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Maryland State Department of Education

Pathmakers: Stories of College, Career, and Everything in Between

Our vision and purpose are to amplify the stories of transformation and innovation across Maryland's College and Career pathways. This podcast series, guided by the core values of Belonging, Innovation, Career Relevance, Excellence, and Collaboration, will serve as a platform for educators, students, and industry leaders to share their insights and inspire a collective vision for the future of the workforce and postsecondary pathways for students in Maryland.
 

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Season 1 Episode 1: The Blueprint for Career Success in Maryland

Welcome to the inaugural episode of the "Pathmakers" podcast, where host Chuck Wallace sits down with MSDE's Dr. Richard Kincaid and education leader Dr. Rick Fernandez to discuss Maryland's innovative approach to student success. This episode explores how the state is breaking down traditional barriers between Career and Technical Education (CTE), post-secondary education, and the workforce to create a single, connected set of opportunities. By treating college and apprenticeships as equally valuable options, Maryland aims to ensure every graduate is fully equipped to meet the demands of the modern economy.

Host:

Chuck Wallace
Coordinator of CTE Student Organizations, MSDE

Guests:

Richard Kincaid
Assistant Superintendent, Division of College and Career Pathways, MSDE

Dr. Rick Fernandez
Chief Growth Officer, BlueKit Software

Pathmakers Episode 1: The Blueprint for Career Success in Maryland

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Season 1 Episode 2 - Career Clusters Part 1: Future-Proofing Student Success

In Part 1 of this two-part special, we explore the massive shift occurring in Career and Technical Education (CTE), both nationally and within Maryland. Host Chuck Wallace is joined by Dan Hinderliter from Advance CTE, along with MSDE leaders Marquita Friday, Scott Nichols, and Sally Irwin, to discuss why the 2002 "iPod era" framework is being retired in favor of a modern, interdisciplinary approach.

The group breaks down the move from rigid academic silos to dynamic "cluster groupings" that reflect the reality of the modern workforce. Listeners will learn why Maryland is streamlining over 80 programs down to 48 high-quality pathways, how "backward mapping" from industry credentials ensures relevance, and why shifting from a strict curriculum to flexible standards empowers local school systems. This episode lays the foundation for understanding how Maryland is ensuring every student graduates with a competitive advantage.

Host:

Chuck Wallace
Coordinator of CTE Student Organizations, MSDE

Guests:

Dan Hinderliter
Associate Director, State Policy at Advance CTE

Marquita Friday
Director of School Support, MSDE

Sally Irwin
Coordinator of School Support, MSDE

Scott Nichols
Coordinator of School Support, MSDE

Pathmakers Episode 2 - Career Clusters Part 1: Future-Proofing Student Succ

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Season 1 Episode 2 - Career Clusters Part 2: Maryland’s New CTE Experience

In Part 2 of our deep dive into Career Clusters, we move from the "why" to the "how." Host Chuck Wallace welcomes back Dan Hinderliter (Advanced CTE), Marquita Friday, Sally Irwin, and Scott Nichols to unpack Maryland's innovative CTE Flex Model. This new approach moves away from rigid, four-course sequences and empowers students to "choose their own adventure" based on their unique career goals.

Listeners will discover how the new model uses two foundational core courses followed by flexible options like Advanced Placement (AP), Dual Enrollment, or "Career Connected Learning"—such as apprenticeships and school-based enterprises. The panel discusses how this shift not only increases student agency but also expands equity by freeing up program capacity. From "curriculum agnostic" standards to post-secondary crosswalks, learn how Maryland is building a system where every student can design a future that fits them.

Host:

Chuck Wallace
Coordinator of CTE Student Organizations, MSDE

Guests:

Dan Hinderliter
Associate Director, State Policy at Advance CTE

Marquita Friday
Director of School Support, MSDE

Sally Irwin
Coordinator of School Support, MSDE

Scott Nichols
Coordinator of School Support, MSDE

Pathmakers Episode 2 - Career Clusters Part 2: Maryland’s New CTE Experienc

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Season 1 Episode 3: Designing Automatic Access in Education

Join Chuck Wallace on Pathmakers as he unpacks the critical shift from compliance-driven monitoring to outcome-driven collaboration in Maryland Public Schools. In this episode, Chuck is joined by Jeff Wyatt and Dr. Tatum Williams, Performance Specialists from the Division of Special Education’s Secondary Transition team.

Together, they break down the fundamental difference between simply tracking educational inequity and actively designing access so that all students—including those with disabilities—are automatically included in Career and Technical Education (CTE) and advanced academics. You’ll hear how embedding Specially Designed Instruction (SDI) into technical coursework, aligning advising practices, and fostering true interagency collaboration is empowering students to leave high school with real, industry-recognized credentials.

If you are an educator, counselor, or school administrator looking to bridge the gap between special education and career readiness, this episode offers a practical blueprint for ensuring every student thrives.
 

