STEM Rural Ohio Fellowship

Elevating the self-efficacy and STEM capacity of all rural Ohio educators

Rural teachers, join a cohort of teachers building locally-relevant lessons that inspire students and make a difference.

Educators know that learning is at its best when students can find a personal connection to their work.  The year-long STEM Rural Ohio Fellowship is open to any rural educator in the state of Ohio.

With a cohort of other rural educators, participants will learn about their local STEM educational landscape. They will reflect on community 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 either Southeast or Northwest Ohio throughout the year. 

This cohort has made me realize the importance of connecting with the community and what a difference it can make in the lives of my students...it is a safe space to try out new ideas for your classes and discover new ideas that will take your lessons to new, positive, interactive places you didn't know existed.
Kerry Bullock
Alexander Jr. High School - Albany, Ohio
This cohort is for teachers that want to expand their thinking. We want kids to think outside the box and that's exactly the kind of teacher who should join this cohort.
Jill Schumaker
Ottawa Elementary School - Ottawa Ohio

Program details

Applications close August 11, 2023

Fellowship experience

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 held in either Southeast or Northwest Ohio
  • virtual “booster” sessions to support classroom place-based learning
  • collaborative experiences to connect with STEM leaders and veteran teachers to build a professional network
  • opportunities to visit  innovative Ohio STEM or STEAM designated schools

Outcomes

  • Engage parents and community in your STEM lessons
  • Integrate STEM best practices into classroom lessons
  • Leverage community and business partnerships to build new connections for students
  • Create place-based learning units that foster authentic learning
  • Join a network of other rural STEM educators to share solutions
  • Optional: Earn graduate credit from Kent State University
SE Rural Fellowship Cohort

Eligibility

Applicants must:

Teachers are encouraged to apply with a partner. 

A small amount of needs-based travel scholarships are available, please contact us directly if cost is an issue.

Commitments

There will be a $350 classroom grant for this professional development opportunity. To receive the grant, you must:

  • Attend all meetings (virtual and in-person – see Schedule)
  • Complete all program tasks and activities
  • Create and implement a place-based learning unit during the course of the 2023-2024 school year with the support of Ohio STEM Learning Network

Deadlines

June 2, 2023: Priority application deadline

August 11, 2023: Applications close

Schedule

Choose one school-year workshop series:

  • Northwest Ohio: September 18, September 19, and January 16
  • Southeast Ohio: September 21, September 22, and January 18

Additionally, for the full cohort:

  • In-person one-day wrap up event on April 29, 2024 in Columbus, Ohio
  • Virtual workshops: Dates to be announced.

Meeting locations

  • Northwest Ohio meets at Putnam County ESC, 124 Putnam Pkwy, Ottawa, OH 45875, Google maps link
  • Southeast Ohio meets at the OHIO Museum Complex, 100 Ridges Cir, Athens, OH 45701, Google maps link
  • Columbus in-person wrap up is at Battelle, 505 King Ave, Columbus, OH 43201, Google maps link
 

Breakfast and lunch will be provided for all participants during the in-person workshops.

 
2023-2024 application closed - Sign up to hear about future opportunities
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