Latest News

Mansfield, OH (December 2, 2024) – The Creating Connections to Content (C3) Adolescent Literacy Network, hosted by the Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center (MOESC), continues to shape how educators approach literacy and leadership across the region. With ninety participants from nine districts, the program is creating a lasting impact and fostering meaningful change at the classroom and district levels.  

Lucas Local Schools showcases the transformative impact of the C3 Network. Kaitlyn Fraley, Curriculum Director, noted, "Seeing the collaboration, ideas and implementation that has come out of not just their time together but time spent with leaders in other districts through the facilitation of Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center has been very beneficial to our district." 

Jordan Taylor, 7th grade Math teacher at Lucas, explained how the work aligns with the district’s mission statement: “Our mission statement here at Lucas is to 'Pursue excellence. Every child. Every day.' This network has allowed me to truly push my students to become excellent—every day."  

Teachers across disciplines have also praised the program's ability to strengthen literacy instruction in their classrooms. Elizabeth Rosales, a math and science teacher, shared, "I have found that my students are having deeper conversations and show a greater understanding of the content-specific vocabulary. We are currently working to share with other teams in the district and encourage them to incorporate these strategies by setting a monthly goal and sharing our progress at each TBT meeting." 

ELA and Social Studies teacher Samantha Moomaw reflected on the cross-disciplinary collaboration: "It has been beneficial working with colleagues to incorporate these strategies across the board with our students being exposed to different vocabulary strategies, including in P.E. class." The program not only benefits students but also bolsters educators’ confidence. Jen Wood, a K-7 Physical Education teacher, noted, "By attending the literacy network, I have gained confidence in the ability to better incorporate vocabulary into the lessons delivered to our students." 

Between network meetings, Mid-Ohio’s literacy, math and gifted consultants provide ongoing support to participants. Being together as a larger region spanning multiple counties fosters a sense of collective empowerment, where educators can share ideas and create a unified approach to improving literacy and student outcomes. 

In January, the network hosts a special session open to all teachers and districts. It will focus on integrating literacy interventions within the framework of a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS). 

For more information about the C3 Adolescent Literacy Network, contact Amber Clay-Mowry, Director of Leadership & Learning at MOESC, at clay-mowry.amber@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.

Mansfield, OH (November 21, 2024) – On Wednesday, November 20, 2024, the Board of Governors for the Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center met for their monthly meeting. At the meeting, the Principal of F.I.R.S.T. School, Vanessa Wagner, shared that F.I.R.S.T. will be awarded $5,000 to enhance STEM learning initiatives through the Ohio STEM Learning Network Classroom Grant Program, funded by philanthropy from Battelle. This funding is part of a broader effort that has issued 248 grants this year to develop enduring, STEM-based educational projects.

Vivian Brownlow, teacher at FIRST School, received the grant for her project, Smart City Design Challenge, which “not only enhances academic learning but also supports students' mental and social well-being, as they feel empowered to contribute meaningful solutions to real-world challenges,” explained Brownlow. “Students' collaborative work fosters a sense of community, improves communication skills and helps build resilience as they navigate complex problems together.”

“On behalf of Mid-Ohio ESC Governing Board of Directors and Administration, I would like to thank Ms. Brownlow for her efforts in applying for and receiving the Ohio STEM Learning Network (OSLN) STEM Classroom Grant,” said Kevin Kimmel, Superintendent, MOESC. “The students at the F.I.R.S.T. School will benefit from this additional resource to support their learning.”

A total of 197 public schools, including F.I.R.S.T. School, have been recognized with this prestigious award. The program has impacted students across 144 of Ohio’s school districts, spanning 67 counties.

“Battelle is dedicated to broadening the scope of the Ohio STEM Learning Network, Ohio’s key resource for promoting STEM education statewide,” stated Wes Hall, Vice President of Philanthropy & Education at Battelle. “These grants are crucial in empowering educators throughout Ohio to inspire and prepare the problem-solvers of tomorrow.”

The grant program fosters the growth of the Ohio STEM Learning Network as a public-private partnership between Battelle and the State of Ohio. Ensuring all students develop the skills to be successful in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields is Battelle’s top philanthropic priority.

