https://cohostpodcasting.com <![CDATA[InspirED: A PLTW Podcast]]> en 4d5dd0b8-814f-41fe-92ed-9924542289c9 Mon, 09 Jun 2025 18:03:41 -0400 Mon, 27 Apr 2026 13:36:45 -0400 https://www.cohostpodcasting.com <![CDATA[InspirED: A PLTW Podcast]]> https://files.cohostpodcasting.com/quill-file-prod/e8b067d9-6001-4eba-a436-f29907105d05/shows/4d5dd0b8-814f-41fe-92ed-9924542289c9/cover-art/original_6314ef92294eaf63132b0efa901936a1.jpg https://www.cohostpodcasting.com episodic false https://feeds.cohostpodcasting.com/rSbU24JB inspired@pltw.org <![CDATA[From the Classroom to the Feed: PLTW Teachers Growing Programs through Social Media ]]> In this episode of InspirED: A PLTW podcast, Marcus Painter, Director of Social Media and Community Engagement sits down with three PLTW social media influencers to share their stories, vision, and advice on how to leverage social media to enhance their classrooms, programs, schools, and districts.


  • Are you a PLTW teacher on the fence about creating social media content from your classroom?  
  • Are you a building or district leader who needs creative ways to tell the story of your school/district?  
  • Why not learn from some of the best social media influencers out there?
  • Tune-in, learn, and connect!


Host: Marcus Painter, Director of Social Media and Community Engagement at Project Lead The Way


Guests:

  • Leah Pelletier, Biomedical Science teacher, McHenry Community High School, District 156, McHenry, IL.
  • Thomas Pfeiffer, STEM 2/Magnet Science teacher at Margaret Mead Junior High, School District 54, Schaumburg, IL.
  • Sarah McCambridge, Marketing Director, Bishop Miege Catholic High School in Roeland Park, KS of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas.


Resources:


Leah Pelletier

Thomas Pfeifer

Sarah McCambridge

]]> Fri, 27 Mar 2026 03:13:00 -0400 https://inspired-a-pltw-podcast.cohostpodcasting.com/episodes/from-the-classroom-to-the-feed-pltw-teachers-growing-programs-through-social-media 47:03 In this episode of InspirED: A PLTW podcast, Marcus Painter, Director of Social Media and Community Engagement sits down with three PLTW social media influencers to share their stories, vision, and advice on how to leverage social media to enhance their classrooms, programs, schools, and districts.


  • Are you a PLTW teacher on the fence about creating social media content from your classroom?  
  • Are you a building or district leader who needs creative ways to tell the story of your school/district?  
  • Why not learn from some of the best social media influencers out there?
  • Tune-in, learn, and connect!


Host: Marcus Painter, Director of Social Media and Community Engagement at Project Lead The Way


Guests:

  • Leah Pelletier, Biomedical Science teacher, McHenry Community High School, District 156, McHenry, IL.
  • Thomas Pfeiffer, STEM 2/Magnet Science teacher at Margaret Mead Junior High, School District 54, Schaumburg, IL.
  • Sarah McCambridge, Marketing Director, Bishop Miege Catholic High School in Roeland Park, KS of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas.


Resources:


Leah Pelletier

Thomas Pfeifer

Sarah McCambridge

]]> In this episode of InspirED: A PLTW podcast, Marcus Painter, Director of Social Media and Community Engagement sits down with three PLTW social media influencers to share their stories, vision, and advice on how to leverage social media to enhance their classrooms, programs, schools, and districts.


  • Are you a PLTW teacher on the fence about creating social media content from your classroom?  
  • Are you a building or district leader who needs creative ways to tell the story of your school/district?  
  • Why not learn from some of the best social media influencers out there?
  • Tune-in, learn, and connect!


Host: Marcus Painter, Director of Social Media and Community Engagement at Project Lead The Way


Guests:

  • Leah Pelletier, Biomedical Science teacher, McHenry Community High School, District 156, McHenry, IL.
  • Thomas Pfeiffer, STEM 2/Magnet Science teacher at Margaret Mead Junior High, School District 54, Schaumburg, IL.
  • Sarah McCambridge, Marketing Director, Bishop Miege Catholic High School in Roeland Park, KS of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas.


Resources:


Leah Pelletier

Thomas Pfeifer

Sarah McCambridge

]]> false full 3 2 <![CDATA[When Passion Becomes a Profession]]> As part of our celebration of National Engineers Week, we decided to invite an amazing PLTW teacher and two future engineers and former PLTW students to talk about what it takes to make their career dreams a reality. 

Dr. David Dimmett, President and CEO of Project Lead The Way sits down with PLTW teacher, Christopher Desmond, and two of his former students, Kammy Blake and Kevin Morris. 

------------------------------ 

Host:  

Dr. David Dimmett, President & CEO of Project Lead The Way


Guest(s): 

  • Christopher Desmond, CTE Teacher at Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools 
  • Kameran Blake, Junior Mechanical Engineering major at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.  
  • Kevin Morris, Junior Civil Engineering major at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. 

 

Resources: 

College readiness improves for students who take at least one PLTW Engineering course—see the proof: https://www.pltw.org/hubfs/PLTW_Brand/impact-profiles/PLTW_Texas_OnePager.pdf  


Students who take more than one PLTW high school course are twice as likely to enroll in college and three times as likely to pursue a STEM major: https://www.pltw.org/hubfs/PLTW_Brand/impact-profiles/Missouri-PLTW_One-Pager_Digital.pdf 


Experience with industry-specific tools like Multism sets PLTW Engineering students apart from their peers: https://www.pltw.org/blog/pltw-ni-engineering-software-partnership 


Learn how Alex from Phillips 66 went from high school engineering to Phillips 66 Commercial and Business Development Senior Director: https://www.pltw.org/blog/phillips-66-pltw-partner-spotlight-engineering-career 


Ardagh Group provides real-world career readiness and work-based learning: https://www.pltw.org/blog/ardagh-group-prepares-pltw-students-for-future-careers-in-their-own-communities 


Rural communities and school districts are getting ready for a growing opportunity in advanced manufacturing: https://www.pltw.org/blog/closing-manufacturing-skills-gap-rural-schools 


See the data behind the educational opportunity in advanced manufacturing boom: https://www.pltw.org/manufacturing-skills-gap-rural-schools-infographic 


Schools that combine the power of PLTW and NAF expand college and career readiness in high school: https://www.pltw.org/blog/how-to-expand-career-readiness-in-high-schools-naf-pltw 


Middle school students apply pre-engineering knowledge to develop prosthetics for community members: https://www.pltw.org/blog/middle-school-stem-prosthetics 


A 48-hour innovation challenge gives PLTW Engineering students the chance to show off their skills: https://www.pltw.org/blog/pltw-students-shine-in-stadium-innovation-make48-challenge 


National Engineers Week: https://www.nspe.org/connect/partners/engineers-week 

------------------------------ 

Connect on Social Media: 

Internship Company Website - Oerlikon 

UNC Charlotte College of Engineering Website 

UNC Charlotte Engineering - Instagram 

 

Facebook:  

Hopewell Engineering and Manufacturing 

Hopewell High School CMS 

Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools 

UNC Charlotte Engineering 

  

LinkedIn:   

Christopher Desmond 

Kameran Blake 

Kevin Morris 

UNC Charlotte College of Engineering 

Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools 

Superintendent - Crystal Hill, Ed.D. - Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools 

 

Instagram: 

Hopewell High School   

Hopewell Admin School  

Hopewell Engineering/Manufacturing  

]]> Fri, 27 Feb 2026 02:44:00 -0500 https://inspired-a-pltw-podcast.cohostpodcasting.com/episodes/when-passion-becomes-a-profession 31:09 As part of our celebration of National Engineers Week, we decided to invite an amazing PLTW teacher and two future engineers and former PLTW students to talk about what it takes to make their career dreams a reality. 

