It’s great to be together for another month of PBL × CTE learning. With the first stretch of the school year now behind us and Fall officially underway, the network is settling into its rhythm — deeper conversations, sharper ideas, and more opportunities to connect practice with purpose. This update gives you a quick pulse on what’s emerging, what’s gaining traction, and what’s helping move high‑quality PBL in CTE programs forward.
Here’s what’s new this month.
Episode 5 is Here — Catch the Latest PBL Network Podcast Release!
CTE is More Than Just an Elective
Featuring Brandon Thrasher, Founder of ENSÄ€HYT & National CTE Storytelling Leader
The newest episode of the PBL Network Podcast: PBL × CTE Limited Series features Brandon Thrasher, founder of ENSĀHYT and a national leader in CTE storytelling and pathway identity. With more than twenty years of experience across education and industry, Brandon brings a compelling perspective on why CTE must be understood as more than “just an elective.” He argues that when schools clearly communicate the purpose, coherence, and opportunities within their pathways, students begin to see real possibility — certifications, dual enrollment, entrepreneurship, and career options that feel both accessible and meaningful.
Brandon also highlights how Project‑Based Learning helps unify technical skills, academic content, and authentic industry experiences. For educators transitioning from industry into the classroom, PBL provides a structure that turns professional expertise into student‑centered learning. And for CTE leaders, Brandon underscores the importance of shaping a narrative that builds belief in the value of CTE across students, staff, and communities.
For the full episode breakdown, key takeaways, and resources, explore the complete show notes here:
Check out the Episode 5 Show Notes Here
Check Out the PBL x CTE Network Resource Library!
A Growing Hub for FREE Co-Created, CTE-Aligned PBL Tools You Can Use In Your Programs & Classrooms Today.
If you haven’t had a chance to explore the PBL × CTE Network Resource Library, now is a great moment to jump in. As the school year settles into its fall rhythm, this living collection of free, practitioner‑focused tools continues to grow — shaped directly by the conversations, challenges, and bright spots emerging across our network. Every resource is designed to support the real work happening in CTE programs and to strengthen the connection between project‑based learning and career‑connected pathways.
Resource Library Spotlight
This month, we’re highlighting the CTE Narrative Reframe Tool, a free worksheet that helps leaders and instructors reshape outdated perceptions of CTE and communicate a clearer, more compelling program story. The tool guides you through identifying common misconceptions, naming the reality of your pathway, and grounding your narrative in evidence — including CLNA data, industry alignment, and authentic PBL experiences. As the sample narrative in the worksheet puts it, “CTE isn’t just vocational training—it’s a rigorous, industry‑aligned pathway that prepares students for high-demand careers.” It’s a practical, ready‑to‑use resource for strengthening how your program is understood by students, families, administrators, and community partners.
If you haven’t explored the Resource Library yet — or if you’re ready to see what’s new — now’s the perfect time to dive in and download tools that support your work.
Check out the PBL x CTE Network Resource Library
Interested in Sharing Your CTE Voice?
One of the most powerful parts of our PBL × CTE Network is the collective expertise of the educators, directors, and industry partners who live this work every day. If you’re interested in contributing your voice, there are two meaningful ways to get involved.
1) Be a Guest on the PBL Network Podcast
You can join me as a guest on the PBL Network Podcast, where we dig into candid conversation about your unique role in the CTE landscape, the current realities you’re navigating, and the ways PBL experiences intersect with your pathway. Each episode highlights authentic stories, challenges, and innovations from practitioners who are shaping career‑connected learning in real time. To learn more, email me at ashley@magnifypbl.com .
2) Become a Leading Voice at One of Our PBL x CTE Network Live Roundtable Discussions
You can also participate as a leading voice in one of our Live Roundtable Discussions, where CTE instructors, directors, and partners come together to unpack shared challenges and co‑design solutions. These conversations fuel many of the resources and insights we publish across the Network.
We’re currently gathering interest and seeking leading voices for our Fall Roundtable: AI Pressures & Possibilities in CTE — a timely conversation exploring how artificial intelligence is reshaping classrooms, pathways, and workforce expectations. If you have experience, questions, or perspectives in this space, we’d love to hear from you.
Sign Up to be a Leading Voice for the AI Roundtable
Did you miss out on one of our Spring / Summer Roundtables?
Full recordings of our live network discussions — along with resources and transcripts — are available in the PBL X CTE Network Event Replay Hub.
Access the Network Event Replay Hub Here
Also Worth Knowing...
Not yet in the PBL x CTE Network LinkedIn Group? That's where I share episode drops, noteworthy insights from network members, event announcements, and other content between newsletters. Come join the conversation.
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-Ashley Curtin
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