Hello, I’m Janet Moody, president of the Osceola County Education Association. I want to discuss our students, our profession, and our strength as union members. Last year, the school district announced significant changes to the ESE program, with more expected this year.

ESE students need dedicated staff like you, who face challenges such as limited resources and heavy workloads. Sadly, decisions are often made without incorporating your voices. That’s why I’m launching a new task force to advocate for better working conditions, manageable caseloads, and the respect educators deserve. These changes will benefit our students and help retain teachers.

Our union is strongest when it’s member-driven, and every voice matters. History shows that unity leads to success; together, we can achieve change. This is your call to action. If you believe change is needed for the ESE program, join this task force.

Together, we are stronger. I encourage you to get involved. Remember: United, we win!

How did we get here?

February 2025 – SDOC announced sweeping changes to ESE student placements.
February 2025 – OCEA began attending district feedback meetings to demand clear procedures, trainings, and support.
March-June 2025 – OCEA continued advocating in district feedback meetings, school board meetings, and individual meetings with SDOC staff.
July 2025 – OCEA negotiated 3 permanent seats on the district ESE Committee; paid RCS summer training; and extra paid time for self-contained and hub teachers to set up their classrooms before preplanning.
September 2025 – OCEA spoke to the school board regarding the ESE crisis and demanded data, accountability, and transparency.
October 2025 – OCEA collected 1,500+ responses to our ESE conditions survey and reported results to SDOC.
August – December 2025 – OCEA intervened in 120+ instances of ESE placement difficulties.
November 2025 – OCEA partnered with SDOC to offer Educlimber documentation and data training.
January 2026 – OCEA convened a general membership meeting to review changes (or lack thereof) and gather updates about the ESE situation across the district.
February 2026 – OCEA implemented the ESE Task Force to demand action from SDOC.

Let SDOC Know Your Thoughts

It’s been almost a year since the school board members approved changes in the design of the ESE program across the school district of Osceola county. In the name of inclusion, these changes were imposed on students in the ESE program, those in the general education classrooms, their families, and the educators who work with them day in and day out. The district promised full support and training for educators. They promised high quality teaching and learning experiences for all students. The school board doubled-down on these promises. But one year later, none of those promises have been kept. SDOC has set us up for failure. Teachers, paraprofessionals, students, and families have been placed in an impossible situation. It’s time to act NOW. Let school board members hear it directly from you.

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