Dr. David Dimmett, President and CEO of Project Lead The Way sits down with PLTW teacher, Christopher Desmond, and two of his former students, Kammy Blake and Kevin Morris. 

------------------------------ 

Host:  

Dr. David Dimmett, President & CEO of Project Lead The Way


Guest(s): 

  • Christopher Desmond, CTE Teacher at Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools 
  • Kameran Blake, Junior Mechanical Engineering major at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.  
  • Kevin Morris, Junior Civil Engineering major at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. 

 

Resources: 

College readiness improves for students who take at least one PLTW Engineering course—see the proof: https://www.pltw.org/hubfs/PLTW_Brand/impact-profiles/PLTW_Texas_OnePager.pdf  


Students who take more than one PLTW high school course are twice as likely to enroll in college and three times as likely to pursue a STEM major: https://www.pltw.org/hubfs/PLTW_Brand/impact-profiles/Missouri-PLTW_One-Pager_Digital.pdf 


Experience with industry-specific tools like Multism sets PLTW Engineering students apart from their peers: https://www.pltw.org/blog/pltw-ni-engineering-software-partnership 


Learn how Alex from Phillips 66 went from high school engineering to Phillips 66 Commercial and Business Development Senior Director: https://www.pltw.org/blog/phillips-66-pltw-partner-spotlight-engineering-career 


Ardagh Group provides real-world career readiness and work-based learning: https://www.pltw.org/blog/ardagh-group-prepares-pltw-students-for-future-careers-in-their-own-communities 


Rural communities and school districts are getting ready for a growing opportunity in advanced manufacturing: https://www.pltw.org/blog/closing-manufacturing-skills-gap-rural-schools 


See the data behind the educational opportunity in advanced manufacturing boom: https://www.pltw.org/manufacturing-skills-gap-rural-schools-infographic 


Schools that combine the power of PLTW and NAF expand college and career readiness in high school: https://www.pltw.org/blog/how-to-expand-career-readiness-in-high-schools-naf-pltw 


Middle school students apply pre-engineering knowledge to develop prosthetics for community members: https://www.pltw.org/blog/middle-school-stem-prosthetics 


A 48-hour innovation challenge gives PLTW Engineering students the chance to show off their skills: https://www.pltw.org/blog/pltw-students-shine-in-stadium-innovation-make48-challenge 


National Engineers Week: https://www.nspe.org/connect/partners/engineers-week 

------------------------------ 

Connect on Social Media: 

Internship Company Website - Oerlikon 

UNC Charlotte College of Engineering Website 

UNC Charlotte Engineering - Instagram 

 

Facebook:  

Hopewell Engineering and Manufacturing 

Hopewell High School CMS 

Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools 

UNC Charlotte Engineering 

  

LinkedIn:   

Christopher Desmond 

Kameran Blake 

Kevin Morris 

UNC Charlotte College of Engineering 

Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools 

Superintendent - Crystal Hill, Ed.D. - Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools 

 

Instagram: 

Hopewell High School   

Hopewell Admin School  

Hopewell Engineering/Manufacturing  

]]> As part of our celebration of National Engineers Week, we decided to invite an amazing PLTW teacher and two future engineers and former PLTW students to talk about what it takes to make their career dreams a reality. 

Dr. David Dimmett, President and CEO of Project Lead The Way sits down with PLTW teacher, Christopher Desmond, and two of his former students, Kammy Blake and Kevin Morris. 

------------------------------ 

Host:  

Dr. David Dimmett, President & CEO of Project Lead The Way


Guest(s): 

  • Christopher Desmond, CTE Teacher at Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools 
  • Kameran Blake, Junior Mechanical Engineering major at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.  
  • Kevin Morris, Junior Civil Engineering major at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. 

 

Resources: 

College readiness improves for students who take at least one PLTW Engineering course—see the proof: https://www.pltw.org/hubfs/PLTW_Brand/impact-profiles/PLTW_Texas_OnePager.pdf  


Students who take more than one PLTW high school course are twice as likely to enroll in college and three times as likely to pursue a STEM major: https://www.pltw.org/hubfs/PLTW_Brand/impact-profiles/Missouri-PLTW_One-Pager_Digital.pdf 


Experience with industry-specific tools like Multism sets PLTW Engineering students apart from their peers: https://www.pltw.org/blog/pltw-ni-engineering-software-partnership 


Learn how Alex from Phillips 66 went from high school engineering to Phillips 66 Commercial and Business Development Senior Director: https://www.pltw.org/blog/phillips-66-pltw-partner-spotlight-engineering-career 


Ardagh Group provides real-world career readiness and work-based learning: https://www.pltw.org/blog/ardagh-group-prepares-pltw-students-for-future-careers-in-their-own-communities 


Rural communities and school districts are getting ready for a growing opportunity in advanced manufacturing: https://www.pltw.org/blog/closing-manufacturing-skills-gap-rural-schools 


See the data behind the educational opportunity in advanced manufacturing boom: https://www.pltw.org/manufacturing-skills-gap-rural-schools-infographic 


Schools that combine the power of PLTW and NAF expand college and career readiness in high school: https://www.pltw.org/blog/how-to-expand-career-readiness-in-high-schools-naf-pltw 


Middle school students apply pre-engineering knowledge to develop prosthetics for community members: https://www.pltw.org/blog/middle-school-stem-prosthetics 


A 48-hour innovation challenge gives PLTW Engineering students the chance to show off their skills: https://www.pltw.org/blog/pltw-students-shine-in-stadium-innovation-make48-challenge 


National Engineers Week: https://www.nspe.org/connect/partners/engineers-week 

------------------------------ 

Connect on Social Media: 

Internship Company Website - Oerlikon 

UNC Charlotte College of Engineering Website 

UNC Charlotte Engineering - Instagram 

 

Facebook:  

Hopewell Engineering and Manufacturing 

Hopewell High School CMS 

Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools 

UNC Charlotte Engineering 

  

LinkedIn:   

Christopher Desmond 

Kameran Blake 

Kevin Morris 

UNC Charlotte College of Engineering 

Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools 

Superintendent - Crystal Hill, Ed.D. - Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools 

 

Instagram: 

Hopewell High School   

Hopewell Admin School  

Hopewell Engineering/Manufacturing  

]]> false full 2 2 <![CDATA[Students Will Change the World: How PLTW’s Community Impact Awards find the best and brightest innovators in the country. ]]> We kick-off Season 2 of InspirED: A PLTW Podcast by talking about our Community Impact Awards!  


On this episode, Katie Minihan, EVP & Chief Impact Officer at Project Lead The Way talks with two exceptional PLTW teachers who also helped guide students towards winning the Community Impact Award.  High School teachers, Danielle Weber and Jason Huber, discuss the whole experience, from finding inspiration, the journey, the projects/students today, and the projects/students in the future.


Host:  

Katie Minihan, EVP & Chief Impact Officer 


Guest(s): 

Danielle Weber 

Danielle is a STEM educator with twenty years of experience teaching and supporting science programs in Stamford, Connecticut. She currently teaches at the Academy of Information Technology and Engineering and also works with educators through Project Lead The Way, Mass Learning Project, and Connecticut's Alternative Route to Certification program.  

