Essential Skills Video Series
The DeKalb County Community Foundation developed the Essential Skills Video Series to highlight key soft skills for middle and high school students in DeKalb County. These essential skills—such as personality traits, behaviors, and communication abilities—were identified by local employers as critical gaps in the county’s workforce. To help bridge this gap, the Foundation created this FREE video series to emphasize and instill the importance of these skills.
Featured skills include:
- Appropriate Professional Dress & Behavior
- Leadership
- Conflict Resolution
- Self Motivation
- Clear and Appropriate Speaking
- Confidence
- Cell Phone & Social Media Etiquette
The Essential Skills Video Series is a FREE, engaging resource available to anyone interested in teaching or learning these important skills. The series includes five videos, along with educator guides for reflection, learning, and feedback.
SAMPLES - Essential Skills Video Series:
The Job interview
(Video 1 - SAMPLE) Learn what to do and what not to, as Rachel goes on a job interview.
Sally the Leader
(Video 2 - SAMPLE) What skills make a good leader? In this video, Sally discovers her leadership qualities.
Be a Word Changer
(Video 3 - SAMPLE) In this video, watch as Chris learns to think before he speaks and what happens when he doesn’t!
Good Idea, Bad Idea
(Video 4 - SAMPLE) In a virtual reality experiment, Tim learns the effect his words can have on others
Before and After Impressions
(Video 5 - SAMPLE) The final video in the Essential Skills Video Series. See additional scenes, what happened next, and how actions can make a lasting impression.
Educator Resources
In addition to the videos, a comprehensive resource guide accompanies each video tailored for middle and high school levels. Developed by local DeKalb County teachers and school counselors, the guides offer an interactive learning experience aligned with teaching standards at the time of creation.
Tools for Teachers:
- Middle School Resource Guide - A helpful resource for discussion prompts, middle school age engagement activities, and real-life application ideas.
- High School Resource Guide - A helpful resource for discussion prompts, high school age engagement activities, and real-life application ideas.
"I felt these videos were VERY effective. They were relevant and relatable to my students, short and effective. I liked that the videos relayed serious and important messages in a way that was enjoyable to watch. I appreciated the (young) age and diversity of the 'actors.' I also thought using the same 'actors/characters' in different videos was a great idea (e.g., connecting the improvement of skills ends up leading to a job)!" - DeKalb County Teacher
“The guiding questions and activities look great. Whoever put this together did a great job.” - DeKalb County Teacher
“I talk about ‘life skills’ often in class. These videos provide great support for these important skills and messages for students.” - DeKalb County Teacher
Funding for the Essential Skills is made possible by donor generosity to CommunityWorks Funds at the Community Foundation. These Funds support three interest areas in DeKalb County: early care and education, land use, and workforce development.
Thank you!
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the generous donors, partner organizations, student actors, and volunteers who made this Essential Skills Video Series possible. Teaching and nurturing these important skills in our youth starts with a caring community — that’s you. Thank you for your support and commitment. A special thanks also goes to OC Creative for their outstanding work in bringing this series to life!
