Teacher Externship Program
Teacher externships are a professional development opportunity that connects educators with industry professionals for a hands-on learning experience that transfers to student learning.
Through the Rutherford Works Teacher Externship Program, teachers can immerse themselves within local businesses to gain a deeper understanding of available career opportunities and associated skill sets required for students to succeed.
After the externship experience, teachers possess the reference points and tools to make classroom activities and discussions more relevant to students. Teachers find they are better equipped to provide lessons that improve student connections with the outside world and better prepare students for future careers.
Application Opens: February 17, 2020
Program Interest Meeting: February 24, 2020
Application Deadline: March 6, 2020
Program Run Date: June 8 - June 19, 2020
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
2020 Program Details:
PRIOR TO PROGRAM:
Implementation Presentation
Purpose
Externships will be placed in STEM related fields with the hope that administrators, teachers, and counselors can speak from experience as they advise students on educational and career goals.
This program is open to Rutherford County and Murfreesboro City middle school teachers. Eligibility
Rutherford County School teams should represent a cross-section of academic and CTE disciplines and be considered a “student influencers” by peers and students alike. Teams may be made up of teachers (subject area, STEM, CTE, special ed, etc.), counselors and librarians and MUST include an assistant principal.
Murfreesboro City School teams may have the same structure described above from one school and/or may be made up of 6th grade educators from multiple schools AND one assistant principal.
Team members must:
• must be able to commit to 2 (40 hour) weeks of work during June 8-19, 2020
• must have reliable transportation to and from the training and job site. Please note, some employers may require travel outside of Rutherford County.Schedule
Extern teams will meet with Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce prior to employer placement to discuss logistics, agreements, and answer any questions. This meeting will be announced via email.
Goals
1. Teachers will design and implement a lesson plan that embeds industry concepts into curriculum throughout the school year.
2. Externs will gain an understanding of the employability skills and competencies essential for success in the workplace, including:
a. Application of academic and technical knowledge and skills
b. Career knowledge and navigation skills
c. 21st Century learning and innovation skills
d. Personal and social skills
3. Teachers, counselors and administrators will advise students in a meaningful way using acquired knowledge. Participants will see the application of skills in careers and will understand different definitions of success.
4.Extern teams will design and implement a school-based industry engagement action plan, which should enhance education and industry collaborations and increase partnerships to the maximum benefit of students in the participating district.
Employer Benefits
2. Increase awareness of industry-specific career opportunities.
3. Inform educators about their expectations of employees in various positions and offer input to the curriculum, thereby contributing to the preparation of their future workforce.
4. Identify and cultivate future talent by acting as a guest speaker, mentor, field trip host, or job shadow host.
5. Training and development opportunity for managers and mentors.Class of 2019 Recap
Blackman Middle School Presentation
Christiana Middle School Presentation
Rocky Fork Middle School Presentation
Siegel Middle School Presentation
Whitworth-Buchanan Middle School Presentation
Partner Presentations
YouScience Presentation
ACT WorkKeys Presentation
2019 Program Recap
Justin Usery
Blackman Middle SchoolJackie Lee
Blackman Middle School
Taylor Moses
Blackman Middle SchoolKristin Pena
Blackman Middle SchoolBreonica Porter
Blackmand Middle SchoolLisa Ezell
Christiana Middle SchoolWintress Bennett
Christiana Middle School David Duez
Christiana Middle SchoolEmily Fish
Christiana Middle SchoolRachel Nichols
Christiana Middle SchoolKaitlyn Benavides
Rocky Fork Middle SchoolPamela Parker
Rocky Fork Middle SchoolAmanda Serrano
Rocky Fork Middle SchoolSydney King
Siegel Middle SchoolHunter Lee
Siegel Middle SchoolKatelyn Conner
Siegel Middle School
Mattison Ayers
Siegel Middle SchoolJason Baird
Whitworth-Buchanan Middle SchoolDara Busard
Whitworth-Buchanan Middle SchoolCourtney Jones
Whitworth-Buchanan Middle SchoolDennis Jungman
Whitworth-Buchanan Middle SchoolChristopher Prince
Whitworth-Buchanan Middle SchoolClass of 2018 Recap
Smyrna Middle
Christiana Middle
Brian Lewis - RCS CTE
David Mansouri - SCORE
Troy Grant - THEC
Christiana Middle
Lisa Ezell
Erin Robertson
Dawn Powell
Elizabeth Eubanks
Heaven Doh
Justin Usery
Kelsey Robertson
Tyler Eady
Gina Wray
Kristin Cantrell
LaShonda Chambers
Jacob Cook
Kelley Oberg