As we begin the new school year, the over 15,000 members of the Southwestern Ohio Education Association are ready to change tomorrow through action today. We are ready to build a great public school for every student. We are ready to face the challenges that lie ahead to provide a better tomorrow for the thousands of lives we touch every day. SWOEA is committed to providing quality public education for students and the highest degree of professional and organizational development for our members. There are four focus areas for the coming year: o Our work has placed a pro-public education Governor in Columbus; we must continue to lobby the members of the Legislature to effect changes that will strengthen public education and the rights of public education employees. Ask your local President or Labor Relations Consultant on how YOU can become involved in these grassroots efforts. o NEA, OEA, and SWOEA are built on democratic principles. One of the rights you have is to be represented in assemblies of these organizations. We urge every local to have an election in the fall for OEA/SWOEA delegates and in the spring for NEA delegates. o SWOEA and WOEA, the two districts that compose OEA Region 5, will continue their cooperation to achieve common goals for our section of the state. o Both the leaders of SWOEA and the leaders of each local association must continue to involve all members, and especially our newer education employees, to be an active participant in our professional associations. The SWOEA Officers, Executive Committee, and Standing Committees have planned programs and workshops to help address some of our timely interests. These are publicized in the Newsline and at www.swoea.org. Phyllis, Mike, and I invite you to be a part of our programs for 2008-2009. We also encourage you to bring along your colleagues to any event you may be attending. I want to commend each of you for the hard work that you are beginning with the learners you serve. We are the leaders of professional progress. Please feel free to contact Phyllis, Mike, or me by phone or e-mail with your suggestions and concerns. Have a great year! Richard C. Packert Offce Hours: 9:00 - 4:00 Mondays and Wednesdays/9:30 - 4:00 Tuesdays and Thursdays/Closed Fridays |
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