Eric Grabe, a science teacher at Newton Senior High School, is one of 56 middle and high school math, science and technology teachers who decided that, during the summer, they would investigate how math and science are applied in the world of business.
The Real World Externship Program for Teachers of Mathematics, Science and Technology — now in its fourth year and sponsored by the Iowa Mathematics and Science Education Partnership — matches teachers with area businesses and agencies to allow first-hand experiences in how STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) skills are used in the everyday work world. Results indicate teacher participants are rethinking their teaching strategies, while private sector hosts enjoy new talent and productivity within their organizations.
Grabe’s summer experience with the Pella Corporation involves learning the tools of the trade while helping reset and recalibrate product testing systems as they transition to a new software control program.
“This experience builds a bridge between schools and businesses and allows these organizations to show teachers the types of skills they are looking for from students who may eventually become that company’s future employees,” said Externship Program Supervisor Jason Lang. “We began this program in the summer of 2009 with 10 teachers, and now over 140 different mathematics, science and technology teachers have gone through the program, engaging thousands of school children around the state with stories about how cool math and science really is.”
The externship program is funded through grants from the National Science Foundation and the Iowa Economic Development Authority, as well as financial support of numerous Iowa business partners.
“The future of education is now in Iowa,” said Jeff Weld, grant author and director of the Iowa Math & Science Education Partnership. “Aligning the needs and expectations of Iowa’s working world with the school day experiences of our youth benefits everyone.”
For more information about the Real World Externship program, or to learn more about STEM education in Iowa, contact the Iowa Math and Science Education Partnership at IMSEP@uni.edu or visit www.IowaSTEM.gov.