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Educators and Employers Unite for Student Success – 2025 Deep East Texas Teacher Externship

Aug 14, 2025
Posted by: Workforce Solutions Deep East Texas

For the fifth consecutive year, Workforce Solutions Deep East Texas has led the Teacher Externship program, uniting educators and industry leaders to bridge the gap between classroom instruction and workforce demands. This summer, 19 teachers from 13 school districts partnered with 15 local employers to gain firsthand industry experience and insights to bring back to their students.

The externship focuses on high-demand occupations in industries vital to Deep East Texas, including manufacturing, health care, professional and technical services, and construction. Each teacher spent five (5) days immersed in a local business—observing operations, learning about required skills, and identifying ways to connect classroom curriculum to workforce needs.

“We know that a teacher’s influence grows when paired with industry knowledge,” said Dr. Ty Cauthen, Executive Director of Workforce Solutions Deep East Texas. “By connecting educators with local businesses, we are not only strengthening curriculum relevance but also preparing students to make informed career choices that lead to sustainable, high-wage employment here in our region.”

The program benefits go beyond observation. Teachers return to their classrooms with industry-specific strategies, work readiness tips, and employability skills—such as communication, problem-solving, adaptability, and teamwork—to share with students. Many also plan to continue collaborating with their host employers through job shadowing opportunities, facility tours, guest speaker events, and potential student internships.

The Deep East Texas Teacher Externship program strengthens the partnership between education and industry, ensuring the region’s future workforce is skilled, competitive, and ready to meet employer needs.

We’re grateful to our local partners—Morgan & Bartlett Baggett & Shands Insurance Agency and Nacogdoches High School—for their generous support in providing meals and meeting space for our program participants.

2025 Participating School Districts, Teachers, and Employers