2013 South Jersey Summer Institute
Teacher’s Quotes on the Institute Experience
“Participation in the South Jersey Chamber of Commerce Summer Institute is an unmatched, unparalleled opportunity that one can only elaborate on and describe to a certain point. We as educators are given a huge opportunity to partake in visiting and touring a plethora of businesses within the region. We are shown first hand on what it takes to run a business effectively and efficiently. More over, (and coupled with the private tour), we have multiple discussions on many levels to learn what it takes to properly educate our students in hard and soft skills in that business' particular field for the future. I implore all educators in South Jersey to apply for participation in the SJCC Summer Institute Program, for it is more than an opportunity, but a once in a lifetime experience.
Michael Clarke
Quarter Mile Lane School
Bridgeton, NJ
“I found the Summer Institute to be informative, interesting and an engine for ideas that can be used in everyday practice in the classroom. It was an extraordinary, life-changing experience to learn about local and global business needs and practices. The businesses we visited provided a drawing board for strong infrastructure, core values, collaboration, competition, communication, initiatives, opportunity, growth, policy, government affairs, compliance, and magnificent presentations that provided history, culture, insight, access, accountability, and adaptability. I learned about the expectations of the business community regarding hiring, expectations and qualifications, New Jersey state challenges to business, career opportunities,entrepreneurship (which I really enjoyed), science, technology, engineering and math, and how to manage for positive change in the future. Lessons that I will take back to my class include financial literacy, employers' expectations of employees in the workplace, and the need for critical thinking skills, as well as the need for safety, solid community involvement, teamwork, creativity, and the need to always strive for excellence. I would highly recommend this program to all education professionals in Southern New Jersey who are interested in taking their critical thinking skills to a higher level.”
Scott Lunn
LEAP Academy Charter School
Camden, NJ
“The 2013 summer Institute has been one of the most informative three weeks of my life. I am very passionate about career exploration and how the educational should prepare students to choose a career pathway through, self evaluation, research and real life experiences. If educators do not bring these things to the classroom, students may not make the connection. The field trips, the presenterspresentations and panelist discussions has better equipped me to help prepare students for the future. Also, the Institute has handed me the keys to open the door to contacts that I would have never had access to. Nelson Mandela stated that "education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world," and the Summer Institute has definitely given me an abundance of ammunition. Thank you Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey for this wonderful opportunity.”
Cherie McCann
East Camden Middle School
Camden, NJ
“As an educator, my philosophy begins with reflective words of Bell Hooks, "Teaching is a performative act... that offers the space for change, invention, spontaneous shifts, that can serve as a catalyst drawing out the unique elements in each classroom."As teacher, educator, mentor, tutor, etc., it is my goal to offer the opportunity for change, creativity, impulsivity, and growth. My objective is to motivate and authenticate every student who crosses my path. With that, I intend to be the vehicle by which students learn and grow. There are unique ways in which to become that vehicle, as always remembering students first, recognizing a student’s place of comfort, offering a safe environment, and understanding the many differences that stroll through the classroom door.”
We are taught to give students the best opportunity for success, and during these three (3) weeks, The Chamber has empowered me with proactive tools to not only enhance those unique driving forces, but to also aid in awarding our scholars the tackle they need for a better tomorrow. The Honorable Judge Lee Solomon said, "Teach children to learn how to resolve disputes, how to disagree, and how to make rules as they play." Through this, we've learned, today's scholars haven't mastered the art of communication (verbal or written), the idea of team work, problem solving, attention to detail, being prepared, having a positive attitude, or just offering a friendly smile to someone they don't know. With this new found knowledge, I plan to start the new year just the way I plan to finish--listening and learning. The Institute offered a chance to sincerely listen and appreciate the voices of change--the voices of tomorrow. You see, I've learned more from these three (3) weeks than I've learned in any formal classroom. These businesses have taught me how to listen and appreciate our scholar's future. In my experience, this type of teaching offers a chance to grow students and augment the learning experience.”
“So, thank you! This has been one of the most dynamic experiences of my career. Watch out scholars of the 2013-2014 school year, you will have to pull up your pants, say thank you, do your homework, arrive on time, accept responsibility, read the Wall Street Journal every day, and smile.”
