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The idea of this post came from a few years ago when I had a visit from our district's elementary support school counselor (shout out to Brett Welch!).  During this visit, she gave me a suggestion that was passed down from my district level counseling director (shout out to Regina Brown, Henrico County Public Schools!).  The impact of this suggestion has changed so many aspects of the delivery portion of my comprehensive school counseling program!  She suggested that instead of teaching students about careers solely during a career emphasis period ("Career Week"/ "Career Day") to instead, integrate career concepts through character education throughout the year.  Mind...blown!  This was such a simple concept and idea that made so much sense.  Previously, many counselors I had shadowed (and admired) had held strong to the ever-focused "Career Day" or "Career Week".  I still do a fun and eventful career week each year, but now incorporate concepts like responsibility, accountability, cooperation and teamwork in lessons throughout the year.  When incorporating these character traits, I discuss a direct connection with future goals and aspirations by establishing real-life, relevant connections!  This is a great way to really help students understand how developing good character and leadership qualities will help them to become contributing members of our future society.  By making connections with character education and careers, we can now answer the question WHY do I have to be responsible?  And HOW will learning to get along with others (for example) help me in the "real world"?  We also provide common sense encouragement for colleagues and parents who may not be as passionate or understand the importance of teaching students about careers.  (Other than because there are national mindsets and behaviors and state standards that say we should!) Below, is some additional information from the International Center for Leadership in Education: 

“As students move from class to class and progress to the next grade, they are exposed to isolated bits of content-specific knowledge, but they are not taught how what they learn in one class relates to another or its application in the world outside of school.  What is important is that students enter the global economy with the ability to apply what they learned in school to a variety of ever-changing situations that they couldn’t foresee before graduating. That is the mark of a quality education and a true indication of academic excellence.”

– Willard R. Daggett, Ed.D., Founder and Chairman of the International Center for Leadership in Education

FINAL THOUGHT ON PROVIDING RELEVANCE-

 (International Center for Leadership in Education)

Relevance extends the learning beyond the classroom by teaching students to apply what they are learning to real world situations.  How will this help me?