Educational Service Center Receives State Funding for Computer Science Education
The Educational Service Center of the Western Reserve has been awarded state funding to enhance computer science courses for K-12 educators. The ESCWR is among a select few educational service center partners in Ohio to receive a total of $6 million in funding from the Ohio Department of Higher Education’s Teach CS Grants program. This funding will cover the costs of professional development aimed at qualifying educators to teach computer science.
Program Benefits and Eligibility
The Teach CS Grants program allows educators to teach computer science through supplemental certification, college endorsement programs, and alternative resident educator licenses. Grants are awarded competitively to eligible state institutions of higher education. A total of 1,100 educators across Ohio will receive training as part of this program.
ESCWR Receives $200,000 for Teacher Enrollments
The ESCWR has received $200,000 in funding to provide tuition and materials for teachers participating in the program. Vanessa Karwan, ESCWR Director of Special Services and Accountability, explained that this program aligns with the Ohio Computer Science Promise Program, allowing students in grades 7-12 to enroll in and receive high school credit for one computer science course per academic year.
Establishing Support and Professional Development
The ESCWR is collaborating with Lake Erie and Kent State University to create a local consortium and computer science professional learning community. These initiatives will provide ongoing support and professional development opportunities for teachers following their licensure completion.
Focus on Math, Science, and Technology Teachers
The Teach CS efforts at ESCWR are primarily focused on math, science, and technology teachers. These educators have the opportunity to obtain an additional computer science endorsement through specialized programs offered by Kent State University and Lake Erie College.
Commitment from Local Schools
Willoughby-Eastlake City Schools, Painesville City Schools, and iSTEM, a STEM school in Painesville, have committed a total of 14 teachers to the Teach CS program so far.
Superintendent Emphasizes the Importance of Technology Education
ESCWR Superintendent Jennifer Felker stressed the significance of supporting teachers in computer science to prepare the next generation for a technology-driven world. The grant will provide teacher endorsements, professional development, community collaboration, advocacy, and industry partnerships to enhance technology education.
About Teach CS Grants Program
The Teach CS Grants program is a partnership between InnovateOhio, Gov. Mike DeWine’s Office of Workforce Transformation, the Department of Higher Education, and the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce. For more information about Teach CS Grants, visit HigherEd.Ohio.gov/TeachCS.