SHOW NOTES
In this episode, Jennifer Woods discusses the intersection of Project-Based Learning (PBL) and Career & Technical Education (CTE) in a rural, coastal North Carolina school district. She explains how Currituck County Schools introduce hands-on career exploration as early as 5th grade and how they navigate staffing, industry partnerships, and authentic learning challenges with a student-centered vision. The conversation includes practical insights on embedding real-world tasks, securing student credentials, building community and industry relationships, and continuously adapting to industry and student needs.
Main Points
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Early Career Exploration: Currituck County Schools begin CTE programming in 5th grade with hands-on activities and sustained career exploration, helping students identify their interests prior to high school.
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Pathways and Credentials: Students have access to a wide range of CTE pathways, from automotive to nursing to computer science. Real-world performance-based assessments and state-funded industry credentials are core components of these programs.
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Industry Partnerships and Community: The district leverages strong but limited local industry connections for student internships and hands-on projects, while working creatively to grow opportunities in a rural setting.
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Challenges: Staffing, visibility, changing labor markets, and limited local industry pose ongoing hurdles. The district addresses these through teacher support, creative programming, and a reflective approach to improvement.
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Student Impact: Students enter high school with self-awareness and direction, leading to successful transitions to work, enlistment, or further education.
Notable Quotes
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“We are just helping all of the kids along to make sure they find what they’re passionate about and diving right into that.” – Jennifer Woods
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“You have to monitor your situation and you have to adjust. You have to monitor the funding situations and you have to adjust. You have to monitor your labor market industry, what’s coming, what’s going, and you have to adjust.” – Jennifer Woods
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“We are providing them with great experiences, whether to start working right away or to continue their education, whichever way it leads.” – Jennifer Woods
Call to Action
To learn more about project-based learning and CTE innovation, visit pblnetworks.com.
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