Contributed TRAINING COMPLETED — Finishing the Six Bricks educator curriculum at the Sycamore Youth Center were, from left, Katie McCarthy, Dave Ault, Roy Arbogast, Jim Niedermyer (joining virtually), Dave Woody and Paulette Woody, along with their Six Bricks USA facilitator, Theresa Paterra.

STEUBENVILLE — A significant milestone in educational training was reached Saturday at the Sycamore Youth Center as six educators completed the full Six Bricks Educator Training Program through a partnership between the Ohio Valley Youth Network and Six Bricks USA.

Saturday’s training marked the completion of Levels 1 through 4 of the Six Bricks educator curriculum for six participants, making them the first cohort to complete the entire program under the instruction of a U.S.-based Six Bricks facilitator.

The educators completing the training were Katie McCarthy, Dave Ault, Roy Arbogast, Jim Niedermyer, who participated virtually, Dave Woody and Paulette Woody. They were trained by Theresa Paterra, a certified Six Bricks USA facilitator.

Six Bricks is a hands-on educational methodology that utilizes six brightly colored DUPLO-style bricks to develop critical thinking, communication, literacy, numeracy, social-emotional learning and executive functioning skills. The approach is used in schools and educational settings around the world to create engaging and interactive learning experiences for students of all ages.

Completion of the four-level training sequence qualifies participants to pursue certification as Six Bricks facilitators, allowing them to train additional educators and further expand the program’s reach throughout schools and communities.

“This is an exciting moment not only for the educators involved but also for the future of innovative learning in our region,” said Bobbyjon Bauman, executive director of the Sycamore Youth Center and president of the Ohio Valley Youth Network. “These educators have invested a tremendous amount of time and effort into mastering this approach, and they now have the opportunity to help train others and multiply the impact of Six Bricks throughout the Ohio Valley and beyond.”

The Ohio Valley Youth Network partnered with Six Bricks USA to bring the internationally recognized educational program to local educators and youth-serving organizations. The training is part of the network’s broader effort to provide high-quality professional development opportunities that benefit both educators and students.

Bauman noted that the achievement reflects Sycamore’s ongoing commitment to educational excellence and community collaboration.

“We are proud that this historic first took place right here in Steubenville,” Bauman said. “The dedication of these educators demonstrates a shared commitment to helping students learn, grow, and succeed through creative and engaging educational experiences.”

The training was held at the Sycamore Youth Center, located at 301 N. Fourth St. in Steubenville.