Programs that empower students to take an active role in environmental protection; allow early childhood education students to put into practice what they learn at a public preschool; and communities within a school that transform academic knowledge to real world contexts are among those highlighted in the Coalition for Public Education’s Second Annual Recognition of Success in Public Schools awards Nov. 11.

Citing President-elect Barack Obama and Vice President-elect Joe Biden's "powerful promise of hope and their sound solutions to the country's most vexing problems" as the keys that helped them win the nation's trust and confidence, AFT president Randi Weingarten congratulated the winning candidates on their extraordinary Nov. 4 election victory.

Want to know the status of your licensure application? Check it in real time online.

In this edition:

•          Election Results Bring Powerful Promise of Hope to Nation, State

o        What Should President Obama’s Priorities Be?

•          Final SERB Decision Rules for Brookfield Teachers

•          AFT Contest Seeks Best Ideas for Inclusive Schools

(Oct. 14, 2008) Statement by Ohio Federation of Teachers President Sue Taylor on the selection of Deborah Delisle as Ohio’s Superintendent of Public Instruction. Ohio’s State Board of Education today announced it selected Deborah Delisle, superintendent of the Cleveland Heights-University Heights School District, as the new state Superintendent of Public Instruction to succeed Susan Zelman.

“Deborah Delisle has a demonstrated track record of willingness to explore innovative, creative ideas. This and her collaborative approach to include all stakeholders in key policy decisions will benefit Ohio’s public school system, its students and its teaching professionals. We look forward to working with her as state superintendent.”

A new Master Teacher designation has been created by the state to recognize and honor teachers who go above and beyond expectations. Find out how the program will affect you as well as tips on establishing the program in your district.

One of the goals set by OFT’s leadership for 2008 was to outline the union’s visions and expectations for public education in 21^st century Ohio. Informed by both member and leader input, "Visions and Expectations for High-Quality Public Education in Ohio - Preparing Students for 21^st Century Success" outlines that vision.

(July 16, 2008) John McCain demonstrated again today that he sadly has no idea what is needed to support America’s children and America’s teachers in this nation’s public school system. The Ohio Federation of Teachers warns the education plans McCain presented to the NAACP in Cincinnati are simply copies of George Bush’s failures.

Response to Intervention practices are used most frequently to document and monitor the progress of general education students, to serve as an indicator of the need for early intervention, and to inform the development and evaluation of interventions. See how it works and how it is being used in Ohio.

As a professional, you face myriad challenges in the workplace, ranging from limited resources to do your job and lack of professional development opportunities, to privatization and vacancy savings. Your views on these and other issues matter to the AFT. That's why we want to hear from you. Sign on to AFT Voices to answer the question: "What contract language has the most positive impact on your work life"?

Dates differ by license, certificate

Deadlines have been set for the new BCI and FBI background checks for licensed educators and school employees that are required by House Bill 190. The deadlines differ based on the type of license or certificate the educator currently holds. Click here for details.

IRS Asked to Examine 501(c)(3) Filings of For-Profit Charter Chains

By a letter sent to the IRS today, that federal agency is being asked to examine whether charter schools managed by the for-profit corporation White Hat Management, Inc. and its affiliates can be properly registered as 501(c)(3) tax-exempt entities under federal law.

A program in Ohio that gives $20,000 vouchers to parents of children with autism to use at state-approved private schools and agencies is rarely used to provide a school setting for these children, according to a new report from Ohio Policy Matters, a state-based research think tank.

(Feb. 6, 2008) “In his State of the State address, Gov. Ted Strickland sent a strong message that he is serious about strengthening public education,” said Ohio Federation of Teachers President Sue Taylor. “The Governor rightfully connected ideas on how to strengthen the economy and create jobs to the need to support a strong system of public education.” See the rest of OFT's response and read the text of his speech ...

AFT has developed an online Special Education Complaint Form designed to capture member complaints on special education issues. Any information provided will be used to identify patterns of federal, state, and/or local implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education (IDEA) regulations. If you have experienced difficulties in any of these areas relating to special education, please click here to complete the survey online.

Teachscape, in partnership with an accredited university, is debuting three online masters degree programs for teachers in 2007. Teachscape is seeking input on how to make these programs relevant for you, the classroom teacher. Please take a moment to complete their survey and get a cup of coffee - the first 500 respondents will receive a $5 Starbucks certificate. Click here to take the survey.