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Parents/Guardians: If you would like to be involved in work-based learning at Independence High School, please let Ms. Thomas know by email. We are always looking for people in the community to help our students tour local facilities, learn about different jobs/careers, internship/job opportunities and guest speakers.
My name is Ms. Thomas and I have been the Career Development Coordinator at Independence High School since September 2023. I'm excited about the opportunity to help our students reach their goals by creating opportunities to help them with their future goals.
What is the Role of a Career Development Coordinator? The Career Development Coordinator's (CDC) role is to support Career and Technical Education (CTE) and to coordinate career development services for students participating in CTE. I work collaboratively with administrators, counselors, teachers, parents, business/industry partners, post-secondary institutions, and community organizations to ensure the delivery of career development services for Independence High School such as but not limited to:
Dual Enrollment with CPCC Career and College Promise/CTE Pathway courses related to your career inspirations
College Connection to CPCC for Graduating Seniors
Career Interest surveys
Strengths explorer assessment
Guest speakers
Industry tours
Career Fairs
Employment/job readiness training
Mock interview sessions (classes)
Resume writing workshops (classes)
Employment opportunities
Unpaid/paid internships
Job shadowing
Volunteer/service opportunities
Career Technology Education Plan of study/help you be a “CTE concentrator”
ACT Work keys
ASVAB
I work collaboratively with administrators, student services personnel, and teachers to ensure the delivery of career development services. CDCs facilitate linkages with parents, businesses/industry, postsecondary institutions, and community organizations to support student’s transition to postsecondary education and employment.
The best way to contact me is via email at: charise.thomas@cms.k12.nc.us
Meet Me: During open office hours for students. See me at your lunch or stop by my office in the Career Center located in Room 140. You must have a pass to visit the Career Center.
The goal of the IHS Career Center is to provide students with information and resources for any "after high school" option to help students achieve a high-wage, high-demand, high-opportunity career of their choice. Please use this site to help plan for after high school, whether you plan to attend a 2-year college, a 4-year college, the military, join the workforce, or take a gap year. Our hopes are that this site provides you with a starting point.
The IHS Career Center constantly updates this website and information on this site.
Career and Technical Education
Career and Technical Education
The mission of CMS Career and Technical Education is to engage middle and high school students in rigorous and relevant learning in preparation for post-secondary education or careers.
This mission is accomplished by:
Providing access to foundational and enhanced coursework in specially designed learning environments that attract a diverse student population and focuses on developing basic skills, the ability to work independently and as part of a team, think creatively and utilize technology in critical thinking and problem solving.
Contributing to the academic achievement of students by integrating the Common Core State Standards, and other disciplines into Career and Technical Education courses.
Partnering with post-secondary institutions, businesses, industry and community organizations to assist students in their career development through instructional and work-based learning activities.
Encouraging student participation in Career and Technical Student organizations and other co-curricular activities that promote leadership, service and academic achievement.
Providing and promoting professional development opportunities for Career and Technical Education Teachers and staff.
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