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Aim Hire 2026
Breakout Session
Round 1
11:00 am – 11:45 am
Rethinking Math Pathways: Building Stronger Foundations for Every Student
Explore strategies to strengthen math instruction through high-quality materials, evidence-based practices, and career-connected learning that prepares students for postsecondary success.
Location: Ema Spencer, Floor 5
Speaker Biographies & Slides:
As the Office of Math Achievement Administrator at the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce, Carole Morbitzer leads statewide efforts to strengthen evidence-based mathematics teaching and learning. She oversees key initiatives focused on improving mathematics student achievement, mathematics instruction, and access to rigorous math learning experiences for all Ohio students. A former high school mathematics teacher, her high expectations for every student and dedication to excellence in mathematics education were recognized through her selection as the 2013 Ohio Teacher of the Year and the 2011 Presidential Awardee for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST). She earned her bachelor’s degree from The Ohio State University, her master’s degree from Ohio Dominican University, and completed doctoral coursework in Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment at Walden University. With a strong commitment to high-quality math instruction and high expectations for every learner, she works to ensure all Ohio students have access to excellent mathematics education.
As the Chief of Academic Officer at the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce, Dr. Weber-Mayrer is at the forefront of shaping literacy policy and academic policy across the state. She oversees key initiatives such as the statewide implementation of evidence-based language and literacy teaching and learning through ReadOhio, integrated multi-tiered system of supports, academic learning standards, model curriculum, and ensuring the use of high-quality instructional materials in schools. She earned her B.S., M.A., and Ph.D. from The Ohio State University. With a background in urban education and extensive research in literacy systems change, she is deeply committed to ensuring all students become proficient readers.
A Regional Blueprint: Transforming Workforce Education Through Partnership
Learn how a unique partnership between K-12, higher education, and local government expanded career pathways, increased enrollment, and strengthened regional workforce alignment.
Location: Kojo Kamau C, Floor 4
Speaker Biographies & Slides:
Dr. Joe Glavan is the Superintendent of Auburn Career Center, where he leads one of Ohio's premier career-technical education institutions, serving students and adult learners across Lake and Geauga counties. Since assuming the role in 2025, Dr. Glavan has led Auburn through a period of unprecedented growth and innovation, including achieving the highest enrollment and highest graduation rate in the history of the Career Center. Under his leadership, Auburn has continued to expand workforce partnerships, launch new career pathways, invest in state-of-the-art learning environments, and strengthen its role as a regional workforce development leader. Today, Auburn Career Center is the eighth-largest career-technical center in Ohio and is recognized for preparing students for success in college, careers, and industry.
Prior to Auburn, Dr. Glavan served as Director of Workforce Development for Mentor Public Schools and Lakeland Community College, where he developed nationally recognized partnerships connecting K-12 education, higher education, business, and government to address workforce needs. He also served as Director of the Lake Shore Compact, overseeing career-technical education programs for Mentor, Euclid, and Wickliffe City Schools.Dr. Glavan has been recognized statewide for his leadership in career-technical education, including being named the 2023 Ohio Career-Technical Education Administrator of the Year. Throughout his career, he has remained committed to expanding opportunities for students, strengthening business and education partnerships, and creating innovative pathways that prepare learners for high-demand careers while supporting regional economic growth.
Investing in Internships: Creating Value for Students and Employers
Discover how high-quality internships benefit students, strengthen employer talent pipelines, and create lasting partnerships between education and industry.
Location: Kojo Kamau B, Floor 4
Speaker Biographies & Slides:
My name is Lara Coghlan, and I am the Internship Coordinator at BB2C. I was born and raised in Dayton, Ohio and moved to Marietta for college. I have an avid interest in the outdoors and prefer to spend my free time hiking, camping, or foraging. I graduated from Marietta College with a degree in educational studies, and during my last semester at Marietta, I joined the coaching staff for the Marietta High School rowing team as an assistant coach and have been coaching since then. As Internship Coordinator, I work with students by helping them find opportunities and I work with businesses that are interested in hosting an intern. This position is through AmeriCorps, which is a program that allows me to pursue unique experiences and training opportunities to build my personal and professional foundation for the future.
