The TRDA hosted its first Teacher Quest Recognition Luncheon on Aug. 3 to honor participants in the 2007 teacher professional development program. Sponsored by the TRDA, the Teacher Quest program gives K-12 teachers the chance to become paid summer employees at select science- and technology-based businesses in Florida. Teachers gain valuable industry knowledge and take it back to the classroom to make math, science and technology studies more exciting and challenging for students.

"Shaping the workforce of tomorrow begins today in our classrooms...with our teachers," said Diane Matthews, TRDA's director of education. "Teacher Quest continues to make great strides in giving teachers the edge they need to truly inspire students and better prepare them for their future careers. We're very pleased to honor the people who help make this program a success year after year."

During the event, which was held at the Fairwinds Alumni Center at the University of Central Florida, Matthews recognized eight employers who served as financial sponsors of the 2007 program. Recognized sponsor employers included:  gold sponsors American Systems Corp. and Workforce Central (in conjunction with .Decimal, Inc.); Progress Energy (silver sponsor) bronze sponsors ConMed Linvatec, Delaware North, Florida Institute for Phosphate Research, GWIZ Science Museum and Sun Hydraulics Corp. Each received a special award from the TRDA.

Paul Beyers, an engineer with Sun Hydraulics Corp., said his company participates in Teacher Quest because it is a long-term investment in the future work force. "Our labor pool is dwindling; fewer people see manufacturing as an interesting career," he said. "As a result, there are fewer people coming out of school and fewer people with manufacturing experience for us to draw from. If a teacher can bring back knowledge of modern manufacturing technology and create an interest in students, hopefully their interest will bring them through our doors."

The 2007 Teacher Quest program was one of the most successful to date. Eighty-four teachers from 14 Florida counties, including many rural areas, went to work for 24 companies and institutions throughout the state from June through the end of July. Matthews said the 2007 program had a 20 percent increase in employer participation.

For more information on Teacher Quest or to participate in the 2008 program, either as a teacher or an employer, visit http://www.trda.org/ or call (866) 263-9564.

Pictured above from Left to Right:  Amanda Miles and Greg Burkett of Progress Energy Florida and Chester J. Straub, Jr., Executive Director of TRDA.