In 2015 the goal was to provide professional development to middle and high school math and science teachers on Problem-Based Learning (PBL) and workforce development in local workforce settings. The Alamo STEM Workforce Coalition (ASWC) is a group of educators and workforce professionals who collaborated to provide rich externships to STEM teachers

 

The ASWC provided two five-day professional development sessions including

• 26 externships opportunities at 21 organizations

• PBL instruction & lesson plan development time

• Panels of expert describing workforce challenges and opportunities for teachers and students

• Presentations on workforce statistics and House Bill 5 provisions

 

The teachers represented 61 campuses in 15 independent school districts.  The post-session survey found that teachers

• Gained in the knowledge, preparation, and confidence in Problem-Based Learning

• Gained even more in their knowledge of local companies, their workforce needs, and confidence in teaching about the local companies

• Can convey what employers are looking for in their job applicants