This year the OOEA President, Margo Trinter, and OOEA Treasurer, Gina Olszwoy, attended the OEA Summer Leadership Academy. This 3-day conference helped your leaders connect with other locals, learn about new program offers through OEA, and ensure ways to make sure our contract is being upheld. One of Margo’s favorite sessions was getting the updates on legislation that affects not only our teachers, but our students as well. Understanding what lies ahead enables us to prepare and address new tasks constructively. OEA and NEOEA stand ready to support us in identifying the most effective solutions. Gina’s favorite session was the World Cafe. In this session, she learned a new way to allow all members to have a voice within the union, particularly during negotiations. We both found this opportunity extremely valuable for reinvigorating ourselves and preparing for the challenges of the upcoming school year. 

Another highlight was being able to see our fellow member, Kurt Russell, participating in a panel for the final session of the conference. In this session, all attendees were there to hear these members answer important questions about education and being a leader. The panel consisted of Kurt Russell (2022 National Teacher of the Year), Mark Lowrie (2024 Ohio Teacher of the Year), and Cheryl Williams (President of the Dublin Support Association). Each member made important points to always remember your why. They also brought up valid points that we need to remember when teaching our students. We should ensure that the curriculums and resources we use reflect our students. To think about how our stress impacts the way we teach and the way we interact with students. How do we best leave that at the door so we can serve our students but also be able to allow ourselves time to destress? There were some big questions and no one right answer to it all. This conference serves as a powerful reminder that we are all leaders, with the ability to make a meaningful difference in education, for our students, teachers, and the community as a whole.