SPECIAL TO THE REPORTER

Don&8217;t be surprised to see your child&8217;s fifth grade teacher helping customers at the local grocery store.

But this isn&8217;t just for extra money.

The teachers are learning firsthand the skills needed by employers in Shelby County.

The Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce and the Shelby County Board of Education kicked off the Annual Teacher Internship Program

(TIPS) on Tuesday, June 6, 2006 at Jefferson State Community College, Valleydale Road.

The TIPS program is a 3.5-day internship for up to 50 Shelby County teachers to work in local businesses.

More than 20 area businesses and 30 educators are participating in the program this year. The focus is &8220;Effective Communication and Problem-Solving Skills.&8221;

According to Shelby County Career Technical Education Program Area Specialist Kay Harris, TIPS is another way to improve the critical thinking skills that are valued in today&8217;s workplace.

Teachers are required to develop a lesson plan incorporating the skills learned during the internship into their respective classrooms.

&8220;The Teacher Internship Program brings business people and educators together to learn from one another. It&8217;s an opportunity to focus on the needs of the young people in Shelby County and the opportunity to create a better future workforce&8221;, said Workforce Development and Education Co-Chair Rick Batson of TurnerBatson Architects.

The Internship concludes at the Chamber&8217;s monthly membership luncheon, July 26th, at the Pelham Civic Complex.

The cost is $13 for members and $16 for non-members. Reservations are required in advance by calling the Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce at (205) 663-4542