As OEA members prepare to vote in the association’s 2021 elections in late March, candidates for the various seats are allowed to submit a photo and a 75-word statement. In addition, we have interviewed the candidates for the state offices of president, vice president and NEA Director, and those videos are now available. Statements and photos of the other candidates will appear soon.
President
Katherine Bishop, Putnam City ACT
katherine4oeapresident@gmail.com
Facebook: Elect Katherine Bishop OEA President
“The honor to lead our Association as your President is one that comes with great responsibility. As challenges come before us, the education community and the state of Oklahoma look for the leadership of the OEA. We must continue to meet every challenge with commitment and desire to do what’s right for our students, educators, and our profession. Working together ensures our victories. Help me make a difference. Thank you for your support.”
Lori Burris, Mid-Del ACT
lori4oea@gmail.com
FaceBook: Lori4OEA
“Public education is the cornerstone of our democracy, and OEA is the organization that should lead the charge to ensure that it remains strong. We must engage our rank and file members to stand together and organize to fight for public education. I want to be that person that listens, engages, and fights alongside our members in our journey. I am running for OEA President for our students, our educators, our communities, and our profession.”
Vice President
Cari Elledge, Professional Educators of Norman
Cari4OEA@gmail.com
Campaign Website
Facebook: Cari4OEA
“Local leadership, organizational structure and planning, membership growth and development, and community organizing are just some of the experiences that I bring to the OEA. My background in rural, suburban, and urban education environments makes me relatable to all members. I want to learn what YOU want from this Association and help to make it a reality. Let’s continue to work together for each of our amazing members! Elect Cari Elledge for OEA VP!”
Chelsea Foo, Edmond ACT
I would be honored to serve as your OEA Vice President. A 27 year veteran teacher, currently in the classroom, I understand the challenges of all educators.
I was awarded our first NEA part time release local presidents grant, and represent OKC on the OEA Board.
I assist new local presidents as a member of the NEA New Presidents Training Cadre, and chair NEA Peace and Justice Caucus.
I ask for your vote, Thank you.
Eric Winkle, Putnam City ACT
NEA Director
Zach Grimm, The Education Association of Moore
Grimm4NEADirector@gmail.com
Facebook: @ElectZachGrimm
“I am running for NEA director to elevate the voices of education professionals to advance equity and excellence in our public schools. I am deeply committed to the success of each student within my district, throughout the state of Oklahoma, and across the nation.”
Shawna Mott-Wright, Tulsa CTA
shawna4oklahoma@gmail.com
Facebook: ReElectshawna4NEA
Cell: 918-724-8700
“Serving my fellow OEA members is an honor & a privilege I don’t take lightly. Representing my heroes & friends is an awesome responsibility and I very much want to continue telling our Oklahoma story at the national level.”
Board of Directors
Northeast A
representing Adair, Craig, Delaware, Mayes, Nowata and Ottawa counties.
Angelia Franke, Nowata CTA (unopposed)
I grew up in Nowata, earned a BS in marketing from OSU, worked several years, and then was a stay-at-home mom. When my youngest started school, I tutored and obtained a teaching certificate. Teaching at Nowata Public Schools and being an OEA/NCTA member for 18 years has been rewarding. I serve as president and on the bargaining committee of our local, and on the OEA Constitution Committee and an officer in the Native American Caucus.
Northeast C
representing Cherokee and Muskogee counties
Mandi Jordan, Tahlequah EA
I am running for OEA Zone Director for Northeast-C Region. I have been a special education teacher for the past 19 years and am the Department Chair for our Special Education department. I am currently the Vice-President of Membership, OEA delegate, and NEA delegate for the Tahlequah Education Association. I am running because I believe that every association has a large part to play in the success of the Oklahoma and National Education Association.
Sharica Cole, Muskogee EA
“If you want to travel fast, go alone. If you want to travel far, go together.” This African proverb is one of my favorite quotes and is a portion of my vision that I have for myself, my family, and my profession. It is vital that members step up and aid our organization in navigating these ever changing waters. I would like to serve in this position to keep our locals informed and moving forward.
Northwest A
representing Alfalfa, Beaver, Cimarron, Custer, Dewey, Ellis, Garfield, Grant, Harper, Major, Texas, Woods and Woodward counties
Jennie Scott, Enid EA (Unopposed)
As educators, we are masters of relationships. Now, more than ever, we must foster relationships with other professionals, with key stakeholders, and with legislators. By continuing to develop and nurture these relationships, we can accomplish so much more than we can as individuals. That is the power of our association. As board members, I will continue to build relationships with educators throughout the NW region. I hope to strengthen communication channels so that we can
Northwest B
representing Kay, Logan, Noble and Payne counties.
