01/18/2024

Husted Announces up to 1,100 Ohio Educators to Receive Computer Science Training

They will receive the training through Teach CS Awards

On Jan. 16, 2024, Lt. Governor Jon Husted announced up to 1,100 Ohio K-12 educators will receive computer science training through Teach CS Grants. Of those 1,100, up to 650 will become newly qualified to teach computer science and the remainder will pursue continuing education opportunities. A total of $6 million will be awarded to 17 education institutions across the state to cover the costs of this professional development.

"The demand for tech skills is increasing daily and more students are seeking computer science classes to prepare them for the future," Husted said. "However, we can't offer more computer science classes without preparing a larger pool of qualified teachers who can help them earn these in-demand skills. To help meet the demand for more computer science teachers, we are removing barriers by covering the costs of coursework, materials and exams for teachers who want to teach computer science in Ohio's K-12 classrooms so they can better educate Ohio's future workforce."

To participate, school districts must connect with an awarded Ohio college, university or educational service center (ESC) to receive a Teach CS Grant. Educators can use funds to earn a computer science endorsement, supplemental license, alternative resident educator license or engage in continuing education, such as learning how to teach a LEGO-based robotics course or how to teach a course on app development.

Please select this link to read the complete list of awarded education institutions. 

Teach CS Grants can be received one of two ways:

1. Directly through colleges by enrolling teachers in computer science coursework at colleges with awarded funding, which will in turn apply the Teach CS Grants as scholarships to defray expenses for coursework, materials and exams.
2. In partnership with ESCs by requesting grant funding from awarded ESCs for eligible expenses, whether through programs outside of colleges, in partnership with colleges or in partnership with nonprofit and other organizations that teach computer science.

“We are excited to help Ohio teachers pursue their dreams while helping their students reach theirs,” said Ohio Department of Higher Education Chancellor Mike Duffey. “This is a step forward toward artificial intelligence, mobile app development, quantum computing, cybersecurity and much more.”

“New opportunities for educators lead to new opportunities for students and increasing the availability of computer science coursework through teacher training is a significant investment in Ohio’s children and their futures,” said Stephen Dackin, director of the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce. “I encourage school districts to review the list of awarded institutions and connect with educational service centers, colleges, and universities to access the funds available for this educator training and professional development.”

Teach CS Grants are a partnership between InnovateOhio, the Governor's Office of Workforce Transformation, the Ohio Department of Higher Education and the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce.

To learn more about Teach CS Grants, please select this link.