Public Education Matters

'Where there's a will, there's a way' - Canton Professional EA  members create assistive device for student to play guitar - Season 3, Episode 21

MORE | This episode features excerpts of an interview that was conducted for a feature story in OEA's Ohio Schools magazine. Check out the Febraury/March 2023 edition of the magazine for the full article.

SUBSCRIBE | Click here to subscribe to Education Matters on Apple Podcasts or click here to subscribe on Google podcasts so you don't miss a thing. And don't forget you can listen to all of the previous episodes anytime on your favorite podcast platform, or by clicking here.

Featured Education Matters guests: 

• George Dean, Director of Guitar - McKinley Senior High School, Canton
• Chad Weaver, PLTW Instructor & Digital Electronics Master Teacher
• Dona Brown, PT, MPT, Physical Therapist, Canton City Schools

Connect with OEA:

• Email [email protected] with your feedback or ideas for future 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 about 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.
• 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 in January, 2023.

The Columbia Giving Tree - Season 3, Episode 20

DONATE | To support the work of the Columbia Giving Tree project, you can mail a check to:

CONTACT | For more information, to volunteer as a donor family, or to learn about other ways you can help, email Susie Dunn at [email protected]

SUBSCRIBE | Click here to subscribe to Education Matters on Apple Podcasts or click here to subscribe on Google podcasts so you don't miss a thing. And don't forget you can listen to all of the previous episodes anytime on your favorite podcast platform, or by clicking here.

Featured Education Matters guest: 

• Susie Dunn, Columbia Local Education Association Member
  • Susie Dunn is the school counselor at Copopa Elementary School in the Columbia Local School District in Columbia Station, Ohio. It is a small, semi-rural township located in Lorain County near the Cuyahoga border (Strongsville). Dunn is the counselor in the elementary school, grades K-4, for about 375 students. She has been a counselor there since 2007, but served as a substitute teacher in Columbia Local Schools before taking that position. 
  • Dunn became involved in the Giving Tree Project in 2010, after her colleagues who started the program retired. She worked with another teacher until 2020 when the other teacher relocated to North Carolina. She then took over the entire project, not an easy feat! The Columbia Giving Tree serves about 25-30 families each year with donations of gifts and food to make sure that every family with needs can enjoy a lovely holiday with their children. They accept donations of gifts, cash, gift cards, and food from local grocery stores to provide a hearty meal as well as presents for children and families based on wish lists they receive from the families they contact. Their contact is made through referrals from teachers and staff at all three buildings in the district, Columbia Middle School, Columbia High School, and Copopa. 

Connect with OEA:

• Email [email protected] with your feedback or ideas for future 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 about 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.
• 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 January 10, 2023.

The ABCs of CEA's Larry Carey - Season 3, Episode 19

GET THE BOOK | Larry Carey's book, Alliteration Boosts Communication, is available for purchase on Amazon or Book Baby now.

WATCH | To see the videos OEA-R members created for the 2022 Read Across America campaign, click here.

SUBSCRIBE | Click here to subscribe to Education Matters on Apple Podcasts or click here to subscribe on Google podcasts so you don't miss a thing. And don't forget you can listen to all of the previous episodes anytime on your favorite podcast platform, or by clicking here.

Featured Education Matters guest: 

• Larry Carey, Columbus Education Association member
  • Mr. Larry Carey is a first year PBIS Coordinator in Columbus City Schools. Prior to this role, he was acting as a teacher on special assignment for the NEA Organizing Fellowship Academy. This exclusive fellowship selected only twelve educators across the country to learn the role of organizing and how to engage, assist, and support educators throughout the United States.
  • Mr. Carey’s journey began as a student in the Columbus City Schools, where he attended Indianola Elementary, Johnson Park Middle, and graduated from Eastmoor Academy in 2003. Upon receiving his bachelor’s degree in Communication, it only took him a few years to realize that he was not walking in his purpose. In 2014, after working as a Pre-Kindergarten instructional assistant and library aide, Mr. Carey enrolled back in college to obtain his teaching license to pursue his goal as an Early Childhood Educator.
  • During the pandemic, Mr. Carey, an admitted perfectionist, began trying to find other ways to make sure his scholars were learning. He created a YouTube channel for those students who may not have had access to a computer but had access to a tablet or phone. He also began completing the final touches to his book Alliteration Boosts Communication: The ABCs of Vocabulary.
  • This book was two years in the making. He got the idea to write the book from one of the Step-Up observers, who was impressed by his scholars knowing the words elated and melancholy. These words along with a plethora of other high-level vocabulary were what he frequently used in the classroom. There, he began writing down alliterations for every letter. He made sure to use vocabulary words that scholars would not regularly hear in their daily communication. To assist with comprehension of the vocabulary, he also includes the meanings of each word with a well-conceived illustration that helps to explain the meaning.
  • After publishing his book, Mr. Carey created companion activities that align to the National Standards for fellow educators that range from Pre-Kindergarten to 8th grade. A vast number of the activities focus on letter recognition, sounds, colors, identifying what is occurring in the illustrations, and of course, vocabulary! For the higher grade levels, vocabulary and creating their own alliteration is key to mastery. These activities along with the book can be found on his website: www.larrycareyltd.com.

