Sometimes the cultures of business partners and school leaders are as far apart as interplanetary species. This session is for both business partners and academy directors and administrators to help bridge the cultural gap between the two groups to create meaningful interaction. Learn how to navigate through business jargon and “education-speak” to find common ground and goals. Industry leaders will be invited to join ABLC presenters to address topics which may be preventing the academy from benefitting from all industry has to offer.

1. #NAFNext2014

2. #NAFNext2014
Ann Fields, Miami-Dade County Public Schools
Dayl Walker, Connecticut Business & Industry Association
Sonja Brouwers, Clark High School AOF Advisory Board

3. The Languages of Business and Education
Partners Can Be As Far Apart as the Planets
#NAFNext2014

4. Identify the problem
#NAFNext2014

5. Why is this a Problem?

6. Business Partner Frustration

7. Academy Director Frustration

8. School Coordinator (Teacher) Frustration

9. Intergalactic Disharmony:
Communication Disconnect Between Education and Business

10. Best Laid Plans of Business and Education
Internship
Providers
Orientation
snarled by a little
traffic . . .

11. I’m Very Busy and This Will Require A Lot of Work, So….
Why Do We Need to Address This Problem?

12. Business: What’s In It For Me?
A Big Return on Investment!

13. Educators: What’s In It For Me?
A Superhero!

14. Ultimately, It’s All About the Students

15. Good Communication Balances the Business-
Education Relationship

16. • One school contact
• One business contact
• CC all involved people
• Changes – notify immediately
• Timeliness – check emails twice day
Communication

17. • Who:
• What:
• When:
• Where:
• Why:
• CC:
Initial E-Mail

18. Listen, don’t assume.
Business people
• Volunteers
• Work piles up
• Business needs are a priority
Teachers and schools
• Fewer resources
• Older technology
• Little control over schedule
• Teach the children who walk through their doors
Respect

19. • Business volunteers
Show up
Call immediately
• Schools
Be sure students are available
Understand that business needs take precedence
Honor Commitments

20. • Business people may be nervous
• Students greet visitors
• Name tags
• Principal’s role
Feeling Welcome

21. Gratitude
• Say, “Thank you.”
• Write thank you notes
• Make them feel good

22. Say “Thank You”

23. • Work under the radar screen
• Find champions
• Make people feel good
• Use the students
• Do evaluations
Start Small

24. Start Small: Career Posters to…

25. …Tutoring

26. Tutoring to…

27. …Lunch with Young Engineers Program

28. Lunch with the Presidents

29. Interns and Business Sponsors

30. Any Questions???