Congratulations to our 2025 toy finalists

I am a proud correctional educator who has dedicated twenty-six years to the transformative power of education behind prison walls. My journey in this unique and vital field began not out of convenience, but out of a deep conviction that every individual—regardless of their past—deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and reclaim their future.

A fascination with repairing the neighborhood bikes at a young age led to a career as a Master Certified Technician. In 1999, I started my career as an educator at Grafton Correctional institution as an Auto Mechanics Instructor. What others may have seen as a place of limitations, I saw as a classroom of untapped potential. That moment redefined not only my career, but also my understanding of resilience, redemption, and transforming a students potential.

In 2001, I transferred to Richland Correctional Institution and opened the Auto Collision Repair Career Technician program; where I have maintained seven Automotive Service Excellence Certificates and five Auto Collision Service Excellence Certificates, maintaining my Master Service Technician status. This ensures that I am able to provide my students with the most current information in the industry. 

Over the years, and during my time teaching in corrections, I have had the opportunity to teach a variety of students with a variety of backgrounds. My focus has always been on creating a student-centered environment that fosters dignity, structure, and self-worth. I strive to be more than just an instructor—I aim to be a consistent source of encouragement, accountability, and hope.

Today, my program enrolls twenty-five new students every six months. The students spend six months in class to prepare for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certifications. To date we have had 188 certifications; one of my proudest accomplishments. This is the only program available of this nature in the state of Ohio. 

In addition, students who have obtained four ASE certifications can continue their education as a career tech aide. Through this program, students have repaired, welded, painted, and restored over 450 institutional bed frames. We also have participated in the completion of multiple restoration projects for the community and the state. 

This program not only improved educational outcomes but also improved behavior within the facility. Seeing these accomplishments has given my students accountability, responsibility, employability, and pride. This program not only improved educational outcomes but also reduced recidivism and improved behavior within the facility. I’ve seen firsthand the power of education to reconnect individuals with their families, reawaken dreams, and change the trajectory of entire lives.

Being a correctional educator has taught me that the classroom can exist in the most unlikely of places. My students have taught me as much as I’ve taught them, about perseverance, about grace, and about the importance of second chances. I consider it an honor and a responsibility to help build bridges from incarceration to integration, from stigma to self-worth.

Beyond the classroom, I serve as a mentor to new educators entering the correctional field and collaborate with reentry and workforce development programs to ensure that our students leave not just with a diploma, but with a plan.

While I do not do this work for recognition, I am proud to represent the thousands of dedicated educators who believe—as I do—that education is not just preparation for life; it is life-changing.

My name is Emily Stahl, and I am honored and humbled to be selected as a finalist for CEA-O Teacher of the Year. I have had the privilege of working in the horticulture industry for 27 years—a journey that has taken me from small-town beginnings to leading life-changing education programs.

I grew up in a small Ohio town, back when iPads and video games didn’t yet exist. With no screens or packed schedules, the neighborhood kids could always be found outdoors, our curfews set by the setting sun. Outside was freedom—and no matter the weather, we weren’t coming in early.

At 16, I tested out of high school and began college. With classes only a couple of days a week, I picked up a job watering plants at a local nursery—drawn by the promise of a summer tan. Something stuck. Each plant tag told a story, and before long, I wasn’t just watering—I was learning. By 18, I had earned my Associate of Arts degree, become a Master Gardener, and was managing my own garden center. I still didn’t know exactly what I wanted to be, but I knew one thing for certain—I wasn’t built for life in a cubicle. Outside, even as an adult, still meant freedom.

Over the years, my career continued to blossom. I became a landscape designer, led million-dollar seasonal color programs, held leadership roles at Scotts Miracle-Gro, and eventually ran my own business and farm share. Along the way, I married and became a proud mom to four wonderful kids.

The most unexpected chapter of my story though, would begin with an email—actually, two of them—that landed in my personal inbox advertising a horticulture teaching position at the Ohio Reformatory for Women (ORW). I still don’t know how they found me. When ORW called to schedule an interview, I told my husband I was only going “to keep my interview skills fresh.” When they called the next day for a second interview, I went—still hesitant. Even after accepting the position, I pushed my start date back twice, almost in disbelief at what I had agreed to.

Seven years later, I know without question it was God who called me to where I am today. Apparently, God can even send an email. Surrounded by an incredible team of supporting teachers, I have had the privilege of helping change lives. I never imagined I would become a teacher, but looking back, I realize I’ve been teaching in one way or another all my life.  While working at the prison, I’ve welcomed two more children into our family, making me the proud mother of six amazing kids. In 2024, I finally completed my Bachelor’s in Business Administration and plan to begin my Master’s program this fall.

