The History of the Western Education Association-Retired (WOEA-R) was founded in 1989 by Nancy Brown ( **See below.) and is affiliated with WOEA, OEA, NEA and the division of retired educators of OEA-R and NEA-R.
The Mission of WOEA-R is to support continued leadership and the maintenance of professional skills and to enhance the unique potential of each participating member.
The Purpose is to maintain professional contact with the education community of public schools and the professional associations, specifically WOEA, through utilization of the expertise and knowledge of retired educators
**Nancy taught in Dayton Public Schools for 33.95 years and devoted her career to helping both students and teachers. While serving on the Dayton Education Association’s negotiations team, Nancy helped obtain planning time for primary teachers. She also help write formal state standards for the Gifted and Talented Programs in Ohio. As an education leader, Nancy was President of the Western Education Association and chairperson of WOEA-R and served eight years on the Dayton School Board. Nancy Brown passed away on June 13, 2016. **
IN MEMORIAM Carol Gerhard, who was instrumental in beginning WOEA-Retired along with Nancy Brown, passed away Mar. 11. Carol served as past President of WOEA and past Vice President of OEA. A powerful advocate for public education, Carol was very active in ORTA, NEA, NEA-R, OEA, OEA-R, WOEA and WOEA-R. After graduating from Heidelberg College, Carol taught at McCutchenville, Bradford and Vandalia Butler school districts. She retired from teaching in 1978. At the March meeting, members voted to donate $50 from the general fund to the Founder’s Scholarship fund in Carol’s memo
JANE RAHN-PAST PRESIDENT OF WOEA-R
Jane Rahn, past WOEA-R chairperson and OEA-R Advisory Council member, has been awarded the WOEA Leader of Distinction Award for 2016. This is the highest honor a WOEA member can receive. Employed by Brookville Local Schools from 1971-2007, Jane taught a variety of subjects and grades with relevant units to increase students’ knowledge about the world around them. During that time, Jane was also an active member of the Brookville Teachers Association serving as president, committee chair, member, and delegate constantly promoting participation of members. She is a lifetime member of WOEA, OEA, NEA – retired.
Jane continued her dedication to the Association after retirement. She worked tirelessly to increase membership in WOEA-R and provide opportunities for retirees to stay involved in their profession. Jane has created materials and workshops for active and retired members. Jane has attended numerous conferences, at her own expense, to learn more about the education profession and share with members.
Jane has involved herself in numerous civic and community organizations, such as Delta Kappa Chapter, Alpha Delta State, Delta Kappa Gamma Society International to promote excellence in education. She has created a scholarship in memory of her husband, Bruce Rahn, to help Dayton students going into the field of education.
Jane Rahn has given life-long service to education and, in particular, to the retired membership the past ten years. She has served as a mentor to new retirees and to actives. When we think of a career educator and a career Association member, Jane Rahn should come to mind. Jane is a Leader of Distinction!