Bridging the Gap: Preparing Students for Postsecondary Success with Verified Academic and Workplace Skills

Join us for a free webinar designed to provide educators with practical strategies and actionable insights to equip students for success in higher education and the workplace.

In this session, we’ll explore how to effectively align academic preparation with career readiness and workplace certifications, including the WorkKeys National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC). You will gain proven methods to help students verify and showcase their competencies, opening doors to future success.

On Tuesday, April 28, at 11:00 am CST, we’ll discuss: 

• Critical and Analytical Thinking: Discover strategies to help students apply learning to new concepts, a vital skill for thriving in college courses and workplace training programs.

• Verifying Workplace Skills: See how WorkKeys assessments validate essential workplace skills in applied math, workplace documents, and graphic literacy to enhance dual enrollment and CTE pathways.

• Career Exploration as Engagement: Learn about classroom tools and lessons that help students explore high-demand sectors like technology, healthcare, and environmental science.

Who Should Attend?
This webinar is ideal for: 

• Career Technical Education (CTE) directors and coordinators

• Curriculum directors

• Executive directors

• Assessment directors and coordinators

• Counselors

• Superintendents

• Multilingual directors and coordinators

• Workforce commission directors
  

Emily Duplessis is an Account Executive at ACT Education Corp. and a passionate educator who works with school districts across Washington, Oregon, and Utah to open doors for students — through dual enrollment, alternative graduation pathways, and meaningful career exploration. Before joining ACT Education Corp., Emily spent years in higher education as an assistant professor at Central Washington University and in EdTech supporting K–20 institutions through technology adoption and implementation at Instructure. A veteran of the U.S. Army and the Washington State National Guard, her own experience as a light wheel diesel mechanic sparked a deep commitment to career and technical education and the students who thrive through it. Emily holds a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations from Central Washington University and a Master of Arts in Communication and Leadership from Gonzaga University, and she brings that same belief in the power of education to every district she serves.

Simone Mahadeo is an Account Executive at ACT, Inc., supporting schools and districts across California and Nevada. With a career rooted in the classroom as a math and science teacher, she's grown through roles as an instructional coach, school leader, and strategic partner in the EdTech space—giving her a well-rounded perspective on what educators and students actually need to succeed.
She's driven by a simple belief: education is a human right. That conviction shows up in everything she does—from cultivating district partnerships to aligning assessment and readiness solutions with the real-world challenges schools face every day. Her sweet spot is where strategy meets equity, ensuring every learner has access to opportunity.
When she steps away from the work, you'll find her regatta-side cheering on her two daughters, deep in a biblical text, staying active, or doing what fills her cup most—pouring into the people around her, whatever that need may look like.

Kay Gales-Oliver is a dedicated educator with a passion for college and career readiness. Most recently, she served as a school district administrator supporting K–12 Advanced Academics and Gifted and Talented programs. With over 20 years in education, Kay has also worked with the College Board Pre-AP/SpringBoard, the Education Service Center Region 13 as an advanced academics specialist, and as a secondary classroom teacher.

Jennifer Pitts brings over 20 years of experience in education, including roles as a classroom educator and an educational sales professional. One's passion about students and education are two things she firmly believes will never go out of style. Throughout her career, she has built strong partnerships with school districts, provided customized solutions, and engaged students in meaningful ways.