Preparing Students for an AI-Driven World-Global Career Tech Education Podcast Ep 77

In this episode of the Global CTE Podcast, Sylvester Chisom welcomes Rachael Mann, Executive Director of NCLA and author of Pack Your Bags for an AI-Driven Future, to discuss how artificial intelligence is reshaping education and the future of work. As part of the 2026 Women in CTE Series, Rachael shares insights on agentic AI, emerging tools educators should explore, and how schools must rethink assignments and learning experiences in an AI-driven world. The conversation challenges education leaders to rethink what skills belong in the “moving truck” as we prepare students for a rapidly changing future.

Topics Covered:

-Preparing for an AI-driven world

-AI tools every educator should explore

-What schools must leave behind

-Agentic AI and education

Rachael Mann Bio:

Rachael is the Executive Director of NCLA, a nationally recognized keynote speaker, and a leading voice on artificial intelligence, CTE, and the changing future of work. She’s the author of six books, including Pack Your Bags for an AI-Driven Future, and has developed AI courses and micro-credentials for both higher education and K–12 educators.

With over 25 years in education leadership and recognition as a two-time Top 30 Global Guru, Rachael continues to push the field to think bigger about what future readiness truly means.