Hundreds of new types of jobs are being created every year, due to the rapid convergence of technology, research, and scientific breakthroughs. As our local economy embraces this future, San Diego companies will need to rely on more adaptive and skilled workers. If we want to continue to have a strong workforce, it’s imperative that we prepare San Diego students during their formative years to take on these new opportunities and find their place in the world.
This preparation begins with supporting our teachers. Teachers are increasingly expected to connect their lesson plans to the world of work. However, most of our teachers don’t have backgrounds in our growing industries, like technology, advanced manufacturing, or life sciences. Thus, it’s very challenging for them to draw these connections. As a result, students are not exposed to the countless career pathways that are available to them.
The Classroom of the Future Foundation (CFF), the San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE), and Sony Electronics have partnered to host a two-day “Teacher Externship Program” pilot experience for a group of six educators from Clairemont High School and Monarch School to explore the world of work. The program runs from Tuesday, May 29th, through Wednesday, May 30th.
“Teachers are expected to prepare the next generation of our workforce. This inaugural program will provide the skills and knowledge they need to design curriculum that replicates real-world work,” said Michiko Araki, Vice President of New Business and member of CFF Board of Directors.
During the two-day visit to Sony headquarters in Rancho Bernardo, educators will learn about the technical and essential skills required for success in the electronics and technology industry. Educators will explore the principles of running a major corporation, interact and learn from professionals in all of the divisions at Sony North America, and work on a real-life company deliverable project that can be translated into future classroom environments.
Special thanks to Michiko, Julie Wenzel, and the entire Sony Electronics team for hosting this inaugural externship experience. Also, thank you to to SDCOE’s College and Career Readiness team, as well as Rob Atterbury from ConnectEd: The California Center for College and Career, for their support in making this experience a reality.
We look forward to sharing pictures and the impact of this Teacher Externship Program in the coming days!