Ohio Teachers Unions

Ohio has two primary teachers unions, the Ohio Education Association (OEA) and the Ohio Federation of Teachers (OFT). Both unions play a role in advocating for educators’ rights and improving public education across the state. The OEA and OFT both have ties to national organizations and are deeply involved in political advocacy, shaping education policy, and securing funding for public schools.

As a teacher in Ohio, learning how these unions work can give you a better understanding of where your union dues go and the rights and opportunities available to you.

Ohio Education Association

Leadership

• President: Scott DiMaurio
• Vice President: Jeff Wensing
• Secretary-Treasurer: Rob McFee
• Executive Director: Patricia Collins

Organization
The Ohio Education Association (OEA) is structured as a member-driven organization with a network of local affiliates representing educators at the district or school level across the state. It is governed by an elected Board of Directors, made up of representatives from these local associations. The OEA also has a Delegate Assembly, where members vote on key policies and initiatives. Local affiliates are responsible for addressing issues specific to their communities, while the state-level is for dictating wider policy and suggestions to the lower rung.

Member Dues
OEA dues vary depending on your position (e.g., full-time teacher, part-time educator, support staff) and the local association’s requirements. Typically, dues include contributions to both the state-level OEA and the National Education Association (NEA) and is around $800 annually.

Meetings
The Ohio Education Association (OEA) holds several meetings throughout the year, including its Representative Assembly (RA), which typically meets twice a year—in the fall and spring. These meetings are the main decision-making bodies where elected delegates from across the state discuss and vote on policies, budget allocations, and initiatives that guide the union’s activities.

In addition to the RA, the OEA Board of Directors meets regularly to handle governance and strategic decisions between the larger RA meetings. Local affiliates and committees within the OEA also hold their own meetings throughout the year to address local issues.

Requirements
To join the Ohio Education Association (OEA), you must work in education as a teacher, support staff, higher education faculty, or aspiring educator. Membership typically requires joining a local association affiliated with the OEA and paying annual dues, which will vary based on your employment status.

Pros and Cons

• Pros: Union membership offers protection, collective bargaining rights, access to training, member discounts, and scholarship opportunities for further education or development.
• Cons: Members must pay dues, have limited individual influence, may not agree with the union’s positions on certain issues, and local union effectiveness can vary depending on the district.

Ohio Federation of Teachers

Leadership

• President: Melissa Cropper
• First Vice President: Shari Obrenski
• Second Vice President: Lee Black
• Recording Secretary: Catherine Hernandez
• Treasurer: Brian Kesseler

Organization
The Ohio Federation of Teachers (OFT) represents educators, school support staff, higher education faculty, and public employees. The OFT is affiliated with the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) and works with local affiliates to address statewide and district-specific concerns.

Member Dues
Union dues vary depending on the member’s role and the local affiliate. Similar to other unions, OFT dues are structured to cover the costs of both the state-level OFT and the national American Federation of Teachers (AFT). Dues for full-time members can range from $500 to $800 per year, but this amount can fluctuate based on local dues rates and collective bargaining agreements.

Meetings
The Ohio Federation of Teachers (OFT) holds a convention every two years where delegates from across the state meet to set policies and elect officers, while the executive board meets regularly between conventions. Local affiliates typically meet monthly or quarterly to address district-specific issues, and various committees meet as needed to focus on topics like professional development and political advocacy.

Requirements
To join the Ohio Federation of Teachers (OFT), individuals must work in an eligible education-related or public service position, such as a teacher, school support staff, or higher education faculty member. Membership typically involves joining a local OFT-affiliated union in your district or workplace and paying annual dues, which vary based on job role and local union agreements. Members must also adhere to union standards and support the OFT’s mission to improve working conditions and public education.

Recent Activity
Teachers union fights Ohio bills addressing libraries (2024)

Pros and Cons

• Pros: Membership provides access to scholarships and grants, union protection, and collective bargaining rights to advocate for better working conditions.
• Cons: Members are required to pay dues, may not always agree with the union’s political positions, have limited individual control, and support can vary depending on the situation.

Call to Action

Union membership is a choice. If you decide union membership is not right for you, opting out is easy.