Engage students by giving their work purpose beyond the classroom. This session showcases how Speech classes at Gardner Edgerton High School partnered with local government and business professionals to create meaningful, client-connected projects. Students addressed real challenges and pitched their ideas directly to decision-makers. Participants will gain a step-by-step look at how the project was developed, how community partners were engaged, and how student and client feedback shaped the experience. The presenter will also discuss how this framework can be adapted to fit a wide range of courses and disciplines.
Jaylene Freeman holds a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education with a minor in Business from Kansas State University and a Master of Arts in Education from Baker University. She has spent her career dedicated to preparing students for life beyond the classroom through innovative... Read More →
Monday July 20, 2026 10:45am - 11:35am CDT RC 27011190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210
Learn our planning process, course sequencing, and resources used to support pathway implementation. This session shares how our district developed and implemented a Mental and Behavioral Health Strand. Presenters will discuss how partnerships were formed with the community, provide grab-n-go resources used in courses, and share our problem solving process for potential issues. Attendees will explore classroom-tested activities, instructional resources, and engagement strategies designed to increase relevance, student participation, and career readiness, with tools they can adapt for their own Human Services pathways.
Cathy Mong is a CTE teaching specialist in Wichita Public Schools, USD259. She serves the FCCS, Early Childhood, Restaurant and Event Management, Teaching/Training, Health and Biotechnology
Family and Consumer Sciences Teacher, Wichita Public Schools
Aubry Weigel is the Family Community Consumer Services Pathway Leader in Wichita Public Schools. She is also the FCS department chair at Wichita Northwest and is an Early Childhood Teacher
Monday July 20, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT RC 22111190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210
