
Classroom Visit Sparks Engagement, Career Considerations
Student engagement is increasingly complicated for high school teachers trying to manage diverse learning styles and interests, but Rhainy Edwards found a way to crack the code. She brought in an outsider.
Edwards, an art teacher at Olentangy High School, invited Doug Clouser, Product Development Manager at Health Care Logistics®, to discuss potential career paths with her students. She recently began integrating technology and 3D printing into her lesson plans and sought to reach a broader scope of students, specifically those who were interested in design, creative problem solving and technology.
“The visit from Doug brought awareness to the students about possible careers in the medical field,” she said. “They could see how their art, problem solving skills and design could be applied in other career fields. The visit also gave the students more awareness of how a 3D printer could enhance their own art-making skills … and taught the efficiency of using technology.”
Clouser spoke to several classes, including one in which his daughter Kelsie is a student. His presentation, which focused on the intersection of art and 3D printing, sparked a series of conversations about real-world scenarios. Clouser was thrilled to elaborate when a curious participant asked about the handoff between industrial design and mechanical design.
“Her next question was about my day-to-day work, to which she responded, ‘That is exactly what I want to do.’”
Edwards said she now has several students who are interested in touring Health Care Logistics® and, possibly, job shadow opportunities.
“Doug shared with the students the importance of finding what you love and making it a career.”
Edwards stressed the significance of inviting “outsiders” like Clouser into the classroom to provide fresh perspectives.
“As a teacher it is essential to reaching all students, finding what their interests are and incorporating the content into the classroom curriculum” she said. “Bringing in Doug to speak to my class has had a great impact on my students and their interest in the industry!”
To discuss classroom presentation opportunities for a range of career fields, please send a message to [email protected].