Fighting for Stronger State, Federal Protections from Violent Student Behaviors

Last spring, OSEA asked education workers to share their experiences with violence in the workplace through our “Work Shouldn’t Hurt” survey. While every worker deserves safety and respect in the workplace, far too many OSEA members know firsthand that we can experience challenging and even dangerous behaviors from difficult students. A lack of appropriate safety measures,... Read More

Pres. Wofford Speaks About Violence Against School Staff

Sept. 28, 2022 – This week, President Sarah Wofford traveled to Washington, D.C., to participate in the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)’s Workers’ Voice Conference. Click below to watch the video. Wofford testified about the dangers staff face from students with challenging behaviors, saying, “In places where you wouldn’t assume... Read More

OSEA Scholarships 2022-23

As educators, OSEA members know the value of education. That’s why our union awards over $20,000 in scholarships each year to help members and their families pursue their academic goals. Additional scholarships are available through our partners, the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) and Union Plus. FOR HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS OSEA Guy Davis and Past Presidents’ Scholarships These... Read More

Getting to Know Pres. Sarah Wofford

Hello, OSEA members! My name is Sarah Wofford, your new OSEA president. The first thing I want you to know about me is my contact information – my email is sarahw@osea.org. You’re welcome to reach out anytime! It’s important to me that members and chapters always feel supported. Some of you already know me from union activities, but my journey as an activist began years... Read More

OSEA Seeks Zone VII Director

August 29, 2022 – Do you ever wonder how decisions are made in our union at the state level and who makes them? OSEA is led by our Board of Directors — and right now, we have a vacancy in the Zone VII director position, which represents members from the eastern Oregon area! This opening occurred following the resignation of Zone VII Director BeAnn Smith, who accepted a position... Read More

Excessive Heat Work Rights

Every year, thousands of American workers get sick from heat exhaustion and heat stroke. That’s why OSEA and our labor partners fought for ⁠— and won ⁠— increased rights and protections for Oregonians working in heat and smoke. With highs above 100 in many parts of the state, we want to ensure that every OSEA-represented worker knows their rights and how to stay... Read More

2022 OSEA Guide to Unemployment for School Employees

Thanks to advocacy from OSEA members statewide, custodial, maintenance, facilities, food services, pre-K and early intervention workers have new rights and protections and no longer need to pass the “reasonable assurance” test to receive benefits. Our union continues to advocate with lawmakers for expanded unemployment rights and protections for even more school employees. If... Read More

OSEA Conference Delegates Elect New Union President, Other Officers and Act on Five Resolutions

July 5, 2022 – At OSEA’s Conference 2022 delegates elected Sarah Wofford as the new state president (pictured on the right with Past President Lisa Gourley), along with other members to our board of directors on Saturday, June 25. Please watch for a full summary of Conference 2022 in the fall issue of the Journal. Besides president, delegates voted for vice president, secretary... Read More

OSEA Conference 2022 Summary

July 5, 2022 – Conference 2022 came to a close on Saturday evening June 25, following the banquet and induction of the 2022-23 Board of Directors. Many thanks to the delegates who traveled to Portland and dedicated their weekend to the business of our union — Conference couldn’t happen without you! Please watch for a full summary of Conference 2022 in the fall issue... Read More

What We Learned from the Work Shouldn’t Hurt Survey

May 25, 2022 – During one of the worst school staffing shortages in Oregon history, a critical area is among educators who support the students with the highest needs. To better understand the risks of bodily harm and/or mental trauma these workers face and how to improve their workplace safety, OSEA conducted a survey of school employees working with special education and... Read More