CMCSS Teachers & Business Partners Discuss Next Steps

Montgomery County, TN – With the new school year less than two weeks away, many Clarksville-Montgomery County school teachers aren’t just thinking about their classrooms- they are thinking about how to connect with local business leaders.

More than 40 CMCSS Career and Technology Education teachers met with industry partners recently to plan how to better prepare students for the workforce.

During the morning session at the Wilma Rudolph Events Center, the participants heard from Tom Suddreth of the National Center for College and Career Transitions.

Suddreth focused on how building strong connections between local employers and classroom teachers can benefit the community.

The room was filled with a diverse mix of teachers and officials representing a wide range of area businesses- from banking to law enforcement. The group worked together to brainstorm more ways schools and area employers can collaborate.

“Our CTE (career and technology education) teachers are the vital link between our students and the workforce,” said Karen Pitts, Director of CTE for the school system. “We are working hard to ensure that local business people have ample input into how we are preparing their future employees.”

Pitts added that this session was not about seeking funding but to provide opportunities that will benefit students and local businesses. “This is a continuation of our efforts to really connect students to real world experiences through internships, mentoring, and certifications in addition to helping local business partners have a voice in how we are preparing our students.”