Public Education Matters

Ohio Education Association
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Ohio's public schools serve 1.6 million children - 90 percent of students in the state! What happens in the classroom has impacts far beyond the walls of the K-12 school building or higher ed lecture hall. So, on behalf of the 115,000 members of the Ohio Education Association, we're taking a deeper dive into some of the many education issues facing our students, educators, and communities. Originally launched in 2021 as Education Matters, Public Education Matters is your source for insightful conversations with the people who shape the education landscape in Ohio. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on Public Education Matters? Email us at educationmatters@ohea.org

  1. 1d ago

    Take the Dough, We Gotta Know: A conversation with the bipartisan sponsors of SB 443

    Ohio is now spending more than $1 billion in public taxpayer dollars each year on private school vouchers, but how much do we really know about where that money goes and whether it delivers any real results? In this episode, State Sen. Kent Smith (D-21st District) and State Sen. Bill Blessing (R-8th District) discuss their bipartisan efforts to bring transparency and accountability to Ohio’s near-universal voucher system, while also tackling the bigger questions of school funding, property taxes, school meal access, and the future of public education. LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PRO-PUBLIC EDUCATION, PRO-LABOR CANDIDATES ON THE BALLOT | State Sen. Kent Smith is the OEA member-recommended candidate for the 21st Ohio Senate district. OEA members can click here to check out the list of all the OEA member-recommended candidates running for state and federal office. And listen to Season 7, Episode 2, starting around 28:55, for more on what goes into these candidate recommendations. WATCH THE PRESS CONFERENCE | Click here to see the video of Sens. Blessing and Smith's press conference on May 27, 2026, announcing the introduction of SB 443 in the Senate. Blessing and Smith were joined by Representative Justin Pizzulli (R-Scioto County); Alana Cropper, Treasurer of Forest Hills School District; Piet Van Lier, Deputy Director of Honesty for Ohio Education; and Karen Rego, President of the Cleveland Heights Teachers Union for this press event. BLESSING'S LETTER TO THE EDITOR | While discussing property tax levies in this episode, Sen. Blessing mentioned a letter to the editor he previously wrote. Click here to read his statement.  SMITH'S 2023 PREDICTION | During our conversation for this episode, Sen. Smith referenced a Cleveland.com article about Gov. DeWine's announcement in the 2023 State of the State about expanding vouchers in Ohio to near-universal eligibility. Smith warned of the  consequences of voucher expansion for public education funding, which have since come to pass. Click here to read the story from January 31, 2023. ICYMI: STATEHOUSE EDITION | Sen. Smith has released weekly, award-winning video updates on state government since Spring 2023. Access the full video archive and keep an eye out for new releases on Smith's Senate webpage. SUBSCRIBE | Click here to subscribe to Public Education Matters on Apple Podcasts or click here to listen on Spotify so you don't miss a thing. You can also find Public Education Matters on many other platforms. Click here for some of those links so you can listen anywhere. And don't forget you can listen to all of the previous episodes anytime on your favorite podcast platform, or by clicking here. Featured Public Education Matters guests:  State Sen. Louis W. Blessing III (R-Colerain Twp.)State Senator Louis W. Blessing, III is serving his second term in the Ohio Senate. He currently represents Ohio's 8th Senate District, which encompasses a portion of Hamilton County. He began his career in the legislature serving as a member of the Ohio House of Representatives, representing the 29th Ohio House District.Senator Blessing has an extensive background in electrical engineering. He currently works as an engineer at Super Systems, Inc. in Cincinnati and previously worked at Duke Energy and Nova Engineering.He earned his Bachelor of Arts in mathematics and Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering at the University of Cincinnati. The Senator is a licensed professional engineer and is a member of the Ohio Society of Professional Engineers. He currently resides in Colerain Township with his wife Heather and their three sons.136th General Assembly Committee Assignments: Ways & Means (Chairman)Education Committee (Vice Chair)FinanceFinancial Institutions, Insurance and TechnologyJudiciaryState Sen. Kent Smith (D-Euclid)  **OEA member-recommended candidate for re-election in November, 2026**State Senator Kent Smith currently represents Ohio’s 21st Senate District - having been elected to the Ohio Senate in 2022. Prior to his service in the Senate, Smith served four terms in the Ohio House of Representatives (from 2015-2022). He joined the Ohio General Assembly after serving Euclid, Ohio as a Member of the Euclid Board of Education from 2002 – 2013. In his 12 years on the Euclid School Board, Senator Smith never missed a meeting. As a Euclid School Board Member, he was a four-time winner of the “Award of Achievement” which is awarded annually by the Ohio School Boards Association to less than three percent of all School Board Members in Ohio.Senator Smith graduated from Miami University in 1988 and earned his Master of Science in Urban Studies from Cleveland State University in 2001. His master's degree thesis - which was written in 2001 - was about the emerging threat of Predatory Lending and the Subprime Market. He also co-authored the first Predatory Lending Report by Policy Matters Ohio in 2002. Following his master’s degree studies, he sought his Ph.D. at Cleveland State University in Economic Development.In late 2019, prior to the COVID pandemic, Senator Smith was admitted into the Public Leadership Credential program offered by Harvard's Kennedy School.  Senator Smith completed the coursework during 2020 and 2021.  He finished the program's Capstone requirement in January 2023 and graduated from the program in May 2023.Senator Smith serves as the Ranking Member on the Senate Energy and Local Government Committees. He also serves on the Senate Education, Judiciary, Public Utilities, Rules and Reference, and Transportation Committees.Throughout his time in the State House, he served as the Ranking Member on the House Public Utilities (134th and 133rd GA), Financial Institutions (133rd GA), Financial Institutions, Housing, and Urban Development (132nd GA), and Economic & Workforce Development (131st GA) Committees. He also served on the House Higher Education and Career Readiness, Technology and Innovation, Education, Commerce and Labor, and Rules & Reference Committees. During his first term in the Ohio Senate (135th GA) he served as the Ranking Member on the Senate Energy and Public Utilities, Financial Institutions and Technology, and Ways and Means Committees. He also served on the Senate Judiciary, Transportation, and Rules and Reference Committees.Click here to learn more about Sen. S...

