Join educational innovators Dr. Michael Trimberger (Random Lake School District) and Mike Snowberry (Luxemburg-Casco School District) for a transformative session that explores the intersection of effective leadership and career readiness implementation. Through the lens of the '5 C's of Leadership' - Individual and Organizational Purpose, Creating a Safe Environment, Casting a Vision, Communication, and Change Leadership - these dynamic leaders will demonstrate how to align transformational leadership practices with Wisconsin Career Readiness Standards. Drawing from their successful experiences in implementing academic career planning, career pathways, and work-based learning opportunities, they will share practical strategies for building robust business partnerships and creating meaningful career-connected learning experiences. Attendees will gain valuable insights into real-world implementation, systems thinking, and the development of career academies while learning how their districts have effectively integrated student exploration and Career Based Learning Experiences. This session showcases how purposeful leadership can drive educational transformation, ensuring every student graduates with the skills needed for success in careers that align with both regional economic needs and personal aspirations. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from Wisconsin schools that are leading the way in combining effective leadership practices with innovative career readiness initiatives.

Transforming education requires bold innovation and a commitment to truly preparing students for career, community, and life readiness. This session will explore how to build an educational system that prioritizes career-connected learning by amplifying student and stakeholder voices, embracing innovative approaches, and fostering a culture willing to adapt. We will highlight the power of understanding students’ strengths, interests, and values through frameworks like RIASEC and showcase how initiatives like Workforce Wednesdays create meaningful, real-world learning experiences. Discover how starting the conversation early and embedding career exploration throughout a student’s journey leads to lasting impact and future success.

Systems change is complex.  Creating both the conditions and culture is equally as important as the innovations we'd actually like to implement.  This session will examine both the what and how we're achieving our vision of "Happy Kids, Engaged in Healthy Relationships, on a Path to Gainful Employment" at Cajon Valley.

David is a forward-thinking, award-winning education leader with over 25 years of experience. David has revolutionized learning approaches, education models, and school districts. He has been recognized as Superintendent of the Year and honored by the White House and the U.S. Department of Education as one of the "Top 35 District Leaders in Personalized Learning". 

The heart of any educational transformation lies not with programs or policy alone, but with educators themselves. We must empower and equip educators (us and our colleagues) to lead change locally with a goal of Making Education Relevant so that all students graduate world-ready with a competitive advantage. This will require a new hybrid-flexible approach to our K-16 professional development to evolve both mindsets and metrics. Leveraging Dr. Fleming’s research and experience, participants will gain a fresh perspective on enhancing professional learning – at scale. Gain insight into how Catapult Masterclass drives institutional change, foster continuous improvement, and galvanizes support for career-connected learning. Join your fellow Education Disruptors as we challenge the conventional and pave the way for a more personalized approach to professional growth.

Adding to this transformative conversation is Keith Johnson, Principal of Nekoosa High School, who brings valuable insights from the frontlines of educational innovation. Under his leadership, Nekoosa High School has embarked on an ambitious journey to reimagine education through career and community connected learning. Principal Johnson will share his experiences implementing a groundbreaking pilot program with Catapult, highlighting successful strategies for increasing work-based learning opportunities in rural communities. His practical insights into building sustainable community partnerships and shifting school culture toward career readiness make him an invaluable contributor to this discussion about educational transformation.

Join Susan Gertler, Chief Academic Officer and co-founder of Beable Education--along with an esteemed panel of educators--for an insightful discussion on strategies for improving students' career-connected literacy. Learn how educators are identifying and addressing the literacy and opportunity gaps that impact student success. This session will explore effective approaches for integrating reading development with career readiness initiatives, ensuring that all students have the tools they need to succeed academically and professionally.  Join Susan Gertler, Chief Academic Officer and co-founder of Beable Education--along with an esteemed panel of educators--for an insightful discussion on strategies for improving students' career-connected literacy. Learn how educators are identifying and addressing the literacy and opportunity gaps that impact student success. This session will explore effective approaches for integrating reading development with career readiness initiatives, ensuring that all students have the tools they need to succeed academically and professionally. 

