The SFPUC was thrilled to welcome back John O’Connell High School teachers last month for the Teacher Externship Program. As part of the Teacher Externship Program, John O’Connell High School teachers spend a week on-site at the SFPUC to gain a deeper understanding of SFPUC services and programs. By the end of the week, teachers produce a project plan that integrates an SFPUC challenge or question and provides information about related SFPUC career paths to students. SFPUC staff provide additional support throughout the school year including troubleshooting questions, presenting in classrooms, and evaluating student work.

Teachers are paid a stipend for the week on-site at the SFPUC and for implementing the project during the school year. IGNITED, A non-profit specializing in teacher professional development and connections to STEM workplaces, provides technical assistance and facilitation support for 15 teachers annually.

The Teacher Externship Program has provided a professional development opportunity for teachers and helped school retention. The SFPUC sees benefits from the program too.

Many field jobs at the city require advanced vocational or professional training. The Teacher Externship Program exposes San Francisco students to a new career field and skills that will foster environmental stewardship, all while preparing them for well-paid professional opportunities in our community.

The Teacher Externship Program is part of a larger Kinder-to-Career Strategy at the SFPUC. The Kinder-to-Career strategy partners the SFPUC with local schools, non-profits, and City departments to expose the next generation of the workforce to SFPUC careers.