CSU Students Advocate for Paid Student Teaching at Ohio Statehouse

Central State University students KaLyn Fagan, Justin Harrison and Siala Ene traveled to the Ohio Statehouse to advocate for paid student-teaching opportunities across the state. The group participated in a Lobby Day organized by the Ohio Education Association, where aspiring educators from various universities joined together to meet with state legislators and discuss the challenges faced by education majors on the path to licensure.

During their visit, the CSU delegation met with three Ohio state representatives, sharing personal experiences and emphasizing the financial and emotional strain that unpaid student teaching places on aspiring educators. They discussed how many students must balance part-time jobs, coursework and full-time teaching placements, often without compensation. This imbalance can discourage passionate individuals from completing their programs or entering the teaching field altogether.

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The students’ message centered on the urgent need to prioritize the next generation of teachers. By compensating student teachers for their work in classrooms, the state can not only reduce financial barriers but also attract and retain more qualified educators. As Ohio continues to experience a teacher shortage, initiatives such as paid student teaching are essential to addressing the demand for well-prepared professionals in education.

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The event also highlighted the role of student voice and civic engagement in shaping education policy. Fagan, Harrison and Ene represented Central State University with professionalism and purpose, advocating for equitable treatment and recognition of future teachers’ contributions to the classroom. Their participation reinforced CSU’s commitment to leadership, service and community engagement. 

Through the collaboration between the Ohio Education Association Aspiring Educators, the National Education Association and student leaders across Ohio, this Lobby Day served as a reminder that meaningful change begins with advocacy. By standing up for paid student teaching, these CSU students helped advance a movement to strengthen teacher preparation programs and ensure that all educators, current and future, are valued for the work they do.