October 21, 2016

TO:  Division Superintendents

FROM:  Steven R. Staples, Superintendent of Public Instruction

SUBJECT: Announcing the 2016 Counseling for Careers Workshop

The Virginia Department of Education, in partnership with the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB), is pleased to offer a one-day workshop focusing on Counseling for Careers on Thursday, December 8, 2016.  The workshop will be held at the Roanoke County Public Schools Administrative Offices, Room E, 5937 Cove Road, Roanoke, VA, 24019 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Counseling for Careers is an organized structured effort that connects students to a career goal, as well as a high school and postsecondary program of study – all necessary for acquiring the knowledge and skills to succeed.  During this workshop, school/division teams will

• Explore the educational and economic contexts for developing effective Counseling for Careers initiatives in their schools;
• Examine seven essential Counseling for Careers strategies identified as Best Practices; and
• Determine Counseling for Careers priorities and determine next steps based on an action planning process.

This is a repeat of the regional workshops held during November and December 2015.  School divisions are invited to send a team of up to five participants to the workshop, including academic and Career and Technical Education teachers, administrators, and at least one school counselor.

The SREB trainer will be provided by the Virginia Department of Education.  Travel and lunch will be the responsibility of the participants.  This is an allowable expenditure of federal Perkins funds if included in the approved local career and technical education plan.  Preregistration is required and must be completed by November 21.  Registration is limited so it is important that the entire team be registered as soon as possible to take advantage of this opportunity.

If you have questions, please contact Judith Sams, Workshop Coordinator, Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education, at cte@doe.virginia.gov or by telephone at (804) 225-3119.

SRS/LBH/aab