Latest / Public Education Matters / Turning the page: Scott DiMauro reflects on OEA presidency, education career, and what’s ahead
Transcript
- Various student voices 0:08 Public education matters. Public education matters. Public education matters. Scott DiMauro 0:15 This is Public Education Matters, brought to you by the Ohio Education Association. Katie Olmsted 0:26 Thanks for joining us for Public Education Matters the final episode of Public Education Matters for this season. I'm Katie Olmsted, and I'm part of the communications team for the Ohio Education Association and the nearly 120,000 public school educators OEA represents around the state. I want to start this episode by sharing a thought from one of those members. Brian Morgan 0:49 I believe in my teaching career, there has been no greater advocate for public education in the state of Ohio, but for students and for teachers, than Scott DiMauro. Katie Olmsted 0:57 That was Worthington Education Association president Brian Morgan with one of the many messages he shared during a celebration of OEA President Scott DiMauro's work at Scott's final representative assembly as OEA president on May 10. Scott is retiring from teaching after more than three decades in public education, and he's leaving oeas leadership. He's term limited after two terms as president in July, Scott will hand over the reins to OEA's current Vice President Jeff Wensing, who was elected president at the spring RA. OEA members also elected Dan Greenberg as OEA's new vice president. OEA new officers will be entering a challenging landscape for public education in Ohio when they take office this summer, but it's also a time of really big opportunity to stand together, as we have before, to work to improve our public schools every day. Scott knows that well from his time as president, so we sat down with him a few weeks ago to get his reflections on the challenges he helped take on while he was in office, and to get his thoughts on what may be ahead. Scott, thank you so much for sitting down with us one last time as OEA president, as your term comes to a close in just a few short weeks really. You were president for six years vice president six years before that, and it kind of feels like a whole different lifetime from before that, because of everything that has happened in that time, what are your big reflections? Scott DiMauro 2:34 Yeah, it was funny this morning. I opened up my phone, I was looking at Facebook, and a memory popped up, and it was a photo from the setup for our spring 2021 Representative Assembly, two podiums in a mostly empty room in this building where we were leading a virtual representative assembly because we were in the throes of the pandemic. And it was just a reminder that, wow, when I got elected six years ago, there was no way to imagine, you know, how things would change. But then, having gone through that, looking back, it just seems so long ago, and how things have continued to change since then. And so one of the things that that just sticks with me right now is we are a resilient bunch. I mean, it is pretty amazing to see how through all kinds of challenges, whether it was the global pandemic, political attacks coming from all directions, you know, more and more challenging conditions in our schools and in our classrooms. Our members continue to show up. Our members continue to do amazing things with and for our students, and I think very importantly, do really important things for one another. You know, the unity that I see, the activism that I see from our members is incredible, and it's just been an absolute honor to be able to be part of this movement. Katie Olmsted 4:07 I mean, you mentioned political attacks from all directions as a past tense, but that continues. I'm talking to you on May 8th, and just earlier this week, there was another house bill introduced to ban DEI in our schools and, and all sorts of sort of manufactured controversies. It's something we've been saying for it feels like years, because these bills just keep coming up. How have you navigated what feels like a minefield? Scott DiMauro 4:36 Yeah, I think it's important that we be cognizant of the changing legal realities and and the politics. But what's most important is that we are true to our core beliefs and that we never lose sight of our mission. And you know, when we think about public education, you know the reason that public education exists? This is that it is there to serve all students, and we have been very intentional over the course of the last 10 years or so as an organization at the state level, as an organization at the national level, really encouraging our locals do the same thing, to be intentional about social justice, about racial justice, about recognizing that historically, there have been ways that have disadvantaged certain groups in our society, whether it's based on gender or based on race or, you know, other kinds of categories. And so in making sure that public schools are truly safe, welcoming, nurturing spaces for every single student, no matter who they are. That means that we have to lead. That means that we have to lead in terms of how we train people to do their best with all students in their classrooms. That means that we have to be advocating for good public policy, we need to push back against bad public policy that we have to be honest when we talk to our members and when we talk to the