Connect with OEA:

• Email [email protected] with your feedback or ideas for future 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 about 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.
• 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 January 4, 2023.

Bringing Special Needs Professionals Together - Season 3, Episode 18

REGISTER | For full details and to sign up to attend OASNP's annual conference February 24-25, 2023, click here.

MORE | To learn more about the Ohio Association of Special Needs Professionals and how to join, click here.

SUBSCRIBE | Click here to subscribe to Education Matters on Apple Podcasts or click here to subscribe on Google podcasts so you don't miss a thing. And don't forget you can listen to all of the previous episodes anytime on your favorite podcast platform, or by clicking here.

Featured Education Matters guest: 

• Chrissy West, OASNP Chairperson
  • Christina West is the current chairperson of the Ohio Association of Special Needs Professionals and has worked for the Portage County Board of DD for 17 years. Her current role is working with students and school districts to transition students out of school services into adulthood. She is an active member of OEA and holds a seat on her local city council. 
• Jené Wilson, OASNP Immediate Past Chair
  • Jené has been an active member of the unified Association since 1973, when she started teaching. She held all offices except Treasurer in her local as well as served on several committees, including as chief negotiator several times. She continues to be active within NEOEA and OEA, serving on several committees. She is a founding member of The Ohio Association of Special Needs Professionals (OASNP,) which was formerly Ohio Association of Professionals for the MR/DD (OAPMRDD) and then Ohio Association for DD Professionals (OADDP.) She has served as Secretary, Vice-Chair and Chairperson of OASNP, and is currently the Immediate Past Chairperson. 
  • Currently: OEA Organizing Strategy | NEOEA: Summer Leadership, Resolutions, Publications, Communications Committees; Public Relations Committee Chairperson |Ohio Association of Special Needs Professionals (OASNP) Past President | Student Teacher Supervisor at Cleveland State University – 2 years
  • Previously: Local President – 10 years |Contract and Grievance Chairperson – 11 years | Chairperson, OASNP - 5 years | OASNP Vice-Chairperson – 24 years |NEOEA/OEA RA delegate – 32 years | NEA RA delegate – 22 years | NEOEA Unit 10 Board of Directors Representative – 3 years | Uniserv Secretary | Local Vice-President, Corresponding Secretary, Recording Secretary | NEOEA and OEA Legislative and Resolutions Committees – 6 years each | OEA Local Development and Training – 6 years | NEOEA Elections Committee – 3 years | Teacher/Behavior Specialist at Cuyahoga County Board of DD – 36 years | Adjunct at Notre Dame College – 10 years

Connect with OEA:

• Email [email protected] with your feedback or ideas for future 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 about 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.
• 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 January 4, 2023.

Working to repeal GPO/WEP - Season 3, Episode 17

SUBSCRIBE | Click here to subscribe to Education Matters on Apple Podcasts or click here to subscribe on Google podcasts so you don't miss a thing. And don't forget you can listen to all of the previous episodes anytime on your favorite podcast platform, or by clicking here.

Featured Education Matters guest: 

• Judy Novak, OEA-Retired member
  • Judy Novak spent most of her 36-year career as a Special Education teacher in the Mansfield City Schools. She has been substitute teaching since 2014. Novak was recently appointed to serve on NEA's GPO/WEP advisory task force. 
• Mark Hill, OEA Secretary-Treasurer
  • Mark Hill, first elected in spring 2018, is currently serving his second three-year term as OEA Secretary-Treasurer. He is a 30-year educator with Worthington City Schools, serving as a middle school math teacher. From 2010-2018, he served as president of the Worthington Education Association (WEA). In his freshman year as WEA president, he led his local in joining the successful repeal of Senate Bill 5 (SB5), an attack to collective bargaining. It was during this period he was twice elected to the STRS Board. Again, he demonstrated strong leadership in his roles as vice chair and chair respectively. Along with the board, he worked to bring long-term sustainability to the pension fund. His second 4-year term with STRS concluded August 31. 2018. Mark has also served as a member of the OEA Board of Directors and as chair of numerous Central OEA/NEA committees as well as chair of the OEA Resolutions Committee. Mark believes it is critical that OEA supports its local associations and their leaders because they shape members’ impressions of the value of membership. In these dynamic times, Mark’s experienced leadership will be vital as he directs OEA’s budget priorities toward an even stronger association.
     

