Special Education Students Speak To Vet For Employment Program

OAK FOREST, IL — Students in Bremen High School District's Transitional Employment Program (TEP) participated in a virtual question and answer session with veterinarian Abigail Roeters from Mill Creek Animal Clinic in Palos Park.

On Sept. 24, students from District 228 met with Roeters virtually and were able to ask questions and learn soft workplace skills, according to the district.

Students in the program are junior and senior special educations students who are preparing to graduate and enter the workforce, the district said. Teacher Christina Botica says her students have been learning about various soft skills in the workplace, such as communication, teamwork, listening, respect and responsibility.

The district said this opportunity gave students the chance to practice those soft skills, learn more about the veterinarian career and also learn about animals, such as own pets they may have at home.

"I am trying to introduce the students to different careers and give them the opportunity to see different work environments and jobs," Botica said.

According to the district, students involved in TEP would normally be working at South Suburban College during their class time. Since the district is currently remote learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the program must continue virtually.

"Virtual field trips have been a huge part of remote learning for many teachers and I wanted to incorporate that idea into my class," Botica said. "Since we are a class that discusses employability skills, I wanted to allow my students to see how these soft skills are applicable to real life work scenarios and how these skills can be used in various work settings. I also wanted to give students an opportunity to see what different occupations look like and give them the opportunity to interview people with different careers."

Botica is currently looking for additional guest speakers to join her TEP class. If anyone has a career that would be of interest to students in the program and is interested in speaking, they can contact Botica at cbotica@bhsd228.com.