Public education is not partisan, but it is political. Politicians in the statehouse make decisions that impact Ohio's public school classrooms every day. That's why it is so important that our lawmakers hear directly from the educators who know what these policy decisions mean in our schools. Trotwood Madison Education Association President David Graham wasn't sure what to expect when he had a chance to talk to his state lawmakers the first time he joined his fellow OEA members for a Lobby Day at the statehouse. But as he tells us in this episode, he actually really enjoyed the experience, and he wants other educators to give it a try.

REWIND | David Graham is no stranger to the Public Education Matters podcast. Click here to listen to an interview with him in Season 5 about learning the ropes as a new Local president and the support he received from NEA.

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Featured Public Education Matters guest: 

• David Graham, President, Trotwood Madison Education Association
  • An 8th grade science teacher at Trotwood Madison Middle School, David Graham is in his 18th year of teaching. He has been president of the Trotwood Madison Education Association since the 2024-2025 school year. Graham received his bachelor's degree in Middle Childhood Education from Wright State University, and later pursued a Master of Arts degree in Religion at Southern Evangelical Seminary, graduating in 2025.

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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, schools, and the public in virtually every position needed to run Ohio’s schools.
• Public Education Matters host Katie Olmsted serves as Media Relations Consultant for the Ohio Education Association. She joined OEA in May 2020, after a ten-year career as an Emmy Award winning television reporter, anchor, and producer. Katie comes from a family of educators and is passionate about telling educators' stories and advocating for Ohio's students. She lives in Central Ohio with her husband and two young children. 

This episode was recorded on March 12, 2026.