Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Governor Ted Strickland today announced that Board of Regents Chancellor Eric Fingerhut is featured in this week’s education reform Web video, which is available at www.ConversationOnEducation.org and www.youtube.com/ConversationOnEd.
The chancellor’s message highlights the importance of strengthening the teacher profession to ensure high-quality educators in every classroom, a critical component of the governor’s education reform plan.
“Teacher education is an important part of Governor Ted Strickland’s overall education reform package because he recognizes that Ohio’s future depends on the quality of our teachers and their ability to prepare students for the 21st century workforce,” Fingerhut said.
Fingerhut recorded the video during a visit on Tuesday to the Judith Herb College of Education at the University of Toledo.
The education plan makes several reforms that will ensure high-quality current and future educators, including the creation of a residency program and career ladder for teachers. There will be four licensure levels based on the teacher’s credentials and experience, and the residency program will last for four years to mirror the training for physicians. Teachers will be eligible for tenure after completing the four-year residency program and one year as a professional educator.
“We owe a great debt to all of Ohio’s teachers, from pre-school to doctoral programs, for their diligence and dedication,” Fingerhut said. “But we can do a better job of training them to do this important work. Governor Strickland understands that by improving the quality of teacher education in this state we enable us to take a huge step to ensuring that Ohio students are prepared for whatever the future brings.”
Governor Strickland, Superintendent of Columbus Public Schools Gene Harris and President of the Partnership for 21st Century Skills Ken Kay have been featured in previous weekly video messages.