How I Used HirePaths in My High School Classroom
As the ACT and Career Coordinator at Great Bend High School, my primary focus is working with all students (9th-12th) to help prepare them for life after high school. This includes providing assessments, resources and opportunities to enhance students’ levels of college and career readiness. Over the years, I’ve also filled in to teach various business classes. This year, while teaching Business Essentials and Business Communication, I was able to seamlessly integrate many HirePaths resources into course content throughout the year. I wanted to share a few highlights.
September: Real Success Stories 
Students completed the HirePaths Career Scavenger Hunt during Business Essentials class to learn about career options for people living in Kansas. Using the Career Scavenger Hunt worksheet, students completed independent research to explore the personal stories of employees in various industries.
October: Explore Careers
GBHS students attended the ESSDACK Career Expo in Hutchinson at the Kansas State Fairgrounds. To prepare for the Expo, 9th- and 10th-grade students in Business Essentials created plans using their Xello interest inventory information, the HirePaths website (Explore Careers) and the Career Expo Resources & App to identify which careers may be a good fit for them. During the Career Expo, students visited employers, colleges and training centers that aligned with their future goals.
HirePaths has a wealth of information to aid students in exploring careers and employment opportunities here in Kansas, and it was a great tool help my class plan for the Career Expo.
February: Career Quizzes
Students in the Business Communications class attended the Barton County Community College Career Fair. During the fair, students participated in career exploration "tracks." To help students narrow their track selections, they completed a career quiz called “My Next Move” that's featured on the HirePaths Blog, "100 Activities to Do with Kids." HirePaths has many great resources to help students of all ages explore and hone in on career possibilities that align with their skills and interests.
April: HirePaths Career Speaker
GBHS had the privilege of hosting Nathan Redeker with BHS Construction Inc. Nathan spoke with students in various CTE Pathways about aspects of the construction industry, opportunities within BHS Construction and career planning tips. We are looking forward to making this an annual visit!
My term as a HirePaths Ambassador will be coming to an end, but I plan to continue using HirePaths resources — both in the classroom and to provide information to fellow educators, students, and parents/guardians.
Lacy Wolters teaches 9th-12th grade at Great Bend High School in Great Bend, Kansas. She was the 2022-2023 BHS Construction HirePaths Teacher Ambassador.