BEA eNews January 2026

Thank you for your membership! We know you have choices in your professional association, and we are glad you've chosen to serve with us!

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YOU HAVE A VOICE!

With the legislative session upon us, we're thrilled to work with Scott Bilger (BPS board president and government affairs P66) and HJ Reed (retired government affairs with P66) as they give us easy-to-use advocacy skills.

On February 11, 4:30pm, we'll gather at Cooper & Mill Brewing Company (200 Dewey Ave) for a briefing on the upcoming legislative session, public schools, and the best way to advocate for your students, your profession, and our beloved public education. Following, we'll have sign-ups for Civication. All BPS employees are invited!

B E A will provide snacks. We hope to see you all there!

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Civics + Education = CIVICATION!

Civication is an exciting opportunity for OEA members to connect with state lawmakers and make a difference in Oklahoma public education. Whether it’s meeting with lawmakers in your home districts or coming to the Capitol during the legislative session, OEA has you covered! Sign ups for Civication will start at our You Have A Voice meeting and will be sent out in our next enews. If you have questions in the meantime, contact Jessica Dyer (BEA Legislative Contact) or any other officer.

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ASSAULT ON TEACHER - Data Collection

If you have been assaulted by a student, please use THIS FORM to report the incident. This is for data collection purposes only and not a disciplinary action report. This is for BEA members and non-members alike, so feel free to share. You may complete the form as often as necessary. Please be careful to NOT report any identifiers of your student (name, description, etc...).

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READY TO SERVE?

If you are ready to serve or think someone else would make a good leader in our association, please complete our NOMINATION FORM. We'll begin the process of filling offices shortly after second semester starts!

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MEMBER BENEFIT HIGHLIGHT

Does the winter have you feeling ready for some sun and fun? Check out NEA Member Benefits Travel Savings! NEA members can access exclusive cruise and guided tour packages, offering immersive and stress-free travel experiences. The NEA Travel Program provides unbeatable value with member-only rates, trusted travel partners and the ability to apply Travel Dollars for significant savings. Booking through the NEA Travel Portal is easy and personalized, with a user-friendly interface, secure checkout and dedicated support throughout the journey. Additional perks like onboard credits, flexible change policies and bundled travel options enhance the overall value and convenience of educator-focused vacations.

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PROTECT YOUR TIME

Our "Meeting Limitations: Site leadership-directed meetings shall not exceed sixty (60) minutes per month per teacher off contract. Site leadership-directed meetings shall not exceed ten (10) planning periods per month maximum (not to exceed three (3) per week), per teacher."

To keep track of our meetings and help our conversations and eventual negotiations, please add your meetings to THIS FORM. If you notice that someone from your building has already added a meeting, there is no need to add it again.

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MARK YOUR CALENDARS

February 11, 4:30 - 5:30 -- USE YOUR VOICE advocacy workshop with Scott Bilger and HJ Reed; Cooper & Mill Brewery

March 11, 4:30 - 5:30 -- Membership Gathering! Come learn about retirement! It's never too early; Central Library

May 13, 4:30 - 5:30 End of year celebration! Come celebrate the end of the year, the retirees and the new officers; LaFiesta

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If you haven’t joined our BEA Remind yet, please do so by texting @BvilleEA to 81010.

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We are at your service!

Please feel welcome to contact your officers or building reps should you need professional advice or assistance. We are always ready and willing to help!

Co-Presidents: Nate Vance (BHS) | Anna Thom (JP)

Vice President: Heather Davis (CMS)

Secretary: Jayleen Mayes (BHS)

Treasurer: Megan Freeman (Kane)

Members Rights: Megan Freeman (Kane)

Chief Negotiator: Alana Murphy (RH)

Legislative Contact: Jessica Dyer (Wayside)

OEA Delegate: Brian Davis (CMS)

NEON Rep: Sidnie Brown (Wayside) | Caroline Rojas (JP)

BHS Building Reps: Andrea Repogle | Tasha Workman

CMS Building Rep: Hadley Davis

MMS Building Rep: Karen Swinford