
Summit Education Initiative (SEI) has opened the third application period for its CLASS Act Scholars of Summit County program. This announcement almost immediately follows the CLASS Act Scholars Graduation Breakfast at Greystone Hall in Akron, where 20 preschool teachers representing Class 2 (2018 – 2019) concluded their experience in the program.
“We are so proud of the scholars for first, raising their hands to commit to this year-long program to enhance their teaching skills,” said Derran Wimer, SEI’s executive director. “The more we can invest in the knowledge and skills of our preschool staff, the bigger the payoff will be for the futures of our children.”

Now through Friday, June 14, SEI invites preschool teachers working at centers located in Summit County to apply to join Class 3 of the program, which will begin in early September. The program combines the Classroom Assessment Scoring System® (CLASS®) with free coaching, mentoring and professional development for an exclusive group of 20 early educators chosen for their commitment to furthering their own professional development.
“We know that a key step in a child’s successful journey from cradle to career is access to high-quality early learning experiences; and, in defining ‘quality,’ teachers matter most,” said Laura DiCola, SEI’s early childhood strategy leader. “SEI is proud to recognize and support these early childhood educators who play such a critical role in the lives of their students.”
For more information about the program, visit www.seisummit.org/class. Summit County preschool teachers may apply to join at www.seisummit.org/joinclass.