In this episode, Kathleen Vail interviews Elizabeth Bennett, Associate Vice President for Career and Technical Education at Northern Essex Community College and former Associate Commissioner for College, Career, and Technical Education for the state of Massachusetts.
Bennett shares how her career journey — from classroom teacher to state leadership and now higher education — has been driven by one goal: expanding equitable access to career-connected learning for students.
Key Takeaways from the Conversation
Career-connected learning makes school more meaningful
Bennett explains that students increasingly want to understand why they are learning something and how it connects to their futures. She argues that career-connected learning helps students see the relevance of academics by tying classroom lessons to real-world applications and careers.
She shares examples of students using advanced math concepts in manufacturing labs and emphasizes the importance of helping students connect their strengths to possible career paths.
Career awareness should start earlier
A major theme of the conversation is the need to introduce career exploration before high school. Bennett believes middle school — and even elementary school — is the ideal time to help students explore possibilities and build confidence in their abilities.
Rather than allowing students to define themselves by what they aren’t good at, schools should help students identify where they thrive and how those strengths might shape their future.
Community colleges can strengthen the pipeline
Bennett discusses how community colleges are evolving into stronger workforce and career partners. She highlights innovative partnerships that allow students to earn college credits, industry credentials, and workplace experience while still in high school.
She also emphasizes the importance of supporting first-generation college students as they transition from high school into postsecondary education.
How the pandemic inspired educator pathways
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Massachusetts launched new opportunities for high school students to support classrooms while exploring teaching careers themselves. Bennett shares how this effort helped spark broader educator pathway programs across the state.
The initiative also strengthened collaboration with Educators Rising, providing students with curriculum, mentorship, and authentic exposure to the teaching profession.
“After Dark”: Expanding access through innovation
One of the most powerful stories in the episode centers on Bennett’s “After Dark” initiative, which expanded access to CTE programs for students who were stuck on waiting lists.
By using school facilities during unused afternoon hours, districts were able to provide students from underserved communities with access to advanced manufacturing and other career pathways that led directly to college and high-paying careers.
The future of CTE is integration
Looking ahead, Bennett believes the traditional divide between academics and career and technical education will continue to disappear.
Her vision is for every student to experience internships, work-based learning, and career exploration as a normal part of high school — not as a separate track for only certain students.
Teaching as a calling
The episode closes with Bennett reflecting on her own path into education and the teachers who shaped her life.
She shares how the educators who made her feel seen, valued, and encouraged ultimately inspired her to become a teacher herself — and why helping students feel connected and supported remains central to her work today.
About the Guest
Elizabeth Bennett currently serves as Associate Vice President at Northern Essex Community College. Prior to this role, she served as Associate Commissioner for College, Career, and Technical Education for the state of Massachusetts, helping lead statewide efforts focused on equitable access, career-connected learning, and innovative CTE programming.
She was recognized last summer as an Educators Rising Champion at the 2025 Educators Rising National Conference in Orlando.
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