Rhonda Johnson for State Board of Education

Ohio's State Board of Education plays a critical role in the professional live of public school educators, and retired educator Rhonda Johnson says she is just the person to do the work of the Board, representing District 7. In this episode of Public Education Matters, Johnson tells us more about the journey that led her to this campaign, from learning in segregated schools as a child to leading the Columbus Education Association as its president to her ongoing mission to bring more young people of all backgrounds into the education profession.

MAKE A PLAN TO VOTE | Election Day is November 5, 2024. Now is the time to make your plan to vote, whether early in-person at your county board of elections location beginning October 7th, absentee by mail, or in-person on Election Day at your local polling location. Check your voter registration and find your local polling place at VoteOhio.gov

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Featured Public Education Matters guest: 

• Rhonda Johnson, Running for Ohio State Board of Education, District 7
  • Rhonda Johnson is a retired teacher and OEA-R member who has worked tirelessly in the education community for more than 40 years. From 2014--2019, she served as the Education Director for the City of Columbus and ex-officio member of the Columbus Board of Education.  
  • During Rhonda’s tenure as a teacher in Columbus City Schools, her love and passion for education led her to be a committed advocate for teachers through numerous leadership positions with the Columbus Education Association (CEA). Among them were Vice President and President, serving members in those offices for two decades.
  • During her presidency, Johnson was a successful and active voice for Columbus teachers and students, both locally and nationally. During her leadership, CEA achieved a number of major educational reform projects, and the union remained in a competitive negotiating position. Johnson represented CEA and the City on numerous boards, councils and panels. She been recognized repeatedly for her work. 
  • A native of Tuscumbia, Alabama, Rhonda received a Bachelor’s degree at Alabama A&M University and a Master’s Degree from The Ohio State University in Business Education. 

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• 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, schools, and the pu