Teachers need to get the facts, hold politicians accountable

By State Rep. James Lockhart

As most Oklahoma citizens probably know by now, several issues are having a huge impact on education. The budget challenges this year are very likely to cause some schools to close, forcing many teachers to look for employment elsewhere.

There are several organizations teachers can join that provide updates of things going on at the State Capitol.

I highly recommend that all teachers join at least one of these organizations, primarily so you can see whether your state senator or state representative is truly voting to support education – or is a liar. (Sorry to be blunt, but...)

By joining at least one of these organizations, you as a teacher should get updates on important legislation and be able to see how your state legislator really is voting on education issues. If the organizations aren't keeping you up-to-date with important legislation and how they voted, then demand that they keep you informed or join a different group.

Following are links to the websites of several education-related organizations:

          Ÿ Oklahoma Education Association: http://okea.org

          Ÿ Professional Oklahoma Educators: http://www.professionaloklahomaeducators.org

          Ÿ American Federation of Teachers: http://www.aft.org

          Ÿ Cooperative Council for Oklahoma School Administration: http://www.ccosa.org

          Ÿ Oklahoma State School Boards Association: http://www.ossba.org

I'm sure there are more organizations out there for educators, but those are the big ones I know about.

In addition to the education organizations previously mentioned, I also recommend following a "think tank". They keep you abreast of all major issues at the Capitol. My favorite think tank is okpolicy.org.

Another good think tank that covers more of the national issues is the Pew Charitable Trusts: www.pewtrusts.org.

I recommend staying away from websites devoted to promoting the liberal or conservative agenda. I won't even go so far as calling them 'think tanks' because providing good data is not what they are about. Any time you see a "conservative ____" or a "progressive_____" you can be assured the real motive is to make the other side look bad. That's not what we need to solve issues today.

Educators, I beg you to get involved, stay informed and vote smart. I have two children in public schools and they are the ones who will be hurt the most by poorly funded classrooms and mandates that take money out of classrooms.

Teachers, school administrators and their families have the sheer numbers to decide any election in Oklahoma. It's time they get involved.

State Rep. James Lockhart (D-Heavener)

918-653-7571 home

405-557-7413 Capitol office

The Gayly - 1/19/2016 @ 12:53 p.m. CST