Foundations to Futures: Building the Workforce from the Ground Up

• 20 seats are available
• Register before April 20 to be considered for the tour
• For the tour itself, we recommend wearing comfortable, closed-toe shoes. There will a good deal of walking in an industrial area. Hearing protection will be provided where needed. A portion of the tour will also be in a warm area.
• Centrus is a classified facility, so electronics are not permitted unless required for health reasons, e.g. heart monitor, Bluetooth hearing aids. If those are required, please let us know and we can obtain the approvals before the visit. 
• We recommend electronics, smartphones, smart watches, Bluetooth devices, smart rings, etc. be left in the vehicles upon arrival.
• Bus transportation will be provided.

• 20 seats are available
• Must register before April 20 to be considered for the tour
• Dress Code: Closed-toe shoes and long pants are required by all guests. No open toe shoe of any kind is permitted. No shorts, skirts, dresses, capris, or other ankle bearing attire are allowed. Flowing clothing (such as long, billowing/flowing dresses or skirts) is not permitted. Visitors not following these clothing requirements will not be permitted into the plant. Age Requirement: No person under 16 years old is permitted into the plant. A parent or guardian must be in attendance with any guests under the age of 18. Personal Protective Equipment: Hearing protection and protective eyewear (regular prescription glasses do not meet this requirement) are required in all areas of the plant and will be provided for the tour. Prescription eyeglasses with safety flaps do not meet eyewear requirements. Safety shoes or protective covers are required when off the main aisles working with the assembly process. Closed toe shoes are required in all areas of the plant. Open toe shoes are not permitted. Visitors in all areas of the plant are required to wear high visibility safety vests. Photography: All photography in the plant is prohibited without advance approval. Approval may be requested, in advance, through the Executive Administrative Assistant (Bethany Jackson 740-774-5262). No other photos on the property are permitted. All photos must be taken by the tour guide and approved by the plant manager prior to dispersal to the guest.
• No cell phone use is permitted while in the plant.
• Tours may take two or more hours to complete. Anything taken into the plant will need to be carried during this time as no secure storage is available.
• The tour route includes several sets of stairs. If your group includes guests unable to climb stairs, please let us know in advance so we can arrange an additional guide to stay with these guests.
• Transportation is provided

As a 30-year public education professional and advocate, Mike develops and supports authentic student agency across school districts. He has studied, supported, and led student learning from various perspectives, including: teacher, school leader, district innovator, superintendent, university researcher, and most recently, a not-for-profit consultant to school systems across the country. His expertise spans from research and evaluation to strategic planning and personalized coaching and consulting.

Mike now leads Learning InspirED, a forward-thinking education consulting agency committed to learning and supporting the development of student agency. With a focus on moving away from constraints and moving toward possibilities, he helps school districts create the best conditions for students to lead their own learning. Mike currently works with districts across the United States from Colorado to Virginia and from Florida to Vermont in this game-changing work.

Read More About Mike Nicholson and Learning InspirED

In this engaging 50-minute session, educators will explore key insights from The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt and examine how the rise of smartphones, social media, and shifting childhood norms are impacting student mental health, behavior, and learning. Participants will gain a clear understanding of the “great rewiring of childhood,” including the decline of play-based experiences and the increase in screen-based interactions, and how these trends are contributing to anxiety, depression, and reduced resilience in students.

This session moves beyond awareness to action. Educators will leave with practical, school-based strategies to foster resilience, independence, and connection in their classrooms and buildings. Topics include creating phone-free spaces, promoting healthy risk-taking, strengthening peer relationships, and partnering effectively with families.

Ideal for teachers, administrators, and support staff, this presentation provides both the “why” and the “how” to help schools respond thoughtfully and proactively to one of the most pressing challenges facing today’s students.

Presenter Information

Tom Kitchep, Superintendent, Pickaway Ross ESC

Tom Kitchen currently serves as Superintendent of the Pickaway County Educational Service Center (ESC), where he leads initiatives to support school districts, educators, and students across the region. With a strong background in education, Tom has previously served as a special education supervisor, assistant principal, and classroom teacher, bringing a well-rounded perspective to his work. Throughout his career, Tom has been committed to improving student outcomes, supporting educators, and fostering inclusive learning environments. His experience across multiple roles in education provides a deep understanding of the challenges schools face today, particularly in supporting student well-being and mental health.  Tom is passionate about equipping educators with practical strategies and research-based insights and helping schools create environments where all students can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Additionally, Tom serves as adjunct faculty at Ohio University.