LIT Provides Local Teachers with Firsthand Knowledge of Workplace Skills Through Workforce Solutions Externship Program

6/15/2026

Five local teachers participating in the Workforce Solutions Teacher Externship program partnered with experienced Lamar Institute of Technology (LIT) faculty from June 1-5 for a week-long, in-depth look at the college’s programs.

The externs, secondary teachers from Hardin-Jefferson ISD, Nederland ISD, Hamshire-Fannett ISD, the Ehrhart School and Tekoa Academy, were given the opportunity to observe diagnostic medical and cardiac sonography, respiratory therapy, process operating, EMS and nursing courses.

During their time at LIT, they learned how the subject matter they teach relates to higher education through first-hand experience onsite in LIT’s lab spaces, side-by-side with instructors during classes.

“I believe it is vital that LIT participates and welcomes the teachers in the area,” said Dustin Sites, EMT Instructor at LIT and one of the faculty mentors. “It ensures that the students have a broad view of the opportunities available to them in their own backyard.”

That goal was echoed by the participating educators, who said they were excited about the opportunities available to their students.

“It was a fantastic experience,” said William Hill, a biology teacher at Hamshire-Fannett High School, who shadowed the diagnostic medical sonography program. “I am amazed at the scope and variety of career opportunities in the medical imaging field. I now have real life examples and experiences to be able to draw from when relaying these career opportunities to my students.”

At the conclusion of the program, each educator developed a lesson plan inspired by their experience with the externship and will bring those lessons back to the classroom with them for the upcoming school year.

To learn more about LIT’s programs, visit lit.edu.

For more information on the Workforce Solutions Teacher Externship program, visit setworks.org.