Educators Use Their Power

Alberto Morejon was named the 2018 Profile in Courage award winner at the annual OSCA conference in November. He is a Stillwater middle school teacher who started a Facebook group that propelled thousands of educators to unite for a showdown with our state legislature over school funding and teacher raises. The historic walkout was a combination of forces at work; however, we single Morejon out for his use of a social platform to fan the flames of change. He showed courage by risking his job, his professional reputation and public scrutiny for being a central figure in the massive protest. We thank him for the courage he showed at the very moment it was most needed. (At right, Morejon receives his award from Michelle Taylor, OSCA past president and 2018 conference chair.)


In the last eight months, educators in Oklahoma have organized one of the largest protests ever at the Oklahoma State Capitol. That protest resulted in forcing the legislature to give teachers an average raise of $6,100, give support staff a raise of $1,250, and add $50 million to the funding formula for schools. Educators then had to defeat the group Oklahoma Taxpayers Unite, which tried to start a petition to get rid of the revenue passed for the pay raise. That group was defeated. During the election, educators helped vote out 12 incumbents against public education. Teachers took action, and 16 teacher candidates were elected (three in the Senate and 13 in the House). Also, both SQ 800 and 801 were defeated, in which many believe would have had negative impacts on education. However, most important, the voter turnout was one of the highest we have seen in decades in Oklahoma; that in itself is something to be proud of.
 
Even though the teachers’ choice in the major state race did not win, the plan moving forward is clear: We must continue to stay engaged and vigilant. Having conversations with our elected representatives through email or in person is vital. But most important, we must make sure to hold candidates accountable to their words and promises. The message has been sent that ignoring public education will not be tolerated.
 
I’ll leave you with one of my favorite quotes, from George W. Bush: "Too often, we judge other groups by their worst examples while judging ourselves by our best intentions." My aspiration is for people to continue reaching out, investing in, and realizing that it's not just about a party or wave, but about the individual person and their intent.
 
Scenes from the OSCA Conference


Dr. Dee Ray, OSCA 2018 keynote speaker (left) with Melanie Lewis, OSCA Board member


2018 OSCA Emerging Leader Christie Sturgeon of Broken Arrow Public Schools


Sarah Kirk (right), 2018 OSCA and ASCA School Counselor of the Year finalist, with Dr. Michelle Taylor, OSCA past president and conference chair


Norman Public School counselors honor Sharon Heatly, 2018 OSCA Lifetime Achievement awardee (center, red jacket).


Mary Beth Lykins, OSCA president (left), with Sharon Heatly, Lifetime Achievement awardee.