ESC Mid-Ohio Boot Camp Participants Receive 3D Printers to Improve Classroom Learning

MANSFIELD – Over the summer, educators from Crawford, Morrow and Richland counties had the opportunity to participate in business and manufacturing teacher education courses hosted by the ESC Mid-Ohio Business Advisory Council for the region.

Participants gained first-hand experience of advanced technologies in the workplace and learned more about the rewarding careers available in manufacturing, as well as the skills students need to obtain and maintain these local positions. In addition, Integrated Systems Technologies (IST) in Richland County sponsored a free 3D printer for three Crawford County boot camp participants who developed a lesson, module or project that best illustrated the use of 3D printing in a manufacturing setting.

Gabe McCready, IST President of Operations, said: “In today’s fast-paced technology landscape, it is critical to have access to tools that foster creativity and innovation. A 3D printer can serve as a powerful resource for students to bring their ideas to life and engage in hands-on learning. Whether it’s design, engineering, or art classes, the opportunities for interdisciplinary projects are endless. IST is pleased to see every school and program using the newly donated 3D printers.” McCready continued by expressing his enthusiasm for the boot camp, “We appreciate every teacher who took the time to participate in the boot camp and learn more about the wonderful careers that exist for local students in manufacturing and engineering.”

Lynsey Phillips, a school psychologist at Colonel Crawford Local Schools, won a 3D printer from IST for her district. “The Industrial Educator Boot Camp demonstrated not only the pride our local industries have, but also the important role workers play in driving innovation. Industry is alive and well in Crawford County,” Phillips said. “As we toured these jobs, it became clear that with determination and skills, the path to career advancement is as bright as the communities we serve. We are grateful to IST for donating a 3D printer to our area. By creating practical opportunities for our students, we will help them develop the skills needed for future jobs.”

April Bond, Principal of Colonel Crawford Local Schools, said: “We feel very fortunate to have received this award. Colonel Crawford is working diligently to develop and develop a STEM program that will further develop students through our ever-changing technology and help prepare students for whatever path they choose in life. This summer’s teacher boot camp was an eye-opener as it not only showcased the many great career opportunities in Crawford County, but it also showed us as educators how we can support students and businesses by helping prepare students to take on and achieve success. successful future.”

Leslie Hayman, an elementary school teacher at Winford Local Schools, is excited about the opportunities the 3D printer donation will bring to elementary school students. She said: “We ask even the youngest children, ‘What do you want to be when you grow up?’ It’s incredibly important to expose young children to careers where they can create, design and produce.” Heyman continued, “Introducing 3D printing to elementary school students from a very young age will get them interested in careers that require practical skills for creativity, with particular focus and value on careers in manufacturing. This is a unique and exciting opportunity for the pupils at Winford Primary School.”

David Mason, a business teacher at Winford, also received a 3D printer from a career exploration class he taught at a teacher boot camp. Mason said: “I would like to thank IST for their generous donation of two 3D printers to local schools in Winford. Technology is impacting industries everywhere, including Crawford County, and it is important that our students stay current with new technologies in the workplace. 3D printers will be used by all students in grades K-12 in Winford County.”

“Teacher boot camps are a valuable way for educators to gain experience understanding the careers available in their communities and meaningfully integrate that knowledge into teaching, helping students understand the skills needed to succeed locally,” said Amy Wood, Director of Grants and special projects, chairing the Business Advisory Council. “We are grateful to IST for sponsoring our Business Advisory Council and donating 3D printers to this important program.”

Teacher Boot Camp is a three-credit hour graduate college course taught each summer by Amy Wood. Coursework consists of readings, discussion forum posts, and field trips to local companies with support from local workforce development partners that complement the course material. The cost is $125, which can be reimbursed if teachers meet certain criteria. If you would like to register for the 2024 Business Teacher Boot Camp in Richland, Crawford or Morrow Counties, please email Amy Wood at [email protected].

The Mid-Ohio Educational Services 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 consultants, gifted and special education, speech therapists, psychologists, special education teachers, occupational therapists and physical therapists.