With praise from Lt. Governor Tressel, Bucyrus City Schools becomes the first district in Ohio where all staff are credentialed through training provided by an economic development organization, linking classroom learning with workforce needs.
Bucyrus, OH August 13, 2025
Bucyrus City Schools announced a groundbreaking plan to ensure every student has access to a caring adult who is equipped to help them graduate with a clear and confident path to their future. Through an innovative partnership with Team NEO, every district staff member, from classroom teachers to support staff, will be credentialed as either a Career Connections Advisor or Career Connections Ambassador.
This first-of-its-kind program in Ohio integrates credential training for Bucyrus educators, ensuring that every adult in the system can help advise students about local career opportunities in the workforce. We are excited to partner with Bucyrus City Schools to train and certify staff members to serve as dedicated Career Advisors and Ambassadors,” said Julie Szeltner, Director, Talent Engagement, Team NEO. “Bucyrus is setting a new standard for how schools can connect students to meaningful career pathways.
This innovative model demonstrates the power of aligning education with workforce needs. Three dedicated professional development days throughout the year will immerse Bucyrus educators in key regional industries, including manufacturing and technology, healthcare, liberal arts, and business. These sessions, paired with the Team NEO credentialing program, equip educators with firsthand workforce insights to bring directly back to their students.
Lieutenant Governor Tressel shared his support for the initiative in a special video message to the district, “One of my priorities as Lt. Governor is making sure Ohio has a skilled workforce ready to fill the many opportunities available across our state. That’s why I’m so excited about what you’re doing here at Bucyrus,” he said. “By using your professional development days to learn about these industries and the skills they need, you’re building a bridge between our classrooms and the workplace, and that matters, not just for your students, but for the future of our entire state.”
Superintendent Bob Britton introduced the plans during the district’s annual convocation, framing it as part of Bucyrus’ “True North,” a commitment to ensuring every student, from preschool through high school, has access to career-connected learning that aligns with their goals.
Career readiness in Bucyrus now begins as early as preschool, with developmentally appropriate STEM education and real-world problem-solving experiences that grow with students throughout their academic journey. By high school, students can earn industry-recognized credentials in advanced manufacturing and other in-demand fields, preparing them for college, technical training, military service, or direct entry into the workforce.
“This is a long-term commitment to aligning education with opportunity,” said Britton. “We want every student to see a future for themselves and to know that every adult in Bucyrus City Schools is prepared to help them get there.”
Community and Business Champions
This innovative approach is deeply rooted in partnerships with local businesses, higher education institutions, and community organizations. Companies such as Timken, Carter Machine, Advanced Fiber Technologies, Stanley Black & Decker, IB Tech, and Ohio Mutual Insurance, along with Marion Technical College, OSU Marion, Goodwill, Crawford Partnership, RMC, Crawford County Mentoring and the Crawford County Chamber of Commerce. These partners serve as champions for Bucyrus students, providing job shadowing, mentoring, career days, and hands-on workforce experiences.
The district’s collaborative efforts are supported through the Mid-Ohio ESC Business Advisory Council, where Bucyrus City Schools is an active member. Through this network, local, regional, and state leaders work together to connect education with the needs of the workforce, relationships that opened the door for this groundbreaking collaboration.
“This is a long-term commitment to aligning education with opportunity,” said Britton. “We want every student to see a future for themselves and to know that every adult in Bucyrus City Schools is prepared to help them get there.”
About Bucyrus City Schools
Guided by their vision of True North, navigating students to career success, Bucyrus City Schools is redefining career readiness through a seamless PreK-12 system of career-connected learning. This districtwide approach inspires, equips, and empowers all learners to navigate their futures with confidence, purpose, and skill.
Media Contact: Amy Wood
Career Project Director
Bucyrus City Schools