Allen ISD educators spent part of their summer break gaining real-world experience through an externship program developed in partnership with Workforce Solutions of North Central Texas. The initiative provided teachers with the opportunity to collaborate with local companies and organizations, deepening their understanding of career paths and workplace skills relevant to their students.
With support from the Allen Economic Development Corporation, educators were matched with businesses based on their subject area and interests. During the externship, they shadowed professionals in the field and later created lesson plans that connected their classroom content to real-life career applications.
Participants were placed with a wide range of industry partners, including the City of Allen, Allen Police Department, Allen Americans Professional Hockey Club, MD7, Credit Union of Texas, and more.
Teachers came from across the district and represented multiple content areas, including language arts, science, counseling, engineering, and special education. Among the participants were Miriam Fowler from the STEAM Center, who externed with City of Allen Community Services, and Amy Gumpf from Allen High School, who partnered with the Allen Police Department.
Congratulations to all participating Allen ISD educators and community partners for contributing to a meaningful program that helps bring career-connected learning into the classroom.
