Tell your legislator that Stronger Schools and Better Jobs are musts for Ohio. Find out how to ask them to support the Governor's plan to improve education in a way that strengthens our economy.

REGISTER By July 30 for the “Great Teachers Make Great Schools: 2009 Teacher Conference,” a new professional development opportunity designed to enhance student progress.

This year's Union Leadership Institute (ULI) workshops improved members' skills and understanding of topics such as alternative compensation plans, interest-based bargaining and revitalizing the union through internal organizing.

OFT locals in Van Wert and Cleveland Heights are featured in a new series of videos highlighting Ohio Schools to Watch (OSTW). Learn more about the program and how to apply (deadline is Oct. 16).

Check out photos from the first event and find out which teams won.

Want to know the status of your licensure application? Check it in real time online.

The new Licensure Code of Professional Conduct brings a renewed focus on the behavior of educators in the course of their duties. Find out how it impacts you.

The Ohio Department of Education has enhanced its Stimulus webpage to increase its user-friendliness. Changes include:

• More detailed information about each of the fund areas;
• Updated categorization of information; and
• Information about grants related to education, but not administered by ODE.

In this edition:

•          Register for ‘Great Teachers Make Great Schools’ Conference Aug. 9-11

•          AFT’s QuEST Conference Focuses on ‘Investing in Our Future’

•          Teachers Needed to Participate in Survey on Autism Spectrum Disorders

•          Two OFT-staffed High Schools Make Newsweek List of 1500 Best

•          INFOhio Provides Resources for Students, Parents, Educators

•          State Board Adopts Physical Education Content Standards

Take the Ohio research survey designed to examine educators’ knowledge of and professional experiences with Autism Spectrum Disorders. State University's

Ohio Federation of Teachers President Sue Taylor today delivered a letter to President Barack Obama to educate him about the vastly failing charter school program in the Buckeye State. Find out why.

Communities within a school that transform academic knowledge to real world contexts won a Success in Public Schools award for one Toledo school Nov. 11.

IRS Asked to Examine 501(c)(3) Filings of For-Profit Charter Chains

By a letter sent to the IRS today, that federal agency is being asked to examine whether charter schools managed by the for-profit corporation White Hat Management, Inc. and its affiliates can be properly registered as 501(c)(3) tax-exempt entities under federal law.