Over 165 teachers went to work for eight weeks over the summer for industry and research lab partners through paid fellowships. The summer work helps teachers develop current, real-world experiences in business and research labs, so they can bring relevance into classroom teaching and student learning experiences.
Founded in 1985 through the vision of David Packard, co-founder of Hewlett-Packard (HP), Industry Initiatives for Science and Math Education (IISME) serves as a bridge to industry-education partnerships. Enthusiastic staff from IISME develops business relationships with industry and university sponsors, recruit teachers into positions and provide support through mentors, coordinators and peer coaches.
This industry-education partnership focuses on teachers as the primary agents for effecting meaningful change in mathematics and science education. IISME provides teachers with experiences and tools they need to adapt their practices and change their schools so that all students are prepared to be lifelong learners, responsible citizens and productive employees.
The 28th annual End of Summer Celebration was held last week at Hewlett Packard facilities in Cupertino, California. Glen Griffiths, leader and manager of over 400 people worldwide for HP, congratulated the teachers for their participation and gave an inspiring key-note recalling his development as a life-long learner.
Teachers enjoyed learning through work in world-leading research labs and companies. Fellowships were provided by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Stanford University, UC Berkeley, Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company, Cisco Systems, Adobe Foundation, Hewlett-Packard Company, and many more.
Jennifer Bruckner, IISME’s Executive Director, said regional leadership of the Silicon Valley Leadership Group is one of the keys to IISME’s success. By transforming teaching and learning through industry-education partnerships, IISME plays an important role in preparing a strong, highly skilled workforce in math, science and technological fields. Having a highly skilled work-ready labor force is one of the keys to the economic health in the Silicon Valley area.
While IISME has historically focused on the Silicon Valley area, Bruckner said IISME is expanding its program to serve other key technology regions in California.
Through IISME, teachers connect with a professional community enhancing their practice as educators. To learn more, check out IISME’s resources for teachers.
