For a week in July, the Christa McAuliffe Academy convenes at Appleton North High School in Appleton, Wisconsin, having drawn teachers from throughout the east central region of the state, thus making attending the Academy a cost-effective professional development option for teachers. Participating teachers select one course of study for the week, ranging from kitchen chemistry to web page design. For this work, they earn graduate credit from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh and satisfy requirements for professional development.

What makes the Christa McAuliffe Academy unique is its business partnership component. Fox Cities area companies support the Academy by agreeing to serve on its advisory committee, and by participating in a special day in the middle of the Academy week.

On that day, all Academy participants tour local companies to learn about their products and services, but also about the types of jobs they offer and the skills and educational achievements these positions require. Following the tours, the teachers and company representatives engage in a conversation on these topics and share more about their respective workplaces including the classrooms. These experiences help teachers see how what they teach in the classroom proves valuable in the workplace. This connection is made possible through the relationships with businesses that the Chamber already has fostered with its members.

Early in the new year, the Christa McAuliffe Academy publishes its course offerings for that summer. A keynote speaker is announced in the catalog, a feature that helps set an exciting tone for the upcoming session. Nearly 20 courses are outlined, providing information on course content, grade level, and both student and teacher standards that the course will satisfy.

Previous courses have included use of graphing calculators, reading strategies, integrating technology into the curriculum, web page design, investing and the stock market, and new math. The curriculum is complemented with courses in creativity and hands-on activities like building books to showcase and recognize student projects. The teachers truly become the students, creating the same projects that they will have their own students tackle when they return to the classroom.