  2. Sep 10

    Amy Acton's pro-public education, pro-labor vision for Ohio. Plus, a deeper dive into how OEA members make candidate recommendations.

    ***This is a special video and audio episode of this podcast - The full episode video is available at the bottom of these show notes or by clicking here.***When it comes to public education and workers' rights, there is a clear choice in the race for Ohio's next governor. While Vivek Ramaswamy has repeatedly said he wants to eliminate teachers' unions and has pushed proposals that would slash public school funding to pay for more tax breaks for the wealthy, Dr. Amy Acton is calling for fully funding public schools, protecting collective bargaining rights, and ensuring educators have a seat at the table to help tackle the big issues in our state. In this episode, Dr. Acton joins us for a one-on-one conversation about her plans for Ohio's schools, students, educators, and communities. We also sit down with OEA Director of Government Relations Dan Ramos for a behind-the-scenes look at how OEA members evaluate candidates and make recommendations based on their support for public education and labor issues. If you want to understand what's at stake in this election - and why OEA members enthusiastically recommended Amy Acton for governor - this is an episode you won't want to miss. ACTON ON THE ISSUES | Click here to visit actonforgovernor.com and learn more about where Amy Acton stands on the big issues in our state. Click here to read OEA's statement on OEA members' decision to support Dr. Acton in the race for Ohio governor.  LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PRO-PUBLIC EDUCATION, PRO-LABOR CANDIDATES ON THE BALLOT | OEA members can click here to check out the list of all the OEA-member recommended candidates running for state and federal office. READ THE ARTICLE | During our conversation, Dr. Acton mentioned a piece by Mike Curtin that provides an important primer on taxes in Ohio: "Ramaswamy's weary staff hasn't explained property, income taxes to him, so I will" SHARE YOUR FEEDBACK | If you'd like to share your thoughts on the Public Education Matters podcast, including your ideas for what you'd like to hear on future episodes, please email educationmatters@ohea.org. SUBSCRIBE | Click here to subscribe to Public Education Matters on Apple Podcasts or click here to listen on Spotify so you don't miss a thing. You can also find Public Education Matters on many other platforms. Click here for some of those links so you can listen anywhere. And don't forget you can listen to all of the previous episodes anytime on your favorite podcast platform, or by clicking here. In this episode: 00:00 Opening Message: Building the Ohio We Deserve00:31 Welcome to Public Education Matters02:05 Vivek Ramaswamy in His Own Words 2:32 Contrasting Visions for Ohio's Public Schools04:04 Amy Acton on How Public Schools Changed Her Life06:50 What Ohioans Are Saying About What Their Schools Need10:18 Funding Public Schools and Addressing Property Taxes15:50 Fair School Funding and Ohio's Tax Debate20:36 The Role of Educators' Unions in Ohio's Future25:24 Ohio Politics, Statehouse Races, and Ending Gerrymandering26:34 Acton's Closing Call to Action28:20 How OEA Members Recommend Candidates 29:02 Dan Ramos on Why This Election Matters 31:00 Public Education Is Not a Partisan Issue33:38 Inside OEA's Candidate Screening Process38:11 Voting Information and Final Reminders38:42 Closing Thoughts and Season 7 PreviewFeatured Public Education Matters guests:  Dr. Amy Acton, OEA Member-Recommended Candidate for Ohio GovernorGrowing up in Youngstown, in a family who’d worked in the steel mills, Amy Acton faced a difficult childhood. She overcame periods of abuse, hunger, and neglect, and even wound up living in a tent in the middle of winter. That challenging upbringing molded the values and determination that have shaped a career dedicated to lifting others.From working as a waitress to delivering newspapers, Amy worked her way out of poverty and put herself through college and medical school to become a doctor. She experienced firsthand what so many Ohio families face today—working harder than ever and still feeling like they’re falling behind.After medical school, she began a lifelong focus on children’s health. Her first assignment was a pediatrics residency tackling the horrific consequences of the crack cocaine epidemic in children. She then began a residency at Children’s Hospital and Ohio State University, where she trained in pediatrics and preventive medicine. There, she created the first-ever residency rotation in child advocacy and gained a master’s degree in public health.Amy emerged as a community leader for children’s health as the Director of Project L.O.V.E, a partnership between Columbus area hospitals and community stakeholders focused on preventive health for Columbus-area children. She also joined the faculty at Ohio State University, where she became an award-winning professor of maternal and child health and global public health.Amy later joined the Columbus Foundation, where she led on a wide variety of community health issues, from youth homelessness to women’s health.In 2019, Governor DeWine asked Amy to serve in his administration as the Director of the Ohio Department of Health. Amy put partisanship aside to serve the people of Ohio. Amid a wide variety of issues, she worked with Republicans and Democrats throughout the state to hold the big drug companies accountable for the opioid epidemic and shape a historic settlement to fund addiction recovery programs. When the pandemic hit, her steady leadership and voice for common sense not only saved countless lives but also helped Ohio’s economy and schools open earlier than other states. For her leadership, Amy earned a Profile in Courage Award from the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation in 2021 and was named Woman of the Year for Ohio by USA Today in 2022.Following her service in the DeWine administration, Amy returned to the Columbus Foundation and helped found the Center for Human Kindness, then worked with CEOs, mayors, and community advocates to launch Rapid 5, a nonprofit to integrate the region’s park system and waterways, while lifting health and economic wellness. She also partnered with WKYC on an award-winning series called Health, Hope & Healing, where she spoke to Ohioans about the challenges they face and the innovative solutions they’re using to move themselves forward.Now, Amy’s running for Governor because she refuses to look away from Ohioans who are struggling while politicians in Columbus cater to billionaires and corporations.Amy lives in Bexley, Ohio with her husband, Eric, a lifelong teacher...

  3. Sep 3

    New School Year, New Opportunities: Public education matters. Vote.

