Interested In Hosting An Educator For The HCPSS Teacher Externship Initiative?

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — Businesses and organizations are being sought to join the HCPSS Teacher Externship Initiative and offer teachers professional development opportunities to connect the classroom to the workplace. The initiative is in conjunction with the Bright Minds Foundation and the Superintendent’s Program Innovation Advisory Board.

During an externship, teachers spend time in a workplace to learn through direct experience about trends, skill requirements and opportunities in industries related to their teaching subject in order to enrich and strengthen their teaching in the classroom and bring the relevance of real-life to student learning.

“Today’s business environment is rapidly changing. Continuing advances in technology is forcing workers to be able to think critically and adapt quickly,” Leonardo McClarty, president/CEO of the Howard County Chamber of Commerce, said. “As such, it is important for educators to witness firsthand what is taking place in the industry so they can share these experiences in the classroom. It is important for employers to partner with educators so our students are prepared for challenges and opportunities of tomorrow.”

The selection and placement of all externs will take place annually in May for a 4– to 6-week externship during the summer months.

HCPSS is currently seeking employers in these fields:

• Arts, Media and Communication
• Business Management and Finance
• Construction and Development
• Consumer Services, Hospitality and Tourism
• Environmental, Agricultural and Natural Resources
• Health and Biosciences
• Human Resource Services
• Information Technology
• Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology
• Transportation Technologies

“The teacher externship initiative is another innovative way HCPSS is collaborating with our stakeholders to provide our educators with access to unique professional development opportunities. We're truly grateful to the business community for their collaboration and support of this initiative,” LaRee Siddiqui, HCPSS dual enrollment coordinator, said.

Email laree_siddiqui@hcpss.org if you are interested in hosting an HCPSS teacher extern.