Connect with OEA:

• Email [email protected] with your feedback or ideas for future 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 about 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.
• 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 a 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 December 13 and December 20, 2022.

Remembering OEA Awards & Scholarships namesakes - Season 3, Episode 16

MORE | To learn more about all of the OEA Awards and Scholarships and to download the applications, click here. 

• The deadline for all applications is January 27, 2023. 

SUBSCRIBE | Click here to subscribe to Education Matters on Apple Podcasts or click here to subscribe on Google podcasts so you don't miss a thing. And don't forget you can listen to all of the previous episodes anytime on your favorite podcast platform, or by clicking here.

Featured Education Matters guest: 

• Bob Maher, OEA-R Racial and Social Justice Committee vice-chair  
  • Robert "Bob" Maher is a retired elementary teacher living in Athens County, Ohio. He met his late wife Linda while attending Ohio University and working as a graduate assistant. They decided to remain in the area after he graduated because several members of her family lived in Athens County. Bob worked in Morgan and Athens County public schools for the next 34 years teaching grades 3-6. He also taught at Ohio University as an instructor in the College of Education. He was active in the Federal Hocking Teachers Association in a variety of roles, including president, and served as a long-time delegate to the OEA and NEA Representative Assemblies. Bob's work on Conflict Resolution education and international education curricula was recognized at the local, statewide and national level over the course of his career. His passion for peace and justice work continues today with his role as vice-chair of the OEA-R Racial and Social Justice Committee and his volunteer work for the Athens Catholic Community on peace and justice and environmental issues. Bob has been a hospice volunteer for 10 years. He has traveled to all 50 states and several countries on 3 continents, and looks forward to visiting more. He has 3 adult children, a daughter-in-law, and 4 granddaughters. 
• Don Traxler, life member of NWOEA-R, OEA-R and NEA-R
  • Don was the only son of four children born to Albert and Garnetta Kinley Traxler on the family farm in Wyandot County, Ohio. Don was one of nine graduates with the class of 1954 from Salem Township Local School.  He received his BS in Education from Bowling Green State University in 1958.  His MS in Elementary School Supervision and Administration was conferred in 1965.  He received his PhD in Educational Media from The Ohio State University in December, 1978.
  • Traxler taught in the public schools primarily in northwestern Ohio for five years in grades 5 through 8.  For four years he was the Grand Rapids, Ohio Elementary School Principal half-time and sixth grade teacher in math and science half-time.
    One year, Traxler was the Wood County Supervisor in Grades five through eight and worked with teachers in 21 schools.  He chaired the committee which developed the guidelines for Science in grades 5 through 8.  With the teachers in Grand Rapids, he conducted the research for and established the guidelines for an Elementary School Student Council.  This included the instructions for conducting elections in each classroom K-6.
  • Traxler was employed by Ohio Northern University from August 1968 through July of 1992.  He began as an Instructor and ended as a full Professor in Education.  He served as Department of Education Chair and Director of Teacher Education for seven years.  He served on numerous committees within the Arts and Science College and was University Council Chair for two years.  This included two years as an ad hoc member of the University Board of Trustees.
  • Traxler was Vice President and President of the Wood County Education Association as well as NWOEA.  The only involvement in OEA initially was as a member of the Professional Problems and Teacher Welfare Committee.
  • Elected in December, 1971, Don served as OEA President-Elect from July 1, 1972 through June 30, 1973.  His term as President was July, 1, 1973 through June 30, 1974.  Traxler has been a life member of OEA and NEA since the middle 1960s and has served as a delegate for many years at all levels.
     

Connect with OEA:

• Email [email protected] with your feedback or ideas for future 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 about 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.
• 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 a 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 November 30 and December 13, 2022.

A Legacy of Education: Jillian Majzan & Stephanie Hall - Season 3, Episode 15

SUBSCRIBE | Click here to subscribe to Education Matters on Apple Podcasts or click here to subscribe on Google podcasts so you don't miss a thing. And don't forget you can listen to all of the previous episodes anytime on your favorite podcast platform, or by clicking here.

Featured Education Matters guest: 

• Jillian Majzan, Middletown City Schools
  • Jillian Majzan is a middle school language arts teacher in the Middletown City school district but previously taught in Dayton Public Schools for four years. She is also a ONE Member Ambassador. Jillian has a bachelor's degree in Education from Bowling Green State University, a Master's Degree in Exceptional Student Education from Southeastern University, and is working on another Master's program with a focus on Educational Policy and Law. In her spare time, Jillian loves to read, spend time with her fur babies (Atticus, Pip, and Estella), shop, and go on mini adventures with her husband Andrew! She is a passionate advocate for public education and unions and feels lucky to be a part of one! 
     
