Building Dreams: My Journey as a HirePaths Ambassador in Elementary Gifted Education
As an elementary gifted education teacher, I've always been deeply passionate about providing my students with opportunities that extend beyond the traditional classroom walls. Education isn't just about textbooks and tests; it's about preparing young minds for the real world and empowering them to explore their passions and potential. That's why when I discovered HirePaths, I knew it was a great opportunity for me and my classroom.
HirePaths, a platform connecting educators with professionals willing to share their career journeys, became an integral part of my lessons as I embarked on my journey as a HirePaths Ambassador. My goal was simple yet profound: to expose my students to a diverse range of career paths, inspiring them to dream big and explore possibilities they might never have considered otherwise.
One of the unique aspects of my classroom is that I teach gifted education students. These are bright young minds with endless curiosity and a thirst for knowledge. However, like all students, they need guidance and exposure to different career options to help them envision their future paths. This is where HirePaths came into play.
I used the platform to invite parents, former students and community members to come into our classroom and share their career experiences. The response was overwhelming. Professionals from various fields — including STEM, arts, business and more — eagerly volunteered their time to engage with my students.
The impact was immediate and profound. My students were captivated by the stories shared by these professionals. They listened as engineers discussed building bridges and skyscrapers, artists talked about creating masterpieces, entrepreneurs shared their journey of starting businesses, and scientists delved into the mysteries of the universe. Each session sparked new questions, ignited fresh ideas and inspired boundless curiosity.
But the benefits of HirePaths extended far beyond the classroom walls. The presence of parents, former students and community members fostered a sense of connection and collaboration within our school community. It bridged the gap between the academic realm and the real world, showing students that their learning had real-world relevance and applications.
Moreover, these sessions served as invaluable networking opportunities for my students. They had the chance to interact with professionals from diverse backgrounds, ask questions and even explore potential mentorship opportunities. Many of my students expressed newfound interests and aspirations, thanks to the exposure they gained through HirePaths.
As a HirePaths Ambassador, I witnessed firsthand the transformative power of connecting classrooms with the real world. By bringing professionals into our learning environment, we opened doors of possibility and expanded horizons for our students. We showed them that their dreams are within reach and that the journey to success is as unique as they are.
In conclusion, my experience with HirePaths has been wonderful. It has enriched my curriculum, inspired my students and strengthened our school community. As educators, it's our responsibility to prepare the next generation for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow. And with HirePaths, we can do just that, one classroom at a time.
October
Students eagerly participated in the Battle of the Brains event, hosted by Burns & McDonnell. Amidst the buzz of competition, excitement peaked when a guest speaker from Burns & McDonnell visited to shed light on the engineering profession. With passion and expertise, our guest speaker delved into how engineering intertwines with STEM activities, igniting curiosity about the diverse career paths within the field. He highlighted the intricate connection between engineering and other professions, showcasing how problem-solving and innovation transcend disciplines. Through real-world examples, students gained valuable insights into the dynamic world of engineering and its boundless possibilities, inspiring them to explore STEM with newfound enthusiasm.
January
Imagine the excitement bubbling in the classroom as students gather to listen to a special guest speaker from the Kansas Corn Growers Association! With wide eyes and eager hearts, they embark on a fascinating journey into the world of corn and farming. Through lively stories and engaging examples, the speaker paints a colorful picture of the countless careers linked to corn cultivation and agriculture. From farmers and agronomists to scientists and engineers, each profession shines a bright light on the importance of corn in our lives. As they listen intently, the students' curiosity blooms like a sunflower in summer, sparking dreams of exploring these amazing career paths. With enthusiasm soaring high, they eagerly dive into the adventure of discovering the wonders of corn and farming, inspired by the endless possibilities that lie ahead!
March
Students eagerly dove into the world of career exploration with the assistance of the HirePaths website, lessons plans and mynextmove.org. With these fantastic online resources, they embarked on a journey of self-discovery, exploring various career paths and possibilities. From uncovering their interests and strengths to learning about different industries and professions, each click brought them closer to understanding their potential futures. As students navigated through the interactive tools and engaging content, their curiosity flourished, igniting a passion for exploring the diverse opportunities that lay ahead. With newfound knowledge and inspiration, they were empowered to dream big and pursue their ambitions with confidence.
May
Elementary students embarked on an exciting journey of career exploration intertwined with economics as they joined forces with high school finance students to play the timeless game of Monopoly. Amidst the roll of dice and the hustle and bustle of property trading, a wealth of learning unfolded. As they engaged in friendly competition and strategic decision-making, elementary students absorbed valuable lessons about money management, investment and economic principles. Guided by the expertise of their high school counterparts, they gained a deeper understanding of how these concepts apply to real-world scenarios and various career paths. Through the collaborative play, young minds were sparked with curiosity and inspired to consider future careers in finance, economics and beyond.
Genia Deets is a dedicated educator with over 25 years of experience shaping young minds in Olathe Public Schools, USD 233. As an elementary teacher, she has been a beacon of inspiration, fostering a love for learning and creating a nurturing environment where students thrive in both general and special education settings. Ms. Deets’ passion for education extends beyond the classroom as she serves as a HirePaths ambassador, advocating for opportunities and pathways for students and educators alike. She also is the founder of the nonprofit, Mail-A-SMILE, that supports youth literacy and empathy for others. With her wealth of experience and unwavering commitment to empowering others, Ms. Deets continues to make a profound impact in the field of education, shaping the future one student at a time.
