For decades, the educational narrative told students there was only one path to a successful life. Not anymore. Welcome to Pathmakers: Stories of College, Career, and Everything in Between, created by the Maryland State Department of Education. We will be showcasing the massive, systemic transformation of College &amp; Career Pathways in Maryland.Hosted by Chuck Wallace, this series dives deep into how the state is breaking down the traditional walls between core academics, postsecondary education, and the workforce. We are moving beyond outdated silos to build a modern, flexible system where every student has the agency to choose their own adventure, whether that leads to a university, a registered apprenticeship, or directly into a high-wage, in-demand career.You will discover how Maryland is aligning classroom standards with real-world employer needs, ensuring that every student, no matter their zip code, graduates with a competitive advantage and a clear sense of purpose.Whether you are an educator rethinking the learning paradigm, an industry leader looking to build a local talent pipeline, or a parent navigating the modern skills-based economy for your child, this podcast is your guide.Subscribe to Pathmakers today, and join us as we chart a new path for every learner.

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Join guest host Brice Thomas as he explores innovative approaches to building robust, career-connected learning systems in Maryland. In this episode of Path Makers, Brice is joined by Tracy Kyttle, Director of Career Connected Learning at the Maryland State Department of Education, alongside student leaders O&#39;Marie Barnes and Michelle Fadele. Together, they unpack how Maryland is overhauling its education system to prioritize student autonomy, hands-on experiences, and industry-backed credentials.You’ll hear why integrating student voices and building trust are the true drivers of engagement. The guests discuss the new &#34;Core-Flex&#34; model, how to make subjects like math relevant to a student&#39;s individual passions, and the importance of allowing young people to &#34;choose their own adventure&#34;. If you&#39;re an educator, policymaker, or industry leader looking to bridge the gap between classroom learning and future workforce demands, this episode provides a blueprint for creating an agile, student-centered educational landscape.Be sure to like, subscribe, and leave a comment! Learn more about Maryland&#39;s educational initiatives by visiting<a href="https://marylandpublicschools.org/" rel="nofollow"> https://marylandpublicschools.org/</a>Host: Brice ThomasGuests:Tracy Kyttle, Director of Career Connected Learning, MSDEO&#39;Marie Barnes, Former Student Member, Maryland State Board of EducationMichelle Fadele, Former Student Leader &amp; Public Speaker, MDSETime Stamps:00:00 Intro01:29 What is Career Connected Learning?03:24 Personal Pathways and Journeys05:45 Why School Disconnects Students09:03 Belonging and Student Engagement13:06 The Need for Educational Agility15:34 Real-World Meaningful Experiences19:25 The Core-Flex Model25:50 The Importance of Student Autonomy29:10 Preparing for Emerging Industries33:12 What Adults Need to Understand37:01 Core Values and Collaboration40:27 Closing

Pathmakers S. 2 Episode 1: Autonomy in Student Pathways

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Join Chuck Wallace on Pathmakers as he dives into Maryland&#39;s gold standard for early college and career integration: the P-TECH (Pathways to Technology Early College High School) program. In this episode, a panel of experts, Kellise Williamson, Bob Shaffer, Dr. Shomari Zachary, and Dr. Kisha Dorch, unpack how P-TECH creates a seamless pathway from high school to an associate degree and straight into the workforce. You&#39;ll hear how local school systems are partnering with industry leaders to provide students with paid internships, mentorships, and industry-recognized credentials before they even graduate. Learn the secrets to building a supportive &#34;P-TECH family&#34; that empowers historically underserved students, ensures they stay on academic track, and gives them the ultimate competitive advantage in the job market.If you&#39;re an educator, industry professional, or parent looking for innovative ways to bridge the gap between K-12, higher education, and the workforce, this episode provides a blueprint for successful educational partnerships. Be sure to like, subscribe, and leave a comment! Visit<a href="https://marylandpublicschools.org/" rel="nofollow"> marylandpublicschools.org</a> to learn more. Host: Chuck Wallace Guest:Kellise Williamson, Postsecondary Credit &amp; P-Tech Coordinator Bob Shaffer, Senior Project Delivery Leader at RK&amp;KDr. Kisha Dorch, P-Tech Coordinator at Fredrick Douglass High SchoolDr. Shomari Zachary, P-Tech Coordinator at Joppatowne High School  Time Stamps:00:00 Intro01:16 What is P-TECH?03:22 Harford County&#39;s Mentorship Model06:22 Prince George&#39;s Support System10:15 Industry Partnering with RK&amp;K12:08 Changing Student Recruitment15:37 MSDE&#39;s Support for Districts17:09 Meaning of P-TECH17:32 Hiring P-TECH Graduates19:34 Preparing K-12 Teachers22:00 Individualized Student Paths24:37 Advice for School Districts27:00 P-TECH Schools in Maryland27:57 Building the Ultimate Resume31:47 Future of P-TECH34:08 Why Businesses Should Partner37:00 Exemplifying MSDE Core Values38:39 Closing

