First Shoals Summer Technology Institute for Educators a Success

September 02, 2008

The Shoals Summer Technology Institute was developed through a grant from Rural Alabama Initiatives to provide a two-week professional development experience for middle and high school math and science teachers and counselors that increases their knowledge and understanding of technical education and the vast and lucrative career opportunities available to those with technical skills.

The program was a partnership with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, the Shoals Chamber of Commerce, Lauderdale County and Northwest Shoals Community College.

“This program is particularly important in our area of the state because we have several large industrial employers locating here in the near future,” said Leila Wissert, an Extension regional agent in consumer science and personal financial management.

Educators spent half a day each in 11 different technical programs on the campus of Northwest-Shoals Community College, learning about the skills and knowledge required to succeed in those fields. They also toured area industry and heard from business representatives about the value of, need for, and salary ranges available for technically trained workers.

Many academic educators and counselors have little knowledge of technical education or technical careers. The institute helped opened their minds to a new concept… that technical careers are good jobs with good pay, require bright students with high skills and are not only for students who aren’t cut out for college.

The 16 educators who participated now are better prepared to advise students about technical education in both high school and college, and careers in technical fields. They can now use real world examples in the classroom to explain abstract concepts of math and science, and help their students better understand the connections between their academic disciplines and skills needed in their future careers.

Phyllis Linton, a math teacher at Florence High School, thanked everyone on the planning committee for the institute, as well as all the companies, CEOs and Northwest-Shoals instructors who shared with us.

“I do believe this institute was the best professional development I have attended in my 19 years of teaching in Alabama. You guys did an outstanding job--I cannot believe it was your first go-round,” Linton said.

“The workshop opened my eyes to all the technical careers we have in this area,” said Donna Wright, an eighth-grade science teacher at Central High School. “I am guilty of pushing students to four-year colleges or to two-year community colleges before they go on to get a Bachelor’s degree. I will not do this any longer. I am also going to talk with other people at my school about technical careers.“

Lisa Beumer, a sixth-grade science teacher at Hibbett Middle School, said the workshop was extremely helpful to her. “It gave me ideas, handouts and real-life teachable moments to take back to my classroom. If you want the students to buy into technology careers then teachers must share the same mind-set. This workshop gave teachers the real-life experience to share and encourage their students on a day-to-day basis.”

“I am so excited to have been a part of the summer institute,” said Evon Gresham, a seventh- grade math teacher at Florence Middle School. “It has been a real eye-opener for me. I was unaware of the careers and programs available in the community.” She plans to take the ideas back to her classroom and conduct “exploratory projects.” She also will investigate and report on various careers and have her students’ interview people with different careers and report on their findings.

“I feel rejuvenated and ready to do battle with the epidemic of poor work ethic. It is my intention to relate the importance of good work ethic to all of life. I will use my study hall class to review job ready skills,” Gresham added.

Overall, the first institute was a great success. Plans are to expand the program next year to include principals, other school administration personnel and school board members.

For more news from Lauderdale County, visit: www.aces.edu/Lauderdale.

Cutline: Mike Witt, director of Training for Business and Industry, demonstrates on eof the big welding robots in the new National Alabama Corp. Training and Assessment Center at NW Shoals Community College.

Posted by dreynold on September 2, 2008 03:03 PM
Grassroots - News from around Alabama - RSS Feed