Idaho educator 'externship' helps fuel passion

COEUR d'ALENE — Idaho Educator Externship Program strives to help educators bring cutting-edge, real-world experience back to their classrooms, including a teacher in the Lakeland Joint School District 272. 

This initiative offers teachers the chance to gain hands-on experience in STEM fields, network with professionals and learn what employers seek in future hires, all while earning $5,000 in compensation and professional development credits.

Participating educators included Lisa Mashburn, a fifth grade teacher at Lakeland Joint School District 272 and 15-year educator. 

“I will value this experience for years to come. Technology is a powerful bridge that connects us to the world, but it's teachers who guide students across the vast expanse," she said.

Mashburn holds a master's degree in e-learning and explores new digital platforms to create more engaging learning opportunities for her students.

"As a teacher, I believe it is my responsibility to continually embrace and learn from technological advances, bringing the wonders of STEM into the classroom to better serve my students and community." 

The Northwest Council for Computer Education participates in the program.

By hosting educator externs, NCCE helps bridge the gap between classroom learning and working in a remote environment, directly enhancing the quality of STEM education, a press release said. 

“Together, we authored meaningful blog posts on emerging technological trends and educational experiences, contributed newsletter artifacts and created teacher-friendly social media content,” stated NCCE CEO Shannon Davenport. “This was our first year participating with three remote educators, and it has been a win/win for our staff and organization,” Davenport said.