Share Your Talents On An OEA Committee
New committee assignments will made this summer, so tell us where you would like to serve. Complete this form and return it to the OEA by May 31, 2023. For more information, contact Maureen Peters at mpeters@okea.org.
Standing Committee members and charges 2022-23
The OEA has 16 Standing committees. Standing Committees are established by the Delegate Assembly. They are: Affiliate Relations, Budget, Collective Bargaining, Communications, Constitution, Credentials, Education Support Professional, Elections, Forces on Education, Human and Civil Rights, Instruction and Professional Development, Legal and Corporate, Legislative, Resolutions, Member Benefits and Standing Rules.
All committees are appointed by the president with the approval of the Board of Directors. The OEA takes all reasonable and legally permissible steps to achieve on its appointed committees ethnic-minority representation that is at least proportional to the ethnic-minority membership.
The Affiliate Relations Committee is all about membership, developing strong locals and leaders, and reviewing zone alignment to assure one person-one vote.
Committee Members
Board Liaison: Kelly Craig, Mid-Del ACT, OKC-D
Chair: Krista Farris, Shawnee ACT, SE-A
Eric Malloy, Lawton PEAL, SW-A
Brian Berg, Union CTA, TM-D
Autumn Focht, Perkins-Tryon EA, NW-B
Staff Liaison: Rhonda Harlow, Ph.D., Associate Executive Director
Committee Charges
- Give input on what worked during back-to-school events and ideas for follow up in the future
- Discuss ways to encourage collaboration within locals, locals to locals and to the state and national level.
- Monitor zone alignment to assure one person – one vote for state board of directors.
2022-23
The Budget Committee reviews input, prepares and submits the OEA budget to the board of directors and the Delegate Assembly. The committee also reviews the association’s annual audit.
Committee Members
Board Liaison: Zachary Murray, Ponca City EA, NW-B
Chair: Cari Elledge, OEA Vice President
Chuck Pack, Tahlequah EA, NE-C
Mark Webb, Mustang EA, NW-C
Catherine Hopper, Poteau OEA, SE-C
Brittany Arnold, Prof. Educators of Norman, SW-B
Matthew Trosper, Tulsa CTA, TM-B
Isabelle Esau, Univ. Central Oklahoma, OAEA
Dr. Anthony Rose, Edmond ACT, OKC-C
Staff Liaison: Carolyn Crowder, OEA Executive Director
Committee Charges
- Provide opportunity for member input on the budget.
- Review the annual audit of the Association.
- Study the immediate and long-range financial needs of the Association.
- Review the Budget to make sure that it is reflective of our Association Goals.
- Prepare the annual budget for submission to the OEA Board of Directors.
2022-23
The Collective Bargaining Committee monitors state and national developments in collective bargaining, gives input on content for bargaining issues at conferences, works with the Legislative Committee on issues that impact collective bargaining, and recommends strategies that activate bargaining locals. Members also review and recommend winners of the OEA Collective Bargaining Award.
Committee Members
Board Liaison: Michael Horn, Jenks CTA, TM-E
Chair: Jenny Bobo, Stillwater EA, NW-B
Theresa Wilson, Jay Prof. ACT, NE-A
Nadine Gallagher, Crooked Oak ACT, OKC-A
Doris King, Idabel City EA, SE-C
Tiffany Toquinto, Prof. Educators of Norman, SW-B
Catherine Cox, Tulsa CTA, TM-B
Staff Liaison: Melissa Kaltenbaugh, Advocacy Specialist
Committee Charges
Discuss the developments in collective bargaining with particular attention to bargaining successes and challenges of OEA affiliate organizations.
Promote, review nominations, and recommend to the Board of Directors an individual and/or a group for the OEA Collective Bargaining Award.
Review Collective Bargaining information that are provided by NEA and recommend strategies to communicate the availability of these items to our members.
2022-23
The Communications Committee recommends strategies to enhance the public image of OEA and public education, develops lists of reputable media sources for members, discusses Read Across America activities, and helps create organizing strategies. Committee members also review and judge entries in OEA’s Marshall Gregory and Golden Apple Awards programs.
Committee Members
BD Liaison: Kamber Clark, Moore (TEAM), OKC-A
Chair: Meagan Barth, Glenpool (TEG), TM-C
Alana Murphy, Bartlesville EA, NE-B
Carrie Vega-Hughes, Enid EA, NW-A
Mallory Cheatwood, Shawnee ACT, SE-A
Hannah Fernandez, Tulsa CTA, TM-B
Matthew Baker, Noble ACT, SW-B
Co-Staff Liaison: Monica Royer, Communications Specialist
Co-Staff Liaison: Joe DuVall, Communications Specialist
Committee Charges
- Review the “News 9 Student of the Week” and provide input to increase member participation and review other OEA communication initiatives of interest to the committee.
