CIEDA hosts first Encounter Teacher Experience

June 28, 2019

Story originally published by CIEDA

The Claremore Industrial and Economic Development Authority (CIEDA) hosted 20 teachers from across Rogers County for its inaugural teacher experience. The goal of Encounter is to provide a foundation for educators to use in motivating students to develop and maintain career pathways, as well as provide relevance and rigor to STEM education, training, and workforce development.

The event featured tours and briefings from five Claremore area manufacturers, AXH air-coolers, LLC, Baker Hughes, MST Manufacturing, Pelco Structural and Reading Truck Body. Each entity highlighted the various career opportunities available within their facilities, as well as the qualities each company looks for when identifying potential candidates. In addition to the industry tours, each participant was provided with supplemental curriculum to implement within their individual classrooms next year. 

Recent information from the Oklahoma Office of Commerce and Workforce Development shows by 2025 Tulsa region will face a 16 percent gap among the education level of local workforce. Programs such as Encounter are essential for promoting a variety of potential employment options, while fostering a sense of collaboration between the needs of business and the lessons taught within our area classrooms.

“The next generation of workforce is in the classroom,” said Meggie Froman-Knight, Talent Development Manager for CIEDA. “As our regional manufacturing entities continue to grow, it is imperative that we work together to change the misunderstandings surrounding this vital economic sector.  We hope that this experience will provide our education partners with valuable information and insight on the endless career opportunities that lie within Claremore's manufacturing industry.”

“On behalf of CIEDA, I would like to personally thank each attendee for taking time out of their summer to join us in promoting and cultivating Rogers County’s future workforce,” said John Feary, CIEDA Executive Director. “Additionally, I would like to offer my sincere appreciation to Joe Kays and the Claremore Parks and Rec Department, our host MST Manufacturing and Fastenal Company for their roles in ensuring the success of this event.”