"It’s heartbreaking to have that lie of indoctrination perpetuated. We’re not the ones in that business... We just want to love them, and teach them, and enable them to live wonderful lives." — Greenon Federation of Teachers President Heather Stambaugh in @barnraiser.bsky.social
"We know [cooperation with ICE] will have big impact for our students' attendance — we are already seeing that. That's not fair to any child, to have to live their lives in fear. " — Julie Sellers, President of Cincinnati Federation of Teachers
"Today we are standing together to fight for our students, patients and colleagues... You make communities safer by building trust with that community, not by intimidating them by force and violence." — Theresa Kulbaga, English professor and @famiamioh.bsky.social President
And congratulations to these OFT members who were also recognized:
- Mary Arp, Brookfield
- Donna Melanson, ESC of Eastern OH
- Jeanne Reyes, Jackson-Milton
- Lora Sembach, Newton Falls
- Scott Yeagley, Weathersfield (Mineral Ridge)
Congratulations to Maria Mangine, member of Lordstown Teachers Association, Local 3789, for being recognized as the Young Educator of the Year at the Mahoning Valley Educator of the Year Honors Dinner earlier this week!
Ali Smith and Hannah Halbert from Policy Matters Ohio accepting an award
Andy Downing from Matter News accepting an award.
… @policymattersohio.bsky.social for advocating for fair tax, budget & school funding policies (accepted by Hannah Halbert and Ali Smith); & @matternews.bsky.social for expanding coverage of local labor issues, including OFT organizing & contract campaigns in Central Ohio (accepted by Andy Downing).
Shannon Hardin receiving an award
Paul De Marco receiving an award
Our Friend of OFT Awards went to: Shannon Hardin, Columbus City Council Pres. for his strong support for OFT organizing campaigns & contract fights in Columbus; Paul De Marco, Attorney at Markovits, Stock & De Marco LLC for help with legal strategies on court cases important to OFT members…
Clockwise from top right: Darold Johnson presenting an award to George Boas; Melissa Cropper and Shari Obrenski presenting an award to Rep. Beryl Brown Piccolantonio; Senator Bill DeMora with his award; Senator Kent Smith with his award; Rep. Sean Brennan with his award.
Our Friend of Public Education Awards went to: Rep. Beryl Brown Piccolantonio, Rep. Sean Brennan, Sen. Kent Smith, Sen. Bill DeMora & George Boas, Retired Deputy Chief of Staff for Ohio Dem. Caucus. They have all been essential in our ongoing fight for fair school funding for all public schools.
A photo of Melissa Cropper, Darold Johnson, and Friend of OFT Award winners
Another highlight from OFT’s convention last week: We presented our Friend of Public Education and Friend of OFT awards to elected officials, advocates, and organizations that have advanced public education or workers rights in Ohio.
Fran Lawrence presents the Dal Lawrence Lifetime Achievement Award to David Quolke.
Fran Lawrence, former Toledo Fed. of Teachers President, presented the Dal Lawrence Lifetime Achievement Award to former Cleveland Teachers Union President David Quolke.
Quolke mobilized members to fight against SB 5 & attacks on Cleveland schools, win strong union contracts & build a strong union
OFT President Melissa Cropper at the microphone.
A graphic with this text: "Our students are watching. Our communities are watching us. They see the overcrowded classrooms, the crumbling buildings, the disappearing librarians, the stressed‑out teachers, the attacks on our most vulnerable members of society. They see which adults are fighting for them and which are using them as props. They deserve more than our frustration. They deserve our organized, disciplined hope and our refusal to accept a future where we’re always scrambling to claw our way out of the next hole." — OFT President Cropper in her State of Our Union address
On Thursday, OFT President Melissa Cropper delivered her "State of Our Union" address and spoke about the massive challenges we face this year and the important work we must do.
A group photo of OFT convention delegates and guests.
A wide shot of OFT delegates in the convention hall.
Last week, OFT member leaders from across Ohio met for our biennial convention. We elected officers, debated & voted on resolutions & learned from each other's victories & challenges from the last two years.
This week we'll be posting convention highlights (that we were too busy to post last week!)
“We have to fight back in all of those different ways. But if we don’t fight forward, then people don’t get something new.” — @rweingarten.bsky.social speaking to Ohio members at @oftunion.bsky.social convention
@rweingarten.bsky.social is with @oftunion.bsky.social in Columbus this morning lifting up the incredible work of members across the state and sharing how AFT is fighting for affordability and economic opportunity for working class Ohioans.
