A Cross-State Collaboration on Increasing Access to Industry Experts in High School (Working Group Report)

Career and Technical Education (CTE) is an essential strategy for transforming the country’s education system. Unfortunately, most learners lack sufficient access to knowledgeable industry experts who can link what is taught in the classroom to what is applied in the real world. To support states in addressing this lack of access, the Center on Great Teachers and Leaders (GTL Center), the College and Career Readiness and Success Center (CCRS Center), and Advance CTE: State Leaders Connecting Learning to Work convened 11 states and other national partners to explore two of promising strategies for getting students better access to industry experts: (1) supporting industry experts in innovative roles and (2) leveraging postsecondary partnerships and faculty with the goal of advancing work in these states and the broader field.

This report provides a summary of the working groups’ focus and design, the common challenges identified through the process, and promising state solutions and resources. The promising solutions the states shared to address their challenges fall into two categories:

  • Educator Policies (e.g., alternative licensure programs for full-time teachers, part-time/adjunct teachers, and dual enrollment) and
  • Employer Partnership Strategies (e.g., providing employers with a continuum of engagement opportunities, creating or connecting with intermediaries and industry associations, combating employer “burnout,” engaging with industry experts virtually).