Educational Pathways

We know having caring, qualified educators in classrooms can set students up for a lifetime of success. That's why some OEA members are working to set future teachers up for success, too. They're serving as mentors in the Educational Pathways programs for aspiring educators who are students at Central State University and Eastern Gateway Community College. We're hearing from two mentor-mentee pairs.

Show Notes

Featured Education Matters guests: 

• Jada Jackson, mentor
  • Jada Jackson is a Mathematics Instructional Coach at South High School in Columbus City Schools. She is currently in my 25th year of teaching. She is also a Faculty Representative in her building. Jackson has been married for 23 years and has two daughters, a sophomore in college and a high school senior.
• Queena Smith, mentee
  • Queena Smith is currently an instructional assistant at Windsor STEM Academy in Columbus City Schools. She is going through the Pathways program to attain her teaching license.
• Marchell Josie, mentor
  • Marchell Josie serves on the OEA Board of Directors and has been an East Cleveland Education Association Building Representative, an NEOEA/OEA Board of Directors member, and is on the NEOEA Leader Development Committee, NEOEA Day Committee, and the OEA Constitution and By-Laws Committee. 
• Darrielle Brown, mentee
  • Darrielle "Arie" Brown is studying Early Education at Eastern Gateway Community College and is on track to graduate in December, 2022. She grew up in Cleveland and lives in Dayton. Her biggest passion in life is sharing with others how to live life with courage, faith, determination and to believe in every step they make is a step closer to their dream. She enjoys being the light and loving spirited person that people need sometimes to see the positivity in themselves, especially children! 

LEARN MORE | For more information about the Pathways Program and how you can sign up to be a mentor, click here. 

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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 in October, 2021.

What is Public Education Matters?

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 120,000 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 [e-mail]