Who is the Oklahoma Education Coalition (OEC)?

By Dr. Pam Deering, CCOSA/OASA Executive Director

If you haven’t heard of the Oklahoma Education Coalition, then you need to read this! You will recognize member organizations by their names, but they are also a part of a larger group or coalition of organizations dedicated to leading the effort to create, improve and support quality public education for all students, teachers and staff. Formed in the late 1990’s, the Coalition’s goal was to share information and for all of these groups to able to have one voice to advocate for Oklahoma public education students and issues.

The shared vision for the Oklahoma Education Coalition is:

■ To promote policy that values all children and all levels of public education;

■ To enhance the image of public education as the successful foundation of Oklahoma and its economic prosperity;

■ To encourage innovation and advocate for an adequate funding structure that will support outstanding educators, students, schools and proposing ideas to improve quality education.

Purposes of the coalition are to:

■ Demonstrate Unity by encouraging the individual organizations to be active, unified Coalition members, to affect a more positive impact on public education.

■ Achieve Goals by maintaining unity and strength as an organization.

■ Improve the Image of Public Education and the OEC by promoting quality public education, building a positive image for educators and spotlighting the OEC as advocates for all students in public education.

■ Maintain the Structure of the Coalition by establishing a permanent Coalition with a common purpose for the good of quality public education.

■ Resolve Internal Coalition Issues through collaboration which creates greater potential for success of the Oklahoma Coalition.

How it works:

An organization whose primary purpose is improving public education in Oklahoma with proven and demonstrated leadership and a recognized presence at the State Capitol may submit a letter to the OEC for membership. A unanimous vote of approval of the Board of Directors is required for membership.

As an educator, you need to know that this coalition is out there fighting for public education! We are stronger together and this coalition is a powerful voice for public education!

If you have questions about the Coalition, please contact Pam Deering at deering@ccosa.org.

Member Organizations:

Oklahoma State School Boards Association

Cooperative Council for Oklahoma School Administration

Oklahoma Education Association

Oklahoma Association of Career and Technology Education

United Suburban Schools Association

Organization of Rural Oklahoma Schools

Oklahoma Parents and Teachers Association

Tulsa Classroom Teachers Association

Oklahoma City Public Schools