OHIO Chillicothe alumna Emma Adams finds her calling in education

Emma Adams loves her job as a media specialist at Pickerington Central High School, and she is grateful for the affordable, flexible and career-focused education she received at Ohio University Chillicothe.

A Logan Elm High School graduate and 2025 graduate of Ohio University’s Patton College of Education, Adams has turned her passion for learning and teaching into an emerging career in public education. Adams was recognized as an Outstanding Program Graduate from Ohio University Chillicothe’s Middle Childhood Education program.

Finding her path at OHIO Chillicothe

Adams chose OHIO Chillicothe for its proximity to home and affordability, but quickly came to appreciate the professors and the campus community.

“I was hesitant at first because I thought I wouldn’t have the college experience, but I did—and it was really fun,” she said. She is thankful to have earned her bachelor’s degree without incurring any debt.

“I fell in love with the campus once I started attending classes, and I greatly respect the professors,” Adams said. “I always wanted to be a teacher. I chose my education major with the end goal of going into library science. The knowledge and skills I have gained at OHIO Chillicothe have been extremely beneficial to me and will be for years to come.”

At OHIO Chillicothe, Adams loved her classes with professors like Jeannie Dalton and John O’Keefe, both of whom she said made classes enjoyable with their interactive teaching styles.

Landing the job

Adams admits the job search after graduation was daunting.

“It was terrifying. I was so scared that I wasn't going to get a job,” she said. “I was applying to literally anything and everything.” Pickerington Central offered her a job as a media specialist three days after her interview and she happily accepted.

“It's the most fun I've ever had in my whole life,” she exclaimed.

Her role involves more than traditional library work.

“I don’t just deal with books. I deal with Chromebooks all day,” Adams said. “You’d be surprised at how many broken Chromebooks I see.” She supervises student helpers and enjoys her daily interactions with the students she serves.

Adams credits OHIO Chillicothe for shaping her confidence and communication skills. She served as communications officer for Kappa Delta Pi, OHIO Chillicothe's education student organization.

“I was always shy before I came to OHIO Chillicothe. OHIO Chillicothe made me a people person in my classes and in my student employment,” she said. Her four years as a student assistant in the Quinn Library solidified her passion for library science. “That’s what made me realize that I really wanted to do library stuff for the rest of my career.” 

Adams gained valuable hands-on experience in the classroom during her professional internship in a 9th-grade English classroom at Zane Trace High School. Her supervising teacher Ty Tatman appreciated her fresh perspective and initiative.

“I’ve had a great many college students come through my classroom in my 25 years and Emma was far and away the most outstanding,” Tatman said. “What I liked most about Emma was that she had so many original and innovative ideas and led a classroom like she had been there for years.”

Continuing her education

Adams recently began graduate studies online at Kent State University’s School of Information to earn a master’s degree in library and information science.

Advice for future teachers

Her advice for future educators? Start the job search early.

“If I were able to go back in time, I would start job searching in December,” Adams said. She also recommends keeping a planner to help with time management, which was sometimes a struggle for her.

“I have three separate planners,” she said. “It’s the most helpful thing.”