Instructions: Create an original post and describe the major groups of people with whom you work and the backgrounds from which they originate. Identify the key resources that you use with this group. Then respond to one classmate’s post. You will make a total of two posts.
Remember that our learning group works in a full-value environment: We treat our colleagues with respect and professionalism. Our comments should reflect this culture.
As an in-school youth career coach, I primarily work with high school students from diverse backgrounds and with varied interests and aspirations. These students may come from different socioeconomic backgrounds, ethnicities, and family structures. Some may be first-generation college students, while others may come from families with a long history of higher education. Additionally, students may have differing levels of academic achievement, extracurricular involvement, and career exploration experiences. These are the primary individuals I support, helping them explore their interests, skills, and career goals. I assist them in navigating the process of career exploration, college planning, and developing the necessary skills for success in their chosen career paths. Collaborating with teachers and school staff is essential for understanding students’ academic performance, strengths, and areas for improvement. They also play a crucial role in referring students to career coaching services and providing insights into students’ needs and preferences. Engaging parents and guardians is vital for supporting students’ career development. I provide information and resources to parents about college and career options, financial aid, and the importance of supporting their children’s aspirations. Working with school administrators helps ensure alignment with the school’s goals and objectives for student success. They may provide support for career-related initiatives, allocate resources, and facilitate partnerships with external organizations.
I agree that engaging and collaborating with teachers and school staff is extremely important in understanding students strengths and weaknesses. I also agree that engaging the parents and guardians is helpful as well because they can attest to how their child(ren) are outside of the school environment.
Yes, this is where the rubber meets the road. You can reap your reward from pouring your experiences and passion into their future explorations and successes. Building the relationships, partnerships and collaborations with the student, school staff, community investors and the family will have everlasting and meaningful results for years to come. I salute for a job well done.
The work that you provide to the students, families, and communities is appreciated. I strongly believe it takes the collaboration of coaches, counselors, teachers, parents, and the student’s willingness to explore the possibilities of their future success. Whether they decide to continue their education at a college/university or, venture into the work world after graduation. It is a bonus to the student to have support coming from all aspects to ensure encouragement for them to keep pushing to get to their goal.
Working as an in-school youth career coach, I work with both middle and high school students from diverse backgrounds. Each student that I have spoken with this far all have various dreams and aspirations for now and their future. Some come from single-parent households while others come from multigenerational homes. Some will potentially be first generation college students, while others have family members who have completed higher education. In working with these students from all walks of life, I utilize their guidance counselors and teachers that way I can talk about the type of student they are and understand their academic performance. Working with the school administration helps to understand the school climate and resources that the school provides. Also, working with the local workforce development helps me to provide options for summer employment or other resources that these students may need.
I agree that forming connections with the counselors and teachers of the students we work with daily will help the coaches understand their goals for the near future. As career coaches, we must understand and implement the resources that our schools have to offer to our students in hopes of helping mold the next generation of employees.
Thank you for the detailed information amongst your student population. Like you, I to am a Career Coach who work with a wide variety of students ranging from those who “know” to those who “have no idea”. Regardless, at this age neither is right or wrong. As long as we continue to provide resources, continue being consistent and present, and remain positive listeners and encouraging leaders within their lives. Life will kick in for these young students and they will find their path through exposure, experience and passion.
Overall, great post!
As an In School Youth Career Coach, I have the privilege of working with a diverse group of students, primarily in grades 6 to 8.
Middle School Students: These young learners are at a critical juncture in their educational journey. They come from various backgrounds, including different socioeconomic statuses, cultural heritage, and family structures. Many of them are still exploring their interests, passions, and potential career paths. They may not have a clear vision of their future yet, but they are curious and eager to learn. Within this group, there are students who exhibit a keen interest in exploring different professions. They ask insightful questions, attend workshops, and actively seek guidance. Some of them have specific career aspirations, while others are open to discovering new possibilities. They are motivated to learn about various industries, job roles, and educational pathways. (Use of VR)
Key Resources: For this group, I rely on Naviance as an age-appropriate assessment for career exploration. Transfr VR Oculous handsets is another form of technology I will be using in the classroom. Handouts, group activities and power point presentations to deliver lessons. I also collaborate with teachers, parents, and community organizations to provide holistic support.
