What do you want to be when you grow up? This is a question we often ask children, and we may not be surprised when we hear “I don’t know.”
In Durango School District 9-R, we are working to better inform students so that they have a clear plan after graduation, that they know what they “want to be” or “what they want to do.” And we want this plan to build students’ ikigai. Ikigai is a Japanese term meaning the “sweet spot” where people find the perfect career for them. Ikigai is the confluence of finding a career that melds what you are good at, what you love, what the world needs and what you can be paid for.
As our students move through each grade on the way to leaving us after 12th grade, we are committed to helping them find their passions and purpose. This is our “why.” Every student deserves to have a solid academic foundation that opens the window of opportunity for any career in which they are interested. They also deserve to have experiences that help them understand their talents, interests and possible future career options. Many of our schools are using interest inventories and collaborative discussions to help students get to know each other and themselves. Structures such as Crew and classroom meetings focus on building relationships, and student confidence and initiative. More formal assessment tools such as YouScience and Xello are helping secondary students identify careers that will align with their interests and aptitudes. Work-based learning experiences through a partnership with the Business and Education Connection are providing internships for high school students at Durango High School and Big Picture High School.
We want to do more to help all students find their ikigai. This year, we are increasing after-school opportunities for students across the district through Kids’ Camp, library programming and extracurricular programs focused on creativity and STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) such as FIRST LEGO League robotics and Destination Imagination. We have convened a Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council who will have a voice in what might interest students and how we can increase experiences. We also are focusing more intentionally on our Elements of Effective Instruction in all classrooms, which include personalization and engaging learning environments. Additionally, the district is designing a new Career and Innovation Center, which will expand opportunities for students to explore future careers.
We invite you to partner with us in these efforts by volunteering to coach a LEGO League or Destination Imagination team or offer a work-based learning experience for students. These can be guest speakers, job shadowing, mentoring, or an internship or co-op.
The future of our community depends on the success of our students. Our “Why” in Durango 9-R, our purpose and commitment, is to ensure every student is on a journey to discovering their ikigai.
For more information or to volunteer, please contact superintendent Karen Cheser at kcheser@durangoschools.org.
Karen Cheser is superintendent of Durango School District 9-R.
