Who We Represent

Over the course of its 100-year-plus history, the Oregon Education Association has grown to become the strongest advocate for educators in the state – with 41,000 members strong. Our membership includes the following member groups:

Certified Educators

The majority of these members include "certified" members - those working in our public schools who are teachers, counselors, school librarians, social workers, school psychologists, and nurses in all of Oregon's 220 school districts. The expertise of our certified members is called upon in numerous ways, from helping implement best practices in our schools, to improving the working conditions of the profession.

Community College Faculty and Staff

Oregon’s community colleges – their faculty and staff – serve as our state’s economic first-responders. OEA represents faculty and staff at 10 out of 17 community colleges across the state.

Education Support Professionals

OEA represents over 6,300 Educational Support Professionals (ESPs) covering paraeducators, instructional assistants, transportation, administrative assistants, secretaries, food service, school nurses, technicians, and custodians. From the school bus in the morning, to classrooms, cafeterias, offices, and college campuses in the evening, OEA Education Support Professionals are there working for all ages of students in Oregon public education. For more information, contact OCESP Chair Matthew Reed: mreed90@msn.com.

Retired Educators

The Oregon Education Association-Retired (OEA-Retired) is the NEA affiliate for retired OEA members. OEA-Retired provides OEA retirees an opportunity to collectively work toward preserving PERS benefits, enhancing health care, assuring the strength of public education, and providing social activities to our members. OEA-Retired works with other senior organizations to deal with retirement issues in common, while providing social activities and support for issues unique to retired educators.

Early Career Educators

Are you an early career member new to the field of education? OEA’s Early Career Educator program is here to support you on this journey - helping you feel supported in those stressful early years on the job. We host events for Student NEA members as well as Early Career Educators, and publish resources to help you find success in your new role. Reach out to us: webadmin@oregoned.org.

Click here to apply to become part of this year's New Educators of Oregon Network cohort this fall!

Aspiring Educators (Student Membership)

Planning a career in public education? Supervising a student teacher? Know an aspiring classroom teacher? If so, you should know about NEA's Student Program!