Partnerships
Initiatives, Partnerships, and Projects
EHS works with area school districts, public and private entities and institutions, and agencies to create partnerships that will advance our mutual goals for a stronger, healthier, more democratic community.
The concept of simultaneous renewal lies at the heart of all our partnerships sought and fostered by EHS, that is that each party working collaboratively readily gains mutual, tangible benefits from the work.
Over the years, EHS has established the partnerships described here and seeks to extend its reach, where possible, in support of the wider community and its goals.
Miami University’s Doctorate of Education (Ed.D.) and Master of Education (M.Ed.) programs, offered by the Department of Educational Leadership, offers place-based cohorts designed to meet the needs of educational leaders wishing to mobilize knowledge for students in a dynamic local context. These place-based cohorts embody a sense of hope and possibility within school communities, and prepare democratic leaders to engage issues of justice and equity to create solutions to complex problems of educational practice. Place-based cohorts can be thoughtfully and purposefully designed with partners to maximize knowledge mobilization for your stakeholders and your communities. This model supports sustained partnerships between Miami and school districts, helping to build capacity for inclusive and effective educational leadership across Ohio and beyond.
The department seeks to serve by partnering with local school communities in this 'Grow Your Own' work. We welcome an exploratory meeting with school district leaders to see if we can help in the development of your leadership pipeline–specifically principals, directors, and central office leaders. There are opportunities for establishing community-based cohorts where we can adapt certain courses within our curriculum with the Ed.D. or M.Ed. programs to meet the needs and demands of your local context.
Contact Information
Program Contact: Guy Parmigian – parmigg@MiamiOH.edu
The EHS Field Office partners with school districts across Southwest Ohio to place Miami University students in field experiences and student teaching internships. These partnerships are essential for providing aspiring educators with real-world, hands-on classroom experiences guided by expert mentors, faculty, and cooperating teachers.
Our extensive network of partner schools ensures that Miami students gain the skills, confidence, and insights needed to become effective educators ready to meet the diverse needs of learners. Students are provided opportunities to work in a variety of school settings, including urban, suburban, rural, parochial, and career tech.
In addition to student teaching opportunities in SW Ohio, students have the opportunity to complete a student teaching internship abroad. Students who participate in student teaching abroad split their semester at a school in Ohio and a school overseas. Currently, we have options for student teaching during the fall semester in Luxembourg and spring semester in Costa Rica (locations and semesters are subject to change).
Contact Information
Field Office Director: Molly Sawyer – sawyermk@MiamiOH.edu
Placement Coordinator: Kara Conniff – warrenkn@MiamiOH.edu
Miami University’s Department of Kinesiology, Nutrition, and Health (KNH) maintains a wide network of partnerships that support student learning, community well-being, and applied research. These partnerships include local organizations such as TriHealth, the Oxford Food Pantry, and the Miami University Food Pantry, helping address health promotion and food security needs both on campus and in the surrounding community. In addition, KNH collaborates with Oxford Seniors and The Knolls of Oxford to engage students in intergenerational health programming, wellness initiatives, and hands-on learning opportunities that serve older adults. These partnerships not only prepare students for careers in health-related fields but also contribute to the university’s mission of public service and community engagement.
Learn more at the KNH program website
Contact Information
Interim Department Chair: Kyle Timmerman timmerkl@MiamiOH.edu
Miami University collaborates with Frederick Douglass Elementary School, a Cincinnati Public Schools (CPS) institution located in the East Walnut Hills neighborhood, through the PERUS (Primary Education Residency in Urban Schools) program. This initiative aims to prepare educators for urban communities by providing one-year, immersive teaching experiences in an urban school setting. The residency emphasizes inclusive excellence and culturally responsive teaching practices to effectively support diverse learners. Through this partnership, aspiring teachers receive mentorship and professional development while making a positive contribution to the school community. Lena Lee coordinates the program and serves as the primary contact.
Contact Information
Program Contact: Lena Lee – leel@MiamiOH.edu
Miami University’s Center for Community Engagement in Over-the-Rhine serves as a vital hub for partnership and collaborative work embedded directly within the community. Building on a long-standing relationship with the neighborhood, the Center fosters meaningful connections that support community-driven initiatives and sustainable development. The work involves close collaboration between the College of Education, Health and Society (EHS) and the College of Creative Arts (CCA), bringing together diverse disciplines to address complex urban challenges. A key program is the Urban Residency, which engages students from education, architecture, and other fields in immersive, place-based learning experiences. Through partnerships with local organizations like the Peoples’ Movement, Miami students, faculty, and staff have the opportunity to learn from and work alongside community members, gaining valuable insights and contributing to efforts that promote equity and resilience within Over-the-Rhine.
