2007 TeacherTech Externs
Susanna Barchak
Employer: Bayer HealthCare Animal Health Division
Job Title: Research and Design Technical Assistant
School District: Raytown
“This position will give me the opportunity to implement regulatory lab practices in the classroom. I hope it helps my chemistry students develop a feel for what scientists do on a day-to-day basis.”
Joseph J. Berthelsen
Employer: SPC TelEquip
Job Title: Product Standardization Coordinator
School District: Blue Valley
“This externship is important to me and my students as a technology education method to add real world, authentic lessons—that incorporate math, engineering, technology and science—in the classroom.”
Angela Beshears
Employer: American Century Investments
Job Title: Curriculum Developer
School District: North Kansas City
“This is a great opportunity for me to experience the business culture and see how math is applied in the real world. Sharing this experience with my students will be invaluable.”
Steve Cassity
Employer: Walz Tetrick Advertising
Job Title: Agency Marketing System Analyst
School District: Hickman Mills
“I hope the externship helps me develop more vigor and relevance in my classroom. I also hope to share my experiences with teachers across the district in an effort to improve students’ connections with industry.”
Jennifer Dolson
Employer: University of Kansas Medical Center
Job Title: Program Developer
School District: Raytown
“Through this externship, I hope to bring knowledge to my science students regarding careers in the math field. By gaining first-hand exposure to the scientists and doctors at KU Medical Center, I can provide a deeper level of insight into what students need to prepare for a health-related career.”
Read an article about the University of Kansas Medical Center and Dolson's externship experience.
Michelle Nixon
Employer: Science City at Union Station Kansas City
Job Title: Space Science Education Program Developer
School District: Blue Valley
“This externship is important to me because it will enable me to bring relevant lessons with strong math, science and technology connections not only to my sixth grade students but also to my fellow colleagues.”
Michele Radio
Employer: YouthFriends
Job Title: Peer Coach
School District: Blue Valley
“In my role as a high school enrichment facilitator, I serve as a life coach for my students. My mission imperative is to prepare students to effectively lead others, using relevant industry applications as well as authentic leadership principles and globalist constructs as a lens to evaluate and solve problems. Modern societal issues and evolutions have given this generation almost no margin for error. Leadership decisions will need to be on target the first time around. The TeacherTech initiative is an important means to this end. The program provides pathways to construct ideological and conceptual bridges between industry and the classroom, offering real help where it is needed.
Ron Robinson
Employer: KCP&L
Job Title: Program Coordinator
School District: Kansas City, Missouri
“TeacherTech is bridging the gap between what high school graduates know and what real world business needs. For example, I’m working to align Missouri technology, math, science and communication arts standards, our curriculum and KCP&L industrial workforce needs by suggesting practical ways to bring them all together. KCP&L is providing an excellent avenue for our students to enter a top-notch company.”
Betsy Wilkin
Employer: Kansas University Physicians, Inc.
Job Title: Policies and Procedures Coordinator
School District: Olathe
“Being a part of this externship has opened my eyes to how the business world operates. It has given me ideas of how to incorporate the business way of life into my classroom. I believe that students desire to see a real-world connection to their education, and this is a great opportunity for me to achieve this goal.”