Seven teachers are participating in this summer’s Educators in Industry program. The teachers began their internships at companies Monday, June 4th. The internships provide teachers with stronger connections between education and industry. The teachers are from Fargo, West Fargo and Wahpeton.
By working with employees at their respective company, each teacher gains more in-depth knowledge of teamwork, collaboration, communication and other critical skills needed to be successful in the work environment. Every teacher will gain the knowledge to develop curriculum materials and lesson plans that create project-based STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) activities in the classroom. The teachers will strengthen their ability to make curriculum content more relevant and applicable.
Local companies hosting teachers are: Microsoft, CNH Industrial, Moore Engineering, and Trail King Industries. Doosan Bobcat is hosting a teacher at its Wahpeton and Gwinner, ND locations.
Jeffry Volk, president and CEO of Moore Engineering, said having teachers immersed in his business for an entire month delivers an authentic experience that they can take back to the classroom.
“We know students start forming their career choices as early as elementary school. Educators in Industry gives us a connection to those students rooted in genuine work experience so they are informed about our industry and potential careers in it.”
Session dates: June 4-June 29
The teachers spend Monday through Thursday at their respective company. On Friday, the interns meet to reflect on their experiences. Each teacher receives a $2000.00 stipend and continuing education credit.
The internship program is in its eighth year and was started as a pilot project in 2011 by the Greater Fargo Moorhead EDC, NDSU and West Fargo Schools. The first teacher was placed at John Deere Electronic Solutions. The internship program is open to K-12 educators in Eastern North Dakota and Clay County, Minnesota.
The EDC will reimburse companies for half the stipend.
The GFMEDC helps initiate and support programs like the teacher internship to establish long-term, workforce-development strategies which support economic growth and vitality.
