At Wilkinson County Schools, we believe that preparing students for the future means equipping our educators with the knowledge and experiences that connect classroom learning to real-world careers. On February 3rd, a team of Wilkinson County education leaders—including Superintendent Dr. Angela James, Deputy Superintendent Sylvia Brown, Assistant Superintendent Virginia Rozier, high and middle school counselors, and Career and Technical Education instructors—participated in a one-day Educator Externship, touring local manufacturing industries Carbo and KaMin. Ryan Scarborough, an instructor from Oconee Fall Line Technical College, also joined the tour.
This initiative, led by Middle GA Work Source and the Wilkinson County Economic Development Office, is designed to strengthen the connection between education and workforce development. By stepping into industry settings, our educators gain firsthand knowledge of the skills, technology, and career pathways that students need to be successful. These experiences allow us to better prepare students for high-demand careers while reinforcing the importance of workforce readiness in the classroom.
The Teacher Externship Program provides Career, Technical, and Agriculture educators with an opportunity to engage directly with industry professionals during their professional learning day. The insights gained will enhance instruction, making learning more relevant and engaging for students.
Beyond professional development, this experience has created stronger partnerships between Wilkinson County Schools and local businesses. Carbo and KaMin have committed to supporting students through internship and work-based learning opportunities, both paid and unpaid. They have also agreed to serve as mock interviewers and guest speakers, providing real-world connections that will help our students develop critical career skills.
At Wilkinson County Schools, we are committed to giving students every opportunity to succeed. By empowering our educators with industry knowledge and expanding student access to real-world experiences, we are preparing Warriors for bright futures—whether in college, careers, or beyond.