Working as an In-School Youth Career Coach, I work with middle and high school students (grades 6-9), school counselors, teachers, and local communities. The diversity of all whom I work with ranges on different levels. The students have different learning abilities, different home life, and cultural backgrounds. Counselors and staff come with a variety of degrees and certifications contributing to the knowledge of counseling students towards their future careers and education.
The key resource used in career coaching is the Naviance assessment. This assessment is geared toward identifying students’ strengths and career research. There are also college and career lessons formulated to teach students the resources available to them in preparation for their future in college or the workforce. Also, the VR headsets are available for the students to have hands-on experiences with certain skills and trades that may be in the future of the student’s career choice.
I think you have it down. Yes, we as career coaches can only give our students one small part of the pie. Everyone else need to put their piece into the mix. Mom and Dad from home, the student’s teachers and counselors, coaches from the sports that they play. we need to give every opportunity to the students as we can. Think the Naviance program work very well and gets the students thinking a lot more. The opportunities that the county has put on the table are outstanding and we as coaches need to let the students know. The success that the students can have is limited less.
As a bilingual in-school youth career coach, I work with a variety of students between the ages of 11 and 18, coming from various backgrounds and beliefs. As career coaches, we enter the students’ lives at a very crucial time. As students are starting to have ideas and a voice about their future at the age of 11, we are entering their lives at a very pivotal time. As they are developing their identity and what they want to be in the future, we must meet and teach lessons to these students to help open their eyes to all the possibilities they can explore about a specific career interest. As a career coach, I must work with not only the students but also their parents because they help mold their children’s beliefs, values, and dreams. Teachers form deeper connections with their students and can identify characteristics, learning styles, and behavioral patterns and how these aspects can help guide their students down one career path versus another. School administration helps provide the framework and resources for effective career programs.
Resources that are utilized in career coaching include Naviance, career development programs, library clubs and resources, school counselors, parents, developmental lessons, field trips, and more.
There are so many wonderful insights in this entire thread. I found your insight about many students may have readiness tools and support, but they may also only be second generation financially successful. This does not mean that they or their families are equipped to prepare them for all of the opportunities that in school youth coaches bring to the table. I know to never assume a single thing about any student, school, or family. We most approach situations with curiosity and serve all.
Currently my main focus as a Career Coach is tailored to 6th, 7th and 8th grade students in a suburban area of Maryland. Although this current population is a change from my previous inner-city youth, many things remain consistent. They too are curious, unsure, insecure at times, focused on becoming a better person and so on. The range of self-awareness is vast! That’s alright, in my opinion. As a Career Coach lessons are facilitated trough, virtual reality headsets, computer driven self-assessments, handouts, samples of professional readiness and job resources who are willing to give experience to the unexperienced.
Many of my students have the background knowledge of various careers. Most likely due to the positive structuring within the household and experiences from family activities. Although this may seem to many as a positive those fears and concerns remain a constant for others. Being a child in this era can be very challenging. Many students are only 2nd generation financial success. This may put a lot of pressure on maintaining the torch that’s been lit. Through our work as Career Coaches, it’s imperative to cultivate the curiosity and inform that public of potential resources to become a positive citizen within communities and become successful within their own right.
I have worked with several students over my years of experience in elementary, middle and high school. I love that people like you, who are bilingual, are available within our schools, but that is not always the case. I have times where I had to use my phone as a translator to help a student with a test or communicate with a parent. The number of students who do not speak English inside our classrooms is increasing, so it does create a barrier between you and the student if you are not bilingual. Having technology available to breakdown that barrier is huge. Without it I don’t believe the student would have the opportunity to receive the education, attention and resources they deserve.
As a Bilingual In-School Career Coach, I am working mostly with Middle through High School students with a main focus on Spanish speaking only students. Many of the Spanish speaking students originate from impoverished countries in Central and Southern America. They have migrated and had an arduous journey to make it here to the U.S. Through their journey here they have suffered a lot of traumas and have also struggled assimilating and learning the language. With this group of students both Spanish speaking and regular English speakers, I use Naviance, O*Net, and just show them around the HCPS.org website so that they are aware of the resources that are available to them. Through worksheets, pamphlets, and internet content we try to give them as many resources as possible. I also translate what can’t be so that all students have full access to everything.
