‘Externships’ expose teachers to local job opportunities

Published 10:46 am Tuesday, July 29, 2025

By Jeanna Baxter White
Word Master Media Group

Seven educators from Davie County Schools recently participated in an externship designed to bridge the gap between education and employment.
Over four days, they visited local employers to gain a deeper understanding of the expectations of today’s workforce and translate those insights back to their classrooms.
Stops included Atrium Wake Forest Baptist Health-Davie Medical Center, Cognition Davie, Davidson-Davie Community College, Gildan, Hayward Pool (manufacturing and distribution centers), Palltronics, Quail Ridge Confections, REEB, Davie County Register of Deeds, Davie County Sheriff’s Office, 911 Call Center, and Davie County water treatment plants.
“One of my favorite parts of my job is getting to see how what we do in our schools translates to the students’ futures,” said Stephanie Morris, middle school career development coordinator. “The externships allow us to see what our local businesses need and forge partnerships that will help our whole economy prosper.”
This teacher externship is part of a larger partnership between the Davie Economic Development Commission (DCEDC), Davie County Schools, and Davie CONNECT. Originally made possible by a $50,000 grant from the Mebane Charitable Foundation, the program continues to thrive with DCEDC’s support as part of its commitment to local economic development.
Carolyn McManamy, director of Davie CONNECT, described the significance of the program.
“The more our teachers understand, the better they can inform students about educational and career opportunities. The relationships built with our business community through these externships are invaluable.”
Terry Bralley, president of DCEDC, added: “The program equips teachers to guide students toward promising career paths while also fostering a potential local workforce.”
This year’s externship participants included Davie High teachers Lauren Hatley, Career and Technical Education (CTE); Sandra Hinkle, CTE; Joy Howard, math; Angela Stage; and Brittani Steger, CTE. Program organizers McManamy; Alyse Wooldridge, career development coordinator at DCHS; and Morris were also present.
Howard joined the program after being inspired by last year’s participants on social media.
“My favorite part was the side-by-side look at the old Cooleemee water plant and the new plant under construction. I’ve worked with the county utility department through their former engineer during summers, and I’m excited about the improvements this will bring to the department and community. It will be valuable in my classroom to be able to share the skills and work ethic that we consistently heard about throughout the week. I’m sure many of our students are not aware of the number of opportunities available right in our backyard.”
Hatley, who is new to Davie County, viewed the externship as an opportunity to connect with the community. “I really enjoyed the tour at Gildan. This experience allowed me to make connections that will help me provide field trips and internship opportunities for my students.”
Local businesses welcomed the opportunity to inform and inspire the educators shaping tomorrow’s workforce.
Johnny Lambert, Davie utilities director, said: “It was an absolute pleasure to host the teacher externship tour and showcase the incredible transformation taking place at our water treatment facilities. The dedication and interest of the participants were truly inspiring. This experience highlighted the importance of collaboration and knowledge sharing in building a brighter future for Davie County.”
Jay Kimura, owner of Quail Ridge Confections, highlighted how the program helps connect the dots between education and opportunity. “I think the teachers externship tours are one of the best ways for teachers to understand what industries we have in Davie County. This gives them the on-site knowledge that they can share with students, showing them that there are jobs in the county that may suit their interests.”
Cameron Shirley, associate vice president of Davie Campuses & Strategic Initiatives at Davidson-Davie Community College’s Davie Campus, shared her perspective as a new leader in the community. “The externship experience was a great opportunity for the college to connect with business and industry in Davie County. As someone new to the Davie Campus, this helps me get to know local industry and begin to identify new partnership opportunities.”
Wooldridge expressed appreciation to business partners and invited more to get involved. “ Their staff did an incredible job, and we are very thankful for their hospitality. The externship visits are always exciting for our teachers. Our school district would love for any business or industry partners interested in participating next summer to contact us.”