Feb. 6, 2007

Annual National Job Shadow Day kicks off

Job shadowing is an academically motivating activity designed to give kids the unique opportunity of an up close look at the world of work and provide the answer to the commonly asked question, “Why do I have to learn this?” Beginning with a nationwide kickoff on Friday, Feb. 2, and continuing throughout the school year, students across America will “shadow” workplace mentors as they go through a normal day on the job. The program invites students to see firsthand how the skills learned in school relate to the workplace. This year, eighth grade students from Grapevine-Colleyville ISD/Cross Timbers Middle School will participate in Job Shadow Day on Thursday, March 8.

Selected students will visit business from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. to “shadow” an employee and participate in workplace activities. The students will complete a personal assessment and expectations worksheet in advance in an effort to pair students and businesses with mutual interests. A minimum of two students may be placed at each business and a maximum of two students will be assigned to each participating employee.

Job shadowing is a win-win situation for all involved. Each participant gains unique benefits from job shadowing:

For Students:
• Provides an answer to the questions, “Why do I have to learn this?” and “Would I want to make this job a career?”
• Gives a view into all aspects involved in a job. Students can observe not only job characteristics and responsibilities, but also what each profession requires on a day-to-day basis
• Lets students learn first-hand what it takes to make it in their fields of interest from the people who know best - working professionals

For Educators:
• Helps motivate students to learn by demonstrating the tangible applications of classroom lessons
• Helps craft lesson plans around students’ career interests

For Employers:
• Helps prepare the future workforce
• Shows students career possibilities in different industries
• Demonstrates a tangible commitment to supporting and improving the community
• Creates a feeling of personal satisfaction that comes from mentoring a young person Promotes potential long-term mentoring relationships

For additional information, contact Kate Burkhart, Skills for Living, Career Investigations & Keyboarding Teacher, Cross Timbers Middle School, 817-251-5320 ext. 3201.