eBrief
January 2025
Grow Your Own Teacher Scholarship Program Nomination Deadline Extended to February 14
The Grow Your Own Teacher Scholarship Program is designed to support Ohio’s school districts in recruiting students and staff to pursue teaching careers. Grow Your Own Scholarship recipients commit to at least four years of teaching in their home school districts. In return, they receive scholarships of up to $7,500 per year for four years.
Who can Nominate? All Ohio schools facing challenges attracting and retaining licensed teachers are encouraged to nominate Grow Your Own candidates, including public school districts, joint vocational districts, educational service centers, community schools, STEM schools, chartered nonpublic schools, and non-chartered, nonpublic schools.
Begin the process at the Grow Your Own Teacher Scholarship Portal, and visit the Ohio Department of Higher Education’s webpage for more information.
2026 Ohio Teacher of the Year Nominations
Since 1964, the Ohio Teacher of the Year program has identified exceptional educators celebrating their effective, inspiring work inside and outside the classroom. The program's mission is to elevate their voice as leaders and advocates for the teaching profession and public education. Don’t miss the opportunity to recognize outstanding teachers. Nominations for the 2026 Ohio Teacher of the Year open February 1, 2025.
Engagement = Attendance Series
Register now! First session starts January 29
Audience - Building Administrators, PBIS Coordinators, Attendance Team Members and/or Coordinators
Time - Participants may choose between 8:15 a.m. - 10:15 a.m. OR 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. each day (the afternoon session is a repeat of the morning session).
Dates - January 29, 2025, February 3, 2025, March 4, 2025, April 25, 2025
Description - Participants will be provided with strategies and resources to address absenteeism and support better attendance in their school or district. This series consists of four learning sessions. CLICK HERE for a list of session topics and to register for the series.
February 6, 2025
Presenter - Jason Scragg, Military and English Learner Education Consultant with the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce
Time/ Location - 8:15 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. | Virtual
Session Description - This session will provide statewide data on newcomers that arrive during secondary education. Information and resources will be shared on topics including international transcripts, grade placement, students with interruptions to formal education (SIFE), secondary education options, and navigating graduation requirements.
March 13, 2025
Presenter - Heidi Messbarger, Educational Consultant with Hamilton Co ESC
Time/Location - 8:15 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. | Virtual
Session Description - In this session, participants will look at different models for structuring English Learners services that meet the needs of diverse student populations that align with state and federal requirements. This session will also provide district applications, including strategies for small districts, how to approach MTSS for EL's, and effective supports for students with limited literacy in their home language.
The One Needs Assessment is open in the OH/ID portal
All cohort 2 districts can now begin to complete the comprehensive needs assessment needed to write the FY 26 One Plan. Nicole Herbert, SST1 Consultant is hosting EDSTEPS Open Office Hours to support you with this process and answer any questions you might have. Registration is not required to attend any of the scheduled zoom sessions. Click Here for zoom link.
February 12, 2025 | 9:00 - 10:00 or 2:00 - 3:00 | Virtual
March 25, 2025 | 9:00 - 10:00 or 2:00 - 3:00 | Virtual
April 16, 2025 | 9:00 - 10:00 or 2:00 - 3:00 | Virtual
Indicator 13 Checklist Training for Transition Plan Writing
Audience - Intervention Specialists, General Ed Teachers, School Counselors, Administrators, Related Service Personnel, Community Partners and parents who work with transition-age youth supported by IEP's
Dates/Times/Locations - (to register click on the date you would like to attend)
March 5, 2025 | 8:30 - 3:30 | Hancock Co ESC, 7746 Co Rd 140 Findlay, OH 45840
March 6, 2025 | 8:30 - 3:30 | Vantage Career Center, 818 N Franklin St, Van Wert, OH 45891
March 12, 2025 | 8:30 - 3:30 | ESC of Lake Erie West, 2275 Collingwood Blvd, Toledo, OH 43620
March 26, 2025 | 8:30 - 3:30 | Northwest Ohio ESC, 205 Nolan Pkwy, Archbold, OH 43502
March 27, 2025 | 8:30 - 3:30 | Wood Co ESC, 1867 Research Dr, Bowling Green, OH 43402
Presenter - Aaron Weisbrod, M.Ed., SST1 Consultant
Description - This full-day training focuses on transition plan (IEP Section 5) writing that strengthens post secondary outcomes and addresses compliance via the Ohio Indicator 13 Checklist used in the DEW monitoring process. Participants will also be provided with a series of tools, strategies, and resources to support compliance and fidelity in preparing students with disabilities through graduation and into successful adult outcomes.
SST1 Inclement Weather Policy
With winter in full force, we thought it would be a good time to remind you of our Inclement Weather Policy. If hazardous driving conditions exist, call our office at 800.346.8495 after 6:30 a.m. to learn if your meeting is delayed or cancelled. If we know in advance that we will be delaying or cancelling a training, you will be notified by e-mail using the e-mail address you provided when you registered for the event. Our website will also reflect any updates or changes.
