The District Dialogue

Julian Fitzgerald

5.0 (1)
EDUCATION

Welcome to the District Dialogue podcast, where we explore how educators, technologists, and youth advocates are opening new doors in STEM, digital media, and esports. Each episode, we dive into conversations with the people reimagining career and technical education—leaders who are turning interest into impact and helping underserved students turn passion into future-ready careers.

3D AGO

How Hands-On Learning Transforms Students | Chris Wood, SFUSD

In this episode of District Dialogue, host Julian Fitzgerald sits down with Chris Wood, Career Technical Instructor for San Francisco Unified School District. A former residential remodeler turned educator, Chris has spent years building a construction trades pathway at John O’Connell High School that connects carpentry skills with real-world projects, union jobs, and community impact. From tiny homes and rainwater catchment systems to skate obstacles and “mud kitchens” for preschoolers, Chris shares how hands-on, public-facing projects can fund a program, engage students who don’t see themselves in traditional classrooms, and open doors to living-wage careers. Key Moments 00:00 Welcome, show overview & guest introduction 00:51 From builder to educator: how Chris “semi-retired” into teaching 02:47 Preparing students for union carpentry and commercial construction work 03:45 Reality check: hard, dirty work—and why opportunity still draws students in 42:31 Advice for students: advocate for yourself, ask early, not at the last minute 43:12 The Salesforce Tower story: persistence, networking, and getting students on site 45:27 Parting wisdom: just show up, “just do it,” and try before you decide you can’t Why You’ll Love This EpisodeIf you are a CTE leader, classroom teacher, or district administrator looking to make hands-on learning sustainable and meaningful, this episode is full of practical ideas. You’ll hear how to design projects that fund themselves, build authentic partnerships with city agencies and contractors, and teach soft skills that matter as much as any measurement or cut. It’s a grounded, honest look at what it really takes to help students move from “I don’t know” to proud, career-ready builders. Connect with Chris Wood LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-wood-b6a9b712 Connect with UsHost’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julian-fitzgerald-r-471155149Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cxmmunityCompany Website: https://www.cxmmunityfoundation.org/ This episode is a playbook for how schools can use hands-on, community-serving projects to fund programs, build soft skills, and open real career pathways while keeping student growth at the center. Subscribe to District Dialogue wherever you get your podcasts to hear from the educators and innovators shaping the future of learning.

47 min
JAN 16

AI, Cybersecurity & Equity: A CTO’s Playbook for Modern Schools

In this episode of District Dialogue, host Julian Fitzgerald sits down with David Wildy, Chief Technology Officer for Dublin Unified School District in California. With experience spanning higher education and K–12, David shares how districts can keep learning first while navigating 1:1 devices, AI adoption, cybersecurity, and equitable tech access. From managing phishing threats to empowering teachers through short-form PD, this episode is a masterclass in balancing innovation, security, and human connection. Key Moments05:09 Generative AI: breakthrough tech in uncharted waters 07:42 Using AI to support training and streamline district work 10:45 Cybersecurity realities: phishing, fake invoices, and staff awareness 14:27 Building proactive defense through monitoring and endpoint control 18:23 From carts to 1:1: how the pandemic reshaped classroom tech 19:32 Why Chromebooks remain the most secure and scalable choice 25:08 Teacher PD that works: micro-learning over long workshops 37:25 Closing the digital divide with connected devices and student equity 51:42 Leadership mindset: remove barriers, stay connected to those you serve Why You’ll Love This EpisodeIf you’re a district leader, technologist, or educator seeking balance between innovation and safety, this episode offers practical steps for managing AI, protecting data, and designing equitable systems that keep students at the center. Connect with David Wildy LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-wildy-mpa-ba41b95 Connect with UsHost’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julian-fitzgerald-r-471155149Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cxmmunityCompany Website: https://www.cxmmunityfoundation.org/ This episode is a playbook for how schools can innovate safely and equitably without losing sight of what matters most: student success. Subscribe to District Dialogue wherever you get your podcasts to hear from the educators and innovators shaping the future of learning.

