By Nisanur Gül
Barbara Broedel brings real-world connections into the classroom so students can see what careers actually look like. As a Family & Consumer Sciences teacher at Klondike Middle School, Barbara uses Career+ Pathways™ to introduce 8th-grade students to workplace expectations, training pathways, and industry possibilities — helping them start planning long before high school.
Her Role & Results
In her fourth year with Tippecanoe School Corporation and her 22nd year teaching overall, Barbara blends classroom instruction with employer partnerships to prepare students for life after high school. She relies on Career+™ modules and local partners to give students practical exposure to careers and workplace skills, and she continually looks for ways to make those connections meaningful and accessible for every learner.
Impactful Moments
- Organized a Career+™ Chat with a representative from Rea Magnet Wire after screening a Career+™ video library to find the best fit for her students.
- 94% of last year’s students are on track to complete the Career+™ Next Level Microcredential Series, moving them one step closer to fulfilling requirements for the Locally Created Pathway.
- Longtime FACS educator with two bachelor’s degrees (Occupational Family & Consumer Science and Fashion Merchandising) and a ServSafe certification.
- Career+™ classroom activities include virtual and in-person experiences that emphasize what employers look for, earning potential, and on-the-job learning.
A Classroom Moment That Mattered
When Rea Magnet Wire’s representative, Derek, visited, his openness, energy, and practical advice resonated with students — from the company’s philosophy of valuing employees to clear pathways for learning and pay. “Students liked the possibilities available, such as the earning potential, the learning potential, and the company’s philosophy of valuing and taking care of their employees,” Barbara says (students also appreciated the candy Derek brought).
This visit was directly connected to the Career+™ Next Level Microcredential Series , a part of the broader Career+ Pathways Microcredential program that equips students with essential employability skills, experiential learning, and work-based learning opportunities aligned to graduation requirements. In her FACS classes, Barbara integrates modules that help students explore high-wage, high-demand careers, identify personal aptitudes, and build a four-year high school plan. These classroom experiences come to life through practical, real-world opportunities—like the Rea Magnet Wire session—that bridge learning with career-connected pathways.
Barbara points to measurable outcomes as a source of pride: “Out of my last year’s students who were enrolled in Career+, 94% are on track to earn the credential. They fulfilled all of the first level requirements… My goal (and my expectation) is to have 100% this year — fingers crossed.”
Barbara’s Impact
Barbara builds early career awareness by combining Career+™ lessons with employer visits and hands-on activities that turn abstract ideas into clear next steps for middle-school students. Her steady approach helps students understand workplace expectations, explore realistic pathways, and begin planning high-school course choices that support long-term goals. That consistent, programmatic work is what makes her classroom a place where students start to see and pursue real opportunities.
Beyond the Classroom
Barbara is the youngest of eight and says she still leans on incredible support from her siblings. Family is central to how she makes important life decisions.
Bio
Nisanur Gül is a Social Media Manager and Virtual Assistant at Skyepack, where she supports content creation, blog writing, and digital engagement for the Career+ Pathways™ program. She works closely with the team to transform ideas into polished, audience-ready pieces. Outside of work, she enjoys designing, painting, and spending time with friends in cozy, creative settings.
