PRESENTATION — Jefferson County Educational Service Center Virtual Learning Academy Director Mark Masloski introduced the VLA’s services to statewide educators during the Ohio School Boards Association 70th annual Capital Conference. -- Contributed

COLUMBUS — The Jefferson Educational Service Center Virtual Learning Academy shared its expertise with educators from across the state during the Ohio School Boards Association’s 70th annual Capital Conference Nov. 16-19. Topics ranged from state reporting requirements to the presence of artificial intelligence in class, and the VLA is optimally positioned to connect teachers and students with the tools to succeed.

VLA Director Mark Masloski and Assistant Director Martariesa Logue had a booth where they could talk with attendees. They also gave two presentations where they delved into everything educational service centers had to offer.

Logue said the conference was a great experience and they made full use of the opportunity to introduce themselves and the VLA program.

“We were able to network with both current and former partner schools and make several promising new connections. We actually came away with two strong leads. We also attended sessions that reinforced that we are on the right track as an online curriculum provider, and we presented two sessions that were well received and highly educational.”

Masloski detailed the benefits educational service centers can offer through virtual learning to support school districts and raise engagement among students.

Another VLA presentation focused on compliance with Ohio Department of Education and Workforce reporting requirements, as well as options related to artificial intelligence.

“We emphasized that VLA follows all required protocols for student data privacy. We also discussed the growing presence of AI in education and the importance of teaching students and schools how to use it appropriately and responsibly. We recognize that AI is here to stay, and we are helping educators navigate it effectively.”

VLA staff have been incorporating evaluation of students’ comprehension and critical thinking in the curriculum. The student-centered approach aims for the most authentic responses from learners.

Logue said of the VLA’s breadth of services, the greatest strength is in its accessibility.

“Our program is available to any student, on any device, providing flexibility and support to a wide variety of learning environments.”

This was welcome news for many school district representatives. Logue said one recurring question was whether the Jefferson County based VLA could support schools outside the county.

“This gave us the opportunity to clarify that our online courses are aligned to Ohio standards and are available for purchase by any school, as well as by homeschool families in any state.”

JCESC VLA has even earned national recognition from How to Homeschool, a national organization that provides resources, reviews and recommendations for homeschooling families across the United States and presented the VLA with the 2025 Best Homeschool Curriculum and Resources Award.

VLA also upholds a fast response time for any student or educator in need of help using the system. A user sending an email knows the VLA staff is committed to addressing questions or technical difficulties within hours.

Masloski and Logue also had information about how VLA can assist in earning Ohio Graduation Seals, credentials students can earn to demonstrate readiness for college, careers and military service.

“We received many questions about elective options and support for students earning graduation seals,” Logue said. She and Masloski highlighted that VLA offers courses to fulfill local requirements to earn both the Ohio Means Jobs Readiness Seal and the community service seal.

Located in the R. Larry George Training Annex at 1913 Estelle Ave., Steubenville, the VLA serves all students, including those who are credit deficient, home bound, or home schooled. JCESC VLA can serve as a stand-alone program or implemented within a district’s already existing curriculum. To learn more about the acacemy, visit the website at jcesc.k12.oh.us/vla.aspx; contact VLA staff at vla@jcesc.org; call (740) 283-3347, extension 100.