World of Work 2026: Leading CTE Pathways from Classroom Innovation to Career Readiness will help principals, assistant principals, CTE directors, supervisors, superintendents, and district leaders strengthen career-connected learning by examining CTE from both a systems-leadership and classroom-implementation perspective. Dr. Jason Bell, Valerie Davis, and Ryan Goodman of Polk County Schools will present “AI For All: A K-12 Approach to Career Exploration, Skill Building, and Pathway Readiness,” highlighting how artificial intelligence can support early career awareness, technical skill development, and readiness across K-12 settings.

Ms. Marty LeBlanc, an award-winning CTE Engineering, Computer Science, and Robotics educator, author, and Cohort 6 DoW STEM Ambassador, will extend the learning by showing how e4usa engineering, problem-based learning, robotics, computer science, aerospace, cybersecurity, and authentic community partnerships connect students to real-world careers.

Together, the presenters will demonstrate how strong leadership, collaborative implementation, and high-quality instruction prepare students for the future world of work. Participants will explore how leaders can build equitable CTE pathways, align programs with local and regional workforce needs, support teachers in rigorous career-focused instruction, strengthen school, industry, higher education, military, and community partnerships, and create learning experiences that help students graduate prepared for postsecondary education, industry credentials, military service, and high-demand technical careers. This event is designed for school and district leaders seeking practical, inspiring, and immediately applicable ideas for expanding student opportunity, strengthening workforce readiness, and connecting today’s classrooms to tomorrow’s careers.

*** 4 HOURS TASL CREDIT ***