The Howard County Public School System, in partnership with Bright Minds Foundation and the Superintendent’s Program Innovation Advisory Board, is looking for businesses and organizations willing to be involved in the HCPSS Teacher Externship Initiative.
Teacher externships offer a unique professional development opportunity connecting the classroom to the workplace. They provide an experience in which teachers spend time in a workplace to learn through direct experience about trends, skill requirements and opportunities in industries related to their subject in order to enrich and strengthen their teaching and bring relevance 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,” said Leonardo McClarty, President/CEO of the Howard County Chamber of Commerce. “As such, it is important for educators to witness firsthand what is taking place in 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 4–6 week externship during the summer months. Teacher externs will work for 150 hours over the Summer of 2022 (approximately 30-40 hours per week over 3-5 weeks). Worksites can provide a variety of work experiences, including virtual, in-person or a combination of both.
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,” said LaRee Siddiqui, HCPSS dual enrollment coordinator.
Please email laree_siddiqui@hcpss.org if you are interested in hosting an HCPSS teacher extern.
View TEACHER EXTERNSHIP ONE PAGER. To learn more about the program and potential job descriptions, View TEACHER EXTERNSHIP MANUAL.
