Melissa Cropper, President of the Ohio Federation of Teachers, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss innovative career technical education programs in New Lexington, Ohio, library censorship concerns and the impact of the gubernatorial race on education.
Cropper highlighted the groundbreaking career technical education program in the New Lexington School District, which connects education to workforce development. The program, she explained, is supported by AFT seed money and various grants. It offers students hands-on experiences in agriculture, healthcare and trades. This includes a working farm, partnerships with local businesses and plans for a simulated hospital setting. The comprehensive approach, said Cropper, ensures every student gains workforce development skills, regardless of their post-graduation plans, bridging the gap between traditional education and career readiness.
Library censorship emerged as a pressing concern, with Cropper discussing attempts to restrict LGBTQ-related displays in libraries. She explained how language slipped into last year's budget to limit certain library displays, which Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine vetoed. However, she is concerned the legislature may attempt to override this veto, potentially reintroducing censorship measures. Cropper emphasized the importance of resisting government overreach and protecting freedom of expression in public spaces.
Regarding the upcoming gubernatorial race, Cropper addressed candidate Vivek Ramaswamy's stance on education. She expressed concern over his opposition to teacher unions and his proposal to expand school vouchers without increasing education funding. Cropper argued that this approach would dilute existing resources and potentially harm public education. She also highlighted the need to combat misinformation about union membership and the use of taxpayer funds, stressing the importance of accurate representation of teachers' rights and union operations.
Listen to the full episode for more insights on Ohio's education landscape and the challenges facing public schools and teachers.