Welcome new OPS Teachers!

On behalf of the members of the Owosso Education Association, we welcome you to the Owosso family.  You’ve chosen a field that is exciting, challenging and demanding. There may be rough days and times you feel discouraged, but there will also be rewarding exchanges with your colleagues and the pleasure of seeing your students thrive and achieve.  

As leaders and members of the Owosso Education Association, we feel strongly about the value of union membership.  We invite you to an organization that represents and advocates for you professionally. Your membership is not only an investment in your current position, but also your future educational career leading into retirement. 

Please allow us a few minutes to introduce you to our Association. The Owosso Education Association is the exclusive bargaining agent for the professional staff of Owosso Public Schools.  Each year, the negotiating team works tirelessly to negotiate the contract in response to the needs and concerns shared by members. We have fought diligently to maintain strong health benefits, advance salary steps and salary, and improve working conditions while dealing with the historical failure of the state to adequately fund public education. While we always ask for more, we feel our positive relationship with the administration has allowed us to bring forth responsible agreements while keeping the interests of our students and members at the forefront.

Click here to view the Collective Bargaining Agreement that we have negotiated on your behalf. Please review its provisions, which stipulate the obligations of the school district, as well as each of us as educational professionals. If you have any questions, please reach out to your building AR (Association Representative) or one of us.

As members of the Michigan Education Association and the National Education Association, we are the collective voice fighting for better public schools and education.  The mission of the Michigan Education Association is to ensure that the education of our students and the working environments of our members are of the highest quality.  The MEA also provides invaluable assistance to the OEA during negotiations and with legal services when protecting members’ rights in discipline procedures and other matters.  There are other great values in your MEA and NEA Membership.  MEA and NEA provides members with legal services, a $1,000,000 liability insurance policy, contract enforcement, free and inexpensive professional development, and valuable discounts on services and products.  MEA Financial Services (MEAFS.com) provides members with competitive financial and insurance programs, including tax-deferred annuities, mutual funds, discounted homeowners and auto insurance, low percentage credit cards, and life & long-term insurance.  Often members find that their savings by using these services exceeds their yearly dues commitment.

In closing, we believe investing in your union is an investment in your career.  Please do not hesitate to contact either of us if you have any questions.   

In solidarity,

Lance E. Little, President, Owosso Education Association

Jackie Burzmor, Vice-President, Owosso Education Association

Arianna Rowley, Treasurer/Membership Chair OEA

Mary Hankins, Secretary, Owosso Education Association

If you are a new educator in Owosso Public Schools, you should receive an invite from an OEA officer or building representative. In the meantime, if you have already signed your contract with OPS, you can begin the membership application process to become a full member of the Owosso Education Association / Michigan Education Association / National Education Association by completing this online application form.

MEA Online Membership Application

Interested in applying for a position with Owosso Public Schools?

Check out available postings and information here