 

Her professional roles have focused on curriculum development, instructional support, and helping teachers build effective learning experiences for students.perf Her work has been recognized by organizations including the Connecticut Science Teachers Association, PLTW, and the Petit Family Foundation. 

 

Jason Huber 

Jason has been a Technology Education teacher since 1995 and a Project Lead The Way instructor since 2002. He has served as a PLTW Master Teacher for IED and CEA since 2008 and has taught at Woodstock High School in Woodstock, Illinois, since 2011. Beyond his PLTW, his experience includes leadership roles as an Assistant Superintendent of Schools and Assistant Principal.  Outside the classroom, Jason and his wife flip homes, and when time allows, he serves as a behind-the-wheel instructor for summer Drivers Education.   

-------------------- 

Resources: 

Woodstock Community Unit School District #200 

 

Students from the Academy of Information Technology and Engineering share how personal experiences inspired their award-winning project, “Pinch Pals”—a customizable, child-friendly device that reduces pain and anxiety for young patients with Type 1 Diabetes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mm5h0Mo6bT8 

 

Students from Woodstock High School discuss how they turned their vision of making the city more walkable into an award-winning project designed for impact and supported by city officials: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O4MywtoZC98 

 

Ideas and innovations come to life in the PLTW Capstone course, where students apply what they’ve learned to solve a real-world problem. Learn more: 

 

These outstanding projects from PLTW students will inspire you: https://www.pltw.org/blog/from-classroom-to-community-pltw-projects-that-make-a-difference 

 

Educators can use the engineering design process to build and expand partnerships—here's how: https://www.pltw.org/blog/guest-post-funding-and-grants-creating-engineering-partnerships 

 

Submissions for the 2026–27 Community Impact Awards are open—recognize your middle or high school students for their innovative ideas and commitment to making an impact: https://www.pltw.org/experience-pltw/awards-and-recognition/community-impact-awards 

 --------------------

Connect on Social Media: 

Woodstock High School on Facebook  

Academy of Information Technology and Engineering at Stamford Public Schools on Instagram 

Stamford Public Schools on Instagram 

Danielle Weber on LinkedIn 

]]> Fri, 30 Jan 2026 01:15:00 -0500 https://inspired-a-pltw-podcast.cohostpodcasting.com/episodes/students-will-change-the-world-how-pltw-s-community-impact-awards-find-the-best-and-brightest-innovators-in-the-country 40:17 We kick-off Season 2 of InspirED: A PLTW Podcast by talking about our Community Impact Awards!  


On this episode, Katie Minihan, EVP & Chief Impact Officer at Project Lead The Way talks with two exceptional PLTW teachers who also helped guide students towards winning the Community Impact Award.  High School teachers, Danielle Weber and Jason Huber, discuss the whole experience, from finding inspiration, the journey, the projects/students today, and the projects/students in the future.


Host:  

Katie Minihan, EVP & Chief Impact Officer 


Guest(s): 

Danielle Weber 

Danielle is a STEM educator with twenty years of experience teaching and supporting science programs in Stamford, Connecticut. She currently teaches at the Academy of Information Technology and Engineering and also works with educators through Project Lead The Way, Mass Learning Project, and Connecticut's Alternative Route to Certification program.  

 

Her professional roles have focused on curriculum development, instructional support, and helping teachers build effective learning experiences for students.perf Her work has been recognized by organizations including the Connecticut Science Teachers Association, PLTW, and the Petit Family Foundation. 

 

Jason Huber 

Jason has been a Technology Education teacher since 1995 and a Project Lead The Way instructor since 2002. He has served as a PLTW Master Teacher for IED and CEA since 2008 and has taught at Woodstock High School in Woodstock, Illinois, since 2011. Beyond his PLTW, his experience includes leadership roles as an Assistant Superintendent of Schools and Assistant Principal.  Outside the classroom, Jason and his wife flip homes, and when time allows, he serves as a behind-the-wheel instructor for summer Drivers Education.   

-------------------- 

Resources: 

Woodstock Community Unit School District #200 

 

Students from the Academy of Information Technology and Engineering share how personal experiences inspired their award-winning project, “Pinch Pals”—a customizable, child-friendly device that reduces pain and anxiety for young patients with Type 1 Diabetes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mm5h0Mo6bT8 

 

Students from Woodstock High School discuss how they turned their vision of making the city more walkable into an award-winning project designed for impact and supported by city officials: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O4MywtoZC98 

 

Ideas and innovations come to life in the PLTW Capstone course, where students apply what they’ve learned to solve a real-world problem. Learn more: 

 

These outstanding projects from PLTW students will inspire you: https://www.pltw.org/blog/from-classroom-to-community-pltw-projects-that-make-a-difference 

 

Educators can use the engineering design process to build and expand partnerships—here's how: https://www.pltw.org/blog/guest-post-funding-and-grants-creating-engineering-partnerships 

 

Submissions for the 2026–27 Community Impact Awards are open—recognize your middle or high school students for their innovative ideas and commitment to making an impact: https://www.pltw.org/experience-pltw/awards-and-recognition/community-impact-awards 

 --------------------

Connect on Social Media: 

Woodstock High School on Facebook  

Academy of Information Technology and Engineering at Stamford Public Schools on Instagram 

Stamford Public Schools on Instagram 

Danielle Weber on LinkedIn 

]]> We kick-off Season 2 of InspirED: A PLTW Podcast by talking about our Community Impact Awards!  


On this episode, Katie Minihan, EVP & Chief Impact Officer at Project Lead The Way talks with two exceptional PLTW teachers who also helped guide students towards winning the Community Impact Award.  High School teachers, Danielle Weber and Jason Huber, discuss the whole experience, from finding inspiration, the journey, the projects/students today, and the projects/students in the future.


Host:  

Katie Minihan, EVP & Chief Impact Officer 


Guest(s): 

Danielle Weber 

Danielle is a STEM educator with twenty years of experience teaching and supporting science programs in Stamford, Connecticut. She currently teaches at the Academy of Information Technology and Engineering and also works with educators through Project Lead The Way, Mass Learning Project, and Connecticut's Alternative Route to Certification program.  

 

Her professional roles have focused on curriculum development, instructional support, and helping teachers build effective learning experiences for students.perf Her work has been recognized by organizations including the Connecticut Science Teachers Association, PLTW, and the Petit Family Foundation. 

 

Jason Huber 

Jason has been a Technology Education teacher since 1995 and a Project Lead The Way instructor since 2002. He has served as a PLTW Master Teacher for IED and CEA since 2008 and has taught at Woodstock High School in Woodstock, Illinois, since 2011. Beyond his PLTW, his experience includes leadership roles as an Assistant Superintendent of Schools and Assistant Principal.  Outside the classroom, Jason and his wife flip homes, and when time allows, he serves as a behind-the-wheel instructor for summer Drivers Education.   

