Industry-aligned instruction starts with well-supported educators. Through Core Plus Aerospace teacher trainings, educators across Washington learn what skills are in-demand by employers, ideas for classroom projects, and a statewide teacher network that strengthens career and technical education.
OSPI and The Boeing Company host multiple professional development sessions throughout the year for Core Plus Aerospace instructors. These sessions provide both in-person and virtual PD opportunities to familiarize instructors with the curriculum, interact with peers, get hands-on training, and earn clock hours. From blueprint reading to riveting, these trainings focus on both technical skill-building and instructional strategies teachers can apply immediately in the classroom.
“The trainings I’ve attended have changed my Core Plus Aerospace units quite a bit,” said James Polson, a Core Plus Aerospace instructor at SEATech Skills Center in Walla Walla. “A training last year changed how I teach blueprint reading. It gave the kids a fun, hands-on activity where I can see if students know how to read the blueprint.”
Teacher trainings also provide meaningful opportunities for collaboration. Educators from across the state connect, share ideas, and learn from one another’s classrooms.
“The most valuable part of the training was being able to connect with other instructors across the state and bounce ideas off each other,” said Trisha Fry, a Core Plus Aerospace instructor at Sumner High School.
Professional development training for teachers is essential to ensuring students learn in-demand skills so Washington state has a strong advanced manufacturing industry.
“Teacher trainings better prepare teachers to lead students into professional careers in manufacturing,” said Luke Wehrheim, Workforce Development Specialist at The Boeing Company. “When we prepare teachers, we put students in a position to succeed.”
By helping teachers, industry partnerships are strengthening classrooms across the state and ensuring teachers are supported, students are inspired, and Washington’s advanced manufacturing workforce continues to grow.
“These teacher trainings are an opportunity to connect with industry and build relationships, said Trisha. “We all have the goal of building the foundation to help students be successful.”