Round Rock ISD secondary teachers, counselors and administrators celebrated the completion of the third summer Externship program on August 9.

The program is the result of the collaboration between the Round Rock ISD Career and Technical Education (CTE) Department and the Round Rock Chamber. Round Rock ISD and the Chamber pair businesses and educators based on the teacher’s subject matter. Once the match is established and customized, the company hosts the educator on site for three days. This experience provides teachers the opportunity to gain insight and stay current in their respective fields. At the conclusion of the program, teachers return to their campuses to train their colleagues and integrate new learning into their instruction.

“The benefits of Round Rock ISD partnering with local businesses are mutually beneficial,” Director of Career and Technical Education Sheri Bonds said. “It allows all secondary teachers who participate in the program the opportunity to stay current and graduate students who are ready for today’s workforce.”

The Round Rock Chamber was recognized as an advocate for public schools at the state level by the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) Stand Up for Texas Public Schools program. The Chamber was celebrated for their efforts to partner with Round Rock ISD and enhance CTE education districtwide.

“There is no doubt that the externship program is of value to the business community and educators,” said Amy Mizcles, Round Rock Chamber vice president of community enhancement. The program is an excellent opportunity to build a bridge between the business community and our schools. The real winners, however, are the children and youth. As educators bring their externship experience to the classroom via lesson plans, it is their students who will reap the benefits of the program.”

Round Rock ISD would like to thank the following businesses in Round Rock, Austin, Cedar Park, Georgetown and Buda for hosting our educators and for their support of Round Rock ISD:

  • 4Reelz
  • A+ Federal Credit Union
  • ACC Round Rock
  • ArtSpace
  • Balcones Country Club
  • Baylor Scott & White
  • BLGY Architecture
  • City of Round Rock
  • Community Impact
  • DHL Analytical
  • Down Home Ranch
  • Department of Public Safety
  • EA Games
  • EIX Systems
  • Epicor
  • Georgetown Palace
  • Herb Kelleher Center for Entrepreneurship, Growth, Renewals
  • Hot Dog Marketing
  • IBM Design Group
  • Insys Therapeutics
  • Junior Achievement
  • KVUE
  • One Voice Communications
  • Penfold Theater
  • RBank
  • Round Rock Chamber
  • Round Rock Express
  • Round Rock Police Department
  • Round Rock Serving Center
  • Samsung
  • Senator Charles Schwertner’s Office
  • Representative Larry Gonzalez’ Office
  • Southwestern University
  • St. David’s Hospital
  • Stantec
  • Taylor Housing Authority
  • Texas A&M Round Rock
  • Texas Baptist Children’s Home
  • Texas Heat Training
  • Texas Museum of Science & Technology
  • Texas Tribune
  • Typhoon Texas
  • Univision
  • University of Texas – Civil, Architectural & Environmental Engineering Dept.
  • University of Texas – Butler School of Music
  • Volatile Analysis Corp
  • Williamson Museum
  • Zach Scott Theatre