Search The Edge Files Help   Advanced

Narrative:  The Jackson-Madison Faculty in the Factory program began as a result of a workforce development/education summit held in February 1998. Sixteen business and education leaders agreed that the most important project they could establish would allow teachers to have first-hand experience in the world of business. A committee was formed from that larger group, and a pilot program was developed that allowed 12 high school teachers to work at 9 different businesses and industries in Jackson for a four-week period in June 1998. A goal of the program was that teachers not only see the relevance of their particular subject, but also that they observe first-hand those "soft" skills that businesses seem to find particularly lacking in new graduates.

Attendees started their four-week period by attending a half-day seminar on SCANS skills. Each teacher was paid $500 per week (roughly what they would have made if they were teaching summer school) by his or her sponsoring company. Teachers were required to work and/or interface with as many different areas of the business as possible, as well as to interface with all levels of employees, from entry level to upper management. They produced a written report to their company and to the committee, in which they outlined how they were going to use what they had learned in the classroom, and how they were going to share the information with their students. Some included lesson plans in their reports. In addition, each teacher was required to make a presentation at a faculty meeting to share their new knowledge with their fellow teachers.

It Works!  Everyone felt the program was a success. The response from both teachers and businesses has been overwhelmingly positive. This year, the program expanded to eleven companies, seventeen high school teachers and will include a two-week program for six guidance counselors. While the chamber could have used grant funding to pay for the program its first year, the committee wanted it to be completely self-sustaining. The strategy worked and the cost of the program is being absorbed by the business sector. In addition, the program was so successful that it is being replicated around the state including in Hamilton and Obion counties.

Contact:
Shirley Jones, Education Coordinator
Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce
PO Box 1904
Jackson TN 38302-1904
(P): 901 423-2200
(F): 901 424-4860
E-mail: sajones@jacksontn.com