By 1812Blockhouse
The Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center (MOESC) is stepping into an expanded leadership role in Ohio’s statewide push to improve early literacy, following continued investment from the state.
Originally selected in 2023 as one of four Educational Service Centers to support Mike DeWine’s “Building Regional Capacity to Support Ohio’s Literacy Coaching Model” initiative, MOESC has now secured a 2025 contract from the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce to lead implementation across both West and Central Ohio. The effort will reach more than 40 counties, significantly expanding the scope of the state’s literacy coaching model.
Expansion Fueled by Measurable Results
The expansion builds on the success of the state’s ReadOhio Literacy Coaching Project. During his 2026 State of the State Address, Governor DeWine announced the addition of 50 new literacy coaches statewide, signaling a deeper commitment to early reading outcomes.
Nick Jacobs, MOESC Director of Literacy and Regional Literacy Coaching Coordinator for the West Region, described the announcement as a turning point.
“This announcement represents a pivotal moment across this project to strengthen our impact,” Jacobs said.
Carrie Wood, who serves as Director of Literacy and Regional Coordinator for the Central Region, emphasized the broader vision behind the initiative.
“The expansion initiative reflects Governor Mike DeWine’s continued commitment to ensuring that every child in Ohio becomes a proficient reader,” Wood said. “It underscores the critical role that highly qualified literacy coaches play in making that vision a reality.”
Recruitment Underway for Regional Literacy Coaches
To support the expanded initiative, MOESC has opened applications for 25 literacy coaching positions, with an expedited hiring timeline. Qualified candidates may be scheduled for an initial interview within one week of applying, particularly when positions are available near their residence.
Minimum qualifications include:
- A master’s degree in an education-related field
- A reading endorsement and/or
- A structured literacy accredited credential
A Collaborative Approach with Local Districts
MOESC leaders are emphasizing that this recruitment effort is designed to complement—not compete with—local school districts. The goal is to strengthen instructional capacity across the region while maintaining strong district partnerships.
The organization is particularly encouraging interest from:
- Recently retired educators seeking to remain active in the field
- Educators navigating role changes or budget-related transitions
By focusing on experienced educators already considering a shift, the initiative aims to expand regional expertise without destabilizing existing district staffing.
Learn More
Additional information sessions will be announced through the Mid-Ohio ESC’s Facebook page. Interested applicants are encouraged to attend and learn more about how they can contribute to improving literacy outcomes for students across Ohio.
Image by Lubov Lisitsa from Pixabay