- Re-evaluate the Marshall Gregory Awards and the Golden Apple Awards program and make recommendations to increase the number of entries by local associations.
- Review nominations and recommend to the Board of Directors recipients for the Communications Awards.
- Identify communication strategies that local leaders could utilize for ongoing communication with members.
2022-23
The Constitution Committee reviews the OEA Constitution and Bylaws and recommends appropriate amendments to the Board of Directors for action at Delegate Assembly, receives and reviews suggested amendments submitted by members and makes recommendations to the Board.
Committee Members
Board Liaison: Derrick Miller, Duncan ADE, SW-C
Chair: Becki Munholland, Retired
Patsy Wilhelm, Grove CTA, NE-A
Theresa Mosier, TEA Moore, OKC-A
Sharon Reese, Shawnee ACT, SE-A
Molly Miller, Tulsa CTA, TM-B
Staff Liaison: Heath Merchen, Associate General Counsel
Committee Charges
- Receive and review suggested amendments submitted by members, check for conflicts with Association policies and/or other constitutional provisions, and make appropriate recommendations to the Board of Directors.
- Prepare amendments as directed by the Board of Directors.
- Research other state affiliates who currently have an Ally Membership category as part of the first committee meeting to inform Board of Directors.
2022-23
The Credentials Committee provides oversight of appropriately elected delegates to Delegate Assembly as per Bylaw 5.3. Members of this committee may not serve as a delegate as they work during Delegate Assembly.
Committee Members
BD Liaison: Angela Baumann, Lawton PEAL, SW-A
Chair: Deborah Schovanec, Edmond ACT, OKC-C
Jan Sands, Putnam City ACT, OKC-B
Jenny Prather, Retired
Patti Ferguson-Palmer, Retired
Staff Liaison: Rhonda Harlow, Ph. D., Associate Executive Director
Committee Charges
- Supervise the accreditation of delegates and alternates to the Delegate Assembly.
- Supervise the seating of delegates and members at the Delegate Assembly.
- Perform other appropriate duties as specified in the Standing Rules or assigned by the President.
2022-23
The Elections Committee manages OEA Elections, from determining which order candidates appear on the ballot, considering any challenges to a race, and certifying the final results.
Committee Members
Board Liaison: Amber Taylor, Putnam City ACT, OKC-B
Chair: Adrienne Hall, Prof. Educators of Norman, SW-B
Mandi Jordan Tahlequah EA, NE-C
Terri Story Mustang EA, NW-C
Staff Liaison: Carolyn Crowder, OEA Executive Director
Committee Charges
- Conduct all elections of the Association. (Prepare ballots, supervise voting, act as judge of the elections, and perform other appropriate duties.)
- Complete a thorough review of the election’s guidelines and bring recommendations to the Board of Directors.
- Determine the number of NEA-RA Delegates for each zone based on membership figures as of January 15.
- Research voting participation trend data for both state-wide and zone elections and recommend strategies to increase member participation in online voting.
2022-23
The Education Support Professional Committee considers all things ESP, from work to organizing, to collective bargaining to professional development. The committee also recommends the annual winner of the association’s ESP Award.
Committee Members
Board Liaison: Frank Brazwell, Union SPA, TM-D
Chair: Kathy Hale, Putnam City ESP, OC-B
Candis Ryczkowski, Yukon Prof. EA, NW-C
Wilma Bunting, Moore ESP, OKC-A
Kathy Connell, Checotah ESP, SE-B
Dusty Livingston, Newcastle ASP, SW-B
Co-Staff Liaison: Amber Spradlin, Organizing Specialist
Co-Staff Liaison: Brendan Jarvis, Organizing Specialist
Committee Charges
- Identify and discuss best practices in ESP recruitment and involvement. Discuss recommendations on how to provide ESP locals the opportunity to collaborate.
- Review NEA’s ESP Professional Growth Continuum (PGC) and provide input how it can be used to support the professional growth of ESPs.
- Review nominations and recommend to the Board of Directors a recipient for the OEA ESP award.
- Promote the importance of and encourage ESP participation in all levels of the Association, including governance, workshops, programs and activities.
- Give input as to current challenges and opportunities being faced by ESP locals and their members.
