TEACHER'S EDITION The purpose of this supplemental textbook, Pathways: The Art of Life, is to introduce basic life skills to students. The competencies highlighted in this book are meant to serve as a how-to guide for students as they develop knowledge about themselves, their career pathway, and the world around them. The activities contained in this textbook are structured to meet the whole needs (cognitive, social-emotional, and physical) of teens and young adults as they begin the journey to enhance their traditional academic and career technical education (CTE) experiences. The lessons in this textbook are aligned with the California CTE Model Curriculum Standards and the California Content Standards. Educators can utilize the concepts in this book to enhance educational experiences for students by promoting the following ideas: -Personal Growth (social/emotional and physical) -Educational and Professional Success (cognitive and language) This textbook was designed to engage and encourage students to research and implement strategies that will place them in the position to find personal happiness and success in their desired career pathways. The activities in this book aim to give students the confidence and skill set needed to approach the real life responsibilities of maintaining self-sufficiency. The student workbook version of this text is designed to assist students as they organize their thoughts and set goals for themselves. Some activities in the book have components of social justice to inspire students to think about specific ways to approach improving the neighborhoods in which they live. The purpose of introducing community advocacy and equity strategies to students is to motivate them to create better opportunities for the people within their community by improving the types of services available in their immediate environment. The textbook is divided into four categories in order to focus on each aspect of meeting the whole needs of young people. Units include: 1) Personal Development (emotional development), 2) Self: The Individual and the Collective (social development), 3) Health (physical development), and 4) Academic Development and Career Exploration (cognitive development).
About the Author: My name is Dr. Erika Emery. I am a dedicated wife and mother of two sons, who has devoted my life to my family and the past 23 years to educating and mentoring children in the San Francisco Bay Area. My extensive teaching experience includes working for before and after school programs, preschools, and art programs in addition to my experience as a group home counselor, a nanny, as the owner and operator of a family home child care, and as a preschool Director. I'm currently employed as an instructor and as a mentor teacher. I teach early childhood education to high school students from four area school districts. I also have experience as a Marketing teacher. As a result of my educational journey, I've earned a B.A. in Human Development, a M.S. in Education with an Early Childhood Option, and an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership for Social Justice. Creating opportunities for students to become self-sufficient individuals who have the skills to thrive drives me. I lead by example by sharing my own struggles and successes as a young mom, as a student, and as a businesswoman. For example, having my first child at 16 years old did not prevent me from earning a doctoral degree or becoming successful in my career. It was a difficult journey but I stayed focused by always telling myself to "handle business first". Once I became a teacher, I utilized the term "handle business" to motivate students to follow their own path to succeed in life, regardless of the challenges they may face. I also organize college tours and field trips for students but they know they can only attend if they maintain their responsibilities. Students who attend my field trips are a part of the "handle business crew". Using this term motivates students to improve personally and academically. I also organize an affordable summer trip designed to bring families together. It is important to recognize that educating students requires reaching beyond the classroom to truly change lives. I am dedicated and passionate about making a difference in the lives of student's each and every day.