Teachers Experience the Working Life of Tellepsen
Houston A+ Challenge Teacher Externship program gives Houston teachers hands-on experience for the classroom
HOUSTON (June 16, 2008) – For the third year in a row, Tellepsen played host to select Houston-area teachers as they participated in the Houston A+ Challenge teacher externship program, designed to immerse teachers with business professionals in their fields of study.
This year, Tellepsen provided that experience for Kyle Johnson, drafting, engineering and architecture instructor for Cypress Ridge High School, and Nina Nkem, technology education and applications instructor for West Briar Middle School.
”This program is set up uniquely in that you can immerse yourself in an environment surrounded by successful professionals,” said Kyle Johnson. “I loved the communication – at all times, regardless of the project, the people at Tellepsen knew their responsibilities and the goals that had been set.”
During their week-long externships, both teachers spent time touring Tellepsen job sites and speaking with project managers and superintendents about their experience in construction and the lessons learned that could apply to students in the classroom.
“The experience was phenomenal. I was truly impressed,” said Nina Nkem, after her visit to Tellepsen project sites. “Even the large, multi-million dollar projects have exceptional coordination and management. These are real-world examples that truly interest my students.”
With the help of A+ Challenge, a program that provides teachers with resources and support to improve classroom practices, the teacher externship program was launched in 2003 as a way to connect teachers with business professionals in their fields of study. By interacting with industry experts, teachers are able to craft lessons and learning points for students that are relevant to the workplace.
Nearly 200 teachers representing 18 Houston area school districts participate in the summer teacher externship program. More than 70 companies in various industries provided workplace environments for the teachers, each dedicating time and resources to ensure that the lessons learned can be effectively passed down to Houston youth.
“We believe that hands-on education is one of the most effective methods of producing qualified candidates for our industry,” explained Howard Tellepsen, Jr., chairman and CEO. “But more importantly, Tellepsen wants to give something valuable to teachers by equipping them with real-world knowledge that can be applied to lessons in the classroom.”
Both teachers spent some of their externship time speaking with the human resources department about what kind of candidates become successful at Tellepsen. Nkem learned about different safety procedures, feedback for construction projects and designing more effective blueprints, among many others. As this was Johnson’s first teacher externship, he was unsure of what to expect from the process, but happily came away with lessons and guidance to share with his students.
“I’ll definitely be applying the importance of professionalism to my lessons in the classroom,” explained Johnson. “Through the meetings I had at the Tellepsen headquarters and the tours of project sites, the Tellepsen staff always retained their professionalism. My students will definitely appreciate the advice on how you present yourself and your ideas in the real world.”
Nkem instructs her students at West Briar Middle School about technology applications using computer modules in different industries, including commercial and residential construction, automotive and logistics. Johnson teaches his students about designing and engineering different projects at Cypress Ridge High School. This past semester, Johnson taught about the consequences of working-world decisions by having a professional architect thoroughly judge and grade his student’s seven-week long design projects.
Tellepsen Builders
Building on a Century of Trust, four generations of the Tellepsen family have made the Houston area their home, and four generations of Texans have relied on Tellepsen for the places they live, work, play, worship and learn. Tellepsen has been performing general contracting and construction management for both public and private sectors since 1909.
Tellepsen is turning dreams into reality in commercial, education, healthcare, churches and retail sectors. The successful company is responsible for building some of Houston’s most notable landmarks such as the Shamrock Hotel, the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston and the original St. Luke’s Episcopal Hospital and Texas Children’s Hospital. For more information on the company and a complete list of projects and awards, visit www.tellepsen.com. |
