What does it look like when educators come together to collaborate, share ideas, and build strategies to help students explore future careers?
That question launched the Consortium’s new Career Connections Network (CCN) program. On October 15th, more than 40 educators from 24 school districts came together for the first workshop, led by Jenn Sethman and Gina Barrett, who both serve as the Consortium’s Directors of Partnerships. The day gave participants the chance to connect with fellow educators to explore challenges and opportunities in preparing students for future careers and create strategies and identify resources for their schools.
The session was highly interactive, allowing educators to roll up their sleeves and think creatively about career readiness. Participants worked together to map out students’ career journeys, identify key skills and experiences, and brainstorm ways to strengthen school-business partnerships. Through human-centered design activities, they explored real-world challenges students face, generated ideas for programs and experiential learning opportunities, and discussed strategies for overcoming common barriers, such as limited access to industry professionals or gaps in career awareness. These exercises sparked rich conversations, peer learning, and the sharing of practical tools educators could bring back to their schools. As Jenn Sethman noted, “Educators are already making connections, exchanging ideas, and preparing to support students as they explore and plan for their future careers.”
Networking and collaboration were central themes throughout the day. Educators appreciated the chance to hear about successful programs in other districts and gain fresh perspectives on career readiness. “I’m hopeful that this cohort will provide more connections and ideas for opportunities to offer students,” said one educator.
The CCN will continue with two more workshops this school year, providing ongoing support and opportunities for collaboration. The next session, scheduled for December, will focus on school-business partnerships and will feature industry leaders as part of an interactive panel, giving educators firsthand insight into how schools and businesses can work together to prepare students for future careers. Participants will also have the opportunity to present their work at the Consortium’s Future Ready Partnerships Conference scheduled for March 31, 2026, showcasing the strategies and programs they have developed throughout the year.
If you would like more information about the Career Connections Network, please email Jenn Sethman at jsethman@tcfpe.org.
