🪄 For our educators participating in our Summer Bootcamp, Day 5 is where the magic happens. Attendees shared their lesson plans and ideas to showcase how they will each take what they observed directly to their students. From real-world math problems to practicing essential skills to career research ideas to economic impact analysis, this group absolutely achieved the goal of this week’s experience.
👏 As we wrap up this incredible week, we thank our educators from Celina/Tri Star, Fort Recovery, Marion Local, Parkway and St. Henry schools for sharing their time with us. And a huge thanks to our participating businesses for giving us an unforgettable week: Cooper Farms, Mercer Landmark, Inc., Mercer County Fairgrounds, Mercer County Sheriff, Foundations Recovery Clubhouse, Tri Star Career Compact, Celina Insurance Group, Bruns Building and Development (Boardwalk Village, RCS Construction, Shipyard Events Center), The Reynolds and Reynolds Company, Ferguson, Mercer Health and Jared Ebbing/Mercer County Community & Economic Development. Thank you!!!
about 1 month ago, Grand Lake Regional ESC
A group of people sit in chairs around tables, listening to a man standing at a podium in a classroom.
A group of people are seated in a classroom with a speaker and monitor on the wall.
Indoor room with large windows, people seated at tables, one woman standing, laptops on tables.
Several people are seated around tables in a room. A woman is standing at a podium in front of a screen.
A classroom with several people seated in chairs, facing a person standing at a podium.
People stand in a room with a white ceiling and walls, wooden floor, and a large screen.
Day 4! Our Educator Bootcamp participants did a deep-dive into healthcare careers by spending a full day at Mercer Health, getting a behind-the-scenes look at one of our area’s largest employers. As a member of the community that Mercer Health is committed to serve, I am so thankful when I hear stories about such dedicated staff, willing to be cross-trained, learn new skills, and immediately ready to support their team. We are blessed to have this foundational organization continuing to serve not just our students, but our families and friends as well. Thanks also to Jared Ebbing for joining us to share the economic outlook of our area, and how to keep our students connected to our workforce.
about 1 month ago, Grand Lake Regional ESC
A group of people in a meeting room, some seated at tables, one person at a podium with a projector screen behind them.
Meeting room with people seated at tables. A woman speaks at a podium. A TV screen is mounted on the wall.
A person stands at a podium in a meeting room, facing a large screen. People sit at a long table.
Several people stand in a room with carpeted floors, listening to a woman in white. Behind her, gym equipment is visible.
A man in a blue shirt stands in a medical room, speaking to a group of people.
Several people gathered in an office. One man sits at a desk, facing a computer. Another man stands and speaks.
A hospital hallway with white walls has a group of people in scrubs and lab coats.
A person stands at a podium in a room with a large screen on the wall.
How do organizations identify talent and build leaders? Day 3 of our Summer Educator Bootcamp offered clear answers: prioritize people over position and invest in soft skills.
Key takeaways:
Celina Group: diverse insurance career paths (data/actuarial, claims) and the value of technical + interpersonal skills.
Bruns Building & Development: strategic placement, or matching the right person to the right role across construction, property management, sports management and more.
Reynolds & Reynolds: adapting to serve customers more effectively.
Ferguson: internal leadership development and career growth.
Soft skills—work ethic, communication, critical thinking—consistently paired with technical competence to drive success. All hosts emphasized how they treat people, from anniversary celebrations to goal meetings. Interested in participating in future site visits or sharing your organization’s approach? Email Sandi Holdheide (sandi.holdheide@mercercountyesc.org) to connect to our Business Advisory Council!
about 1 month ago, Grand Lake Regional ESC
A classroom with participants seated around tables, a person at a podium, and a projector screen.
People seated at tables in a classroom, facing a man standing by a projector screen.
A bar with wooden counter and chairs. People stand and talk near the bar. An ocean is visible in the distance.
A group of people sit around a bar inside a thatched-roof restaurant. A bartender stands behind the counter.
A group of people are standing in a room with bare walls, listening to a man in a green shirt.
Group of people in a room with unfinished walls, a ceiling fan, and an open door.
A conference room with a large table has people seated. Whiteboards and ceiling lights are visible.
A group of people stand in a factory area, some in conversation, with machinery and equipment visible in the background.
Teachers in a room listening to a presenter
Hooked by passion and purpose at Day 2 of our Educator Bootcamp!!! We toured the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office and witnessed commitment across enforcement, corrections, communications, and civil divisions—service to the community was unmistakable. At Foundations Recovery Clubhouse, staff showed how they turn crises into positive opportunities. And at Tri Star Career Compact, industry and community partnerships continue to build meaningful career pathways for learners. So inspired by these partnerships and incredible people who serve us here in our area!
about 2 months ago, Grand Lake Regional ESC
A group of people stand around a room with a woman speaking. A large screen is mounted on the wall.
Four people in a room with a black leather couch, large screen, chairs, a tree mural, and a woman standing by a computer.
A group of people in a lobby with screens, some standing, and an "EXIT" sign overhead.
Several people in various clothing stand in a room with purple walls and a large bulletin board.
A room with people standing and sitting. Some wear sneakers. Tables and chairs are set up. A white shelf with items on it.
