HirePaths Shows Students How to Succeed

In my class, I aim to facilitate inspiration by creating a welcoming and creative space, with the students working together to develop classroom norms. Eliminating a structured environment helps us have real conversations and address the needs of students’ educational journeys without hierarchy. Engaging stories and inspirational videos from HirePaths have given my students a view into careers and opportunities outside of the urban core of Kansas City, Kansas.

I have expectations for success, and I communicate those expectations by sharing the ICAN statement with my students: Invest in yourself, Communicate respectfully, Aim for something, and Nourish knowledge. I challenge students to work harder and think critically. It’s not about getting the correct answer the first time in my classroom, but about understanding the process, going back to review, determining the problem, and then reflecting. What could I have done differently? What step was missed or could have been added? What did I learn from this process? How can I use this in the future? How can I expand on this content? Using and understanding this thought process will help students succeed not only in my classroom, but also in life. Everything does not come easy, or you may not make the right decision the first time around, so one must be able to critically think to find solutions. HirePaths Real Success Stories and Cool Careers episodes help students see how others have answered these questions and achieved success in their careers.

Students want to know and feel accepted and understood. HirePaths content is connected to their interests. It’s relatable and relevant to them. Being able to facilitate learning is a different process than teaching content. I tell students they have the keys; it’s their car, and I am just a passenger. I help students drive to their destination. I am building a sense of community, encouraging creativity and embracing collaboration. I am showing our students a better way to succeed and offering them an alternative educational experience in my classroom. HirePaths supports that experience by providing resources and tools that enable career exploration. When students are allowed to make their own choices and are encouraged to dream big, the results are astonishing.

Sheyvette Dinkens was the 2023-2024 Midwest Concrete Materials HirePaths Teacher Ambassador. She's an educator in the KC Metro area.