A Message from ECOEA President Juliann
Happy 2026!
As I prepare to go back to school, I can’t help but think about what the new year will bring. Perhaps you spent time reflecting on 2025 or making goals for the new year ahead while on break. I know I have and I want to share a bit of it with you.
2025 was a year of union business in that we saw members engage and participate in activities throughout our district as well as the state and national levels. We had members attend workshops, conferences and Representative Assemblies as both their locals and ECOEA. We had members engage politically by lobbying in May, participating in the rally at the Statehouse in June, and multiple members wrote legislators throughout the year on critical issues facing public education. We had members help to organize levy and school board campaigns, participate in community events furthering our voices and unity in the locals in which we serve, and more. All of these actions helped us grow closer as a union family. However, I can’t help but think 2026 has more to offer and will need us to gather together and amplify our voices even louder.
I would like to personally invite you to our upcoming events. First, we have our Finance Workshop held on Saturday, January 31st from 9-12 on Zoom. Sessions include STRS/SERS, NEA Member Benefits College Program, and a special session from our own Julie Nelson (President of North Canton EA) on how to read your paycheck and the benefits of obtaining your Masters. Registration can be found at the registration button below. Secondly, we have our Legislative Dinner held on Friday, March 6th. Join us for a night filled with sharing our stories with legislators, hallways, buses and buildings along with an informative panel discussion led by myself. Register now and fill the room with member voices united for public education. #PublicEducationMatters
I challenge you to step into 2026 with action today!
In solidarity,
Juliann Doerschuk
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Put Saturday morning January 31, on your calendar and join us on Zoom to talk money--your money, and the money you anticipate receiving when you retire. EVERY member needs to understand their pension system from day one of employment.
At 9:00 AM, we have two simultaneous sessions-one for certified members with STRS, and one for classified members with SERS. At 10:00 am, learn about Edvance College Benefit from NEA Member Benefits open to you and your family that will match you with an online college program that you can attend at discounted cost, including you with a Masters program! We are super happy to have Julie Nelson, president of North Canton EA, for the final presentation where she will break down your paycheck and explain the numbers, where the money goes, what is negotiated and what is law. She will explain what obtaining a Masters degree can do for you over your career and make your retirement even sweeter!
Retirement isn’t an age — it’s a financial milestone. Learn how to have the money ready when you reach it. No cost to attend, door prizes, PD hours! Your spouse or advisor can watch with you, too! You can't afford to miss this workshop!
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OEA ADVOCACY AND ORGANIZING INSTITUTE at the
COLUMBUS HYATT REGENCY
Strengthen your association and leadership skills at AOI this February at the Columbus Hyatt, February 19-21. Register early to get your choice of sessions. We have scholarships available to attend, too!
The $100 registration fee covers all session materials and food, and two nights at the Columbus Hyatt Hotel, double occupancy. OEA Scholarship deadline January 9, and ECOEA Scholarship deadline January 15. You can see the list of sessions HERE. Sessions fill up quickly so don't delay!
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ECOEA LEGISLATIVE DINNER
We invite you to join us on Friday, March 6, at LaPizzaria Restaurant for an inspiring evening dedicated to the future of public education. Engage with local legislators over a complimentary dinner while sharing insights and discussing the issues affecting public education in Ohio. We encourage you to bring a guest along for a unique night out that combines meaningful networking with essential conversations about education policy. Following dinner, our legislative guests will participate in an interactive panel discussion to address the questions pre-submited by you! ECOEA is proud to provide this opportunity for members to work together and advocate for our students and schools.
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William and Dolores Quinn Scholarships for Members and Children of Members
ECOEA is proud to annually award scholarships in honor of our first Executive Director William Quinn and our first Executive Secretary Dolores Quinn.
The Quinn Member Scholarship provides $500 for continuing education and is chosen by a lottery drawing of all applicants. This year we are also awarding a memorial scholarship to a member for $500 in honor of Mrs. Quinn who passed away last summer. We will draw the second scholarship from the same group of applicants for a total of two member scholarships.