-------------------- 

Resources: 

Woodstock Community Unit School District #200 

 

Students from the Academy of Information Technology and Engineering share how personal experiences inspired their award-winning project, “Pinch Pals”—a customizable, child-friendly device that reduces pain and anxiety for young patients with Type 1 Diabetes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mm5h0Mo6bT8 

 

Students from Woodstock High School discuss how they turned their vision of making the city more walkable into an award-winning project designed for impact and supported by city officials: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O4MywtoZC98 

 

Ideas and innovations come to life in the PLTW Capstone course, where students apply what they’ve learned to solve a real-world problem. Learn more: 

 

These outstanding projects from PLTW students will inspire you: https://www.pltw.org/blog/from-classroom-to-community-pltw-projects-that-make-a-difference 

 

Educators can use the engineering design process to build and expand partnerships—here's how: https://www.pltw.org/blog/guest-post-funding-and-grants-creating-engineering-partnerships 

 

Submissions for the 2026–27 Community Impact Awards are open—recognize your middle or high school students for their innovative ideas and commitment to making an impact: https://www.pltw.org/experience-pltw/awards-and-recognition/community-impact-awards 

 --------------------

Connect on Social Media: 

Woodstock High School on Facebook  

Academy of Information Technology and Engineering at Stamford Public Schools on Instagram 

Stamford Public Schools on Instagram 

Danielle Weber on LinkedIn 

]]> false full 1 2 <![CDATA[InspirED: LIVE at MasterMinds 2025]]> We close out 2025 with a very special episode, InspirED: LIVE from MasterMinds 2025!  MasterMinds is an exclusive PLTW event designed to bring PLTW Master Teachers together for 3 days of relationship building, professional learning, and fun. 


MasterMinds was truly an amazing event this year, and we wanted to capitalize on having so many exceptional educators in one place.  So, President and CEO, Dr. David Dimmett, sat down with some Master Teachers to talk about everything from the experience of being a PLTW teacher, to the experiences teachers have had that have shaped their lives, their students’ lives, and their community.


Resources:

This free activity from PLTW Launch gets students out of their seats and thinking like a computer scientist. Try it in any PreK–5 classroom.

Register here to see PLTW in action at a local showcase.

Check-out Katie Cunningham’s podcast, “Locking Down Cyber” on Spotify!


Featured educator spotlights: 


Darnaby Elementary School piloted PLTW Launch in 2013, and educators Kristin Robinson and Suzanne Martin have been there from the start.

When Torry Spanier wanted to expand project-based learning and engineering into middle school, he chose PLTW Gateway. Here’s the newest unit from the curriculum.


Hands-on experiences in Corey Duzan’s PLTW Engineering courses helped this student build confidence and competence for a future career.


Using industry-standard software, learning technical skills, and preparing for certifications is par for the course in Katie Cunningham’s PLTW Computer Science students—see what students learn.


PLTW students build solutions that capture attention—here’s one from a former student of Susan Jones.


PiHi Samurai isn’t just a fun name, it’s an award-winning robotics team that Bill Van Loo mentors and cheers for through their first-place wins.


Elkhorn Middle School students turned an idea into an award-winning community impact—learn about their project in Eryca Card’s class.


Kristin Robinson 

  • PLTW Launch at Darnaby Elementary School in Tulsa, Oklahoma. 

Suzanne Martin 

  • PLTW Launch at Darnaby Elementary School in Tulsa, Oklahoma. 

Tory Spanier 

  • Gateway: Design & Modeling, Automation & Robotics, and Algebra 1 Advantage at Delano High School in Delano, Minnesota. 

Corey Duzan 

  • Introduction to Engineering Design at Lockport Township High School, in Lockport, Illinois.  

Katie Cunningham 

  • Computer Science Pathway, Computer Science Essentials, Computer Science Principles, and Cybersecurity at Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School in Upton, Massachusetts. 

Susan Jones 

  • Computer Science Essentials, Computer Science Principles, Computer Science A, Cybersecurity, Computer Science Foundations, Algebra 1 Advantage, and PLTW Capstone at Midway High School in Waco, Texas. 

Eryca Card 

  • Green Architecture and the PLTW K-8 District Coordinator for Elkhorn Area Middle School in Elkhorn, Wisconsin. 

Bill Van Loo 

  • Intro to Engineering Design, Principles of Engineering, and Engineering Capstone at Pioneer High School, in Ann Arbor, Michigan. 


Connect On Social Media: 

Suzanne on Instagram 

Darnaby Elememtary School on Facebook 

Union Public Schools-Tulsa, OK. on Facebook 

Tory on LinkedIn 

Tory on Facebook 

Delano Public Schools on Facebook 

Delano Public Schools on YouTube 

Corey on X 

Corey on LinkedIn 

Lockport Township HS on X 

Lockport Township HS on Facebook 

Katie on X 

Katie on LinkedIn 

Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Department on Instagram 

Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical HS on Instagram 

Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical HS on X 

Susan on LinkedIn 

Eryca on Facebook 

Eryca on LinkedIn 

Elkhorn Area MS on YouTube 

Elkhorn Area MS on Facebook 

Elkhorn Area MS on Instagram 

Elkhorn Area School District on Facebook 

Elkhorn Area School District on X 

Bill on Instagram 

Bill on LinkedIn 

Ann Arbor Public Schools Career & Technology Education on Instagram 

Pioneer H.S./PiHi Samurai on Instagram 


]]> Fri, 19 Dec 2025 03:00:00 -0500 https://inspired-a-pltw-podcast.cohostpodcasting.com/episodes/inspired-live-at-masterminds-2025 41:56 We close out 2025 with a very special episode, InspirED: LIVE from MasterMinds 2025!  MasterMinds is an exclusive PLTW event designed to bring PLTW Master Teachers together for 3 days of relationship building, professional learning, and fun. 


MasterMinds was truly an amazing event this year, and we wanted to capitalize on having so many exceptional educators in one place.  So, President and CEO, Dr. David Dimmett, sat down with some Master Teachers to talk about everything from the experience of being a PLTW teacher, to the experiences teachers have had that have shaped their lives, their students’ lives, and their community.


Resources:

This free activity from PLTW Launch gets students out of their seats and thinking like a computer scientist. Try it in any PreK–5 classroom.

Register here to see PLTW in action at a local showcase.

Check-out Katie Cunningham’s podcast, “Locking Down Cyber” on Spotify!


Featured educator spotlights: 


Darnaby Elementary School piloted PLTW Launch in 2013, and educators Kristin Robinson and Suzanne Martin have been there from the start.

When Torry Spanier wanted to expand project-based learning and engineering into middle school, he chose PLTW Gateway. Here’s the newest unit from the curriculum.


Hands-on experiences in Corey Duzan’s PLTW Engineering courses helped this student build confidence and competence for a future career.


Using industry-standard software, learning technical skills, and preparing for certifications is par for the course in Katie Cunningham’s PLTW Computer Science students—see what students learn.


PLTW students build solutions that capture attention—here’s one from a former student of Susan Jones.


PiHi Samurai isn’t just a fun name, it’s an award-winning robotics team that Bill Van Loo mentors and cheers for through their first-place wins.


Elkhorn Middle School students turned an idea into an award-winning community impact—learn about their project in Eryca Card’s class.


Kristin Robinson 

  • PLTW Launch at Darnaby Elementary School in Tulsa, Oklahoma. 

Suzanne Martin 

  • PLTW Launch at Darnaby Elementary School in Tulsa, Oklahoma. 

Tory Spanier 

  • Gateway: Design & Modeling, Automation & Robotics, and Algebra 1 Advantage at Delano High School in Delano, Minnesota. 

Corey Duzan 

  • Introduction to Engineering Design at Lockport Township High School, in Lockport, Illinois.  

Katie Cunningham 

  • Computer Science Pathway, Computer Science Essentials, Computer Science Principles, and Cybersecurity at Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School in Upton, Massachusetts. 

Susan Jones 

  • Computer Science Essentials, Computer Science Principles, Computer Science A, Cybersecurity, Computer Science Foundations, Algebra 1 Advantage, and PLTW Capstone at Midway High School in Waco, Texas. 

Eryca Card 

  • Green Architecture and the PLTW K-8 District Coordinator for Elkhorn Area Middle School in Elkhorn, Wisconsin. 

