Building CTE Programs That Prepare Students for an AI-Driven Workforce
This edWeb podcast is sponsored by Wayground (formerly Quizizz).The edLeader Panel recording can be accessed here.Career and Technical Education (CTE) is evolving rapidly as schools work to better prepare students for college, careers, and the modern workforce. Today’s CTE pathways connect students to industry certifications, dual credit opportunities, and real-world learning experiences. Yet many school and district leaders still have limited visibility into how CTE systems actually operate, from accountability requirements and funding structures to the instructional realities inside CTE classrooms.In this edWeb podcast, educators Tara Bordeaux of Austin ISD, 2018 Texas Teacher of the Year, and Tisha Richmond, nationally recognized CTE educator and book author, provide a practical look at how modern CTE programs function at both the system and classroom levels. The conversation explores how CTE pathways are structured from middle school career exploration to high school specialization, how programs align with industry-based certifications and postsecondary readiness goals, and why strong CTE implementation can positively impact student engagement and graduation outcomes.The session also addresses common misconceptions about CTE and highlight the leadership decisions that help programs thrive. Listeners gain insights into how district and school leaders can better support CTE teachers, many of whom transition directly from industry into education, and build sustainable career pathways that benefit students and communities.Learning objectives:Learn the evolution of CTE and the current landscape of CTE in the AI eraUnderstand how modern CTE pathways are structured across middle and high schoolLearn how CTE programs connect to certifications, accountability measures, and district fundingExplore the instructional realities and opportunities within CTE classroomsIdentify leadership strategies that help schools and districts strengthen career pathwaysThis edWeb podcast is of interest to middle and high school district leaders, school leaders, and education technology leaders.Wayground (formerly Quizizz)Bridge classroom realities and curriculum expectations with an AI-supported, teacher-first platform.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Learn more about viewing live edWeb presentations and on-demand recordings, earning CE certificates, and using accessibility features.
Improve Handwriting in a Tech-Driven World While Boosting Engagement and Creativity
This edWeb podcast is sponsored by Blackwing Foundation.The webinar recording can be accessed here.In an increasingly digital world, students are spending more time on devices and less time engaging in the tactile act of handwriting. This shift impacts more than just legibility; it affects fine motor development, cognitive focus, and the personal pride students take in their work. When we move away from the keyboard and back to the page, we unlock a unique avenue for creative expression and mindfulness.This edWeb podcast explores how to bridge this gap using Pathways to Creativity: The Lettering Series, a free program with ready-to-use resources designed to make implementation simple for educators. We discuss why tactile skills like functional cursive and hand lettering are vital for building student confidence and visual literacy. You hear a firsthand testimonial from an elementary student who has completed the program and will share how lettering helped her build confidence and discover a new outlet for creative expression.We walk through a comprehensive, “grab-and-go” curriculum developed with professional artist Heather Martinez. Listeners learn how to integrate the program into their existing schedules to provide students with a lifelong creative skill. By the end of this session, you have a clear roadmap to help your students slow down, connect pencil to paper, and rediscover the joy of creating something by hand.This edWeb podcast is of interest to elementary through high school teachers, school leaders, and district leaders.Blackwing FoundationExpand access to arts education by empowering school-based programs with necessary supportDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Learn more about viewing live edWeb presentations and on-demand recordings, earning CE certificates, and using accessibility features.
Supporting Older Multilingual Learners: Equity-Focused On-Ramps for College and Careers
This edWeb podcast is sponsored by Vista.The webinar recording can be accessed here.As multilingual learner populations grow and diversify, district leaders face the critical challenge of serving older students with interrupted formal education who are under-credited and over age. How can we create meaningful pathways that lead to credentials, career readiness, and college access rather than pushing these students toward aging out?Join Dr. Karen Woodson and Sonja Bloetner for this edWeb podcast as they share innovative, equity-focused strategies for supporting secondary multilingual learners through creative partnerships, flexible programming, and holistic support systems. Learn how Baltimore County Public Schools is pioneering a GED partnership model with community colleges, maximizing transfer credits, and building comprehensive support that addresses not just academics, but social-emotional needs, career pathways, and college access.This edWeb podcast addresses:Designing flexible pathways for diverse ML populations (from students with interrupted education to gifted learners)Building strategic partnerships with community colleges for dual enrollment and seamless transitionsLeveraging Title III and innovative funding models to sustain programmingAddressing trauma-informed support and bilingual counseling needsCreating on-ramps to CTE completion, GED options, and AP/college-ready courseworkMaximizing transfer credits and honoring previous learningMoving beyond the monolith: serving MLs across the full spectrum of needsWhether you’re serving 100 or 3,000 secondary MLs, this session provides actionable strategies for building district-level systems that honor multilingual learners’ assets, meet them where they are, and open doors to their futures.This edWeb podcast is of interest to district-level leaders, ESOL/ML directors, secondary principals, counselors, and instructional leaders working with multilingual populations in high school and above.VistaHighest-quality integrated print and digital solutions that meet the needs of all language learnersDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Learn more about viewing live edWeb presentations and on-demand recordings, earning CE certificates, and using accessibility features.
Chronic Absenteeism and Daily Routines That Influence Attendance
This edWeb podcast is sponsored by Playworks.The edLeader Panel recording can be accessed here.Chronic absenteeism remains one of the most pressing challenges facing schools today. While attendance data matters, improving attendance requires more than tracking metrics. It requires examining the daily experience students have inside the school day.In this edWeb podcast, leaders from school and district contexts discuss how adult consistency, shared routines, and operational decisions influence student experience and attendance. The conversation focuses on what leaders can change within existing systems to create stronger conditions for belonging.The panelists share lessons learned from aligning staff practices, addressing friction points in transitions and shared spaces, and making attendance strategies visible to boards and communities. Listeners leave with practical insight into strengthening schoolwide systems that support improved attendance outcomes.This edWeb podcast is of interest to elementary through middle school district and school leaders.PlayworksPlayworks helps kids to stay active and build valuable skills through playDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Learn more about viewing live edWeb presentations and on-demand recordings, earning CE certificates, and using accessibility features.
Enhancing Writing and Communication Through Sentence Building: A Pedagogical Approach
This edWeb podcast is sponsored by Triple C Writing.The edLeader Panel recording can be accessed here.The presentation slide deck can be accessed here.This dynamic edWeb podcast empowers educators to transform grammar instruction from abstract rules into meaningful, practical writing skills. Listeners engage in a clear, step-by-step process for crafting strong core sentences within an effective structural framework—and then expand those sentences into well-developed, cohesive paragraphs.As teachers experience this structured writing approach firsthand, they actively apply grammar terminology in authentic contexts, making it easier to translate these strategies directly into classroom instruction. The result is a practical, adaptable method that supports language and communication skills across all student populations.By the end of this edWeb podcast, educators are able to:Distinguish between traditional grammar instruction and applied grammar strategies that promote authentic language developmentImplement effective techniques for teaching grammar in context rather than in isolationEvaluate and apply instructional tools that support sentence construction across multiple age groups and grade levelsDesign inclusive writing lessons tailored to general education, special education, and ESL/ELL/ENL/ML learnersUtilize practical resources that encourage ongoing writing practice, reinforcement, and skill transferThis edWeb podcast is of interest to K-12 teachers, school leaders, and district leaders.Triple C WritingA More Practical Approach to Teaching Grammar & Writing SkillsDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Learn more about viewing live edWeb presentations and on-demand recordings, earning CE certificates, and using accessibility features.