Doug Hartley, who is now a Utica Community Schools teacher, seen here in a Henry Ford II High School computer science classroom, was one of the first volunteers in the Technology Education and Literacy in Schools program. Utica Community Schools is looking for more IT professionals to join the program and support classroom instruction.
By: Kara Szymanski | C&G Newspapers | Published July 11, 2023
SHELBY TOWNSHIP/UTICA/STERLING HEIGHTS — Local information technology professionals are being invited to take part in a partnership between Microsoft and Utica Community Schools.
Those who want to make a difference in the future of their profession are welcome.
Superintendent Robert Monroe said this partnership is a way to help build skills while also creating a connection between teachers and volunteers in the community that will benefit students and staff.
“Strong partnerships bring strong results for our students and staff. Through this collaboration, our teachers and industry leaders are building student skills for the high paying jobs available right in our backyard,” he said via email.
The Technology Education and Literacy in Schools, or TEALS, program pairs technology professionals with school district computer science and cybersecurity programs so the professionals can directly help students and teachers.
Allison Hartnett, from Microsoft, said in a prepared statement that Microsoft is happy to be able to provide this program.
“Microsoft Philanthropies TEALS Program is dedicated to empowering schools to offer computer science by pairing teachers with trained volunteers in the tech industry. We’re glad to be working with Utica Community Schools to offer equitable CS for its students and inspire the next generation of technologists,” she stated.
Monroe said the partnership gives UCS students experiences that meet the needs of the region’s employers.
“Our TEALS professionals provide students with direct industry level experiences and expectations. It is through these partnerships that we are making sure our graduates have a competitive advantage for the high paying jobs right in our back yard,” he said in a press release.
More than 10 computer science professionals currently volunteer at the four UCS comprehensive high schools — Eisenhower, Henry Ford II, Stevenson and Utica high schools.
Volunteers participate in training throughout the summer both online and at the Microsoft Technology Center in Detroit.
Volunteers are asked to volunteer from one of four times per week, depending on their schedules. All courses are scheduled for the first hour and will not go past 9:30 a.m.
To volunteer, visit microsoft.com/enus/teals/volunteers.