Superintendent’s corner

Preparing Students for the Future: Career Exploration at Every Level

I am incredibly proud of the opportunities we provide our students to explore interests and careers from the earliest grades through high school. Our district is committed to starting with the end in mind – helping students discover their passions and chart pathways to success long before they enter the workforce. Thanks to the dedication of our educators and the leadership of Career Specialist Nancy Vondrak, whose services are provided to our district through Cuyahoga Valley Career Center, career education is embedded in every stage of our students’ academic journeys.

At Richfield Elementary School, students are introduced to career awareness in fun and engaging ways. Kindergarteners participate in Career Week each March, giving them their first glimpse into the world of work. First-graders experience Career Day in November and an exciting Vehicle Day in May, where they explore careers related to different types of transportation. Second-graders have their own Career Day in September to learn about the tools and gear that professionals use. These activities spark curiosity and lay the foundation for future exploration.

At Bath Elementary School, students begin to develop a deeper understanding of careers and workplace skills. One of the most exciting events is the Fifth Grade Career Interview Day, where students interview 40-50 parents and community members about their professions. Additionally,  in the future there are some plans for the creation of a Career Corner in the Bath library, featuring new books and career kits provided by the CVCC Career Development Department. This dedicated space will encourage students to explore different career fields through hands-on resources and engaging materials.

As students transition to Revere Middle School, career education becomes even more focused. All students in grades 6-8 participate in Career Education lessons through their social studies classes, including an introduction to School Links, an invaluable tool for career planning. Eighth-graders take part in a pre-exploration visit that includes classroom lessons, guest speakers, and a tour of Cuyahoga Valley Career Center, where they gain insight into specialized career training programs. The students have also experienced specific career area immersion programs such as a Green Jobs program and a sports-related careers program featuring a local sports entrepreneur who is a Revere parent, and two athletic trainers, broadening students’ perspectives on opportunities within the athletics industry.

At Revere High School, students take meaningful steps toward their future careers. Field trips such as a trip to Akron Canton Builds expose students to skilled trades, while our annual Futures Day provides students in grades 9-11 with a day focused on career exploration in numerous career areas. Virtual field trips with Cleveland Clinic’s Connected Career Rounds introduce students to careers in healthcare. Career advising, interactive lessons with the University of Akron’s Biomedical Engineering Department, and the use of School Links ensure that students have the guidance and resources to make informed decisions about their futures. One of our most impactful programs is the Senior Internship experience, allowing students to gain real-world experience during their final month of high school.The commitment to career exploration at Revere Schools is more than a series of events – it’s a philosophy that ensures every student has the knowledge, experiences, and confidence to pursue a future that excites them. I am thrilled to see how these opportunities empower our students to dream big and take meaningful steps toward achieving their goals.