University Community

Ohio University Chillicothe to host professional development day for educators

Ohio University Chillicothe, with support from its Education Advisory Committee, is offering Foundations to Futures: Building the Workforce from the Ground Up, a professional development day for teachers of pre-K through 12th grade on Tuesday, May 5, from 7:15 a.m. - 3 p.m.

The professional development day will take place primarily in Bennett Hall at Ohio University Chillicothe and will include optional tours of Kenworth and Centrus. Participants will engage in breakout sessions led by area educators.

Associate Professor of Instruction Karen Corcoran said OHIO Chillicothe is excited to welcome area educators to campus to learn new strategies to engage and empower students and deepen their understanding of workforce-based learning.

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

Mike Nicholson, a 30-year public education professional and founder of Learning InspirED, will deliver the keynote address titled “A Counter-Intuitive Move for our Time: Giving Students More Control over their Educational Lives.”

Nicholson has studied, supported, and led student learning from various perspectives, including teacher, school leader, district innovator, superintendent, university researcher and, most recently, a not-for-profit consultant to school systems across the country. His expertise spans from research and evaluation to strategic planning and personalized coaching and consulting.

With a focus on moving beyond constraints and toward possibilities, Nicholson helps school districts create the best conditions for students to lead their own learning. He currently works with districts across the United States, from Colorado to Virginia and from Florida to Vermont, in this game-changing work.

Interim Dean of Campus and Community Relations Mike Lafreniere said he is proud to see OHIO Chillicothe continue to build community capacity and provide professional development for area educators.

“Investing in the professional growth of our teachers is one of the most meaningful things we can do as a community anchor institution,” Lafreniere said. “Thanks to the tireless efforts of our Education Program Advisory Committee, Ohio University Chillicothe is able to bring this experience to educators for a second year.”

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

For more information about the professional development day, and to register, visit Ohio University Chillicothe’s website.

Published
April 10, 2026
Author
Staff reports