In this episode, host Stanley Buchesky, CEO of Pytop, sits down with Kali Beach, the youngest Career Technical Education (CTE) Director in North Carolina, from Pitt County Schools. Together, they unpack the evolving landscape of career readiness, exploring the barriers and opportunities in technology and trades education. 

From challenging outdated perceptions about college and career pathways to embracing the seismic shifts brought on by AI and edtech, Kali shares insights from her unique journey, starting with high school agriculture classes and rising to educational leadership. 

Whether you’re a teacher, administrator, or just passionate about preparing students for a rapidly changing workforce, this conversation is packed with real-world advice, personal stories, and a fresh look at what it means to prepare the next generation for jobs that might not even exist yet. Get ready to unlearn, relearn, and decode the future of education together.

Timestamps

04:16 Youngest CTE Director Appointed

07:47 Connecting Academics to Real-World Careers

11:50 Skilled Trades: Challenging Career Stigma

14:05 Exploring Ag Tech at Home

17:52 Evolving Careers in Agriculture

20:57 Embrace Exploration and Interest

24:32 Embracing AI in Education

27:37 AI-Assisted Writing Strategy

31:06 Revolutionizing Learning Platforms

32:09 AI-Powered Education Initiatives

35:37 Embrace Technology's Inevitable Future

Connect with Kali Beach

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kali-beach-98b084347 

Website: http://www.pittschools.org/