Core Values | Professional Oklahoma Educators

Education is about children first.
Outstanding educators place the needs of students above their own. This means that we take a stand on important issues without impairing the learning process by leaving the classrooms in protest. Educators must be in the classroom drawing out the potential of their students in order to achieve the Professional Oklahoma Educators mission of advancing Oklahoma education through integrity, professionalism and excellence!

Educators have the right to make an informed choice.
Professional Oklahoma Educators believes that educators should have access to all of their options so that they are empowered to make the best choice possible concerning memberships with professional organizations. We promote equal access for educators to hear from all professional education organizations. Educators have a right to compare their options to assure that they are getting the best service possible. Professional Oklahoma Educators believes that educators should be free from all forms of compulsory membership.

Educators deserve to be the highest paid professionals!
Professional Oklahoma Educators believes that the dedication, professionalism and continued education of professional educators should be rewarded with higher pay! The work and effectiveness of educators is integral to the success of our communities and our economy. Educators have the important role of not only improving the intellect of each student, but also of improving each young person’s character.

Educators’ views should be well represented at the state and national level.
Professional Oklahoma Educators members are provided with an opportunity to share their opinions on important education issues through the annual member survey. The results of this survey are compiled to form the Professional Oklahoma Educators Legislative Platform, which is promoted at both the state and national levels. Professional Oklahoma Educators will NOT endorse or financially support any candidate for local, state, or federal office, but will instead encourage individual members to become actively involved in the political process.

Educators, administrators and school board members can work together for progress in our schools.
The Collaborative Communication Model was developed by Professional Oklahoma Educators as a replacement for antiquated, ineffective and often secretive union bargaining methods. This communication system allows for open meetings and cooperative communication between a council of educators, administrators, school board members and mediators. The system eliminates the “us v. them” mentality that stalled progress in the out-dated bargaining system. Professional Oklahoma Educators Collaborative Communication Model brings the meetings out into the light, allowing all educators to assure that they are being well represented!

Education is a community effort!
Professional educators are a necessity in community building. The work they do for our children is important for a successful future. Professional Oklahoma Educators encourages business leaders to join together to support outstanding educators and to work with us to meet the professional needs of our members. Our many supporters contribute to education through the Professional Oklahoma Educators Foundation, which provides scholarships, professional development and student activities to enhance education and increase the effectiveness of Oklahoma educators! It encourages educators and benefits students when business leaders come along side them to achieve great things for Oklahoma’s children! THANK YOU to the many supporters of the Professional Oklahoma Educators Foundation! It is your generosity that keeps us on the cutting edge of education, inspiring and encouraging educators in order to provide the best possible learning environment for each Oklahoma child.