Blend Me: June 2021

On Tuesday, June 29, and Wednesday, June 30, the Ohio Education Association met for their second and third caucus days before the 2021 National Education Association Virtual Assembly. What happened to the first day, you ask? We did have it earlier in June, but it was more focused on procedures for using online apps to debate and vote, so I will focus on the more important meetings before the Representative Assembly.

Usually the Ohio Caucus starts at 7:30 AM each day before the Assembly. This is where we look at New Business Items and vote on whether the Caucus supports or opposes each item. I was curious how we were going to be able to debate NBIs among over 200 delegates. Ironically, most teachers will acknowledge that we don't listen to instructions very well, and many of us still struggle with tech, even after the hellatious online year we have had.

Actual image of a teacher struggling with tech

We conducted our caucus through Zoom, and it went surprisingly well. Sure, there were people who kept unmuting themselves and gazing blankly at the screen. Sure, there were people who had trouble unmuting themselves. All in all, though, it really worked out as well as it could have without meeting face to face.

We managed to debate and vote on the Ohio Caucus positions for at least 40 NBIs dealing with NEA's positions on school funding, students' rights and safety, educators' rights and safety, and even the use of technology in instruction. It wasn't fun, but it was functional.

Thank you to the OEA Leadership: President Scott DiMauro, Vice President Jeff Wensing, and Secretary-Treasurer Mark Hill. Their guidance, as well as the work of their staff, created a smooth and productive meeting.