“Access to high-quality STEM education opens doors to new opportunities for families and supports job creation in local communities,” said Kelly Gaier Evans, Director of the Ohio STEM Learning Network. “This grant program connects local STEM champions to an extensive network of STEM schools, resources, and other educators.”

Awarded classrooms will receive grants of up to $5,000. 

"I’ve witnessed firsthand how Battelle and OSLN's initiative transforms learning into an immersive, collaborative journey for students so I feel very fortunate to have been selected to receive this grant,” said Brownlow. “Through this grant, our students will engage in hands-on, inquiry-based tasks and deepen their understanding of science, technology and sustainability while developing critical 21st-century skills like teamwork, problem-solving and creativity.”

Educators interested in future awards or additional support for STEM education from the Ohio STEM Learning Network can sign up here. A complete list of awarded schools is available at this link.

About the Ohio STEM Learning Network

The Ohio STEM Learning Network is committed to helping the State of Ohio inspire and train the next generation of innovative leaders. The network operates as a public-private partnership between the Ohio Department of Education & Workforce and Battelle.

About Battelle

Every day, the people of Battelle apply science and technology to solving what matters most. At major technology centers and national laboratories around the world, Battelle conducts research and development, designs and manufactures products, and delivers critical services for government and commercial customers. Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio since its founding in 1929, Battelle serves the national security, health and life sciences, and energy and environmental industries. For more information, visit www.battelle.org.

Please note that the MOESC offices will be closed November 28th and 29th for Thanksgiving, December 24th and 25th for Christmas, December 31st for New Year's Eve, and January 1, 2025 for New Year's Day.

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.

Mansfield, OH (November 19, 2024) – Bill Hope, board member for Mid-Ohio ESC representing Richland County, was presented with the Ohio School Boards Association 25-year Veteran Award at the association’s Capital Conference on Sunday, November 10, 2024. The 25-year Veteran Award is given to school board members in recognition of 25 years of service. 

“Twenty-five years ago, when I was first elected to a School Board, I decided to serve as long as my background and life experiences were helping to improve the education of our students,” said Bill. “I am honored to be a part of the leadership team at MOESC as we pursue our mission of providing quality services to our client districts.”

“On behalf of the Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center and Board of Governors, I would like to congratulate Mr. Hope on his outstanding accomplishment. Bill has been an integral part of the success that we have had at Mid-Ohio. His knowledge and expertise as a business owner have had a lasting positive impact on our ESC. Bill’s influence stretches beyond the ESC as he also serves as a dedicated board member of the Pioneer Career & Technology Center and the Knox County Career Center,” Kevin D. Kimmel, MOESC Superintendent.

Bill is a resident of Clear Fork and a retired owner of Alumni Roofing Company. He previously was the co-founder of an engineering software company located in suburban Philadelphia. He also serves on the Board of Richland County Children Services. 

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.

Mansfield, OH (November 12th, 2024) - The Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center is thrilled to announce it has been awarded the Speech-Language Pathology & School Psychology Consultant Grant for the 2024-2025 fiscal year. This grant will significantly bolster support for districts across central Ohio, enhancing the quality and compliance of speech-language and school psychology services.

Johanna Gilland, a seasoned Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP), has been selected as the Mid-Ohio ESC Speech-Language Pathology Consultant. Johanna brings a wealth of knowledge and dedication to her role, where she will focus on improving evaluation and identification processes to address significant disproportionality in special education.

Additionally, MOESC has contracted four part-time School Psychologists to serve as consultants. These professionals, who are currently full-time in various Mid-Ohio districts, include Jessica Eisenman (Hillsdale Local Schools), Santana Koebele (Mount Gilead Schools), Julia Pilla (Lexington Local Schools) and Kylie Dennison-Rebon (Bucyrus City Schools). They will cover a broad region, including Ashland, Coshocton, Crawford, Fairfield, Franklin, Holmes, Knox, Licking, Morrow, Muskingum, Richland, Wyandot, Wayne, Marion, Union, Delaware, Perry and Pickaway counties.

The consultants are committed to addressing the challenges identified by the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce (ODEW), such as the overuse of the speech-language impairment category and the lack of support for effective evaluation and identification practices. Their objectives include supporting districts with compliance analyses, providing professional development and assisting with corrective action plans.