While public schools have to scrimp and save to keep schools open after the legislature severely underfunded schools, this private school is building a $21 million new school -- funded by our tax dollars since the school receives more than $4 million of publicly paid vouchers per year.
A photo collage. Photo 1: A group shot of Dr. Acton and TFT members. photos 2 and 3, Dr. Acton speaking to the crowd.
Today, @amyactonoh.bsky.social spoke with members of the Toledo Federation of Teachers about her campaign and why Ohio needs a Governor who will stand up for public school students, families, and educators.
New content on @aft.org's @sharemylesson.bsky.social:
Jesse Jackson helped shape modern civil rights and political activism. Explore his legacy in voting rights, economic justice, and national politics.
BREAKING: The Department of Education has ended its directive that attempted to restrict diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in schools nationwide.
This is a victory for academic freedom and education equity.
AFT officers remember "titan of justice" Rev. Jesse Jackson in new statement:
"For decades, the AFT stood shoulder to shoulder with him. He walked our picket lines and lifted up our members, knowing that labor rights and civil rights are inseparable."
www.aft.org/press-releas...
FFA is about so much more than farming. 🌾
From leadership and career skills to confidence and community service, agricultural education helps students thrive in school and beyond:
https://sharemylesson.com/blog/future-farmers-future-leaders @aft.org @sharemylesson.bsky.social @oftunion.bsky.social
In New Lexington, OH, @oftunion.bsky.social members are rethinking what public school can be—offering robotics certifications, elementary welding workshops and hands-on pathways that prepare students for high-wage careers. youtube.com/shorts/DnLgm... #PublicSchoolProud #CTEworks
“People are working harder than ever and getting nowhere. My opponent says people are struggling because they’re lazy. These are not the Ohioans I know." — Dr. Amy Acton
Congratulations to the journalists at the Columbus Dispatch and the Newark Advocate on their huge union election win!
In Englewood, OH, Paula Wathen, a CTE educator, is changing lives by connecting students to skills, careers, and opportunity—and was just recognized with the Golden Apple award for her outstanding work.
@oftunion.bsky.social
www.facebook.com/watch/?v=156...
#PublicSchoolProud #CTEworks
See how New Lexington Schools is breaking down barriers and creating innovative learning experiences for every student.
From robotics certifications to welding workshops for elementary students, they're redefining what's possible in public education.
@oftunion.bsky.social #CTEworks #CTEMonth
A letter from City Council: Lauren Hagan CEO of CML Dear Ms. Hagan, The Columbus Metropolitan Library system is a beloved asset that plays a vital role in Central Ohio. Your committed staff are on the frontline every day not just of our neighbors’ needs for learning and literacy but for social services and community. We understand those staff have applied for a union election. We are writing to affirm our support for the workers at Columbus Metropolitan Library to exercise their lawful right to organize a union with the Ohio Federation of Teachers. We request that you remain neutral throughout the organizing campaign and the election, refraining from actions to interfere with or delay their legally-protected efforts. City Council firmly believes in the right of workers to organize and in the laws that protect a fair, free, and lawful organizing process. History shows that strong, respectful partnerships between labor and management not only improve working conditions, but also strengthen institutions and the services they provide. When employees have a voice, organizations are better positioned to thrive. We hope Columbus Metropolitan Library will honor these rights as it considers its response to the organizing effort. Columbus Metropolitan Library is a leader among libraries. That excellence is sustained through a partnership between leadership and the skilled, dedicated, and compassionate professionals who make the library’s mission possible. The library workers seeking to organize are acting not only in support of their own well-being, but in service of the long-term strength and success of the library itself. City Council remains committed to advancing fairness and dignity in the workplace. These principles improve the lives of workers, strengthen organizations, and build stronger communities. Thank you for your outstanding leadership of Columbus Metropolitan Library and for your continued service to the residents and families of our community.
The names and signatures of all 9 Columbus city council members
Thank you to the entire Columbus City Council for sending a letter to @columbuslibrary.bsky.social in support of CML workers and urging the library to remain neutral while workers wait for their union election!
@oftunion.bsky.social member Sara Casto is teaching agricultural education by blending classroom and experiential learning in her Ohio community, drawing on her own background growing up on her family farm. Check out how Sara's shaping future farmers and future leaders ⤵️
medium.com/@AFTunion/fu...
Here's the link to the online version - (full disclosure: I'm interviewed at the end about Ohio University's unionization efforts!) www.wosu.org/show/all-sid...