public about what is at stake, that we don't get caught up in traps around language or around, you know, whatever the latest controversy of the Day. I mean, it's kind of funny. You know, today, it's DEI a couple years ago, it was CRT, you know, it's, it's whatever it was SEL, it was SEL. I mean, it's whatever opponents of public education want to lift up at the moment and make the talking point, if we can, you know, not get tripped up by that, but just be really focused on what it is that we stand for and we believe in. What I am finding is that most of the people are with us. You know, I have seen some tremendous support from communities. We've seen, you know, organizations like Honesty for Ohio Education that didn't even exist at all a few years ago, and with our participation and support, you know, they have helped lead the fight with educators, with parents, with people in communities, statewide and locally, to really make sure that we don't lose sight of the need to serve every single student. So I think that's most important, you know, that we don't be cowed by that, that we don't live in fear. And I'll just share one example, and this comes from from another state, but you may have some people may have heard about this controversy in Idaho, just outside of Boise, where a teacher was told that she needed to take down a poster in her classroom that said everyone is welcome here. And she refused. And you know, the district was, I think, misreading what is admittedly a bad law in that state, you know, against so called DEI content and things like that. And anyway, she, she, I think, courageously, said, No, I'm not going to do that. You know, tell me who's not welcome in my classroom. You know, before, before I do that, it is important for my sixth grade Social Studies students to know that regardless of who they are, they're welcome in this classroom. Well, what happened was, there was this groundswell of support for this teacher, not just inside her community, but from around the world. Within a few weeks, they had printed and sold over 20,000 T shirts that people are wearing everywhere to stand in solidarity, you know, with this educator and with the students that she serves. And when we join forces like that, you know, I think we we realize that this is not a time to live in fear. This is not a time to go back on what it is that we believe in. This is a time to really stand up, join forces, join hands with one another and advocate for our students. Katie Olmsted 9:04 I think the big saying of the day right now is, unions exist for moments like this. Do you feel that? Scott DiMauro 9:11 Yeah, no doubt. I mean, on a very like concrete level, we saw that there was a federal court decision. Actually, there were three federal court decisions in different courts in response, and one of them specifically on a lawsuit filed by NEA, by our union, challenging some of these, what we believe are unconstitutional attacks couched as anti DEI but really attacks on free speech, attacks on our ability to do the jobs that we were trained and hired to do. And, you know, anywhere as a result of the one case out of New Hampshire, anywhere where there's a single NEA member employed in the district, they are enjoined from having to file. This requirement that that there's a need to sign off on this certification, that the way you're following discrimination laws is, you know, complying with this twisted view coming from the administration. So, so that's just an example where, like, protection of our union, basic legal rights, you know, is so important, standing up for due process, and that's something that has always been important for us. You know, we're enforcing contracts. We have our legal services plan. We are making sure that that people do have protection to do the jobs that they were trained and hired to do. But it's also about, you know, the power of collective action when it comes to advocating for students, advocating for public education. And, yeah, we're in a very hostile political climate at the state level right now, but our activism is making a difference. The House, despite all the problems with the budget, they heard the message that we can't have districts being cut. You know, right now at the federal level, we see incredible advocacy, and right now where it matters most is at the local level. And I saw just this week, more of our OEA locals being directly supported by our staff, by our organization, in getting levies passed, and 75% of the levies where we were involved did pass this week, and that's a big change from just a few months ago. So when we stand together and we fight together, we win together. And now, more than ever, that is incredibly important. Katie Olmsted 11:39 And we have one together. It stands out to me that you were president when the fair school funding plan first started being implemented in the state budget two budget cycles ago, and I was just coming on to staff then. And, you know, I grew up in Ohio public schools like I for how long has we have we been living under this unconstitutional funding system? And I'm not gonna lie, I was like, there is just no way, because I'm, you know, the doubting Thomas, I guess I I've changed my ways. I believe in us, and I believe in all of this, because I've seen it work. But when, when you got the news that that was included, and that this thing we'd been working for for so long was finally getting