Business fills a gap between teacher and student

Abstract

Today’s classrooms emphasize helping students learn not just for the sake of learning but to become prepared to join the workforce. While teachers across the U.S. know students must be ready for college and career, many may not be sure exactly which skills, competencies, and lessons they need to teach to prepare and animate students for the world of work. Meanwhile, employers look to schools to nurture and empower savvy job candidates of the future — young adults prepared with the skills and critical dispositions necessary for the jobs they have to offer. So how do we bridge this gap? Lesson2Life is a professional development partnership between the Arizona K12 Center at Northern Arizona University, Arizona Public Service, and local businesses and chambers of commerce throughout the state. It is designed to be an exemplar program that gives teachers real-world insight into today’s workforce. They can then give their students the skills and information necessary to be successful when they seek careers of their own.