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By Jada Mason, Teacher, Joplin High School
As an educator, I am always looking for ways to make learning engaging and meaningful for my students. This year, I had the incredible opportunity to implement The DeBruce Foundation’s Agilities© for High School and Beyond in my classroom, and it has been a transformative experience for both me and my students. I have loved every moment of it—from the excitement of seeing students apply real-world skills to the joy of building a stronger community in our classroom.
I want to extend my heartfelt thanks for the opportunity to implement The DeBruce Foundation’s Agilities framework within my classroom. This initiative has truly transformed the way I engage with my students and has opened new avenues for growth and exploration. Incorporating the Agilities into my lesson plans has allowed my students to explore their skills in a hands-on manner. These skills are not only important for academic success but are also necessary for students to thrive in any career.
Inspiring Active Engagement and Teamwork
One of the most rewarding parts of this experience was seeing students engage deeply with their learning. During a group project, students were tasked with solving a complex problem related to sustainability. They had to communicate effectively within their teams, think critically about the issue, and collaborate to come up with a solution. I witnessed their growth as they navigated these challenges and reflected on the skills they were developing.
After the project, one student shared, “I didn’t realize how much I could learn from my teammates. We all brought different ideas, and that made the solution so much better.” They were able to connect classroom learning with their future aspirations, which was incredibly rewarding to witness.
Adding Value to Education
I am encouraged by the transformation my students have experienced. They now understand that school is not just about memorizing facts but about developing the skills necessary to navigate an ever-changing world. I am confident that these experiences will empower them to face future challenges with confidence and resilience.
The positive feedback reinforces the effectiveness of the Agilities in helping students envision their paths beyond high school. Without the Agilities, students are limited in their ability to develop skills for future roles in the workforce. Integrating the Agilities in my classroom has allowed students to better understand their personal interests and strengths.
Building Skills for the Future
As I reflect on this experience, I encourage fellow educators to embrace new resources that challenge and inspire our students. It is essential to create an environment where students feel empowered to explore their interests and develop the skills they need for their futures. The future is full of unknowns, but one thing is certain—our students need more than just academic knowledge to thrive. By incorporating frameworks like the Agilities into your classroom, you are giving your students the tools they need to succeed in any endeavor they pursue.
Bring learning to life by connecting it to real-world experiences, and watch as your students’ engagement and confidence soar. Once again, I encourage you to embrace the opportunities that come with teaching skills for the future. It’s not just about preparing students for tests; it’s about preparing them for life. Thank you for this wonderful opportunity.
The DeBruce Foundation provides Career Literacy resources for free as part of its charitable mission. Learn more about The Foundation’s mission to expand career pathways.
