Connecting businesses with those who are teaching tomorrow’s workforce

The Greater Ozarks Centers for Advanced Professional Studies (GO CAPS) connects students with information about the wide range of potential employment options that could be available to them after their school days are done.  

But the program also works to help connect teachers with that same information to take back to the students in their own classrooms – and that's where organizations like yours can help. 

The GO CAPS Teacher Externship Program connects educators with business partners by letting them experience industries and professional fields outside of the schools where they teach. Teachers take the knowledge and experiences from their externship back to their classroom to better prepare students for the workforce.  

There are numerous benefits for both businesses and participating teachers. Your business has the opportunity to impact the future workforce by familiarizing teachers with what you do and sending them back to their classrooms excited about what companies like yours can offer their students – from internships to careers.  

Meanwhile, teachers are encouraged to make lasting connections with their host business to continue collaboration throughout the school year. They get to experience the workforce for which they are preparing their students, and they’re exposed to various departments within a company and can connect with business leaders and fellow teachers. 

“Our area educators are often unaware of the local career opportunities that await their students," said the Chamber's GO CAPS coordinator Karen Kunkel. "The externship is a great opportunity for businesses to highlight what they do and the positions available across all divisions of their companies.  Teachers are overwhelmingly surprised about what’s available in the Springfield region and are excited to share this information with their students.  Many consider this to be the best professional development experience of their careers.” 

The externship lasts four days, two of which feature imbedding teachers at business locations. But the program can’t be successful unless businesses like yours are willing to participate. The program has two sessions; teachers will be on site July 25-26 and August 8-9.  

If you think your organization would be a good fit to host teachers for one or two days this summer, fill out this brief online form so that we know you're interested. You can also email Karen Kunkel with questions about the program.