COLUMBUS, Ohio – Governor Mike DeWine has announced a new Teacher Bootcamp Program, aimed at giving up to 667 Ohio educators hands-on experience in the industries that drive the state’s economy. The idea: Get teachers into businesses, expose them to in-demand skills, and bring that knowledge back to the classroom to better prepare students for the workforce.
“Teacher bootcamps provide an opportunity for educators and local businesses to collaborate to ensure that students learn the skills that businesses in their own communities are looking for,” DeWine said. “This is a win for educators, businesses, and—most importantly—Ohio students.”
During the program, educators will tour businesses, complete industry-related coursework, and get a firsthand look at careers in high-demand fields. The initiative is being rolled out by four Ohio universities, which will facilitate the experience and offer tuition reimbursement for graduate credit or continuing education units.
Colleges Participating in the Program:
- Ashland University
- Malone University
- Lake Erie College
- Shawnee State University
Stephen D. Dackin, director of the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce, framed the initiative as a way to better equip educators with real-world knowledge to pass on to students.
“Ensuring Ohio’s students are equipped with real-world skills and knowledge is crucial for their success. Our educators are true lifelong learners, and Ohio’s Teacher Bootcamp Program highlights the value of diverse experiences they can share and build upon to better prepare students for high-wage, in-demand careers,” Dackin said.
Ohio Department of Higher Education Chancellor Mike Duffey called the program a direct investment in the classroom, saying, “The additional knowledge teachers gain through the Bootcamp Program goes directly to enhancing the education their students receive. It’s one more way Ohio takes skilled workforce preparation to the next level.”
The Teacher Bootcamp Program specifically targets sectors critical to Ohio’s economic future, including:
- Broadband & 5G
- Cybersecurity
- Healthcare
- Transportation
- Advanced Manufacturing
- Trades
The program is not a policy shift or a funding boost for schools, but instead a workforce pipeline strategy, aiming to bridge the gap between education and industry expectations. State officials hope that by embedding teachers in these fields, students will leave high school better prepared for career opportunities in Ohio’s evolving job market.
Educators interested in the program can learn more at Workforce.Ohio.gov/TeacherBootcamp.