Educator externships are an excellent opportunity for educators to gain experience in a business, industry, or agency related to their field of instruction. Educators spend a minimum of 90 hours in a business or industry setting where they accomplish actual work for the company in which they extern. Generally, educators are paid for their services, either through a stipend from their school districts or local School to Career partnerships or directly from the business. Externs may receive college credit for their experience. Externships enable educators to establish relationships with the local business community associated with their chosen field of instruction; thus, fostering better communication between educators and business community representatives. This, in turn, updates educators’ fund of teaching knowledge and enables them to use their experiences to better prepare students for the work world.

The University of Nevada, Reno offers an educator externship course where educators may earn university credit for participating. Occupational and academic teachers, counselors, administrators and other school personnel such as nurses may take this course. School to Careers is for all students; therefore, teachers of all subject areas are welcome to participate. For additional course information, call Dr. Vernon Luft, Occupational Teacher Educator, University of Nevada, Reno, (702) 784-6300 or email luft@unr.edu.