Teacher Externship Program
The Teacher Externship Program provides educators across the Texas Panhandle with the opportunity to work directly with local employers and gain firsthand experience in high-demand industries and career pathways. By spending time at a real worksite, educators learn about current workforce needs, industry expectations, and the skills students must develop to succeed after graduation.
Through this experience, educators are able to bring real-world workforce knowledge back into the classroom, helping students better understand career opportunities available in the Texas Panhandle and how their education connects to the jobs in their communities.
The Summer 2026 Teacher Externship Program is coordinated by Workforce Solutions Panhandle in partnership with Region 16 Education Service Center and local employers. Educators who successfully complete all program requirements will receive a $2,000 stipend and up to 43 Continuing Education Units (CEUs).
Educator Requirements:
The program serves middle and high school teachers, Adult Education & Literacy (AEL) instructors, Institutions of Higher Education (IHE) faculty, school counselors, and school administrators (Superintendents, Principals, and Assistant Principals) from participating Independent School Districts (ISDs) located within the 26 counties of the Texas Panhandle Workforce Development Area.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must be at least 18 years of age.
- Must be eligible to work in the United States.
- If male and born after 1960, must be registered with Selective Service. Verify here.
Participation Requirements:
- Complete 10 to 15 days at the assigned employer worksite, with at least 4 hours per day of on-site participation.
- Attend both the Pre-Externship Orientation and Post-Externship Workshop (attendance is mandatory).
- Maintain an attendance log for all externship days.
- Complete the Post-Externship Survey.
- Develop and submit a lesson plan based on externship experience, aligning with Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) standards.
- Include in your lesson plan either:
- A field trip for students to the employer’s site, or
- A classroom visit by the employer’s staff member or guest speaker.
Assignment Process:
- Educators will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Externship placements will be assigned by Workforce Solutions Panhandle staff, taking into account geographical location.
- Employers in rural areas will be recruited based on educator registrations in those areas.
- Region 16 Education Service Center will host the Pre-Externship Orientation and Post-Externship Workshop, and provide guidance on lesson plan development.
Stipend:
- Educators who complete all program requirements will receive a $2,000 stipend.
- Stipends will be issued after successful completion of the Post-Externship Workshop and submission of the lesson plan.
Continuing Education Units (CEUs):
- Upon completion of the Teacher Externship Program, educators will receive up to 43 hours of Continuing Education Units through Region 16 Education Service Center.
Important Dates:
- Pre-Externship Orientation: Mandatory attendance required prior to starting externship.
- June/July: Complete 10 to 15 days at assigned employer.
- Post-Externship Workshop: Mandatory attendance, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM.
