My guest today is Dr. Samantha Haviland, Executive Director of Career Development and Student Success for Denver Public Schools. Sam and I were introduced by our mutual friend, Joanna Lilley, who’s been a guest on this podcast multiple times. I am SO grateful that Joanna connected us. You’ll hear me say this during our conversation, and I’m only half joking, if I could convince my family to go with me, I’d sell my house and move to Denver so my boys could attend Denver Public Schools. Don’t get me wrong, I love where we live, love our neighbors and love the winters here in Florida, and our public schools here are doing a pretty good job. It’s just that Denver Public Schools, otherwise known as DPS, is doing an amazing job in setting their students up for success after high school. From elementary school all the way through high school, DPS facilitates and encourages students to explore careers and start planning for their future. Their high school students have to complete their “check out” list before they can participate in graduation activities. DPS demonstrates a “we’re all in this together” mentality through their strong relationships with local businesses, colleges and legislators. And they make social emotional learning a priority for every single student in their district. There’s a ton of value in this conversation for parents, educators and anyone who cares about setting kids up for success.
About Dr. Samantha Haviland
Dr. Samantha Haviland is the Executive Director of Career Development and Student Success for Denver Public Schools. Previously the lead of school counseling in DPS and a school counselor in various rural, suburban, and urban school districts, Samantha has a passion for the Denver students and their families. In her work today she supports all work-based learning, student engagement and dropout, college success and school counseling, so students dream, plan, and achieve greatness in their own path after high school.
Episode Highlights
- A little background on Denver Public Schools (DPS)
- College and career planning begins in 5th grade
- The role of the counselor in Denver Public Schools
- Early exposure leads to aha moments for kids
- Students’ career and academic plans begin in 6th grade and continue through and beyond graduation
- Key partnerships with local businesses, colleges and legislators
- Daily social emotional learning is a critical part of the plan
- “13th grade” opportunity made possible through Colorado legislation
- The importance of taking math during freshman year of college
- How to have meaningful career conversations with your kids
Resources
Denver Public Schools on Facebook
Denver Public Schools on Instagram
Denver Public Schools academic and career lessons
Elementary academic and career lessons and books for career development