CSU Aspiring Educators Earn National Recognition for Leadership and Advocacy
Great teachers change lives in the classroom, but their influence often extends far beyond it. They advocate for students, strengthen communities and help shape the policies that affect education. At Cleveland State University, aspiring educators are learning that effective teaching and meaningful leadership go hand in hand.
Through the Cleveland State University Education Collective Aspiring Educators (AE), an Ohio Education Association student chapter housed within the Levin College of Public Affairs and Education, students are gaining opportunities to lead, serve and advocate for the future of public education. Since its founding in 2025, the chapter has experienced significant growth, building a vibrant community of future educators committed to making a difference both in and beyond the classroom.
This summer, Chapter Advisor Kristina Milia, visiting college lecturer, doctoral student and internship field supervisor for the Office of Field Services, joined student leaders from across the country at the National Education Association Aspiring Educators Conference in Denver. During the conference, CSU's chapter was nominated for the Emerging Chapter Award, a national recognition that reflects the organization’s' rapid growth and impact in just over a year.
The conference also highlighted the importance of connecting future educators with public leaders who champion education. Ohio State Representative Sean Brennan was selected as the recipient of the national Friend of Aspiring Educators Award for his advocacy on behalf of aspiring teachers and public education.
A Cleveland State University graduate who earned his master's degree in Secondary School Administration, Brennan spent more than 30 years as a public school teacher before entering public service. Today, he represents Ohio's 14th House District, serving Parma, Parma Heights and portions of Cleveland, including Wards 12, 13 and 14 and neighborhoods such as Old Brooklyn, South Hills, Brooklyn Centre and Clark-Fulton. His career reflects the powerful connection between education, community leadership and public policy.
Brennan's connection to CSU's chapter extends beyond legislative work. At last year's OEA Aspiring Educators Conference, he met directly with CSU student leaders to discuss their career goals, the challenges facing new educators and ways to strengthen the teacher pipeline. His ongoing support for public education, including efforts to advance paid student teaching opportunities in Ohio, demonstrates how policy decisions can directly impact the next generation of teachers.
For students in the Aspiring Educators chapter, opportunities like these offer a broader perspective on the profession they are preparing to enter. In addition to building classroom skills, they are engaging with the issues, people and policies that influence education every day. Conversations with educators, community leaders and elected officials help them see how improving outcomes for students often requires collaboration both inside and outside the classroom.
For chapter members, the national recognition is an acknowledgment of the work they have invested in building a supportive and engaged community of future educators. It also highlights the growing opportunities available to CSU students who want to make a difference both in and beyond the classroom.
CSU Aspiring Educators Chapter earns National Recognition
The Cleveland State University (CSU) Education Collective, Aspiring Educators (AE), an Ohio Education Association student chapter, continues to gain recognition for its growing impact on future educators and the broader community. Established in 2025, the chapter has experienced significant growth, expanding its membership, increasing community service initiatives, and creating meaningful opportunities for aspiring teachers to engage in advocacy, policy, and professional development.
Chapter Advisor Kristina Milia, a visiting college lecturer, doctoral student, and internship field supervisor for the Office of Field Services in the Levin College of Public Affairs and Education, had the opportunity to attend the National Education Association (NEA) Aspiring Educators Conference in Denver this summer alongside student leaders from across the country. CSU's chapter was nominated during the conference for the Emerging Chapter Award, recognizing the remarkable progress the organization has made in a short period of time.
The conference was highlighted by the national recognition of Ohio State Representative Sean Brennan, who was nominated and selected as the recipient of the Friend of Aspiring Educators Award. Brennan has been a steadfast advocate for aspiring teachers and public education in Ohio. His support of the Ohio Education Association and his commitment to strengthening the educator pipeline have made a meaningful difference for future educators across the state.
At last year's OEA Aspiring Educators Conference, Brennan met one-on-one with CSU student leaders, taking the time to learn about their experiences, career aspirations, and the barriers they face as future educators. Brennan has recently championed efforts to support aspiring teachers through advocacy initiatives, including legislation supporting paid student teaching opportunities in Ohio.
Brennan’s willingness to listen, engage, and advocate for the next generation of educators exemplifies the spirit of the Friend of Aspiring Educators Award. His recognition at the national conference reflects the impact of his leadership and his dedication to supporting those preparing to enter the teaching profession.
The conference served as both a celebration of CSU's growing chapter and a reminder of the importance of strong partnerships between aspiring educators and policymakers who are committed to advancing the teaching profession.