55 min
11/11/2025

Redefining Success: Career, College, and Community at Dover Area School District

In this episode, host Julian Fitzgerald sits down with Emily Miller, the newly appointed Director of Career and Technical Education (CTE) at Dover Area School District in Pennsylvania. With a unique background spanning corporate America, classroom teaching, and now CTE leadership, Emily shares her passion for creating real-world pathways to success for students of all ambitions. From the urgent demand for skilled electricians and partnerships with major employers, to hands-on projects like student-built submarines and the changing face of vocational ed, Emily gives us a behind-the-scenes look at how her district is connecting students, community, and industry. Whether you’re an educator, policymaker, parent, or simply someone interested in the future of education, this conversation is packed with practical insight, and inspiration about what it takes to prepare the next generation for thriving careers in both traditional trades and emerging tech fields. Key Moments: 05:44 Hands-On Skills Boost Engineering Careers 07:31 Early Career Opportunities in Digital Entertainment 10:33 Community Service Through CTE Partnerships 15:02 Flexible CTE Course Selection 18:22 Career Shift to Education Reform 19:49 Evolving Views on Vocational Training 22:32 Alternative Pathways to Success 26:07 "Pathways to Success After High School" 30:36 Dover CTE Best Practices Insight 33:50 Expanding CTE Programs Vision 35:58 AI's Role and Human Necessity 41:33 Comprehensive Education for Innovation 44:12 Promoting Collaborative Career Education Why You’ll Love This Episode: If you’ve ever questioned how schools can expand real opportunities for every student, this episode with Emily Miller will resonate deeply. As Dover Area School District’s new CTE director, Emily shares how hands-on learning. Whether it’s building submarines, designing with CAD, or earning industry certifications, gives students confidence and purpose beyond graduation. You’ll hear about powerful partnerships with local employers, career signing days, and the balance between traditional trades and future-focused fields like cybersecurity and AI. Emily’s perspective blends practical solutions with inspiring stories of students finding their path, showing how CTE can truly transform lives. Whether you’re an educator, employer, or parent, this conversation will open your eyes to what future-ready education looks like. Connect with Emily Miller:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-miller-4489826/ Company Website: https://www.doversd.org/ Connect with Us:Host’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julian-fitzgerald-r-471155149Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cxmmunityCompany Website: https://www.cxmmunityfoundation.org/ This conversation is a blueprint for how education can actually meet the moment.Subscribe to District Dialogue wherever you get your podcasts to hear from the educators and innovators shaping the future of learning.Thanks for tuning in and welcome to the dialogue.

46 min
11/04/2025

Building Opportunity: How CTE Connects Students, Industry, and Community in East Texas

In this episode of District Dialogue, host Julian Fitzgerald connects with Shawn Lucena, Director of Career and Technical Education (CTE) at Nacogdoches Independent School District in Texas. Shawn shares his unconventional path into education, complete with setbacks, resilience, and rediscovering his calling in a school library, and how those lived experiences now fuel his leadership in building career pathways for students. From expanding programs in high-demand trades to creating real-world impact through community partnerships, Shawn offers a candid look at how CTE can transform both students’ futures and local economies. He also opens up about the rewards of seeing students grow from middle schoolers into confident young professionals, and the importance of aligning education with both workforce needs and community well-being. Key Moments 07:53 Exploring Career Technical Education 11:56 "Addressing Digital Entertainment Gaps" 20:10 Community Bonding Through Washer Toss 25:23 Networking Through Community Engagement 32:24 "Seeking Direction and Growth Opportunities" 34:00 Building Impactful Education Programs 43:22 Career Exploration for Young Students 50:07 Computer Programming and Robotics Training 53:34 Free Dual Credit for CTE Students 58:04 Building Strong Professional Networks Why You’ll Love This Episode If you have ever wondered how schools can better prepare students for life beyond graduation, this episode is for you. Shawn Lucena brings an honest, down-to-earth perspective that blends personal storytelling with practical solutions for one of education’s biggest challenges: connecting classrooms to careers. You will hear inspiring success stories, from students signing career “letters of intent” to building homes and community projects that leave lasting legacies. Shawn also sheds light on emerging opportunities in tech, construction, and healthcare, while championing the human side of teaching: relationships, resilience, and purpose. Whether you are an educator, policymaker, parent, or simply passionate about the future of work, this conversation will leave you with fresh insights and hope for how CTE can create lasting change Connect with Shawn Lucena LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawn-lucena-054b07325 Company Website: https://www.nacisd.org/ Connect with Us Host’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julian-fitzgerald-r-471155149 Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cxmmunity Company Website: https://www.cxmmunityfoundation.org/ This conversation is a blueprint for how education can actually meet the moment. Subscribe to District Dialogue wherever you get your podcasts to hear from the educators and innovators shaping the future of learning. Thanks for tuning in and welcome to the dialogue.