Today, my program at Clearview School within the Ohio Central School System is thriving. We’ve built a five-acre wildflower field, installed rainwater systems, created hügelkultur and raised bed gardens, planted a 40-tree orchard, designed a LEED-certified landscapes for businesses and other institutions, and provided four-season installations throughout our facility. My students grow fresh produce for staff and create floral arrangements to lift morale both inside the institution and in the community. I have spoken in front of several outside organizations on the benefits of horticulture therapy.  We even provide “plant pets” to women in AA, giving them something to care for as they focus on their sobriety. Students earn real certifications and diplomas—27 adult diplomas and counting—and, most importantly, they leave with confidence, skills, and opportunity. Through partnerships with organizations like the City of Columbus, the Ohio Division of Forestry, Rosemary Gladstar, Franklin Park Conservatory, Mid-Ohio Food Bank, and Davey Tree, my students are interviewing for jobs before they’re even released and leaving prison with careers.

Many stay in touch after release, eager to share when they’ve earned a promotion, bought a home, or—best of all—regained custody of their children. Teaching in prison is hard. It is emotionally and mentally demanding. But it is also the most rewarding blessing, one that only a few of us will ever truly know.

I never set out to be a teacher, a landscaper, a designer, or a business owner. I only ever aspired to be happy. And in this work—against all odds—that’s exactly what I’ve found.

Hi, my name is Sharon Pierce and I currently work at Ross Correctional Institution. I have worked here for almost 27 years. After applying to many county schools in my local area, and having nothing pan out, I was told about an opening by my husband who was an officer at RCI at the time. On a whim, I applied. Surprisingly enough, I was called in for an interview and then offered the job. I accepted the offer and began teaching in March of 1999. In the beginning, I taught GED classes, and fell in love with it immediately. In 2012, my School Administrator, Kim Parks, came to me saying that she was noticing some burn-out and offered me the opportunity to become the Title 1 teacher which consisted of teaching the younger inmates, ages 18 through 22. Appreciatively, I accepted. This allowed me to be the supplemental teacher and help with areas they were struggling in. This type of teaching was all new to me, but I enjoyed it as I could help these younger men be successful in their learning and make a bigger impact on their lives. I watched as the struggles became easy and the failures became successes, until Coivd happened in 2020. Upon return from virtual learning, Title 1 teaching was no longer able to be implemented with the new classroom schedule. Due to this, I moved into teaching the High School Options and Fast Track classes. My goal is to always be a positive influence and encourage them to work hard. My students would tell you, I have always said, “The only thing that no one can take away from you is your knowledge!”

    Now, a little bit of my personal background. I grew up in Lubbock, Texas and had the privilege of attending a christian school from kindergarten through 12th grade. After high school graduation, I attended Abilene Christian University, where my dad was a professor. My mom owned a successful business in the Lubbock area, called The Cake Place. I must give them credit for instilling in me, my strong work ethic and the desire to be successful. I knew from the time I was in Kindergarten that I wanted to be a teacher, and I did just that. At ACU, I majored in Elementary Education with a minor in reading. I graduated from ACU in 1983, and received my lifetime teaching certificate. My husband ended his Air Force enlistment the same year and we moved to Amarillo, Texas. I managed the secondary location of my mom’s business, in Amarillo, for several years after the move. Unfortunately, after 7 years, the economy was hard and we made the tough choice to close the Amarillo location prompting us to move back to Lubbock. Just a few short years later in 1993, my mom passed away. I also gave birth to my oldest daughter in 1993, and when she was just six months old, we decided to move to Ohio to be closer to my husband's family, where we have stayed ever since. We now have two daughters, three granddaughters, and one grandson, that we love very much and keep us very busy!

    God gave my heart the desire to encourage those who need just a little bit extra, whether it be extra help, support, love, or just someone to listen. I believe that is why I have the job I do now. I know some of my students were pushed along in school knowing that they hadn't learned enough. I am here to help those that fell through the cracks of the public school system and need just a little bit more help. I love my job at RCI. Seeing the “aha” or lightbulb moments make every hard day worth it. Knowing that I was able to help one of the students understand a concept or idea and why it is the way it is, gives me such satisfaction. Not to mention, getting to be the one that tells them, “You passed!” or “You are done with school!”, and seeing the smiles that come with it, will always be my greatest reward.

