As a result of an immersive fiveday teacher externship program with ExxonMobil over the summer, Beaumont Independent School District (BISD) West Brook High School’s Engineering and Robotics Teacher Marko Johnson said he has a new outlook on his fall curriculum.
“I can give the students more realworld understanding and train them to think in the processes they need to be successful,” said Johnson. “In my engineering class, as well as my robotics class, I can now set up labs that encourage teamwork and assign (students) real roles in the industry.”
ExxonMobil Beaumont hosted six BISD teachers as part of the learning experience supported by Workforce Solutions of Southeast Texas. Teachers were then tasked to incorporate that knowledge into their curriculum to support future industry careers for their students.
“Through our summer externship program, we helped to provide teachers with some of the tools they need to further empower our youngest neighbors to enter the workforce and lead successful careers,” said Michael Mustian, ExxonMobil Beaumont Complex Manager.
During their time at ExxonMobil, teachers received introductions to the petrochemical industry, process safety and sustainability practices, site tours of ExxonMobil’s Beaumont Complex, Beaumont Lubricants Blending and Packaging Plant, Beaumont Polyethylene Plant, and the Beaumont Light Atmospheric Distillation Expansion (BLADE) Unit. Individual teacher mentors were assigned to guide externs through the program and overviews of engineering, process operating and other advanced technology careers were explored.
“I’ll be able to bring the information and the knowledge gained back to encourage students to apply, to see different career opportunities,” said Dr. Jonathan Castille, BISD Special Education Teacher and ExxonMobil Teacher Externship Participant. “The doors are open. Everyone has an equal opportunity to have a career at ExxonMobil.”
