Career-Connected Learning
Empowering Career-Connected Learning (CCL) with Resources for Educators
The South Metro-Salem STEM Partnership (SMSP) is excited to offer a comprehensive suite of resources designed to equip educators with the tools they need to integrate Career-Connected Learning (CCL) into their classrooms.
Industry Engagement:
- Annual Industry-Educator Speed Networking: Connect with industry partners and gain valuable insights into current career trends and student preparation needs. (August)
- Educator Externships: Participate in a week-long professional development program that immerses educators in real-world industry settings. (June)
Curated CCL Resources:
- Career Connect Oregon: Explore a vast collection of CCL materials, including lesson plans, career exploration activities, and curriculum frameworks.
- Career Journeys: Utilize engaging 5-minute videos featuring Oregon professionals alongside aligned CCL lessons.
- Oregon Employability Skills: Implement our comprehensive CCL curriculum designed for elementary, middle, and high school students, aligned with employer expectations.
- Oregon Open Learning (OER Commons): Discover a treasure trove of free, open-source educational resources (OERs) related to career exploration and awareness. Search terms like "Career Research" or "Salary Tutorial" to find a wealth of relevant materials.
- 3 “Mind the Inspiration Gap” Career Exploration Units: K-2, Gr.3-5, and MS Units designed to support all students, including English Learners
(created by teacher teams with the South Metro-Salem STEM Hub, Summer 2022)
CCL Inspiration Beyond the Classroom:
- KGW.com/MadeForThis: Utilize this platform to help students explore career interests and discover pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship opportunities.
- Careers Northwest: Empower students with interest tests, career information, and resume building tools. Explore training sites and job postings in construction, healthcare, manufacturing, and technology sectors.
- BizTown (Junior Achievement): Engage students in a simulated city experience that blends civics education with career exploration. (Grades 4-6)
- NASA's Virtual Career Day (September 26th, 2024): Register by September 5th to connect students with diverse career options at NASA.
- Science Near Me: Facilitate student participation in citizen science projects based on their zip code.
- SKYPE A SCIENTIST: Connect your classroom with scientists for free Q&A sessions.
- BOEING virtual field trips: Explore latest engineering, technology, and manufacturing at Boeing with these Virtual Field Trips.
Additional Resources:
- Oregon CIS: Explore education and career pathways within Oregon and beyond.
- Career-related Assessments:
- FREE - Traitify, O*NET Interest Profiler
- PAID - YouScience, Naviance,
- Oregon ACTE Conferences & PD: Participate in professional development opportunities focused on career and technical education (CTE).
- Oregon Connections - (powered by Pathful) is a great resource for bringing professionals virtually into your classroom; however, it is no longer a free resource funded by the STEM Hub. Contact Pathful directly to discuss costs for your school. - https://pathful.com/
- Other miscellaneous resources that might link to your CCL ideas:
CNN 10: daily news show for students age 13+ to learn about current events and global issues in 10 minutes or less. (Great way to start each school day!)
Banzai: free, interactive, online financial literacy classes
Flocabulary: Cultivate literacy across the curriculum with video-based lessons & activities with hip-hop, storytelling & emotional connections
Build Your Industry Network
Develop a network of industry contacts to enhance your classroom curriculum.
Leverage resources like chambers of commerce, Oregon colleges and universities, or even personal connections to identify potential guest speakers or field trip opportunities.
Ask your family, friends, and parents of your students!