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Careers in Esports

High School Esports Curriculum Exploring Careers

Careers in Esports is a project-based course where students work together to host an esports event to explore careers such as marketing, IT networking, shoutcasting, and event management.

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Where does it fit?

High School Esports Elective

Careers in Esports is a high school elective that introduce students to the upcoming pathways.

Middle School

Minecraft Education Courses

Exploring Careers in Esports

High School

Esports Electives

Careers in Gaming

Careers in Esports

Game Design Pathway

Game Design Fundamentals

Media Production Pathway

Media Production Fundamentals

Digital Technology Pathway

Cybersecurity Fundamentals

Course Outline

Exploring careers in the esports ecosystem.

7 Units

50 Lessons

Available in English and Spanish

Unit 1 · 5 Lessons

Introduction & The Evolution of Esports

Explore the evolution of esports from its origins to the global phenomenon it is today. Students analyze the industry's growth, key milestones, and the wide range of careers available within esports.

Objectives

Understand course pacing and structure

Create class code of conduct

Explore the history of esports

Learn about the main stakeholders in the esports ecosystem

Research what lift of professional esports players look like

1

2

Unit 2 · 6 Lessons

Planning an Esports Event

Learn the fundamentals of creating and managing an esports organization by exploring goal setting, role assignment, resource management, and event logistics planning. Students create an organizational structure and a roadmap for successfully executing their esports event.

Objectives

Create a project plan

Assign roles and responsibilities

Draft organizational strategy

Set a budget for the esports event

Identify potential risks with project

3

Unit 3 · 9 Lessons

Esports Branding and Marketing

Students collaborate in teams to craft a compelling brand identity, develop a marketing strategy, and create all assets needed to recruit players and run their esports event.

Objectives

Develop a brand concept

Plan marketing campaigns

Draft social media calendar

Create marketing assets

Collect feedback and iterate

4

Unit 4 · 10 Lessons

IT & Networking for Esports

Set up the technical infrastructure for a professional esports event. Students will craft a comprehensive technical plan of the network, hardware and software requirements, and troubleshooting guides.

Objectives

Design a network layout

List hardware and software needed

Create contingency plan

Learn the basics of network security

Present a technical plan

5

Unit 5 · 11 Lessons

Shoutcasting

Learn the essentials of shoutcasting such as play-by-play narration, gameplay analysis, and audience engagement techniques. Students develop confidence in public speaking and show their ability to perform as esports commentators.

Objectives

Analyze key events in esports matches

Practice public speaking

Learn play-by-play and color commentary

Learn audience engagement techniques

Record shoutcasting demo

6

Unit 6 · 6 Lessons

Esports Event Planning

Finalize the event plan, including team matchups, scheduling, equipment setup, and audience engagement strategies. Students develop contingency plans to address potential challenges, ensuring a good event experience.

Objectives

Create detailed event schedule

Set up matches and brackets

Review IT setup, marketing, and shoutcasting

Rehearse setups, transitions and teamwork

Finalize comprehensive event plan

7

Capstone Project · 3 Lessons

Producing an Esports Tournament

The culmination of all previous lessons as students execute their esports event and apply their skills in a real-world setting. After the event, students conduct a post-event review to reflect on their success and identify opportunities for growth.

Objectives

Execute event plan

Manage tournament matches

Ensure participants have a good time

Handle unexpected events

Reflect and analyze event plan and execution

Professional Development

Integrate esports into the classroom

District wide course launch

Full lesson plans and teacher instructions

Set up IT infrastructure

Access to Educators Community

Discover Professional Development

Free Guides and Resources

Working with thousands of schools to integrate esports into curriculum and after-school activities, we have some best practices to share.

Guide to Grants and Funds for Esports Programs

11 minute read

Esports programs are gaining eligibility for educational funding as they align with key educational goals like student engagement, reducing absenteeism, career prep, and problem-solving skills. Funding options vary, from federal and state grants to private sources, each with specific requirements. Esports plays a pivotal role in addressing focuses of the department of education goals, like equity gaps, mental health, and diversity. It offers inclusive, cost-effective, and engaging solutions, especially for underserved communities, and provide career opportunities in the growing esports industry. Various funds like Title I, II, III, IV, IDEA, and ESSER are available for supporting esports in schools, each targeting different aspects of educational enhancement. This blog delves into how esports can be a versatile tool in education and explores diverse funding avenues to support these innovative programs. To get help with funding, please schedule a call with us for free, and let us help you!

Reducing Chronic Absenteeism with Esports Driven Curriculums

7 minute read

Chronic absenteeism remains a major issue, driven by factors like bullying, disengagement, and lack of career connections. Esports-driven curriculums offer a solution by engaging students through their passions, improving attendance, fostering teamwork, and overlaps with CTE pathways to build career-ready skills. Schools with esports programs report higher attendance and fewer disciplinary issues. Gameplan supports this effort with tools to track attendance, engagement, and progress, providing actionable insights to help schools address absenteeism effectively.

First Steps to Starting an Esports Program: Madison Junior High’s Success Story

4 minute read

Madison Junior High’s Esports program, led by Justin Davis and supported by Gameplan, has increased student engagement and academic performance. Initially met with skepticism, the program overcame challenges like logistical issues and parental concerns. Through clear communication, strategic planning, and the use of Gameplan’s engaging platform, the school saw improvements in attendance, disciplinary actions, and student collaboration. The success has sparked interest in expanding the program to other schools, offering more teachers professional development opportunities.

Benefits of Esports in Schools

5 minute read

Esports in K-12 education is revolutionizing how students engage with learning. By integrating esports programs, schools see increased attendance, higher engagement, and improved academic outcomes. Esports promotes STEM interest, critical thinking, and collaboration while offering pathways to diverse careers. Whether through structured curricula or after-school clubs, esports breaks barriers, fosters inclusivity, and introduces students to high-need, high-wage, and high-skill careers.