R-PLACES: Rural Place-based Learning Activating Community Engagement in STEM

Announcing a new Rural Ohio Fellowship!

Recognizing that rural educators bring unique strengths and community connections to their classrooms, the Northwest Ohio Hub of OSLN invites teachers to join a growing cohort committed to developing place-based STEM lessons that are rooted in local relevance and designed to inspire students in meaningful, lasting ways.

The year-long STEM Rural Ohio Fellowship is open to any rural educator (K-12) in northwest Ohio.

With a cohort of other rural educators, participants will learn about their community’s STEM educational landscape. They will reflect on local challenges and make new connections. By the conclusion of the program, the study of place-based learning will guide teachers in developing new targeted solutions to address current needs in their home communities.

The program combines a statewide cohort with in-person workshops in Northwest Ohio with three in-person workshops and Four 60 minutes Virtual Check-ins throughout the academic year.

During the year-long STEM Rural Ohio Fellowship, the participants will complete an in-depth learning experience including:

· multiple workshops to explore STEM best practices for your classroom

· virtual “booster” sessions to support classroom place-based learning

· collaborative experiences to connect with STEM leaders and veteran teachers to build a professional network

Eligibility

Applicants must be currently employed as a classroom teacher in a school identified as rural in the state of Ohio. (Typology of Ohio School Districts | Ohio Department of Education and Workforce)

Teachers are encouraged to apply with a partner.

In-person workshops to be held at Northern Buckeye Training Center (209 Nolan Pkwy, Archbold, OH 43502)

· Kickoff: October 8–9, both days 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

· Wrap-up: May 4, 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

· Virtual check in sessions throughout academic year with dates and times TBD as a cohort

· A continental Breakfast and lunch will be provided for all participants during the in-person workshops

Commitments

· Attend all meetings (virtual and in-person)

· Complete all program tasks and activities

· Create and implement a place-based learning unit during the course of the 2026-2027 school year with the support from workshop content