Adam Gehlar, a social science teacher at the West Fargo STEM Center, spent four weeks in Sanford Health’s Office of Continuous Improvement learning about lean engineering. Employees at Sanford use lean engineering to evaluate and improve processes related to work spaces and workflows.
“The experience opened my eyes to the possibilities for collaboration between business and education to create a more competent and engaged workforce.” said Gehlar. “The lean engineering concepts and knowledge of the change process has created a platform for continuous improvement at Sanford Health. I will be leveraging those same concepts as I continue educating and leading the 21st century school.”
Four teachers took part in teacher internships this past June. The teachers from West Fargo, Fargo and Moorhead Public Schools spent four weeks in industry learning more about how employees collaborate, communicate and manage projects. Besides Sanford, John Deere Electronic Solutions, Microsoft and Bobcat Company all hosted teacher interns.
Each teacher received a $2,000 stipend and will earn three continuous education credits through NDSU’s Distance and Continuing Education. The teachers will be required to incorporate what they learned into their classroom curriculum.
