Department of Labor establishes career development ambassador program to help educators promote career exploration for students

The New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) announced its partnership with the New York State Education Department (NYSED) to launch the career development ambassador program.

A press release stated, “Schools play a crucial role in developing the state’s workforce. This four-week paid summer intensive training program will prepare teachers, certified work-based learning (WBL) coordinators, and school counselors to develop, implement and deliver career-readiness strategies for students across New York state. This program will assist educators of grades six to nine with helping their students understand and explore career options before they graduate high school, better preparing the workforce of the future.

“Students are the workforce of tomorrow, so we must lay the groundwork now to guide them into well-paying and fulfilling careers,” New York State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon said. “This new program will support educators as they integrate career exploration into their lesson plans, so our students will be better prepared to decide their career paths and participate in New York’s diverse economy.”

During the program, educators will develop career-readiness lesson plans that can be implemented at their respective schools with prior approval of school administration. This curriculum will include professional development, industry-specific career exploration, and career-related skill development, all of which will be shown in a final presentation and lesson demonstration at the end of the program. After completing the program, participants will receive a certificate of completion from NYSDOL, along with Continuing Teacher and Leadership Education (CTLE) credit.

Board of Regents Chancellor Lester W. Young Jr. said, “The Board of Regents and Education Department are intent on building a 21st-century education system that supports all students. To do so requires that we apply everything we know about the science of learning and the art of teaching. This program will help teachers and counselors put students on a pathway to success – and provide the support they need to get there.”

State Education Commissioner Betty A. Rosa said, “Through this partnership with the Department of Labor, we can expand students’ opportunities to prepare for their futures, support the needs of New York state’s businesses, and provide improved economic security for the next generation. We must ensure students graduate prepared for the high-skill, high-wage, and high-demand occupations of our global economy, opening doors to career achievement.”

All New York state educators and qualifying staff with more than five years of experience who teach grades six to nine are eligible to apply. The program will focus on serving historically underserved communities, and those representing underserved communities are encouraged to apply. All regions of the state will be included in the program. This will be a joint effort between NYSDOL Career Centers, school districts, and local workforce partners and businesses.

Questions about the teacher ambassador program can be sent to [email protected]. see other training opportunities, visit dol.ny.gov/training-opportunities.