Empowering Educators Through Industry Insight: Highlights from the Aerospace Educator Externship Week
This summer, The Dee Howard Foundation launched our Future-Ready Aerospace Educator Community of Practice with the inaugural Aerospace Educator Externship Week. In partnership with ATEAMS, the hands-on professional development experience is designed to give local educators deeper insight into aerospace careers and education pathways across the San Antonio region.
ATEAMS played a key role in identifying and aligning partnerships with ESC Region 20 and Workforce Solutions Alamo, which allowed participating educators to receive professional development hours and a stipend supported by Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) funds.
Educators engaged directly with leading aerospace employers and higher education institutions to better connect classroom learning with high-demand, high-wage career opportunities available to students in our community.
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Exploring Local Industry and Innovation
Educators visited several of San Antonio’s major aerospace employers, including:
- Boeing, where they learned how local operations support the nation's defense through maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services. From fighter jets to cargo planes and even Air Force One, Boeing San Antonio is a national leader in defense aviation. Educators also learned about Boeing’s investment in SAMSAT’s Area 21 at The Boeing Center at Tech Port. This space provides free experiential learning and field trip opportunities for students, expanding access to aerospace and STEM engagement in our community.
- StandardAero, where they explored the company’s in-house training programs that allow individuals with little to no experience to enter the aerospace field. Educators saw how new employees are given opportunities to immediately begin learning and growing their careers.
- Southwest Research Institute, where the group toured space research and development facilities. They learned about the testing of satellites and other equipment under extreme pressure and sound conditions, gaining insight into San Antonio’s contributions to the space industry.
Each visit included conversations with HR staff, executives, and operations personnel, providing a full view of the careers and skills shaping the aerospace sector.
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Connecting with Post-Secondary Partners
Educators also visited key post-secondary institutions offering aerospace-aligned programs:
- UTSA’s Kleese College of Engineering and Integrated Design, where they explored degree programs that prepare students for careers in engineering and aerospace technology
- Hallmark University, where they learned about hands-on aviation maintenance and technology pathways
- Alamo Colleges’ Westside Education and Training Center (WETC), where they were introduced to career and technical education (CTE) programs and student support services offered through the Alamo Colleges District
These visits gave educators valuable information to guide students toward post-secondary options that align with their interests and regional workforce needs.
Sharing Knowledge Across Classrooms
At the end of the week, each educator developed a presentation and classroom-ready materials to take back to their schools. These tools will help inspire students and equip fellow educators with resources to highlight the aerospace industry and its relevance in San Antonio.
Introducing the Future-Ready Aerospace Educator Community of Practice
This externship week also marked the launch of the Future-Ready Aerospace Educator Community of Practice. Through this initiative, The Dee Howard Foundation will engage educators throughout the year to:
- Participate in job shadowing and industry visits
- Share best practices and classroom strategies
- Collaborate on improving education and workforce pathways for students
By strengthening the bridge between education and industry, we are helping prepare the next generation of aerospace leaders and innovators.
For more information on our Future-Ready Aerospace Educator Community of Practice, please email us at
