Ellsworth Elementary fourth and fifth graders participated in the third annual Career Day Jan. 15 with 12 amazing speakers throughout the day.

“Our fourth graders had seven speakers which they rotated through all of them every 15 minutes,” said STEM Coordinator Tami Place. “They were able to ask questions and learn so much from these speakers.”

Before Career Day, fifth graders took a short Myers Briggs personality test and researched a job that would fit their personality well. They created job posters to decorate the neighborhood which included salary, required education, and other details about the job. 

“During our Career Day, fifth graders were able to choose 3 out of 7 speakers which they listened to for 30 minutes each,” Place said. “Students had pre-thought out questions to ask our speakers through their sessions.”

Place applauded the speakers for coming prepared with lots of information and passion about what they do.

“It opens up so many more opportunities that our students may not have known were out there,” Place said. “Growing up in this amazing community and having that connection brought in for our students to learn what we have available for them, I just cannot thank our community enough.”
Place offers businesses three opportunities to interact with students: Career Day, the Touch A Truck day at the end of the school year and making a map of the “School Community.”

“At the beginning of the year, we make a map of our 'school community' and have our robots 'drive' to those businesses,” Place said. “We have a great time coming up and talking about where we all go and learn about new businesses we did not know about. When we have our list, I reach out to some of the businesses and see if they would like to come and help our students with our maps along with talking briefly about what they do in their business.

This year’s featured speakers included:

Trooper Gray of WI State Patrol: He talked about the roles and responsibilities of the troopers and inspectors as well as equipment that is used on a daily basis. He also discussed the schooling required to become a trooper and inspector.

Kyle Kosin with the WI DNR: He detailed how his career as a Conservation Warden differs from a traditional police officer or sheriff’s deputy, with authority over fish/game, boats, snowmobiles, ATV’s and environmental laws. They learned about the specialized equipment each warden receives and is expected to operate at different times of the year. Kids learned about experiences they can get involved in if they have an interest in conservation law enforcement.

KNN Farms: They taught kids which products come from different types of farms, the uses for those products and what they would do on a day-to-day basis if they were involved in agricultural production. They shared the challenges and freedoms farmers have, how many careers are related to agriculture, and what courses or qualities would be helpful to be successful in an agricultural field.

Officer Brette Huppert, Pierce County Sheriff's Dept.: She spoke about the duties of patrol deputies and corrections deputies, along with what a normal day looks like for both. She also spoke about schooling and training for both careers.

Loberg Law Office: Jens Loberg shared his educational background and rigors of the profession while role-playing real-life scenarios and analyzing possible outcomes.

Coach Derek Staley: Ellsworth High School Head Basketball Coach Derek Staley showed kids how being a high school coach means developing young people, not just players, by teaching discipline, accountability, and teamwork. “It’s about creating a team where players feel challenged, supported, and proud of how they represent themselves and Ellsworth. Being a high school coach is challenging, fun, and rewarding,” he said. 

Pilot Tim Schmit: He talked about how airplanes fly, terminology, which subjects to focus on in school and his path to Sun Country. He also shared what his daily job looks like and his monthly schedules, which are different than the typical 9-5 job. 

Ellsworth Police Dept.: Sgt. Eric VanNocker talked about what it was like being a police officer, what schooling he needed, what equipment he carries and what it is used for.

Pierce County Highway Dept.: Adam Johnson talked about three possible career paths, including road maintenance, road construction, and management/leadership. Kids learned about heavy equipment and possible heavy equipment operator jobs in the workforce.

Brush Strokes: Kayleen Jakes spoke with the kids about owning a small business and turning a passion or interest into a business. She also spoke about what a day of work might look like and how subjects like math and art really help her in her business. 

WESTconsin Credit Union: Wesley Franklin talked with students about WESTconsin’s footprint in this region, what the credit union strives to do in communities, supporting members in both their hardest financial challenges and their biggest financial successes and different career path options.

Jeremy Nygaard: The Ellsworth Elementary principal and coach discussed his journey into and through education. While coaching can be a full-time career, for many people coaching is something that they do while having a full-time job.

For any business interested in being part of EES’ Career Day, Touch A Truck or mapping activity, contact Place at placeta@ellsworth.k12.wi.us