    As the new school year gets underway, Ohio's educators are renewing their focus on delivering on the promise of the great public schools our students deserve. So much of that - for better or for worse - hinges on what happens at the ballot box in November. Ohio Education Association President Jeff Wensing kicks off Season 7 of the podcast with his takes on what's at stake in the upcoming election and some of the other big challenges and opportunities public school educators face this school year. LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PRO-PUBLIC EDUCATION, PRO-LABOR CANDIDATES ON THE BALLOT | OEA members can click here to check out the list of OEA-member recommended candidates running for state and federal office. SHARE YOUR FEEDBACK | If you'd like to share your thoughts on the Public Education Matters podcast, including your ideas for what you'd like to hear on future episodes, please email educationmatters@ohea.org. SUBSCRIBE | Click here to subscribe to Public Education Matters on Apple Podcasts or click here to listen on Spotify so you don't miss a thing. You can also find Public Education Matters on many other platforms. Click here for some of those links so you can listen anywhere. And don't forget you can listen to all of the previous episodes anytime on your favorite podcast platform, or by clicking here. Featured Public Education Matters guest:  Jeff Wensing, Ohio Education Association PresidentA high school math teacher in Parma City Schools, Jeff Wensing was elected OEA President in 2025 after serving as the Association’s vice president for six years. A public education advocate and leader for more than 34 years, Jeff served as President of the Parma Education Association from 2012-2018, and as President of the North Eastern Ohio Education Association (NEOEA) from 2016-2018. He served on OEA’s Constitution and Bylaws Committee and President’s Cabinet, as Vice Chair of OEA’s District Leaders Council, and as a member of the Fiscal Fitness Review Committee and Systemic Practices Committee. As Vice President, Jeff continued to emphasize the importance of organizing members throughout the state.Jeff believes OEA’s commitment must be unwavering in protecting, promoting, and strengthening Ohio’s public schools. As President, he maintains open and effective communication with the OEA Board and district and local leaders to continue building OEA’s collective strength and lead the Association’s advocacy for all students and educators and efforts to ensure equity and inclusion.As President, Jeff prioritizes empowering local affiliates, equipping leaders for successful negotiations, expanding and diversifying OEA membership, enhancing political advocacy, safeguarding equitable funding for public schools, opposing unchecked voucher expansion, defending collective bargaining rights, and promoting safe and supportive schools.Connect with OEA: Email educationmatters@ohea.org with your feedback or ideas for future Public Education Matters topicsLike OEA on FacebookFollow OEA on TwitterFollow OEA on InstagramGet the latest news and statements from OEA hereLearn 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 WatchAbout us: The Ohio Education Association represents approximately 115,000 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 public school students, including her own two children. She lives in Central Ohio with her husband, children, and cat, Davis, who is very mean, but also very cute.This episode was recorded on August 20, 2026. In this episode: 00:00 - Back to School and Ready to Make a Difference00:20 - Welcome to Season 7 of Public Education Matters00:37 - Why This Election Could Shape Ohio’s Schools for Years to Come02:33 - What Educators Are Saying Across Ohio03:29 - Reasons for Hope This School Year 03:43 - A New Push to Pay Student