEA Member Resource Guide
2022-2023 OEA Member Resource Guide
The new 2022-2023 OEA Member Resource Guide is an overview to help you make the most of your OEA Membership
Celebrate Ohio’s exceptional educators. Nominate an educator in your community today!
Celebrate Ohio’s exceptional educators. Nominate an educator in your community today!
Ohio’s educators make a difference in their students’ lives every day. From classroom teachers to paraeducators, professors, bus drivers, school secretaries, custodians, and more, Ohio’s public school employees have dedicated their lives to serving our kids and making our schools great. Help recognize an Education Champion by nominating a special educator!
OEA Boot Camps 2.0
OEA Boot Camps 2.0
The OEA Bargaining Boot Camps will provide local-specific financial analysis, health insurance, and contract language assessments.
Top 10 Reasons to Belong to OEA
Top 10 Reasons to Belong to OEA
There’s power in numbers. Belonging to your OEA and your Local Association gives you greater influence over the decisions that affect your students, your classroom, and your career.
Celebrate Educator Appreciation Week with the Blue Jackets!
Celebrate Educator Appreciation Week with the Blue Jackets!
The Columbus Blue Jackets have partnered with The Ohio Education Association again this year to celebrate all Ohio Educators on Saturday, November 19th at Nationwide Arena when the Blue Jackets host the Detroit Red Wings. Additional games are offered during the week using the special ticket offer.
