Fighting to protect World Language programs in our schools

Whether they're learning Spanish, French, German, or any other language, World Language programs open up doors for Ohio's public school students every day. Unfortunately, World Languages educators have to constantly fight back against attacks on their programs as they fight for the opportunities their students need. Teays Valley Education Association Vice President Haylee Ziegler is passionate about helping everyone see the value of World Language programs in our schools. She shares her thoughts on this episode of the podcast. 

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Featured Public Education Matters guest: 

• Haylee Ziegler, Teays Valley Education Association Vice President
  • Haylee Ziegler is an 8th year Spanish teacher at Teays Valley High School. She is the vice-president of the Teays Valley Education Association and a part of the OEA LRC training program. Haylee also runs a blog, senoraziegler.com, where she reflects on teaching Spanish and provides professional development to teachers

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About us:

• The Ohio Education Association represents nearly 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.
• Public 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 an Emmy Award-winning 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. 

This episode was recorded on August 20, 2025.