Moderator: Kristin Deichler, Asst. Superintendent, South Fayette
Panelists:
Chuck Trautwein, Garret County Schools, Resource Teacher
Megan Kearns, Project Manager, PicoCTF
Dr. Jimyse Brown, Executive Director, Moonshot Museum
Jennifer Peedin, Program Manager II, School Age Youth, Career Ready Allegheny, Partner4Work
Matthew Crutchman, Penn State Extension, Extension Educator, 4-H Youth
Panel discussion around strategies for facilitating collaboration between industry and students with the goal of career exploration. In today’s ever-evolving world, the path to a meaningful and fulfilling career is no longer a straight line. As educators, we play a pivotal role in guiding students through this journey, and collaboration—across disciplines, industries, and communities—is the key to unlocking opportunities for them to explore, grow, and thrive.
This panel will delve into how educators can create partnerships and foster collaboration that helps students discover their passions, develop critical skills, and navigate diverse career paths. We’ll explore innovative practices, share success stories, and address the challenges of preparing students for a world where adaptability and curiosity are as essential as technical expertise.
Questions:
- How can collaboration between educators, industry professionals, and students be structured to provide meaningful career exploration opportunities?
(Can you share specific examples of successful initiatives or programs you've implemented or seen in action?)
- How can educators encourage students to step out of their comfort zones and engage with fields they may not have initially considered? How can educators create the space for students to explore a broad range of careers?
- What are some of the challenges educators face when fostering collaboration between schools and external organizations, and how can these challenges be addressed?
4. Are there any tools or platforms you’ve found particularly effective in creating meaningful connections? (How can technology and virtual collaboration tools expand career exploration opportunities for students, especially those in underserved or remote areas?)
