Teachers can be inspiring role models for students and have a positive effect on students' aspirations, particularly when the students feel they are being supported and that the teacher believes in them. This was clear in the video with Di and the Science head teacher where he didn't want to offer his support, which resulted in the student not pursuing her career aspiration and then leaving the school. I was shocked that the Science teacher didn't want to help a student that wanted a career in his specialty area. I know that if a student wanted a career in music, I would help them as best I could.
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I also found this reaction unfortunate Krystal, though I guess it taps into misrecognition... or maybe just a lack of initiative/effort from the individual teacher. Also concerning was the teacher who targeted guidance about university towards the high achieving class. Hopefully that with a little more context, both examples are not quite as bad as they appear. It was great to hear about careers advisors helping students attain places in experiential programs like the one about the Observatory in Canberra.
Whether university, TAFE, gap year or work/work experience is going to be the next best step for a student, I think a whole school approach is important. A single dedicated teacher can affect change, but a cohesive team who has an understanding of the concepts in this course are going to be able to present and promote more opportunities to more students.