A group of people in a factory setting with machines, a trash can, and overhead lighting.
Interior of a building with three large wall panels displaying images of people and text reading "IMPACT" on a white wall.
What a fantastic start to our annual Summer Educator Bootcamp! 🌞 Today we were inspired by Cooper Farms employees who truly treat each other like family and take pride in their work. We explored agriculture careers beyond the family farm at Mercer Landmark and even did a hands-on grain grading activity — a great classroom idea! 🌾
We were also amazed by the scope of year-round operations at the Mercer County Fairgrounds: emergency action plans, financial planning for big-name acts, and more behind-the-scenes work than you’d imagine. Fun fact: engineering students from our Tri Star Career Compact designed the Cornerstone Chapel, construction students built it from the ground up, and it’s now another rental option for the fairgrounds! 🏗️🏛️
about 2 months ago, Grand Lake Regional ESC
People in a conference room, sitting at tables with laptops and facing a large screen.
A person gives a presentation in a room. A large screen displays behind them. A table holds bottles and bags.
A classroom with several people seated in rows of chairs. A presentation is shown on a projector screen.
Three people in a room, one seated with paperwork, another standing, and a third seated, all engaged in discussion.
A group of people in casual clothing stand in a parking lot. Behind them is a grassy area and trees.
A group of people stand in a room with a wooden counter, facing a woman speaking. The room has patterned flooring and metal beams on the ceiling.
A group of people stands in a large, open, metal-roofed warehouse with a concrete floor.
A group of people in a meeting, seated around a table in a room with wooden flooring.
Happy Birthday, Makenna!
about 2 months ago, Grand Lake Regional ESC
Happy Birthday, Makenna Mele!

Join us for this awesome Professional Development opportunity presented by our own Dr. Emily Kriegel. Registration closes July 27th; sign up today! For more information, please see our flyer: https://canva.link/4sfha06nwya49lp

about 2 months ago, Grand Lake Regional ESC
A flyer advertises a workshop on language visibility on August 3, 2026, from 9AM-12PM. The flyer is colorful, with a red and white background.
What a beautiful day by the lake!
about 2 months ago, Grand Lake Regional ESC
Grand Lake St Marys
Join our team!
about 2 months ago, Grand Lake Regional ESC
Job posting for a part-time paraprofessional position at the Community Learning Center for the 2026-2027 school year. Contact information for application and inquiries.
Happy Birthday, Ruth!
about 2 months ago, Grand Lake Regional ESC
Happy Birthday, Ruth Nieport!
Join Our Team!
about 2 months ago, Grand Lake Regional ESC
Job posting for a long-term substitute teacher at St. Henry Elementary School, includes contact email and deadline.
Honored to share that the Grand Lake Regional ESC Business Advisory Council was awarded the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce (ODEW)'s 2026 Business-Education Leader 4-Star Award, the state's highest recognition for outstanding school-business partnerships. We were also selected to present a breakout session at the ODEW Town Hall, showcasing our work and ongoing collaborative efforts. We are so grateful to our partners who help co-create meaningful career-connected learning for students through this data-driven and action-oriented work!
about 2 months ago, Grand Lake Regional ESC
Four people stand next to each other with one holding a sign that reads "2026 BUSINESS ADVISORY COUNCIL".
A group of three people in formal attire stand with a sign. An American flag is visible.
Man and woman standing by a podium with a laptop on it. Behind them is a Hilton sign.
Auditorium with stage, chandelier, and screen. A man stands on stage, while another speaks into a microphone. Attendees watch a presentation on the screen.
Happy Birthday, Alyssa!
about 2 months ago, Grand Lake Regional ESC
Happy Birthday, Alyssa Lewis!
Happy Birthday, Megan!
about 2 months ago, Grand Lake Regional ESC
Happy Birthday, Megan Homan!
Do you love working with children? Do you love seeing them learn, grow, and thrive? If so, you may be who we are looking for. Join our team!
2 months ago, Grand Lake Regional ESC
A recruitment ad for a part-time preschool paraprofessional position. The ad features a picture of a classroom.
Do you love working with children? Do you love seeing them learn, grow, and thrive? If so, you may be who we are looking for. Join our team!
2 months ago, Grand Lake Regional ESC
A flyer offers a part-time Preschool Paraprofessional position in Coldwater Exempted Village Schools. It includes a contact email, application deadline, and an image of children.
Do you love working with children? Do you love seeing them learn, grow, and thrive? If so, you may be who we are looking for. Join our team!
2 months ago, Grand Lake Regional ESC
Job posting for Preschool Paraprofessional at Celina City Schools. Position is part-time. Application and questions to specific email. Deadline: July 28, 2026.
Happy Birthday, Nancy!
2 months ago, Grand Lake Regional ESC
Happy Birthday, Nancy Davis!
Professional learning doesn’t always have to happen in a classroom! We kicked off our first Walk & Talk sessions this week, and participants learned while getting their steps in! These sessions are a great reminder that some of the best professional learning happens through meaningful conversations, fresh perspectives, and connections with colleagues.
2 months ago, Grand Lake Regional ESC
Happy Birthday, Macy!
2 months ago, Grand Lake Regional ESC
Happy Birthday, Macy Sink!