As teachers and coaches (i.e. career counselors) leading middle school students, it’s important to remember that we serve as the architects of our students’ early perceptions of career possibilities and academic trajectories. From the moment they walk into our classrooms and gyms, students absorb not only the material we teach but also the attitudes and beliefs we convey about their future potential. 

By seamlessly integrating discussions about various careers into our lessons and conversations, we transcend the ordinary distribution of facts; and instead we unlock doors to new possibilities. Whether it’s through sharing personal experiences, inviting guest speakers, or incorporating real-world examples into our core subject area teaching, we possess the ability to expand our students’ horizons and ignite their aspirations. Here are some ways to do just that.

Don’t underestimate the power of guest speakers

• We understand that inviting guest speakers to your class can feel like a daunting task. This is where the need to get creative is an absolute must! Ever thought about piquing their interest with career-influenced videos instead? 

• Backed by science – In a 2012 study, researchers found that showing career-related videos to students significantly increased their interest in STEM careers.  It’s similar to inviting guest speakers into your classroom – a powerful and easier way to inspire and engage students in exploring future possibilities. While more research is needed, this trend can be leveraged to our advantage. 

Use videos to connect careers to your lectures (examples):

• For our ELA Teachers: Consider incorporating discussions about careers in writing and publishing into your classroom activities, emphasizing the diverse opportunities available in the field of English Language Arts. For instance, when teaching about the writing process, discuss how authors, journalists, and content creators use language and storytelling to engage audiences and convey messages. Try a virtual guest: View behind the scenes of book publishing. What does a book editor do? 
• For our PE Teachers: Think about integrating discussions about physical therapy into your sessions, highlighting the importance of injury prevention and rehabilitation in sports performance. For example, when teaching your students about proper warm-up and cool-down routines, explain how these practices align with principles used by physical therapists to prevent injuries and promote recovery. Try a virtual guest: Inside the job of NFL athletic trainers and physical therapists. 

Building trust and rapport forms the bedrock of our relationship with students, particularly in the realm of career exploration. It’s imperative that our students feel safe and supported as they navigate the sometimes-overwhelming terrain of future planning. 

• Establishing trust while encouraging career exploration: 
  • Start by listening to students’ hopes, fears, and aspirations, creating a judgment-free environment where every question is valid, and every dream is respected. When students feel heard and understood, they’re more likely to engage authentically in career exploration. Yes, this can be a time-intensive process. But you can easily weave this into a journal writing activity that may start in class and be finished at home. You can create a poll for students to take as part of an exit ticket in class. You can introduce digital tools that facilitate the ability for students to share such information with you in a school-approved, parent- consented space.  
  • What you do with this information is equally important. Let’s say you hear a student discussing a career interest. Try to find a way to integrate it into your lecture for everyone to learn together. This personalized approach helps students connect their interests to academic content, fostering deeper engagement in the learning process. 
• Fostering rapport for career exploration opportunities: 
  • Building rapport goes beyond being approachable; it means understanding each student’s unique strengths and interests. By getting to know students on a personal level, we can tailor our guidance to meet their specific needs, fostering a supportive environment for career exploration.  
  • For example, if you have a student who is passionate about environmental science, you might incorporate quick discussions about environmental careers into your lessons or recommend relevant resources (e.g., books, videos, and new research from the field) to nurture their interest further.  

In essence, as teachers and coaches, we hold the keys to unlocking our students’ potential and guiding them toward a future filled with promise and possibility.