Sam Porter - Education Consultant

Sam Porter has extensive experience supporting children and families. As a case manager for Child and Adolescent Service Center, he stabilized families in crisis. He also worked as a restitution officer with Family and Juvenile Court. Currently, he is Associate Area Manager with Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities. His focus is on staff training, supporting appeals and partnering with Legal, as well as working directly with OOD’s HR division. In addition, he will be providing area-wide support in the expansion of Pre-Employment Transition Support and the enhancement of transition services for adults.
 

For two decades prior to coming to OOD, Sam was employed by the Stark County Educational Service Center in multiple teaching and supervisory roles. His high school classroom served as a model for other special education programs throughout the county, especially in transitioning students from school to work/career. His most recent
position was Principal of the SCESC High School and principal/supervisor of other
classrooms designed for students with behavior challenges. In this dual role, Sam was directly involved with staff recruitment, hiring and development, student guidance, transition coordination, staff supervision and program development.
 

Sam has been an adjunct professor of graduate level courses for educators at both Walsh University and Ashland University. All of the courses he taught centered around behavior, resilience and social emotional wellness. He holds a Master of Education degree and a Bachelor of Science degree from Kent State University. He is also a graduate of the Educational Leadership in Administration program at Malone University.