• Stephanie Hall, Dayton Public Schools
  • Stephanie Hall is a Speech Language Pathologist in the Dayton Public School District. She has a bachelor's degree in Hearing and Speech Sciences and a master's degree in Speech Pathology from Ohio University. She is currently in her 32nd year of teaching and is looking forward to retiring in 2025! She loves spending time with her family, especially her daughter Jillian! She loves listening to Audible while walking her dog Ava and watching television with her cat Tootles Pan. 

Connect with OEA:

• Email [email protected] with your feedback or ideas for future 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 about 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.
• 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 a 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 November 17, 2022.

Standing Together for Public Education - Season 3, Episode 14

WATCH | To see the full panel discussion from the 2022 Fall RA, click here.

SUBSCRIBE | Click here to subscribe to Education Matters on Apple Podcasts or click here to subscribe on Google podcasts so you don't miss a thing. And don't forget you can listen to all of the previous episodes anytime on your favorite podcast platform, or by clicking here.

Featured Education Matters guests: 

• Jen Miller, Executive Director, Leage of Women Voters of Ohio
• Cynthia Peeples, Founding Director, Honesty for Ohio Education 
• Tom Roberts, President, Ohio Conference NAACP
• Molly Shack, Co-Executive Director, Ohio Organizing Collaborative
  • Representing the All in for Ohio Kids coalition on this panel

Connect with OEA:

• Email [email protected] with your feedback or ideas for future 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 about 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.
• 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 a 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 December 3, 2022.

What's next for the NEXUS pipeline school funding? - Season 3, Episode 13

SUBSCRIBE | Click here to subscribe to Education Matters on Apple Podcasts or click here to subscribe on Google podcasts so you don't miss a thing. And don't forget you can listen to all of the previous episodes anytime on your favorite podcast platform, or by clicking here.

LISTEN AND READ | Click here for Anna Huntsman's full September 22, 2022, Ideastream report, "NEXUS windfall was less than expected for Northeast Ohio schools. A local auditor is fighting back"

READ | Click here to see The Sandusky Register's reporting on why Edison Schools postponed a bond issue for a building proposal because of the NEXUS pipeline valuation appeal 

Featured Education Matters guest: 

• Anna Huntsman, Ideastream reporter
  • Anna Huntsman covers Akron, Canton and surrounding areas for Ideastream Public Media, Northeast Ohio's NPR and PBS member station. She previously reported on health news during the COVID-19 pandemic. Before joining Ideastream, Anna was a Carnegie-Knight News21 Fellow at Arizona State’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism, where she traveled the country reporting on natural disaster recovery. Anna graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from Kent State University.

Connect with OEA:

• Email [email protected] with your feedback or ideas for future 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 about 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.
• 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 a 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 November 15, 2022.

Ohio Teacher of the Year Melissa Kmetz - Season 3, Episode 12

SUBSCRIBE | Click here to subscribe to Education Matters on Apple Podcasts or click here to subscribe on Google podcasts so you don't miss a thing. And don't forget you can listen to all of the previous episodes anytime on your favorite podcast platform, or by clicking here.

Featured Education Matters guest: 

• Melissa Kmetz, 2023 Ohio Teacher of the Year
  • Melissa Kmetz is a third grade language arts teacher and Grade Level Chairperson at Lakeview Elementary School in Cortland, Ohio. She was raised in Campbell, Ohio, graduating from Campbell Memorial High School in 1999. Miss Kmetz obtained a full academic scholarship to Youngstown State University and, in 2003, graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Education (Early Childhood P-3). She began her career teaching kindergarten and then first grade in Salem, Ohio. There, she secured a Martha Holden Jennings Grant to Educators, which she used to open a literacy lending library. In 2006, she moved to Lakeview Local Schools, where she has been teaching third grade ever since! She obtained a Master’s Degree as a Reading Specialist from Youngstown State University in 2007, graduating with a 4.0 GPA and ranking in the top 1% of her graduating class. That same year, she was awarded the ETS Recognition of Excellence for scoring within the top 15% in the history of her licensure exam, the PLT K-6 Assessment. Miss Kmetz is a fierce advocate for culturally diverse curriculum, global education, and student leadership/activism. She furthered her knowledge in these areas through professional development at Harvard Graduate School of Education in Boston, taking the courses Advancing Culturally Responsive Literature Instruction and Educating Global Citizens. In 2010, she developed a Change the World Project in her school district, where for the past twelve years, Lakeview students have been activists, spearheading charity projects to benefit those in need near and abroad.
    • Source - Ohio Department of Education

Connect with OEA:

• Email [email protected] with your feedback or ideas for future 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 about 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.
• 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 a 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 November 2, 2022.