Learn more at the Center for Community Engagement website
Contact Information
Associate Dean Brian Schultz – brian.schultz@MiamiOH.edu
Miami University has partnered with St. Francis Seraph Church in Cincinnati’s Over-the-Rhine neighborhood to provide affordable housing for early-career teachers. This initiative offers Miami's TEACh Cincinnati and Urban Cohort program graduates the opportunity to live in the communities where they teach, fostering deeper connections with students and families. The renovated church-owned apartment building offers below-market-rate rent, allowing teachers to establish their careers without the financial strain of high living costs. Beyond housing, the partnership emphasizes building community and resilience among educators, providing a supportive environment to combat the burnout often faced in the early years of teaching. This collaboration aligns with Miami's commitment to creating a sustainable teacher pipeline and strengthening ties between educators and the communities they serve.
Contact Information
Associate Dean Brian Schultz – brian.schultz@MiamiOH.edu
Miami University’s “Preparing English Learner Educational Allies (¡PELEA!)” initiative is a collaborative effort aimed at enhancing support for English Learners (ELs) in Southwest Ohio. With a $2.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education, PELEA focuses on increasing the number of culturally and linguistically diverse educator allies through a "Grow-Your-Own" model. The program provides scholarships, mentorship, professional development, and wraparound support to educator allies (paraprofessionals, in-service teachers, and preservice teachers) who are admitted to the program.
Through the PELEA program, educator allies learn trauma-responsive strategies and effective instructional practices for ELs, including Students with Limited and Interrupted Formal Education (SLIFE). Additionally, the program provides the opportunity for educator allies to obtain the TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) endorsement.
The PELEA program directly engages ELs and their families, facilitating improved English literacy, learning, and communication with educators and schools. By fostering a community of practice, PELEA aims to strengthen the teacher pipeline and improve educational outcomes for ELs in local school districts.
Learn more at the PELEA program page
Contact Information
Principal Investigator: Darrel Davis davisdr@MiamiOH.edu
The Miami–Hamilton City School District (HCSD) “All Hands” Team is an emerging, cross-campus initiative designed to foster coordinated, reciprocal partnerships that benefit both Miami University and HCSD students. Rooted in years of collaboration, the team brings together representatives from all areas of the College of Education, Health, and Society, including teacher education, educational leadership, social work, kinesiology, nutrition, public health, and school psychology. It also includes key partners from across the university such as engineering, nursing, art education, music education, the Urban Cohort, Miami Regionals programs, and the Center for Career Exploration and Success.
The goal of the “All Hands” effort is to align university expertise and student learning opportunities with district priorities in a way that is mutually beneficial and responsive to community needs. While still developing, the initiative reflects a shared vision of equity, innovation, and long-term impact through place-based collaboration.
Contact Information
Associate Dean Brian Schultz – brian.schultz@MiamiOH.edu
The Miami–Talawanda Partnership is a long-standing and multifaceted collaboration between Miami University and the Talawanda School District that supports high-quality, community-rooted education across a wide range of areas. While teacher and school leader preparation remain core components, the partnership extends beyond the College of Education, Health, and Society to include engagement from departments such as Kinesiology, Nutrition, and Health (KNH) through the Nutrition program, as well as Social Work and School Psychology. The partnership also fosters collaboration across the university, creating meaningful opportunities for interdisciplinary projects, student involvement, and shared learning with the district.
Talawanda schools serve as key sites for field placements, student teaching, research, and service-learning, offering Miami students rich, hands-on experiences while contributing to the success and innovation of local schools. Faculty and staff from both institutions work collaboratively on initiatives that support student well-being, inclusive excellence through the Greater Oxford Educational Collaborative.
Contact Information
Co-Chair, Miami Side: Molly Sawyer – sawyermk@MiamiOH.edu
Miami University’s Sport Leadership and Management (SLAM) department has established strong partnerships with a wide array of sport organizations, businesses, and sport agencies both locally and nationally. As one of Ohio’s top sport management programs, SLAM offers all majors internship opportunities that serve as a key senior capstone experience or credit hour course. Students gain hands-on experience, in management, media, or coaching, through placements in settings, such as FC Cincinnati, Cincinnati Bengals, Cincinnati Open (tennis), Columbus Blue Jackets, and collegiate sport at Miami University. These internships provide valuable opportunities for students to apply classroom learning in real-world contexts, narrow down career aspirations, and build professional networks throughout the country.
Learn more at the SLAM website
Contact Information
Department Chair: Melissa Chase – chasema@MiamiOH.edu
Coordinator of Internships: Amanda Kaufman – kaufmaa7@MiamiOH.edu
Miami University, in collaboration with local school districts in Hamilton, Northridge, and Dayton, has secured a $5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education to strengthen the behavioral health workforce in Southwest Ohio. This partnership focuses on recruiting, training, and supporting Master of Social Work (MSW) students who will provide quality, school-based mental health (SBMH) services in high-need K–12 schools. The program offers scholarships, paid internships, and mentorship opportunities to prepare students through a curriculum centered on inclusive excellence. The inclusive, evidence-based curriculum offers full-time and part-time options, with a combination of online and hybrid courses to help students balance school, internships, and other responsibilities. By working closely with area schools and communities, Miami University and its partners aim to address the shortage of school-based social workers and improve student well-being across the region.
