Business and Education Exchange Program Helps Instill Understanding Between Two Vital Community Groups

November 2001 - Renton teachers and local business people recently exchanged jobs to share experiences and build understanding between the two vital groups in the community. The Business and Education Exchange program, hosted by the Renton School District and the Greater Renton Chamber of Commerce, gives business people an opportunity to see daily life in the classroom. Likewise, the program offers teachers a chance to experience a workday in local businesses.

Comments from participants emphasized the importance of the job share program. Both groups learned that a positive attitude and a good work ethic is essential whether you’re producing quality products, offering a specific service or helping children learn.

A business participant, Howard Cohen, general manager of the Seattle-Renton Holiday Inn, was so impressed with students in Jane Freer’s second grade class at Talbot Hill Elementary School that he had them design this year’s Christmas cards to send to Holiday Inn staff and customers.

Some quotes from both business and education partners:
“We get to interview and screen the people we hire. We get to pick and choose whom we employ, train and maintain as employees. Schools don’t have that luxury. They must accept and work with every student that comes into the classroom.” —Rob Porter, Washington Title Insurance Co., visited Sue Brumfield, Tiffany Park Elementary School.

“At the school I visited, I watched professional people managing and helping students who, if not for this site, might not otherwise attend school. The teachers there put a lot of effort and thought in how they help each individual.” —Wendy Flores, Group Health Cooperative, visited Karen Piche, Satori Re-entry program.

“I was thrilled to find out there are schools with a business focus. I’ve heard of schools with a focus on, say, art, but not business. And the instruction was right on the money. Business plans, profit, overhead, costs. It was really well thought out and well presented.” —Howard Cohen, Holiday Inn, visited Jane Freer, Talbot Hill Elementary School.

“School classrooms, at the preschool and kindergarten level, are not just where kids play. There is teaching going on.” — Renee Huseby, Townhouse Suites, visited Cindy Pang-Ching, Tiffany Park elementary School.