Pathmakers Episode 6: The P-TECH Education Revolution

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Join Chuck Wallace, host of Pathmakers, as he sits down with Erin Senior and Nicole Gavin from the Maryland State Department of Education’s Digital Learning Experience team.In this episode, Erin and Nicole redefine what digital learning looks like today, moving far beyond simply putting laptops in the classroom. They unpack how personalized digital ecosystems, including AI-driven platforms and Virtual Reality, are transforming career pathways and creating equitable opportunities for all students. You’ll also learn about the power of synchronous &#34;broadcast learning&#34; for specialized courses, how asynchronous online courses provide lifelines for home and hospital-bound students, and the critical importance of digital accessibility standards (WCAG 2.1 AA).If you&#39;re an educator, administrator, or parent wanting to understand the future of K-12 digital integration without losing the essential human element, this episode gives you the blueprint for success.Be sure to like, subscribe, and leave a comment!Learn more at the Maryland State Department of Education&#39;s website:<a href="https://marylandpublicschools.org/" rel="nofollow"> </a>https://marylandpublicschools.org/ Host: Chuck WallaceGuests: Erin Senior, Director, Digital Learning Experience MSDENicole Gavin, Education Program Specialist - Digital Learning MSDE Time Stamps:00:00 Intro01:21 Redefining Digital Learning06:58 MSDE Core Values08:37 Home and Hospital Teaching12:25 Web Content Accessibility15:39 Broadcast Learning Explained19:42 Blended Educator Environments22:27 Integrating AI in Classrooms24:19 Closing

Pathmakers Episode 5: Redefining Digital Learning Today

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Join Chuck Wallace as he explores the modern landscape of advanced academics with Anthony Vargas and Kysha Egungbemi from the Maryland State Department of Education’s Advanced Academics and Gifted and Talented office.In this episode, Anthony and Kysha break down the crucial differences between being identified as &#34;Gifted and Talented&#34; and participating in advanced academic programming like AP and IB. They tackle common misconceptions that hold students back, highlighting how these programs are designed for any student ready for additional rigor, not just traditional honor roll students. You will also hear real-world implementation strategies from county leaders Becky Berberich and Joe Sutton, who discuss how automatic enrollment and &#34;opt-out&#34; policies are breaking down barriers, removing unintentional bias, and changing the culture of student belonging.If you are an educator, administrator, or parent looking to expand equity, access, and opportunity for all students in the classroom, this episode provides a masterclass in challenging the status quo.Be sure to like, subscribe, and leave a comment!Learn more about the Maryland State Department of Education at<a href="https://marylandpublicschools.org/" rel="nofollow"> </a>https://marylandpublicschools.org/. Host: Chuck WallaceGuests:Anthony Vargas, Director, Advanced Academics &amp; GT Kysha Egungbemi, Coordinator, Advanced Academics &amp; GT Time Stamps:00:00 Intro01:12 Defining Advanced Academics04:37 Clearing Up Misconceptions06:25 College and Career Pathways11:06 County Implementation Examples15:08 Automatic Enrollment Equity21:01 The Power of Opt-Out Policies27:56 Core Values and Collaboration33:25 Closing

