Why Belong

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Salary and Benefits

Simply put, educators deserve professional pay for professional work — and the members of OEA are the premiere advocates fighting to ensure you’re paid what you’re worth. This also means stopping legislative cuts to your benefits such as retirement security.

Support and Relationships

Being an educator can be stressful — but you’re not alone. OEA members have a support system of thousands of educators and OEA staff who live and work in your district. Whether you’re a new teacher who needs advice on a difficult classroom or a food service worker that’s pushing back against student lunch debt – our union members are here to provide support, experience, and their voices to your needs.

OEA has a community of experienced professionals. Here you will make connections with fellow members at your school, as well as with more than 120,000 members across Ohio and a network of over 3-million members nationwide.

Members have access to some of education’s most sought after resources and supports to help them reach, teach, and inspire Ohio’s students.

Influence and Power

From the local school board to the state legislature, elected officials are making decisions that impact your schools — join our union and be a part of the discussion. OEA members form the strongest voice advocating for educators and students in Ohio. We’re fighting against the standardized test regime, raising the need for fair evaluations, and standing in solidarity to secure fair wages for every worker in our schools.

Protection and Advocacy

With representation at the bargaining table, liability insurance, access to the best team of education law experts in the state, your OEA provides advice and professional advocacy on a range of issues you face as an educator. You have a voice on salary, working and student learning conditions, contract compliance and enforcement,  and retirement benefits.

Professional Development

OEA is one of the largest providers of high-quality professional development trainings in the state. Take part in continuing education in everything from classroom management to teacher evaluations. Find a listing of Professional Development Opportunities here.

Leadership Training

Do you have big dreams to help your students and school? OEA has access to robust leadership training courses that will give you the skills to be an effective leader in your school, community, and state.

Member Discounts

Members can take advantage of deep discounts on vacations, movie tickets, life insurance, cars and more. Lean more about NEA Member Benefits here.

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