Teachers from all six Leander ISD high schools participated in COOL Week for Teachers, embarking on professional externships to broaden their knowledge of modern industries and how it pertains to their classrooms. Through a grant from the Texas Rural Capital Area Workforce Development Board and in partnership with the Leander Chamber of Commerce, teachers spent a week learning about a local business, including their processes, workflows, hiring practices and more.
“These educators will bring back invaluable knowledge of today’s work environments to their classrooms, increasing connectivity and relevancy in our curriculum,” said Superintendent Dan Troxell, Ph.D. “It’s just another way that our exceptional teachers are working on their craft during the summer for the benefit of students.”
Businesses that hosted LISD teachers included Acxiom, Burnet Vet Clinic, Telemundo, Bastrop County Vet, City of Leander, Greater Texas Federal Credit Union, KVUE-TV, National Instruments, Oceaneering Space Systems, RAICE, Dell, Stitch Texas, ARA, Catalyst Collective, NOV, the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum and the Blanton Museum of Art.
“It’s such a thrill to launch this program to such incredible results,” COOL Week Coordinator Pat Lopez said. “We’re nearing 20 years of COOL Week for our high school seniors, but it’s so amazing to see our teachers have similar opportunities, and we hope to expand the program next summer.”
