This summer, educators from across Crawford, Morrow, and Richland Counties stepped out of their classrooms and into the real world of local industry through the third annual Teacher Boot Camps. Hosted by the Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center’s Business Advisory Council in partnership with workforce development organizations, the program offered hands-on experiences inside manufacturing facilities, healthcare organizations, and other regional employers.
From guest speakers over lunch to guided facility tours, teachers gained firsthand insight into the types of rewarding careers available to their students—along with the skills required to thrive in them. It was a professional development experience unlike any other, designed not just to inform educators, but to inspire them.
Professional Growth with Lasting Impact
Selected participants received a powerful package of benefits:
- Three graduate credits from Ashland University at no cost, thanks to funding from the Lt. Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation and Integrated Systems Technologies (IST)
- Resources and guidance to design lesson plans aligned with real-world workforce needs
- Direct mentorship from business professionals and local leaders in education and workforce development
In a standout moment of generosity, IST donated a 3D printer to a Morrow County participant who created an exemplary lesson plan incorporating 3D printing in a manufacturing context. IST also covered remaining graduate credit costs for all teacher participants across the three counties.
Each educator was asked to develop and present a career-focused lesson plan at the end of the week. These presentations were made before an audience of business leaders and school administrators—cementing a new cycle of career-connected learning that begins in the classroom and points directly to the community’s economic needs.
From Factory Floor to the Front of the Class
The Boot Camps weren’t just about exposure—they were about connection. In both Richland and Morrow Counties, participants took part in “Connections to Careers,” a workshop series from Team NEO. These sessions explored current labor market trends and the region’s in-demand career paths, empowering teachers with up-to-date data to better guide students toward meaningful futures.
“Teachers are inherently our daily career readiness advisors,” said Amy Wood, Director of Grants and Special Projects at Mid-Ohio ESC. “The Boot Camps enhanced their understanding of the current landscape of local in-demand opportunities and gave them tools to connect that back to their students.”
Wood added that the program is expected to return in summer 2026, with plans to grow into new industries beyond manufacturing. “Our goal is to expand teacher tours to include other high-demand sectors so educators have an even broader lens into the regional economy.”
A Regional Effort with Real Results
The success of the 2025 Teacher Boot Camps was made possible by an extensive coalition of supporters, including local development offices, chambers of commerce, colleges, manufacturers, and healthcare organizations. Their collaboration underscores the shared mission of preparing students not just to graduate—but to thrive in the communities they call home.
To learn more about the Mid-Ohio ESC’s Business Advisory Council and its work connecting education with the workforce, visit moesc.net’s Business Advisory Council page.
Through initiatives like these, Mid-Ohio ESC continues to serve over 20,000 students in 13 school districts, providing expertise and services that help bridge the gap between education and opportunity—one teacher at a time.
Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center provides specialized academic and support services, including professional development, to 13 school districts including Galion and over 20,000 students in Crawford, Morrow and Richland Counties. Client districts receive services from curriculum, gifted and special education consultants, speech pathologists, psychologists, special education teachers, occupational therapists and physical therapists.
Source: MOESC
