Career Pathways

Help students be more focused and team-oriented and become the true drivers of their own learning by directing their learning and planning down one of several broad career avenues.

"Howard and Ill have given educators a stunning encyclopedic handbook on career pathways. Loaded with helpful lists and charts, and written in a clear, conversational tone, Career Pathways is the new indispensable resource for superintendents, principals, counselors, and teachers."

" Career Pathways is the most comprehensive curriculum approach to achieving the dual goal of academic and career maturity. High school educators who seek to promote not just college admissions but college success should consider the career pathways approach."

Elaine Makas Howard has 25 years of experience in education. She has served numerous districts in Michigan in curriculum, career development and counseling processes as a regional director of Instructional Services. She is also a systems consultant with Curriculum Connections, a business she co-owns. Ms. Howard has a specialist degree from Saginaw Valley State University in Educational Leadership with an emphasis on curriculum. She has a master’s degree from Central Michigan University in school guidance and a bachelor’s degree from Western Michigan University in history. She is certified in central office and secondary administration, counseling, and 7-12 social studies secondary education. Ms. Howard’s work experience includes secondary teacher, community education director, and curriculum consultant. She lives in Cass City, Michigan with three of her four sons. Pamela J. Ill has been a devoted classroom teacher for over 25 years and is currently an instructional consultant at Curriculum Connections, a consultant business that she co-owns, and a classroom teacher with the Unionville-Sebewaing Public Schools in Sebewaing, Michigan. During her 25-year career, she has taught a variety of secondary subjects, including language arts, French, and psychology. Ms. Ill has a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and psychology from Kalamazoo College in Kalamazoo, Michigan. In addition, she received her Michigan elementary certification from Saginaw Valley State University. Ms. Ill currently team teaches Freshman Focus and designs Pathways curriculum. Her school became a board certified Pathways High School in 1998. She resides in Vassar, Michigan, with her husband, son, and daughter.