Are you an educator at an applied learning school and looking for the ideal topic to lead in your advisory class? You're not alone in this quest. Selecting the right advisory topic is a critical step in creating a dynamic and engaging learning experience for your students. In this blog post, we'll explore how teachers in our school have made their advisory topic choices and offer guidance to help you find the perfect fit for your students and your passions.

Teacher-Expertise Advisory Topic

‍Ale Checka shares valuable advice for those who have a strong skill or expertise they're passionate about. She encourages teachers to choose something they genuinely enjoy doing or learning about. It's an opportunity to share your expertise and passion with your students. Ale emphasizes that it's important not to choose something overly complicated, as advisory should enhance your teaching experience, not overwhelm it. The key is to make the process enjoyable for both you and your students.

Teacher-Interest Advisory Topic

‍Sometimes, you might find yourself interested in multiple areas, or you're open to learning alongside your students. Sarah Soule advocates for following your curiosity. You don't need to be an expert in the topic to lead an advisory. In fact, learning together can be part of the fun. It's an opportunity to explore new interests, dive into uncharted territory, and experience the joy of discovery alongside your students.

Student-Interest Advisory Topic

‍Mary Jackson encourages teachers to listen to their students. Engage with them, find out what interests them, and observe current trends, perhaps through platforms like TikTok, to identify popular topics. Consider choosing a broad topic with specific strands for students to explore. While Mary's preferred advisory is open-ended, she acknowledges that, in the initial years, it may be beneficial to provide a more structured experience. Regardless of the topic, it's essential to weave in the pillars of applied learning, emphasizing research, communication, collaboration, habits of work, resilience, and civic responsibility.

Meeting Student Needs Advisory Topic

‍Randi Wheeler took a different approach this year by addressing the specific needs of students on her campus. Randi noticed the lack of proper mentorship for the young girls on her campus and how it manifested in behavioral problems and distractions.

She recognized the importance of being flexible and responsive to meet the evolving needs of students. By rearranging and rethinking the advisory, she was able to provide the support and mentorship that her students required.

Passing on Your Passion Advisory Topic

‍For Rhonda Gill, her advisory topic was driven by her own passion. A food enthusiast and an avid cook, she wanted to pass on her culinary skills and love for cooking to the next generation. If you have a deep passion for a particular field or hobby, consider sharing it with your students. Your enthusiasm can be infectious and inspiring.

Bringing Professional Experience to the Classroom Advisory Topic

‍Omar Marquez drew from his professional background in marketing, advertising, photography, and videography to lead an advisory on video production. His unique blend of expertise and personal interest allowed him to teach students the basics of video production while encouraging them to take creative control. If you have a rich professional background, consider how it can enrich your advisory topics.

In conclusion, choosing the perfect advisory topic is a crucial decision that shapes your students' learning experience. Whether you bring expertise, personal interest, or a desire to meet your students' needs, your choice should align with your passion and your students' interests. It's an opportunity to inspire, engage, and empower the next generation of learners. So, take these valuable insights from our experienced teachers, and embark on your journey of selecting the ideal advisory topic that will leave a lasting impact on your students and your teaching career.

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