Many students are unaware of the high-demand technical careers available in Maine, including careers in advanced manufacturing, robotics, automation, and industrial technology. This session will explore how partnerships among CTE programs, employers, industry associations, nonprofit partners, and workforce leaders can help students move from career awareness to exploration, technical education, work-based learning, and apprenticeship pathways. Panelists will discuss CTE IGNITE pilot opportunities, teacher externships, employer engagement, and student-facing strategies that make career pathways more visible, relevant, and connected to Maine communities. (Session 2 of 2 related submissions)
Discover how collaboration among schools, Career and Technical Education, higher education, businesses, and community organizations can transform student success by creating individualized pathways for every learner. This session highlights practical strategies for building partnerships that expand opportunities through career exploration, dual enrollment, apprenticeships, work-based learning, and student-centered learning experiences. Learn how elevating student voice and choice empowers young people to explore their interests, develop career goals, and take ownership of their futures while creating a seamless connection between education and the workforce.
David Dorr is the Director of the Somerset Career & Technical Center (SCTC) in Skowhegan, Maine. Since 2012, he has led the expansion of career and technical education by developing innovative partnerships with schools, colleges, businesses, and community organizations to create career... Read More →
Dawn Fickett, M.A. is the Director of Afterschool and Summer Learning Programs for MSAD 54, where she leads the district's REACH Afterschool Program, Camp REACH, and K–8 Summer Learning initiatives. She has developed a trauma-responsive out-of-school time model that expands student... Read More →
Valerie McNamara is a dedicated leader with JMG (Jobs for Maine's Graduates), where she is committed to expanding opportunities for Maine students through career exploration, education, and workforce development. Passionate about building strong partnerships among schools, employers... Read More →
Jonathan D. Moody is the Superintendent of Schools for MSAD 54 in central Maine and a respected educational leader with more than three decades of experience as a teacher, coach, principal, assistant superintendent, and superintendent. A graduate of the University of Maine at Farmington... Read More →
In this session, we share success stories and lessons learned from our recently completed CTE Satellite Center at Edward Little High School, which integrates 12 program areas into a 280,000 SF high school. Leveraging leading-edge technology, the new Center equips students with skills in a variety of disciplines. We detail what it takes to successfully plan, design, engineer and deliver a robust CTE Center—creating spaces that equip students with valuable skills while creating a sense of pride, ownership and community inside and outside the school.
Mark is a passionate designer and leader. He guides new build, renovation, consolidation, and long-range planning for education clients throughout New England. Focused on balancing 21st-century learning environments with durable, long-lasting buildings, Mark works closely with clients... Read More →
Principal, Pre K - 12 Education Studio Leader, Harriman
A gifted communicator, Lisa Sawin is a Principal and leads Harriman’s Pre K-12 Education Studio. Passionate about developing learning environments that support educators and students alike, Lisa is a hands-on project leader, working with school leadership, administration, and facilities... Read More →
