My experience as a local Board of Education Member in South-Western City Schools, Ohio's 5th Largest District, has given me an understanding of dynamics of urban, suburban, and rural schools. I have an understanding of the the varied experiences children can have in schools depending on where they grow up. In addition to my prior experience serving on a local school board, I also bring experience in human resources and talent acquisition that can be applied to the duties of a State School Board Member for teacher licensures, evaluations, and the hiring of a state superintendent. My top priorities are fighting for fair, equitable schools, a fair school funding system where regardless of ZIP Code, and opposing divisive culture wars.

Ohio's teacher shortage is because Ohio is not offering teachers the fair pay and benefits they deserve for the service they provide to the community and our country. In championing policies and resolutions on the State Board that make Ohio welcoming for teachers, we can recruit and retain the workforce that our children deserve in addition to retaining the talent we have in the Buckeye State. One critical item the State Legislature could do to assist the State Board would be to fully fund the Board, so the State Board is not forced to increase teacher licensure fees to cover its costs. We should stop playing politics with teachers' livelihoods and instead prioritize providing Ohio’s students with a world class public education.

There are two main pathways available for teachers in Ohio to gain licensure through the State Board: the traditional pathway, beginning at a four-year college or university, and the supplemental pathway, where those who have already been in education can achieve a license while working in the field. I agree with the general requirements; however, I want to see the State Legislature fully fund the State Board so that licensure fees are not increased for teachers. We should strive to cultivate a diverse and highly qualified pool of educators who serve across our state. We should do everything we can to encourage students and young professionals to enter this arena. Please learn more at www.davidforkids.com.

My previous 4 1/2 years of serving on the State Board of Education has given me knowledge of the issues that need to be resolved. I was elected to Logan Hocking local school board, serving 12 years. I served on the Tri County Career Center school board for 10 years. I have also served on the Parry Hocking ESC School Board for 4 years. I have received leadership awards from the Ohio School Boards Association and from the National School Boards Association. I am certificated though the Department of Developmental Disabilities as a caregiver. I am very knowledgeable about K-12 education, especially for exceptional students. I have been and will continue to be a dedicated, hard working representive for all.

The state board needs to address that many teachers do not feel supported by their administrators and some teachers work in high crime areas where they don't feel safe. The State Board of Education is considering an increase to the teacher licensure fee from $200.00 to $300.00. The board needs to be more aware of all the expenses the teachers have for licenses, classroom supplies, and continuing education. This can cost the teacher thousands of dollars every 5 years. The decline of parental support and involvement is discouraging to teachers. A basic salary schedule increase for all teachers would help encourage young people in low income areas to enter the teaching profession.

Teachers must pass one or more of the following test. The Ohio Assessment for Educators or the Praxis exams. There are many other test that can be taken for teachers certifications depending on their course of study / expertise. It is rigorous, time consuming and does guarantee the teachers are qualified but doesn't guarantee they are going to be a good teacher. Teachers need to be well trained to transition from college to the teaching classroom. I believe there is always room for improvements.

I have worked with many teachers which gives me a perspective on what it is like to be a teacher now and what would be helpful for the work of keeping students engaged and learning.

An unfortunate reality that motivates me to run is that important policy debates happen at times when teachers can't weigh in. Being an advocate involves more than just conveying information. I have an extraordinary amount of expertise with science, math and computer science education. I also have experience in education research which is helpful when a particular study is being used to back some change.

Another concern that motivates me is that the Governor's office may make changes to the science standards that will spread pseudoscience across Ohio schools

I have firsthand experience working with talented teachers who later decided to leave the profession. Salary is a factor but many teachers leave because they don't feel like they are in a profession. A profession offers respect and opportunities for leadership. Many teachers now feel like they are babysitters. This needs to change.

Besides paying teachers what they are worth, I want to reverse the trend where only some teachers have the ability to participate in state and regional meetings where teachers of the same subject can share notes on what's working.

Colleges should host these meetings and they should do more to tap into federal grants so students can study to become teachers for free. As a professor I will engage with higher ed

The current system of certifying teachers helps to ensure that students get a qualified teacher regardless of their zip code or socioeconomic status. Each year there are tweaks that aim to address the needs in schools. As an educator who is regularly evaluated by Ohio State, I have a context for what helpful and unhelpful requirements look like.

To better understand the system, I am in the process of applying for an Alternative Resident Educator license. The website seems to work well. Concerns I have include recent changes that reduce the number of grade bands from three to two.

I would also like to see stronger reward policies for teachers who go above and beyond, and contribute to regional teacher networks.