In this episode, Allison K. Nelson welcomes Lacey Holloway, a math teacher from Osborne, Kansas, to discuss her experience implementing profession-based learning through the CAPS Network Rural Initiative. Lacey shares how this opportunity has reignited her passion for education and allowed her to provide new, meaningful experiences for her students. The conversation explores Lacey's mindset shift in being willing to "break the rules" and experiment with giving students more ownership and leadership. She provides examples of how her media students have grown in confidence and professionalism through real-world client projects, as well as how she has integrated durable skills into her math classes.

Lacey also offers advice for other rural educators interested in joining the CAPS Network, emphasizing the importance of balancing structure and flexibility to meet the unique needs of their community. The episode highlights the special opportunities and challenges of implementing profession-based learning in a small, tight-knit town like Osborne, and the profound impact it can have on students and the broader community.

Inspired by this episode? Learn more about the opportunity to join CAPS Network through the Rural Initiative's 2025 cohort at https://yourcapsnetwork.org/rural-kansas-initiative/

The Network is all about discovering the CAPS Model. The CAPS Network is a 501(c)3 supporting over 120 programs, in 20+ states and 4 countries. CAPS reimagines education to be a learner centered, profession based experience that catapults young people into passion and purpose. CAPS is going where students lead.

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