Professional Oklahoma Educators: Empowering Oklahoma's Education Community

Professional Oklahoma Educators (POE) stands as a prominent non-union and nonpartisan professional association dedicated to serving all school personnel in Oklahoma. Founded in 1988 by Olan Isbell, POE has rapidly grown to become the fastest-growing education organization in Oklahoma, providing its members with essential resources such as legal services, professional learning opportunities, professional liability insurance, and dedicated lobbying representation. POE serves as an alternative to teacher labor unions and provides its members with liability insurance and legal advice on job-related matters. Professional Oklahoma Educators also lobbies on education issues before the Oklahoma Legislature and provides professional development opportunities for educators. Executive Director Ginger Tinney is registered as a lobbyist for the organization with the Oklahoma Ethics Commission.

A Comprehensive Support System for Educators

POE caters to a diverse range of individuals involved in Oklahoma's education system, including teachers, paraprofessionals, administrators, college and university education majors, retired educators, and all public education employees. This inclusive approach ensures that everyone who contributes to the education of Oklahoma's students has access to the support and resources they need to excel.

Core Values and Principles

POE operates on a set of core values and principles that guide its actions and decision-making:

Non-Union Affiliation: POE is classified as a 501(c)(6) professional association and maintains a non-union status, offering an alternative to traditional labor unions. POE does NOT participate in collective bargaining.
Nonpartisanship: POE is committed to nonpartisanship, enabling it to collaborate effectively with all political parties in pursuit of positive educational change. POE does NOT give money to any political candidates, ballot initiatives, PACs, or other political groups. This protects our members from financially supporting issues with which they may not agree. Also, POE does NOT lobby on any non-education issues or tell its members how to vote in any election.
Oklahoma-Focused: POE directs its efforts and resources exclusively within Oklahoma, avoiding external affiliations and ensuring that all member dues stay within the state to support Oklahoma education. POE members are not bound to funding multiple levels of a unified organizational structure, and as a result, we are able to provide many services more economically.

Key Benefits of POE Membership

POE membership offers a multitude of benefits designed to support and empower educators throughout their careers:

Professional Liability Insurance: POE provides members with professional liability insurance coverage.
Legal Services: POE offers access to legal services, including employment protection coverage and assistance with job-related needs, through its in-house legal staff. Prompt, Professional, Personal ServicePOE attorneys return initial legal calls with 24 hours, including holidays and Saturdays.
Lobbying Representation: POE actively lobbies on issues related to education, advocating for the interests of its members and the betterment of Oklahoma's education system.
Professional Learning: Through the POE Foundation, members can access free or reduced-cost in-service and professional learning opportunities, enhancing their skills and knowledge.
Member Discount Program: POE's member discount program offers a multitude of savings through Working Advantage.

Differentiating from Other Education Associations

POE distinguishes itself from other education associations through its non-union status, nonpartisan approach, and Oklahoma-focused mission. Unlike the Oklahoma Education Association (OEA), which is affiliated with the National Education Association (NEA) and supports a labor union philosophy, POE operates independently and avoids involvement in collective bargaining. Similarly, POE differs from Oklahoma City AFT, which is concentrated in the Oklahoma City Public Schools district and supports union-style exclusive consultation arrangements.

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POE Foundation: Supporting Educators and Students

The Professional Oklahoma Educators Foundation, founded in 1998 by Ginger and Mike Tinney, serves as a support organization for POE, providing valuable educational training and services to teachers and students across the state. The Foundation's charitable activities and events make a positive difference in the lives of Oklahoma educators and students each year. The POE Foundation relies on donations to support these efforts. The POE Foundation is registered in Oklahoma as a nonprofit corporation and is a public charity exempt from federal income tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Heart Times Disaster Fund

When disaster strikes, it no doubt brings hard times. But through “Heart Times,” the POE Foundation Disaster Fund can provide much needed funds to teachers following a tornado, fire or flood in Oklahoma to help replace teaching supplies.

Partnering with Otto Production

The POE Foundation is partnering with Otto Production to deliver copies of “Marvin’s Gift” to every elementary school in Oklahoma to help with literacy rates, especially with children of incarcerated parents. Your support is greatly appreciated in this endeavor to help students of parents who are incarcerated.

Joining Professional Oklahoma Educators

Becoming a member of POE is a straightforward process. Anyone with an interest in public education is welcome to join, including educators, administrators, paraprofessionals, retired educators, and college students. POE invites anyone who has an interest in public education to join, including educators, administrators, paraprofessionals, retired educators and college students. You are eligible for a first-year teacher membership if it is your first year to ever teach.

Retired Oklahoma Educators

RPOE provides an affordable way for retired educators to stay in touch with their profession and support the efforts of current educators at only $30/year. POE lobbies on issues of concern for retired educators and provides representation at Oklahoma retirement and insurance meetings.

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Local Chapter Dues

Established local chapters of POE may set and collect local chapter dues in addition to state dues. Local chapter dues may cover the cost of local chapter activities, fund community service projects, and help your local chapter send members to the annual POE Leadership Training Conference.

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