Teachers04:36 - Facing Ohio’s School Staffing Shortages05:26 - The $2.75 Billion School Funding Gap07:21 - “Take the Dough, We Gotta Know”08:59 - Supporting Candidates Who Support Public Schools11:06 - Educators Lead the Endorsement Process13:06 - From Columbus to Washington: Making Recommendations14:21 - Sherrod Brown’s Record on Education and Labor15:15 - Protecting Federal Support for Students16:37 - Public Education: The Great Equalizer17:24 - Why Strong Public Schools Strengthen Communities19:04 - The Most Important Assignment: Vote19:32 - What's Ahead in Season 721:55 - Closing Thoughts

  4. May 28

    Listening, Learning, and Leading through the Challenges Ahead

    OEA Locals are not one-size-fits all franchises, like chain restaurant locations - Each Local faces unique circumstances, challenges, and opportunities. And, they each have different needs for support from the state organization. That's what OEA President Jeff Wensing has been hearing as he's talked to members across the state during his ongoing listening tour. Now, in this season finale episode, Jeff reflects on some of the common challenges members have shared - especially around state funding - and he shares his thoughts on what we can do right now to meet this moment. One message rises above all: we're stronger together. SHARE YOUR FEEDBACK | If you'd like to share your thoughts on the Public Education Matters podcast, including your ideas for what you'd like to hear on future episodes, please email educationmatters@ohea.org. SUBSCRIBE | Click here to subscribe to Public Education Matters on Apple Podcasts or click here to listen on Spotify so you don't miss a thing. You can also find Public Education Matters on many other platforms. Click here for some of those links so you can listen anywhere. And don't forget you can listen to all of the previous episodes anytime on your favorite podcast platform, or by clicking here. Featured Public Education Matters guest:  Jeff Wensing, Ohio Education Association PresidentA high school math teacher in Parma City Schools, Jeff Wensing was elected OEA President in 2025 after serving as the Association’s vice president for six years. A public education advocate and leader for more than 33 years, Jeff served as President of the Parma Education Association from 2012-2018, and as President of the North Eastern Ohio Education Association (NEOEA) from 2016-2018. He served on OEA’s Constitution and Bylaws Committee and President’s Cabinet, as Vice Chair of OEA’s District Leaders Council, and as a member of the Fiscal Fitness Review Committee and Systemic Practices Committee. As Vice President, Jeff continued to emphasize the importance of organizing members throughout the state.Jeff believes OEA’s commitment must be unwavering in protecting, promoting, and strengthening Ohio’s public schools. As President, he maintains open and effective communication with the OEA Board and district and local leaders to continue building OEA’s collective strength and lead the Association’s advocacy for all students and educators and efforts to ensure equity and inclusion.As President, Jeff prioritizes empowering local affiliates, equipping leaders for successful negotiations, expanding and diversifying OEA membership, enhancing political advocacy, safeguarding equitable funding for public schools, opposing unchecked voucher expansion, defending collective bargaining rights, and promoting safe and supportive schools.Connect with OEA: Email educationmatters@ohea.org with your feedback or ideas for future Public Education Matters topicsLike OEA on FacebookFollow OEA on TwitterFollow OEA on InstagramGet the latest news and statements from OEA hereLearn 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 WatchAbout 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 May 4, 2026.