Hi everyone! My name is Emily Williams – My husband and I have been married for almost 10 years and we have 5 children - 3 boys and twin girls. We also have a goldendoodle named Molly. I love sports, reading, kayaking, and spending time with my family. My three sons play sports so we spend a lot of time at practices and games!

I knew that I wanted to be a teacher from the time I was 13 years old. We had to do a career project in 7th grade and I never strayed from that dream. Fast forward to 2013, I had just started my sophomore year of college when my husband and I found out we were going to be parents. At 19 I was scared but I knew that being a teacher was my dream and I owed it to myself and my child to see it through. In 2017, I graduated from The Ohio State University with a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education with a 3-year-old and a 7-month-old. The journey to graduation was filled with a lot of hardships and sacrifices but was well worth it!

Following graduation, I began working as a substitute in public school but as much as I loved teaching, something was missing. My favorite students were always the reluctant learners or the “trouble makers” and I was motivated to find a way to help them see their potential. In 2019 I made the jump from public school to corrections and began working as a teacher at the Central Ohio Youth Center (COYC).

COYC is a multi-county maximum-security correctional facility for male and female juveniles, up to age 21. It also functions as a 90 to 180 day residential treatment program for boys. When I first started, I taught ELA and science. In 2023, I was promoted to Lead Teacher which consisted of teaching and additional responsibilities related to the education of our youth. In 2024 I was promoted to Education Administrator. I currently serve in this role as the math teacher. I also oversee the education department as a whole, prepare all academic reports for our youth, create the education plan for every youth in our care, work one-on-one with youth that cannot be in general population, and I am the co-PREA coordinator for the facility.

Educational programming at COYC is unique. I coordinate schooling for each youth with the district that the child attends rather than enrolling them into our own “school district”. Our youth are not grouped based on education level or age. It is a normal day to have an 11-year-old and an 18-year-old learning two completely different things in the same room at the same time. With this structure (as a math teacher), I will teach everything from basic addition to trigonometry in the same class period. My goal in the next year is to finish creating my own Google Classroom curriculum for our youth that stems from middle school up through high school. This will allow our team to better serve the multi-faceted needs of our youth and bridge the gaps in their education in a more efficient and meaningful way.

I can honestly say that I love my job. I wake up every day excited to come to work because these kids matter. There is nothing better than watching a student, who has had such a negative school experience so far, have success in the classroom. Each day I get to help our youth see that they are more than the mistakes they have made and they are capable and worthy of success. Looking back on the beginning of my teaching career, I found what was missing. Being a correctional educator and an advocate for these youth is what I am meant to do.

I am a wife and mom, an educator, creative problem-solver and a lifelong learner. 

I am a mom to 3 great daughters (28,24 & 13), my husband, Rich, and I have been married for 15 years. My two oldest daughters are my bonus daughters and the youngest we have together. We love to binge Netflix, watch true crime documentaries, spend time at home doing little projects, kayaking when we can and travel with our youngest to gymnastics meets.  

I have a BSBA in Marketing from THE Ohio State University, this degree allowed me to spend the first 8 years of my work life in sales, management and finally on an acquisition team for a large construction company in Columbus.

At 30, I realized it was time to pursue my true passion, Education. I went back to school and obtained my teaching license in Integrated Mathematics grades 7-12 and a master’s degree in education from Ashland University at the same time. As soon as I began the journey I was teaching. I taught in urban, rural and suburban school districts as well as 3 years in a private school and 5 years as an online teacher.  Finally, I have spent the 8 last years in Correctional Education. I began at Department of Youth Service teaching Math, then transitioned to Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections. I started at ORW teaching GED and then after COVID I took the position I have now as high school math teacher for the juveniles in the adult system at CRC, adults at LoCI as well as the high school options math teacher for all incarcerated people taking high school math at any institution in the state of Ohio. I love the challenges each part of my job brings on a daily and sometimes hourly basis. My students possess different challenges, needs and personalities so sometimes I am a teacher, other days I am a counselor and for my younger guys a mother-figure. I wouldn’t have it any other way, no day is ever the same.

In addition to my daily teaching, I have enjoyed working with a small team of teachers, Central Office and the IT department piloting our Google Classroom Curriculum initiative, which has been an exciting learning curve for me. It is amazing training & working with both teachers and students who are embracing this technological advance in education within DRC. I have had the opportunity to present Google Classroom at CEA conferences as well as travel to other institutions to help train teachers and students on google classroom.

I am also employed as an Adjunct at Sinclair Community College, where I teach Intro to Business Mathematics at several other institutions. This opportunity has allowed me to merge both my 1st and 2nd career together and share some real-world experiences with my students. That part is so rewarding and lots of fun.