Kennard-Dale Career Guest Speaker Program in the Career Corner

The Kennard-Dale Career Guest Speaker Program is designed to connect students with real-world career experiences through meaningful conversations with local community members and Kennard-Dale High School graduates. As part of the South Eastern School District’s commitment to career readiness, this program helps students explore a wide range of career pathways while learning directly from professionals who have navigated education, training, and the workforce.

By bringing career speakers into the school, students gain firsthand insight into different industries, career journeys, and post-secondary options. These interactions help students make informed decisions, set realistic goals, and better understand how classroom learning connects to future careers.

The Career Guest Speaker Program supports student success by:

• Exposing students to a variety of career fields and pathways

• Highlighting multiple postsecondary options, including college, skilled trades, military, and direct employment

• Providing relatable role models, especially through Kennard-Dale alumni

• Strengthening connections between the school, local businesses, and the community

• Helping students understand the skills, education, and experiences needed for future success

This program also strengthens community partnerships and allows local employers and graduates to invest directly in the next generation of the workforce.

The Kennard-Dale Career Guest Speaker Program is built on the generosity of community members and Kennard-Dale graduates who are willing to share their time, experience, and expertise with students. Guest speakers play a vital role in helping students explore career pathways, understand workforce expectations, and envision their futures.

To ensure each visit is engaging, educational, and runs smoothly, guest speakers are asked to follow the guidelines below.

Guest speakers who plan to use slides, videos, or handouts are asked to share all presentation materials in advance for preview. Additionally, any items brought to the presentation, such as tools, samples, equipment, or printed materials, should be disclosed ahead of time to ensure they are appropriate for use in a school setting.

Presentations are designed to be interactive and student-centered. Speakers should plan for a 20–25 minute presentation, followed by 5–10 minutes for student questions. Audiences typically consist of 5–15 students in grades 9–12, allowing for meaningful discussion and engagement.

To provide students with a well-rounded understanding of each career field, guest speakers are encouraged to address the following topics during their presentation:

• An introduction, including current job title, employer, and professional background

• Education, training, certifications, or skills required for the career

• Career pathway, including how long the speaker has been in the field and what led them to their profession

• A description of day-to-day job responsibilities

• Essential skills used in the workplace, such as reading, writing, math, and communication

• Job placement information, including how individuals learn about openings in the field and apply

• Advice or insights for students interested in pursuing a similar career path

Speakers are encouraged to keep presentations engaging and age-appropriate, actively encourage student participation, and allow time for questions and discussion at the end. For those seeking guidance on effective presentation strategies, the “5 P’s of a Presentation to Improve Your Skills” article on LinkedIn is a helpful resource.

For safety and security purposes, guest speakers are required to wear their visitor badge at all times while in the building.

These expectations help ensure that every Career Guest Speaker visit is a positive, impactful experience that benefits both students and our valued community partners.

The Kennard-Dale Career Guest Speaker Program is a powerful way to inspire students, build community connections, and support workforce readiness. We are grateful to our guest speakers for helping students see what is possible and for contributing to their growth, confidence, and future success.