Over 600 educators and staff from Bristol Tennessee City Schools gathered for the 27th annual Teacher Industry Day on July 29, 2024. This event aimed to enhance teachers' understanding of local industry needs and better prepare students for future careers.

The day kicked off with a breakfast session, where BTCS Board of Education Chair Eric Cuddy, BTCS Director of Schools Dr. Annette Tudor, and Bristol Tennessee Essential Services (BTES) CEO Clayton Dowell welcomed the attendees. Dowell emphasized the importance of the collaboration, saying, "BTES is happy to facilitate the common goal of preparing our students today for jobs of tomorrow. By bringing educators and industry together, we all can engage our students in opportunities that are available in our community."

For the first time, this year's event included all staff, expanding from its traditional focus on secondary teachers. Dr. Tudor highlighted the event's significance: "Teachers are a key source of career inspiration for students. Therefore, we think it is important to increase their awareness of the opportunities that exist for students in the local workforce and help them explore ways to connect what students are learning to future careers."

After the morning presentation, Tennessee Middle School teachers and Tennessee High School Career and Technical Education teachers visited various partner industry locations. These visits provided teachers with firsthand insight into the skills and knowledge required in today's workforce. John Baker, Director of Operations at Wallace Collision Center, stated, "Teacher Industry Day is an invaluable opportunity for educators to gain firsthand insight into the skills and knowledge required in today's workforce. By engaging with professionals in various fields, teachers can better prepare their students for future careers."

Participating industries included Ascent Tubular Products, Bell Helicopter, Bristol Tennessee Essential Services, Bristol Tennessee Fire Department, Bristol Tennessee Police Department, and many others. These partnerships are crucial in bridging the gap between education and industry, ensuring that students are well-prepared for the demands of the workforce.

Teacher Industry Day has gained international recognition from the International Economic Development Council for its success in fostering collaboration between educators and local industries. With over 800 teachers having participated in the program over the past 27 years, the event continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of education and workforce development in Bristol.

The event is sponsored by BTES and the Tennessee Valley Authority, showcasing their commitment to supporting educational initiatives that benefit the community.

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