Workforce and Education

Preparing Students for Success

Together, we cultivate talent in and outside the classroom by bridging the gap between education and workforce development in the state of Tennessee.

How Educators Can Get Involved

We grow talent by working with educators to provide opportunities for career exposure, exploration and experience. Educators receive tools and resources for personalized student advising based on job data, career advising and career and technical education pathways.

They also connect with employers during our industry council meetings, promote workforce development events and provide classroom insights and opportunities for industry involvement. Educators use can those experiences and resources to provide career information and opportunities to students year after year.

Educators interested in these and additional opportunities are encouraged to email our team for details!

Educator working with student as part of a workforce development program in Tennessee

Find Employer Partners for Classes

The Career Pathways Partnership program builds partnerships between employers, Murfreesboro City Schools, Rutherford County Schools and college educators.

K-12 educators can use this tool to connect with employers regarding career exposure, exploration, and experience. Employers have signed up to participate in career days, virtual coaching, job shadowing, work-based learning, student competitions and more.

Employer partnership program for Tennessee workforce development

Educator Externship Program

Teacher externships are a professional development opportunity that connects middle school educators with industry professionals for a hands-on learning experience that transfers to student learning.

Through the Rutherford Works Educator Externship Program, teachers can immerse themselves within local businesses to gain a deeper understanding of available career opportunities and the associated skill sets required for students’ success.

After the externship experience, teachers will find they are better equipped to provide lessons, activities and discussions that improve student connections with the outside world and better prepare them for future careers.

Rutherford Works Ambassadors

Every middle and high school in the Rutherford County Schools system has a Rutherford Works program ambassador. Principals in the Rutherford County and Murfreesboro City elementary schools lead the charge for our work at their schools. These partners advocate for student career preparation and success by actively engaging in the planning and promoting our student-focused workforce programs.

Rutherford Works Ambassadors for Tennessee's workforce development programs

Ready to Get Involved?

Learn more about specialty K-12 programs and see how to get your students involved.

Supplemental Resources

YouScience

Rutherford County Schools utilizes YouScience to uncover student skill sets and the jobs that correspond to their aptitudes and interests. As students complete YouScience, their results populate personalized insights. Starting in middle school, educators can use this data to help students decide which academic programs to pursue based on their abilities while fulfilling Perkins V or graduation plan requirements.

TSBA District Data Dashboard

District and regional labor market statistics, district demographics, academic and financial data that assists parents, students and educators in understanding local career opportunities.

TN-CAPS.com

TN-CAPS provides age-appropriate, classroom-ready lesson plans that introduce students to careers available in your local area. These lesson plans include activities that practice core academic skills for in-demand careers.

Have Questions?

Get in touch!