Rediscovering Purpose: Different Careers in Education

Lesson Content

• Lesson Plan Template:

  CTE Lesson Plan

• CTE Course Info and Benchmark Notes

  
  

  Program Title (as applicable): Orientation to Career Clusters

  Course Title: Career Clusters

  Course Number: 8000400

  Career Cluster: Additional CTE

  CIP Number: 1498999907

  Course Type: EXPL Middle School Programs

  CTE Standard(s) or benchmarks

  CTE-ADDL.68.8000400.6.4 - List the skills, abilities, and talents needed for careers in the Education & Training career cluster.

  CTE-ADDL.68.8000400.6.5- Identify the level of training and education required for careers in the Education & Training career cluster.

  Integrated benchmarks: ELA or Other:

  ELA.6.C.5.1 Integrate diverse digital media to enhance audience engagement in oral or written tasks.

• Unit Outline

  
  

  This lesson is designed to be used with the case study, “Rediscovering Purpose” See CPALMS resource ID# 215334.

• Career Connection

  
  

  In this lesson, students will broaden their understanding of careers in the Education & Training cluster beyond traditional teaching roles. They will explore how skills and experiences from other professions can be applied to roles such as educational administration, counseling, and teacher’s aide, etc. Students will recognize the diverse pathways available within the Education & Training cluster.

• Learning Objectives

  
  

  By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

  • Identify the level of training and education along with the skills, abilities, and talents required for careers in the Education & Training career cluster.
  • Integrate diverse digital media into a digital presentation about careers in the Education & Training cluster.

• Prior Knowledge

  
  

  To be successful in this lesson, students should be able to:

  • Use presentation software.
  • Work effectively in groups (teamwork).
  • Use the internet to conduct research.

• Guiding Questions

  
  
  • What challenges do you think individuals with non-educational backgrounds might face when transitioning into careers within the Education & Training cluster?
  • What alternative pathways do you think exist for individuals like Shante to enter careers in the Education & Training cluster?
  • How can educational institutions and employers support individuals with non-traditional backgrounds in pursuing careers within the Education & Training cluster?

• Procedure

  
  

  1. To introduce the lesson, start by asking the class to make a list of the different positions or careers in a school. Record student responded on chart paper or available technology. Ask students if they know the requirements for these careers. Allow a few students to share.

  2. Distribute the case study "Rediscovering Purpose" (See CPALMS Resource# 215334). Have students read the case study with a partner. Ask them to list work skills in the margins that Shante has gained from her work experience.

  3. After they finish reading the case study, ask students what they think about Shante's journey into exploring a career change. Discuss her motivations and challenges she might face. Suggested questions:

  • What do you think inspired Shante to consider a career change into the Education & Training cluster?
  • How do you think Shante's skills from her previous career could be useful in education-related roles?
  • What skills does Shante have from her experience in business?

  4. Divide students into small groups and assign each group a different career pathway within the Education & Training cluster. Provide students with the attached sample rediscovering purpose slides to use for their presentation. A sample list of career pathways are:

  • • Teacher (Elementary/Secondary).
    • Principal.
    • Assistant Principal.
    • School Counselor.
    • School Social Worker.
    • School Psychologist.
    • Speech Language Pathologist.
    • Dean.
    • Instructional Coach.
  • Students will collect information using the slides (see attached) such as education, skills needed, job duties, etc. Teachers may need to define and describe job outlook for students before beginning. Students will also need to include at least 2 integrated diverse digital media to complement the information. Examples of digitial media are photographs, graphs, charts, diagrams, videos.
  • Provide resources for exploration and guide them on preparing presentations on their findings. If needed, review with students appropriate ways/layouts to share information using presentation software.

  5. During the activity, move around the room among groups to offer support and guidance.

  • Encourage students to collaborate and share ideas within their groups.
  • Ensure that each group has access to the necessary materials and technology for their presentations.

  6. To bring the lesson to a close, use reflection questions to guide further discussion. Encourage students to reflect on how their skills and interests align with different career options.

  • Why are educators important?
  • Would you consider entering the Education & Training career cluster in the future? If so, what path or career would you choose?
  • How can you contribute your knowledge to your community?
  • How can you tranfer skills from one area to another? Give an example.
  • Why do you think there are different careers in the Education & Training cluster?

• Teacher Notes

  
  
  • The teacher can choose how to assign student groups a career pathway to research and create their digital presentation.
  • Students can practice and deliver a presentation to the class or in small groups after they finish their digitial presentations.
  • The teacher can invite individuals in the different positions to speak to the class about their training, duties, etc.