Welcome back to The Path Forward podcast with Dr. Rick Fernandez! In this episode, Dr. Fernandez sits down with Richard Kincaid, Assistant State Superintendent for the Division of College and Career Pathways at the Maryland State Department of Education, for a powerful discussion on how Career and Technical Education (CTE) is reshaping the future of student success.

Richard shares how CTE bridges the gap between academic learning and real-world application—helping students not just grasp core subjects like algebra, but use them to solve community-centered problems. He unpacks how early career exploration can help students build career identity, eliminate guesswork, and even uncover what they don’t want to do. The conversation dives into innovative CTE models, entrepreneurship opportunities, and the role of internships and AI in equipping students for meaningful futures.

Don’t miss this insightful conversation on transforming education from theory to action—and giving students the tools they need to thrive beyond the classroom.

Host: Dr. Rick Fernandez 

Guest: Richard Kincaid, Assistant State Superintendent for the Division of College and Career Pathways, Maryland State Department of Education

Time Stamps & Show Notes:

(00:00 - 01:19) Introduction

(01:20 - 06:06) Richard’s Background

(06:07 - 09:10) How CTE Can be Applied

(09:11 - 13:35) Is the Norm the Necessary?

(13:36 - 21:24) Overcoming the Barriers Between Education and Career 

(21:25 - 27:08) Developing Career Identity

(27:09 - 33:56) Career Innovations for Students

(33:57 - 38:31) Finding Out the “Don’t” Likes

(38:32 - 45:50) Students in Business

(45:51 - 47:23) Integrating Internships in Schools

(47:24 - 50:34) The Impact of Artificial Intelligence

(50:35 - 51:49) Closing