Bill Van Loo 

  • Intro to Engineering Design, Principles of Engineering, and Engineering Capstone at Pioneer High School, in Ann Arbor, Michigan. 


Connect On Social Media: 

Suzanne on Instagram 

Darnaby Elememtary School on Facebook 

Union Public Schools-Tulsa, OK. on Facebook 

Tory on LinkedIn 

Tory on Facebook 

Delano Public Schools on Facebook 

Delano Public Schools on YouTube 

Corey on X 

Corey on LinkedIn 

Lockport Township HS on X 

Lockport Township HS on Facebook 

Katie on X 

Katie on LinkedIn 

Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Department on Instagram 

Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical HS on Instagram 

Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical HS on X 

Susan on LinkedIn 

Eryca on Facebook 

Eryca on LinkedIn 

Elkhorn Area MS on YouTube 

Elkhorn Area MS on Facebook 

Elkhorn Area MS on Instagram 

Elkhorn Area School District on Facebook 

Elkhorn Area School District on X 

Bill on Instagram 

Bill on LinkedIn 

Ann Arbor Public Schools Career & Technology Education on Instagram 

Pioneer H.S./PiHi Samurai on Instagram 


]]> We close out 2025 with a very special episode, InspirED: LIVE from MasterMinds 2025!  MasterMinds is an exclusive PLTW event designed to bring PLTW Master Teachers together for 3 days of relationship building, professional learning, and fun. 


MasterMinds was truly an amazing event this year, and we wanted to capitalize on having so many exceptional educators in one place.  So, President and CEO, Dr. David Dimmett, sat down with some Master Teachers to talk about everything from the experience of being a PLTW teacher, to the experiences teachers have had that have shaped their lives, their students’ lives, and their community.


Resources:

This free activity from PLTW Launch gets students out of their seats and thinking like a computer scientist. Try it in any PreK–5 classroom.

Register here to see PLTW in action at a local showcase.

Check-out Katie Cunningham’s podcast, “Locking Down Cyber” on Spotify!


Featured educator spotlights: 


Darnaby Elementary School piloted PLTW Launch in 2013, and educators Kristin Robinson and Suzanne Martin have been there from the start.

When Torry Spanier wanted to expand project-based learning and engineering into middle school, he chose PLTW Gateway. Here’s the newest unit from the curriculum.


Hands-on experiences in Corey Duzan’s PLTW Engineering courses helped this student build confidence and competence for a future career.


Using industry-standard software, learning technical skills, and preparing for certifications is par for the course in Katie Cunningham’s PLTW Computer Science students—see what students learn.


PLTW students build solutions that capture attention—here’s one from a former student of Susan Jones.


PiHi Samurai isn’t just a fun name, it’s an award-winning robotics team that Bill Van Loo mentors and cheers for through their first-place wins.


Elkhorn Middle School students turned an idea into an award-winning community impact—learn about their project in Eryca Card’s class.


Kristin Robinson 

  • PLTW Launch at Darnaby Elementary School in Tulsa, Oklahoma. 

Suzanne Martin 

  • PLTW Launch at Darnaby Elementary School in Tulsa, Oklahoma. 

Tory Spanier 

  • Gateway: Design & Modeling, Automation & Robotics, and Algebra 1 Advantage at Delano High School in Delano, Minnesota. 

Corey Duzan 

  • Introduction to Engineering Design at Lockport Township High School, in Lockport, Illinois.  

Katie Cunningham 

  • Computer Science Pathway, Computer Science Essentials, Computer Science Principles, and Cybersecurity at Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School in Upton, Massachusetts. 

Susan Jones 

  • Computer Science Essentials, Computer Science Principles, Computer Science A, Cybersecurity, Computer Science Foundations, Algebra 1 Advantage, and PLTW Capstone at Midway High School in Waco, Texas. 

Eryca Card 

  • Green Architecture and the PLTW K-8 District Coordinator for Elkhorn Area Middle School in Elkhorn, Wisconsin. 

Bill Van Loo 

  • Intro to Engineering Design, Principles of Engineering, and Engineering Capstone at Pioneer High School, in Ann Arbor, Michigan. 


Connect On Social Media: 

Suzanne on Instagram 

Darnaby Elememtary School on Facebook 

Union Public Schools-Tulsa, OK. on Facebook 

Tory on LinkedIn 

Tory on Facebook 

Delano Public Schools on Facebook 

Delano Public Schools on YouTube 

Corey on X 

Corey on LinkedIn 

Lockport Township HS on X 

Lockport Township HS on Facebook 

Katie on X 

Katie on LinkedIn 

Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Department on Instagram 

Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical HS on Instagram 

Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical HS on X 

Susan on LinkedIn 

Eryca on Facebook 

Eryca on LinkedIn 

Elkhorn Area MS on YouTube 

Elkhorn Area MS on Facebook 

Elkhorn Area MS on Instagram 

Elkhorn Area School District on Facebook 

Elkhorn Area School District on X 

Bill on Instagram 

Bill on LinkedIn 

Ann Arbor Public Schools Career & Technology Education on Instagram 

Pioneer H.S./PiHi Samurai on Instagram 


]]> false full 6 1 <![CDATA[PLTW Alumni Spotlight: Meet Anyshya Hemphill ]]> In this episode, President and CEO of Project Lead The Way, Dr. David Dimmett, sits down with PLTW alum, Anyshya Hemphill and her former PLTW teacher and mentor, Christina Chandler, to chat about their PLTW experiences, the early days of Anyshya’s STEM journey, what she’s doing now, and what is on the horizon for her. 


This is our first PLTW Alumni Spotlight episode, but we plan to do more in the future.  If you or someone you know is a PLTW Alumni and are interested in sharing your story on an upcoming episode of the podcast, please feel free to send a direct message to @pltworg on LinkedIn, Instagram, or Facebook. 


Guest(s):  

  • Christina Chandler, Community Impact Education Manager at JE Dunn Construction. Former PLTW teacher. 
  • Anyshya Hemphill, Computer Science Major/Psychology Minor at the University of Missouri-Colombia.  Mizzou NSBE President. 

-------------------- 

Resources: 

Mizzou National Society of Black Engineers  

 

Girls in STEM KC  

 

Student Made Mizzou   

Article: https://business.missouri.edu/about/news/mizzous-hustle-culture-finds-home-new-online-retail-platform 

 

Cyber Creationz Tech  

Girls Who Code   

-------------------- 

More Learning!

Case Study: How the KC STEM Alliance increases student access and career potential: https://www.pltw.org/hubfs/PLTW_Brand/KCSTEMAlliance_CaseStudy.pdf 

 

Kansas City Public Schools (KCPS) and PLTW have been collaborating for years—and the impact is clear: https://www.pltw.org/hubfs/KCPS_ImpactProfile.pdf 

 

More PLTW high school courses = better student outcomes. See the data: https://www.pltw.org/hubfs/PLTW_Brand/impact-profiles/Missouri-PLTW_One-Pager_Digital.pdf 

 

Collaboration with classmates and community can take projects to an award-winning level: https://www.pltw.org/blog/2024-25-pltw-community-impact-awards-celebrating-student-innovation-and-real-world-problem-solving 

 

Computer science and engineering courses helped Anyshya build her STEM identity in high school—explore the curriculum here: https://www.pltw.org/curriculum 

 --------------------

Connect on Social Media: 

Connect with Anyshya on LinkedIn 

JE Dunn Construction on LinkedIn 

JE Dunn on Facebook 

JE Dunn on X 

JE Dunn on Instagram 

#jedunnbuildingthefuture 

]]> Fri, 31 Oct 2025 04:44:00 -0400 https://inspired-a-pltw-podcast.cohostpodcasting.com/episodes/pltw-alumni-spotlight-meet-anyshya-hemphill 26:02 In this episode, President and CEO of Project Lead The Way, Dr. David Dimmett, sits down with PLTW alum, Anyshya Hemphill and her former PLTW teacher and mentor, Christina Chandler, to chat about their PLTW experiences, the early days of Anyshya’s STEM journey, what she’s doing now, and what is on the horizon for her. 


