Building an Education Pathway in Your School District
Learning Presentation
Presentation Date:
Presentation Time:
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Handouts
Audience:
School and district administrators
School counselors and career coordinators
CTE and Youth Apprenticeship coordinators
Teachers interested in mentorship or pathway development
Higher education and workforce partners
DESCRIPTION:
School districts across the country are facing increasing challenges in recruiting and retaining high-quality educators. One powerful, sustainable solution is to “grow your own” by building intentional education pathways for students while they are still in high school.
This session will highlight how the School District of Rhinelander has designed and implemented a comprehensive Education Pathway that provides students with early exposure, hands-on experience, and clear postsecondary connections into the teaching profession. Participants will learn how the district aligned coursework, Youth Apprenticeship opportunities, educator mentorship, and partnerships with higher education institutions to create a seamless pipeline into education careers.
Presenters will share:
The structure and progression of the Education Pathway (introductory courses to hands-on placements)
Development of Education Youth Apprenticeship experiences across grade levels
Strategies for building partnerships with technical colleges and universities
Scheduling, staffing, and supervision considerations
Lessons learned, challenges, and scalability for districts of varying sizes
Attendees will leave with practical tools, sample frameworks, and actionable steps to begin or strengthen their own Education Pathway programs—ultimately helping to grow and sustain the educator workforce within their communities.
Participating Educators
Additional educators involved in mentoring students within the pathway will share their experiences supporting high school students in authentic classroom settings and discuss the impact on both students and staff.
PRESENTER: Eric Burke, District Administrator/Superintendent
Eric Burke serves as the Superintendent of the School District of Rhinelander and has led strategic efforts to expand career pathways for students, including the development of the district’s Education Pathway. With a strong focus on workforce development and student-centered opportunities, he has helped build partnerships that connect students directly to high-demand careers, including education.
PRESENTER: Lexi Allen, District-Wide College & Career Counselor
Lexi Allen is a district-wide college and career counselor dedicated to helping students discover their passions and prepare for life after graduation. She has played a key role in designing and implementing the Education Pathway, including the development of Youth Apprenticeship experiences and partnerships with postsecondary institutions. Her work focuses on creating meaningful, real-world learning experiences for all students.