2022-23
The Forces on Education Committee takes a close look at all the groups and individuals who have an effect on public education, from the impact of privatization, the status of reform movements, and anti-union messages that have an impact.
Committee Members
Board Liaison: Angelia Franke, Nowata CTA, NE-A
Chair: Chelsea Foo, Edmond ACT, OKC-C
Alison Black, Stillwater ESP, NW-B
Leslie Staley, Checotah CTA, SE-B
Keri Weston, Duncan ESP, SW-C
Katrina Morrison, Skiatook EA, TM-C
Staff Liaison: Cal Ware, Advocacy Specialist
Committee Charges
- Review the goals of the Oklahoma Education Association and recommend strategies to the Board of Directors for effectively combating opposition to public education.
- Promote and review nominations and recommend to the Board of Directors a recipient for the OEA Advocate for Academic Freedom Award.
2022-23
The Human and Civil Rights Committee works to increase ethnic and minority member input and engagement at all levels of education and association work and promotes where the OEA can help organize around H&CR issues. The committee also seeks nominations for four different awards, reviews nominations and recommends winners to the OEA board.
Committee Members
Board Liaison: Kelli Roberts, Tulsa CTA, TM-B
Chair: Sharica Cole, Muskogee EA, NE-C
Victor Gonzalez, Oklahoma City, OKC-C
Tiffany Roland, TEA Moore, OKC-A
Siomara Davis, Edmond ACT, OKC-C
Breanna Baker, Wewoka EA, SE-A
Amelia Radtke, Noble ACT, SW-B
Co-Staff Liaison: Kate Baker, Advocacy Specialist
Co-Staff Liaison: Joshua Frazier, Aspiring Educator Organizer
Committee Charges
- Review the “Langston project” and provide input to increase member participation and opportunities for similar projects.
- Recommend strategies to increase the participation of minority members at all levels of the Association.
- Review nominations and recommend to the Board of Directors the recipients of the Human and Civil Rights Awards.
- Review the plan and recommend strategies to assist OEA in meeting its 3-1 (g) goal at NEA-RA.
- Recommend strategies to expand minority recruitment of students into the education profession.
2022-23
The Instruction and Professional Development Committee provides input on professional development needs of certified and support members, reviews legislative changes and State Department of Education rules that may cause a need for professional development. It also reviews nominations for two Instructional Excellence Awards: Teachers Teaching Students and Teachers Teaching Teachers.
Committee Members
Board Liaison: Jennifer Esau, Claremore CTA, NE-B
Chair: Tiffany Johnson, Duncan ADE, SW-C
Trena Rogers, Mustang EA, NW-C
Samantha VanOsdol, Putnam City ACT, OKC-B
Tabitha Christie, Norman-PEN, SW-B
Carrie Hawks, Tulsa CTA, TM-B
Blake Martin, Union CTA, TM-D
Vacant – OAEA
Co-Staff Liaison: Kim Littrell, Teaching & Learning Specialist
Co-Staff Liaison: Mary Dikes, Teaching & Learning Specialist
Committee Charges
- Review nominations and recommend to the Board of Directors the recipients of the IPD Awards.
- Review legislative mandates and SDE rule changes and other influences that may cause a need for PD. Make recommendations for the areas where OEA will offer training in regard to PD.
- Discuss ways to create organizing strategies around instruction and professional development.
2022-23
The Legal and Corporate Services Committee considers and acts upon requests for legal services, working closely with our general counsel.
Committee Members
Board Liaison: Zach Grimm, TEA Moore, NEA Director
Chair: Denise Rhodes, Quapaw EA, NE-A
Shaila West, Stillwater EA, NW-B
Lori Burris, Mid-Del ACT, OKC-D
Trina Waller, Shawnee ACT, SE-A
Patricia Mott, Tulsa CTA, TM-B
Jessica Jernegan, Bixby EA, TM-E
Stacie Warner, Oklahoma City Community College, OKC-A
Vacant – OAEA
Staff Liaison: Richard Wilkinson, General Counsel
Committee Charges
- Review, consider and act upon requests for legal assistance in accordance with the Legal and Corporate Service Committee Guidelines.
- Review, authorize and monitor expenditures made in accordance with the Legal and Corporate Services Committee Guidelines under the Unified Legal Services Program (ULSP).
- Develop, when appropriate, legislative recommendations for submission to the Legislative Committee for the purpose of assuring committee input into the legislation that impacts member rights.
- Participate in those activities that will promote understanding of the rights of members and protection afforded members including, but not limited to, developing members’ understanding of employment rights, constitutional and civil rights.