This is our first PLTW Alumni Spotlight episode, but we plan to do more in the future.  If you or someone you know is a PLTW Alumni and are interested in sharing your story on an upcoming episode of the podcast, please feel free to send a direct message to @pltworg on LinkedIn, Instagram, or Facebook. 


Guest(s):  

  • Christina Chandler, Community Impact Education Manager at JE Dunn Construction. Former PLTW teacher. 
  • Anyshya Hemphill, Computer Science Major/Psychology Minor at the University of Missouri-Colombia.  Mizzou NSBE President. 

-------------------- 

Resources: 

Mizzou National Society of Black Engineers  

 

Girls in STEM KC  

 

Student Made Mizzou   

Article: https://business.missouri.edu/about/news/mizzous-hustle-culture-finds-home-new-online-retail-platform 

 

Cyber Creationz Tech  

Girls Who Code   

-------------------- 

More Learning!

Case Study: How the KC STEM Alliance increases student access and career potential: https://www.pltw.org/hubfs/PLTW_Brand/KCSTEMAlliance_CaseStudy.pdf 

 

Kansas City Public Schools (KCPS) and PLTW have been collaborating for years—and the impact is clear: https://www.pltw.org/hubfs/KCPS_ImpactProfile.pdf 

 

More PLTW high school courses = better student outcomes. See the data: https://www.pltw.org/hubfs/PLTW_Brand/impact-profiles/Missouri-PLTW_One-Pager_Digital.pdf 

 

Collaboration with classmates and community can take projects to an award-winning level: https://www.pltw.org/blog/2024-25-pltw-community-impact-awards-celebrating-student-innovation-and-real-world-problem-solving 

 

Computer science and engineering courses helped Anyshya build her STEM identity in high school—explore the curriculum here: https://www.pltw.org/curriculum 

 --------------------

Connect on Social Media: 

Connect with Anyshya on LinkedIn 

JE Dunn Construction on LinkedIn 

JE Dunn on Facebook 

JE Dunn on X 

JE Dunn on Instagram 

#jedunnbuildingthefuture 

]]> In this episode, President and CEO of Project Lead The Way, Dr. David Dimmett, sits down with PLTW alum, Anyshya Hemphill and her former PLTW teacher and mentor, Christina Chandler, to chat about their PLTW experiences, the early days of Anyshya’s STEM journey, what she’s doing now, and what is on the horizon for her. 


This is our first PLTW Alumni Spotlight episode, but we plan to do more in the future.  If you or someone you know is a PLTW Alumni and are interested in sharing your story on an upcoming episode of the podcast, please feel free to send a direct message to @pltworg on LinkedIn, Instagram, or Facebook. 


Guest(s):  

  • Christina Chandler, Community Impact Education Manager at JE Dunn Construction. Former PLTW teacher. 
  • Anyshya Hemphill, Computer Science Major/Psychology Minor at the University of Missouri-Colombia.  Mizzou NSBE President. 

-------------------- 

Resources: 

Mizzou National Society of Black Engineers  

 

Girls in STEM KC  

 

Student Made Mizzou   

Article: https://business.missouri.edu/about/news/mizzous-hustle-culture-finds-home-new-online-retail-platform 

 

Cyber Creationz Tech  

Girls Who Code   

-------------------- 

More Learning!

Case Study: How the KC STEM Alliance increases student access and career potential: https://www.pltw.org/hubfs/PLTW_Brand/KCSTEMAlliance_CaseStudy.pdf 

 

Kansas City Public Schools (KCPS) and PLTW have been collaborating for years—and the impact is clear: https://www.pltw.org/hubfs/KCPS_ImpactProfile.pdf 

 

More PLTW high school courses = better student outcomes. See the data: https://www.pltw.org/hubfs/PLTW_Brand/impact-profiles/Missouri-PLTW_One-Pager_Digital.pdf 

 

Collaboration with classmates and community can take projects to an award-winning level: https://www.pltw.org/blog/2024-25-pltw-community-impact-awards-celebrating-student-innovation-and-real-world-problem-solving 

 

Computer science and engineering courses helped Anyshya build her STEM identity in high school—explore the curriculum here: https://www.pltw.org/curriculum 

 --------------------

Connect on Social Media: 

Connect with Anyshya on LinkedIn 

JE Dunn Construction on LinkedIn 

JE Dunn on Facebook 

JE Dunn on X 

JE Dunn on Instagram 

#jedunnbuildingthefuture 

]]> false full 5 1 <![CDATA[Skill Sets and Mindsets: The Hidden Curriculum ]]> In Episode 4 of InspirED: A PLTW Podcast, Dr. David Dimmett, President and CEO of Project Lead The Way sits down with Dorice Warren, a PLTW Master Teacher at Mill Creek MS, in Kent, Washington, and Dr. David Conley, founder and president of EdImagine, a consultancy helping educational organizations improve effectiveness and strategic direction.    

Let's dig into Transferable Skills.  What are they?  Why are they vital to student success?  How do we foster them in today’s classrooms?  How do they impact career preparedness? 

 

Resources 

Building Bright Futures With Project Lead The Way: Video from Burns and McDonnell 

College and Career Readiness Skills – Comparability Study 

https://edimagine.com/ 

Mill Creek Middle School (Website) 

Kent School District (Website) 

Washington Association for Better Schools 


Read the article: Why power skills – formerly known as ‘soft skills’ – are the key to business success: https://theconversation.com/why-power-skills-formerly-known-as-soft-skills-are-the-key-to-business-success-257310 


Research from Burning Glass and PLTW explores the why, what, and how of developing in-demand, durable skills for all students: https://www.pltw.org/hubfs/mjtw-assets/pdfs/ThePowerOfTransportableSkills_PLTW.pdf 


“Engineering happens in all languages”—and here’s how teachers can help English Learner (EL) students build confidence, no matter where they are in their educational journey: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2qWSH3ZLYPY 


Curiosity and compassion are at the forefront of these PLTW Gateway classes, where students discover the impact of limb loss—and design solutions to help people in their communities adapt: https://www.pltw.org/blog/middle-school-stem-prosthetics 


High school PLTW teams in Missouri compete to in a high-stakes stadium innovation challenge—a 48-hour event that tests their collaboration, innovation, and creativity skills: https://www.pltw.org/blog/pltw-students-shine-in-stadium-innovation-make48-challenge 


Motivation and problem solving come together in these award-winning projects from middle and high school students: https://www.pltw.org/experience-pltw/national-awards/community-impact-awards 


Four schools with expansive high school STEM and CTE programs that graduate students with career connections and critical professional skills: https://www.pltw.org/blog/how-to-expand-career-readiness-in-high-schools-naf-pltw 

 

Connect on Social Media: 

Dr. David Conley on LinkedIn 

Dorice Warren 

Kent School District on Facebook 

Kent School District on Instagram 

]]> Fri, 26 Sep 2025 01:56:00 -0400 https://inspired-a-pltw-podcast.cohostpodcasting.com/episodes/skill-sets-and-mindsets-the-hidden-curriculum 30:27 In Episode 4 of InspirED: A PLTW Podcast, Dr. David Dimmett, President and CEO of Project Lead The Way sits down with Dorice Warren, a PLTW Master Teacher at Mill Creek MS, in Kent, Washington, and Dr. David Conley, founder and president of EdImagine, a consultancy helping educational organizations improve effectiveness and strategic direction.    

