Area teachers gather at Ohio University Chillicothe for STEM education day

Nearly 80 area Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) teachers, school administrators and future educators gathered at Ohio University Chillicothe on Thursday, May 8, for a professional development day focusing on renewable energy. OHIO Chillicothe hosted the STEM education professional development day for teachers with the support of its Education Advisory Committee and National Grid Renewables (NGR). 

Participants engaged in STEM-focused breakout sessions led by area educators and OHIO Chillicothe faculty. They also visited two NGR solar installations in Ross County to enhance their understanding of STEM applications.

“The Education Cooperation Agreement between NGR and OHIO Chillicothe has enabled us to provide enriching educational opportunities related to renewable energies to students, educators and the community,” said Dean of Campus and Community Relations Roberta Milliken.

Lindsay McNeal, principal of Greenfield Elementary School and a member of the OHIO Chillicothe Education Advisory Committee said the professional development day was an outstanding example of how a local community can invest in its educators to support meaningful learning.

“The STEM-focused event provided a firsthand look at local solar fields, equipping teachers with real-world knowledge to enhance lessons on energy use, career pathways, and innovations in the electrical field,” McNeal said. “Local experts and peers led engaging presentations, fostering both networking and practical takeaways educators can immediately bring back to their classrooms. I’m proud to have participated in such an impactful day—one that will benefit thousands of students across multiple counties.”

Jessica Short, director of the Dayton Regional STEM Center and an Ohio University Chillicothe graduate, delivered a keynote address entitled, “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 later earning a master’s degree in from the University of Cincinnati.

“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 was honored to host area STEM educators and support the valuable work they are doing in their schools. According to Dr. Amy Wolfe, assistant professor, the event was the result of the thoughtful collaboration of the Ohio University Chillicothe Education Advisory Committee which is composed of Chillicothe faculty and administrators from the region. The group aspires to create opportunities such as this where innovations can be “cross-pollinated” between districts to allow for best practices to grow across the region.

Educators earned eight contact hours for participating in the STEM education day at OHIO Chillicothe.

For educators who missed the STEM education day, or would like to learn more about renewable energies, Ohio University Chillicothe and the Patton College of Education, with support from NGR, will offer a continuing education graduate credit course on Saturday, July 19, and Saturday, August 2, from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. The renewable energies course for middle and high school teachers will take place primarily in Bennett Hall at Ohio University Chillicothe and it will include a site visit to one of the NGR solar farms in the area on the second day of the course.

For more information about the course, and to register, visit Ohio University Chillicothe’s Continuing Education web page.