Smart Talk Virtual Watch Party: Focus on Career & Tech Education

Listen to Smart Talk every weekday at 9am and 7pm on WITF 89.5 & 93.3. You can also stream WITF radio live on our website or ask your smart speaker to “Play WITF Radio.”

The Watch Party streams LIVE on WITF’s YouTube channel and broadcasts LIVE on WITF 89.5 & 93.3 on Thursday, February 25 beginning at 9am.

Submit your questions now to smarttalk@witf.org

One year ago, Smart Talk hosted the last road trip before the pandemic shut down outside productions. The topic involved Career and Technical Education, with schools and students highlighting the need for skilled workers in Pennsylvania.

The highlight of the show and conversation was how both schools and students were preparing for the future by focusing on strong academic, technical and real-world skills. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all path for high school graduates, and adults, seeking continuing education opportunities.

A year later, how has the pandemic impacted students and educators? What has changed for their plans, now that the needs of the community require certain fields as essential to the work force? And how can the Pennsylvania Department of Education and schools set the conditions for students to succeed in STEM fields?

Guests for the show (by order of appearance):

  • Judd Pittman, Special Consultant to the Secretary of Education for STEM
  • Tom Palisin, Executive Director, Manufacturers Association (York)
  • Megan L. Brightbill, D.H.Sc., HACC Associate Dean of Academic Affairs, School of Health Sciences, and Associate Professor of Dental Hygiene
  • Karen Pflugh, Ed.D., Administrative Director at Dauphin County Technical School, a member of the TechLink Consortium
  • Jeff Remington, National STEM Teacher Ambassador