Beyond the test: Unlocking student momentum through Industry Certifications

Wednesday, Mar. 18  |  3:30–4:30 p.m. PT

Move certifications from "optional add-ons" to essential engines for student success and postsecondary readiness.

For a student, an industry-recognized certification is more than a line on a resume or a finished exam. It is proof of capability, a spark of confidence, and a bridge to their future.

We know the "why" behind career and technical education (CTE), but the "how" can often feel like a checklist. This webinar is designed to help K-12 leaders and practitioners reconnect with the human impact of this work. We’re moving beyond the data to discuss how certifications provide the momentum students need to thrive in a competitive postsecondary landscape.

What you’ll gain:
  • A mindset shift: Transition from viewing certifications as "extra work" to seeing them as a critical component of student equity and opportunity.

  • Real-world perspectives: Hear from Eric Franz (Yakima School District) and Sandra Ross (Pasadena Unified School District) on how certifications have transformed their districts' culture and student outcomes.

  • Strategies for implementation: Learn how to use Career Connections and Industry Certifications to create seamless pathways from the classroom to the workforce.

  • Advocacy tools: Get the language and resources you need to champion certification programs to your school board, parents, and community partners.
This session is tailored for California K-12 leaders dedicated to college and career readiness. Five live attendees will each receive a $50 SpaFinder gift card—because busy educators deserve time to relax and recharge.

Register now

About Sandra

Ms. Sandra Ross is a seasoned, student-centered high school business teacher in Pasadena, California! In addition to teaching, Ms. Ross is a professionally trained life and career coach with experience administering various assessment instruments. Bringing 12 years of experience as a business adjunct to high school students for the past 8 years, her goal is to equip students with multiple postsecondary and immediate career options upon graduation.

As an adjunct, Sandra has facilitated core business courses, Business Communication, Transformational Leadership, Human Capital Development and Managing Organizational Change and Critical Thinking support effectiveness as a secondary and post-secondary educator.

As a continuous and lifelong learner, her ongoing academic interests are to identify models that sustain and continually replenish our available pool of qualified domestic workforce resources through higher education, professional training and credentialing. Ms. Ross is married, a parent, grandparent, and native of Chicago, Illinois, currently residing in Santa Clarita, California.

About Eric

Born and raised in Ellensburg, Washington, I earned both my Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and Special Education and my Master's in Education from Central Washington University (CWU). Over the course of 31 years with Yakima School District, I have dedicated my career to empowering students and fostering their academic and personal growth.

My teaching journey began with 15 years in Special Education at the middle school level, where I developed a deep understanding of differentiated instruction and individualized student support. I then transitioned into a K-12 Teacher on Special Assignment (TOSA) role, focusing on instructional coaching and technology integration across all grade levels. In 2013, I specialized further by concentrating exclusively on supporting Career and Technical Education (CTE) teachers, helping them enhance instructional practices and effectively integrate technology into their programs.

In my current role, I oversee multiple critical functions, including Industry Recognized Credentials (IRCs), college articulation agreements, comprehensive data collection and reporting systems, and CTE pathway development and management. My commitment to professional growth is reflected in my credentials, which include 15 Microsoft Office certifications, a Google Data Analytics certificate, and a CTE Director Certification. These technical and leadership qualifications complement my educational expertise and enable me to provide robust support to the teachers and programs I serve.

Speakers

Chase McCubbins
Northern California Territory Manager
YouScience
Marvin Thompson
Southern California Territory Manager
YouScience
Jody Smith
Director of Exam Development
YouScience
Sandra Ross
Pasadena Unified School District (California)
Eric Franz
Yakima School District (Washington)

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