Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Jennings Educators Institute?
The Jennings Educators Institute, presented by the Martha Holden Jennings Foundation, is a three-day workshop held over three separate Saturdays in the fall that is aimed to encourage, support and foster the development of teachers and their work in the classroom. Each ½ day workshop features networking, discussion, and a keynote speaker who is well-respected and well-known among educators in Ohio.

Why is it at Otterbein University this year?
While the Jennings Educators Institute is held every year in Ohio, it travels to different part of the state each year. A well-respected University in the area hosts the event each year, offering continuing education credits for teachers, and the potential for graduate credit through the hosting University. In both the Fall of 2015 and 2019, Otterbein University was chosen to host the Jennings Educators Institute for Central Ohio.

What is the format of the day?
The day includes a light breakfast, introductions, keynote presentation, and discussion.

Why should I attend?

• Honor of being recommended by your Superintendent, Principal, or Administrator
• Become a “Jennings Educators Institute Fellow” upon completion of the Institute
• No registration fee
• Possibility of applying for one graduate credit through Otterbein University
• Opportunity for Continuing Education Unit (CEU)

How much of a time commitment is this Institute?
Total commitment from participants is approximately 15-17 hours. This includes time at the three Saturday sessions, as well as the required readings advanced. Individuals interested in obtaining graduate credit through Otterbein University for participating in the Institute may have additional requirements to obtain credit.

How do I sign up for the Institute?
Teachers are recommended to attend by their Superintendent, Principal, or other Administrator. Recommendation forms can be completed here. Once you have been recommended, you are encouraged to apply here.

Can I obtain Graduate Credit from Otterbein for participation?
Yes! Otterbein University has been approved to offer a professional development opportunity of one graduate credit hour for participation in the Jennings Educators Institute in the Fall 2023 semester, as well as one additional credit hour in the Spring 2024 for enrollment into a continuation course where you put what you’ve learned into practice in your classroom.

Additional discussion, reflection from your learning in the sessions or other conditions may be required to obtain credit (Fall 2023: approximately 3-9 additional hours beyond participation in the Institute; Spring 2024: a mostly online collaboration with one on-campus Saturday session in March or April to present your work).

Participation in the Jennings Educators Institute remains at no cost to teachers. The one graduate credit additional option, however, does require an enrollment fee at a reduced rate of $200 (per credit). Interest in this graduate credit option will not alter your acceptance to the Jennings Educators Institute.

If you are interested in learning more about the graduate credit option or enrolling – please contact the Otterbein Jennings Educators Institute Program Coordinators at jennings@otterbein.edu. Individuals in this graduate credit option will receive further details on payment due date, requirements to apply, and course information at a later date.

What have other previous participants from the Jennings Educators Institute said about the institute?

• “Thank you for creating a spark in me.”
• “I really learned a lot in these sessions and the activities and discussions have prompted me to do my lessons differently.”
• “Wonderful, very motivating and powerful!”
• “I have been inspired to try more collaborative learning activities in my classroom.”
• “Great unique concepts, that if you’re in Education, you don’t have time to really think a lot about.”
• “Every topic was relevant.”
• “Understands where educators are and our frustrations, needs, and goals.”
• “Engaging, interactive, informative, and applicable to every day.”
• “Gave me the chance to look at what I am doing and make changes.”
• “Thank you! It was wonderful! I enjoyed my time with fellow educators!”
• “I enjoyed collaborating with teachers from other districts.”
• “The material shared was relevant and vital to all instructors at any grade and ability level.”
• “Today was stimulating and thought-provoking. I left feeling inspired.”
• “Provided me with good ideas for reflection within my classroom.”