Over 35 teachers and staff from Sullivan County Schools were in attendance for the annual Teacher Industry Day which paired teachers with local industries to learn the educational requirements for job positions in our community. The all-day event began with breakfast and then Sullivan County Director of Schools Chuck Carter, Board of Education Chair Matthew Price, and BTES CEO Clayton Dowell welcomed attendees.
“BTES is excited to support the shared goal of preparing our students for the jobs of tomorrow,” said Dowell. “By connecting educators with industry professionals, we can provide our students with valuable opportunities right here in our community.”
This event is in its third year with Sullivan County Schools and has been in place for 27 years for Bristol.
“Teacher Industry Day is always a great time to meet and network with the educators that are helping train the next generation of industry leaders,” said Brad Deel with H Johnson Pharmacy. “I love being able to share the business and clinical intricacies that people rarely know about and give a behind the scenes look at the ever-evolving practice of pharmacy.”
Teacher Industry Day has received international recognition from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) for its success.
NETWORK Sullivan Partnership’s Clay Walker explained, “I’ve been privileged to watch and participate in 11 Teacher Industry Days and each year I see value I hadn’t appreciated before. The main crux of my observations is the remarkable understanding educators and students get as to how the skills, particularly in critical thinking and problem solving as well as the specialized technical aptitudes, translate to meeting our major employers’ workforce needs.”
The industries participating in the program recognize its significance for both our community and our students.
“Teacher Industry Day is an excellent opportunity to showcase your business while providing valuable insight to the educators who are in the classroom every day with our emerging leaders,” said USAntibiotics’ Dedra Helbert. “Helping the educators learn about the different opportunities available at your worksite enables them to better connect the classroom studies with the job requirements allowing business leaders to find great candidates at the grassroots level. It’s a win for everyone!”
Participating industries include Ballad Health, Bell Helicopter, Bristol Tennessee Essential Services, Bristol Tennessee Fire Department, Bristol Tennessee Police Department, Chick-fil-A, City of Bristol Tennessee, Great Clips, H Johnson Pharmacy, HSN, Integrated Health Concepts, JA Street & Associates, Kintronic Laboratories, KPS Global, Mattern & Craig, Microporous, Modern Forge, Pratt Triad, Seaman Corporation, Sturdy Lite, Teleperformance, Tennessee Valley Authority, UPM Pharmaceuticals, USAntibiotics, Vulcan, Wallace Collision Center, and Westlake Royal Building Products.
BTES and the Tennessee Valley Authority have sponsored the event since its inception.
