Tamara Sundberg

Some of the best connections I have made in the community are former WBL graduates from a variety of different programs, schools, and states, now business leaders in our community.  An important part of the program is getting teachers to see that WBL enhances educational options rather than affecting their curriculum or class programs. (Getting the program to build on developed paths so teachers don't worry classes will be depleted with students taking WBL courses)

Collaboration, partnership, and various meetings with both in-school and community partners are paramount to success. The WBL Coordinator is central to bringing everyone together through solid plans, good communication, and thoughtful opportunities.  

It is important to continually review our program and paperwork to ensure that our program aligns with emerging laws. Clarification about work vs. non-work being performed is helpful, especially when we think about medical internships

That its important to clarify to both students and employers that WBL is not a part-time job. And having solid business partners is essential. Continuing to go into the community to build relationships, have business and advisory meetings, and be familiar with the local business climate are key to success. 

Student training plans, which we use but need to add some additional information, address individual student goals and skills or learning outcomes to be learned.  We have to continually teach students the importance of evaluation, problem-solving, teamwork, and initiative in the classroom, how they apply to the real world, and how they will utilize them in the workplace. 

I agree with several of the other commentators. As a coordinator, juggling multiple roles simultaneously is standard practice (at some schools), but the ability to articulate a program's vision while collaborating effectively with students, teachers, employers, counselors, businesses, and admin is essential. 

I also believe it is important to approach this work with grace, confidence, and enthusiasm, especially when it comes to being flexible. I learned both from this course and from experience that programs rarely run on a linear path and so it is important to have the agility to pivot when things need to be adjusted or improved.… >>>

It is so important to continue to work with community partners and to establish a group of "champions/ advisors" to assist with and guide the development of our WBL programs.  This could work best with a combination of business leaders, teachers, and admin. I think a focus will be integrating our program into more departments and also to younger grades to allow all students access to WBL programming.  

Having data to reflect upon and refer to over years from multiple grades will improve programming. That it will be good to have a more centralized database of WBL

To develop a sustainable program, we need continued buy-in from administration, staff, teachers, and the community. We will need to continue to grow with the needs of students, families, and businesses.  Students now are eager to dive into practical learning, and we should make space for them. 

It is important to be sure we continually align our protocols with updated state and federal regulations, especially when it comes to age and safety of students.