Pictured Left to Right: Brent Konkle (Wynford Middle School Principal), Gabe McCready (IST President of Operations), Lesley Hayman (Wynford Elementary Teacher), Dave Mason (Wynford Middle/High School Teacher), Julie Miller (Wynford High School Principal), and Amy Taylor-Sheldon (Wynford Elementary Principal)
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.