What role do schools, families, and businesses play in building career-ready learners?

In this episode of Lessons Learned, Matt is joined by Superintendent Patrick Ward of Willoughby-Eastlake City Schools in Ohio to explore what it means to build a future-ready education system—from the classroom to the community.

Patrick shares his powerful journey from a second-grade student with a dream to teach to leading a district focused on innovation. This episode dives deep into how school systems can ignite early interest in careers, build flexible pathways for all learners, and thoughtfully integrate emerging technologies like AI to support student success.

Together, we explore key topics such as:

• How our portrait of a graduate has changed—and what that means for high schools

• How districts can co-design student pathways with families, educators, and local businesses

• The role of AI in creating adaptive, personalized learning experiences

• What it takes to lead with empathy, community insight, and a vision for the future

Whether you're a superintendent, classroom educator, or community partner, this episode offers actionable ideas for shaping an educational ecosystem that prepares every student for college, career, and life.

Quote of the Show:

• “ The single biggest unifying conversation we've had is about future-readiness. When you talk about the current environment we're in, right now is the time to be asking how the school and all the systems align to assure that every student that walks across the stage is ready for whatever they choose next.” - Patrick Ward

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-ward-ph-d-4817052b/ 
• Website: https://www.weschools.org/ 

Ways to Tune In:

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4bzi3DLY1fCuBknsxWySw6 
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/lessons-learned/id1714296987 
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c715776e-3d77-4a8b-806b-207e01b861af 
• Podchaser: 
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@betterlesson4313