Anna Reed serves as the Director of Experiential Learning at Building Bridges to Careers. Born in the Youngstown area, she attended Youngstown State University for both her Bachelor's and Master's degrees, with the latter being in Student Affairs and College Counseling. She began her career working in higher education at Bradley University as the Assistant Director of Wellness. She then moved back to Ohio as Admissions Counselor for Job Corps, a Department of Labor program. As Talent Engagement Specialist, Anna leads engagement strategies with high school students to build awareness around internship experiences, particularly in the behavioral health field. She also works with Appalachian schools to educate students on behavioral health career pathways and opportunities.
After graduating high school in 2015 without a clear career plan, Jordan pursued a degree in Business Management and Human Resources. After graduating college, while working at a dentist office, he came across a Facebook post from BB2C asking, “Are you passionate about helping students pick a career?” That question led him to discover his passion for helping students connect their education to their future careers. Jordan has spent the past 6.5 years with BB2C, working directly with students, educators, families, and business partners to strengthen career connections and help students bridge the gap between education and employment. As a Career Pathway Specialist, he works to create meaningful opportunities that expose students to career pathways and connect classroom learning to the real world.
As Network Director for Building Bridges to Careers (BB2C), Jeremy Ward drives the strategy, cultivation, and expansion of cross-sector relationships across Southeastern Ohio. Transitioning from a two-decade career as a K-12 educator and administrator, Jeremy now focuses on the "big picture" of regional economic development—building the relational infrastructure needed to connect K-12 school districts, higher education, workforce boards, local employers, and community organizations to scale Community and Career Connected Learning (CCCL). Jeremy specializes in navigating complex environments to foster collaborative, data-informed solutions that align workforce needs with educational goals. By leveraging community assets, labor market data, and regional partner capabilities, he expands authentic opportunities for students. A deep commitment to relationship building, advocacy for place-based learning, and a futuristic approach to community empowerment defines his work.
Jeremy holds a Bachelor's degree in Education and a Master’s degree in Coaching Leadership from the University of Rio Grande, along with a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Dayton. A founding member of the Vinton County Community Foundation, he actively serves on local and regional boards dedicated to community advancement.
Industry Credentials for All: Expanding Career Readiness
Learn how one Ohio high school embedded industry-recognized credentials into everyday coursework, giving every student access to career-connected learning—not just CTE participants.
Location: Kojo Kamau A, Floor 4
Speaker Biographies & Slides:
A
Dr. Mlakar is the retired Assistant Superintendent of Riverside Local School District in Painesville, Ohio, and, currently, she is a member of Youngstown State University's part-time faculty. She has been in education for 32 years, which has given her a lot of diverse experiences. Dr. Mlakar's pathway through education has provided her opportunities to work with students from preschool to graduate-level. She taught middle school language arts and social studies for 11 years; served as an assistant principal for junior high/ high school; was an elementary principal; acted as the Assistant Pupil Services Director (for which she was the Preschool Coordinator); and retired from the Assistant Superintendent role after 15 years. She currently teaches courses in the Educational Administration Master's program and in the Educational Leadership Doctoral program at YSU. Her education includes a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Cincinnati, a Master's Degree in Specific Learning Disabilities from Cleveland State University, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Youngstown State University. She holds a permanent 1-8 teaching license, a Principal's license, and a Superintendent's license. Dr. Mlakar is committed to helping K-12 public schools find ways to support all students in becoming career-ready after graduation.
Workforce Pell: Preparing for What's Next
Gain practical insights into Workforce Pell implementation, federal requirements, and how Ohio institutions can prepare to expand access to short-term workforce credentials.
Location: Gina Knee, Floor 4
Speaker Biographies & Slides:
Crystal has over eighteen years of experience in higher education and ten years devoted to industry-specific areas including business, customer service, marketing, healthcare administration, insurance, diversity, and leadership.