Host:

Chuck Wallace
Coordinator of CTE Student Organizations, MSDE

Guests:

Jeff Wyatt
Secondary Transition Performance Specialist, Division of College and Career Pathways, MSDE

Dr. Tatum Williams
Secondary Transition Performance Specialist, Division of College and Career Pathways, MSDE
 

Pathmakers Episode 3: Designing Automatic Access in Education

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Season 1 Episode 4: Equity in Advanced Learning

Join Chuck Wallace as he explores the modern landscape of advanced academics with Anthony Vargas and Kysha Egungbemi from the Maryland State Department of Education’s Advanced Academics and Gifted and Talented office. In this episode, Anthony and Kysha break down the crucial differences between being identified as "Gifted and Talented" and participating in advanced academic programming like AP and IB. They tackle common misconceptions that hold students back, highlighting how these programs are designed for any student ready for additional rigor, not just traditional honor roll students. You will also hear real-world implementation strategies from county leaders Becky Berberich and Joe Sutton, who discuss how automatic enrollment and "opt-out" policies are breaking down barriers, removing unintentional bias, and changing the culture of student belonging. If you are an educator, administrator, or parent looking to expand equity, access, and opportunity for all students in the classroom, this episode provides a masterclass in challenging the status quo. Be sure to like, subscribe, and leave a comment!

Host:

Chuck Wallace
Coordinator of CTE Student Organizations, MSDE

Guests:

Anthony Vargas, Director, Advanced Academics & GT

Kysha Egungbemi, Coordinator, Advanced Academics & GT

Pathmakers Episode 4: Equity in Advanced Learning

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Season 1 Episode 5: Redefining Digital Learning Today

Join Chuck Wallace, host of Pathmakers, as he sits down with Erin Senior and Nicole Gavin from the Maryland State Department of Education’s Digital Learning Experience team.

In this episode, Erin and Nicole redefine what digital learning looks like today, moving far beyond simply putting laptops in the classroom. They unpack how personalized digital ecosystems, including AI-driven platforms and Virtual Reality, are transforming career pathways and creating equitable opportunities for all students. You’ll also learn about the power of synchronous "broadcast learning" for specialized courses, how asynchronous online courses provide lifelines for home- and hospital-bound students, and the critical importance of digital accessibility standards (WCAG 2.1 AA). If you're an educator, administrator, or parent wanting to understand the future of K-12 digital integration without losing the essential human element, this episode gives you the blueprint for success.

Host:

Chuck Wallace
Coordinator of CTE Student Organizations, MSDE

Guests:

Erin Senior
Director, Digital Learning Experience MSDE

Bob Shaffer
Education Program Specialist - Digital Learning MSDE

Pathmakers Episode 5: Redefining Digital Learning Today

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Season 1 Episode 6: The P-TECH Education Revolution

Join Chuck Wallace on Pathmakers as he dives into Maryland's gold standard for early college and career integration: the P-TECH (Pathways to Technology Early College High School) program.

In this episode, a panel of experts, Kellise Williamson, Bob Shaffer, Dr. Shomari Zachary, and Dr. Kisha Dorch, unpacks how P-TECH creates a seamless pathway from high school to an associate degree and straight into the workforce. You'll hear how local school systems are partnering with industry leaders to provide students with paid internships, mentorships, and industry-recognized credentials before they even graduate. Learn the secrets to building a supportive "P-TECH family" that empowers historically underserved students, ensures they stay on academic track, and gives them the ultimate competitive advantage in the job market. If you're an educator, industry professional, or parent looking for innovative ways to bridge gaps among K-12, higher education, and the workforce, this episode provides a blueprint for successful educational partnerships.

Host:

Chuck Wallace
Coordinator of CTE Student Organizations, MSDE

Guests:

Kellise Williamson
Postsecondary Credit & P-Tech Coordinator

Bob Shaffer
Senior Project Delivery Leader at RK&K

Dr. Kisha Dorch
P-Tech Coordinator at Fredrick Douglass Highschool

Dr. Shomari Zachary
P-Tech Coordinator at Joppatowne Highschool

Pathmakers Episode 6: The P-TECH Education Revolution

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Season 2 Episode 1: Autonomy in Student Pathways (2025-2026)

Join guest host Brice Thomas as he explores innovative approaches to building robust, career-connected learning systems in Maryland. In this episode of Pathmakers, Brice is joined by Tracy Kyttle, Director of Career Connected Learning at the Maryland State Department of Education, alongside student leaders O'Marie Barnes and Michelle Fadele. Together, they unpack how Maryland is overhauling its education system to prioritize student autonomy, hands-on experiences, and industry-backed credentials.

You’ll hear why integrating student voices and building trust are the true drivers of engagement. The guests discuss the new "Core-Flex" model, how to make subjects like math relevant to a student's individual passions, and the importance of allowing young people to "choose their own adventure". If you're an educator, policymaker, or industry leader looking to bridge the gap between classroom learning and future workforce demands, this episode provides a blueprint for creating an agile, student-centered educational landscape.

Host:

Brice Thomas
Coordinator of Equity and Civil Rights for Career Programs

Guests:

Tracy Kyttle
Director of Career Connected Learning, MSDE

O'Marie Barnes
Former Student Member, Maryland State Board of Education

Michelle Fadele
Former Student Leader & Public Speaker, MDSE

Pathmakers Episode 7: Autonomy in Student Pathways (2025 - 2026)

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