In a wide-ranging interview with Observer Editor Arnold Hamilton, new Oklahoma Education Association Executive Director Jim Keith, right, discusses the impact of last year’s teacher walkout, what public education stakeholders expect from this year’s legislative session, OEA’s priorities for the next five years-plus, the challenges facing Oklahoma educators and the state’s changing political landscape. [Recorded…
BY MICKEY DOLLENS Our neighbors in Missouri have extra cause for celebration this Labor Day. After defeating a so-called “right-to-work” proposition by almost half a million votes, Missouri citizens showed us there is quite a bit of power, and pride, that comes from standing in solidarity with labor unions. Back here in Oklahoma, we are entering…
Editor’s Note: The Oklahoma House late Monday approved both a revenue-generating package that would raise the gross production tax to 5% and a measure that would give pay raises to teachers, support personnel and state employees. The proposals now go to the state Senate for consideration. While the pay raises are long overdue, the package…
BY DAVID PERRYMAN Holistic Medicine is characterized by the treatment of the whole person, taking into account mental and social factors, rather than just the physical symptoms of a disease. Likewise, Holistic Philosophy comprehends that a person’s wholeness can be achieved only by recognizing its parts as intimately interconnected. Most Oklahoma teachers will tell you…
BY MARK Y.A. DAVIES Look, I get Oklahoma politics. I understand that the oil and gas industry has more economic and political power than any other entity in the state. I understand that no major revenue bill will likely ever make it through the Oklahoma Legislature without the approval of the leaders of our large…
