Case Book Five

Babalee Jenkins is meeting with Harold Brenner, her department chair.

MR. BRENNER: Babalee, there are some things that we do a bit differently at this level than when you taught sixth grade. One of the areas that is really quite different is directly tied to current law. As you know, you have a few kids who have special learning needs in your classroom. Near the end of the year, we are going to have a full staff meeting on each of those students and see if we have met the learning objectives, and develop objectives for next year for them. One of the areas that we must consider is career preparation, and transitioning out of school into a career.

MS. JENKINS: How can I help?

MR. BRENNER: Well, in looking across the department, it looks like on the average day, you teach almost all of the students who have career preparation needs and some form of mild mental retardation. What I was hoping is that we can really look at your health and your sociology classes and develop some career units that can fit, or some modifications of your units to include career awareness.

MS. JENKINS: If that will help the kids, I will be happy to do what I can. However, it seems to me that I don't have enough information, yet, to really think this through. What types of careers should be included? Are you looking for a really extensive unit, or a few things imbedded in other units?

MR. BRENNER: I think both. I really have not taught the classes you are teaching, and I don't know the expectations and standards you are working to achieve. I guess I should have looked at those things before we met. Tell you what. Why don't you develop a list of your units in each of the classes, and your objectives for career awareness? Then, we can meet next week and look at these, see what might need modifications and what else might need to be developed. Okay? I'll see you next week at the same time. Thanks for coming in.

Teacher notes:

• Career awareness is an important aspect of schooling. Teachers should be aware of the variety of careers available, and also recognize that careers are rapidly changing as society changes. Teachers should encourage exploration of all types of careers, and of course, encourage students to also think about the benefits of becoming teachers. If you don't feel good about teaching, that will show, and your students will not be so eager to follow this vital career path.