A Mt. Carmel High School teacher is helping her students learn some of life’s most important lessons, from budgeting and cooking to calling the doctor’s office.
At the November Wabash District 348 School Board meeting, Mt. Carmel High School special education teacher Rebecca Hocking shared how her life skills program prepares students for life after graduation.
“My primary focus is life skills. So what that means for my students is getting them ready for what comes next after high school—whether that’s entering the workforce, moving into a group home, or getting job training. If it’s something you do as an adult, we do it in my class.”
Hocking’s class covers everything from taxes and budgeting to cooking and cleaning — even making doctor’s appointments.
“We actually set up the classroom like a doctor’s office. The students have to check in with our receptionist, provide their information, and then come talk to me— their ‘doctor.’ It’s all about building real-world independence.”
This fall, her eight students have also been busy preparing for the holidays with a hands-on cooking unit— made possible by support from the community.
“My students wrote letters to local businesses asking for donations, and I’m proud to say our class is fully funded. That means we’ll be cooking twice a week through the holiday season.”
Hocking says the goal is simple: to help her students leave high school ready to live and work as independent, confident adults.
Mt. Carmel High School special education teacher Rebecca Hocking