Jones not only has an adoration for higher education, but a lifelong passion for advocacy. Her leadership and experience in supporting individuals is demonstrated through her participation in outreach programs, tutoring, not-for-profit startup, mentoring, and other professional settings.
Jones also has fostered a plethora of partnerships focused on talent development. These partnerships include the following career clusters Manufacturing, Healthcare, Agriculture, Technology, Logistics, Food Service, and Insurance. These partnerships are focused on innovation, planning, financial stewardship, recruitment, talent development, and shared governance.
Her professional journey began in industry, that experience led to an adjunct position teaching in the Management and Medical Office Administration programs. After teaching part-time for less than a year, she moved into a full-time position working in both programs. Since that day, she has worked as a program coordinator, committee chair, assistant dean, college credit plus liaison, grant coordinator, advisor, as the Vice President for Marketing, Diversity, and Community Impact, and currently as the Senior Director of Workforce Partnerships at OACC and Co-Director of the OSCN.
She began her educational journey at Clark State College and earned her bachelor’s degrees in organizational leadership and human services from Urbana University. She then attained an MBA with an emphasis in Healthcare Management from American Intercontinental University and completed her Doctorate in leadership in higher education at Capella University in 2023. She is also an alumnus of the OACC Leadership Academy and Leadership Ohio.
Shane Kirby serves as the Director of Advancement Partnerships at Columbus State CommunityCollege, collaborating with regional and national partners to advance the college's strategic funding priorities. He led proposal development and continues as a Senior Advisor for the ATE National ITInnovation Center (NITIC), the Reinforcing Instructors for Semiconductor Education (RISE) Consortium,and the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program for Columbus. Kirby created the grantcurriculum for the Community College President’s Initiative (CCPI-STEM) and continues to manage themodules. He has also participated in Cohort 3 of the League for Innovation in the Community College AIFellows Program and the AACC John E. Roueche Future Leaders Institute.
Kirby assumed leadership over the CSCC Grants Office in 2013. Under his leadership, the GrantsOffice has more than quintupled the external funding portfolio. Kirby launched highly effectiveimprovement efforts, enriched the culture of sponsored funding, and assembled a dynamic team that continues the work today. Under his direction, the college has been awarded over $170m in funding over the last twelve years, including the National Science Foundation, the Department of Labor, the Department of Education, the Department of Health and Human Services, multiple state funding programs, and philanthropic grants.
Additionally, he has worked with multiple community college presidents and leadership teams toorganize their grant efforts, including assistance with preparing their first proposals. He established a grant service contract model with Marion Technical College and has also served as a mentor for Mentor Connect, the Pathways to Innovation Grant Seeker Academy, and FORCCE-ATE. He previously served as the Principal Investigator for the NSF EPIIC: Expanding Team Capacity for High Impact and New Growth (ETCHING) Cohort. He earned a bachelor’s degree in finance and marketing from the University of South Florida and his MBA with distinction.
Most recently, Shane led the development of a Department of Labor Strengthening CommunityColleges Round 6 proposal in Spring 2026, with all 22 community colleges focused on creating astatewide infrastructure to respond to the Workforce Pell opportunity and organized the college’sWorkforce Pell Steering Committee.
Amy Shaffer serves as the Senior Director of Legal Services and Program Implementation at the Ohio Department of Higher Education. She began her career at ODHE in 2008 as a staff attorney and later served as assistant general counsel. After leaving the agency in 2018 to teach 8th grade English, she returned to ODHE in 2023. In her current role, Amy leads Workforce Pell implementation, coordinating agency efforts and presenting regularly to institutions and statewide stakeholders. She also contributes to several agency initiatives, including the Governor’s Merit Scholarship, Ohio Guaranteed Admission, Ohio Direct Admission, and the Rural Practice Incentive Program. Her work blends legal expertise with program leadership to support ODHE’s work on behalf of Ohioans. In addition to her work at ODHE, Amy is an elected member of her local school board. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Political Science from Miami University and a law degree from the University of Kansas.
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