1h 3m
10/29/2025

Breaking the Mold: How CTE Is Rewiring the Future of Education

In the first episode of District Dialogue, host Julian Fitzgerald sits down with Kali Beach, Director of Career and Technical Education (CTE) for Pitt County Schools in North Carolina. With roots in agricultural education and a career built on bridging students to real-world opportunities, Kali brings a refreshingly candid and future-focused perspective to what modern career education should look like. Together, they unpack the evolving role of CTE in today's schools—from dismantling outdated stigmas about “vocational” tracks to exploring the high-value, high-demand pathways that actually align with student interests and 21st-century industry needs. Kali shares actionable insights on how districts can connect classrooms to careers, leverage esports and digital media to build transferable skills, and prepare students not just for jobs—but for lifestyles they want to live. Key Moments 04:31 Rebranding Vocational Education 09:24 Promoting Work-Based Learning Programs 11:26 Esports Program Development Insight 14:47 "Gaming Industry's Value and Growth" 19:05 Facilitating Real-World Career Connections 20:46 Rethinking Career Choices 24:06 Adapting Curriculum for Modern Needs 30:02 Adapting Skills for Future Tech 31:41 Balancing Teaching and Industry Growth 35:29 Enhancing Classroom with Real-World Engagement 38:32 Consider CTE for Student Exploration 42:07 Student Internships Boost Career Success 43:50 Enhancing Student Work-Based Learning 47:19 Enhancing CTE Outreach Collaboration 50:29 Prof. X: Inspiring Learning Opportunity Why You’ll Love This Episode If you're an educator, school leader, policymaker, or parent wondering how to prepare students for a rapidly shifting economy, this episode delivers. Kali Beach doesn’t just talk about career readiness; she lives it. With warmth, expertise, and a deep understanding of both rural and urban district dynamics, she lays out how CTE can evolve from an elective “extra” into a powerhouse engine for workforce development. Expect candid discussion, practical frameworks, and inspiring stories about students who’ve gone from welding classes to building community college facilities and from gaming hobbies to professional esports pathways. Connect with Kali Beach LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kali-beach-98b084347 Connect with Us Host’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julian-fitzgerald-r-471155149 Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cxmmunity Company Website: https://www.cxmmunityfoundation.org/ This conversation is a blueprint for how education can actually meet the moment. Subscribe to District Dialogue wherever you get your podcasts to hear from the educators and innovators shaping the future of learning. Thanks for tuning in and welcome to the dialogue.

52 min

5 Episodes

Welcome to the District Dialogue podcast, where we explore how educators, technologists, and youth advocates are opening new doors in STEM, digital media, and esports. Each episode, we dive into conversations with the people reimagining career and technical education—leaders who are turning interest into impact and helping underserved students turn passion into future-ready careers.

Creator

Julian Fitzgerald
Years Active

2025 - 2026
Episodes

5
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© 2026 Julian Fitzgerald