RIEDC Announces Results of Pilot Teacher Externship in Industry Program
October 21, 2008 | Print this page | Share This |
Cox Communications, Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems, Rite-Solutions, Teknor Apex and five Rhode Island teachers of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) report on initiative to connect classroom learning to the 21st century workplace.
In an effort to encourage year-long teacher professional learning opportunities that connect student learning in STEM subjects to applications in Rhode Island’s innovation economy, the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation (RIEDC) today announced initial results of the Teacher Externship in Industry pilot program.
“These teacher externships are an extremely valuable tool for teachers, and therefore their students, to see workplace applications of classroom lessons in science and technology,” Governor Donald L. Carcieri said. “Students need to be able to see the relevance of their courses to their own future success to become excited by their own potential. We need more companies to participate and see the benefits of helping to grow a talented workforce.”
David Cedrone, STEM Education Program Manager for the Governor's PK-16 Council, recruited industry leaders Cox Communications, Raytheon, Rite-Solutions and Teknor Apex to participate in this pilot program and sponsor teachers for a six to eight week summer placement. Five middle and high school teachers were assigned to projects that engaged them in practical industry applications of STEM-related curriculum and have now begun to translate this experience into relevant classroom learning. This connection of classroom curriculum to authentic industry applications helps inspire students to pursue more and higher level STEM education that will lead to career opportunities in the 21st century innovation economy.
“RIEDC is proud to get this program up and running and applauds Cox Communications, Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems, Rite-Solutions and Teknor Apex for making such a strong commitment to Rhode Island teachers and students,” said Saul Kaplan, Executive Director of the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation. “The LIFT2 – Rhode Island program is helping our teachers better translate new technology and industry practices into classroom learning, giving our students a competitive edge as they prepare to enter the workforce. This program complements RIEDC’s efforts to reposition Rhode Island’s economy by boosting efforts to help Rhode Island students take advantage of the high-wage job opportunities created by today’s 21st century innovation economy. Given the feedback thus far from the companies and teachers who have been involved in this program, the LIFT2-Rhode Island inaugural pilot was extremely successful.”
Support for this program is growing as four more Rhode Island companies have already confirmed their plans to sponsor teacher externships in the summer of 2009.
John Andries, Senior Vice President, Technical at Teknor Apex encourages other company leaders to support this initiative. "Teknor Apex recognizes that a well-trained technical workforce is crucial to its continued competitiveness in the marketplace, and the central role science and math teachers play in inspiring our youth to pursue higher education in the fields of science and engineering,” said Andries. “To help attract more local students to these fields we are proud to have sponsored Tom Holstein, a Chemistry teacher from Portsmouth High School, in RIEDC's pilot (2008) Teacher Externship program. Tom's experience at Teknor Apex provided him with real world chemistry experience to share with his students by participating in the development of halogen free flame retardant compounds for wire and cable insulation and jacketing. In doing this work, Tom contributed significantly to our project's research and development goals. Teknor Apex highly recommends this program to other technology driven companies and is happy to participate again next year."
This year’s class of teacher extern’s includes Tom Holstein, chemistry teacher from Portsmouth High School; Greg Decoteaux, physics teacher, Portsmouth Middle School; Keith Doucette, technology education teacher, East Greenwich High School; Jennifer Sawyer, mathematics and computer networking teacher, Charles E. Shea High School (Pawtucket); Catherine Gurspan-Tobiassen, technology director, St. Philomena High School (Portsmouth).
As a result of the success of the pilot program, the RIEDC is now recruiting companies to sponsor teacher externships in the summer of 2009. Contact David Cedrone, STEM Education Program Manager at the RIEDC: 401-278-9148, .
About Cox Communications
Cox Communications is a multi-service broadband communications and entertainment company with more than six million total residential and commercial customers. The third-largest cable television company in the United States, Cox offers an array of advanced digital video, high-speed Internet and telephony services over its own nationwide IP network, as well as integrated wireless services in partnership with Sprint (NYSE: S). Cox Business Services is a full-service, facilities-based provider of communications solutions for commercial customers, providing high-speed Internet, voice and long distance services, as well as data and video transport services for small to large-sized businesses. Cox Media offers national and local cable advertising in traditional spot and new media formats, along with promotional opportunities and production services. More information about the services of Cox Communications, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cox Enterprises, is available at www.cox.com, www.coxbusiness.com, and www.coxmedia.com. Cox Communications wholly owns and operates the Travel Channel.
About Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems
Integrated Defense Systems is Raytheon’s leader in Joint Battlespace Integration providing affordable, integrated solutions to a broad international and domestic customer base, including the U.S. Missile Defense Agency, the U.S. Armed Forces and the Department of Homeland Security.
Raytheon Company, with 2007 sales of $21.3 billion, is a technology leader specializing in defense, homeland security and other government markets throughout the world. With a history of innovation spanning 86 years, Raytheon provides state-of-the-art electronics, mission systems integration and other capabilities in the areas of sensing; effects; and command, control, communications and intelligence systems, as well as abroad range of mission support services. With headquarters in Waltham, Massachusetts (and operations in Portsmouth, Rhode Island), Raytheon employs 72,000 people worldwide. For more information about Raytheon, please visit www.raytheon.com
About Rite-Solutions
Rite-Solutions is a trusted provider of responsible technology solutions for quality clients. The company was founded in 2000 with 12 employees and has grown to almost 200 employees in three locations including Middletown, RI. Rite-Solutions has become nationally recognized for its technology and business innovation leadership. The firm’s products and its progressive corporate philosophy and culture have been featured in a number of national publications and on CNBC’s series, “The Business of Innovation.” In 2007, they were a recipient of Newport County Chamber of Commerce’s Excellence Award. For more information on Rite-Solutions, please visit www.ritesolutions.com
About Teknor Apex Company
Teknor Apex Company is an international custom compounder of advanced polymer materials with a focus on vinyls, thermoplastic elastomers, engineered thermoplastics and colorants. It serves key markets including automotive, building and construction, appliance, toys and recreation, industrial, medical and wire and cable.
Established in 1924 and privately held, the company has 12 plants in the U.S., England, Singapore and China and sells its products in 86 countries.
For more information about Teknor Apex, please visit www.teknorapex.com