Let's dig into Transferable Skills.  What are they?  Why are they vital to student success?  How do we foster them in today’s classrooms?  How do they impact career preparedness? 

 

Resources 

Building Bright Futures With Project Lead The Way: Video from Burns and McDonnell 

College and Career Readiness Skills – Comparability Study 

https://edimagine.com/ 

Mill Creek Middle School (Website) 

Kent School District (Website) 

Washington Association for Better Schools 


Read the article: Why power skills – formerly known as ‘soft skills’ – are the key to business success: https://theconversation.com/why-power-skills-formerly-known-as-soft-skills-are-the-key-to-business-success-257310 


Research from Burning Glass and PLTW explores the why, what, and how of developing in-demand, durable skills for all students: https://www.pltw.org/hubfs/mjtw-assets/pdfs/ThePowerOfTransportableSkills_PLTW.pdf 


“Engineering happens in all languages”—and here’s how teachers can help English Learner (EL) students build confidence, no matter where they are in their educational journey: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2qWSH3ZLYPY 


Curiosity and compassion are at the forefront of these PLTW Gateway classes, where students discover the impact of limb loss—and design solutions to help people in their communities adapt: https://www.pltw.org/blog/middle-school-stem-prosthetics 


High school PLTW teams in Missouri compete to in a high-stakes stadium innovation challenge—a 48-hour event that tests their collaboration, innovation, and creativity skills: https://www.pltw.org/blog/pltw-students-shine-in-stadium-innovation-make48-challenge 


Motivation and problem solving come together in these award-winning projects from middle and high school students: https://www.pltw.org/experience-pltw/national-awards/community-impact-awards 


Four schools with expansive high school STEM and CTE programs that graduate students with career connections and critical professional skills: https://www.pltw.org/blog/how-to-expand-career-readiness-in-high-schools-naf-pltw 

 

Connect on Social Media: 

Dr. David Conley on LinkedIn 

Dorice Warren 

Kent School District on Facebook 

Kent School District on Instagram 

]]> In Episode 4 of InspirED: A PLTW Podcast, Dr. David Dimmett, President and CEO of Project Lead The Way sits down with Dorice Warren, a PLTW Master Teacher at Mill Creek MS, in Kent, Washington, and Dr. David Conley, founder and president of EdImagine, a consultancy helping educational organizations improve effectiveness and strategic direction.    

Let's dig into Transferable Skills.  What are they?  Why are they vital to student success?  How do we foster them in today’s classrooms?  How do they impact career preparedness? 

 

Resources 

Building Bright Futures With Project Lead The Way: Video from Burns and McDonnell 

College and Career Readiness Skills – Comparability Study 

https://edimagine.com/ 

Mill Creek Middle School (Website) 

Kent School District (Website) 

Washington Association for Better Schools 


Read the article: Why power skills – formerly known as ‘soft skills’ – are the key to business success: https://theconversation.com/why-power-skills-formerly-known-as-soft-skills-are-the-key-to-business-success-257310 


Research from Burning Glass and PLTW explores the why, what, and how of developing in-demand, durable skills for all students: https://www.pltw.org/hubfs/mjtw-assets/pdfs/ThePowerOfTransportableSkills_PLTW.pdf 


“Engineering happens in all languages”—and here’s how teachers can help English Learner (EL) students build confidence, no matter where they are in their educational journey: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2qWSH3ZLYPY 


Curiosity and compassion are at the forefront of these PLTW Gateway classes, where students discover the impact of limb loss—and design solutions to help people in their communities adapt: https://www.pltw.org/blog/middle-school-stem-prosthetics 


High school PLTW teams in Missouri compete to in a high-stakes stadium innovation challenge—a 48-hour event that tests their collaboration, innovation, and creativity skills: https://www.pltw.org/blog/pltw-students-shine-in-stadium-innovation-make48-challenge 


Motivation and problem solving come together in these award-winning projects from middle and high school students: https://www.pltw.org/experience-pltw/national-awards/community-impact-awards 


Four schools with expansive high school STEM and CTE programs that graduate students with career connections and critical professional skills: https://www.pltw.org/blog/how-to-expand-career-readiness-in-high-schools-naf-pltw 

 

Connect on Social Media: 

Dr. David Conley on LinkedIn 

Dorice Warren 

Kent School District on Facebook 

Kent School District on Instagram 

]]> false full 4 1 <![CDATA[The Career Connections Journey ]]> In this episode of InspirED: A PLTW Podcast, Rocky Valadez, Senior Vice President of Engagement for PLTW, sits down with Paul Ketcham, Superintendent of Batesville Community Schools, and Dr. Jake Allen, Superintendent at Mooresville Consolidated School Corporation to look at the importance of career connections that are built-in to what we do here at PLTW.   

 

If you’re looking for real examples of schools and districts fostering a career ready mindset from PreK, all the way to graduation, this is the episode for you! 

 

#PLTW #STEM #CTE #CareerAdvantage #STEMeducation 

-------------------- 

Resources 

-------------------- 

Connect on Social Media: 

Batesville Community School Corporation 

Mooresville Schools 


]]> Fri, 29 Aug 2025 05:00:00 -0400 https://inspired-a-pltw-podcast.cohostpodcasting.com/episodes/the-career-connections-journey 32:48 In this episode of InspirED: A PLTW Podcast, Rocky Valadez, Senior Vice President of Engagement for PLTW, sits down with Paul Ketcham, Superintendent of Batesville Community Schools, and Dr. Jake Allen, Superintendent at Mooresville Consolidated School Corporation to look at the importance of career connections that are built-in to what we do here at PLTW.   

 

If you’re looking for real examples of schools and districts fostering a career ready mindset from PreK, all the way to graduation, this is the episode for you! 

 

#PLTW #STEM #CTE #CareerAdvantage #STEMeducation 

-------------------- 

Resources 

-------------------- 

Connect on Social Media: 

Batesville Community School Corporation 

Mooresville Schools 


]]> In this episode of InspirED: A PLTW Podcast, Rocky Valadez, Senior Vice President of Engagement for PLTW, sits down with Paul Ketcham, Superintendent of Batesville Community Schools, and Dr. Jake Allen, Superintendent at Mooresville Consolidated School Corporation to look at the importance of career connections that are built-in to what we do here at PLTW.   

 

If you’re looking for real examples of schools and districts fostering a career ready mindset from PreK, all the way to graduation, this is the episode for you! 

 

#PLTW #STEM #CTE #CareerAdvantage #STEMeducation 

-------------------- 

Resources 

-------------------- 

Connect on Social Media: 

Batesville Community School Corporation 

Mooresville Schools 


]]> false full 3 1 <![CDATA[Partners + Proof + Empowerment = Career Advantage ]]> One episode wasn’t enough!   

Katie, Joel, and Dave kept the conversation going for Episode 2 by digging deeper into how Career Advantage is positively impacting PLTW graduates through Industry Recognized Credentials (IRCs), ability to earn college credit, enhanced work-based learning opportunities, increased Internship opportunities, industry partnership funded school/district grants, and exceptional teacher training. 

