Ready, Set, Teach! Prepares Future Educators to Step into the Classroom

August 5, 2026

With school districts across north central Ohio continuing to face a growing need for substitute teachers and classroom support staff, Ready, Set, Teach! is helping adults gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence to begin a career in education. 

Ready, Set, Teach! is a collaborative program offered through the Mid-Ohio Adult Education Center and The Ohio State University Mansfield. The program combines academic skill development with hands-on occupational training, preparing participants for careers as substitute teachers, paraprofessionals, and future licensed educators. 

Participants begin by strengthening the foundational reading, writing, and mathematics skills essential for success in today's classrooms. This instruction helps individuals prepare for the ParaPro Assessment, refreshes academic skills for those interested in substitute teaching, and provides a strong educational foundation for adults planning to pursue a degree in education. 

In addition to academic preparation, participants receive practical occupational training by instructors at The Ohio State University Mansfield. They gain classroom-ready skills, learn instructional strategies, and explore the day-to-day responsibilities of education professionals, providing valuable experience before entering the workforce or continuing their education. 

Photograph of a woman presenting a research poster featuring a bar chart with green and black bars, text sections, and a circular diagram. The poster appears to discuss a study or survey, with the bar chart highlighting key data points and comparisons, while the presenter gestures to emphasize her explanation.

"The strongest community partnerships move beyond collaboration to collective problem-solving," said Jason Opal, Dean and Director of The Ohio State University Mansfield. "This initiative is a powerful example of what happens when dedicated people and institutions join forces to address a need. Together, we're building the next generation of educators for North Central Ohio."

For individuals pursuing paraprofessional positions, the program also supports preparation for the ParaPro certification. Many school districts require or prefer this credential because it demonstrates competency in reading, writing, and mathematics and helps schools receiving Title I funding meet federal staffing requirements.

As the 2026–2027 school year approaches, the need for qualified substitute teachers continues to grow throughout the region. Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center (MOESC) is actively seeking dependable individuals to serve in area school districts, offering a flexible and meaningful opportunity to make a positive impact on students' lives.

"Substitute teachers play a pivotal role in the education of our children," said Jennifer Reed, Human Resource Director at Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center. "When a substitute teacher can't be found, schools will often ask full-time teachers to give up their planning hours in order to fill in. This has a negative impact on the teacher's ability to plan their class effectively, ultimately affecting students as well. Substitute teachers step in and lighten that load while ensuring that each student receives quality instruction while their formal teacher is away."

Photograph of four students seated in a classroom setting, attentively listening and engaged in a discussion or lecture. The diverse group includes two women and one man, with one woman holding a pen near her face, indicating active participation.

Thanks to House Bill 583, school districts now have greater flexibility in establishing educational requirements for substitute teachers. Each local Board of Education may determine its own qualifications, making it important for prospective substitute teachers to contact the districts where they wish to work to learn about current requirements.

Individuals interested in serving as substitute teachers in Mid-Ohio ESC client districts should complete a Substitute Teacher application through the Mid-Ohio ESC website. The application fee has been waived for the 2026–2027 school year. Applicants must also complete a current BCI/FBI background check before applying for a substitute teaching license through the Ohio Department of Education, unless they already hold a valid Ohio teaching license.

To find out more or to register go to:  Ready, Set, Teach! - Mid-Ohio Adult Education