Pathmakers Episode 4: Equity in Advanced Learning

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Join Chuck Wallace on Pathmakers as he unpacks the critical shift from compliance-driven monitoring to outcome-driven collaboration in Maryland Public Schools. In this episode, Chuck is joined by Jeff Wyatt and Dr. Tatum Williams, Performance Specialists from the Division of Special Education’s Secondary Transition team. Together, they break down the fundamental difference between simply tracking educational inequity and actively designing access so that all students—including those with disabilities—are automatically included in Career and Technical Education (CTE) and advanced academics. You’ll hear how embedding Specially Designed Instruction (SDI) into technical coursework, aligning advising practices, and fostering true interagency collaboration is empowering students to leave high school with real, industry-recognized credentials. If you are an educator, counselor, or school administrator looking to bridge the gap between special education and career readiness, this episode offers a practical blueprint for ensuring every student thrives.Be sure to like, subscribe, and leave a comment! Learn more at<a href="https://marylandpublicschools.org/" rel="nofollow"> </a><a href="http://marylandpublicschools.org" rel="nofollow">marylandpublicschools.org</a>. Host: Chuck WallaceGuests: Jeff Wyatt, Secondary Transition Performance Specialist and Dr. Tatum Williams, Secondary Transition Performance Specialist Time Stamps: 00:00 Intro01:31 Shift from Monitoring to Design03:30 What Designing Access Means06:55 Aligning with Readiness Endorsements09:40 The Post-Secondary Success Campaign12:27 State Agencies Transition Collaborative16:47 Counselors and Special Educators20:19 Engaging Families with Clarity22:45 Role of Career Connected Learning26:49 Equipping CTE Educators28:53 Career Coaches and Counseling34:55 The Ultimate Operational Blueprint37:21 Closing

Pathmakers Episode 3: Designing Automatic Access in Education

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In Part 2 of our deep dive into Career Clusters, we move from the &#34;why&#34; to the &#34;how.&#34; Host Chuck Wallace welcomes back Dan Hinderliter (Advanced CTE), Marquita Friday, Sally Irwin, and Scott Nichols to unpack Maryland&#39;s innovative CTE Flex Model. This new approach moves away from rigid, four-course sequences and empowers students to &#34;choose their own adventure&#34; based on their unique career goals. Listeners will discover how the new model uses two foundational core courses followed by flexible options like Advanced Placement (AP), Dual Enrollment, or &#34;Career Connected Learning&#34;—such as apprenticeships and school-based enterprises. The panel discusses how this shift not only increases student agency but also expands equity by freeing up program capacity. From &#34;curriculum agnostic&#34; standards to post-secondary crosswalks, learn how Maryland is building a system where every student can design a future that fits them. Host:Chuck Wallace, Coordinator of Career Technical Student Organizations, MSDE Guests:Dan Hinderliter, Associate Director, State Policy at Advance CTE Marquita Friday, Director of School Support, MSDE Sally Irwin, Coordinator of School Support, MSDE Scott Nichols, Coordinator of School Support, MSDE Timestamps:00:00 Intro and Recap 01:08 CTE Flex Model Explained 02:22 Choosing Your Adventure 03:55 Career Connected Learning 05:38 National Alignment and Personalized Pathways 08:25 Ensuring Equity and Consistency 11:19 Streamlining Local Implementation 13:12 Post-Secondary Crosswalks 15:15 Episode Recap and Closing