Being bilingual has so many benefits. Sounds like you’re exactly what these students need.
In my professional journey, as an In-School Youth Career Coach, I have the privilege of collaborating with a wide array of individuals, Every day I learn something new about an individual and each bring their unique backgrounds and expertise to the table, As an educator and mentor, one of the most rewarding aspects of my role is the opportunity to work with students, who bring unique backgrounds, perspectives, and abilities into the classroom. I’ve learned to embrace this diversity because it not only enriches my personal educational experience but also creates an exciting learning environment where every student feels valued, respected, and empowered to thrive. These students all bring something different to the table, which is why I like to sit down with them one on one. In these moments you learn who is really sitting across from you. You learn about their home life, their upbringing, their family, their beliefs, their motivation, their ambitions and beyond. My job as their coach is to help them explore, discover and obtain a career in something that they enjoy and fulfills them based on their interests and personality. I dig into their career paths by using a platform called Naviance, a career interest profiler. Once I get an idea of what career path fits their interests best, I take it a step further and learn about their support, obstacles, strengths and weaknesses. Many students that I have found seek my help the most are students that have experienced some sort of trauma or have lack of support at home. Many of my students come from a wide spectrum of socioeconomic backgrounds, each with its own set of circumstances, resources, and challenges. Recognizing the impact of socioeconomic factors on educational outcomes, it’s crucial to foster equity and accessibility in the classroom. This may involve providing additional support services, access to resources, and opportunities for socioeconomic integration to ensure that all students have an equal chance to succeed. Beyond cultural, learning, and socioeconomic diversity, students also bring their individual identities, experiences, and interests into the classroom and into my office. This includes factors such as gender identity, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, family dynamics, and personal passions. Creating a safe within my office, an inclusive space where students feel free to express themselves, share their experiences, and explore their identities helps me give them a better sense of belonging. Most of the time, the conversations I have with my students start with breaking down barriers and allow me to give them a sense of hope for their futures. This takes working collaboratively with colleagues, parents, community members, and support professionals, so I can provide additional resources, expertise, and support to meet the diverse needs of students effectively. By embracing diversity and inclusivity in the classroom, I have the opportunity to create transformative learning experiences that empower students to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally, while also preparing them to thrive in an increasingly diverse and interconnected world.
Excellent post!!!
As an in-school youth career coach, I primarily work with middle school students from diverse backgrounds and with varied interests and aspirations. These students may come from different types of backgrounds, ethnicities, and family dynamics. Some may be the first family member to become a college student, while others may come from families with a long history of higher education. Students may have differing levels of academic achievement, extracurricular activities involvement, and career exploration experiences. These are the primary individuals I support, helping them explore their interests, skills, and career goals. I assist them while going through the process of career exploration, college planning, and developing the necessary skills for success in their chosen career paths. Collaborating with teachers and other school staff (Guidance Counselor) is essential for understanding students’ academic performance, strengths, and areas for improvement. They also play a crucial role in referring students to career coaching services and providing insights into students’ needs and preferences. Involving parents and guardians is important for supporting students’ career development. I provide information and resources to parents about college and career options, financial aid, and the importance of supporting their children’s aspirations. Working with school administrators helps ensure alignment with the school’s goals and objectives for student success. They may provide support for career-related initiatives.
As the one that is guiding our youth towards their future careers here at Fallston Middle School the population is diversified in several ways, multicultural, economic, students with special needs and religious to name a few. My clients are Grades 6 through 8. On a social note, all students seem to melt together with no evidence of difference in each other. They all have their circle of friends and get along well. Economic-wise it is harder to tell students dress their way and it is pretty much the same. In some of my classes I had students with special needs, and they needed extra time to complete the task which I gave them. On the religious students they wear specific garments to their belief. In any case I’m finding students excited about the material, paying attention and having fun finding things out about themselves. Students ask questions and, in some cases, take notes. In answering questions on the assessment that they don’t understand I answer them directly where the student is, so they understand. Students are setting goals for themselves and starting to see their potential and their future. The program we are using is Naviance, we just finished with Strengths/Risk and are moving on to Tone/Communication.
