MANSFIELD, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—This summer, educators from Crawford, Morrow, and Richland County school districts participated in the Mid-Ohio ESC Business Advisory Council’s Teacher Business & Manufacturing Boot Camps. These educators gained first-hand experience with cutting-edge workplace technology and learned about rewarding careers in manufacturing and the skills students need to obtain and retain these local positions.
Integrated Systems Technologies (IST) in Richland County sponsored a free 3D printer for three Crawford County Boot Camp Teacher participants who designed lessons exemplifying the use of 3D printing in a manufacturing setting. Gabe McCready, President of Operations at IST, emphasized the importance of fostering creativity and innovation. “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. IST is excited to see each school and program leverage the newly donated 3D printers,” said McCready.
Linsey Phillips, a school psychologist at Colonel Crawford Local Schools, won a 3D Printer from IST for her district. Phillips praised the Boot Camp for revealing the pride and innovation in local industries. “We are grateful to IST for donating a 3D printer to our district. By creating hands-on opportunities for our students, we will help them develop skills for tomorrow’s jobs,” she said.
April Bond, Principal of Colonel Crawford Local Schools, highlighted the Boot Camp’s eye-opening experience, showing the career opportunities in Crawford County and the support needed from educators to prepare students.
Lesley Hayman, an elementary teacher at Wynford Local Schools, expressed excitement about the opportunities the 3D printer will bring to young students. “Introducing a 3D printer to elementary students will get them excited about careers that use hands-on skills to create,” said Hayman.
David Mason, a business teacher at Wynford, also received a 3D Printer for his career exploration lesson. Mason acknowledged the importance of students being up to date with new technologies and thanked IST for their generous donation.
Amy Wood, Director of Grants & Special Projects and leader of the Business Advisory Council, emphasized the value of Teacher Boot Camps in helping educators understand local occupations and integrate this knowledge into instruction. “We are grateful to IST for their sponsorship and the donation of 3D printers for this important program,” said Wood.
The Teacher Boot Camp is a college course worth three graduate-level credit hours taught by Amy Wood each summer. It includes readings, discussion board posts, and tours of local companies supported by local workforce development partners. The cost is $125, which may be reimbursed if teachers meet certain criteria. For more information or to register for the 2024 Teacher Business Boot Camp in Richland, Crawford, or Morrow County, email Amy Wood at wood.amy@moesc.net.
Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center provides specialized academic and support services to 13 school districts 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.