Editor’s note: This is part of an ongoing series highlighting Enterprise High School’s Career Tech programs.
With the multitude of courses and programs that Enterprise High School’s Career Tech program offers, EHS Career Coach Angela Brockman’s job is to help steer students in the right direction for their futures.
Brockman – a Kentucky native – has been at EHS for seven years as a special education teacher and now the school’s career coach. As the career coach, Brockman works with students to help figure out what the best opportunities are for them.
“I talk to students about what they want to do after high school and if they don’t know we have all sorts of career interest assessments to help narrow it down and find a good fit for their personality,” Brockman said. “Then we look at what classes they can take in high school to allow them to explore that or get ready for a career or for college.
“I work with students on their college and/or career plans. I help them make their plan and put it into action and get them ready for life after high school. I especially focus on the career tech classes we have here.”
Brockman works with students on an individual basis, in the classroom and in group settings. She also connects with local businesses to gauge the needs for employment in the area, as well as working with local college recruiters. She’s also a member of the Enterprise Chamber of Commerce and works with the regional workforce council at Southeast Alabama Works. Brockman also serves as an ambassador for the Alabama National Board of Certified Teachers Network and strives to recruit and mentor other educators seeking National Board Certification.
One of the big focuses for Brockman at EHS is helping with student financial aide.
“A big part of what we do is we help students with financial aide, which can be an overwhelming and intimidating process for a lot of students,” she said. “We encourage every student to do that, though. We aren’t at 100 percent right now but we wish every senior would do it. The process is still open right now and can still be done right now, too.”
When anyone in Enterprise sees a big ‘E’ they likely immediately think of Enterprise itself but Brockman uses that letter to signify more.
“I have a big ‘E’ on a yard stick that the engineering class made for me,” Brockman said. “Of course everyone thinks of Enterprise and you always will, but I also want our high school students to think of some other E’s when they see it: employed, enlisted, enrolled.
“Which one of those are you going to be? They are all good choices but which route is the best fit for you? I’m here to help the students find their path, that is the most important thing I do.”
Brockman said that with all of the career tech opportunities EHS students have, she tries her best to help students discover their interests early on.
“It’s an awesome opportunity and especially if they can find their niche in the 10th grade,” Brockman said of the career tech programs. “Then they have the chance to explore multiple courses in that program and even get some certifications.
“That’s a phenomenal opportunity for a high school student. That’s why I’m so interested in helping students find that niche. It’s so sad to me to meet a student that takes a class they love and it’s something they want to do but they’re a senior and can’t take any other courses. So, the earlier the better.”
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