Public Education Matters

Despite the very loud voices of extremist politicians who are calling for book bans and placing other controls on what Ohio's teachers can teach, it turns out that nearly all Ohio parents trust their children's teachers to provide age appropriate instruction and be good role models. Those were among the many findings of a recent survey of Ohio parents by the Children's Defense Fund - Ohio. We dig into the data. 

• Alison Paxson, Senior Policy Associate, Children's Defense Fund - Ohio
  • Alison believes every child contributes to the vibrancy and success of our communities. She is driven to ensure that every child is safe, fed, nurtured, cared for, and able to access opportunities to gain the social, economic, cultural and political capital necessary to flourish into adulthood and give back to their communities. As Policy and Communications Associate for CDF-Ohio, she uses her words and advocacy to powerfully uplift the needs of children in Ohio and elevate data-driven policy solutions to improve their livelihoods and create a more equitable and just society. Forever inspired by the 9th and 10th graders she used to work with in direct service, Alison makes it her life’s work to honor the voices and strengths of youth and ensure age never limits the right for every young person to give meaningful input in the decisions that impact their wellbeing and their communities. Alison is a graduate of The Ohio State University where she studied political science and Spanish. She grew up in Enon, Ohio – an upbringing she credits for her passion for inclusivity, equity, and public service.

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• 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.