STEM Sparks September 2026
Innovative Methods to Prepare Students for the Workforce
Lessons From Chesapeake Public Schools' Comprehensive Workplace Readiness Model
As educators, we've all witnessed moments that reveal gaps in workplace readiness. A customer service interaction that falls short, a business struggling to fill shifts, or an employee who lacks the communication skills necessary to succeed. These challenges aren't just workforce issues—they're educational opportunities.
At ITEEA's 2027 Annual Conference, Dr. Maurice Frazier, DTE, of Oscar Smith High School in Chesapeake, Virginia, shared an impressive array of initiatives designed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and career success. His presentation highlighted a growing reality: employers are increasingly willing to teach technical skills, but they expect applicants to arrive with strong workplace habits, professional behaviors, and essential soft skills.
What Employers Want Most
According to Dr. Frazier, employers consistently emphasize foundational professional skills when evaluating potential employees. These include:
- Enthusiasm
- Emotional intelligence
- Adaptability
- Critical thinking
- Problem-solving
- Teamwork
- Positive work ethic
At the same time, many employers report concerns about workplace behaviors such as punctuality, adherence to policies, professional language, collaboration, and consideration for coworkers and customers.
For technology and engineering educators, these findings reinforce an important truth: career preparation is about much more than technical competency.
Building Career Awareness Through Authentic Experiences
One of the most compelling aspects of Chesapeake Public Schools' approach is the breadth of experiences offered to students at every grade level.
Job Shadowing That Leads to Opportunities
Chesapeake's annual Job Shadowing Day pairs students with professionals across more than 50 local businesses. Participating juniors and seniors spend a day immersed in a career field of interest, gaining firsthand exposure to workplace expectations and responsibilities.
Perhaps most impressively, some students have received job offers as a result of these experiences.
Industry Exposure Through Field Experiences
In addition to job shadowing, students participate in half- and full-day business visits that allow them to observe workplace operations and engage directly with professionals. These experiences help students connect classroom concepts to real-world applications while improving career decision-making.
Career Exploration Starts Early
Rather than waiting until high school, Chesapeake introduces career exploration in elementary and middle school.
Using virtual reality simulations, fifth-grade students explore dozens of potential careers and industries. Eighth graders participate in the World of Works event, where they rotate through hands-on career experiences in fields such as healthcare, manufacturing, and maritime industries.
This early exposure helps students begin identifying interests long before major educational and career decisions arise.
Creating Pathways Beyond Career Fairs
Many schools host career fairs, but Chesapeake has expanded the concept into larger workforce development events.
Introduction to Industry
Designed for juniors and seniors, this event combines a traditional job fair with practical workshops on:
- Resume writing
- Networking
- Professional headshots
- Money management
- Social media awareness
By integrating career skills with employer engagement, students leave with actionable tools they can use immediately.
Life After High School
This event brings businesses, colleges, and military representatives directly into the school setting. Students can participate in interviews, learn about postsecondary opportunities, and potentially receive employment offers.
Work-Based Learning in Action
One of the strongest components of Chesapeake's model is its emphasis on work-based learning.
Grow Your Own Summer Internship Program
Through paid internships within school system departments, students gain valuable workplace experience while earning elective credit. Departments include transportation, nutrition services, human resources, facilities management, teaching and learning, and more.
Students not only develop professional skills but also gain insight into career pathways that support educational institutions and public service.
Work-Based Learning Seminars
Students who are employed during the school year can enroll in asynchronous Work-Based Learning seminars that provide elective credit while helping them reflect on and document workplace experiences. Completing both levels can contribute toward graduation requirements.
This model elevates employment from "just a job" to a meaningful educational experience.
Leveraging Technology for Career Readiness
Technology plays a major role in Chesapeake's workforce strategy.
The division recently implemented Major Clarity, a career-readiness platform that helps students:
- Explore career options
- Create customized pathways
- Connect learning to future goals
- Identify postsecondary opportunities
- Build confidence in decision-making
The platform even provides personalized career-fit recommendations based on student interests and academic experiences.
For technology and engineering educators, tools like these can support classroom discussions about career pathways and help students see the relevance of their coursework.
Looking Ahead
Chesapeake Public Schools is also planning for the future with the development of a new career center and expanded pathways that may include:
- Geospatial technology
- Unmanned aircraft systems
- Modeling and simulation
- Sustainability and renewable technologies
- Maritime careers
- Public safety
- Entrepreneurship
- Health and medical fields
- Skilled trades These pathways reflect emerging workforce needs and demonstrate how career and technical education continues to evolve.
STEM Sparks Takeaways for Educators
1. Soft Skills Must Be Intentionally Taught
Communication, teamwork, adaptability, and professionalism should be embedded into classroom projects—not left to chance.
2. Career Exploration Should Start Early
Elementary and middle school students benefit from meaningful exposure to career possibilities before entering high school.
3. Authentic Experiences Matter
Job shadowing, internships, industry tours, and guest speakers create memorable learning experiences that can influence future career choices.
4. Partnerships Are Essential
Strong collaboration among schools, businesses, higher education institutions, and local government creates opportunities that schools cannot provide alone.
5. Work-Based Learning Benefits All Students
Even part-time jobs can become valuable educational experiences when paired with structured reflection and academic credit.
6. Technology Can Strengthen Career Readiness
Career-planning platforms, virtual reality experiences, and digital portfolios can help students connect learning with future goals.
7. Workplace Readiness Is Everyone's Responsibility
Career preparation should not be confined to a single course or department. Every educator can reinforce professional behaviors and employability skills through classroom activities and expectations.
As technology and engineering educators, we are uniquely positioned to help students develop both the technical competencies and workplace habits that today's employers seek. Chesapeake Public Schools offers a compelling example of how a coordinated, K–12 approach can prepare students not just for graduation, but for long-term success in the workforce.