As Dubuque area middle and high school teachers prepare for the upcoming school year, a new professional development activity aims to connect them with the latest trends in business and industry through the eyes of area experts.
On Wednesday, Aug. 15, the Dubuque Community School District, in partnership with the Access Your Future Committee, DubuqueWorks and the Dubuque Area Labor Management Council (DALMC), will host “Connecting the Dots: Building Career Pathways Together.”
“It is important to provide opportunities for our teachers to stay in tune with the current demands in the fields our students will pursue as career options,” said Boyd Card, who oversees career technical education (CTE) and industrial technology for the district. “This event is maximizing the connections we enjoy across the community in a way that will greatly benefit Dubuque students.”
Over 280 teachers will participate in the day-long workshop, built on the philosophy that it is essential for employers and educators to work together as a team to prepare the workforce of tomorrow. Through “Connecting the Dots,” workforce experts and local employers will share information about the workforce needs for today and tomorrow.
“Having educators so in touch with area workforce needs helps create a strong regional economy and maintains Dubuque’s reputation as a vibrant place to work and live,” said Kelly Cooper, executive director of the Dubuque Area Labor Management Council. “The front-line knowledge shared by area employers will be an invaluable resource to the teachers attending.”
Sessions will be held from 10:30 a.m. through 2:30 p.m. at both Hempstead High School and Roosevelt Middle School. The schedule at each site will include a workforce development presentation and employer panel, as well as sector-specific sessions representing over 25 disciplines. Each will address current and projected workforce needs, requisite skills and educational requirements, salary and benefit information and career growth opportunities.
For more information, contact the DCSD School and Community Relations Office at (563)552-3020.
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