Career-Connected Learning in K-12 Classrooms

Virtual Workshop Dates: May 1-August 1, 2026

Complete in 40 hours | Offers 4 CEUs

Cost: $299 per person | School District Subscription Price Available

Career-Connected Learning for K–12 (Non-Credit Workshop)

Format: Online, on-demand (Blackboard)
Estimated Time: 40 hours total (about 10 hours per module)
Structure: 4 modules designed to be completed over four weeks (self-paced)

Instructor of Record

Nancy M. Pratt, Ph.D.
Email: n.pratt@csuohio.edu
Office Hours: Fridays, 1:00–3:00 p.m. (by appointment)

Course Access Dates

This course opens on May 1, 2026, and closes on August 1, 2026. Learners may begin at any time and will have access to the course content from registration to end of the workshop period. While the workshop is structured to be completed in approximately 40 hours (about 10 hours per week over four weeks), participants are not required to finish within a specific four-week window.

Registration Opens February 1, 2026 | Registration Closes May 1, 2026

All content must be completed no later than August 1, 2026 | Capstone due 2 weeks after the workshop period closes

Workshop Description

This on-demand, instructor-facilitated workshop equips K–12 educators to integrate career-connected learning into everyday instruction without sacrificing academic rigor or standards alignment. Participants engage with instructor-created materials, including PowerPoint slides and short lecture videos, along with curated expert resources and current readings. Instructor-evaluated assignments build toward a publish-ready Capstone Implementation Brief describing application in the participant’s professional setting. The workshop also includes a required competency quiz for each module, a required one-to-one meeting with the instructor, and an optional facilitated Zoom discussion with other participants.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

1. Differentiate workforce education from workforce development and explain how career-connected learning functions as standards-based classroom pedagogy in K–12 settings.
2. Apply the Career-Connected Lesson Translation Framework (CCLTF) to translate academic standards into authentic tasks, student work products, and reflection prompts that strengthen rigor and relevance.
3. Design career-connected instruction that supports the future of work, including age-appropriate integration of transferable skills and responsible AI use where appropriate.
4. Develop partnership approaches that extend classroom learning through community and industry connections while preserving instructional coherence and equity.
5. Produce a clear, field-ready implementation plan through a Capstone Implementation Brief that communicates instructional design, rationale, and next steps for professional sharing.

How Each Module Works

Each module includes:

• Review: PowerPoint presentation and short lecture video
• Watch: Curated YouTube content (TED/TEDx and other trusted sources)
• Read: Short readings (published 2023 or newer)
• Reflect: Activity and instructor-evaluated reflection post
• Apply: One weekly assignment resulting in an implementable work product
• Assess: Competency quiz at the end of each  module

Modules and Assignments

Module 1: Workforce Education Foundations (K–12)
Assignment: Foundations Brief (1 page)

Module 2: Career-Connected Instruction Design
Assignment: Career-Connected Lesson Build

Module 3: Partnerships That Work
Assignment: Partnership Pitch Kit (2 pages maximum)

Module 4: Student Career Agency and Reflection
Assignment: Student Career Self-Awareness and Reflection Tool

Final Capstone Assignment

Participants will submit a publish-ready written capstone describing how career-connected learning strategies will be implemented in their professional setting. The capstone will translate course concepts into a clear, practical approach for classroom integration, including instructional design decisions and next steps. After receiving instructor feedback, participants are encouraged to publish the final version as a LinkedIn article for professional sharing.

One-to-One Instructor Discussion

In Week 4, each participant will complete a required one-to-one discussion with the instructor to review progress, clarify implementation plans, and strengthen the final capstone submission. This meeting provides individualized feedback on instructional design choices, reflection tools, and practical next steps for applying career-connected learning in the participant’s professional setting.

Optional Virtual Discussion (August 2026)

A one-hour optional virtual discussion will be scheduled in August and open to all participants. Details and access information will be communicated to learners in advance.

Completion and Credentialing

To complete the workshop, learners must submit all assignments, pass each quiz at 80% or better, and submit their capstone. Upon completion, learners receive a verified competency certificate, digital badge, and non-credit professional development transcript. This course awards 4 continuing education units (CEUs).