2025 OESCA Fall Conference

OESCA “Connect & Collaborate” Fall Conference
"Connecting Classrooms, Careers, and Communities for Lifelong Success”
September 8-9, 2025
Renaissance Hotel Columbus-Westerville-Polaris
409 Altair Pkwy, Westerville, OH 43082
 
Featured Speakers:

• Tim Ryan
  Former U.S. Congressman and President & CEO of Celtic Consulting, Tim Ryan offers more than two decades of public service and expertise in energy, manufacturing, and technology. He champions innovation and collaboration for ESCs to drive lifelong student success.
• Jason Swanson
  Senior Director of Strategic Foresight at KnowledgeWorks, Jason Swanson inspires educational leaders with his futures-thinking approach, helping districts anticipate change and develop resilient, student-centered strategies for tomorrow’s learning landscape.
• Erin M. Wessendorf-Wortman
  A shareholder at Ennis-Britton, Erin Wessendorf-Wortman is a leading school law expert. She provides practical updates on recent federal, state, and district court decisions, empowering ESC professionals with critical legal knowledge and guidance.
• Tara Thomas
  Federal education policy and funding authority Tara Thomas represents AASA and AESA nationally. She delivers timely updates and strategic insight for ESC treasurers and staff navigating federal funding, grants, and legislative developments.
• Joan Wade, Ed.D.
  As Executive Director of AESA, Joan Wade leads with vision for operational excellence and educational equity, advocating for service agencies and supporting innovative partnerships that benefit schools and communities nationwide.
• Jessica Huizenga, Ed.D.
  Chief Program Officer at AESA, Jessica Huizenga strengthens regional ESC programs by promoting best practices and strategic innovations, ensuring robust support for educators, students, and local communities.
• Aaron Rausch
  Deputy Chief of Staff and Chief of Budget and School Funding at the Department of Education and Workforce (DEW), Aaron Rausch provides essential updates on the state budget, school funding policies, and federal grant opportunities, helping ESCs plan and manage resources effectively.
• Steve Dackin, Director
  Director of the Department of Education and Workforce (DEW), Steve Dackin will address the conference with an overview of key education priorities for Ohio, sharing vision and strategies critical to advancing educational excellence and opportunity in the state.
• KnowledgeWorks: General Session - “Looking at What’s Ahead for Education: A Future of Possibilities.” For more information click here [ https://knowledgeworks.org/resources/looking-ahead-education-foresight/ ] .

• And More.
   
  The fall conference is designed around the professional learning needs and interests of:
   • ESC leaders,
   • ESC Directors
   • ESC Program Staff
   • State education policymakers
   • Regional Implementation Partners
   • Workforce and community partners
  
   
  These ESC and implementation partner participants are collaborators and mutually invested in advancing educational outcomes, aligning K-12 education with workforce needs, and building collaborative networks across the state.
   
  Attendees will:
   • Access policy updates, and resources supporting the alignment of K-12 education with state workforce priorities.
   • Build relationships with peers, state leaders, and community partners to strengthen regional and statewide collaboration.
   • Gain actionable strategies for fostering agility and adaptability in students and educators, preparing them for lifelong learning and workforce success.
   • Learn best practices for connecting classroom learning with real-world career pathways, including work-based and project-based learning models.
  
  Plan to bring a team and participate in the job-like sessions and other networking opportunities.

#OESCAFallConference