Wanda Poole
H.H. Davis Elementary School
Camden, NJ
“First, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Chamber of Commerce of Southern New Jersey for this fantastic opportunity. When I initially spotted the online article on the South Jersey News website, I had no idea that it would be such an invaluable experience. Each day has been more fascinating than the next. I have taught for over twenty years in a district that has seen more than its share of issues. Throughout that time, I have always had as an end goal, the success of my students. This program has enhanced my understanding of what I must continue to do, and it has enlightened me to some things I must begin to do, for my students.
The panel discussions were an invaluable insight into the minds of some of the community’s leaders in business. We were able to get answers to queries that we would never have had the opportunity to do elsewhere. The speakers were varied and knowledgeable as well.”
“The onsite visits to the companies and business entities were nothing short of a gift. I had no idea that there were so many different positions available for our youth in South Jersey, many of them only requiring a high school diploma, and some good common sense. But it also allowed us to see those positions that required higher education as well. This experience will help me to encourage students to follow rules and work together, because I have seen it for my own eyes. The work force has changed, and so I must continue to prepare our students to function in a global, digital world also.”
“Finally, the discussions with my colleagues about the day’s events, the friendships and collaborations that took place were the icing on the cake. Educators know that there are rarely chances to work with other educators freely and please know that I truly did appreciate that aspect of this experience also.”
“In closing, thank you again ladies, for the experience. I only wish that I could reapply!”
Elaine Collier
Bonsall School
Camden, NJ
“My experience with the summer institute has far exceeded my expectations in many ways. I have always looked at myself as an innovative leader/ teacher and mentor after 28 years in this field; however the summer institute goes to prove we should never stop learning and I must say that my eyes have been opened to a whole new exciting world of knowledge and expertise within our professional community.The professionals I have met that took their time to share with me their experiences; their best practices; their forecasts for the future of employment of our young Americans, which has been quite exhilarating as well as a little bit scary. I pledge to make changes to my mentoring practices to support the ever changing world of business/ careers/ and to stay on top of trends. I have found this to be so important in providing the focus and direction to our future young professionals.”
“The tours were educational, and it was great seeing firsthand the economic potential we have within our own back yards. Getting a better understanding that there is a whole world of opportunities and potential career paths for our young adult’s right here in South Jersey. Each company and their representative went out of the way to enhance this experience for me and my fellow teachers. I have made some great contacts which I plan to call on to utilize their expertise and guidance along the way to teach those skills necessary to enhance the learning experience. I feel so honored to have been chosen to attend this summer; I can’t express my gratitude enough to The SJ Chamber staff that worked so hard to put this all together for us. What an amazing job and I must say not an easy task for sure. Thank you to Sue and Kathy; you ladies are so organized and professional. It’s been my pleasure to attend this year and to work with you as well as the other teachers I have had the pleasure to meet.”
“I look forward to working with many of the business professionals and fellow teachers as we move forward with our mission of educating our future workforce to reach their fullest potential making this one productive world for everyone.”
Rosemarie Dougherty
Bancroft
Haddonfield, NJ
“I felt so honored to be one of the teachers chosen to give a speech at the 2013 Summer Institute dinner. A five minute speech was not enough time to convey how inspiring the past three weeks have been and how instrumental the information presented will be in my classroom instruction. To borrow from my speech that I presented at the dinner, the one intangible element I will take from the Institute is the message of hope that I felt was expressed throughout the three weeks. Hope that my students will find jobs and that I can help them prepare for these jobs. The South Jersey Institute has now provided me with the information I need to bring that sense of hope into my classroom. I can now confidently give students the details about specific job fields that I did not know much about prior attending this Institute. I can now more purposefully incorporate specific skills into my lesson plans. This Institute has helped me realize that history can teach us about conflict resolution, it can build our communication skills, it can help students to think critically about different solutions to a variety of problems that deal with the economy, the environment, as well as global affairs. History can teach students to cultivate a work ethic as well as a sense of personal responsibility. Each presenter that I have met over the last three weeks had me thinking about the connections between what I teach and what they are looking for in a workforce.”
Elizabeth Christie
West Deptford High School
West Deptford, NJ
“Who knew? Who knew so many exceptional companies were located in the South Jersey area? Who knew the range of career opportunities available for our high school graduates and college graduates, right here at home in South Jersey?”