  5. May 21

    Tallmadge Teachers Association: Turning grant funding into member impact

    OEA Locals can amplify the impact of their members' dues dollars through OEA grant programs - especially now, with the new Local Capacity Grants that are available just for completing a Local Capacity Toolkit assessment. The Tallmadge Teachers Association let the needs identified in that self-assessment drive their decisions not only to create a political action committee for their local, but also to create Action Plans to address needs in several other areas. Those Action Plans allowed them to access more Local Capacity Grant funding to support those new projects. TTA leaders join us for this episode to talk about how their Local Capacity and Wellness grants-fueled initiatives have strengthened member, student, and community engagement with their association.  GRANT FUNDING IN ACTION | Watch this short video to see photos from a few of the many grant-supported projects the Tallmadge Teachers Association members mention in this episode! CATCH UP | Click here to listen to our conversation with OEA Secretary-Treasurer Rob McFee from earlier this season about the OEA grants that are available and the changes that have been made to make this funding more accessible and impactful for local associations. Your Dues Dollars at Work: What you need to know about OEA's Local Affiliate Grants JUMP AHEAD | Helpful timecodes to hear about some of Tallmadge TA's initiatives and projects: 4:00 - Starting a political action committee, based on needs identified in the Local Capacity Grant toolkit assessment10:00 - Cultural events at the middle and high schools16:00 - Improving association visibility with kindergarten graduation t-shirts19:45 - OEA Wellness Grant-funded Survival Bags21:00 - Bagel-fed and Bracelet-bound, thanks to OEA Wellness Grant funding21:45 - Promoting Leadership with New TeachersLEARN MORE ABOUT THE OEA GRANTS: For more information about the Local Capacity Grant, click here. Additional information can be found on the OEA Grants and Scholarships page, in the bottom right corner.For more information about the OEA Wellness Grants, click here. For details about the Special Projects and Effective Local grants, click here. The application form is available here.Click here to learn more about the OEA Foundation Grants.SUBSCRIBE | Click here to subscribe to Public Education Matters on Apple Podcasts or click here to listen on Spotify so you don't miss a thing. You can also find Public Education Matters on many other platforms. Click here for some of those links so you can listen anywhere. And don't forget you can listen to all of the previous episodes anytime on your favorite podcast platform, or by clicking here. Featured Public Education Matters guests:  Becky Miller, Tallmadge Teachers Association PresidentBecky Miller taught 5 years in Cuyahoga Falls and 30 in Tallmadge, where she is a second grade teacher. She is a past OEA Board member and past NEA Trainer of the Trainers. She currently serves as TTA president, with her term ending June 1st. Audrey Cunert, Tallmadge Teachers AssociationAshley Graham, Tallmadge Teachers Association memberAshley Graham is a School Psychologist who worked for five years in Akron Public Schools before moving to Tallmadge schools four years ago. This year, she has also taken on the responsibility as the coordinator for the English as a Second Language program, though primarily, she still serves as a school psychologist. This is her first year in a leadership position with TTA and she is currently a building rep at Tallmadge Middle School.  Lianna Dauberman, Tallmadge Teachers Association Secretary-ElectNow in her 12th year as a school counselor -- all 12 of which have been in a K-5 setting -- Lianna Dauberman has been in Tallmadge schools for eight years now. She has been a building representative for TTA for the elementary for two years. This summer, she will start her new role as TTA Secretary. Brooke Nagy, Tallmadge Teachers AssociationBrooke Nagy is a kindergarten teacher at Tallmadge Elementary School.  She has been teaching for 25 years and has been a building rep on Tallmadge Teachers Association for the last 17 years.  Jon Bryan, Tallmadge Teachers Association Vice PresidentJon Bryan is currently a fifth-grade teacher in Tallmadge, Ohio, and is finishing his 32nd year in education.  He holds his master's in education from Kent State and is a Nationally Board-Certified Teacher.  Connect with OEA: Email educationmatters@ohea.org with your feedback or ideas for future Public Education Matters topicsLike OEA on FacebookFollow OEA on TwitterFollow OEA on InstagramGet the latest news and statements from OEA hereLearn 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 WatchAbout 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 an...

