Nextech Launches Externship For Teachers
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowIndianapolis-based nonprofit Nextech is launching an initiative to connect teachers with leaders in the local tech sector. The Nextech Educator Externship will help middle and high school teachers connect their classroom curriculum to career opportunities and student interests.
The five-day professional development program will take 18 computer science teachers from 17 Indiana schools and immerse them in companies within the tech industry. Nextech says the teachers will gain first-hand knowledge about trends, skill needs and computer-related job opportunities across all industries.
"Teachers don’t always have the relevant industry experience needed to help students bridge classroom curriculum to real-world applications," said Karen Jung, president of Nextech. "There is no better resource to provide this context than spending time in Indy workplaces, engaging with the professionals who apply those skills every day."
Nextech says participating teachers will take part in activities related to topics including:
- Demystifying the Cloud
- The Product Development Lifecycle
- Agile Development
- Designer/ Developer Collaboration
- Day-in-the-Life of a Solutions Architect
- Entrepreneurship in the Tech Industry
- New Business Development and Funding
- Client Software Implementation and Integration
Several Indiana tech companies have signed on for the program, including Bluelock, Doxly, High Alpha, Nimblejack and The Finish Line (Nasdaq: FINL).
"The exponential growth of central Indiana’s tech sector has placed an increased demand on our workforce, and that demand is growing at astronomical rates," said Jeff Ton, executive vice president of product and service development for Bluelock. "It is imperative that K-12 educators and students have a deep knowledge of available career opportunities in technology, and are motivated and inspired to pursue them."
You can learn more about the Nextech Educator Externship by clicking here.