Contact Information
Allison Sears, MSW, SBMH Project Administrator, searsam2@MiamiOH.edu
In partnership with Cincinnati Public Schools (CPS), TEACh Cincinnati is a collaborative Grow-Your-Own teacher pipeline focused on recruiting, preparing, and supporting future educators from within the CPS community. The program begins recruiting as early as 8th grade, engaging students interested in careers in education through a comprehensive support model that continues through college and into the profession.
Students participate in a range of hands-on opportunities, including campus visits, College Credit Plus coursework, Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR), and engagement with Miami University faculty, staff, and scholars. Miami faculty and staff are embedded within CPS high schools to provide mentorship and academic guidance. At Miami, students are supported with wraparound services, one-on-one mentoring, engagement from CPS human resources, and significant financial, social, and academic support. Once licensed, the TEACh future educators are given prioritized hiring to return to CPS classrooms, teaching as community insiders who reflect and strengths of the neighborhoods they serve.
TEACh Cincinnati currently supports over 35 students across four cohorts on Miami’s campus and more than 350 CPS high school students across eight schools: Aiken, Withrow, Walnut Hills, SCPA, Spencer, Shroder, Taft, and Oyler. We are committed to engaging any CPS student interested in pursuing a teaching career.
In recognition of its innovative impact, TEACh Cincinnati was awarded the 2025 AACTE Promising Practice Award in Increasing Educator Diversity.
Learn more about TEACh Cincinnati
Contact Information
TEACh Cincinnati On-Campus Coordinator: Sydnie Singleton, M.Ed – singless@MiamiOH.edu
MU/CPS Coordinator: Prince Edward Johnson II – john1345@MiamiOH.edu
Our Teacher Academy Partnerships support high school students interested in pursuing careers in education through a variety of models. Some are structured as Ohio Technical Education (CTE) programs, while others operate as teaching-focused clubs or enrichment pathways. Across Butler, Hamilton, Montgomery, and Warren counties, we collaborate with school districts to provide students with campus-based experiences, support systems, and clear pathways to becoming future educators.
We host on-campus learning opportunities, offer professional development for Teacher Academy instructors, and embed recruitment staff directly in high schools to promote Miami’s teacher preparation programs. A unique feature of this pathway is the Regional Primary Education Cohort (RPEC), which prioritizes students from Teacher Academies. Through RPEC, students can earn a Miami teaching degree while paying regional tuition and living at home, making it an ideal option for those who cannot or prefer not to pursue a traditional residential college experience. Students have the flexibility to complete their degrees at the Oxford campus, through the RPEC program on the Regionals campuses, or through a hybrid combination of both.
Learn more about the RPEC program
Contact Information
Teacher Academy Partnership and RPEC Coordinator: Lexie Persinger – withroac@MiamiOH.edu
Miami University’s Urban Cohort is a nationally recognized, community-based program dedicated to preparing students across multiple disciplines to partner with historically marginalized urban communities to build capacity and advance equity. The program engages students from education, social work, psychology, business, public health, the arts, and other fields, offering successively immersive, place-based learning experiences. These experiences are designed to deepen students’ understanding of community strengths and challenges through an asset-based lens, encouraging meaningful, reciprocal relationships with community partners.
Key partners include Peaslee Neighborhood Center, Over-the-Rhine Community Housing, Community Matters, and several Cincinnati Public Schools. The Urban Cohort emphasizes solidarity, critical reflection, and ethical collaboration, equipping students to work alongside communities as engaged, socially conscious professionals.
Learn more at the Urban Cohort website
Contact Information
Director: Tammy Schwartz – schwarte@MiamiOH.edu
Coordinator: Karen Zaino – zainok@MiamiOH.edu
Community Partnerships
EHS works closely with area social service agencies and other institutions to offer support and programming across the region. The following entities have working affiliations with EHS:
EHS works with area service organizations to network services for individuals and groups throughout the Talawanda Region.
Each year, among other projects, EHS and the Family Resource Center work with Talawanda Schools and the United Way to offer a Back to School Celebration during which all students on free and reduced lunch are offered school supplies to begin their year along with a new backpack.
The largest benefactor of the Sandy Hormell book Celebration, The Friends organization is a longtime sponsor of and donor to youth educational activities.
Founded in 2005, the board of the affiliation works with both institutions to plan programs and to foster goodwill.
OCAC partners with Miami to sponsor the Sandy Hormell Book Celebration in its venue each fall and co-sponsors and delivers an After School Art program at its site for elementary students during the academic year.
Made up of the Oxford Rotary, Masons, Kiwanis and Lions Clubs, the OCSC conducts the Summer Harvest Food Drive each spring in association with Kiwanis Pancake Day. Citizens donated nearly $2,000 and food stuffs last year that were donated to the Oxford Community Choice Pantry.
Founded in 2009, the board of the affiliation works with both institutions to plan programs and foster goodwill.
EHS works each year on the Back to School Celebration and for the first time in 2009 The First Tee youth leadership program. First Tee uses the framework of the sport of golf to teach character and leadership. EHS sponsored scholarships and assisted in the planning of the weeklong program.