- Periodically review the Legal and Corporate Services Division for the purpose of evaluating the general operation of the program and recommending alterations or additions that will assist the OEA in the delivery of quality legal services at a reasonable cost to the Association and the member.
- Periodically review the guidelines for the Personal Legal Services Program (PLSP) and make recommendations for changes in the guidelines to the Board of Directors.
- Review recommendations on non-funding of an application under the Personal Legal Services Program at the request of the Executive Director.
2022-23
The Legislative Committee develops the OEA Legislative Agenda, works with other committees on legislative issues, and recommends annual legislative goals.
Committee Members
Board Liaison: Lawrence Lane, Checotah CTA, SE
Chair: Shawna Mott-Wright, Tulsa CTA, TM-B
Heather Davis, Bartlesville EA, NE-B
Margaret Brown, Mustang ESP, NW-C
Leonor Massura, Moore (TEAM), OKC-A
Stephanie Bailey, Retired
Rowdy Washburn, Norman-PEN, SW-B
Betty Collins, Union CTA, TM-D
Vacant – OAEA
Staff Liaison: Ivy Riggs, Associate Executive Director
Committee Charges
- Recommend to the Board of Directors the annual legislative agenda that reflects the current issues impacting Oklahoma educators, students, and schools.
- Review the OEA Legislative Goals and gather feedback from OEA members and leaders. Provide recommended modifications to the OEA Board of Directors and present for approval at the annual Delegate Assembly.
- Provide input to increase participation in lobbying at the Capitol and back-home lobbying visits with legislators.
2022-23
The Member Benefits Committee evaluates and recommends endorsement of products and services and reviews materials of member benefit products
Committee Members
Board Liaison: Jennie Scott, Enid EA, NW-A
Chair: Cathy Sabo, Mustang EA, NW-C
Jordann Hardin, Putnam City ACT, OKC-B
Sherri Callahan, Vinita CTA, NE-A
Rosemarie Bushong, Shawnee ACT, SE-A
Katherine Maloney-Jacobs, Tulsa CTA, TM-B
Stephan Sargent, Northeastern State University, NE-C
Rebekah McPherson, Southwestern OSU, OAEA
Co-Staff Liaison: Jeff Savage, Organizing Specialist
Co-Staff Liaison: Brian Johnson, Organizing Specialist
Program Admin: Rhonda Harlow, Ph.D., Associate Executive Director
Committee Charges
- Oversee all Association endorsements of products and services.
- Re-evaluate the currently endorsed products or services where necessary and review any proposed new products or services for endorsements.
- Review current materials promoting Member Benefits.
- Discuss possible organizing strategies around the Member Benefits programs.
- Give input on strategies to improve knowledge and usage of Member Benefits.
2022-23
The Resolutions Committee reviews and recommends changes and additions to OEA Resolutions, which are belief statements that help guide the work of the association.
Committee Members
Board Liaison: Sharon Hill-Wooten, Idabel City EA, SE-C
Chair: LeeAnne Jimenez, Tulsa CTA, TM-B
Katy June, Hulbert CTA, NE-C
Mary Sloat, Garber EA, NW-A
Chrystal Reis, Choctaw-Nicoma Park ACT, OKC-D
Laura Nicholas, Lawton PEAL, SW-A
Jodee Jacobsen, Tulsa CTA, TM-B
Staff Liaison: Carnie Cullen, Advocacy Specialist
Committee Charges
- Prepare and present to the Delegate Assembly proposed resolutions for adoption.
- Edit resolutions and amendments to resolutions submitted by members and present to the Board of Directors and to the Delegate Assembly with or without recommendations.
- Review any item(s) that Delegate Assembly referred to committee and make recommendations on the item(s).
2022-23
Standing Rules plays a integral roll in keeping the Delegate Assembly running, processing new business items submitted for consideration and tracking roll call votes.
Committee Members
Board Liaison: Paula Squires, Retired
Co-Chair: Cheryl Dowell, Retired
Co-Chair: Lynn Stockley, Retired
Stephen Smallwood, Rattan ACT, SE-C
Danna Senkowski, Retired
Mattie Smith-Broom, Retired
Linda Long, Retired
Staff Liaison: Tim Melton, Associate General Counsel
Committee Charges
- Supervise the submission and processing of new business during the Delegate Assembly.
- Supervise and count roll call votes during the Delegate Assembly.
- Perform all other duties as specified in the Rules or requested by the President.
- Study the Standing Rules and make recommendations for changes where necessary.
2022-23
