Educator in the Workplace

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Bridging the Gap Between Education and Business: A Virtual Learning Experience

Educator in the Workplace seeks to align and connect business and industry leaders with local school districts, the career and technical center, and the local intermediate unit.

Educators will participate in a 7-week, virtual learning program. Through the program, teachers, counselors, and administrators are provided experiences interacting directly with industry and business leaders to learn about industry trends, needs and opportunities to enhance their classroom instruction, student learning and career readiness.

Program details:

• Orientation day: January 20, 2021 (Zoom meeting)
• Logistics and transportation cohort: Week of February 1, 2021
• Healthcare cohort: Week of February 8, 2021
• Advanced manufacturing cohort: Week of February 15, 2021
• Building construction and trades cohort: Week of February 22, 2021
• Business services cohort: Week of March 1, 2021
• Debriefing day: Week of March 10, 2021 (Zoom meeting)

*All cohorts will be recorded and for participants to view at their convenience during the designated week outlined above.

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For Educators

Who can apply?

• Teachers from kindergarten to 12^th grade
• Guidance counselors
• Administrators
• Career and technical education instructors

What will I be doing?

• Participating in and exploring career pathways in local businesses and industries
• Interacting directly with leaders of the business community, gaining insight on the skills students need to be successful in their future careers
• Establishing connections to business and industry leaders in Lackawanna County’s leading and emerging industry sectors
• Learning about local businesses and employment opportunities

Why?

• Employers are experiencing challenges in recruiting, hiring and retaining a skilled workforce.
• A skilled workforce is critical to future business growth and ultimately, our region’s well-being.
• Curricula can build job readiness and strengthen the skills that are most crucial to employers.
• With a clear picture of where the jobs of today and tomorrow are, educators can help students make informed decisions on their future career pathway and raise awareness of job opportunities in Lackawanna County.
• By enhancing the collaborative efforts of the business and education communities, educators can enrich their career education instruction and counseling efforts and businesses will gain valuable insight on the local educational landscape.

Next steps:

1. Apply to participate
2. Complete the 2020/2021 Educator in the Workplace application. Applications can be completed and submitted online by clicking here or via the printable application.

Educators play an important role in connecting students of all ages to the world of work.  The Chamber’s role is to provide opportunities and resources to strengthen an educator’s ability to guide students in making informed career and education decisions.

If you are an educator interested in learning more about this program, contact Brianna Florovito, workforce and entrepreneurial development specialist at bflorovito@scrantonchamber.com.

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For Businesses

Businesses can gain a better understanding of what is being taught in the classroom and gain valuable insight from experienced teachers. Educators can gain a more robust understanding of the technical skills, behaviors and mindsets students need to be successful in today’s professional environment.  The Educators in the Workplace experience seeks to ensure K-12 students are being taught the essential knowledge and skills, as well as guidance to prepare them for the workplace of today and tomorrow.

Why?

• Show educators which skills are vital to your business
• Market careers that are facing workforce shortages
• Promote employment opportunities at your organization
• Achieve positive public relations via community outreach
• Participate in an experience that will provide wonderful opportunities for learning and collaboration between the education and business communities of Lackawanna County

What will I be doing?

Prior to the program, businesses are asked to identify the opportunities and challenges related to hiring, training, promoting and retaining workforce.

All business hosts will record their presentations via Zoom for participants to view at their convenience during the designated industry week. You will receive guidance and a variety of resources and materials to develop your experience.

To provide a meaningful experience to the educators, businesses are asked to: 

• Guide educators through your entire business environment, highlighting the skills that are vital to your business
• Share knowledge of the structure of the organization as well as the profile of the workplace (employment opportunities, educational background, salary ranges, training needs, ongoing professional development, etc.)
• Expose educators to careers that are facing critical workforce shortages
• Discuss skills needed and challenges facing the industry
• Discuss topics such as the impact of technology, diversity in the workplace, employee benefits and work ethic
• Assign them a mentor to serve as their liaison to the business
• Businesses are encouraged to involve educators to all major areas of their business operations

Next steps:

If you are a business interested in learning more, contact Brianna Florovito at bflorovito@scrantonchamber.com.

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Past Industry Partners:

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Learn More: