Teachers takeaway training from summer externship

Workforce Solutions Southeast Texas announced that 60 educators from 15 school districts in Jefferson, Orange, and Hardin counties were connected with 16 employers as host sites June 5 – 9 as part of the group’s 2023 Teacher Externship Program, aimed to enhance educators’ understanding of industry trends and needs by immersing them in real-world work environments.

Participating teachers spent their week working alongside professionals in various sectors, gaining firsthand knowledge of the skills, technologies and practices that drive local industries. This immersive experience empowered educators to better align their instructional methods with the demands of the job market, Workforce Solutions shared. Throughout the program, teachers engaged in projects and tasks at the host sites, representing diverse industries such as petrochemical, health care, manufacturing, maritime and more. At the end of their weeklong experience, educators received a $1,000 stipend for participating.

Funds weren’t given for nothing, though; participating educators were required to submit a lesson plan and presentation to demonstrate what they learned and how they plan to bring the information back to their classrooms to teach the students about in-demand careers at the job sites they visited. According to information provided by Workforce Solutions, participating employers funded 30% of the teacher stipend and Workforce Solutions Southeast Texas funded 70% with funds received from the Texas Talent Connection grant. Participating employers included Chevron Phillips Chemical, CHRISTUS Southeast Texas, ExxonMobil, Golden Pass LNG, International Paper, Lamar Institute of Technology, Lamar State College Orange, Lamar State College Port Arthur, Lamar University, The Medical Center of Southeast Texas, Motiva, Port of Beaumont, Port of Orange, Port of Port Arthur, TotalEnergies, and Valero.

“The Teacher Externship Program received enthusiastic support from local employers who recognized the crucial role teachers play in shaping the workforce of tomorrow,” Workforce Solutions’ Pamela Wise shared. “By participating in the program, employers demonstrated their commitment to building strong partnerships with educational institutions and investing in the professional development of local teachers.”

Participating school districts included Beaumont ISD, Bridge City ISD, Hamshire-Fannett ISD, Harmony Science Academy, Little CypressMauriceville CISD, Monsignor Kelly Catholic High School, Nederland ISD, Port Arthur ISD, Port Neches-Groves ISD, Silsbee ISD, Tekoa Academy, Vidor ISD, West Hardin County CISD, and West Orange Cove CISD.

“The Teacher Externship Program reflects Workforce Solutions Southeast Texas’ commitment to providing high-quality educational opportunities for teachers and students,” said Mary Hammon, executive director of Workforce Solutions Southeast Texas. “By bridging the gap between classrooms and workplaces, this program has transformed education and contributed to the creation of a future-ready workforce that meets the demands of a changing world.”