Educators Step Into the World of Work to Explore Career Options for Students
This summer, seven teachers from Davie County Schools stepped out of their traditional classrooms and into the workplaces shaping the county’s economy. During a four-day teacher externship, they visited a wide variety of local employers to gain insight into the career opportunities available to students—and the skills they’ll need to succeed in them.
The externship included behind-the-scenes tours of Atrium Wake Forest Baptist Health-Davie Medical Center, Cognition Davie, Davidson-Davie Community College, Gildan, Hayward Pool (manufacturing and distribution centers), Palltronics, Quail Ridge Confections, REEB, Davie County Register of Deeds, Davie County Sheriff’s Office, 911 Call Center, and Davie County water treatment plants.
Stephanie Morris, middle school career development coordinator, emphasized the value of the experience. “One of my favorite parts of my job is getting to see how what we do in our schools translates to the students’ futures. The externships allow us to see what our local businesses need and forge partnerships that will help our whole economy prosper.”
(Back) Carolyn McManamy.
Local Program Aims to Strengthen Workforce and Educational Outcomes
The summer externship program is part of a broader workforce development strategy driven by the Davie County Economic Development Commission (DCEDC), Davie CONNECT, and Davie County Schools. Launched in 2014 with a $50,000 grant from the Mebane Charitable Foundation, the initiative was part of DCEDC’s five-year economic growth strategy, Together We Are Davie, and has continued with the Commission’s support ever since.
Carolyn McManamy, director of Davie CONNECT, explained the program’s long-term impact. “It allows educators to see firsthand the relevance of the curriculum they teach and how it applies in real-world settings. This is crucial because the more our teachers understand, the better they can inform students about educational and career opportunities.”
DCEDC President Terry Bralley highlighted the benefits for both teachers and students. “Each summer, teachers learn from industry leaders about available job opportunities and the educational requirements for each role. This has significantly increased awareness and built relationships between local industries and our educators, students, and families.”
Teachers Share What They Learned—and What They’ll Share with Students
This year’s externship participants included Davie High teachers Lauren Hatley, Career and Technical Education (CTE); Sandra Hinkle, CTE; Joy Howard, math; Angela Stage; and Brittani Steger, CTE. Program organizers Carolyn McManamy, director of Davie CONNECT; Alyse Wooldridge, career development coordinator at DCHS; and Stephanie Morris, middle school career development coordinator, were also present.
Howard joined the program after being inspired by last year’s participants on social media. “My favorite part was the side-by-side look at the old Cooleemee water plant and the new plant under construction. I’ve worked with the County utility department through their former engineer during summers, and I’m excited about the improvements this will bring to the department and community. It will be very valuable in my classroom to be able to share the skills and work ethic that we consistently heard about over the course of the week.
She added, “I’m sure that many of our students are not aware of the number of opportunities that are available right in our backyard.”
Hatley, who is new to Davie County, saw the externship as a way to connect with the community. “I really enjoyed the tour at Gildan. This experience allowed me to make connections that will help me provide field trips and internship opportunities for my students.”
Local Businesses Invest in Education Through Engagement
Participating businesses see the externship as a valuable chance to educate and inspire.
Johnny Lambert, director of Davie County Public Utilities, said, “It was an absolute pleasure to host the teacher externship tour and showcase the incredible transformation taking place at our water treatment facilities. The dedication and interest of the participants were truly inspiring. This experience highlighted the importance of collaboration and knowledge sharing in building a brighter future for Davie County.”
Jay Kimura, owner of Quail Ridge Confections, highlighted how the program helps connect the dots between education and opportunity. “I think the Teachers Externship tours are one of the best ways for teachers to understand what industries we have in Davie County. This gives them the on-site knowledge that they can share with students, showing them that there are jobs in the county that may suit their interests.”
Cameron Shirley, associate vice president, Davie Campuses & Strategic Initiatives at Davidson-Davie Community College, added, “The externship experience was a great opportunity for the college to connect with business and industry in Davie County. As someone new to the Davie Campus, this helps me get to know local industry and begin to identify new partnership opportunities.”
Wooldridge expressed appreciation to business partners and invited more to get involved, “ Their staff did an incredible job, and we are very thankful for their hospitality! The externship visits are always exciting for our teachers… Our school district would love for any business or industry partners interested in participating next summer to contact us.”
