Authentic Lessons for 21st Century Learning

Collections Collection
Cover Image

Navigator Network: Equipping Counselors to Facilitate College and Career Pathways

Katawna Crittenden, Amber Stokes, Will Markham, Sheridan Kautzmann, Kelsey Willems, Michael Kraus, Lorena Mayorga | Published: October 8th, 2026 by K20 Center

Summary

Counselor Academy is geared toward middle school counselors and other educators and focuses on strengthening college and career readiness support for students and families. Through collaborative sessions aligned with Oklahoma's college and career readiness frameworks, counselors learn practical strategies in areas such as career exploration, postsecondary planning, and family engagement.

Resources

Professional Learning
Cover Image
Paving the Path: Career Readiness Practices

Engaging students in career exploration early is essential to helping them develop informed, purposeful career goals. Participants will explore sustainable career exploration activities that align student career decision-making processes with the ICAP (Individual Career Academic Plan) and Oklahoma Career... Read more »

Created by: Will Markham

Date Updated: August 19th, 2026

Professional Learning
Paving the Path: Career Readiness Practices

Tag Target Audience

  • Other Stakeholders

Tag Calendar Placement

  • Summer Session

User Group Group Size

  • Medium Group (at least 10)

Tag Intention Or Purpose

  • Active Engagement, Aligning with Other Programs, Brainstorming, Career Preparation Skills, College-Going Culture, Critical Thinking, Increase Teacher "Toolbox", Problem Solving

Copied To Clipboard Standards

  • E.K.1.4, E.S.6, E.S.7
More
Time Frame 50
Professional Learning
Cover Image
Find Your Route: Navigating Postsecondary Options

Participants will reflect on their early career and college interests, explore postsecondary institutions through a virtual scavenger hunt, and collaborate with peers to learn about different college and career pathways. Through interactive discussion and information sharing, participants will deepen... Read more »

Created by: Amber Stokes

Date Updated: August 19th, 2026

Professional Learning
Find Your Route: Navigating Postsecondary Options

Tag Target Audience

  • All Staff or Teachers

Tag Calendar Placement

  • Any time of year

User Group Group Size

  • Large Group (at least 30), Medium Group (at least 10)

Tag Intention Or Purpose

  • Career Preparation Skills, College-Going Culture, Increase Teacher "Toolbox"

Copied To Clipboard Standards

  • E.K.1.2, E.K.8, E.S.6.1
More
Time Frame 60
Professional Learning
Cover Image
Navigating Partnerships: Engaging Families through College and Career Readiness

Counselor Academy is a workshop-style training for GEAR UP cohort counselors. It offers a formal introduction to GEAR UP and how GEAR UP partners with secondary schools assist with resources, support, and a sustainable path to build a college and career culture. This session, Navigating Partnerships,... Read more »

Created by: Katawna Crittenden

Date Updated: October 8th, 2026

Professional Learning
Navigating Partnerships: Engaging Families through College and Career Readiness

Tag Target Audience

  • Other Stakeholders

Tag Calendar Placement

  • Summer Session

User Group Group Size

  • Large Group (at least 30)

Tag Intention Or Purpose

  • College-Going Culture
More
Time Frame 60 minutes

Standards

Educator Standards 6–12 (6th - 12th)
E.K.1.2: Understand the array of college and career options, including four-year universities, community colleges, career technology programs, apprenticeships, and military opportunities, where students can achieve success based on their strengths and goals.
E.K.1.4: Develop familiarity with the National Career Clusters and their career pathways to help students align their interests and skills with potential careers and corresponding educational options.
E.K.8: Understand how to integrate postsecondary education discussions and resources into the curriculum in meaningful and age-appropriate ways, ensuring alignment with academic standards and career readiness goals.
E.S.6: Plan and facilitate meaningful postsecondary education experiences outside of the classroom.
E.S.6.1: Organize campus visits, job shadowing opportunities, career fairs, and community service projects to expose students to real-world environments and college and career options.
E.S.7: Incorporate postsecondary education discussions and content in the curriculum.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons CC BY-SA 4.0 License.

Report copyright infringement »