The relevance of stackable, industry-recognized credentials is tremendous to the CTE field, as degrees alone are no longer enough to prepare students for today’s workforce. With 92% of U.S. jobs requiring mastery of digital skills—including Adobe Suite, Microsoft Office, Google Docs, cybersecurity, web development, and coding—it’s essential to equip students with tools that ensure their success and give them a competitive edge. Alarmingly, over one-third of college graduates enter the job market without these critical competencies.
The value to participants is great, as they will explore how stackable, industry-recognized, and proficiency-based certifications can bridge this critical skills gap. Participants will learn actionable strategies to empower learners to validate and demonstrate their expertise in essential digital competencies, setting them up for success in higher education and their careers.
The presenter, Melissa Murphy, regional sales manager at Tosa by Isograd, taught elementary school for many years before moving into the educational technology space for K-12 schools, as well as higher education institutions. Her passion has always been in education, in providing teachers and students with the skills to be successful.
This topic is highly relevant to the CTE field as it focuses on transforming essential yet mundane material into engaging and memorable learning experiences. The goal is to help students truly understand the content rather than simply memorize it. This session aims to inspire participants to build strong foundational relationships with their students while incorporating fresh, interactive activities into their classrooms. Our presenters bring valuable expertise: a registered nurse with 17 years of experience, including four years in the classroom, and an athletic trainer with 16 years of experience, all of which involve teaching. Additionally, our athletic trainer was recognized as the district teacher of the year in 2017.
Relevance to CTE: Describes the connection between skills development and wages, and the importance of training.
Value to Participants: Provides (and demos) a ready-made lesson plan and activity for a group of students.
Presenter: Has 30+ years in economics and business education and works for the Federal Reserve, the owner of the website and the maker of the resources.
Relevance to CTE: The topic discusses resources useful for teaching economics, business, finance, and entrepreneurship courses
Value to Participants: Shows the new website that offers hundreds of free resources. Teaches participants how to access resources and provides examples.
Presenter: Has 30+ years in economics and business education and works for the Federal Reserve, the owner of the website and the maker of the resources.
Priority Occupations are a resource that helps guide the development of new education or training programs and the continuous improvement of current programs. The interactive format allows students, parents and educators to craft personalized lists for potential career pathways or occupations of need in their area.
Growing Our Own: Moving the Educurious to Educator is directly related to the CTE Education and Training pathway. Other teachers, administrators, and career center directors will find value in learning from Saluda County's successful development in a rural community. Heather Harmon, the presenter, has been a key component to the growth and success of this program through recruitment and instruction for the courses offered to achieve completion status.
Teacher Cadet and English teacher, Department Chair, Saluda County School District
This is my first year as a Teacher Cadet instructor. In addition to Teacher Cadet, I'm currently teaching Ready for HS Literacy and English 2 Honors. I also serve as the English Department chairperson and NHS advisor. During our time together, I look forward to sharing experiences... Read More →
Wednesday June 25, 2025 3:30pm - 4:30pm EDT Room 102-A
