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Narrative: In 1997 Vision Haywood County, a not-for-profit foundation formed by local businesses and industries, approached the Crockett/Hardeman/Haywood School-to-Career Partnership with the idea of a Teacher Job Shadowing Initiative. The foundation was looking for a way to dispel the negative stereotypes many students seem to have about local manufacturing plants. The goal was to have teachers spend time during the summer learning about local industries and business so that they could talk about careers in manufacturing.
Sixty Haywood County teachers and thirty Hardeman County teachers from all content areas have participated in Job Shadowing. The number of businesses involved has grown from six to fourteen. In 1998 and 1999, shadowing participants typically spent three days visiting a site. In 2000, participants spent four to five days in the sites. Participants who completed a written report of their experience within two weeks received an honorarium of one hundred dollars.
It Works! The responses from all involved are positive. Instructors provide students with information about careers in a local industry and the need for math, science and communications skills. Employers report increased requests for classroom presentations, field trips and information about the kinds of math and science used in local industries. The foundation has committed to continue funding the project once the grant ends.
Contact:
Opal Hay/Robert Mitchell
Crockett-Hardeman-Haywood Partnership
1175 East College Street
Brownsville, TN 38012
901-772-4221 (voice)
901-772-6223 (fax)
E-mail: mitchellr2@ten-nash.ten.k12.tn.us