 

#PLTW #STEM #CTE #CareerAdvantage #STEMeducation 

-------------------- 

Resources 

See how PLTW aligns w/280+ Career Paths: 

https://www.pltw.org/career-advantage-brochure 


PLTW: The First 25 Years: 

https://youtu.be/AydwljBWQxE?si=ad3PSFcb-nK3HWET 


PLTW: The Next 25 Years: 

https://youtu.be/8F2e9H_pB34?si=53ICnGMkjEb27qsL 


Meet the PLTW National Award Winners for 2024-2025: 

https://www.pltw.org/experience-pltw/national-awards/national-awards-winners 


Meet our partners: https://www.pltw.org/partners 


Learn more about Industry Recognized Credentials:  


Autodesk: 

https://www.autodesk.com/certification/overview 


REC Foundation (Pre-engineering/Robotics): 

https://www.pltw.org/blog/pltw-and-recf-powering-the-future-of-engineering-and-robotics-education 

https://v5rc-kb.recf.org/hc/en-us/articles/9684980953111-Earning-Pre-Engineering-Robotics-Certifications 

 

Java: 

https://www.pltw.org/blog/curriculum-updates#:~:text=The%20Java%20Certification%20unit%20is,dramatically%20reducing%20spin-up%20time. 

 

https://education.oracle.com/java-se-8-programmer-i/pexam_1Z0-808 


Check-out all the Higher Education institutions currently offering college credit to PLTW graduates: https://www.pltw.org/experience-pltw/student-opportunities 

STEM grants for your school: https://www.pltw.org/plan-for-pltw/investment/funding-grants/grant-opportunities 


-------------------- 

Connect on Social Media: 


]]> Thu, 31 Jul 2025 05:10:00 -0400 https://inspired-a-pltw-podcast.cohostpodcasting.com/episodes/partners-proof-empowerment-career-advantage 24:31 One episode wasn’t enough!   

Katie, Joel, and Dave kept the conversation going for Episode 2 by digging deeper into how Career Advantage is positively impacting PLTW graduates through Industry Recognized Credentials (IRCs), ability to earn college credit, enhanced work-based learning opportunities, increased Internship opportunities, industry partnership funded school/district grants, and exceptional teacher training. 

 

#PLTW #STEM #CTE #CareerAdvantage #STEMeducation 

-------------------- 

Resources 

See how PLTW aligns w/280+ Career Paths: 

https://www.pltw.org/career-advantage-brochure 


PLTW: The First 25 Years: 

https://youtu.be/AydwljBWQxE?si=ad3PSFcb-nK3HWET 


PLTW: The Next 25 Years: 

https://youtu.be/8F2e9H_pB34?si=53ICnGMkjEb27qsL 


Meet the PLTW National Award Winners for 2024-2025: 

https://www.pltw.org/experience-pltw/national-awards/national-awards-winners 


Meet our partners: https://www.pltw.org/partners 


Learn more about Industry Recognized Credentials:  


Autodesk: 

https://www.autodesk.com/certification/overview 


REC Foundation (Pre-engineering/Robotics): 

https://www.pltw.org/blog/pltw-and-recf-powering-the-future-of-engineering-and-robotics-education 

https://v5rc-kb.recf.org/hc/en-us/articles/9684980953111-Earning-Pre-Engineering-Robotics-Certifications 

 

Java: 

https://www.pltw.org/blog/curriculum-updates#:~:text=The%20Java%20Certification%20unit%20is,dramatically%20reducing%20spin-up%20time. 

 

https://education.oracle.com/java-se-8-programmer-i/pexam_1Z0-808 


Check-out all the Higher Education institutions currently offering college credit to PLTW graduates: https://www.pltw.org/experience-pltw/student-opportunities 

STEM grants for your school: https://www.pltw.org/plan-for-pltw/investment/funding-grants/grant-opportunities 


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Connect on Social Media: 


]]> One episode wasn’t enough!   

Katie, Joel, and Dave kept the conversation going for Episode 2 by digging deeper into how Career Advantage is positively impacting PLTW graduates through Industry Recognized Credentials (IRCs), ability to earn college credit, enhanced work-based learning opportunities, increased Internship opportunities, industry partnership funded school/district grants, and exceptional teacher training. 

 

#PLTW #STEM #CTE #CareerAdvantage #STEMeducation 

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Resources 

See how PLTW aligns w/280+ Career Paths: 

https://www.pltw.org/career-advantage-brochure 


PLTW: The First 25 Years: 

https://youtu.be/AydwljBWQxE?si=ad3PSFcb-nK3HWET 


PLTW: The Next 25 Years: 

https://youtu.be/8F2e9H_pB34?si=53ICnGMkjEb27qsL 


Meet the PLTW National Award Winners for 2024-2025: 

https://www.pltw.org/experience-pltw/national-awards/national-awards-winners 


Meet our partners: https://www.pltw.org/partners 


Learn more about Industry Recognized Credentials:  


Autodesk: 

https://www.autodesk.com/certification/overview 


REC Foundation (Pre-engineering/Robotics): 

https://www.pltw.org/blog/pltw-and-recf-powering-the-future-of-engineering-and-robotics-education 

https://v5rc-kb.recf.org/hc/en-us/articles/9684980953111-Earning-Pre-Engineering-Robotics-Certifications 

 

Java: 

https://www.pltw.org/blog/curriculum-updates#:~:text=The%20Java%20Certification%20unit%20is,dramatically%20reducing%20spin-up%20time. 

 

https://education.oracle.com/java-se-8-programmer-i/pexam_1Z0-808 


Check-out all the Higher Education institutions currently offering college credit to PLTW graduates: https://www.pltw.org/experience-pltw/student-opportunities 

STEM grants for your school: https://www.pltw.org/plan-for-pltw/investment/funding-grants/grant-opportunities 


-------------------- 

Connect on Social Media: 


]]> false full 2 1 <![CDATA[Creating a Career Advantage ]]> To kick-off InspirED: A PLTW Podcast, Dr. David Dimmett (CEO of Project Lead The Way), Dr. Katie Minihan (EVP & Chief Impact Officer), and Joel Kupperstein (EVP & Chief Product Officer) sit down to discuss Career Advantage and how Project Lead The Way has been, and continues to be the leader in career discovery, career exploration, and career preparation for K12 schools nationwide. 


#PLTW #STEM #CTE #CareerAdvantage #InspiredbyPLTW #STEMeducation 

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Highlighted on this episode:

 


]]> Mon, 23 Jun 2025 01:00:00 -0400 https://inspired-a-pltw-podcast.cohostpodcasting.com/episodes/creating-a-career-advantage 23:39 To kick-off InspirED: A PLTW Podcast, Dr. David Dimmett (CEO of Project Lead The Way), Dr. Katie Minihan (EVP & Chief Impact Officer), and Joel Kupperstein (EVP & Chief Product Officer) sit down to discuss Career Advantage and how Project Lead The Way has been, and continues to be the leader in career discovery, career exploration, and career preparation for K12 schools nationwide. 


#PLTW #STEM #CTE #CareerAdvantage #InspiredbyPLTW #STEMeducation 

-------------------- 

Highlighted on this episode:

 


]]> To kick-off InspirED: A PLTW Podcast, Dr. David Dimmett (CEO of Project Lead The Way), Dr. Katie Minihan (EVP & Chief Impact Officer), and Joel Kupperstein (EVP & Chief Product Officer) sit down to discuss Career Advantage and how Project Lead The Way has been, and continues to be the leader in career discovery, career exploration, and career preparation for K12 schools nationwide. 


#PLTW #STEM #CTE #CareerAdvantage #InspiredbyPLTW #STEMeducation 

-------------------- 

Highlighted on this episode:

 


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