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«Back to all edWebinarsDesign for Career Readiness: Using the National Career Clusters Framework to Build Classrooms That Function Like Industry
Wednesday, April 22, 2026 @ 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm EDT
Presented by Dr. Carrie Curtis, Primary & Secondary Education Workforce Development Lead, Maritime Industrial Base Program; Katherine Sutton, Senior Workforce Development Specialist, General Dynamic Electric Boat; and Dr. Jessica Johnson, Research Assistant Professor and Director of the Neuroergonomics & Simulation Lab, Old Dominion University
Sponsored by BuildSubmarines.com
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This edWebinar focuses on helping educators design classroom experiences that build true career readiness by aligning instruction with real-world industry expectations. The goal is to move beyond career awareness and toward developing students’ ability to operate within complex production systems using the National Career Clusters Framework as a foundation.
Attendees will learn how to use the Career Clusters Framework as an instructional design tool, distinguish between academic mastery and industrial readiness, and embed key industry habits such as precision, documentation, iteration, and quality control into everyday assignments. Additional objectives include designing classroom experiences that simulate supply chain systems and redefining assessment practices to mirror real industry standards.
Attending this session benefits educators by providing practical, cross-disciplinary strategies that can be immediately applied in any subject area. Educators will gain tools to transform traditional assignments into industry-aligned learning experiences, helping students develop critical thinking, collaboration, and systems awareness.
Ultimately, educators will leave equipped to better prepare students for high-demand careers—particularly those supporting national infrastructure and the maritime industrial base—ensuring learners leave the classroom not just academically successful, but workforce ready. This edWebinar will be of interest to teachers, school counselors, librarians, school leaders, district leaders, and education technology leaders of all grade levels.
About the Presenters
Dr. Carrie Curtis serves as the Primary & Secondary Education Lead for the Maritime Industrial Base (MIB) Workforce Development Team, collaborating nationwide to support the U.S. Navy’s shipbuilding mission. She leads the national scaling of education initiatives that strengthen workforce pipelines. Dr. Curtis holds a doctorate in higher education administration, along with degrees in history and teaching. With over 12 years of experience in secondary and post-secondary classrooms, she has designed curricula focused on career exploration, technology integration, and literacy. She specializes in cross-curricular, project-based learning and aligning education with workforce needs, advancing practical pathways that prepare students for real-world careers.
Katherine Sutton is a workforce development specialist with expertise in STEM education, curriculum design, and program management. She holds a Master of Arts in Secondary Education and a Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology from the University of Rhode Island. As a Senior Workforce Development Specialist at General Dynamics Electric Boat, she leads K–16 initiatives that strengthen the maritime STEM pipeline, including Boat for Kids, Boat for Explorers, and ANCHOR. Previously, she worked with the Ocean Exploration Trust developing global STEM resources and sailed aboard the E/V Nautilus. A former high school science and CTE instructor, she is committed to connecting education and industry to build a future-ready workforce.
Dr. Jessica M. Johnson is a Research Assistant Professor and Director of the Neuroergonomics & Simulation Lab at Old Dominion University’s Virginia Digital Maritime Center. Her research explores cognition in complex human–technology systems, integrating neuroergonomics, cognitive engineering, and human factors. She uses immersive simulations, physical mock-ups, and multimodal sensing to study attention, workload, coordination, and expertise development in industrial environments. Her work focuses on designing and validating training systems and interfaces that enhance cognitive readiness, decision-making, and collaboration. She also partners with K–12 educators to translate emerging technologies into STEM learning experiences focused on cognitive engineering and maritime systems.
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BuildSubmarines.com serves as the central hub for recruiting the 140,000+ workers needed to build and sustain the U.S. Navy’s fleet of nuclear-powered submarines. This platform connects individuals with stable, impactful career opportunities that directly contribute to the Navy’s ambitious goal of adding three submarines—one Columbia-Class and two Virginia-Class—through its “1+2” plan.