*Leading in a Career, Community, and Life Readiness System* features an engaging discussion with two innovative superintendents, Drew Halbesma from Delavan-Darien School District and Brian Henning from Waterloo School District, who have challenged the status quo to transform their educational systems. These leaders will share their parallel journeys in prioritizing relevant and engaging learning experiences for students. Attendees will learn from their experiences in developing ongoing systems that integrate career readiness, community involvement, and personal growth, ensuring students are prepared for life beyond the classroom. Drawing from their distinct perspectives and successes, both superintendents will emphasize the critical elements of their transformations: establishing a fundamental purpose, creating organized systems for teacher communication and collaboration, and implementing essential outcomes for ALL students. Their combined insights offer a compelling look at how different districts can successfully implement career, community, and life readiness initiatives.

Join Kevin in this open conversation and discussion to ask questions you may have related to Catapult and other career readiness related topics you may be interested in.

Transform your Work-Based Learning (WBL) program with proven strategies from Jason Van Nus, Director of Work-Based Learning and Youth Apprenticeship Programs at Lowndes County Schools. Drawing from over two decades of Career, Technical, and Agriculture Education experience, Jason will share simple yet powerful techniques to help WBL practitioners develop essential skills as both salespeople and recruiters. Learn how to effectively grow your program and employer network while better serving your students through immediately applicable strategies that work in both rural and metropolitan areas. Participants will receive a comprehensive toolkit and tangible resources designed to strengthen program support and create sustainable growth opportunities. In this dynamic session, Jason combines his extensive experience with practical implementation strategies to help you transform your approach to WBL program development and stakeholder engagement.

Key Session Takeaways:
- Master program promotion and industry-focused marketing
- Develop effective employer recruitment techniques
- Create compelling program branding
- Build strong advisory committees and partnerships
- Implement successful growth strategies

Participants will receive ready-to-use resources including marketing templates, recruitment tools, and strategic partnership frameworks. Whether you're expanding an existing program or strengthening community partnerships, this session provides the practical tools needed to enhance your WBL program's impact and reach.

Join Aaron and David in this open conversation and discussion to ask questions you may have related to career, community, and life readiness.

At a time where they are overwhelmed with anxiety, pressured to choose a job title, and fearful of unemployment and underemployment, students need a reality check. They no longer need to choose a job title to answer ‘what they want to be when they grow up’. Instead, they need to discover that the world is full of problems, challenges and opportunities that they can contribute to.

This message provides both students and professionals with the missing ingredient for their future success: hope. Fueled with hope, students can take the steps necessary to choose an education program that will help prepare them to contribute to challenges they are passionate about.

What difference would it make if:

• Your students understood and believed that the world needs them?
• Your students were filled with hope and inspiration to solve important challenges they are passionate about?
• Your staff knew how to engage students to prepare them for the future of work?
• Your staff was excited to prepare the next generation to solve the world’s greatest challenges?

After the session, attendees will feel equipped to prepare your students, clients and teams for the 21st century world of work.

Join Mike and Mike in this open conversation and discussion to ask questions you may have related to career, community, and life readiness, and the WI Career Readiness Standards.

Engaging students in meaningful learning requires connecting academics to real-world skills. This session explores how digital portfolios empower students to take ownership of their learning, showcase their growth, and develop durable skills for future success.

We’ll discuss best practices for portfolio creation, how they enhance internship and career readiness, and ways to bridge the gap between school and work. Expect real-life examples and practical strategies to help students build powerful narratives for their future—whether college, career, or beyond. Let’s disrupt traditional education and inspire students to own their learning journey!
 

Success in today’s workforce goes beyond technical skills—it requires a shift in mindset. This session explores how profession-based learning bridges education and industry, fostering critical thinking, adaptability, and leadership. We’ll examine key perspectives—community, business partners, instructors, and students—and share strategies for aligning learning with real-world demands. Whether you’re an educator, industry leader, or student, gain insights to develop the mindset and skills needed for future success.

