Mississippi Educators Roll Up Sleeves, Work for Lessons at TVA
June 23, 2003
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – More than 40 top teachers from Mississippi will learn about power trading, alternative energy and hydro power during a tour of TVA facilities in Chattanooga and Muscle Shoals, Alabama, this month.
The Research Experiences in Industry program, supported by the National Science Foundation, places science, mathematics, and technology teachers with industry to learn skills required of today’s technology-oriented workforce.
Participants will observe firsthand the role research and development plays in the workplace and develop skills to make the connection between the industrial world and the classroom.
“The goal of the REI program is to enhance teachers’ knowledge of industry for the purpose of increasing students’ academic achievement and career choices in the state of Mississippi,” said Dr. Sandra Harpole, director of Mississippi State University’s Center for Science, Math and Technology. “Being the largest producer of public power in the nation, TVA was chosen as a REI industry because of its diverse operations and the opportunities it gives teachers through hands-on experiences.”
During the coming school year, the participating teachers will mentor their peers to help increase faculty and student understanding of the role of science, mathematics and technology in the workplace.
“From TVA’s perspective, this program provides us with an opportunity to share with educators our future workforce needs,” said TVA General Manager of Customer Service Terry Kemp. “We hope this experience gives educators insight into TVA’s business environment and helps provide direction for a future workforce that is skilled, knowledgeable, and focused.”
TVA is the nation’s largest public power producer and is completely self-financed. TVA provides power to large industries and 158 power distributors that serve 8.3 million consumers in seven southeastern states.
Media Contact:
Amy Tate, Starkville, MS (662-338-3999) or TVA News Bureau, Knoxville (865-632-6000)
