Celebrating Diverse Readers in Lima and Diversity Read-Ins in Twinsburg

Books that feature diverse voices - from diverse characters and diverse authors - help students discover their own voices and write themselves into the history books of tomorrow. Across Ohio, educators are using diverse literature to prompt important discussion, create welcoming learning environments, and help young people see themselves and the world around them in new ways. In this episode, we dive into the work of two local associations to do just that!

CHECK OUT THE READ-INS | Click here to view a gallery of photos and videos from some of Twinsburg Education Association Diversity Read-Ins and other events throughout this school year.

CELEBRATE DIVERSE READERS IN LIMA | Lima-area students and their families are invited to join the Lima Education Association, OEA, and OEA-Retired at the third annual Summer Celebration of Diverse Readers to enjoy free family activities, free food, and free diverse books!

• Thursday, May 22, 2025 (the last day of school for Lima City Schools)
• 2 p.m.-6 p.m.
• Lima Town Square
• More info: www.ohea.org/diversereaders

SUBSCRIBE | Click here to subscribe to Public Education Matters on Apple Podcasts or click here to listen on Spotify so you don't miss a thing. You can also find Public Education Matters on many other platforms, including YouTube. Click here for links for other platforms so you can listen anywhere. And don't forget you can listen to all of the previous episodes anytime on your favorite podcast platform, or by clicking here.

SHARE YOUR STORY | Public Education Matters continues to lift up the good work of OEA members and OEA locals across the state. Help us tell your local's story! Please send us an email at [e-mail] to let us know about what educators you know are doing to help their schools, students, co-workers, and communities.

Featured Public Education Matters guest: 

• Kristie Woolbright-Lewis, Twinsburg Education Association member
  • With more than 25 years in education, Kristie is the Department Chair and School Counselor at Twinsburg High School. She focuses on improving the ninth grade transition and new student transfer experience. She developed a program to cultivate student leaders who would support and assist incoming students. Most recently the initiatives expanded to incorporating Diversity Read Ins that would embrace empathy, encourage change, and increase acceptance of all students and our differences. 
  • Kristie's career in education began in the Cleveland Metropolitan School District. There she taught Health/PE 1999 until 2007. In 2007, she was afforded the opportunity to begin her heart's passion work as a school counselor.  While in CMSD, she worked with amazing educators who assisted her with gaining experience and knowledge that supported as she embarked upon the new position she accepted in 2018 at Twinsburg High School. 

Connect with OEA:

• Email [e-mail] with your feedback or ideas for future Public Education Matters topics
• Like OEA on Facebook
• Follow OEA on Twitter
• Follow OEA on Instagram
• Get the latest news and statements from OEA here
• Learn more about where OEA stands on the issues 
• Keep up to date on the legislation affecting Ohio public schools and educators with OEA's Legislative Watch

About us:

• The Ohio Education Association represents nearly 120,000 teachers, faculty members and support professionals who work in Ohio’s schools, colleges, and universities to help improve public education and the lives of Ohio’s children. OEA members provide professional services to benefit students, s