Shamokin Area School District offers students job shadowing opportunities 

By Carter Maurer '25, staff writer 

  The Shamokin Area School District is providing students with valuable learning experiences through job shadowing opportunities. Job shadowing is an educational program that allows students to observe and speak with workers in various careers in order to gain a better understanding of a profession's daily activities and required skills, and encourages them to explore a potential career path.

  "I think it's great. Students can start as a freshman and do it every year," explained Mrs. Deserae McCabe, guidance counselor. She added that the program provides students with an excellent opportunity to explore different career options and make informed decisions about their future.

  While job shadowing is a valuable tool for students, some careers' confidentiality requirements make it more challenging to arrange. One such field is healthcare. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) was established in 1996 to protect patients' privacy rights and prevent the unauthorized disclosure of medical information.

  "We encourage students to take a career they might be interested in,” added Mr. Matthew Weller, guidance counselor.  Still, students interested in job shadowing in medical fields must navigate HIPAA regulations. The guidance office works with medical facilities to ensure that patients’ and students' privacy rights and medical information are not disclosed during job shadowing.

  Students interested in job shadowing can sign up in the guidance office. Job shadowing opportunities are available throughout the school year, depending on the employer's availability. Job shadowing is an excellent way for students to gain insight into their future careers, build networks, and gain practical experience. Shamokin Area School District is proud to provide these valuable opportunities to students and is committed to helping them achieve their future goals.