In the Spotlight
GDT Hosts Extern
For a week in August 2003, GDT welcomed Extern Barbara Sykes to the
DID Training Team. Barbara and GDT participated in the Upper Valley
Business and Education Partnership (UVEP) Summer Externship Program.
The Externship pairs school teachers with employers to expand the understanding
of how academic and technical skills are applied in jobs and careers.
Barbara is a sixth grade teacher with Windsor Elementary School. For
several years, Barbara and her students have participated in many GDT
school-to-work projects.
During her 7-day externship, Barbara initiated the development of an
"Effective Meeting Resource Guide" that GDT plans to turn
into an on-line resource this fall. In addition to working on this training
project, Barbara met and shadowed various GDT employees in order to
better understand the use of technology and geography in the workplace.
The externship gives local educators an opportunity to enhance their
current professions by experiencing workplaces outside of the school.
Externs are paired with local employers based on mutual interests and
reciprocal benefits.
"Barbara brought great ideas to GDT. Her suggestion to turn an
Effective Meeting Workshop into an on-line resource will have great
benefits for all employees. I look forward to implementing her plan."
says DID Director, Jim O'Gorman.
"This was a great experience for me. I was fascinated by the fast
paced environment and specifics of each position. I am looking forward
to bringing my students to GDT this fall," says Barbara.
