Program Models
CDLE’s Teacher Externship Program leverages Colorado’s Work Based Learning Continuum to provide structured experiences ranging from business or industry tours to immersive externships. In sync with the Community Assessment included with the continuum, our program goes beyond individual development, fostering a collaborative environment that engages local businesses, educators, and students. By connecting the dots between education and industry needs, we contribute to the overall prosperity and growth of communities throughout Colorado.
CDLE will offer or support the following types of externship models:
Professional Associations
Duration/Timing: 3-5 days; flexible tours or job shadows based on capacity, needs, and interest; summer only or during the school year
Description: Teacher visits several businesses within a specific industry for broad exposure and informational interviews, but no direct project work
Benefit: Broad exposure to industry, minimal cost and time commitment, relationship-building and workforce pipeline development
Cost: Variable, depending on scope of opportunity. Estimated range: $0 to $1,500 for teacher stipend
Customized Experiences
Duration/Timing: 1-3 weeks; flexible based on capacity, needs, and interest; summer only or during the school year
Description: Co-creation and design of projects focused on specific problems of practice and direct participation in business functions
Benefit: Opportunities can be customized to fit specific needs/goals, relationship-building and workforce pipeline development
Cost: Variable, depending on scope of opportunity. Estimated range: $1,000 to $5,000 for teacher stipend
Full Immersion
Duration/Timing: 4-6 weeks during the summer plus course requirements and classroom implementation time
Description: Full immersion in business function with curricular objectives tied to specific outcomes and expectations
Benefit: Extensive learning, industry-recognized credentialing, graduate university and/or salary credits; relationship-building and workforce pipeline development
Cost: Approximately $5,000 to 10,000 for all program components
Additional Programs
In addition to offering its own, state-level Teacher Externship Program, CDLE also supports other, independently operated programs in Colorado by providing connections to business partners and sharing resources.
Other Colorado programs include:
- Poudre School District Educator Externship Program
- Mindspark’s STEMPath Program
- Colorado Bioscience Institute: Research Experience for Teachers
If you would like to see your program featured in this list, please contact Kelly Reeser at kelly.reeser@state.co.us.