Inside and outside the classroom, Tech Valley is engaged in a number of innovative programs geared toward preparing students for the jobs of tomorrow, creating excitement about the sciences and math and providing educators the resources they need and recognition they deserve.
Here are just a few of the many programs throughout Tech Valley that are informing, influencing and inspiring our students and teachers.
Tech Valley Teacher Externship Program
If you are a teacher and are interested in the program, download the externship application and program outline from the right side bar. For more information, contact
Eric Straus at 518.431.1457. Positions for the summer of 2008 are filled.
2008 Program Dates
>> Thursday, July 10 :: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Tour of GE Global Research (lunch will be provided)
Directions and agenda can be downloaded from right sidebar
>> Thursday, July 31 :: 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Facilitated program for teachers, Albany-Colonie Chamber
>>August
Facility tour – Date and location TBD.
>>Thursday, August 28 :: 8:30 a.m. – 10 a.m.
Concluding program, Albany-Colonie Chamber
This initiative provides middle and high-school teachers with first-hand work experience at technology companies. The program is designed to expose teachers to careers in the math, science and technology fields, and educate them about the skills that are needed for the future workforce in Tech Valley.
The program runs from six to eight weeks, depending upon the needs of the company, and will provide teachers with the opportunity to work side-by-side with leaders in cutting edge technology companies from throughout the region. Teachers will be paid at a rate of $20 per hour, for a full-time working schedule, and will be granted professional credit.
The Teacher Externship Program has established itself as a highly sought professional development experience and has grown every year since inception. In 2007, more than 140 teachers applied, representing 14 New York counties.
Tech Valley Teacher Externship Program Sponsor
GE Presents Love SAM (Science and Math)
General Electric is helping to fund this initiative to enhance science and math programs for young students. Love SAM will provide first-grade teachers with additional tools and resources to spark an early love of learning in youngsters.
The program began in 2006 with the incoming first-graders at North Albany Academy and will expand each year until students in grades 1 though 4 have access to the enhanced learning opportunities. These opportunities include:
- Building and maintaining four biodomes with a life sciences expert.
- Field trips to local water treatment facilities and recycling centers.
- A chemistry laboratory to mix, separate and create reactions using basic chemist tools.
- Designing and manipulating various types of simple machines with the help of GE professionals.
With additional funding from the New York State Senate, Love SAM has expanded to several other school districts in Tech Valley. For more information, contact
Karen Fox at 518.431.1435.
Tech Valley High School
Tech Valley High is a new public high school that opened with 40 students from 35 school districts in the fall 2007. It will support the region’s growth and economy by providing a unique educational opportunity in the region’s emerging technologies.
The school will serve no more than 400 students in grades 9-12. The academically rigorous curriculum will focus on math, science and technology and cultivate an appreciation in the technologies for which Tech Valley is recognized; biotechnology, nanotechnology, information technology, energy technology and advanced materials. Students will learn in an innovative and professional environment fostered by the use of advanced learning methods, including project-based learning and technology.
Tech Valley High is being developed with partners from business, higher education, K-12, unions and government.
The school is destined to become an integral and invaluable contributor to Tech Valley’s future. A second high school for the region – with a similar structure and goals – is in the early planning stages.