Charles City High School (CCHS) and North Iowa Area Community College (NIACC) instructors followed their own teaching advice and spent three days in the field learning about careers within the local community that require science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Their real life learning experience included a tour of four Charles City employers, a post-test and development of lesson plans.
“It was a dynamic experience for all instructors,” said Jean Ostrander, NIACC school partnership director.
This learning experience was funded by an Iowa Department of Economic Development Career Awareness Grant. Participating employers provided matching funds.
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) curriculum has captured national attention and generated a call for passion-based classrooms that bring real life learning to students. To ignite that passion, Educators in the Workplace, a learning experience that brings teachers and local industries together, was created.
On May 31 and June 1, Pfizer, Floyd County Medical Center, Cambrex, and Valero Renewables each provided a 2 ½ hour program for the instructors, which included tours of the facilities along with information about the education and skills required for positions within their firms. Instructors gained an understanding of local STEM-related career pathways and the need to encourage students to pursue these opportunities.
“It was amazing to see the STEM-related career opportunities available in the local community,” said Jason Friday, NIACC science division leader, said. “It was a powerful learning experience for all the educators who participated. The work-site tours were outstanding and so were the employee presentations.”
The final day brought the instructors back to the classroom where they developed lesson plans and STEM curriculum. At the end of the fall 2011 semester the instructors plan will meet to share how they incorporated the workplace learning into their classrooms. Employers who hosted the instructors will be invited to join this meeting.
The national education agenda acknowledges that the leadership skills of tomorrow will depend on how we educate our students today ñ especially in science, technology, engineering and math. “Instructors from both Charles City High School and NIACC recognize the importance of providing the best for our students,” Ostrander said. “We look forward to expanding this new public-private partnership and injecting a passion for STEM curriculum to our students and future leaders.”
To learn more about high school partnerships, contact Jean Ostrander at North Iowa Area Community College 641-422-4177.
Participants in the project included:
Charles City High School ñ Robb Beane, Darren Bohlen, Tracie Christensen, Donna Forsyth, Todd Forsyth, Nancy Heiter, Mike Kuennen, Jim Lundberg, Dene Lundberg, Alan Nielsen, David Voves and David Williams.
NIACC ñ Josh Byrnes, Jason Friday, Mary Mosiman, Jean Ostrander, Kathy Rogotzke, Deb Throne and Abbie Wiebbecke
North Iowa Consortium ñ Cindy Witt, Perkins Grant Consultant for Career and Technical Education.
