Empowering Futures: Indiana's Employability Skills Initiative-Global CTE Podcast Ep.50 w/Michelle Clarke & Kelsey Peaper
Audio
In Episode 50 of the Global CTE Podcast, host Sylvester Chisom is joined by Michelle Clarke, Director of Student, School, and Family Engagement, and Kelsey Peaper, Assistant Director of the same department at the Indiana Department of Education. Together, they explore the transformative impact of Career Tech Education (CTE) in Indiana, discussing innovative strategies for expanding access, personalizing student pathways, and ensuring equity across the state. This episode offers valuable insights for educators, policymakers, and anyone interested in the future of career readiness and education.
Topics Covered:
-Finding Passion: The Importance of Personalized Career Guidance
-Mastery as a Moving Target: The Evolution of Employability Skills
-Transformative Roles: Leveraging Grant Funding for Career Readiness
-Balancing Objectivity: Creating a Reliable Verification System
-Connecting with the Community: Sharing CTE Success Nationwide
Michelle Clarke Bio:
Michelle is an experienced educator with 22 years of teaching, school counseling, and leadership roles. She has served as a PE/Health teacher, School Counselor, and Director of School Counseling. In 2013, she received the Middle School Counselor of the Year award from the Indiana School Counseling Association. Michelle currently holds the Director of Student, School, and Family Engagement position at the Indiana Department of Education. She recently obtained her Licensed Mental Health Certification, furthering her commitment to supporting students, families, and educators with mental health needs in schools.
Additionally, Michelle serves on the Indiana School Counseling Association board as Assistant. Chair., the Indiana Behavioral Health Commission, and is the Co-Chair for the Educational Outcomes Task Force for the Commission on Improving the Status of Children in Indiana. Michelle resides in Noblesville with her Husband, Brian Clarke, and her 4 children Jack, Allie, Kellan, and Dottie.
Kelsey Peaper Bio:
Kelsey brings over 16 years of invaluable experience in the field of education. As a dedicated Teach for America Alumni, she has made a significant impact through her work in various educational settings. Kelsey's journey began in Los Angeles, CA, where she taught high school special education in a traditional public school before moving to Brooklyn, NY, to teach middle school special education at a public charter school.
After relocating to Indianapolis with her husband, Kelsey continued her passion for education by taking on diverse roles in an elementary public charter school. Here, she excelled as a special education teacher, Director of Student Services and Special Education, and Assistant School Leader. Currently, Kelsey serves as the Assistant Director of Student, School, and Family Engagement at the Indiana Department of Education.
In her current capacity, Kelsey plays a pivotal role in providing comprehensive support, professional development, and expert guidance on Multi-Tiered Systems of Support, Family and Community Engagement, Teacher/Staff Engagement, employability skills, mental health, and the management of federal and state grants. Beyond her primary role, Kelsey actively contributes to the educational landscape in Indiana by serving on key committees and boards, including the Child Services Oversight Committee, Educational Outcomes Task Force, Marian Universities' Center for Vibrant Schools Board of Visitors, and the Indiana Arts Commission.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Kelsey finds joy in her roles as a devoted wife and mother. She is an enthusiastic traveler, a self-proclaimed food aficionado, and a passionate supporter of the performing arts. Residing in Indianapolis, Kelsey and her family continue to enrich the lives of those around them through their unwavering dedication to education and community.
Learn more about Michelle and Kelsey's work from the resources below.
Resources:
Sylvester has a free gift for you!
A Free Career Tech Education Masterclass Here:
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