As an in-school youth career coach, I am currently working with 6-8 and will progress into 9th grade as well. All students have diverse backgrounds. Students are planning for their future and enjoy learning about high school and college opportunities at this age. They share their aspirations and ideas for the next couple years ahead. Each student has their own unique background and home life. Some students plan for college while others plan for trade schools or don’t have a plan yet for their future and are seeking guidance on this. Some students come from split homes, some from living with grandparents, different religions and ethnic backgrounds as well. All of these things play a role in helping them find the best path for their future. I have worked with the administrators and guidance in the building to get to know them and figure out what the best path for reaching their goals will be. I look forward to learning more about each student and their unique situations and backgrounds over the next few months.
I have also found that working with teachers and staff at the school is very helpful when getting to know students and figuring out how to reach them. They can often give more information about what they are like and have an idea of the goals they are trying to reach.
It is awesome to see how you highlighted that different children have different plans when it comes to their futures. The diversity of the students we meet are drastic from one to the next and can lead them down different paths. Being able to know that college isn’t the only option is a great way in allowing them to explore other avenues that they might not have even known were a possibility. Love that for them.
In working with 19 schools and 3 organizations, I work with a multigenerational population that holds varied views, expectations, and experiences. I work with justice involved families. I work with newly arrived students and many historically marginalized individuals. A major tool utilized is the lifelong process of culture competence. This is rooted in experience and vast DEI work. Respect is the cornerstone tool. Additionally, ongoing awareness of both implicit and explicit biases must be examined through reflection. In evaluating best practices and tools to serve our youth, these factors must remain at the forefront.
This post is AWESOME! The importance of education through DEI and understanding its importance is vital in today’s society. This topic is definitely one of the many “elephants in the room” that do not get discussed enough. My father, an African American, who was fortunate enough to work for IBM during the 70s-2000’s was the only minority within his entire department. There were no discussions on topics that may have been offensive, or other people that looked like him to talk to on his lunch break, and he was dismissed or simply not included in certain meetings where his input may have been valuable. With you working throughout multiple schools and various organizations it’s refreshing and a joy to hear someone, beside myself, aware of the importance of DEI and its effects within the workplace. I am a huge proponent of understanding explicit and unconscious biases. It’s a very important topic that should be discussed more often. Great post!
Absolutely. I agree with Melissa and Rob. Very important topics that need to be discussed more often and should really actually be taught & discussed in school.
I currently work as an In-School Youth Career Coach teaching students in grades 6-9. The school I am working at is located in a suburban area of Harford County, Maryland. Many of the students I am working with have a middle to upper class upbringing and many of them have parents that have gone to college. Many of the students are involved in extracurricular activities, both inside and outside of school. Some students have an idea of what they want to do after high school and some are still figuring it out, but I have found that there are many students who want to do the same career as their parents (for example, I have had students tell me they want to be doctors because their parents are doctors). Students come from a variety of multicultural and religious backgrounds as well. Additionally, some students are in honors classes, and some are in special education. Probably about 90% of the students I have worked with are eager to learn and are cooperative when we dive into lessons.
One of the greatest resources I have at my school is the teachers and staff. I often turn to them when I need advice on how to best reach the students, or I can reach out to them if I need some insight on how to move a student forward on their chosen path. I often collaborate with teachers before I enter the classroom to be sure I am sensitive to the needs of students and am able to deliver the lesson effectively. I also use tools within the lessons to help them. They are learning more about their strengths and skills through our program, Naviance. They are also realizing some things about themselves when I have done my introductory lesson, which enables them to talk and share with others about their favorite things and thoughts on their dream job or career.
Great conversation!
As an In-School Youth Career Coach, I work mainly with middle school students (6th-8th) and sometimes high school students (9th grade). The students come from many different backgrounds. There are students with special needs, students who identify as LGBTQ+, students with different religious backgrounds and different cultures, students who are English language learners, students with different socioeconomic statuses, and the list goes on. The resources I use with my students are powerpoints, handouts, group activities, group discussions, the Naviance strengths lesson, and I’ve also had the opportunity to use virtual reality headsets in one of our lessons. The students, no matter what their differences are, are eager to learn, they want to feel safe, they want to feel respected. I enjoy being a part of their community, teaching them, and most importantly learning from them as well.
This was very well said Sabrina, you hit on just about each segment of who we serve. From their eagerness to learn and need to be respected, to our learning from them as well I am in total agreement.