going, what was that like for you? Scott DiMauro 12:17 It for me, it was very personal. It's funny, as I'm getting ready for retirement, I've been, you know, going through all my stuff in my office, going through, you know, piles and boxes, you know, in my at home. And I came across all these materials from college. So I graduated in 1991 from Miami University. I was political science history and education major, and I was doing a senior honors thesis in 1990 predicting the likelihood that the Ohio Supreme Court would declare our system of funding schools unconstitutional. This was seven years before the DeRolph decision was handed down. It was before the case was even filed. And so looking back at how, you know, all the evidence was there then that we had a system that was fundamentally inequitable, fundamentally inadequate. And then once we got that Supreme Court decision, and Supreme Court reaffirmed its decision three more times. The long struggle, 20 year struggle, to try to make sure that the legislature followed through and did its job finally took a bipartisan effort led by Bob Cupp, John Patterson, you know, we were at the center of it. You know, school district treasurers and superintendents to say, what are the costs associated with making sure every kid has a quality education, and how do you fairly distribute state aid? We made huge progress in the last two budgets. It is all very much at risk right now, but that's why we're continuing to stand up and fight and I will add, you know, one of the things that that we know is it's clear what's needed. If the legislature doesn't do its job in making sure that our students have what they need, maybe we need to go directly to the voters in the form of constitutional amendment to get that done. And so we're continuing to do the research and do the organizing and advocating, but we can only do that because we're strong and unified as a statewide organization, the largest labor union in the state of Ohio. Katie Olmsted 12:17 And, you know, with those going to the voters things, the success we had with issue one in August that that was enormous. Remember, I mean, it's, it's crazy to try to think back about all the things that have even happened in the last few years, but they were trying to take away our voting rights. In many ways, they were trying to take away the voice of the people. And we, as a state led by OEA, stood up and made sure that we protected people's rights, that we protected the voice of the people in our state house. Scott DiMauro 14:55 And that's why we get involved in in issues that that some people might not see as directly related to public education. You know, what does voting rights have to do with public education? What does you know the process for amending the constitution have to do with public education? In fact, it directly has everything to do with public education without an educated population. You know, you don't have a democracy, just on a very basic level, but without basic protections for voter access to the system, it's going to be really hard for us to get good public policy, whether it's through the ballot initiative process or through the legislative process. And so yeah, we've been really engaged on that. I also just want to mention another thing, speaking of wins and speaking of persistence and resilience. It's pretty exciting still to think about, after over 30 years of effort, finally getting at the federal level, repeal of the Government Pension Offset Windfall Elimination Provision the so the very unfair ways that public employees, particularly here in Ohio were penalized for being in public service, and now our members are going to get social security benefits that they earned if they were working in the private sector before coming into education or as a second job. And that's huge. This is where thinking about, what is the value of membership and being part of, you know this collective effort, you know that that's a very tangible benefit. It's life changing for so many people. Katie Olmsted 16:29 Speaking of life changing, your life is changing pretty dramatically now, as your presidency comes to a close, you are officially retiring from teaching after 34 years. I want to ask first about those last 34 years, though, what did you love about teaching? Scott DiMauro 16:46 Yeah, I and that was the thing. I've been out of the classroom doing full time association advocacy work for the last 12 years, and I have missed the classroom. I missed especially that those interactions with students. I miss the camaraderie, you know, with my fellow teachers and the staff in my school. And you know, there is a connection, there's a community. And I will say one of the most fulfilling things for me is when I run across a former student and they remind me what they learned in my class and and how I made them feel as one of my students. And it's especially exciting when I see students that that are really engaged in public service in the political space, or things like that, as as someone who taught government. So I do miss that. And I just, I loved seeing, you know that aha moment. You hear it a lot from teachers. You know when, when a student, you know, is really discovering something for the first time, and especially just those connections, those relationships. I mean it, I decided to go into education instead of pursuing a career in law or public policy or things like that, because