A group of Monroe County teachers and administrators spent Tuesday, February 18, 2025, touring local manufacturing industries to gain first-hand knowledge of the companies, prior to the opening of the Monroe County College & Career Academy. The group also took time to attend a Monroe County Board of Commissioners meeting. Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) teachers from the middle and high schools attended the field trip, along with Laura Rackley, Monroe County Assistant Superintendent for CTAE/MCCCA CEO, Joyce White, Executive Director of the Development Authority of Monroe County, and Ashlee Simmons, WorkSource Middle GA.
The one-day Educator Externship is an innovative initiative aimed at enhancing educational experiences and fostering professional development for teachers across the Middle Georgia region. Spearheaded in collaboration by Monroe County Schools, Middle GA WorkSource, and the Development Authority of Monroe County, the program seeks to help teachers expose students to various career opportunities within the region. It also bridges the gap between classroom instruction and real-world applications by providing the educators with immersive externship opportunities in various industries.
The abbreviated Educator Externship Program offers CTAE educators the chance to spend their professional learning day (teacher workday) embedded within local businesses. Through hands-on experiences and direct engagement with professionals in their field, participating teachers gain valuable insights, skills, and resources to enrich their teaching practices and inspire their students.
Local companies recognize the importance of providing educators with opportunities for continuous learning and professional growth. Participating companies agreed to continue partnering with the Monroe County College and Career Academy, serving as advisory committee members, mock interviewers, classroom guest speakers, work-based learning employers, etc.
The program also empowers teachers to bring the outside world into their classrooms, inspiring students to explore diverse career pathways and become lifelong learners. MCCCA, DAMC, and WorkSource would like to especially thank the Board of Commissioners, George Emami, Ryan Cirone, and Mitch Medley with Craft Cottages, and Leia Gatliff, Human Resources Manager for Five Below Ship Center, Georgia, for hosting these externships for teachers.