Molly Sawyer, Miami University
Email: sawyerm4@MiamiOH.edu
The Greater Oxford Educational Collaboration (GOEC) brings together Miami University, the Talawanda School District (TSD), and the City of Oxford in a shared commitment to improving educational outcomes for local students and families. This collaboration builds on the long-standing partnership between Miami University and TSD, creating new and innovative opportunities for coordinated efforts between K–12 schools, higher education, and local government.
Through this partnership, GOEC supports both student learning and community well-being, while also providing Miami students with meaningful, hands-on learning experiences in both school and municipal settings. Faculty, staff, and administrators across all three entities work together to identify educational needs in the Oxford area and co-develop solutions rooted in equity, access, and opportunity.
Faculty from Miami’s College of Education, Health, and Society have partnered with Talawanda Middle School to design and implement targeted math interventions that support students in need of additional academic assistance.
Miami’s Learning Lab has provided tutoring in math and English language arts at the Lane Public Library for students across the region. As of May 2025, the Learning Lab is under the direction of Keisha Norris in the College of Engineering and Computing. For inquiries related to the Learning Lab, contact Keisha Norris at norrisk@MiamiOH.edu.
GOEC facilitates ongoing field placements in Talawanda schools for Miami University students preparing to become teachers, school psychologists, and professionals in related fields. These placements provide future educators with valuable real-world experience while strengthening support in local classrooms.
A long-standing tradition co-hosted by Miami University, Lane Library, and Talawanda, this annual event promotes literacy and a shared love of reading throughout the community.
GOEC partners are exploring ways for high school students to complete internships with Miami University or the City of Oxford, earning high school credit while gaining real-world experience and career exposure.
In collaboration with Talawanda High School, Miami is working to re-establish the Teacher Partnership Academy. This program allows high school students to explore teaching careers while earning dual credit toward both high school graduation and college-level teacher education programs.
The strength of GOEC lies in its collaborative, interdisciplinary approach. With involvement from schools, higher education, libraries, and local government, the collaboration promotes community-driven solutions that reflect the needs and aspirations of Oxford’s youth and families.
Whether addressing academic achievement gaps, building new learning pathways, or preparing future educators, GOEC demonstrates what is possible when institutions unite around a common purpose.
For more information or to get involved, please contact:
Email: sawyerm4@MiamiOH.edu
Email: hanselh@talawanda.org