Perry Public Schools is pleased to welcome Kristy Glessner as the district’s new Career Development Specialist at Perry High School. Glessner’s position is funded through RootEd, a project of Heartland Forward, and is designed to help students navigate the many opportunities available to them after high school.
As Career Development Specialist, Glessner will work directly with students throughout their high school experience, helping them explore career possibilities, pursue post-secondary opportunities and develop the skills and credentials needed to enter the workforce.
“The Career Development Specialist proactively helps high school students through each step of career exploration, post-secondary attainment, and workforce skills and credentialing,” Glessner explained.
Glessner brings more than 15 years of experience in education to her new role. She began her career as a teacher before transitioning to district-level work in Human Resources, where she served as a Talent Acquisition Manager. In that position, she recruited, interviewed and hired school personnel.
For Glessner, the Career Development Specialist position provides an opportunity to combine both areas of her professional experience.
“This position allows me the best of both, working with students again and helping prepare them for bright futures,” she said.
Students can turn to Glessner for assistance with a wide range of college and career preparation needs. Her role includes helping students explore careers, complete the Individualized Career Academic Plan (ICAP) graduation requirement, and investigate colleges, technical schools and trade programs.
She will also assist students with applications and certifications, explore opportunities for students interested in military service, and provide guidance with completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Importantly, Glessner’s work is designed to support students with a variety of goals after graduation. Whether a student plans to attend a four-year college, pursue a technical or trade program, enter the workforce, or explore military service, Glessner will be available to help students identify pathways and take the necessary steps toward their goals.
Through this position, Perry Public Schools is expanding the support available to students as they prepare for life after high school and work toward their individual futures.