CELINA-Career Technical Education, along with science, math teachers, academic career coaches and school counselors from a three-county area were recently hosted at an externship by Appalachian BioScience (ABS) here.
Dr. Bharat Soni, Vice President of Research and Economic Development at Tennessee Tech University, Michael Aikens with the Tennessee Center for Rural Innovation, and April and Nick Patterson with Honest Abe Log Homes and related companies partnered with Appalachian BioScience and Clay County Schools to provide a day of learning and collaboration.
CTE teachers from Clay, Jackson and Overton counties spent the better part of a day at ABS, where they got a tour of the research facility, located about three miles south of town. ABS is involved in the development of “novel monoclonal antibodies highly conserved proteins.”
“Our goal is to provide the best antibodies for our clients in pharmaceutical research companies, as well as academia and government,” said ABS owner Mitch Gray. “We have a committed and accomplished team of scientists working to produce excellent quality monoclonal antibodies. Our expertise in tissue culture, biochemistry, molecular biology, chemistry, biology and bioengineering ensures that our final product meets our clients’ highest standards.”
Clay County Career Technical Education director Jayne Donaldson organized the externship for the three-county teacher team. She said externships offer a unique professional development opportunity connecting the classroom to the workplace. The purpose of these externships is for teachers to engage in activities in business and industry, and to learn how classroom content and learning strategies are applied in the workplace.
The externships allow teachers to design and implement classroom activities, projects and work-based opportunities that will add relevance to student learning, and better prepare students for the workplace, Donaldson said. It also allows employers to provide input on the skills new workers need when they enter the workforce.
“Externships open an important dialogue between our school systems and prospective employers,” Donaldson said. “It’s been said that K-12 education IS economic development, and this is an important part of that process.
“We’re very grateful to Appalachian BioScience for their investment of time and resources, not only for our local CTE teachers, but two adjoining counties, too,” she said. “We also want to thank them for their very warm welcome and their contribution to education in the Upper Cumberland.”
Area teachers were vocal in their evaluation of the externship experience: “This externship was very Informative and helpful as I guide students prepare to study in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math area. I am glad to know this facility is available to mentor and possible hire our graduates.” “Awesome experience.” “Thanks so much for this wonderful experience! I cannot wait to speak to my students about this!” “Excellent information and good resources for our classroom. This was the most beneficial externship that I have experienced.” “Great experience.” “Thanks so much for inviting me on this adventure.”
After a lunch provided by ABS, the teachers gathered at the Clay County Chamber of Commerce, where they discussed economic development in general and populations trends in particular.