“I am better able to connect problem-solving and teamwork to real world applications. I will now be able to redirect lessons plans and units to point students to local industries.”

“The workshop allows me to expose my students to manufacturing as a possible career choice because I know what is out there and have contacts for more information.”

These are but two of the many comments made by the 16 educators who attended the TIME Center sponsored Lean Manufacturing Summer Workshop for Educators. The four-day workshop provided information on the skills and knowledge required in modern manufacturing, reinforced through hands-on exercises and a tour of GM Powertrain, Baltimore Transmission. The four days culminated with teachers developing lesson plans and exercises around specific lean applications.

The 16 educators, representing 13 different middle and high schools from seven Maryland counties, included manufacturing and technical education instructors as well as instructors in the core disciplines of science, physics, chemistry and pre-engineering.

The TIME Center is a National Science Foundation funded Advanced Technology Education Center that, through its educational and business partners, is charged with developing initiatives that meet the education needs of Maryland’s manufacturers and improving the industry image. One such initiative is to provide professional development opportunities for teachers to update their instructional programs.

RMI congratulates the TIME Center, the Maryland Technical Extension Service and GM Powertrain, Baltimore Transmission for making the workshop such a success.