Empowering Tomorrow's Workforce: Strategies for K-12 School Districts to Enhance Student Career Readiness

Mike Duncan

Mike Duncan is the President of Battelle for Kids, a national, not-for-profit organization with the mission of realizing the power and promise of 21st-century learning for every student. Battelle for Kids helps education leaders engage their community to re-envision and transform their school systems. At Battelle for Kids, we take a systems approach to promote enduring transformation of the system and equitable, deeper learning outcomes for every student. Before arriving at Battelle for Kids, Mike served eighteen years as Superintendent in Pike County Georgia, earning the distinction of superintendent of the year in 2021.

Sean Jones (HBA, MACT) is a Research Consultant with Career Pathways at Edmonton Public Schools. He draws on 25 years of experience in the fields of technology, arts, conference management, education and social sciences (all five career pathways!).

Mike Lang’s 18 year career in education began as a 4th grade teacher in Mississippi. He later taught English in Taiwan and spent the rest of his career as an educator in Las Vegas, Nevada. A technology integration specialist, he has been honored as an Apple Distinguished Educator and PBS Digital Innovator. He is currently the Chief Innovation Program Officer at ed.Xtraordinary where he helps educators, and their learners integrate innovative ideas into their classrooms.