‘New collaboration brings international talent to STEM education’
The technology and IT sector is growing rapidly in the Brainport region. Tens of thousands of jobs will be created between now and 2032. This also means that many more teachers will be needed, especially in the STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). In East Brabant alone, a shortage of more than 300 science teachers is expected by 2028. This shortage cannot be solved with a single measure. It helps enormously if you make optimal use of the talent that is already present in the region. That is precisely the idea behind the “Internationals in the Classroom” programme. The goal? To train international talent with knowledge of technology and science to become teachers or teaching assistants in secondary education.
The region is home to around 27,500 partners of international knowledge workers, 42 per cent of whom have a science background. These are people with a wealth of knowledge and experience, yet the route to suitable work and a place in society is not always easy. Maudy Keulemans, talent programme manager at ASML, sees a clear opportunity here. ‘The programme offers internationals the opportunity to use their professional background to gain a foothold in the regional labour market.’ She adds: ‘At the same time, it brings extra expertise and valuable experience from the business world into the classroom. So it's a win-win situation.’
An opportunity for international talent
Over the next three years, the programme will train at least 60 internationals to become teachers or teaching assistants in secondary education. The first participants have already started. “If we want more young people to choose technology, it starts with good lessons and enough inspiring teachers,” says Astrid van Deelen, education & labour market manager at Brainport Development. Saskia Heunks, programme manager at Trion, mentions another advantage: “When there are people from different backgrounds, cultures and languages standing in front of the class, the teaching team better reflects the pupils in the classroom. That's important, because pupils can then identify more easily with those standing in front of the group and develop more strongly as a result.”
Wouter Verhaak (programme leader at AOS Noordoost-Brabant and AOS Zuidoost-Brabant) is also enthusiastic. “What appeals to me most is that this programme allows us to provide international students with a good, serious education, just as we do in our regular programmes. In this way, together with several training schools, we are building up even more knowledge and experience in guiding international students at school.”
Innovation
Annemieke Vennix, programme leader at TU/e, believes that as a training programme, you have to be open to innovation. 'As teacher training programmes, we have to keep thinking about what good education is today. In a region that innovates a lot, schools and teachers should also innovate.“ Ruurd Taconis, director of education at TU/e, agrees. He adds:
'I have noticed that you don't have to speak perfect Dutch to be a good teacher. It's mainly about clear explanations and good contact with pupils. So this new approach also requires an open mind.”
A rewarding role
Internationals are welcomed with open arms in this project, but they will also have to work hard themselves. Dennis Witsiers, project leader at Brainport for Education, is honest about this. “Participation requires time, perseverance and trust. It is a considerable investment for participants,” he says. “But then there is also a wonderful and often rewarding role as a teacher in secondary education. It is important that ASML has started this project and that we, together with the various partners, show what we are good at in the Brainport region: working together!”
Internationals in the Classroom is a collaboration between Brainport Development, ASML, Expat Spouses Initiative (ESI), ESoE (TU/e), Fontys, Onderwijsregio Brabant-Oost, Trion Opleidingsschool and AOS-Zuidoost-Brabant.
The programme is made possible in part by ASML. In this way, ASML contributes to strong and future-oriented education in the Brainport region.