MANSFIELD — Over the summer, educators from districts in Crawford, Morrow and Richland counties had the opportunity to participate in the Mid-Ohio ESC Business Advisory Council’s business and manufacturing teacher training camps in the region.

Participants gained first-hand experience of the ways cutting-edge technology is used in the workplace and learned more about the rewarding careers available in the manufacturing industry and the skills students need to obtain and retain these local positions. Additionally, Integrated Systems Technologies (IST) in Richland County sponsored a free 3D printer for three participating Crawford County Boot Camp teachers who designed a lesson, unit or project that best exemplified the use of 3D printing in a learning environment. manufacturing.

Gabe McCready, president of operations at IST, said: “In today’s rapidly evolving technology landscape, having access to tools that foster creativity and innovation is essential. A 3D printer can serve as a powerful resource for students, allowing them to bring their ideas to life and engage in hands-on learning. Whether in design, engineering, or art classes, the opportunities for interdisciplinary projects are endless. “IST is excited to see every school and program take advantage of the newly donated 3D printers.” McCready continued to express his excitement about the boot camp: “We appreciate each teacher taking the time to participate in the teacher boot camp and learn more about the great careers that exist for students locally in manufacturing and engineering.”

Linsey Phillips, school psychologist for Colonel Crawford Local Schools, won the IST 3D printer for her district. “The Manufacturing Boot Camp for Educators revealed not only the pride that exists in our local industries but also the important role that workers play in driving innovation. The industry is alive and well in Crawford County,” Phillips said. “As we toured these workplaces, it became clear that, with commitment and skill, the path to professional growth is as vibrant as the communities we serve. We thank IST for donating a 3D printer to our district. By creating hands-on opportunities for our students, we will help them develop skills that prepare them for the jobs of tomorrow.”

April Bond, Principal of Colonel Crawford Local Schools, said, “We feel very blessed to receive this award. Colonel Crawford is working hard to develop and grow a STEM program that will continue to grow students with our ever-changing technology while helping prepare them for whatever path they choose in life. This summer’s Teacher Boot Camp was eye-opening as it highlighted not only the incredible career opportunities in Crawford County, but also showed us, as educators, how we can support students and businesses by helping prepare students to get started. to work towards a successful future.”

Lesley Hayman, an elementary teacher at Wynford Local Schools, is excited about the opportunities the 3D printer donation will provide for elementary students. She said: “We ask even our youngest children, ‘What do you want to be when you grow up?’ “It is incredibly important to introduce young children to careers where they can create, design and make.” Hayman continued: “Introducing a 3D printer to primary school students will get them excited from a very young age about careers that use practical skills to create, placing emphasis and value on manufacturing careers. “This is a unique and exciting opportunity for Wynford elementary students.”

David Mason, a business teacher at Wynford, also received a 3D printer thanks to the career exploration lesson he created during Teacher Boot Camp. Mason said: “I would like to thank IST for the generous donation of the two 3D printers to local Wynford schools. Technology is impacting industries everywhere, including Crawford County, and it is important for our students to stay up to date with new technologies in the workplace. “The 3D printers will be used by all K-12 students throughout the Wynford district.”

“Teacher boot camps are a valuable way for educators to gain experience understanding the occupations available in their communities and integrate this knowledge into instruction in a meaningful way, helping students understand the skills needed to be successful at local level,” said Amy Wood, director of Grants and Special Projects, who leads the Business Advisory Council. “We thank IST for their sponsorship of our Business Advisory Council and the donation of 3D printers for this important program.”

The Teacher Boot Camp is a three-credit hour graduate-level college course taught by Amy Wood each summer. Coursework consists of readings, discussion forum posts, and tours of local businesses with the support of local workforce development partners, which complement the course material. The cost is $125, which can be refunded if teachers meet certain criteria. If you are interested in registering for the 2024 Richland, Crawford, or Morrow County Teacher Business Boot Camp, please email Amy Wood at [email protected].

The Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center provides specialized academic and support services to 13 school districts and more than 20,000 students in Crawford, Morrow and Richland counties. Client districts receive services from curriculum, special education and gifted consultants, speech pathologists, psychologists, special education teachers, occupational therapists and physical therapists.