Two South Jersey teachers in the Chamber's Summer Institute for Educators this year are Paula Antonelli of Pennsauken, a sixth-grade math teacher at Carusi Middle School in Cherry Hill, and Tom Mason of Voorhees, who teaches logistics/supply chain management, at the Burlington County Institute of Technology Westampton campus.
Paula Antonelli was seeking a way to restructure her teaching as she approaches her 18th year as an educator at Carusi Middle School in Cherry Hill.
"I needed something more in my classroom," the Pennsauken resident, a sixth-grade math teacher, told 70and73.com.
Antonelli said in planning her course adjustments this summer that she has found guidance from the three weeks in July she is spending in the Summer Institute for Educators, sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey Foundation.
The educator, speaking in the Campbell Soup cafeteria — Antonelli's grandmother once was employed by Campbell — last week was with 16 other South Jersey teachers who are touring area companies and meeting with managers to discuss how their students can better prepare for the workforce.
Much can be brought back to the classroom to get students ready for their careers, she said.
"They don't quite understand salaries, wages and taxes," Antonelli said as an example. Her students can count on seeing it in the curriculum this fall.
In its 33rd year, the Institute for Educators has exposed teachers to employers ranging from the Salem-based Mannington Mills Inc. flooring manufacturer to Jefferson Health, the health care provider.
Teachers receive a stipend of $2,000 and earn 100 hours of professional development credits.
And, as in other years, the competitive program attracts a lot of applicants.
Christina M. Renna, Chamber president and CEO, said in an interview that the Chamber this year had 100 applicants for 15 spots in the program. After weighing tough decisions in choosing the winners, Renna decided to accept 17 this year.
While the teachers learn about workforce preparation and how area businesses operate, the company managers also learn.
"The businesses love hearing from the educators about what they're seeing in the classroom," Renna said.
Renna said the managers' respect for the educators, and the job they must do, is evident throughout the program.
Some of the business sponsors are so committed to the program, they go beyond the $3,000 sponsorship fee, Renna explained. Campbell Soup, Subaru of America and Rowan University Rohrer College of Business in Glassboro are each the home base for educators during a week in the program. They provide breakfast each day.
For teacher Tom Mason, the chamber program has let him know first-hand from employers the skills and credentials that his students need for their careers when they graduate. He also is picking up tips on his specialty.
Mason, a Voorhees resident, teaches logistics and supply-chain management at the Burlington County Institute of Technology Westampton Campus.
About eight out of every 10 of Mason's students go directly into the workforce after graduation, so making sure they are ready to work becomes even more important, he said.
He said he has asked the companies about their supply chains, particularly about their concerns over any shortage of goods after the pandemic. During the Institute field trips, the teacher said he also focuses on the manufacturing process and how the businesses create their products.
For more information on the Summer Institute, go to the Chamber Foundation website.
The employer/sponsors are: Acenda Integrated Health, Atlantic City Electric, Bancroft, Campbell Soup, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Coperion K-Tron Pitman Inc., Engineers Labor-Employer Cooperative (ELEC) 825, Five Below, Holman, IPAK, Jefferson Health – New Jersey, Lockheed Martin, M & T Bank/Wilmington Trust, Mannington Mills Inc., NJM Insurance Group, NJ STEM Pathways, PhRMA, New Jersey American Water, Paulsboro Refining Company LLC, PNC Bank, PSEG Nuclear LLC, Radwell International, Ravitz Family Markets, Rizzieri Aveda School, Rowan University - Rohrer College of Business, South Jersey Glass and Door Co., South Jersey Industries, Stono Public Affairs, Subaru of America Inc. and Worldwide Glass Resources Inc.
