Education

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We shape how people learn, grow, and succeed at every stage of life.

We proudly help others find their right direction, because no one becomes something without those of us who’ve taught, guided, or believed in them. We help learners build skills, gain confidence, and see what they are capable of. Over time, our impact becomes clear as individuals (young and old) gain purpose, reach goals, and build a future they may not have seen for themselves. That is what makes our work meaningful—we teach in the moment, and we shape what comes next.

Behind every success story is someone who helped along the way.

  • In the earliest, most formative years, we are the preschool teachers who help children feel safe, cared for in the absence of their caregivers, and capable of learning.

  • As children transition through adolescence into young adulthood, we are the K-12 educators who help them see their strengths and build their confidence to last long after the classroom.

  • Sometimes people need a new direction. It is never too late to learn and grow, and we are the community resources ready to meet people at a turning point and help them take the next step.

  • When life becomes difficult, we are the school psychologists who show up in those moments, helping young people feel understood, supported, and able to move forward.

    And every day, it is the encouraging voice, the friendly smile, and the extra support that make a difference. We are the teaching assistants and aides making sure every person has the chance to learn, grow, and succeed.

We are the people who change what someone believes is possible.

We Care for Our Communities
County-level map of Ohio with a large orange location pin over Hancock County.

The Career Options

Early Childhood

Support young children’s growth through early learning, care, and development.

Ohio’s Growing Careers:

  • Preschool Teacher

  • Childcare Worker

  • Community and Social Service Specialist

Children sitting on the floor in a classroom, smiling and playing drums with colorful animal face designs on the drums.
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View Full List of Careers

Teaching, Training, & Facilitation

Improve learning, train educators, and support teaching in schools, workplaces, and communities.

Ohio’s Growing Careers:

  • Self-Enrichment Teacher

  • Elementary School Teacher

  • Middle and High School Teacher

  • Substitute Teacher

  • Teacher and Instructor

  • Instructional Coordinator

  • Special Education Teacher

  • Teaching Assistant

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Administration & Leadership

Lead schools, set policies, manage teams, and improve education through research.

Ohio’s Growing Careers:

  • Management Analyst

  • Education Administrator

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View Full List of Careers

Learner Support & Community Engagement

Guide and support learners while connecting with families and the community.

Ohio’s Growing Careers:

  • Child, Family, and School Social Worker

  • School Psychologist

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View Full List of Careers
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A colorful infographic titled "Local & Regional Career Outlook" by Raise the Bar Hancock County. It presents data about education roles, job interest, and employment statistics, including top occupations and projected growth in Hancock County and Northwest Ohio.

Meet Some of Our Locals

The opportunities in this career field aren’t somewhere else—they’re already here. From local employers doing meaningful work to education and training programs preparing the next generation, Hancock County (and the greater Northwest Ohio region) offers real ways to explore, learn, and get started.

Choose your direction.

Get Trained
Get Employed
Child Development Associate program through the Ohio Child Care Resource & Referral Association gives a national, entry-level credential for people who want to work with young children (birth to age 5) in childcare or preschool settings. Image shows
Early Childhood Education Technology program at Owens Community College enables students to master child development principles and emerging educational technologies through classroom and hands-on laboratory experiences. Image shows preschool childre
Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) program at Bluffton University for graduates who might be interested in teaching English more informally (such as in tutoring situations) or teaching English in other countries. Image shows a fe
Administrative Specialist program at Bowling Green State University culminates in a Graduate certificate with a specialization in curriculum for K-12 educators ready to move into district-level leadership. Image shows a female writing on sticky notes
Human Development and Family Science program at Bowling Green State University enables students to explore the complexities of human growth, relationships, education and family dynamics across the lifespan. Image shows three women of varying ages wit
School Counseling program at Bowling Green State University is a Masters-level program that prepares graudates to become a licensed school counselor in elementary, middle or secondary schools. Image shows a female counselor sitting with a sad element
Computer Science Endorsement program at Heidelberg University is four courses added to a current Ohio teaching license that adds computer science content to the original license. Image shows a male professor working with a female student at a compute
Educational Studies Athletic Coaching program at Tiffin University offers non-licensure pathways for students to pursue employment in education-related fields, including a specialized track for those interested in becoming an athletic coach. Image sh
School Psychology program at the University of Findlay prepares doctoral-level graduates with skills to enhance the learning and mental health of all children and youth​. Image shows a female psychologist conversing with a female student in a school
Educational Theory and Social Foundations program at the University of Toledo unique program designed to explore the relationship between education and society broadly, or schools and their communities specifically. Image shows two adult females disc
Career and Technical Education program at the University of Toledo is designed for individuals seeking licensure for a specific career-technical pathway to teach in an approved career-tech program. Image shows a male instructor working with a male st
K-12 licensure education programs in Northwest Ohio offered at Bluffton University, Bowling Green State University, Defiance College, Heidelberg University, Ohio Northern University, Tiffin University, the University of Findlay, and the University of

Public K-12 Schools

Hancock County-area K-12 school districts routinely have openings for educators, staff, and coaches.

ArcadiaArlingtonCory-RawsonFindlay CityLiberty-BentonMcCombRiverdaleVan BurenVanlue

Empty school hallway with blue lockers on both sides and double doors at the end of the hall.

Career Technical Education

A compact career tech school serving students from 14 districts. High school juniors and seniors complete four semester-long courses to prepare for careers and additional training after graduation.

Learn More

Address: 1150 Broad Avenue, Findlay, Ohio

Exterior of Millstream Career Center.

Findlay YMCA Early Learning Center

One of Hancock County’s largest childcare facilities, the YMCA offers full- and part-time childcare for children age six weeks through fifth grade. Includes year-round options, before-and-after school care, and summer camps.

Learn More

Address: 300-A East Lincoln Street, Findlay, Ohio

Exterior of the Findlay YMCA's Early Learning Center.

Additional Resources

  • Local Career Opportunities

    Raise the Bar provides this helpful tool for K-12 students and adult career seekers to learn about local, regional, and state opportunities to explore and immerse in education careers.

    Download Resource

  • Industry Snapshot

    Lightcast data offer a snapshot of the education industry for the 17-county Northwest Ohio region. Insights on trends, demographics, and career outlook.

    View Snapshot

  • Industry Profile

    Advance CTE provides a national perspective of the education industry, including potential career paths and necessary skills, current and emerging careers, and labor market information.

    View Profile

  • Ohio H.S. Industry-Recognized Credentials

    The Ohio Department of Education & Workforce lists its approved industry-recognized credentials for students pursuing the education & training career tech pathway.

    Find Credentials

  • Education & Training Pathway

    OhioMeansJobs provides an interactive visual of career progression from entry-level roles to expert.

    Try Tool