Pathmakers Episode 2: Career Clusters Part 2 - Maryland’s New CTE Experience

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In Part 1 of this two-part special, we explore the massive shift occurring in Career and Technical Education (CTE), both nationally and within Maryland. Host Chuck Wallace is joined by Dan Hinderliter from Advanced CTE, along with MSDE leaders Marquita Friday, Scott Nichols, and Sally Irwin, to discuss why the 2002 &#34;iPod era&#34; framework is being retired in favor of a modern, interdisciplinary approach. The group breaks down the move from rigid academic silos to dynamic &#34;cluster groupings&#34; that reflect the reality of the modern workforce. Listeners will learn why Maryland is streamlining over 80 programs down to 48 high-quality pathways, how &#34;backwards mapping&#34; from industry credentials ensures relevance, and why shifting from strict curriculum to flexible standards empowers local school systems. This episode lays the foundation for understanding how Maryland is ensuring every student graduates with a competitive advantage. <h3>Host:</h3>Chuck Wallace, Coordinator of Career Technical Student Organizations, MSDE <h3>Guests:</h3>Dan Hinderliter, Associate Director, State Policy at Advance CTE Marquita Friday, Director of School Support, MSDE Sally Irwin, Coordinator of School Support, MSDE Scott Nichols, Coordinator of School Support, MSDE <h3>Timestamps:</h3>00:00 Podcast Intro and Welcome 01:27 Updating the National Framework 04:20 Breaking Down Career Silos 05:30 Cross-Cutting Career Clusters 08:40 Maryland’s 14 Clusters 09:58 Aligning to Industry Needs 11:32 Industry Recognized Credentials 14:06 Local Advisory Committees 16:39 Streamlining to 48 Programs 20:55 National Perspective on Maryland 22:20 Closing

Pathmakers Episode 2: Career Clusters Part 1 - Future-Proofing Student Success

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In the inaugural episode of Pathmakers: Stories of College, Career, and Everything in Between, Maryland State Department of Education’s Assistant State Superintendent Richard Kincaid and Chief Growth Officer at Bluekit, Dr. Rick Fernandez explore the critical transformation of Career and Technical Education (CTE) in Maryland. They address the historical &#34;disconnect&#34; between traditional academic core subjects and career pathways, revealing how the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future is creating a single, connected set of opportunities for all students. By shifting from silos to a systems approach, educators can move beyond rigid scheduling to focus on student growth and agency. Listeners will learn how Maryland is positioning itself as a leader in the skills-based economy by aligning classroom standards with the real-time demands of industry. The conversation highlights the &#34;gold standard&#34; of registered apprenticeships and the importance of early career identity starting in kindergarten. By removing structural barriers, such as scheduling constraints and the &#34;college-only&#34; mindset, Maryland is ensuring that every student has an equitable path to a family-sustaining career. <h3>Host:</h3>Chuck Wallace, MSDE Coordinator <h3>Guests:</h3>Richard Kincaid, Assistant State Superintendent, Division of College and Career Pathways, MSDEDr. Rick Fernandez, Chief Growth Officer, BlueKit<h3> </h3><h3>Timestamps:</h3>00:00 Podcast Intro and Welcome02:29 Defining the Change in Maryland05:04 The Blueprint and Critical Reform08:37 System Alignment and Innovation14:20 AI Implementation and Critical Thinking18:10 Re-centering the Educator’s North Star22:58 Reframing College as a Pathway27:30 Industry ROI and Value Propositions32:53 Career Identity and Mentorship36:47 Cross-cutting Sectors and Strategic Partnerships41:59 Retiring Myths: CTE is Academic43:29 Equity Guardrails: All Means All46:52 Empowering Teachers through Externships

Pathmakers Episode 1: The Blueprint for Career Success in Maryland

For decades, the educational narrative told students there was only one path to a successful life. Not anymore. Welcome to *Pathmakers: Stories of College, Career, and Everything in Between* , created by the Maryland State Department of Education. We will be showcasing the massive, systemic transformation of College & Career Pathways in Maryland.

Hosted by Chuck Wallace, this series dives deep into how the state is breaking down the traditional walls between core academics, postsecondary education, and the workforce. We are moving beyond outdated silos to build a modern, flexible system where every student has the agency to choose their own adventure, whether that leads to a university, a registered apprenticeship, or directly into a high-wage, in-demand career.

You will discover how Maryland is aligning classroom standards with real-world employer needs, ensuring that every student, no matter their zip code, graduates with a competitive advantage and a clear sense of purpose.

Whether you are an educator rethinking the learning paradigm, an industry leader looking to build a local talent pipeline, or a parent navigating the modern skills-based economy for your child, this podcast is your guide.

Subscribe to *Pathmakers* today, and join us as we chart a new path for every learner.