Are you beginning to think about retirement? Many of our members will tell you that retirement truly lives up to the hype — but preparing for it is essential.
Central OEA/NEA is here to support you on that journey.
On Saturday, March 14, 2026, from 9:00–10:30 AM, Central OEA/NEA will host a Virtual Pre‑Retirement Workshop.
We are pleased to welcome Tamla Cole, STRS Counselor, who will share valuable information about the steps you need to take as you prepare for retirement. Ms. Cole has presented this workshop across Ohio and with us for many years, and it continues to be one of our most popular events.
This workshop is especially helpful for members who are within 3–5 years of retirement, but all members are welcome to participate.
To register:
• Login to your Central account (or create one if you don't have one)
• Scroll down to the session "Pre-Retirement Workshop" and click "going."
• Wait a moment for your selection to register. That's it.
If you have any questions, please contact Barry Alcock at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
We look forward to seeing you on March 14 from 9:00–10:30 AM on Zoom (we will email registered attendees the Zoom link a few days prior to the workshop).
Central is offering Association Leaders, Treasurers, and Building/Faculty Reps training on June 4th at the Central office (2760 Airport Dr. Suite 120B. Columbus OH 43219).
Association Rep Training
June 4, 2026. 9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
This training will cover the role of being a rep, communicating with members and administration, and representing members in difficult meetings. Local officers welcome to attend.
President's Training/Local Leader Think Tank
June 4, 2026. 12:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
This training for local officers will include the nuts and bolts of the OEA President's manual including election procedures, Constitution & Bylaws compliance, the OEA Local Development Tool, the grant application process, engaging your members, and more. It will also allow time for networking and sharing of best practices among locals.
Open to new and experienced presidents and other officers with the hope that we will learn from each other. Attending this training is one of the qualifying events for Central's Local Participation Award Program.
To register for these sessions simply:
• Login to your Central account (or create one if you don't have one)
• Scroll down to the session you wish to attend and click "going."
• Wait a moment for your selection to register. That's it.
We will have food and beverages available at the in-person training sessions.
We have set the times and dates for the Central Treasurers' Workshops for 2026. You may choose to attend either or both.
Attending a Treasurer’s Workshop is a requirement to qualify for the OEA fiscal fitness award. We also recommend that Newer Local Presidents and Local Membership Chairs attend the New Treasurers' Workshop.
The Central Treasurers workshop(s) will be VIRTUAL via Zoom
6/4/26 - New Treasurers' Workshop 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Our traditional annual offering of training for Local Treasurers with limited experience
6/4/26 - Experienced Treasurers' Workshop - 10:45 a.m. - Noon
Our traditional annual offering of training for Local Treasurers with experience
To register:
Login to your Central account (or create one if you don't have one)
Scroll down to the training session you wish to attend and click “going"
Wait a moment for your selection to register. That's it.
We’ll send Zoom information a few days prior to the training.
Central President
(Three-year term ending August 31st, 2029)
Central Vice President
(Three-year term ending August 31st, 2029)
Area 5 Representative #3
(Three-year term ending August 31st, 2029)
OEA Board of Directors 2
(Three-year term ending July 14th, 2029)
OEA Board of Directors 4
(Three-year term ending July 14th, 2029)
OEA Board of Directors 7
(Three-year term ending July 14th, 2029)
For OEA Board of Directors positions, candidates must submit this form to William Baird no later than February 8th, 2026.
For Central positions, candidates must submit this form to Central no later than February 23rd, 2026.
The 2026 Diversity Conference - DEI Where Are You?
When: February 7 starting promptly at 9:00 am - Noon on Zoom.
We will have 2 panels, offering 2 different perspectives.
Panel 1 – The Community
Panel 2 – The Educators
All Central events are free for Central members and can earn participants free CEU's!
Register no later than February 4 for this excellent professional development offering::
1. Log in to your Central account (or create an account if you don't have one)
2. Scroll down to "Central Diversity Conference" and click "Going"
3. Wait a short moment for it to register. That's it.
We will email all registrants the Zoom link a few days before the event. As always, our events are free for members.