2026 Summer Teachers' Workshop Debrief

The National Center for Next Generation Manufacturing (NCNGM) concluded the 2026 Summer Teachers' Workshop cohort, a virtual professional development initiative. This cohort of 16 educators from both secondary and higher education lasted four days, and participants in the program are eligible for a stipend and two certifications: Professional Skills and Technical Skills. The agenda was packed with skill-building activities, lectures, and hands-on technical introductory workshops. Each educator received high-quality, pertinent materials, including a DISC profile and an Emotional Intelligence (EQ) assessment, a yearlong SolidWorks license for educators, a BBC micro:bit unit, and a circuit board kit. This series of presentations and demonstrations aimed to enhance skills and knowledge in the manufacturing industry, focusing on both technical and interpersonal skillsets for educators to use in their classrooms and professional environments. Educators nationwide were introduced to the opportunities the advanced manufacturing sector can provide for their students, including current industry feedback and access to the National Science Foundation (NSF) Advanced Technological Education (ATE) network of institutions and initiatives.

Dr. Karen Wosczyna-Birch, Executive Director of the National Center for Next Generation Manufacturing (NCNGM), offered a comprehensive presentation of the Center's recent and upcoming initiatives. She highlighted the significance of these initiatives in shaping the future of advanced manufacturing and technical education through collaboration with the NSF ATE community and industry partnerships. She also invited all participants to attend the Community of Practice event scheduled for July 10th, 2026. This event was in collaboration with the National Applied Artificial Intelligence Consortium (NAAIC) and the Advanced Manufacturing Technical Education Collaborative (AMTEC), focusing specifically on the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the advanced manufacturing sector and its impact on career technician education. The discussions at this event are expected to delve into how AI technologies can enhance productivity, streamline processes, and foster new levels of creativity and efficiency within the industry.

John Birch, CEO of The Birch Group LLC and an experienced Professional Skills Consultant, began the virtual workshop by leveraging his roles as Co-Principal Investigator (PI) of the CICSTART high school program and Director of the MET² community college program to connect with the educators he addressed. His presentation covered a variety of essential topics aimed at improving one's interpersonal skills and team dynamics in professional settings. He emphasized the importance of teambuilding through the use of DISC Behavior Profiles, which help individuals understand their own and others' behavioral styles. He also discussed the critical concept of Emotional Intelligence (EQ), which plays a key role in effective communication and professional relationships. Mr. Birch also addressed the challenges of "Dealing with Difficult People," providing practical strategies and insights that participants can apply to navigate complex situations in the workplace.

Andrew Angle, a recently retired high school teacher and Co-Principal Investigator (PI) for the CICSTART high school program, introduced the workshop to the BBC micro:bits. These small, programmable devices serve as an excellent educational tool for teaching programming and electronics. Mr. Angle led a hands-on project challenge that encouraged participants to actively engage with the micro:bits, guiding them through programming and data logging on these devices. This interactive session not only demonstrated the versatility of micro:bits but also inspired participants to explore the potential of integrating the micro:bits into their own educational practices, which enhances student engagement and learning outcomes in STEM fields.

Eric Flynn, a Professor at Connecticut State Community College Gateway, showcased various technological tools and software that are pivotal in advanced manufacturing education. His presentation included demonstrations on circuits, TinkerCAD software, and SolidWorks, all of which are integral components of a comprehensive manufacturing curriculum. Professor Flynn's insights into how these tools can be utilized to create effective learning experiences for students were invaluable, as they aligned with current industry standards and practices. By equipping students with these essential skills, educational institutions can better prepare them for successful careers in the manufacturing sector.

Steve Longpre, the Interim Director of the Northwest Connecticut Housing & Innovation Center, presented an engaging session on the implications of laser technology and maker spaces for education and innovation. He elaborated on how these spaces can serve as hubs for creativity and experimentation, allowing educators and institutions to harness technology competencies effectively. Mr. Longpre emphasized the importance of fostering an environment where students can explore hands-on projects, collaborate with peers, and develop practical skills that are highly sought after in today’s job market. His insights into the benefits of integrating maker spaces into educational frameworks highlighted the potential for transformative learning experiences that can inspire the next generation of the modern workforce..

Based on brief feedback from participants during the workshop, the National Center for Next Generation Manufacturing's Summer Teachers' Workshop was well received. Participants expressed inspiration from the engaging presentations and interactive sessions, which enhanced their ability to navigate workplace relationships. The educators were also motivated to explore ways to incorporate the workshop's technical lessons into their classrooms. All participants were offered an opportunity to earn an additional stipend to develop and implement a curriculum based on the materials of this workshop.