May 8, 2025
Ohio University Chillicothe
Presented by Ohio University Chillicothe's Education Advisory Committee, this professional development STEM day will feature a keynote address by Jessica Short, Director of the Dayton Regional STEM Center and an Ohio University Chillicothe graduate. The event is expected to host 100-160 teachers from Pre-K through 12th-grade schools. Participants will engage in breakout sessions and visit a local solar installation to enhance their understanding of STEM applications.
Cost: Free
Time:
8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Location
Ohio University Chillicothe
Bennett Hall Auditorium101 University Drive
Chillicothe, Ohio 45601
Free Parking in front of Bennett Hall
Purpose
STEM Day at Ohio University Chillicothe will provide professional development for teachers in the region. The event will feature a keynote address by Jessica Short, director of the Dayton Regional STEM Center and an Ohio University Chillicothe graduate. Participants will engage in breakout sessions and visit a local solar installation to enhance their understanding of STEM applications.
Who should attend
Teachers of pre-K through 12th grade
Free Continuing Education Credits will be provided for attending teachers
Keynote
Engaging Minds, Empowering Learners, and Energizing our Future
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. 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. Let's discover Strategies That Engage Minds, empower learners, and build a future-ready workforce.
Presenter: Jessica Short, Director of the Dayton Regional STEM Center
Jessica 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 serve 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.
While her work has taken her across the state, Chillicothe remains home. Her son attends Chillicothe Intermediate School, and she is proud to continue contributing to education both locally and regionally. She believes that every student deserves opportunities to explore, innovate, and dream big—no matter where they come from.
Breakout Sessions
Solar Installation Site Visit
Electricity to Magnetism and Back
In this session we explore the relationship between electricity and magnetism, including building an electromagnet, using magnetic fields to generate electricity, and discussing how these mechanisms central to our energy infrastructure.
Presenter: Dr. Michael Koop, Assistant Professor of Physics, Ohio University Chillicothe
Dr. Michael Koop teaches a variety of classes in physics, physical science, and astronomy, and is also involved in several public outreach programs including producing an “Expansive Ideas” program designed to help encourage and engage students of all kinds in scientific inquiry.
Neurobics
Learn a form of fun interactive cognitive exercises that stimulate the brain. Neurobics is a form of brain exercise to maintain its agility and flexibility. It breaks the automative mental schemes in order to wake up those areas of the brain that might be dormant, potentially enhancing your brain capacity. It’s good to take care of your body and overall appearance, don’t forget your brain is like a muscle and requires workouts too!
Presenters:
Jeanie Dalton, Instructor, Ohio University Chillicothe
Jeanie Dalton retired from Paint Valley and Zane Trace School Districts after 35 years of teaching. She also worked for United Way of Ross County's Map Your Future program for three years. Jeanie has served as an adjunct and clinical educator at Ohio University Chillicothe for the past 10 years. More recently, she has been a pickleball instructor for two years. Jeanie earned her Bachelor of Arts at Ohio University and The Ohio State University for her Master of Arts.
Renee Coffland, Retired TeacherRenee Coffland retired from Chillicothe City Schools after 12 years in Special Education and 22 years in Intermediate. She now works at the Chillicothe Athletic Center. She attended Muskingum University to earn her Bachelor of Arts and Mary Grove University to earn her Master of Arts.
How do you DO STEM?
Explore the foundational principles that empower all learners to succeed, from problem-solving and critical thinking to creativity and collaboration. Through an interactive ideation activity, participants will engage in the process of generating and refining ideas, a key skill for innovation in any field. The session will also provide time for attendees to share and discover regional resources and opportunities that support STEM learning and workforce development. Join us to rethink what it means to "DO STEM" and how we can collectively foster a culture of curiosity and growth.
Presenter: Jessica Short, Director of the Dayton Regional STEM Center
Jessica Short is an educator and advocate for STEM learning with deep roots in southern Ohio. 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 herto serve as a high school principal at one of Ohio’s initial five independent public STEMschools, 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.
Creating an Optimal Learning Environment with a Co-Teaching Model
Take your instruction to new levels with the power of co-teaching! This session will provide you with strategies and tools to successfully provide intervention, enrichment, and core instruction to your students. Increase support and student engagement through a team approach to enhance student outcomes. Participants will explore the practical application and benefi ts of delivering targeted instruction and intervention to support diverse learners. As general education teachers and intervention specialists work together, a multitude of co-teaching approaches can be used to foster an inclusive, unifi ed learning environment. Explore the various co-teaching models while learning practical tips for implementation. We will also delve into the integration of all subject areas, social and emotional learning, and executive functioning based activities into our carefully crafted weekly schedule. If you are interested in working with your peers using a collaborative, flexible, and student centered approach while breaking down barriers and creating a more equitable and engaging classroom environment, then join us to learn more about this dynamic model!
Presenters:
Heather Bryant, 4th Grade Teacher, Unioto Elementary School
Heather Bryant (grade 4, ELA and social studies) has been teaching for 27 years at Unioto Elementary. She earned her BSE from Otterbein University, her Master of Science degree in school administration from Indiana Wesleyan University, and attained National Board Certifi cation as an Early Childhood Generalist in 2007.
Shannon Messer, 4th Grade Teacher, Unioto Elementary School
Shannon Messer (grade 4, math and science) earned her bachelor’s degree in education from Cedarville University and her master’s degree in educational leadership from Jones University. She spent 5 years teaching in Florida and has been teaching the past 5 years at Unioto Elementary.
