The Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce re-launched “Educators in the Workplace” this week. The program allows local teachers and faculty members to visit local businesses and see firsthand the conditions and opportunities available in the workplace in the Greater Owensboro region.
Typical on-site visits include presentations by host employers about their industry sector and their workforce, the levels of proficiency required for employees, and any other topics employers wish to cover, followed by time for discussion.
“This program is a win for all involved. Students have greater opportunities based on educator’s knowledge of programs; educators receive professional development that links classroom practices with workplace practices and expands their networking base with other teaching professionals; and our business leaders have the opportunity to connect with the people who are working day in and day out to improve life for their students,” said Chamber President and CEO Candance Castlen Brake.
Each session of the program will highlight different career paths and regional workforce opportunities within those careers — including manufacturing, healthcare, transportation and logistics, and information technology and STEM.
The first session focused on manufacturing and included visits to Sun Windows, Mizkan America, and Owensboro Community & Technical College.
Educators participating and their school affiliation include:
- Dr. Shane Armstrong, Owensboro Community and Technical College
- Chad Askins, Daviess County High School
- Tammy Askins, Daviess County High School
- Aaron Aud, Owensboro High School
- Dr. Jeffrey Barnette, Brescia University
- Maddie Brasher-Evans, Trinity High School
- Jennifer Busse, Owensboro High School
- Professor J.P. Clark, Kentucky Wesleyan College
- Ginny Coomes, Owensboro Catholic High School
- Erica Crabtree, Owensboro Catholic High School
- Jay Fallin, Owensboro High School
- Ashley Gendek, Owensboro Innovation Academy
- Molly Gibson, Owensboro Community and Technical College
- Heath Hicks, Owensboro High School
- Stephanie Huff, Owensboro Middle School
- Keith Johnson, Apollo High School
- Libby Johnson, Emerson Academy
- Kurt Osborne, Owensboro Catholic High School
- Professor Joseph Pashea, Kentucky Wesleyan College
- Morgan Russelburg, Brescia University
- Katie Scott, Owensboro High School
- Natasha Shock, Owensboro Middle School
- Katie Stallings, St. Mary of the Woods
- Julie Starnes, Owensboro Innovations Academy
- Hannah Stephen, Owensboro High School
- Melody Wallace, Apollo High School
- Professor Danielle Woodward, Kentucky Wesleyan College
