02/02/2024

DeWine, Husted Announce Institutions Approved for Ohio Teacher Bootcamp Program

These bootcamps expose educators to communities' business needs

Governor Mike DeWine and Lt. Governor Jon Husted, director of the Governor's Office of Workforce Transformation, announced yesterday that eight institutions of higher education received approval to offer Ohio's Teacher Bootcamp Program, creating first-hand experiences for up to 655 Ohio K-12 educators. Teacher bootcamps connect educators to local businesses so they can learn more about the in-demand skills needed to be successful in the current workforce. The program aims to help educators better prepare students for career readiness upon graduation.

"I am pleased these colleges and universities are taking the lead and implementing these bootcamps to provide teachers real-world experiences they can take back to the classroom to help better prepare students for life after graduation," DeWine said. "With an emphasis on in-demand jobs, teachers will help spark interest in career paths that will help our communities thrive."

"We've seen great success from communities doing this independently, and today's awards will help us grow the program to serve more students, schools, and communities," said Husted. "This is a win for everyone involved because we are showing teachers what a career looks like in their community so they can bring that knowledge back to the classroom and incorporate it into their lessons, teaching their students what skills are in-demand to help create the future talent pipeline for businesses near them."

During bootcamps, educators complete related coursework and participate in business tours to learn about in-demand skills firsthand. Through these experiences, educators are exposed to new industries, jobs and skills so they can use real-world knowledge when teaching their students, helping to better prepare them for a career in their community upon graduation.

The eight institutions of higher education who received approval through the program will facilitate the teacher experiences and receive reimbursement for tuition costs of coursework taken by teachers when they earn graduate credit or continuing education units.

Approved Institutions of Higher Education:

• Ashland University
• Lake Erie College
• Malone University
• Miami University
• Sinclair Community College
• University of Cincinnati
• University of Findlay, and
• Youngstown State University

"Ohio educators understand the strengths and unique learning needs of each of their students," said Stephen Dackin, director of the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce. "Now, through Ohio's Teacher Bootcamp Program, our educators will have this same understanding about the skillsets being sought after in their communities to better prepare students for success in the classroom and their future careers."

"I commend these institutions for taking this extra step to ensure that educators are prepared not only to teach, but also to better prepare their students for success and service in their own community," said Ohio Department of Higher Education Chancellor Mike Duffey.

The goal of the Teacher Bootcamp Program is to incentivize educator professional development and strengthen the quality of education in industries including broadband & 5G, cybersecurity, healthcare, transportation, advanced manufacturing or other trades.

Individuals interested in learning more about the program can select this link.