One of the primary aims of this initiative is to address the critical shortage of qualified professionals in rural areas, particularly for Speech-Language Pathologists and School Psychologists. This grant enables Mid-Ohio ESC to expand its "Grow Your Own" Development Programs, starting with the High School Mentorship program. The goal is to prepare and mentor highly qualified candidates ready for certification in these fields.

Through this collaborative effort, Mid-Ohio is poised to make a substantial impact on the educational landscape, ensuring that students receive the necessary support and services to thrive.

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.

Mansfield, OH (November 7, 2024) – Over the summer, educators from districts in Crawford County, Morrow County and Richland County had the opportunity to participate in the Mid-Ohio ESC Business Advisory Council’s Teacher Business & Manufacturing Boot Camps in the region. Participants gained first-hand experience with cutting-edge ways technology is used in the workplace and learned more about the rewarding careers available in manufacturing and the skills students need to obtain and retain these local positions. In addition, Integrated Systems Technologies (IST) in Richland County sponsored a free 3D printer for three Crawford County Boot Camp Teacher participants who designed a lesson, unit or project that best exemplified the use of 3D printing in a manufacturing setting.

Gabe McCready, President of Operations at IST, said, "In today’s rapidly evolving technological 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 each school and program leverage the newly donated 3D printers.” McCready continued by expressing his enthusiasm for the boot camp: "We appreciate each teacher taking the time to participate in the teacher boot camp and learning more about the great careers that exist for students locally in manufacturing and engineering."

Linsey Phillips, a school psychologist at Colonel Crawford Local Schools, won the 3D Printer from IST 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 the workers have in driving innovation. Industry is alive and well in Crawford County,” said Phillips. “As we toured these workplaces, it was clear that with commitment and skill, the path to career growth is as vibrant as the communities we serve. 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 to equip them for tomorrow’s jobs.”

April Bond, Principal of Colonel Crawford Local Schools, said, “We feel so blessed to be the recipients of this award. Colonel Crawford is working hard to develop and grow a STEM program that will continue to keep students growing with our ever-changing technology while also helping to prepare students for whatever path they choose in life. The Teacher Boot Camp this summer was eye-opening as it highlighted not only the many awesome career opportunities in Crawford County but it showed us, as educators, how we can support students and businesses by helping to prepare students to hit the ground running toward a successful future.” 

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

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

“Teacher Boot Camps are a valuable way for educators to gain the experience of understanding the occupations available in their communities and to integrate this knowledge into instruction in meaningful ways, helping students understand the skills needed to succeed locally,” said Amy Wood, Director of Grants & Special Projects, who leads the Business Advisory Council. “We are grateful to 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 college course worth three graduate-level credit hours taught by Amy Wood each summer. The coursework consists of readings, discussion board posts and tours of local companies supported by local workforce development partners, which complement the course material. The cost is $125, which may be reimbursed 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 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.

Mansfield, OH (November 1, 2024) – The Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center (MOESC) is excited to announce a series of upcoming events in November designed to support and enhance the skills of our educational professionals. The dates and times for each session are as follows: 

CPI Refresher Training: November 4, 2024 from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM

• Client member cost $60, non-client member cost $75
• Register here

Leader Network Meeting: November 7, 2024 from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM

• Open to all principals, directors or educational leaders of client and non-client districts.
• Free for client members, non-client members cost $25
• Register here

Leader Network Meeting Agenda

9:30-9:40 AM -  Welcome

9:40-10:40 AM -  Legal Update: Discipline of students on IEPs and 504s

10:40-10:50 AM -  Break

10:50-11:15 AM -  Student Behavior Management Strategies for Leaders

11:15-11:30 AM -  Networking / Leader Roundtable

School Counselors Network: November 12, 2024 from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM

• Free for client members, non-client members cost $25
• Register here

CPI Initial Training: November 15, 2024 from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM

• Client member cost $60, non-client member cost $75
• Register here

Curriculum, Instruction, & Assessment Network: November 15, 2024 from 8:30 AM to 1:00 PM

• Free for client members, non-client members cost $25
• Register here

Special Education Directors & Coordinators Network: November 15, 2024 from 8:30 AM to 1:00 PM

• Free for client members, non-client members cost $25
• Combined CIA & SPED Network 
• Register here

District Test Coordinators Network: November 15, 2024 from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM

• Free for client members, non-client members cost $25
• Register here

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.