Contributed by Karen Bear, VE Facilitator of Limitless, Elmwood Park High School, IL
I can tell you definitively that [VE] is the most impactful class I have ever had the pleasure of teaching. It is the epitome of student-led learning and teaches the students those skills most desired by employers: communication and collaboration. Former students contact me all the time to tell me that what they learned and experienced in VEI has been instrumental in guiding their careers and their success.
“It is the epitome of student-led learning and teaches the students those skills most desired by employers: communication and collaboration.”
Even this year, when they do not get to travel to trade shows and competitions, they are working collaboratively and enthusiastically to build their business and their own skills. They love the ownership and freedom to make decisions. They just finished the online trade show and their reflections were wonderful to read. They realized what they can accomplish and they felt great about how the company pulled together. They also realized that it is okay to be out of their comfort zone. They did not know they could sell. They were so nervous but they did wonderfully.
Today, I saw students, who had been in my Accounting class, make connections in their learning as they are applying their accounting knowledge. Our webmaster has created a great website and is working on the analytics. Our chiefs learn so much as they traverse the tricky road of managing and leading their peers. They also hone public speaking skills.
They remember this class. I feel so lucky to be part of their growth. My favorite phrase is when they say, “I didn’t know I could do that.”