Teachers Partner with Business for the 7th Annual Teacher Externship

PROMOSING PRACTICES

BY Connie Scotchel-Gross

  For the seventh consecutive year, the Career Education Team has partnered with the Business Development Board and for the first time with Leadership Palm Beach County for the Summer Institute - Teacher Externship program.   The program placed thirty-six educators in a variety of workplaces so they could experience- first-hand, the skills, abilities, and knowledge that their students will need to have to be successful in the work place. In these temporary work placements teachers gained a greater understanding of the practical applications of classroom concepts and an appreciation of the learning potential of work-based activities for students.

This year's externship was two days long.  Day one, June 7 th , involved a FULL day externship at a designated business of interest as indicated by the teacher on their registration form.  Day two, June 8 th , was a full day workshop, at the district office board room, that helped the teachers use the information gained during the externship into developing lessons that they will share with their students in the upcoming school year.

Externship assignments  include stints at Batty and Balfour Construction   ;  Ballet Florida ;    Citibank Palm Beach Financial Center ;   Hayes Clinical Laboratory; The Breakers; The Drug Study Institute; The Palm Beach Gardens Marriott; The Jupiter, Tequesta, Juno Beach Chamber of Commerce   ;  and Webmaster for Hire.   

The teachers all enjoyed their experiences and felt they gained a greater insight into what their students will need to succeed in the world of work.   They also gained many connections that they will use in the future to help place students into internships, for advisory board members on their career academy boards, or for guest speakers at their schools / classes.

For more information regarding this outstanding experience, contact Connie Scotchel-Gross, Manager   of   Career Education, at (561) 357-7537.