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Microsoft and local partners pilot educator boot camp to connect teachers with Halifax employers
Summary
A weeklong, no-cost educator boot camp brought teachers to local businesses and firms to highlight technical and soft skills employers want; organizers asked the school board for approval to continue the program next year.
Organizers and participants described an inaugural educator boot camp that took Halifax teachers to local employers for a week of tours and hands-on exposure to industry, and they asked the school board for support to continue the program.
Jeremy Satterthill, who identified himself as leading Microsoft’s operations across southern Virginia, told the board the boot camp was organized with the Innovation Hub, the higher education center and Halifax County Public Schools and ran “at no expense to the school system.” He said the inaugural week “went amazing” and that participants visited manufacturers, automation firms, a logging company and a Dominion Energy solar site.
Participants said the employer hosts repeatedly emphasized three qualities: attitude, attendance and effort. Teachers who attended told the board that many workplaces said they will train employees who show reliability and a willingness to learn. “As long as employees show up and try their best, they are willing to take on that person, train them up, help them grow, and even open new doors for them in the future,” one participant said.
Organizers listed participating partners and businesses including the Innovation Hub, Microsoft, the higher education center, IperionX, Comfort Systems, TMI, VIR, Midland Automation Solutions, H & M Logging and a Dominion Energy solar site. They said no employer turned them down when organizers asked for site visits; one employer later had to cancel but asked to be included in a future cohort.
Several presenters urged that the boot camp expand to include more subject areas and more teacher cohorts — mathematics, science and elementary educators were explicitly mentioned as possible future participants. Organizers asked the board for the board’s “blessing” to continue the program next summer and said that attendees would share the experience with colleagues.
The board did not take a formal vote; presenters framed the request as seeking approval to continue and to scale the program in future years.
