Teacher Externship Program
The Tech Valley Teacher Externship Program provides middle- and high-school teachers with applicable, hands-on work experience in high-tech environments throughout Tech Valley.
The program, which runs from four to eight weeks between July 1 and August 31, is designed to expose teachers to careers in the math, science and technology fields, and educate them about the skills that are needed for the future workforce in Tech Valley.
It provides teachers with the opportunity to work side-by-side with leaders in cutting-edge technology companies from throughout the region.
Other benefits for teachers inlcude:
- Exposure to advancements in their fields of study
- Tangible examples to bring back to their classrooms
- Valuable insights into the demands and challenges of the modern workplace
- Understanding of the skills necessary for our present and future tech innovators
Teachers are paid at a rate of $20 per hour, for a full-time working schedule, and will be granted professional credit. Employers are reimbursed at the completion of the program. Employers are encouraged to sponsor their extern by agreeing to pay 50 to 100 perfect of the total cost. Whatever the payment structure, a company's time investment is most valued.
Each company finds benefit in a variety of ways; for some it is a way to give back to the education community, for others it is a way to complete those vital, back-burner projects with front-burner people. Companies, whether large and established or small start-ups, have experienced high levels of benefits.
The Teacher Externship Program has established itself as a highly sought professional development experience and has grown every year since inception in 2005. From alumni feedback we have been able to see what a huge impact this program has on teachers, businesses, students and the region as a whole.
User Guide: Teachers | User Guide: Business
2009 Program Timeline
Friday, April 3
Business and teacher application forms are due. Download Teacher Application :: Download Employer Application
Monday, April 13
Teacher applications are sent to companies for review.
Monday, April 27
Placements are finalized and notifications sent.
Friday, June 26
Program orientation, 8:30-10 a.m., Albany Colonie Regional Chamber of Commerce
July - August
Externship program takes place. Specific start and end dates are determined mutually between the employer and extern.
Thursday, July 30
Mid-point assessment session for teachers, 4:30-6 p.m., Albany Colonie Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Thursday, August 27
Concluding program, 8:30-10 a.m., Albany Colonie Regional Chamber of Commerce
Thursday, September 24
Business Assessment, 9-10:30 a.m., Albany Colonie Regional Chamber of Commerce
Former and current externship hosts include:
| Applied NanoWorks |
Boston Scientific |
Center for Functional Genomics |
| Chronogram |
CommSoft |
Evident Technologies |
| FALA Technologies |
GE Energy - Infrastructure |
GE Global Research |
| Infineon Technologies |
Momentive Performance Materials |
MSE Power Systems |
| nfrastructure technologies |
Pitney Bowes MapInfo |
Plug Power |
| Starfire Systems |
SuperPower |
Vicarious Visions |
| X-Ray Optical Systems |
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For more information on either hosting a teacher in 2009 or applying for an externship position, contact Karen Fox at (518) 431-1435 or visit education.techvalley.org.
Employer Feedback
"Including teachers into our internal activities was seamless, productive, and, we hope will make a difference in how they relate technology to their classrooms."
Eric Burnett | Applied NanoWorks
"The externship program enabled us to accomplish a project that otherwise would not have been done."
Frank Falatyn | The Solar Energy Consortium
It was our goal to not only have the teachers complete a project that would provide benefit to us, but to thoroughly integrate them into our workplace and provide an understanding of all the functions involved in operating a high-tech economy. The program is truly a win for all."
Traute Lehner | SuperPower Inc.
"We absolutely get and appreciate this new approach to integrating academia and the business community."
John Blowers | GE Infrastructure
"We are a better company and team as a result of our teacher externship experience."
Joseph M. Clement | Applied NanoWorks
Teacher Feedback
"This is the most beneficial and educational professional development experience I have completed in my 24 years of teaching."
Tom Patterson | Schenectady City Schools
"An excellent experience that definitely exceeded my expectation."
Stacey Hass | Guilderland High School
"This has been very eye-opening and valuable. This has helped me find ways to connect my students to real-world experiences."
Bruce Allen | Bethlehem Central School District |
Major Sponsor
