It’s not just the students who are in learning mode throughout the school year.
Teachers, administrators and staff also take advantage of learning opportunities in an effort to continue to grow professionally and to provide their students with the best education possible.
That was the case with two local leaders in Catholic education in Stark County. Ryan Hill and Kristie Cramer were named to national fellowships this past school year and recently completed their one-year appointments. Both Cramer and Hill were nominated for their appointments by School Choice Ohio, an advocacy group for parent choice for schooling.
Hill serves as director of enrollment for Stark County Catholic Schools. He recently completed the University of Notre Dame’s Alliance for Education’s Reform Leaders’ Summit, a year-long program designed for Catholic school supporters. The Reform Leaders’ Summit aims to equip fellows with the skills and abilities to help support family rights and equity in education. Fifty of the best leaders, from across the nation, in Catholic education and school choice advocacy are selected for the program each year. As part of the summit, Hill participated in three immersion weekends and monthly digital conferences. He had the opportunity to meet with education leaders and policy makers from around the country. Hill began his fellowship in June 2022 and completed it this June.
“It was a wonderful way to gain a big friendship group across the U.S. because we’re all kind of fighting the same things,” noted Hill. “One thing that I was shocked by is how progressive Ohio is on the School Choice movement. We’re actually one of the leaders across the U.S. Obviously, with some of the things that have just passed in the state’s budget, things are continuing to improve day-to-day for Catholic schools in Ohio.”
The state of Ohio has had choice options for education since the late 1990s. If a student is assigned to what the state deems a poor performing school district, students can get a scholarship to attend the school of their choice. There is also a version of this mandate that is based on income. As of July 2023, the state passed new legislation that says a student can get a full scholarship to the school of their choice up to 450% of the poverty line. For a family of four this would be approximately $135,000. Above that 450% threshold, families are eligible to apply for EdChoice Scholarships. Learn more.
Cramer is the director of marketing for Stark County Catholic Schools. She was appointed to the American Federation for Children’s (AFC) School Leader Fellowship. Twelve leaders in private education were selected from around the U.S. for the School Leader Fellowship, a 10-month program. The goals of the School Leader Fellowship are to engage school leaders in advocacy training, create school leaders that can engage in the legislative process, and gather their input on education policy. AFC Fellows attended two in-person conferences and participated in quarterly digital conferences. Cramer began her fellowship in October 022 and completed it in June.
“I had an experience similar to Ryan’s,” Cramer said. “The biggest thing was that it was refreshing confirmation and professionally enriching. It recharged me. It helped me realize I can do this and keep going. Sometimes you get caught up in the day-to-day and it was nice to be with other people who feel the same and are as passionate about it as we are and our team.”
Cramer continued: “I truly enjoyed being with everyone but especially the women, who were in high leadership positions like I am and also managing families like I am. It’s a balance so it’s interesting to talk to other women about how they are balancing everything. My time away gave me a chance to think, and reminded me how desperately I needed a little time for myself as well. I could sit and work and felt energized while doing it.”
Both Hill and Cramer completed their time with their cohorts but plan on staying involved with the groups. They also presented what they learned to their Stark County Catholic School teams.
“Participating rejuvenates you by talking to people that are pushing for the same thing that we fight for everyday,” Hill said. “Sometimes in this job you can feel like you are on an island. It was a big rejuvenation and confirmation of what we do every single day.”
“[It made us realize] we are okay, we are on the right track,” Cramer added.
