Michelle Effatt, a member of Newport News Shipbuilding’s Teacher Internship Program, listens to instructions from Leonard Morris III (O25) as she prepares to try welding. Photo by Ashley Cowan

Teachers: NNS Internships Will Enrich Classrooms

Published July 31, 2024

Michelle Effatt volunteered to try welding during Newport News Shipbuilding’s Teacher Internship Program, carefully working under the watchful eyes of an instructor in a controlled training environment.

As a counselor who advises high school students on career choices, this kind of hands-on experience will better inform her knowledge of the trades for students considering that option. Effatt, from I.C. Norcom High School in Portsmouth, was one of 14 educators who spent about two weeks at NNS in July.

“Absolutely amazing,” said Effatt, when asked to rate the program. “Whatever you want to do, you can find it here at the shipyard.”

Participants said the program will broaden their horizons and prove instructive when they return to the classroom. It offered exposure to longstanding shipyard trades, such as welding and pipefitting, as well as newer tools that use virtual or augmented reality.

The program has been in place since 2012, and is a proven benefit to NNS, said David Green (O26) a trainer and Master Shipbuilder.

“The value is tenfold,” he said. “There is nothing like a firsthand account of what we do and how we do it. The teachers go forth as our ambassadors to share what life-changing opportunities are available with minimal or no experience.”

Teikeshia Archer teaches cybersecurity to 11th and 12th grade students at the College and Career Academy at Pruden, part of Suffolk Public School District. She was impressed by the opportunities to move within the shipyard to grow and try new challenges.

“It has definitely opened my eyes to a lot of opportunities – for everyone,” she said. “Any of my students would fit in here.”

Robert Dye, chairs the math department at Renaissance Academy in Virginia Beach, and he said the experience has given him a new focus. “It has definitely given me ideas for the classroom,” he said.

Green said many teachers have said NNS is a hidden gem, “meaning our community doesn’t realize all we do here. After being exposed to what transpires behind our gates, we experience that ‘a-ha’ moment from the teachers’ expressions.”

He lauded this particular group for their passion, and knowing “the important role that everyone plays in order to be successful.”

Fourteen educators took part in the Newport News Shipbuilding Teacher Internship Program earlier this month. Photo by Ashley Cowan