Kent State University is proud to announce that it has been awarded a second grant from the Teach CS initiative, part of Ohio’s statewide effort to address the growing shortage of computer science educators. This grant will support Kent State’s ongoing efforts to train and certify computer science teachers, ensuring that schools across Ohio have the qualified instructors they need to meet the demands of today’s tech-driven educational landscape.
Teach CS, a key initiative from the Ohio Department of Higher Education, aims to increase the number of licensed computer science teachers in the state by funding programs that help educators acquire the skills and credentials needed to teach computer science. With this second grant, Kent State will continue to lead in preparing educators for teaching licensure and alternative resident educator licenses, expanding the reach of computer science education to more students statewide.
Dr. Rick Ferdig, Summit Professor of Learning Technologies and Professor of Educational Technology at Kent State University, expressed excitement about the additional funding: “We are thrilled to receive a second grant from Teach CS, which will allow us to continue making an impact in Ohio’s schools. This grant helps us address the shortage of computer science teachers and empowers educators to inspire the next generation of students with critical skills in technology and problem-solving.”
With the first grant, Kent State established a comprehensive professional development program designed to equip current teachers with the tools they need to teach computer science, regardless of their background. The second grant will enable the expansion of these efforts, furthering the university’s mission to fill the computer science gap in Ohio and beyond.
As the demand for computer science education grows, Kent State’s role in preparing qualified teachers becomes increasingly important. According to recent reports, fewer than half of Ohio’s schools currently offer computer science courses, and there is a significant need for educators who can deliver these critical skills. The Teach CS grant will allow Kent State to continue working toward closing this gap by preparing teachers to lead the way in bringing computer science into classrooms across the state.
For more information about Kent State’s Teach CS program and how it shapes the future of computer science education, visit Kent State Teach CS Program.
100% Online Master of Education in Educational Technology
The online Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Educational Technology at Kent State University is designed for educators and professionals looking to leverage technology to enhance teaching, learning, and training environments. This fully online program equips students with advanced skills in instructional design, digital media, and technology integration, enabling them to effectively implement educational technologies in various settings. Through a hands-on curriculum, students develop expertise in creating engaging, accessible, and impactful digital learning experiences that meet the needs of diverse learners.
Kent State’s online M.Ed. in Educational Technology offers flexible learning options, making it ideal for working professionals. Graduates are prepared for roles as instructional designers, technology coordinators, digital content developers, and educational technology leaders in K-12 schools, higher education, and corporate and nonprofit organizations. With a strong emphasis on practical applications and innovative teaching methods, the program prepares students to lead and support digital transformation in education and training environments.
Learn more and apply today.
About Kent State Online
Kent State University, a pioneering institution in distance education for over three decades continues to lead in online learning with a robust portfolio of more than 90 online programs and hundreds of online courses. Through Kent State Online, the university extends its reach beyond regional boundaries, providing high-quality educational opportunities to learners worldwide. Our mission is to foster success in both college and life by providing flexible, accessible, and engaging online learning environments that promote academic and personal growth. By combining expert faculty guidance with advanced digital resources, Kent State Online empowers students to achieve their goals and prepares them for meaningful contributions in their chosen fields.
About Kent State University
Kent State University is the highest-ranked public university in northern Ohio on the Top Public Schools and Best National Universities lists by U.S. News & World Report. The university also holds the esteemed distinction of being one of only five institutions in Ohio to be recognized as an R1 top-tier research university by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. Kent State is one of Ohio’s leading public universities and a major educational, economic, and cultural resource far beyond the Northeast Ohio region it has served since 1910. The university has a global footprint with eight campuses throughout Northeast Ohio, a College of Podiatric Medicine, a Twinsburg Academic Center, and academic sites around the world, including New York City; Florence, Italy; and Curitiba, Brazil. Kent State offers award-winning student support services that help students succeed. Its diverse student body comprises more than 34,000 students, including 2,200 international students from 102 countries, and the worldwide alumni family is nearly 280,000. Kent State provides transformational educational experiences and leads with its values, which include kindness, respect, and freedom of expression.
