The STRS Election is just around the corner. You should begin to receive your ballot early April. This is a critical election for our retirement security, and re-electing Arthur Lard is of paramount importantance. You can hear from, and ask Arthur questions at a special Zoom meeting Central is hosting. Simply register using the link below.
When: Mar 29, 2023 05:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Register in advance for this meeting
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
The OEA Board of Directors has endorsed Arthur Lard for election to the State Teachers Retirement System (STRS) Board representing active teachers. Lard is a teacher in Portsmouth City Schools with over 25 years of experience. He teaches Business Education, Financial Management and Accounting.
Additionally, he has served as Treasurer of his local Association for over 19 years. Lard has been a Contributing Member of STRS since 2019. His term extends through Aug. 31, 2023.
Important Dates to Remember:
Early April- May 1: Member voting period
May 1: Votes must be cast- final deadline
Ways to cast your vote: using an official ballot, by phone or online.
Power Up! With Central OEA/NEA PD on March 4th at the new Central Office and training center 2760 Airport Dr. Suite 120B. Columbus OH 43219.
There will be 5 sessions covering the following topics
Registration will open at 8:30 AM with a continental breakfast
09:15 - 10:15 Advocacy and Action
“This session will outline OEAs electoral and legislative strategy during the 135th General Assembly to continue OEAs pro-union, pro-public education agenda, including a discussion on the essential role of empowering member voices in fulfilling that agenda and ways to harness those voices.”
10:15 - 11:15 Using Grants to Rejuvenate Your Local
Central has several grants to help your Local get what you need/want! A perfect time to apply for Local grants to finish out the school year and/or make plans for August. Bring your wish list or let's work together to generate some ideas. Brainstorming, sharing, creating, writing, networking, or even dreaming--you choose how involved you want to be in this session. Let's see if we can find you a million dollars or even a thousand!
11:15 - 12:15 Are You (Truly) Ready for Retirement
Join NEA Member Benefits as they discuss beginning steps and what to keep in mind when thinking about retirement.
Lunch Break1:00 - 2:00 Keeping yourself and your Association Safe Online
Keeping the work and communication of your membership safe is more important than ever in the climate we find ourselves in now. We’ll look at phishing, hacking, what to post using district platforms and an idea on how to keep your work more secure
2:00 - 2:45 Time to Unwind - Decoupage and Boards
We will use oil based markers and glass to create a design that works for you. We will also use a stencil, paint and wood to create a home decor item. Take time to paint, relax and unwind with partners at your table
To register
1. Log in to your Central account (or create an account if you don't have one)
2. Scroll down to “Power Up! Conference” and click “Going”
3. Wait a short moment for it to register. That's it.
Earn Free CEU’s, hang out with friends, network with colleagues, and Power Up with some awesome PD!
Offices Subject to Elections at the 2023 Central OEA/NEA Representative Assembly
Central President
(Three-year term ending August 31st, 2026)
Central Vice President
(Three-year term ending August 31st, 2026)
OEA board of Directors Unit 2
(Three-year term ending July 14th, 2026)
OEA board of Directors Unit 3
(Unexpired term ending July 14th, 2025)
OEA board of Directors Unit 4
(Three-year term ending July 14th, 2026)
OEA board of Directors Unit 7
(Three-year term ending July 14th, 2026)
For OEA Board of Directors positions, candidates must submit this form to William Baird no later than March 7th, 2023.
For Central positions, candidates must submit this form to Central no later than February 21st, 2023.
The Central OEA/NEA Vivian Brown Educational Scholarship for College Students was created in memory of thirty-three-year teacher and Central OEA/NEA member Vivian Brown, who dedicated her life to the purpose of public education and the mentoring of future educators.
The purpose of the Central OEA/NEA Vivian Brown Educational Scholarship for College Students is to provide $1,000 scholarships to students pursuing degrees in education at an Ohio university or college. This scholarship will be awarded each spring to the child of a Central OEA/NEA member.
Criteria & Eligibility
1. Each applicant must be a child of a member of Central OEA/NEA district.
2. Each applicant must be accepted and enrolled in a course of study leading to a degree in education at a degree-awarding university or college.
3. Applications will be received beginning January 1, 2023 and no later than February 28, 2023.
4. Each applicant must include two (2) recommendation letters with the application, with one (1) being from a current professor/teacher.
5. The total amount of the scholarship must be used during the school year immediately following the presentation.
6. Previous recipients of the Central OEA/NEA Vivian Brown Educational Scholarship for College Students are not eligible.
7. To download an application go to: www.centraloeanea.org/documents/VivianBrownscholarship.pdf
8. Applications and recommendation letters must be returned to:
Central OEA/NEA
Vivian Brown Educational Scholarship for College Students
2760 Airport Drive Suite 120B
Columbus, OH 43219
Education Advocate Leaders (EALs) are members! They strengthen their Local Associations legislative and political grassroots capacity year-round, by engaging fellow members around legislative and political campaigns.
Each local should try to have at least one Education Advocate Leader to represent primary, one for intermediate, one for secondary educators and one to represent the different classifications in a classified local, SCOPE or Higher Ed.
Central OEA/NEA will provide a $100 stipend to each local Education Advocate Leader who meets the Mandatory Criteria.
To become an Education Advocate Leader, apply online: www.centraloeanea.org/eal
A list of criteria for receiving the Education Advocate Leader stipend follows.
Mandatory Criteria:
• Communicate with your local/colleagues on education issues
• Contribute to the OEA Fund
• Recruit at least 10 colleagues to receive Central ACE's emails and send their addresses to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
• Attend an Education Advocate Leader training session
• Join the OEA Outreach Circle
Strongly Recommended:
• Play an active role in local election activities
• Attend OEA phone banks or an OEA sponsored canvass
• Like and Share Central Social Media Content
Stipends are paid to Education Advocate Leaders who have completed all the mandatory requirements.
Education Advocate Leader training details: We will have a virtual training on October 5th, 2022 at 5:00 PM via Zoom.
Topics covered will include:
• Communication & Involvement (sign up colleagues to ACE’s list, disseminating info to your local)
• How to sign up for the OEA Outreach Circle
• How to sign up for and use the Hustle App
• Cyber lobbying, and engaging Central, OEA, NEA Social Media
• Understanding what the Fund is & is not
• Statehouse lobbying
• EAL Stipend Criteria
• Campaign 2022
To apply to become an Education Advocate Leader apply online: www.centraloeanea.org/eal