Through internships, teachers can deepen their subject area knowledge through experience-based learning, and develop applications for use in the classroom. Working directly with employers can help educators observe and develop workplace readiness skills, such as working in teams, that they can then incorporate with their students. With their experience in a particular career area, teachers can help advise students about the skills and knowledge necessary in that career. Finally, in many teacher internships, teachers can gain graduate credit for their workplace experiences. Employers also benefit from teacher internships.
Teachers bring a variety of skills to the workplace that can boost productivity.
For example, some teachers have worked with human resource departments to develop skills assessments for prospective employees. In other cases, employers have found teachers research skills valuable in developing and analyzing customer surveys and the marketing of products. Working directly with employers can give educators insight into the business viewpoint. Conversely, employers can become more connected with education. By physically frequenting a workplace, teachers and employers build a relationship and forge channels of communication.