  6. May 14

    The whirlwind adventures of the 2026 Ohio Teacher of the Year

    Tiffin Columbian High School teacher Chris Monsour is the first person to tell you he never thought he'd be a teacher. Now, 27 years later, he's the Ohio Teacher of the Year. In that role, he has spent the 2025-2026 school year traveling around the state and the country, representing Ohio's public school educators, lifting up the positive stories about the power of our public schools, and sharing his message about the importance of staying the course. He joins us for this episode to catch us up on some of the many things he has done and lessons he has learned during his Ohio Teacher of the Year term so far. STAY THE COURSE | Click here to watch a recent Ohio School Spotlight video with Chris Monsour sharing his story of perseverance and dedication as he continues to push his students and fellow educators to “stay the course” and reach their full potential. Click here to check out other features in OEA's Ohio School Spotlight video library. STRONG UNIONS MAKE STRONG PUBLIC SCHOOLS | As part of OEA's ongoing statewide media campaign, Chris highlighted how his local association, the Tiffin Education Association, has been able to keep class sizes managable so they can individualize instruction and improve student outcomes. Click here to watch that TV commercial, and click here to see all of the other locals' stories that are being shared across the state this year. OHIO SCHOOLS | Chris Monsour was featured as the cover story in the December 2025/January 2026 issue of the Ohio Education Association's Ohio Schools magazine. Click here to read the piece. SUBSCRIBE | Click here to subscribe to Public Education Matters on Apple Podcasts or click here to listen on Spotify so you don't miss a thing. You can also find Public Education Matters on many other platforms, including YouTube. Click here for links for other platforms so you can listen anywhere. And don't forget you can listen to all of the previous episodes anytime on your favorite podcast platform, or by clicking here. Featured Public Education Matters guest:  Chris Monsour, Tiffin Education Association member, 2026 Ohio Teacher of the YearChristopher Monsour teaches a variety of advanced science courses, including College Credit Plus (CCP) Environment and Society, CCP Oceanus, CCP Anatomy and Physiology, Honors Biology, and AP Biology at Columbian High School in Tiffin City Schools. Over the years, he has taught six different CCP courses while serving as an adjunct faculty member at the University of Findlay, Heidelberg University, and Terra State Community College.Monsour's 26 years of teaching experience also includes four years as a student study session consultant for AP Biology, ten summers of teaching at the Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth, where he served as both an instructor and the Academic Dean for Science and Math, and two summers teaching English as a Second Language at Tianjin Normal University in the People’s Republic of China.With plans as an undergraduate to pursue a career in environmental biology, Monsour earned his bachelor's degree through Heidelberg University. Since then, he has pursued graduate work in biology, ecology, and inquiry, earning two master's degrees: a Master of Arts in Education from Heidelberg University and a Master of Science from Montana State University. In addition to his education and teaching experience, Chris has participated in numerous global expeditions, both on land and at sea, which enhances his ability to keep students engaged and excited about the sciences. Monsour's dedication to teaching has also earned him the Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching and Outstanding Biology Teacher of the Year from the National Association of Biology Teachers. Connect with OEA: Email educationmatters@ohea.org with your feedback or ideas for future Public Education Matters topicsLike OEA on FacebookFollow OEA on TwitterFollow OEA on InstagramGet the latest news and statements from OEA hereLearn 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 WatchAbout 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 April 8, 2026.

