SV educators participate in job shadowing
A group of Seneca Valley teachers participated in a job-shadowing training program earlier this month, learning from employers — including Steamfitters, Builders Guild of Western Pennsylvania, Life Design and PNC Bank — to better provide students with knowledge and advice about the modern workplace.
The training was made possible by a $25,000 Teacher in the Workplace grant, awarded by Gov. Tom Wolf through the Pennsylvania Department of Education to Seneca Valley School District in 2020.
Ninety-two local education agencies received these grants, but activities were postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The grant was extended this year, and training opportunities began this summer.
“The Teacher in the Workplace program has allowed our staff to see firsthand the current work environment,” Seneca Valley Student Services director Jeff Roberts said in a statement.
“Instead of talking to our students about ‘the world of work’ in general terms, participating teachers will be able to give specific examples. We are committed to providing opportunities for students to understand how to prepare for their next steps in life,” Roberts said.
After debriefing about their experience, the faculty reviewed their school curricula and made recommendations for adjustments that support developing modern skills that meet local employers’ needs.
“Teacher participants were amazed at the high-tech work being done in our backyard. They want what they are teaching to be relevant to students’ futures,” Roberts said.
The Teacher in the Workforce grants from the Department of Education are funded through federal money made available through Title II, Part A, of the Every Student Succeeds Act and from L&I through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunities Act. Eligible applicants include local education entities, businesses and chambers of commerce, labor organizations, postsecondary institutions, community-based organizations, public libraries, trade associations and economic development entities.