The Quinn Child of a Member Scholarship of $1,500 is awarded to a child of a member who is seeking a degree in education at an accredited college or university. The scholarship is awarded by lottery drawing from all eligible applicants. The scholarship is paid directly to the college or university in the child's name.
Use the button below to apply. The application deadline is March 1, 2026.
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INTERNAL ORGANIZING GRANTS FROM ECOEA
ECOEA provides grants of up to $500 for locals to engage and retain membership through Internal Organizing Grants. Eligible locals can apply at the button below by the March 1, 2026, deadline.
Have a great idea but need some cash to implement it for your members? Here's an opportunity to get those funds!
Last year, Northwest TA used their IO Grant to welcome teachers back to school with special cookies and sticky notes as a morale booster. Good job, NTA!
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SPRING PUBLIC RELATIONS GRANTS
ECOEA is offering a second round of Public Relations Grants to eligible locals this spring. Engaging your local as a community supporter reflects positively on your local association and members. Get your association name out there in the community by using an ECOEA PR Grant!
Last spring, Plain Local TA used their PR Grant for their SOARing Scholars Yard Signs, partnering with a local family foundation to support the PBIS program that recognized students of character.
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OEA-R Retired Update
OEA-Retired members continue to advocate for public education and the benefits you have earned. Kathleen Purdy, retired from Plain Local TA, is the OEA-Retired Advisory Council member representing ECOEA, and a past president of ECOEA. Check out Kathleen's report below.
Read Kathleen's January Newsbrief here.
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Applications are now open for the 2025-2026 OEA Educational Foundation Innovation and Diversity Grants!
The work of the Ohio Educational Foundation is to fund initiatives that enhance student learning, student achievement, and well-being, as well as promote social justice. There are four Grants available to members:
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Diversity Grants — Up to $3,000 - To develop and pursue instructional classroom programs or curriculum that promote diversity, tolerance, and respect for humankind within the classroom and educational environment.
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Innovation Grants — Up to $6,000 - For the pursuit of innovative and creative practices where learning is enriched by experiences or projects.
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Whisper Grant for Students in Need — Up to $500 per individual or $10,000 per school - Funds provided directly to an OEA member to assist a student or group of students with an identified hardship in meeting an educational or personal need.
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Make-A-Wish — In collaboration with Make-A-Wish®, the Foundation provides seed money for OEA Locals seeking to make a child’s wish come true. The Foundation will provide a $500 Grant to match the first $500 raised.
The Whisper Grants and Make-A-Wish Grants are available year-round. The Diversity and Innovation Grant Applications open December 1 and are due February 14, 2026. The grant actions/activities must be completed by May 31, 2027 at which time a report is due back to the Foundation. All applications have an online fillable or downloadable form.
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LET'S GO CAVS!
In addition to the Ohio Educator Appreciation Night, the Cavs offer steep discounts for other games for our members. Catch the action live and save BIG with exclusive Cavs game discounts for a limited time only! Now’s your chance to see your favorite matchups at unbeatable prices — these discounts disappear soon, so grab your tickets before they're gone!
40% OFF
Jan. 12 vs Jazz
Jan. 23 vs Kings
Jan. 26 vs Magic
Feb. 11 vs Wizards
Feb. 19 vs Nets
20% OFF
Jan. 10 vs Timberwolves
Jan. 19 vs Thunder
USE ACCESS CODE: NEOPTA22
Once you select the game of your choice, please click the "Use Access Code" button to enter your code listed above to proceed with your purchase and receive your special offer pricing.
A few things to note for this special offer:
· Tickets are limited and are on a first-come, first-served basis
· This ticket offer is only available online
Great online Holiday Shopping and Stocking Stuffers for our members!
This discount code works for other events at Rocket Arena such as Cleveland Charge, Cleveland Monsters, Disney On Ice and Monster Jam!
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Your ECOEA officers and staff:
President Juliann Doerschuk, Canton Professional EA
Vice President Heather Zuniga, Malvern EA
Recording Secretary Kelli Mohn, Plain Local TA
Business Manager Valerie Heban, OEA-Retired, North Canton EA
Website ecoea.ohea.us
ECOEA Office Phone (330) 499-8587
ECOEA Email ecoea@sbcglobal.net
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