OSU professor urges State Board to form committee to track computer‑science teacher supply ahead of proposed graduation requirement

Dr. Chris Orban, a computer‑science professor at Ohio State University, told the State Board of Education on Tuesday that Ohio has made meaningful investments in teacher training but still lacks the supply of certified computer‑science teachers needed for a universal graduation requirement.

Orban cited a 2022 legislature‑commissioned report charting expansion of computer‑science instruction and said the state has funded new educator programs at several universities, which have enabled teachers to get certification at no cost. But he said current access remains limited: “Right now I believe there's less than 1,000 high‑school computer‑science teachers,” and only about “1 in 6 Ohio high‑school students actually takes a computer‑science class before graduating,” placing Ohio below the national average.

The professor urged the board to create a standing subcommittee or data‑monitoring group to track licensing and supply metrics and to assess whether a graduation requirement would be feasible without major increases in teacher preparation. “If that bill passed, it would be an earthquake in terms of the education system in Ohio,” Orban said, arguing the state would need to increase the number of certified teachers by multiple‑fold to meet demand.

Board members pressed Orban on comparisons with other states and countries, potential tradeoffs with existing math requirements, and how a CS requirement might affect students who currently use CS to satisfy a math credit. Member Reard asked what students would miss without CS training; Orban replied that while CS can expand career options, it should be taught to ensure students understand fundamentals so they can effectively use AI tools later.

Vice President Feder said the board has repeatedly supported investing in CS and noted efforts to secure funding; multiple members suggested practical steps the board could take, including publicizing free university certification programs and coordinating with districts to recruit candidates. Orban recommended that the board or its staff compile and publish up‑to‑date licensing data so members could evaluate the feasibility of legislative or regulatory changes.

The presentation closed with board members thanking Orban and asking staff to consider his subcommittee suggestion. The board did not vote or adopt policy during the presentation; next steps would be internal: members asked staff for options and for ways to share existing university training opportunities with districts.