  7. May 7

    United for Public Education: Why you can't afford to miss this year's Summer Leadership Academy

    Although we're heading into the final weeks of the school year, learning should never stop. OEA members have the opportunity to learn from each other, improve their practice for their students, and build their skills and relationships at this year's OEA Summer Leadership Academy June 22-24 in Columbus. In this episode, we're sitting down with two OEA members who are presenting at SLA about why this is such a valuable experience for educators. We're also hearing from one of the OEA staff members who is co-planning the event about why a fireside chat with the keynote speaker, Tyler James Williams from Abbot Elementary, is just one of the many draws for this year's SLA conference. REGISTER NOW FOR SLA | The OEA Summer Leadership Academy is designed to help OEA members at all levels of the association realize and develop skills and talents as leaders of their profession and their association while building relationships and organizing for power.  June 22-24, 2026 - Hyatt Regency Columbus (350 N High Street, Columbus, OH 43215)More information and registration at https://cvent.me/z0aWP9Registration deadline: June 12026 Summer Leadership Academy Features:• Annual OEA District Leaders Event open to all Summer Leadership Academy attendees• Meet and Greet with Ohio’s 2026 pro-public education candidates• More than 40 unique sessions to meet your professional learning needs• NEW! A wellness session block focused on balance, care, and creativity• Time for you to connect with your colleagues, learn together, and reflect on how OEA members are United for Public EducationJOIN OEA FOR MORE SUMMER FUN | In addition to this year's Summer Leadership Academy, OEA is offering several other opportunities for educators to come together while school is out: GOLF OUTING | Join OEA at Champions Golf Course before you head to SLA on Monday, June 22, 2026.Click here for full details and info about registering your foursome or signing up to attend as a spectator.SUMMER CELEBRATION OF DIVERSE READERS | OEA and the Dayton Education Association will be giving away thousands of free books featuring diverse characters, written by diverse authors at the 4th annual Summer Celebration of Diverse Readers on Saturday, June 13, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Lohery Recreation Center (2366 Glenarm Ave. Dayton, OH 45420)  SUBSCRIBE | Click here to subscribe to Public Education Matters on Apple Podcasts or click here to listen on Spotify so you don't miss a thing. You can also find Public Education Matters on many other platforms. Click here for some of those links so you can listen anywhere. And don't forget you can listen to all of the previous episodes anytime on your favorite podcast platform, or by clicking here. Featured Public Education Matters guests:  Mackenzie Leonard, Van Buren Education Association memberMackenzie is the EL Program Coordinator and ESL teacher at Van Buren Schools, where she works with students grades PK-12. She is also a member of the Ohio TESOL Board and a proud member of OEA's EL Cadre. Kenzie is a graduate from THE Ohio State University as well as from BGSU and has a passion for developing and fostering cultural awareness and multicultural experiences within small-town communities. Kenzie is a daughter, sister, and "Mama" to her ever-energetic daughter, Palmer!Joie Moore, Pickerington Support Staff Association PresidentJoie Moore serves as the president of the Pickerington Support Staff Association, as a board member of Central OEA/NEA, and on the OEA Board of Directors, representing Central Unit 2. Additionally, she is the Vice Chair of the Ohio Association of Education Support Professionals. She was a participant in the OEA ESP Educator Voice Academy and a 2023 NEA ESP Leadership Academy graduate.  Joie is married to Greg, a fellow OEA member, and they have two adult children, who both graduated from Pickerington Schools, Frankie and Nick.  In her downtime Joie enjoys spending time with her family, crafting, and reading. Daria DeNoia, OEA Education Policy and Practice Consultant In her role as an Education Policy and Practice Consultant for the Ohio Education Association, Daria DeNoia (she, her) advocates for best practices and equitable policies for Ohio educators at the state level, and provides professional development for OEA members that supports their teaching practices.  She has been a special education teacher for young children with significant needs in an urban school district, an experiential pre-school teacher, and a program coordinator for an educational equity organization. Daria believes that communities are strongest when all people work together to create systems that support their needs, and works as a community organizer to build local power. She has her B.A. in English Literature and American Studies from Rutgers College, her M. Ed. in Special Education from the University of Dayton, achieved National Board Certification, and is a certified Restorative Practices Facilitator through IIRP.  Connect with OEA: Email educationmatters@ohea.org with your feedback or ideas for future Public Education Matters topicsLike OEA on FacebookFollow OEA on TwitterFollow OEA on InstagramGet the latest news and statements from OEA hereLearn 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 WatchAbout 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 April 14 and 22, 2026...

