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Building CTE Programs That Prepare Students for an AI-Driven Workforce
Wednesday, March 25, 2026 @ 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm EDT
Presented by Tisha Richmond, Culinary Arts Teacher, Book Author, Medford School District 549C (OR); and Tara Bordeaux, 2018 Texas Teacher of the Year, CTE Specialist – Arts/AV Tech & Comms, and Info Tech, Austin Independent School District (TX)
Moderated by Justin McElwee, Enablement Manager, Wayground (formerly Quizizz)
Sponsored by Wayground (formerly Quizizz)
Watch the RecordingListen to the Podcast
Learn more about earning a CE certificate and our accessibility features.
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 edLeader Panel, 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. Viewers 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 era
- Understand how modern CTE pathways are structured across middle and high school
- Learn how CTE programs connect to certifications, accountability measures, and district funding
- Explore the instructional realities and opportunities within CTE classrooms
- Identify leadership strategies that help schools and districts strengthen career pathways
This recorded edLeader Panel is of interest to middle and high school district leaders, school leaders, and education technology leaders.
About the Presenters
Tisha Richmond is a high school culinary arts teacher, author, podcast host, and education specialist from Southern Oregon. With 30 years in Career and Technical Education and experience as a tech integration specialist, she brings creativity and innovation to education. Tisha has authored Make Learning MAGICAL and The Magical CTE Classroom, co-authored the EduProtocol Companion Guide, and co-wrote the children’s book Dragon Smart with her son, Tommy—each inspiring playful, engaging learning experiences for students and educators alike.
Tara Bordeaux is an award-winning digital media and communications educator, advocate, and creative. She is an Apple Distinguished Educator and, in 2018, was named the Texas Teacher of the Year. Tara is recognized for her leadership in Career and Technical Education (CTE), edtech, and digital media. With a professional background in film and television production, Tara brings a unique perspective to education by integrating storytelling, creativity, and technology to inspire both students and educators.
Tara is deeply committed to empowering teachers to find their voice and helping students use theirs to create meaningful impact in their communities. Her students have become published authors; presented on panels, webinars, and conferences; been featured on PBS NewsHour; directed national commercials; and produced an episode of an Emmy-Award-winning show on Netflix. Proof that when learning is meaningful, magic happens in CTE.
About the Moderator
Justin McElwee is a former educator with 15 years of experience spanning special education, history, English, and instructional technology coaching. He holds a master’s degree in educational technology and is deeply passionate about how technology can enhance learning while advancing equity and accessibility in classrooms. Beyond education, Justin is an avid podcaster and creative content producer. He has worked on projects for LiveSchool, Teacher Misery author Jane Morris, Belly Up Sports, and his own show, Baseball and Whatever. In 2022, the podcast was shortlisted for Best Baseball Podcast Episode at the Sports Podcast Awards for an interview with MLB All-Star Jason Kendall. A lifelong tech enthusiast, Justin’s love for technology began with his family’s first PC in 1994. Outside of work, he enjoys time with his wife, Erica, and their two toddlers, Maddie and Mason, in Chicago.
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Wayground (formerly Quizizz) is a teaching platform that lets you deliver instruction that’s relevant for every student with a boost from AI. With Wayground, teachers can plan engaging yet rigorous assessments, lessons, or activities in a matter of minutes for any grade level or subject.
