Holiday break is for time with family, friends - OFT President Melissa Cropper
This holiday season, my wish for you is that you can slow down, relax and enjoy time with family and friends. More greetings.
Educators endorse FitzGerald, others to lead Ohio to a better economy
The educators, bus drivers, classroom aides, sign language interpreters, higher education faculty, school safety personnel, support staff and social workers who are members of the Ohio Federation of Teachers announced endorsements for statewide offices. OFT endorsed for Governor Ed FitzGerald. for Secretary of State Nina Turner, for Auditor John Patrick Carney, for Attorney General David Pepper and for Treasurer Connie Pillich.
STRS
In a move to continue strong protection of our pensions, OFT endorsed Dale Price and Mark Hill for re-election to the STRS Retirement Board. Price, an OFT member and teacher in Toledo, currently serves as chair of the board. Hill is an OEA member from Worthington. Watch for information about the spring election.
OFT members across the state engage in national Day of Action
Parents, students, teachers and community members Dec. 9 staged actions in more than 80 cities across the country to reclaim the promise of public education. See how OFT members joined in Day of Action activities.
Grant offers funding for career, technical education
Youth CareerConnect, a new competitive grant program offers an opportunity for school districts and postsecondary institutions to receive additional funding for career and technical education programs. Sponsored by U.S. Department of Labor, in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Education, grant proposals are due Jan. 27.
OFT in Action
OFT President Melissa Cropper participated in a panel discussion Dec. 18 on how the US can use results of the recent PISA report to improve education here at home. The event was hosted by WVIZ ideastream. For more than a decade the international comparison of education systems has suggested ways the US can improve education. But the recommendations have gone ignored. We must find the will to let go of failed policies and embrace those we know generate positive results. See what AFT says about PISA. The topic was also discussed at length on America's Workforce Radio during Cropper's monthly interview spot. Listen to the show.
Save the Date
OFT Convention registration online -- Registration information for the 2014 OFT Convention is online. All locals are encouraged to register delegates and make hotel reservations soon. The convention will be held Feb. 20-22 in Cleveland.