“Thankfully, the South Jersey Chamber of Commerce knew and developed an excellent program, connecting educators and businesses right here at home in South Jersey! The Summer Institute!”
“I have enjoyed working with 15 other exceptional educators to explore all of these opportunities for our students. In teaching terms, participating in the Summer Institute is like going to graduate school on a school bus!”
“At the end of each day, my mind was spinning, churning, and processing, making those connections that will help me bring the best representation of the program to my students, as well as, to my fellow educators.”
‘I have so much to share, and I can’t wait to get started!”
“Thank you so much for this wonderful opportunity and I hope I was a honorable steward for your program.’
Kim Syvertsen
Glassboro High School
Glassboro, NJ
Dear South Jersey Chamber of Commerce,
“My experience at the 2013 Summer Institute has been truly remarkable. There is so much about the business world that I didn’t know, and I can honestly say that this program has enlightened me. At 23 years of age, it is terrifying to me to see how much of a knowledge gap there is between me and my students when it comes to professional behavior. The myriad of speakers and tours from multiple industries have given me first hand knowledge of the skills and attributes that my students need to be successful in the workforce; because of this experience. I can now tell my students that I got my information from a specific Vice President or Human Resource Manager or COO. This program has given me credibility I didn’t have before this, and I can give my students information straight from the source.”
“Thank you for this amazing opportunity!”
Sincerely,
Elena Lattin
Pennsville Memorial High School
Pennsville, NJ
‘My Experience at the Summer Institute….
When I first was accepted into the Summer Institute, I was not sure what to expect. I knew that I would go to different places with different people and then apply what I would learn in the upcoming school year. Other then that, I had no idea.”
“Now that the Summer Institute is coming to an end, I can honestly say that this experience will change the way I teach. I listened to many of the different places like Logan Generating Plant and Virtua Health Services and heard what they said about the different shortages and aging workforce. Knowing this will reinforce what I tell the students about what they need when they go into their future careers. The program reinforced my teaching of team work, good work ethic, and completing tasks with a smile. Any student can be successful no matter if they have a high school diploma or college degree as long as they follow those three aspects.”
“Thank you for allowing me to partake in this program. Kathy and Sue were wonderful facilitators. All of the facilities and people we met were wonderful and inspiring. I will be recommending this program to all of my colleagues. This program really does effect all of the participants and betters each and every teacher in may different ways!!”
Melissa Hirsch
Orchard Valley Middle School
Washington Township, NJ
“At my school we have the dual concept of “Essential Questions/Enduring Understandings”. Learners begin with a series of questions for which they want answers. Entering the 2013 South Jersey Summer Institute, my essential questions included:
What sorts of jobs exist in South Jersey?
What qualifications will young people need to be successful in the workforce?
What are the future employment trends in this area and nationally?
Are there still employment opportunities across the educational spectrum?
“These questions were abundantly answered and reinforced through our panels and tours. Here are a few of the enduring understandings. I will take to my classroom to share with my students:
It is possible to craft a career in this area across the educational spectrum.
No matter what level of education you have, employers are looking for a set of skills; work ethic, integrity, teamwork, computer literacy, prior success in school.
The need for workers is ongoing and increasing in the areas of infrastructure, health care, and IT/Engineering.
The variety of employment opportunities in this area is staggering.
Workers need to be lifelong learners.
“The Institute experience will stay with me throughout the rest of my career as an educator. It has transformed the way I will manage my classroom. It will enable me to offer fabulous teaching tools to my colleagues who have specialized career area readiness classes. And on a purely personal level, how cool is it to see cell lines preserved in liquid nitrogen one day, and the massive flame jets in a power plant in another. Wow! This program is fabulous.
Anne Johnson
Camden County Technical School
Pennsauken, NJ
“My Summer Institute Experience….As a Special Ed/Inclusive teacher, I found this unique experience that was offered to us very valuable and informative. It has given me some new and fresh ideas to incorporate into my language arts curriculum ideas to share and collaborate with my fellow teachers, guidance counselor and administrators. As I groom my students for their future pursuits and endeavors, I have so much more knowledge to share and employers to reach out to for school visits and/or class field trips.”