Ohio University Chillicothe to host STEM education day for teachers

Ohio University Chillicothe, with support from its Education Advisory Committee and National Grid Renewables (NGR), is offering a STEM education professional development day for teachers of pre-K through 12th grade on May 8, from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

The professional development day will take place primarily in Bennett Hall at Ohio University Chillicothe and will include a site visit to one of the NGR solar installations in Ross County.

Participants will engage in breakout sessions led by area educators in addition to visiting a local solar installation to enhance their understanding of STEM applications.

Jessica Short, director of the Dayton Regional STEM Center and an Ohio University Chillicothe graduate, will deliver the keynote address, titled “Engaging Minds, Empowering Learners, and Energizing our Future.”

Short is an educator and advocate for STEM learning with deep roots in southern Ohio. She grew up in Chillicothe, graduated from Unioto High School and continued her education at Ohio University Chillicothe earning a Bachelor of Science in Education and continuing with a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Cincinnati.

For seven years, she taught high school science and social studies in Ross County, where she developed a passion for making learning meaningful and engaging for students. That passion led her to serve as a high school principal at one of Ohio’s initial five independent public STEM schools, where she spent five years integrating STEM, Project-Based Learning, Work-Based Learning, and Industry Recognized Credentials into the curriculum. Under her leadership, the school earned recognition as a National Blue Ribbon School in 2019.

Now, as the director of the Dayton Regional STEM Center and the coordinator of operations for the DO STEM Ecosystem, she is focused on expanding access to high-quality STEM education and building strong partnerships between schools, industry and the community. She also serves as the organizational lead for the Dayton hub of the Department of Defense STEM Education Consortium, ensuring that students are equipped with the skills they need for future careers.

“STEM education is more than an acronym—it’s about fostering a mindset of curiosity, a strong STEM identity, and a culture that supports innovation at every level,” said Short. “Educators and communities can create learning environments where students see themselves as problem-solvers and change-makers. With Ohio’s growing focus on renewable energy and sustainability, STEM education plays a critical role in preparing the next generation to tackle real-world challenges.”

Assistant Professor of Instruction Karen Corcoran said OHIO Chillicothe is excited to welcome area STEM educators to campus to learn new strategies to engage and empower students in learning about STEM subjects and concepts.

“Educators will have the opportunity to learn, connect and prepare to build a future-ready workforce,” Corcoran said.

Educators will earn eight contact hours for participating in the STEM education day at OHIO Chillicothe. Those hours cannot be used towards any Ohio University degree requirements.

For more information about the STEM Education Day, and to register, visit Ohio University Chillicothe’s website.