Teaching the teachers: Expanding impact of technical education through secondary schools

Abstract

Secondary schools are in a prime position to introduce students into careers in Supply Chain Management and Logistics. However, these teachers often lack any practical experience in the field and lack the understanding to communicate the latest trends, technologies, and career opportunities to their students. The teachers also lack understanding in how to connect these high-demand careers to their current course offerings in technology or business management. The NSF Award "Technology-Based Logistics: Leveraging Indiana's Role as the Crossroads of America" (Awards 1304619 and 1304520) specifically addresses these concerns through building a pipeline of educational curriculum that begins with secondary education and continues through community college and four-year institutions. Through dual credit opportunities, strong linkages to potential supply chain careers are reinforced beginning at grade 10. A combination of teacher professional development, curriculum development and support, and national certifications creates an opportunity for students to enter the supply chain management and logistics industry sector. Entry points in this sector are available at a wide variety of skill levels, including high school diploma, certificate programs, and two year and four year degree programs. This paper will document best practices used in training secondary educators on supply chain management topics, including simulation and game-based instruction. It will also describe the secondary to post-secondary educational pathway, a career opportunity matrix and present associated curriculum and articulation agreements.