"The Ohio Education Association represents 130,000 teachers, faculty members and support professionals in Ohio's public schools, colleges and universities. OEA is leading the way for the continuous improvement of public education while advocating for members and the learners they serve, carries with it another important responsibility--to build capacity. The purpose of OEA is to promote the cause of public education and improve the quality of teaching and learning. Through our more than 150 year history, OEA members have been involved in every struggle and effort to advance the finest of America's dreams: universal, free public education for every child. OEA is an affiliate of National Education Association (NEA), the largest professional association in the nation. Within OEA and NEA, and among OEA's more than 750 local affiliates and the members of the professional and civic communities we share, there are many resources for building the capacity of educators to shape school improvement, innovation, and change, all toward a future of better outcomes for students and society."