From textbook to workplace
STEMersion program helps teachers identify work skills needed for students
Every year, students ask the same question of Angela Mack, a Phillip O.
Berry Academy of Technology teacher: “Why do I need math?” This year,
she’ll have a better answer than ever.
Mack is one of 50 teachers from more than 35 Charlotte-Mecklenburg
middle and high schools who are participating in a two-week STEMersion
program to learn how workers at local businesses use science, technology,
engineering and math skills on the job.
“I’m participating in the program because I saw it as an opportunity to grow
as an individual and as a teacher,” said Darrell Ritsick, a teacher at the School
of Executive Leadership & Entrepreneurial Development at Olympic High.
The STEMersion program began in 2012 to provide teachers with real-world
experiences that they could take back to their classrooms. STEMersion is a
collaboration of the CMS STEM team, Career & Technical Education team, led by
the Technology Services team.
“Many of the companies we’ve visited require applicants to take basic math
tests with no calculators or devices, which is good for our students to know,”
said Kelly Van Horn, a teacher at McClintock Middle.
One of the goals of the program is for business partners to show teachers
their work environments and how they apply practical uses of the formulas,
theories and concepts taught in school.
“Our school has a robotics team so we visited a company that specializes
in robotics. It was great. It will help me show students the practical
applications of what they are learning,” said Van Horn.
Teachers also gained knowledge of what resources are available
outside CMS. Those resources can help them develop curriculum, guide
students toward apprenticeships, internships and other workplace learning
opportunities.
“One thing I didn’t know was how many internship opportunities are
available to students,” said Mack. “I’m excited to bring that information back
to our students and their families.”
8 • September/October 2015 • Parent Teacher Magazine
What stood
out most to
LaTanya Sanford,
a West Charlotte
High teacher,
was the need
she saw in the
manufacturing
industry for
qualified workers
who don’t
necessarily need a
four-year degree.
“Many of
the companies
offered on-the-job
training programs
and others had
opportunities for
employees to
continue their education while working at the organization,” said Sanford. “It
isn’t low-paying, dirty, back-breaking labor as some believe.”
Healthcare, finance, energy, advanced manufacturing, engineering
and technology industries were represented. Participating companies were
Applied Data Technologies, AREVA, Bosch, Bosch Rexroth, Central Piedmont
Community College, Charlotte Mo