Workforce Solutions Northeast Texas has received funding from the Texas Workforce Commission to implement a Teacher Externship Program connecting classroom instruction with real-world workforce needs.
This year, 15 educators will be placed with local employers during summer 2026. Each externship will last 10 days (minimum four hours per day) at an employer’s worksite, giving teachers firsthand insight into local workforce needs and helping them develop lesson plans that connect classroom learning to career opportunities in Northeast Texas. Externships will focus on high-demand industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, construction, logistics, and information technology. Over the past 4 years, 65 teachers have participated in this program, impacting more than 3500 students.
Participating educators will receive a $2,000 stipend and up to $500 for classroom materials to support implementation of their industry-informed lesson plans.
Eligible participants include middle and high school teachers, counselors, administrators, CTE instructors, higher education instructors, student teachers, and Adult Education and Literacy instructors working or student teaching in Bowie, Cass, Delta, Franklin, Hopkins, Lamar, Morris, Red River, or Titus counties.
Local businesses are invited to host educators. There is no cost to employers—only a commitment to provide a meaningful learning experience and share insights about skills and career opportunities in their industry. Employer’s will host a teacher for a minimum of 5 days, allowing teachers to spend time at multiple employer locations.
Employers interested in learning more can register for an information session March 31 at 11:00 AM:
Teachers interested in learning more can register for an information session April 1, 2026
- Option 1 – 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
- Option 2 – 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
- Option 3 – 3:30 p.m. – 4:40 p.m.
For more information, contact Emily Newsome, Manager of Business and Education Initiatives at Workforce Solutions Northeast Texas at [email protected] or 903-794-9490 Ext 519
Workforce Solutions Northeast Texas serves Bowie, Cass, Delta, Franklin, Hopkins, Lamar, Morris, Red River, and Titus counties and works with employers, educators, and community partners to strengthen the regional workforce. www.netxworks.org
