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 that electronics, smartphones, smartwatches, Bluetooth devices, smart rings, etc., be left in the vehicles upon arrival.

• 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 who are unable to climb stairs, please let us know in advance so we can arrange an additional guide to stay with them.

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

Given a larger window of time, we’ll explore what it means to give students more control over their educational lives. We’ll use document review, hands-on activities, video examples, group discussions, simulations, metaphors, and other means to understand this shift in educational design. The two hours will undoubtedly go fast! 

Presenter Information

Mike Nicholson

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.

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 Kitchen, 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.

Explore a collaborative, multi-disciplinary, rotation model designed to provide targeted instruction and support for all learners. This session highlights how strategic grouping and shared expertise can increase student engagement and growth in both academic and social-emotional learning.

Presenter Information

Ashley Sanderson

Ashley Sanderson is an educator with 14 years of experience in all upper elementary subjects, including reading and math intervention. She holds a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction and led the development of the organizational systems and processes that form the basis of this differentiation model.   

Matt Sanderson

Matt Sanderson is a fifth-grade math and science educator with 14 years of experience. He holds a Master of Education in Instructional Design and Technology. Known as the team’s go-to tech expert, his work focuses on designing effective and student-centered instructional systems and activities that provide meaningful support for all learners.

This breakout session will explore the powerful impact of vocational agriculture programs on student success in a high school setting, with connections that begin as early as the K–12 continuum. Participants will gain insight into how agricultural education promotes career development through real-world, hands-on learning experiences that prepare students for a wide range of high-demand career pathways. The session will also highlight how involvement in agriculture programs fosters leadership skill development, builds student confidence, and encourages active participation in organizations such as FFA. Emphasis will be placed on how strong foundations in early literacy and mathematics are essential for student success in agricultural coursework, supporting skills such as problem-solving, technical reading, and data analysis. Additionally, attendees will learn how vocational agriculture courses contribute to academic achievement and provide opportunities for students to earn graduation points through industry credentials and experiential learning. Educators will leave with a deeper understanding of how integrating agricultural education can enhance student outcomes across multiple domains.

Presenter Information

Alyssa Brooks, Huntington High School

Alyssa Brooks is a dedicated educator who has developed a strong vocational agriculture program at Huntington High School. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science from Kansas State University and a Master’s in Equine Nutrition from New Mexico State University. She has also served as a professor at Clarendon College in Texas, teaching animal science courses. Alyssa is actively involved in Ohio’s agricultural industry and is passionate about preparing students for leadership and successful careers beyond high school.

V.O.I.C.E (Variety of Individualized Choices in Education) is a flexible, student-centered framework that expands learning beyond the traditional classroom by prioritizing choice, engagement, and real-world experiences. Each student is guaranteed at least one personalized learning opportunity per year, allowing them to explore their interests through collaborative, cross-grade groups.VOICE supports innovation by giving educators space to pilot project-based learning and new instructional strategies, with schedules driven by student needs and goals. The model is intentionally inclusive—designed for all learners, including those with academic or social-emotional needs—and incorporates literacy support in every experience. With strong community partnerships and a focus on student voice, leadership, and relevance, VOICE creates meaningful, responsive learning opportunities that evolve with student interests and real-world connections

Presenter Information

Heather Tarlton, Chillicothe STEM Facilitator

A passionate STEM facilitator for Chillicothe City Schools, Tarlton 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 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.  

This session will provide an inside look at how the Pickaway County ESC Business Advisory Council and Pickaway Works have collaborated with Pickaway County school districts over the past several years to build meaningful, workforce-focused partnerships. Participants will explore real examples of how these collaborations have supported student learning, aligned educational programs with local workforce needs, and strengthened connections between schools and community stakeholders.  In addition to highlighting successful initiatives, the session will offer practical ideas and replicable strategies that other school districts can use to develop or enhance their own business advisory efforts. Attendees will leave with actionable insights to foster stronger partnerships that benefit students, educators, and local industries alike.

Presenter Information

Beth Keplar, Director of Teaching and Learning, Teays Valley Local Schools
Chuck Reisinger, Director, Pickaway Works

Beth Keplar is the Director of Teaching and Learning at Teays Valley Local Schools in Pickaway County.  
Chuck Reisinger has been involved in various industries since 1988. Chuck has been involved in teaching and coaching youth on a volunteer basis. Chuck became the Director of Pickaway WORKS in 2023.  

This session will explore how ELA standards build from primary through high school, helping teachers understand how skills develop over time. Participants will examine grade-level expectations to better support student growth and instruction.

We will also focus on how fluency, comprehension, and ELA standards can be integrated across all subject areas, reinforcing literacy skills in every classroom.

Presenter Information

Alisa Barrett is in her 21st year in education. She taught kindergarten, first grade, and third grade and has served as the Director of Instruction for Greenfield Exempted Village Schools for six years. Alisa is a graduate of Oakland City University ('05 B.A. in Elementary Education) and The University of Akron ('11 M.A. in Instructional Technology). She is a doctoral candidate studying Curriculum and Instruction at the University of Virginia. Alisa is a trained LETRS facilitator and leads the implementation of the science of reading in the district.

Tammy Hollar is in her 34th year in education. She taught 1st grade for 30 years at Greenfield Elementary School. Tammy has served as the K-2 reading specialist for Greenfield Exempted Village Schools for four years. She is also a mentor for resident educators in the district. She has a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Ohio University and a Master's degree in Teacher Leadership from Wright State. Tammy is a trained LETRS facilitator and coaches teachers on implementing the science of reading in the district.