In the first episode of District Dialogue, host Julian Fitzgerald sits down with Kali Beach, Director of Career and Technical Education (CTE) for Pitt County Schools in North Carolina. With roots in agricultural education and a career built on bridging students to real-world opportunities, Kali brings a refreshingly candid and future-focused perspective to what modern career education should look like.

Together, they unpack the evolving role of CTE in today's schools—from dismantling outdated stigmas about “vocational” tracks to exploring the high-value, high-demand pathways that actually align with student interests and 21st-century industry needs. Kali shares actionable insights on how districts can connect classrooms to careers, leverage esports and digital media to build transferable skills, and prepare students not just for jobs—but for lifestyles they want to live.

Key Moments

04:31 Rebranding Vocational Education

09:24 Promoting Work-Based Learning Programs

11:26 Esports Program Development Insight

14:47 "Gaming Industry's Value and Growth"

19:05 Facilitating Real-World Career Connections

20:46 Rethinking Career Choices

24:06 Adapting Curriculum for Modern Needs

30:02 Adapting Skills for Future Tech

31:41 Balancing Teaching and Industry Growth

35:29 Enhancing Classroom with Real-World Engagement

38:32 Consider CTE for Student Exploration

42:07 Student Internships Boost Career Success

43:50 Enhancing Student Work-Based Learning

47:19 Enhancing CTE Outreach Collaboration

50:29 Prof. X: Inspiring Learning Opportunity

Why You’ll Love This Episode

If you're an educator, school leader, policymaker, or parent wondering how to prepare students for a rapidly shifting economy, this episode delivers.

Kali Beach doesn’t just talk about career readiness; she lives it. With warmth, expertise, and a deep understanding of both rural and urban district dynamics, she lays out how CTE can evolve from an elective “extra” into a powerhouse engine for workforce development. Expect candid discussion, practical frameworks, and inspiring stories about students who’ve gone from welding classes to building community college facilities and from gaming hobbies to professional esports pathways.

Connect with Kali Beach

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kali-beach-98b084347

Connect with Us

Host’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julian-fitzgerald-r-471155149

Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cxmmunity

Company Website: https://www.cxmmunityfoundation.org/

This conversation is a blueprint for how education can actually meet the moment.

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Thanks for tuning in and welcome to the dialogue.