Partners:
- Mahoning County ESC
- SST Region 5
- Youngstown City Schools
- Youngstown State University
Mahoning County Center of Practice Goals:
Background:
In July 2009, Gov. Ted Strickland signed Ohio House Bill 1, which mandates a new licensure system for teachers in Ohio, including a Resident Educator license. In the Governor’s plan, the Ohio Department of Education (ODE) will develop a Resident Educator Program to be effective by January 2011.
This four-year experience will provide Ohio educators just entering the profession with quality mentoring and guidance essential for a long and flourishing career. Successful completion of the residency program will be required to qualify for a five-year professional educator license.
During the interim period of July 1, 2009, to Jan. 1, 2011, a transition plan will allow teachers who hold a two-year provisional license to advance to a five-year professional license.
The Ohio Department of Education has funded six Centers of Practice grants working towards the following goals:
- Establish coalitions between ESC’s, IHE’s and school districts to support beginning teachers and mentors
- Design and pilot systems of training and support that build and deepen knowledge and practice
- Integrate beginning teachers into the teaching community
- Collect evidence of practices that support increased effectiveness of beginning teachers
- Identify best practices for further study, development and replication
- Inform the design of the Ohio Residency Program for educators
The other Centers of Practice are Gallia-Vinton ESC, Lucas County ESC, Montgomery County ESC, Muskingum Valley ESC, and The Ohio State University.