Educators in the workplace

New Zealand's business-led future needs informed teachers, says MICHAEL BARNETT*.

Most school leavers get their first job in a small-medium business.

But a major "problem" cited by business is not a shortage of jobs, but a shortage of employable people; that is, the need for school leavers with the "right" skills and attitude.

At the same time, research shows that competent teachers make a big difference in student achievement and career development, yet most teachers lack practical information and first-hand experience of the multi-skilled demands of the modern workplace.

The problem is becoming more acute as competing businesses seek to recruit not just academically successful staff who are proficient in numeric, literacy and keyboard skills, but also broad skills such as adaptability and team work, communication and customer responsiveness, and problem-solving.

If teachers are to be successful in advising young people about the importance of specific skills and how they apply to life outside the school, they need to understand modern business requirements and be able to effectively translate that vital information to students.

What better way to achieve improved educator understanding of the business environment than by encouraging teachers and other education professionals into workplaces?

The widely acclaimed "teachers in the workplace" scheme operating in the United States has proven a "win-win".

As a result of worksite experiences, educators report they are better able to:

* Understand first-hand the business environment for which they are preparing students;

* Enliven classroom instruction and improve student achievement;

* Identify academic, technical, and employability skills required by business;

* Challenge assumptions and stereotypes about different jobs and careers.

Businesses which sponsor teachers into the workplace to gain an insight into the business world benefit by being able to demonstrate the real-world skills they seek to recruit.

The teacher becomes businesses' frontline recruiter; they get a first-hand appreciation of the skill sets necessary for a student to succeed not only in gaining academic qualifications but also the practical skills relevant to the workplace.

* Michael Barnett is Chief Executive of the Auckland Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Herald features

Our turn

The jobs challenge

Common core values

href="http://www.nzherald.co.nz/storydisplay.cfm?reportID=57032">Catching the knowledge wave | Official site