Shifting culture to benefit public education employees
Let us re-introduce ourselves.
We are Oregon Well-Being Trust.
You have known and supported us as OEA Choice Trust. While our name has changed, our purpose remains the same – to shift the culture for the well-being of every public education employee in Oregon.
Shifting culture takes all of us, and we want to take an opportunity to introduce the people behind our work and share what guides our work.
In the coming weeks, we will be sharing reflections on the Trust’s new mission, vision, and values.
Value 3
Without equity, well-being cannot exist. Greater diversity, access, belonging, and justice benefit us all.
Siri’s Reflection on Value 3
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Siri Ngai
Community Engagement Coordinator
Equity and well-being are inextricably interwoven. I saw this truth play out often during my career as a high school English teacher. Students whose identities were not acknowledged or celebrated did not feel comfortable voicing their thoughts in the classroom, seeking support from their teacher, or succeeding academically. This is also a reality for the adults who are education employees.
As the Community Engagement Coordinator at the Trust, I have learned that education employees need workplace communities that understand how systems impact their identities and ability to flourish. They need workplaces that foster and grow safe spaces for belonging and connection. The teams and supervisors who have recognized my full humanity and the many roles I balance in life have helped me thrive as a person and employee.
We can begin to improve equity and well-being in workplace cultures by starting with listening. Deep, authentic, empathetic listening that centers those who have been pushed to the margins. From that place of listening, we can move toward empowered action that builds trust with those who have graced us with their stories.
Additional Reflections
Updated Mission and Vision
Every adult working within public education faces countless responsibilities and expectations. Often, their own needs are sacrificed while dedicating so much to the students they mentor, guide, and care for. These employees are working in a system that has more…
The Story of the Flourish
Our new logo is a visual representation of our work to shift organizational cultures towards well-being and belonging.The curved lines remind us that this work includes peaks and valleys, and is never a straight path. The space between the lines…
People Are Paramount
This week, two board members reflect on how Oregon Well-being Trust’s values impact their work on the Board of Trustees. Jordan Ng is a Physical Education teacher at West Powellhurst Elementary, which is part of David Douglas School District. Stephanie…
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