State grant aims to align local education with employers' expectations

If Franklin Regional teachers are going to prepare their students for the modern workplace, it only makes sense to find out what that workplace looks like and how its expectations align with the district’s curriculum.

Staff members were given that opportunity, along with professional development training in college and career readiness, thanks to a $25,000 Teacher in the Workplace grant from the state’s Department of Labor & Industry.

“This is a great opportunity for our teachers to learn first-hand about the expectations of our workforce as we prepare our future graduates,” said Ted Benning, assistant principal at Franklin Regional Senior High School. “Our educators also get the chance to learn about the volume of jobs available throughout Westmoreland County and determine how to prepare our students through the use of what we refer to as ‘FRever Skills’ to meet those needs.”

Last year, district staff partnered with the Westmoreland Intermediate Unit to allow high-school teachers to undergo the professional development and do on-site career exploration. This year, middle-school teachers are doing the same thing.

“Both (groups) found the experiences to be very worthwhile as they learned what companies expect from employees in the way of essential skills,” Benning said.

The district’s “FRever Skills” promote essential tools like collaboration, communication, critical thinking, citizenship and other characteristics identified as part of the “K-12 Future Readiness Plan.”

The grant also will cover the cost for sophomores and juniors to do job-shadowing with professionals in the workforce.

“We plan to have each member of the graduating class of 2022 participate in at least one job-shadowing experience by the end of their junior year of high school,” Benning said.

The district shared the $2.2 million Teacher in the Workplace grant with 92 education agencies to enable teachers to visit local employers and learn about skills and industry trends to enhance their classroom instruction, student learning and career readiness. Each agency will receive a $25,000 targeted grant through the Department of Education.

“It is critical that we connect our schools to local businesses so we can prepare students with the skills they need for in-demand jobs,” said Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf. “By connecting directly with employers, teachers can learn first-hand about the skills and industry trends that will enhance their classroom instruction, student learning, and career readiness.”

Benning agreed.

“This practice is very beneficial to our teachers to help ensure that what they’re teaching in the classroom includes the future needs of our workforce,” he said.