Message from President Doerschuk


Happy February!


After what felt like the longest January known to man, even with snow days and days off, I know February will go by in a blink. It always seems like in these cold, snow-filled months that energy is low, students are restless and everyone needs a bit of sunshine in their lives. As the days get warmer and the sun begins to shine a little more consistently, I want to remind locals of the grants and scholarships offered by ECOEA and OEA. Please take advantage of these funds offered and have a community outreach event promoting your local, a social gathering with members to increase engagement or a wellness opportunity for members to relax and feel appreciated. 


In the upcoming months, there are opportunities for you to get involved. The political scene is often hard to navigate, unfair, and can be tough on education. Due to this, I would like to take this opportunity to promote our two upcoming events. Our first event has become one of my favorite events we host as a district. ECOEA’s Legislative dinner is on Friday, February 28th, at LaPizzaria beginning at 6pm, and I would encourage all locals to send at least one member to this event. As educators, we have personal accounts to share and this is a perfect opportunity to speak with the movers and shakers of legislation. The night will include dinner with the legislators as well as a panel discussion featuring key topics that are affecting educators today. Public education is being attacked and this is one event that can make an impact, but it takes our voices, so please join us. 


The second event is our second annual OEA FUNdraiser at Park Centre Lanes hosted by ECOEA. Do you love to bowl? Do you enjoy a fun time? Then come join us as we raise money to fund the political initiatives and candidates that support education. Bowling is one of my personal favorites, and I hope we have a packed house. Last year we were one of the top fundraisers in Ohio and I would love to even out perform that this year! Additional details are further down in this newsletter as well as on our website. I hope you will join us for a striking good time! 


I know it can feel like days are long and the next day off is far off, but I hope you can lean on your colleagues, take a moment for yourself and find the joy in the days ahead to finish off this school year on a positive note, all while taking advantage of what your union can offer you! 


In Solidarity, 

Juliann Doerschuk

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UPCOMING DATES:

Come join us on Friday, February 28 at La Pizzaria for a delicious Italian dinner while we chat with our elected officials about current topics facing educators. Our panel will be moderated by ECOEA President Juliann Doerschuk, and will consist of legislators and members of the Board of Education.


We are looking forward to welcoming the following guests:

  • Representative Scott Oelslager, HD 48
  • Representative Jim Thomas, HD 49
  • Representative Matthew Kishman, HD 50
  • Representative Jodi Salvo, HD 51
  • Representative Monica Robb Blasdel, HD 79
  • Representative Don Jones, HD 95
  • State Board of Education member Rhonda Johnson, District 7
  • State Board of Education member Karen Lloyd, District 9
  • State Board of Education member Dolores Gray Ford, District 11


Dinner is complementary for members, and guests may attend for a $25 charge. A refundable deposit is required for members and will be returned at the dinner. Deadline for registration and deposit is February 21, 2025.

ECOEA Legislative Dinner Reservation

ECOEA INTERNAL ORGANIZING GRANTS

Internal Organizing Grants of up to $500 are available to eligible locals to strengthen and retain membership. Grant proposals should promote member engagement within the local. Examples of past grants are listed on the ECOEA Website. Deadline to apply is March 1, 2025. Activities and documentation must be completed by December 31, 2025



Internal Organizing Grant Application

ECOEA SPRING PUBLIC RELATIONS GRANTS

ECOEA will offer another round of Public Relations Grants of up to $500 to promote the image of your local by giving back to your community. Only locals that elected and sent delegates last school year (2023-2024) are eligible. Locals that received a Fall PR grant are ineligible for a spring grant. Visit the ECOEA website to see past grant projects. Deadline to apply is March 1, 2025.

Public Relations Grant Application

QUINN SCHOLARSHIPS FOR MEMBERS AND A CHILD OF A MEMBER


Applications are now being accepted for the Quinn Scholarships. Two scholarships are offered, both chosen by lottery drawing from all qualified applicants. The Member Scholarship is for $500 and is open to all members who wish to continue their education. The Scholarship can be used for tuition or conference registration fees and is paid by reimbursement upon successful completion of the class.


The Child of a Member Scholarship is for $1,500 and is for a student enrolled or accepted in a program leading to a degree in education.


The scholarships are named in honor of William and Dolores Quinn, the first Executive Director and Executive Secretary of ECOEA. Mr. Quinn was the ECOEA Executive Director for 36 years, beginning in 1959 when ECOEA was founded. The deadline to apply is March 1, 2025.

Quinn Child of a Member Scholarship Application
Quinn Member Scholarship Application

ECOEA NOMINATIONS FOR EXPIRING TERMS AND VACANCIES DEADLINE IS MARCH 1, 2025

Nominations to positions on the ballot of the ECOEA Spring Representative Assembly opened January 1, 2025. Members may self-nominate, or nominate another member with their permission to the expiring terms and vacancies.

Officer positions: two-year terms (2025-2027):

  • ECOEA President
  • ECOEA Vice President
  • ECOEA Recording Secretary

County Rep positions on the Executive Committee: three-year terms (2025-2028):

  • Stark County #1
  • Stark County #2
  • Stark County #4
  • Tuscarawas County

OEA Standing Committee: three-year term (2025-2028):

  • ECOEA Rep to the OEA Professional Efficacy Committee


Per ECOEA Election Rules, Letters of Intent that are received by March 1 will appear on the ballot at the ECOEA RA on April 5, 2025. If a position receives no nominations by the deadline, nominations will be taken from the floor of the RA.

ECOEA Letter of Intent

ECOEA REP TO OEA-R ADVISORY COUNCIL NEWSBRIEF


Kathleen has a February Newsbrief for our OEA-Retired Members at the button below.

Kathleen's February Newsbrief

NEA MEMBER BENEFITS

Check out the COLLEGE BENEFIT program that NEA offers to members and their families! They have a plethora of additional benefits such as auto and home insurance, travel benefits and so much more!

EDVANCE EDUCATION NETWORK

Your ECOEA officers and staff:

President Juliann Doerschuk, Canton Professional EA

Vice President Heather Zuniga, Malvern EA

Recording Secretary Leora Troyer, East Holmes TA

Business Manager Valerie Heban, OEA-Retired, North Canton EA

Executive Director Jennifer Henderson, Canton Professional EA

Website ecoea.ohea.us

ECOEA Office Phone (330) 499-8587

ECOEA Email ecoea@sbcglobal.net