  8. Apr 30

    Saying Thanks: Talking with my former teacher about his lasting impact, 20 years later

    Teacher Appreciation Week is May 4-8 this year, and across the country, we are celebrating the amazing educators who make a big difference for their students every day. This Teacher Appreciation Week, the host of this podcast is showing her appreciation for one educator in particular: Dr. Steve Kucinski, the high school English teacher who taught her how to find her voice and really think for herself. Twenty years after she was in his class, Katie sat down with Dr. K for this episode to share her personal thanks and messages from other former students, and to hear from him about his reflections on his career, the state of education, and what he hopes all of his students took away from their time with him over his 33 years in the classroom. CELEBRATE A GREAT TEACHER IN YOUR LIFE | This Teacher Appreciation Week, tell us about an amazing educator you know, and they could win a resort stay in Mexico from NEA Member Benefits, an Ohio State Fair experience package, gift cards, or other great prizes.  Educators, parents, and students are all invited to submit nominations at www.ohea.org/ThankATeacherNomination deadline: May 10, 2026SUBSCRIBE | Click here to subscribe to Public Education Matters on Apple Podcasts or click here to listen on Spotify so you don't miss a thing. You can also find Public Education Matters on many other platforms. Click here for some of those links so you can listen anywhere. And don't forget you can listen to all of the previous episodes anytime on your favorite podcast platform, or by clicking here.Featured Public Education Matters guest: Dr. Steve Kucinski, Dublin Education Association member Dr. Steve Kucinski, Nationally Board Certified in 2002 and 2012, has taught middle and high school English for 32 years.  He has a Bachelor’s in English Education, a Master’s in Educational Administration, and a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology and Adolescent Development from The Ohio State University, and is an adjunct lecturer there as well as at Otterbein University and Ashland University. Dr. Kucinski has taught at Dublin Coffman High School for the past 26 years, currently working with grades 9 and 11.  In his district, he has served as department chair and district English Language Arts Lead Teacher. Dr. Kucinski has been committed to learning and growing in ways that will provide him knowledge and experience he can use to be a better instructor, such as scoring AP and SAT essays for College Board, as well as writing and evaluating questions for the ACT.  Dr. Kucinski’s publications include a young adult novel, Between Friends, and a Barron’s Guide to the Ohio Graduation Test.  Additionally, he delivered a TEDx Talk in Worthington in 2016 entitled, “Resolve to Enjoy the Goodness and Beauty in Each Other and in Life.” He enjoys collaborating with colleagues and presenting at conferences both locally and nationally, truly valuing the chances to learn from and to connect with others.   His most recent work was a contribution to the online materials for an educational psychology textbook. Currently, Dr. Kucinski is passionate about innovation and creativity in teaching and learning, authentic assessment, and integrating technology meaningfully into the classroom. Dr. Kucinski was recently selected as the District 7 Ohio Teacher of the Year for 2024, the 2024 OCTELA Outstanding HS Educator, the 2024 NCTE HS Teacher of Excellence.More: https://stevekucinski.com/ Connect with OEA: Email educationmatters@ohea.org with your feedback or ideas for future Public Education Matters topicsLike OEA on FacebookFollow OEA on TwitterFollow OEA on InstagramGet the latest news and statements from OEA hereLearn 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 WatchAbout 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 April 18, 2026.

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About

Ohio's public schools serve 1.6 million children - 90 percent of students in the state! What happens in the classroom has impacts far beyond the walls of the K-12 school building or higher ed lecture hall. So, on behalf of the 115,000 members of the Ohio Education Association, we're taking a deeper dive into some of the many education issues facing our students, educators, and communities. Originally launched in 2021 as Education Matters, Public Education Matters is your source for insightful conversations with the people who shape the education landscape in Ohio. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on Public Education Matters? Email us at educationmatters@ohea.org

Information

  • Creator
    Ohio Education Association
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    194
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2021 Ohio Education Association
  • Show Website
    Public Education Matters

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