My teaching philosophy of “keep it fun, keep it relevant, and keep learning”, works best when you constantly remind your students the importance of learning.  Students need to know specifically why they are learning, not simply that it will help them get a good job someday.  “Someday” means nothing to most students.  I have begun showcasing a career of the day, as an attempt to provide a relevant focal point as to what opportunities exist; if they work hard today.

Each day, on my whiteboard, I now list a career, a brief description, and the education needed to qualify for the occupation.  This is my attempt to help students understand that opportunities exist, but they will not come looking for them!  According to www.careercruising.com , approximately 85% of available jobs are unadvertised.

Career of the day is an easy addition to the classroom that may result in discussion, thought or an eye-opening experience for a student.  The career you choose can be one that is relevant to your curriculum as well.  What a great sponge activity!

The websites below can provide careers to use each day, in addition to available research.

www.careercruising.com  - one month free trial (then convince administration to purchase service).

www.bls.gov/oco/home.htm - occupational outlook handbook (choose career categories)
Check link to tomorrow’s jobs as well.