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«Back to all edWebinarsReal-World Connections: Instructional Strategies for Using Industry Voices to Deepen Career Exploration
Wednesday, September 30, 2026 @ 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm EDT
Presented by Monica Cougan, Global Education Leader
Sponsored by Discovery Education
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This edWebinar focuses on how authentic industry stories can transform career exploration and help students build meaningful connections between classroom learning and the world of work. In this second session of Future-Ready Pathways Series: Connecting Students to Careers, educators will explore instructional strategies that leverage industry professionals—whether through virtual guest speakers, volunteer videos, career spotlights, or platforms like Career Connect—to expand students’ understanding of future pathways.
What educators will learn:
- How real-world stories build relevance by showing students how academic concepts appear in actual jobs
- Ways industry voices support identity development as students imagine themselves in future roles
- Workforce skills students can recognize through employee narratives—problem solving, collaboration, adaptability
- How exposure to diverse professionals expands career awareness beyond familiar or traditional pathways
- Methods for highlighting multiple entry points into STEM, biotech, AI, and emerging industries
This edWebinar will be of interest to K-12 teachers, librarians, school counselors, career coordinators, curriculum and instruction coordinators, school and district leaders, and education technology leaders.
This edWebinar is part of Future-Ready Pathways Series: Connecting Students to Careers.
About the Presenter
Monica Cougan is an education and technology leader with more than 40 years of experience spanning teaching, higher education, educational technology, curriculum, professional learning, strategic partnerships, and organizational leadership. Throughout her career, she has worked at the intersection of education, technology, innovation, and relationships, helping schools and organizations turn new ideas and technologies into meaningful opportunities for educators and students.
Monica has held leadership and consulting roles with organizations such as Jostens Learning, Lightspan, CILC, ENA, CatchOn, and Participate Learning. Her work has included digital learning, technology integration, professional development, data-informed decision-making, global education, bilingual learning, and emerging technologies, including AI.
Today, Monica leads Cougans Partnerships LLC, an independent consulting and partnership practice focused on supporting educational organizations, leaders, and innovative companies with strategic relationships, growth opportunities, and leadership development.
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Discovery Education is the global leader in standards-aligned digital curriculum resources, engaging content, and professional learning for K-12 classrooms. Through its award-winning digital textbooks, multimedia resources, and the largest professional learning network of its kind, Discovery Education is transforming teaching and learning and improving academic achievement around the globe.