Natalie Stulley, Intervention Specialist, Unioto Elementary School
Natalie Stulley (Intervention Specialist) started her career as an exercise physiologist specializing in outpatient rehabilitation for 9 years after earning her degree from Ohio University. She then earned her post bachelor’s degree in mild/moderate intervention (K-12) from Notre Dame College and her masters degree reading/literacy from Walden University and has been teaching at Unioto Elementary for 16 years.
Coding for Elementary Students
Learn how Eastern Elementary has developed a K-5 coding program that allows students to create and explore a variety of coding experiences including Code.org, scratch, game design, Beebot, Ozobots Lego Education, and more.
Presenters:
Matt Hines, Eastern Elementary School PrincipalA 2001 graduate of Eastern High School, Matt earned his Bachelor of Arts in Middle Childhood Education at Marietta College in 2005 and his Masters in Educational Leadership at the University of Rio Grande in 2010. He has been an educator for 20 years, with nine years of service as elementary principal at Eastern.
Tishina Brown Harris, Eastern Elementary Technology TeacherTishina graduated from Eastern High School in 2000, earned her Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education in 2004 and before earning her Master in Instructional Technology. She has been an educator for 20 years and a technology instructor for 11 years.
Incorporating Science into the Primary Grades
Science often takes a backseat in primary grades, as the focus is primarily on building foundational literacy skills. Teachers recognize the excitement and curiosity that science—especially life science—sparks in young learners, yet finding time for it can be a challenge. In this session, a second-grade teacher will demonstrate how to seamlessly integrate science into reading and writing using AI. You'll walk away with practical strategies and tools you can implement in your classroom right away, making science a meaningful and engaging part of your students' daily learning.
Presenter: Ali Vesey
Ali Vesey is a dedicated educator with nine years of teaching experience in PreK-2nd grade. A 2007 graduate of Greenfield McClain High School, she earned her teaching degree from Urbana University and later completed her master’s in Educational Leadership and principal coursework at the University of Dayton. Passionate about fostering a love for learning and community service, she incorporates hands-on, service-based lessons into her classroom. Beyond teaching, Ali is deeply involved in her community as a Growing Home Fellow with the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio. Her dedication to education and community engagement has earned her recognition, including the Citizen of the Month Award and the Local Luminary Award from the Masonic Lodge.
Beyond the Classroom: Expanding STEM Learning into the World
We will explore creative and practical ways to extend STEM learning beyond your classroom walls. We will focus on strategies for utilizing local resources, developing community partnerships, and designing real-world experiences. From place-based learning experiences to personalized learning, we will brainstorm how to tap into your community's potential and bring STEM to life for your students.
Presenter: Heather Tarlton, Chillicothe STEM Facilitator
As a passionate STEM facilitator for Chillicothe City Schools, Heather fosters innovation and curiosity in students throughout their school career. Her home base is Chillicothe Primary School, an Ohio STEM-designated elementary school. To facilitate STEM education holistically, a facilitator must wear many hats, including but not limited to (no limits in STEM!) curriculum development, place-based education programming, community partner collaborations and teacher professional development. She believes in the limitless potential of STEM to inspire, challenge, and empower students and educators, creating a thriving learning ecosystem.
Tapping into the Sun
In this session we discuss the basics of solar power, including using the properties of light to build a solar oven and generating electricity using solar panels.
Presenter: Dr. Brenda Miller, Professor of Instruction, Ohio University Chillicothe
Dr. Brenda Miller teaches general and organic chemistry and is also involved in educational opportunities for middle to high school students including StemStart at the Athens campus, STEM Discovery Day at OHIO Lancaster and several different District and State science fairs.
Drone Use in Education
We will explore the fascinating field of aeronautics and examine how advancements in flight technology have shaped our world. From the pioneering inventions of the Wright Brothers to drone technology, we will discuss innovative ways to integrate aeronautical studies into your STEM curriculum. You'll also have the opportunity to pilot a drone and leave with resources to help you incorporate drone technology into your classroom with confidence!
Presenter: Danielle McDaniel
A dedicated STEM educator with 13 years of experience, Danielle is serving in her fourth year as a STEM Facilitator at Chillicothe City School District. As part of her commitment to advancing STEM education, she was tasked with developing a drone program for the district. In 2022-2023, she participated in a year-long fellowship with the PAST Foundation, where she deepened her expertise in drone studies, including the history of aviation, current and future applications of drone technology, FAA regulations, and curriculum development. In 2023, she earned her TRUST Certificate through Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and launched the drone program at Chillicothe Primary School, an Ohio STEM-designated elementary school. What began as an introductory drone-flying experience for 1st and 2nd graders has since evolved into a comprehensive Aeronautical Studies program extending through 5th grade, providing students with foundational skills in aviation and drone technology. While aeronautical education is one of her main specialties, she also has expertise in delivering age appropriate, hands-on, technology-infused instruction in history and engineering.
Building College and Career Readiness in Specials Classes
Presenters: Dirk Foglesong and Chad Barrows
Dirk Foglesong is the Agriculture Science Teacher at Huntington Middle School. After earning a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from the University of Cincinnati he was awarded his M.B.A. from the University of Dallas. He worked for a decade as Chemical Engineer/Plant Manager for the Valspar Corporation before beginning his teaching career. He has taught at Huntington for 14 years in Chemistry, Physical Science, 7th grade Math, and Middle School Ag Science.
Huntington Local School District Smartlab Facilitator (STEAM Teacher) Chad Barrows, has 23 years teaching experience. He began his teaching career in Miamisburg City Schools, but came back home to Chillicothe and has taught at Huntington the past 14 years. He has taught all core subject areas from grades four through eight. He has taught Career Tech and digital arts.
Contact
For more information, contact Karen Corcoran or Amy Wolfe .