Competency Series: 20 - Career Guidance in Educational System
Facilitate transition from school to employment
Educators (e.g. K-12 teachers, career course facilitators, school administrators) play a vital role as career development professionals (CDPs) within the educational system. In their existing work delivering curriculum, supporting academic achievement, promoting mental health/wellness, and fostering student engagement, educators already integrate career development competencies (e.g. adaptability, critical thinking, problem solving) in their practice. As CDPs, educators link work, life, and learning to strengthening student success in the classroom and beyond.
Career development professionals (CDPs), who are educators (see 20.1), recognize the importance of engaging a diverse set of career influencers (e.g. teachers, families, elders, coaches/mentors, peers, employers) in students’ career development from early years to post-secondary, and beyond. As CDPs, educators are career influencers themselves within the classroom and educational system more broadly. They shape students’ understanding of career and career development, and engage a network of career influencers to support students in work, life, and learning.
Educators, as career development professionals (CDPs), translate career curriculum into age- and grade-appropriate lessons, activities, and discussions. As CDPs, educators may also work with others to develop cross-curriculum materials and strategies focused on integrating work, life, and learning competencies to support student success in the classroom and beyond.
Educators, as career development professionals (CDPs), support the integration of experiential learning opportunities (e.g. mentoring, job shadowing, work-integrated learning, apprenticeship) within the classroom and educational system. Experiential learning provides students with opportunities to connect academic studies with quality experiences within workplaces or other practical settings. These experiences enhance employability, strengthen personal agency, and foster lifelong learning skills and attitudes.
Educators, as career development professionals (CDPs), may design and implement comprehensive career programs to provide opportunities for students to set and achieve age- and grade-appropriate goals pertaining to living, learning, and working. As CDPs, educators recognize the importance of creating and delivering inclusive career development programming using a wide range of styles, media, and format. CDPs work with all students in an equitable career program.