Work-Based Learning Coordinator

Job Description Proposal Overview

Work-Based Learning Coordinator.

Our district is dedicated to enhancing Work-Based Learning (WBL) opportunities for K-12 students by creating a new position for a Work-Based Learning Coordinator. This initiative aims to strengthen the connection between education and industry, equipping students with real-world experiences, essential skills, and preparation for success in the modern workforce. Serving grades K-12, the program will engage over 40 business and community partners to deliver impactful, career-aligned learning experiences.

234: 5-12 Work Experience Coordinator Endorsement

Major Partners

Local and regional businesses, community organizations, and higher education institutions will play pivotal roles in the program's success. These partners will contribute by:

• Hosting job shadows and internships.

• Delivering professional workshops.

• Facilitating project-based learning opportunities.

• Sharing insights to ensure students develop the skills, knowledge, and credentials for success in various career pathways.

Program Goals and Strategies

1. Expand Career Awareness & Exploration (Grades K-8):

• Elementary STEM Nights: Collaborate with business partners to host hands-on STEM exploration events.

• Kinder Community Day: Introduce local businesses to young learners to foster early community and career connections.

• 8th-Grade Career Days: Organize events that expose students to various career pathways.

• Guest Speaker Sessions: Invite professionals from diverse industries to inspire students and broaden their understanding of career options.

2. Enhance Career Preparation & Planning (Grades 9-12):

• Facilitate job shadows, site tours, internships, and pre-apprenticeships for high school students.

• Provide simulated workplace experiences and speaker sessions aligned with industry standards.

• Conduct workshops on:

  • Resume building

  • Workplace ethics

  • Interview preparation (in collaboration with industry professionals).

• Host guest speaker events featuring leaders in high-demand fields to inspire and guide students.

3. Strengthen Postsecondary Readiness:

• Support juniors with mock interview opportunities.

• Assist seniors with scholarship application writing sessions.

• Promote career-based service learning and pre-apprenticeships in collaboration with local employers.

4. Sustained Learning & Reflection:

• Establish project-based learning experiences that address real-world industry challenges.

• Integrate ICAP-aligned (Individual Career and Academic Plan) activities to support career-focused learning.

• Encourage students to reflect on their WBL experiences to guide future academic and career decisions.

Key Strategies

Coordinated Learning Pathways:

• The WBL Coordinator will oversee opportunities such as internships, pre-apprenticeships, and simulated work experiences, ensuring alignment with industry-recognized credentials and standards.

• Students will engage in career-based service learning and scaffolded experiences such as informational interviews, job site tours, and job shadows, fostering a deeper understanding of workplace expectations.

Cross-Curricular Standards Integration:

• Projects like sustained employer-aligned initiatives will incorporate STEM, ELA, and CTE standards, promoting critical thinking and problem-solving in real-world contexts.

• Activities such as scholarship writing workshops for seniors and cover letter preparation for sophomores will emphasize essential communication and professional skills.

Community-Driven Personalized Learning:

• Events such as Elementary STEM Night with business partners and Kinder Community Day will introduce early learners to career possibilities in an engaging way.

• Career-based service-learning projects will allow students to contribute meaningfully to their communities while exploring career pathways.

Tracking and Reflecting on WBL Experiences:

• The district will develop internal teams to track student participation, assess the impact of WBL experiences, and guide future coursework and career planning based on student reflections and feedback.

Professional Development for Educators

Our program will emphasize collaboration between business partners and educators to create meaningful professional development (PD) opportunities that equip educators to link industry needs to educational content. By hiring a Work-Based Learning (WBL) Coordinator, we will:

• Engage interdisciplinary teams by facilitating partnerships between businesses and educators to design PD sessions incorporating real-world industry insights and skills essential for future workplace success.

• Support educators in contextualizing curriculum through workshops and mentoring by industry professionals, helping teachers integrate industry-aligned competencies into lessons and project-based learning.

• Create sustainable partnerships by hosting events such as career days, STEM nights, and employer-aligned project-based learning opportunities, fostering lasting collaboration between schools and businesses.

• Planned PD will include experiences such as professional skills workshops, where industry partners provide up-to-date workplace practices, equipping educators with tools to prepare students effectively. This collaborative approach will ensure alignment with district improvement plans and prepare educators to meet evolving workforce demands.

Sharing the Model Across Iowa

To effectively share the model with others in Iowa, we will implement the following strategies:

1. Leverage the Work-Based Learning Coordinator

The new work-based learning coordinator will play a pivotal role in networking and collaboration. They will:

• Establish partnerships with local schools, community colleges, and businesses to align resources and expand program offerings.

• Act as a liaison to share best practices, resources, and outcomes from our model.

• Facilitate joint professional development sessions or workshops for educators and community partners.

2. Utilize Communication Platforms

• Monthly Newsletter: Include updates, success stories, and highlights of the program in the Saydel monthly newsletter, ensuring consistent visibility.

• Yearly Priority Mailing: Use this targeted communication to outline the program’s achievements and encourage collaboration and adoption among stakeholders.

3. Host Networking Events

• Organize annual forums or summits that bring together educators, business leaders, and community organizations to discuss and refine work-based learning opportunities.

• Invite stakeholders to observe the model in action, fostering inspiration and engagement.

4. Build Digital Resources

• Develop a dedicated webpage to showcase program details, success metrics, and partner testimonials.

• Share templates, tools, and guides for replication via digital channels to reach a broader audience.

5. Collaborate with Regional Organizations

• Work with Area Education Agencies (AEAs) to share the model and receive feedback for regional alignment.

• Partner with local chambers of commerce and workforce development boards to strengthen ties between education and industry.

6. Engage in Statewide Initiatives

• Present at conferences and workshops hosted by educational and business organizations in Iowa.

• Collaborate with state-level initiatives that support workforce development and career readiness.

7. Monitor and Adapt

• Gather feedback from partners and participants through surveys and regular meetings.

• Use this input to refine and tailor the model for broader appeal and effectiveness.

These strategies will ensure the model is shared widely, fostering collaboration and innovation while addressing the unique needs of students and partners across Iowa.

Student Populations Served

The program is designed to serve a diverse student population, ensuring equitable access to high-quality career exploration and preparation. Special emphasis will be placed on engaging underrepresented students in STEM and technical career fields.

Conclusion

By fostering strong industry-education partnerships, offering robust WBL experiences, and aligning educational curricula with workforce demands, the Work-Based Learning Coordinator will play a critical role in bridging the gap between education and career readiness. Through these efforts, our program will prepare students for post-secondary success by fostering early career exploration and real-world skill application, aligning seamlessly with the district’s improvement plans and goals. This initiative will ensure that every student has access to meaningful, hands-on experiences that prepare them for postsecondary success and the evolving workforce.