I just really thought the way to make a difference was by teaching students to be good critical thinkers and problem solvers and decision makers so they could be good citizens, and boy, that is needed now more than ever, so best decision I ever made, and then also to become actively involved in my union almost as soon as I started teaching. Katie Olmsted 18:32 Do you remember the ask? Everyone has that ask. Scott DiMauro 18:37 100% I was my first year teaching. I actually was in a Catholic school, and so it was my second year as a teacher, first year in public education. I was, had just been hired to teach social studies at a career center, Tolles Technical Center, which is outside of Columbus and plain city. And my mentor, who was the other social studies teacher, Wendy Nichols, also happened to be the vice president of the Tolles Education Association. And all the new teachers were invited to go to dinner together, and then she's like, Hey, I have this membership form. And we were a local where we did not have fair share fee. About 80% of the folks there joined and, and I could tell she was a little nervous about asking me, you know, if I wanted to be a member. And I was like, Sign me up. Like, where is it? You know, I had always heard about, you know, unions and, and, you know, NEA and OEA, but, but that was the first chance that I, you know, really had a chance to see it firsthand, and it was in a small, 46 member local, and I was hooked from the beginning, I think by the end of the year, I went to my first OEA Leadership Academy. I became a delegate. I got very involved, became an officer in our union, and I ended up on the bargaining team and then going through that process of seeing, you know, how important it is to have like strength and unity in order to get a good contract that really makes a difference, and in bringing new people into the system, and, you know, rewarding people for the hard work, you know, who are there? And I've never looked back. And you're not looking back now, come July, you'll be retiring from teaching, and you will be done with your term as president. But you are not done with advocacy, with serving students, with serving educators. What can you tell me about what might be coming next? Well, I mean, the first thing is, I'll be relocating to Northeast Ohio, which is going home for me, you know, I grew up in Northeast Ohio, spent most of my career teaching in in the Columbus area, and then obviously working here at OEA, and then, you know, so be doing that my wife is, is also an educator, and excited about actually having a building a home together. You know, after, you know, the craziness of just life as an OEA officer, and I'm planning on staying very much engaged in, you know, the advocacy work. There's a lot of, there's a lot of work to do when it comes to making sure that we continue to, you know, lead the fight on public education, and I think there's, there's a couple opportunities that I'm that I'm considering I want to keep making a difference, and I think I'm going to find a way to do that. Katie Olmsted 21:35 I am really excited to see what is ahead for you as you're wrapping this up, what's the one message you have for the members who have watched you come to this point and will hopefully be in your corner as you take those next steps, whatever they may be. Scott DiMauro 21:53 I'm just filled with gratitude right now. I am so inspired by the incredible difference that our members make in their classrooms every day. You know, the best part of this job is going out, visiting schools, having conversations, and just the the impact of their work is is overwhelming. And then the other thing is, I just I am so grateful to so many people. My fellow officers, OEA, is incredible management team. We've got so many talented, dedicated staff like you, Katie, no, and it is. It's to have this kind of team, you know, the our our board, what an incredible group of leaders, our district leaders, local presidents and building reps, who are really the backbone of our union. You know that that's what gives us strength. We've got 744 locals, and so there are those people that are that are really working hard, most of them without compensation, without time. So I'm just overwhelmed with gratitude for this opportunity, and I want to do what I can to give back. Katie Olmsted 23:15 And I have to say that I'm incredibly grateful for my time working under your leadership. I'm very, very grateful for everything you've done, and thank you for this. Scott DiMauro 23:24 Thank you. Katie Olmsted 23:28 Just as Scott is looking ahead to what may be in his next chapter, we're looking ahead to the next season of this podcast. We're taking a break for the summer, but we will be back again when the new school year begins in the fall, and we will continue to dive into the big issues facing public education in our state, with the people who are shaping the public education landscape every day. In the meantime, I want to hear from you what worked for you with this season of the podcast. What do you want to see us do differently next season? What do you want to hear about here in the future, send me an email at educationmatters@ohea.org, and please keep up the good work you do every day to make the world better for your students, your school, your fellow educators and your community, because in Ohio, public education matters. Transcribed by https://otter.ai