ODHE-funded initiative prepares Ohio teachers to deliver college-level CS instruction
Shawnee State University (SSU) is accepting applications for its fully online Teach CS program to prepare Ohio secondary teachers to become qualified instructors for College Credit Plus (CCP) Computer Science courses. The initiative is supported by a $313,828 grant from the Ohio Department of Higher Education (ODHE).
Under new ODHE guidelines, teachers can qualify to teach CCP Computer Science by completing nine graduate credit hours in Computer Science, with an additional nine hours to be completed within three years.
“We’re proud to offer a program that strengthens Computer Science expertise while also giving teachers the credentials required to deliver college-level coursework in their home districts,” said R. Duane Skaggs, Theoretical and Applied Computing Programs Coordinator. “This expands opportunities for Ohio students and supports the state’s growing technology economy.”
SSU’s Teach CS program stands out as one of the few programs in Ohio specifically designed to prepare teachers to teach CCP Computer Science. While many other Teach CS grant recipients focus on general CS endorsements or professional development for K–12 teachers, efforts that increase CS exposure but do not qualify teachers to offer college-credit-bearing courses, SSU directly addresses the need for more CCP-qualified CS instructors across the state.
The program will provide a full spectrum of participant support including tuition, fees, and course materials, as well as stipends available to those successfully completing coursework. Additionally, the University has a variety of student support services available to all SSU students including advising, tutoring, and wellness support.
Applications are due October 12, 2026, and classes begin October 19, 2026. Eligible participants must hold an active Ohio secondary teaching license.