Get a behind-the-scenes look at how NAF and District C engage the business community to bring powerful work-based learning experiences to students. You'll get firsthand, boots-on-the-ground perspective from Ashley Fahey, an expert practitioner from Ronald Reagan High School in Milwaukee. Through a partnership between NAF and District C, Ashley has coached hundreds of students through the Teamship model, a reimagined internship where teams of students solve real problems for real businesses.

Join thought leaders Megan Marx (NAF) and Dan Gonzalez (District C) in a dynamic panel discussion hosted by Peter Hostrawser as they explore the critical shifts needed in K-12 education. This engaging session dives into proven strategies for transforming traditional education into a career, community, and life readiness focused system.  Through real-world examples and practical insights, discover how schools can create lasting change that prepares students for future success. Learn from organizations that have successfully bridged the gap between classroom learning and real-world application.

How do we bridge the gap between education and industry to create real, meaningful learning experiences for students? The CAPS (Center for Advanced Professional Studies) model brings this to life—immersing students in profession-based learning that builds essential skills for their future.

Join Shane Leadholm, Middleton High School CAPS Coordinator and Instructor, for a classroom perspective on how the CAPS program empowers students through real-world projects, industry partnerships, and hands-on professional experiences. Whether you're an educator, administrator, or business leader, you’ll walk away with practical ideas to bring profession-based learning to your own school community.

Join innovative leader Grady Williams, Founder and CEO of d'Skills, and dynamic student voice Mahealani Jackson from Kamehameha Schools in Honolulu for a transformative session on reimagining education. This unique pairing brings together industry expertise and authentic student perspective to explore what modern education should look like in our rapidly evolving world.

Through interactive discussion and practical examples, our speakers will challenge conventional thinking and provide actionable strategies for educational transformation. This session combines Williams' extensive experience in career preparation and community engagement with Jackson's fresh insights on student needs and meaningful learning experiences, offering participants a comprehensive view of educational innovation that works.

Key Session Takeaways:
- Practical strategies for authentic career-connected learning experiences
- Student-driven solutions for meaningful educational change
- Framework for building effective community and industry partnerships
- Action steps for implementing real-world skill development in schools

In today’s fast-changing world, equipping students with the skills they need to succeed beyond the classroom is more critical than ever. This session will explore how the Education for Employment (E4E) plan can serve as a strategic framework for preparing students for career, college, and life success. Participants will discover effective ways to align curriculum, instruction, and community partnerships to develop well-rounded, future-ready students. Whether your goal is to enhance career pathways, strengthen college readiness, or cultivate essential life skills, this session will provide practical strategies to drive meaningful outcomes across your school system that ensures every student is prepared for a thriving future.

Join Nate and Ethan in this open conversation and discussion to ask questions you may have related to career, community, and life readiness, and the CAPS Network.

Join Peter in this open conversation and discussion to ask questions you may have related to career, community, and life readiness, along with student portfolios.

This innovative session reimagines literacy instruction by breaking down traditional classroom barriers and introducing dynamic, career-connected approaches. Participants will experience how hands-on, problem-based learning and real-world case studies can transform student engagement while leveraging design thinking to drive meaningful discussions. The focus shifts from conventional literacy instruction to industry-connected approaches, teaching students to read, write, and communicate like professionals through embedded workplace vocabulary and authentic professional contexts.

Through practical examples, educators will learn to implement student-driven learning strategies that connect classroom activities directly to career pathways and community partnerships. This session bridges the gap between traditional academic literacy and real-world application, ensuring students develop the communication skills needed for future success.

Key Takeaways:
- Transform traditional instruction into dynamic, career-connected learning experiences that prepare students for real-world success
- Learn practical strategies for implementing student-led discussions, professional communication practices, and industry-specific literacy skills
- Develop frameworks for creating authentic partnerships with local businesses and community organizations to enhance student learning