EEA delegates Linda Aguiñaga, Victoria Caldwell, and Michele VroomanKennett represented the Elyria Education Association at the 2026 Ohio Education Association Spring Representative Assembly (RA) this past weekend.
The annual RA brings together educators from across Ohio to discuss union business, establish organizational priorities, and vote on resolutions and new business items that help shape the future direction of OEA.
During the Assembly, delegates heard from Ohio’s 2026 Teacher of the Year, Christopher Monsour, who shared remarks centered on public education, educator leadership, and the importance of supporting students across Ohio. Members can learn more about the Ohio Teacher of the Year program here:
Ohio Teacher of the Year Program
Delegates also heard from Democratic nominee, Amy Acton, who discussed the importance of public education advocacy and the upcoming November election. OEA has officially endorsed Acton in the 2026 Ohio gubernatorial race.
EEA President Linda Aguiñaga was recognized during the Assembly with the OEA Fund Lifetime Achievement Award for her longstanding commitment to public education advocacy and political action efforts on behalf of educators and students.
This year’s Assembly included discussion and voting on multiple New Business Items, with delegates ultimately passing 7 of 9 proposals. One item of particular importance will establish an OEA member-driven English Learners Workgroup focused on addressing workload and caseload concerns, legislative priorities, and potential model contract language to better support educators working with English Learners across Ohio.
For first-time delegate Michele VroomanKennett, the experience provided an opportunity to engage directly in statewide union advocacy and collaboration with educators from across Ohio.
EEA appreciates Linda, Victoria, and Michele for representing our members and ensuring Elyria educators had a voice in important statewide discussions impacting public education.