Regional Higher Education hosts annual Early Childhood and Elementary Education Festival for teacher candidates

91̽�� regional campus Early Childhood and Elementary Education sophomores gathered for the third annual EdFest, sponsored by the Patton College Education, on Friday, Sept. 20 at . Eighty-four education students from all five regional campuses— Chillicothe, , , , and — participated in team-building activities designed to strengthen relationships and foster engagement both in and out of the classroom. Education faculty developed EdFest in 2022 to enhance student engagement and community-building. Students connected and collaborated through interactive activities, games and challenges.

“We began EdFest on the heels of the pandemic to bring early childhood and elementary education sophomores from our five regional campuses together,” said Teri Peasley, associate professor of instruction at 91̽�� Zanesville. “We knew that many of our courses would be completed virtually and wanted to minimize some of the discomfort that students experience in the online environment. And it worked! They support each other and build lasting relationships that extend beyond their courses. This is exactly what we hoped for!”

“EdFest is one of my favorite events,” said Jennifer Lisy, assistant professor of instruction at 91̽�� Zanesville. “It allows us to bring our early childhood and elementary education sophomores from across all five regional campuses together to build community. Throughout the next three years, they will have classes with students and professors from all campuses. This initial gathering provides the foundation for the community we build together. I love the relationships that our students form across campuses and how they continue to support one another through their university courses and beyond. They become real-life friends and colleagues.”

Students appreciate the opportunity to gather and connect with other OHIO education majors.

"I am excited to meet other education majors who we might not otherwise get to connect with because we are all on different campuses," Macy Gecowets, an education major at OHIO Chillicothe said.

“We wanted to help our regional campus students build a stronger sense of belonging and a better Bobcat identify," Debra Dunning, professor of instruction at OHIO Lancaster said. "When our students feel a sense of connection and belonging, they connect better with the Bobcat community and networks in our state and beyond.”

“It’s essential that we provide our students with real-world experiences to prepare them for their future careers,” Peasley added. “We’re excited to offer enriching opportunities that enhance their educational journey.”