Eaton RESA Career Pathway Specialist Earns State and Regional Recognition
CHARLOTTE, MI — Eaton Regional Education Service Agency (RESA) is proud to announce that Career Pathway Specialist Sara Jobson has been named the recipient of the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) Region 1 Counseling and Career Development Professional of the Year Award. She was also recognized with the Michigan Association for Career and Technical Education (MIACTE) Counseling and Career Development Professional of the Year award earlier this year.
Jobson has spent more than 23 years in public education focusing on school counseling and career development, including more than six years in her current role, where she has built a comprehensive career exploration system for students from kindergarten through high school in Eaton County that ensures every student has access to career awareness, exploration and preparation.
During her tenure, Jobson has implemented digital tools like Xello for elementary and middle school career exploration, established a robust mentoring program where high school career and technical education (CTE) students read to elementary students and teach them about their field of study, and spearheaded curriculum development and integration to help teachers systematically integrate career discussions into elementary classrooms.
"This award is a wonderful recognition of the incredible work Sara has done to build and grow a truly comprehensive K-12 career exploration system for our students here in Eaton County," said Eaton RESA Superintendent Dr. Sean Williams. "We are thrilled she is being recognized for her commitment, creativity and programs, all of which have helped students explore opportunities and widen their view of what success looks like for their future."
In addition to classroom programs, Jobson led efforts to create Eaton RESA's three mobile classroom labs, which bring hands-on career experiences directly to elementary and middle school students. The three mobile labs offer interactive, engaging learning opportunities for students to learn about careers in transportation, manufacturing and aviation. By bringing the labs to students at their home schools, the program removes socioeconomic and geographical barriers, giving all students equitable access to these unique experiences. The mobile lab model has earned statewide attention, with multiple school districts and CTE programs visiting Eaton RESA to replicate the program in their own communities.
Additionally, her role expanded to involve industry professionals and help build the connection between education and the working world. Through programs like “Educators in Industry” and “Youth Solutions Connecting Careers to the Core,” she brings together teachers, administrators and industry professionals to learn from one another and better understand each other's needs, widening the pipeline for student opportunity and connection.
Both the state and regional awards recognize career development professionals who demonstrate a commitment to connecting students with opportunities for success, innovation in career exploration and advocacy for CTE as a viable option for all students. Jobson will be honored alongside other regional winners at the National ACTE Conference in December 2026.




