Any other educators here?

[joneeguy]

I'm new here, and to guidance counseling (i guess that's as near a job title as I can figure to assign to myself) and I expose middle schoolers with learning disabilities to the idea that some day they'll have to get a job, and that now is as good a time as any to start thinking about their options. I need some support and help introducing, and keeping the theme running, the notion that college IS NOT the only choice, that dirty work is honorable and lucrative.
My primary tool is my power point, and while giving my powerpoint on education I felt like I was downplaying trade schools. I want to fix it. Some of my coworkers are not supportive and want to tow the "College is the only way" line. A few are on board. Help me incorporate trades into my discussions. What ways have you been able to do this?

[pelenka]

Hi there!

It sounds like you have a really interesting job. I’m not an educator per se, but I occasionally function as a teaching assistant at a university. My students are obviously older, but the point is, I often think about different ways to try to get a point across.

I think in your case, since the trades are about making things and doing things with your hands, it might me worth trying to include some tangible teaching aids in your presentation. You could bring in a piece of piping from a hardware store, or a piece of concrete, or a lock and key, and have students carefully look at them up close. Provided that they don’t smack each other, it might be a good way for the students to look at these materials, even if they have seen them before, and think about them in a career context. In this college-centric society, most likely in their everyday lives the concept that people make these things or work with these things doesn’t often come up in career-related discussions.

Anyway, I hope you will find this place helpful and full of inspiration.
Good luck!

-Agi

[kzang]

Welcome joneeguy,

The Job Site has an area with lots of information for special needs individuals. I just looked through it again, and there are lots of programs available that can help convince young people about the importance of skilled labor. Just look through all the related posts to the right.

http://www.mikeroweworks.com/job-site/special-needs/

Hope this helps,
Kathy

[alphalady61]

Hey Joneeguy!
There are a few educators that visit the website - myself included. I share your beliefs that college should never be the only solution for a student to explore in order to live a meaningful and fulfilling life. This belief of mine is what drew me to mikeroweWorks many years ago. There are several resources available here that will enhance your presentations as well as many useful links. You can spend hours reading, I promise!
I have a wonderful story to tell about the middle school where I teach.
Our Skills for Living (what we used to call Home Ec) teacher also has an elective class called Career Investigations. I noticed last week all these research reports they had created posted outside the room. I began to get a clue when I noticed the careers of "Ostrich Farmer", "Pig Farmer", "Tar Roofer" - you get the point. She told me that the CI classes in the district have created a Dirty Jobs unit, which is the favorite project of the kids. They have to find out what education/training is needed, salaries, and other information. They take these jobs seriously without the typical attitude of "see what you might have to do if you don't get a college education?" Loved it!
Welcome to mikeroweWorks!
Kathy (Teach)

[RAM]

Have them watch this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6MPCr...ure=plpp_video

[alphalady61]

Hey Rambob!
Of course this should be watched! I sent the link to my teacher bud and she was thrilled to get it. They will be using it next year when they do the unit again! She said she would send it to her fellow Career Investigations Teachers as well. She didn't know about mrW either - but now she sure does!!
Thanks!
Teach

[RAM]

Hey Rambob!
Of course this should be watched! I sent the link to my teacher bud and she was thrilled to get it. They will be using it next year when they do the unit again! She said she would send it to her fellow Career Investigations Teachers as well. She didn't know about mrW either - but now she sure does!!
Thanks!
Teach

Thanks Teach! Always good to spread the word...especially when it's Mike talking!

[dirtysal]

"RamBob"! Ha!!

That is an oldie but goodie Bob, thanks for linking that.

Sal

[joneeguy]

Thanks Kathy,
you gave me some great ideas.
Rambob,
Wish I could open it. Gonna have to wait til I get home...
I've been showing some of the first season episodes of DJ to fill time when my power points run short and the kids love it. Mike is amazing, funny and engaging. I can't help but want to go get a real job when I see him in action.

[alphalady61]

Your welcome Jonee!
Wish I could claim credit for the DJ unit, but just passing the info. on. They are re-organizing the Career Investigations class next year, I'm told, and the only thing remaining will be this unit. Really gets the students' attention. They don't call it "Dirty Jobs" but something along those lines.
Kathy (Teach)