OCCS Annual Convocation
OCCS kicks off each school year by hosting a Convocation designed to engage, uplift, and inspire school staff in our 48 sponsored schools.
Convocation 2026
On August 6, educators and school leaders from across Ohio gathered in Westerville for the 2026 OCCS Annual Convocation. This year’s theme, The Science of Possibilities, encouraged attendees to step back from the demands of their daily work and consider new possibilities for their students and schools.
Kim Strobel’s keynote invited participants to reconnect with the purpose behind their work and make room for more joy. Throughout the day, breakout sessions offered practical ideas for classrooms and school communities, while conversations between sessions gave attendees time to connect and learn from one another.
Convocation also provided an opportunity to celebrate educators making a difference in their schools. OCCS recognized Cole Prophet of Western Toledo Preparatory Academy as the 2026 OCCS Teacher of the Year and Dainta Teeple of Ohio Virtual Academy as the 2026 OCCS Virtual Teacher of the Year.
Keynote Speaker
The Experience
Convocation was designed to give attendees more than a full schedule of presentations. Between sessions, educators exchanged ideas with colleagues, connected with OCCS partners, and reflected on the purpose behind their work.
Throughout the day, attendees shaped their own experience by choosing sessions that spoke to the needs of their schools. They also added their voices to the “Remember Your Why” poster, captured memories in the photobooth, and celebrated the people whose dedication continues to move public education forward.
The conversations and connections made at Convocation will carry beyond the event itself as educators bring renewed energy and new ideas back to their school communities.