Zach Murray, Ponca City EA, (Unopposed)
I have had the privilege of serving as the Board member for Northwest B for the last 4 years. I have served on various Board committees in that time. As a Board member, and delegate to NEA Representative Assembly, I have worked to ensure the voices of rural educators are heard. I am eager to continue serving on the Board of Directors to keep our voices heard.
Oklahoma City A
representing Crooked Oak, Harrah, Mid-America Bible College, The EA of Moore, ESP Moore, Oklahoma Christian College and Oklahoma City Community College.
Zach Grimm, The Education Association of Moore, (Unopposed)
I would love the opportunity to continue to serve as the OKC-A Zone Director on the Oklahoma Education Association Board of Directors. In this position, I would not only represent fellow educators and students from my zone, but also advocate to strengthen our locals through communication and collaboration. My goal would be to develop and implement strategies for member recruitment, retention, and engagement. Together we are stronger, and together we will accomplish great things.
Oklahoma City C
representing Edmond ACT, Edmond ESP, ESE-OKC, OEA-OKC and University of Central Oklahoma.
Chelsea Foo, Edmond ACT, (unopposed)
While on the OEA board I have learnt a lot. I want to continue that journey as VP or on the board. I am in the classroom both in virtual and hybrid. I understand educating in a pandemic and working with both district and school board to achieve educational consistency.
Nationally, I am on the NEA New Presidents Training Cadre, working with local leaders. I am also Chair of the NEA/OEA Peace and Justice Caucus.
Tulsa Metro A
representing Tulsa CTA.
Kelli Roberts, Tulsa CTA, (Unopposed)
I have been an Oklahoma educator for many years advocating for my students an my colleagues. Serving on the OEA Board has been a rewarding experience, and I would like to continue to serve in this advocacy role. I want people to know they have a representative fighting for them, doing everything in her power making sure their classroom is safe and sound. When teachers, working in the classroom are empowered, they empower their students.
Tulsa Metro E
representing Berryhill EA, Bixby EA, Broken Arrow EA, Jenks CTA and Jenks ESP
Michael Horn, Jenks EA, (unopposed)
Experience
Current Board of Director Representing Tulsa Metro E
President of the Jenks Classroom Teachers Association 2014-Present
Secondary Vice-President of the Jenks Classroom Teachers Association 2006-2014
Member of Negotiation Team 2006-2014, Chief Negotiator 2014-Present
I recognize the importance of communication address issues in a proactive rather than a reactive manner. It is my hope to continue to be a positive voice and advocate on behalf of the members of Tulsa Metro E.
Tulsa Metro D
representing Oral Roberts University, OSU Tulsa Langston, Sand Springs ACT, Tulsa Community College, Tulsa Tech, Union CTA, Union ESP and University of Tulsa.
Betty Collins, Union ACT
As the Union Classroom Teachers Association membership chair, I have two goals. First, help members organize around issues that are important to them. Second, grow the membership of the association, as I believe in the power of numbers. As your Zone director, I will extend those same commitments to all members of the Zone and to the association at large. I look forward to serving another term as your Tulsa Metro D Zone Director.
Frank Brazwell, Union Spa
Hello my name is Frank Brazwell. I have been with the USPA for about 24 years. I have served as the vice president and the president once for about 6 years. This is my third term as president for the second time around. I am also concern about the economics of people and their working conditions. I would like to represent Tulsa Metro D on the OEA Board. Please vote for me!
Administrator-at-Large/OEA Board of Directors
2021 Delegate Assembly Positions
Administrator Delegate(s)-At-Large OEA/Delegate Assembly
NEA Retired Delegate(s)-at-Large OEA/Delegate Assembly
(Elected based on number of positions)
Linda Long, Elk City
I would be honored to represent retired educators at the OEA Delegate Assembly. I have served on the OEA Board of Directors as an active teacher and attended numerous Delegate Assemblies and NEA
RAs. I currently serve on the OREA Board of Directors, representing the Southwest region. Thanks for our consideration.
Patti Ferguson-Palmer, Tulsa
I’m newly retired after 34 years in education. I was TCTA President for 6 years; Vice-President for 7 years; after 21 years in the classroom. I was honored to represent my members on the OEA and NEA Boards and attended 19 NEA RAs. I believe that retired teachers have a unique opportunity to advocate for current teachers and students because we have the freedom to speak without administrative repercussions and with perspective and institutional history.
OEA Ethnic Minority Delegate(s)-at-Large OEA/Delegate Assembly
(Should the Bylaws requirement in this election category be met by local associations, no OEA Ethnic Minority Delegates-at-Large will be seated.
2021 NEA Representative Assembly Positions
NEA Retired Delegate(s)-at-Large, 2021 NEA Representative Assembly
(Successor only. Elected based on number of positions.)
NEA Category I Delegate(s)-at-Large, 2021 NEA Representative Assembly
(Vote only from your geographic region)
Northeast Region (1 opening)
Northwest Region (1 opening)
Tulsa Metro Region (1 opening)
