In this episode of District Dialogue, host Julian Fitzgerald connects with Shawn Lucena, Director of Career and Technical Education (CTE) at Nacogdoches Independent School District in Texas. Shawn shares his unconventional path into education, complete with setbacks, resilience, and rediscovering his calling in a school library, and how those lived experiences now fuel his leadership in building career pathways for students.

From expanding programs in high-demand trades to creating real-world impact through community partnerships, Shawn offers a candid look at how CTE can transform both students’ futures and local economies. He also opens up about the rewards of seeing students grow from middle schoolers into confident young professionals, and the importance of aligning education with both workforce needs and community well-being.

Key Moments

07:53 Exploring Career Technical Education

11:56 "Addressing Digital Entertainment Gaps"

20:10 Community Bonding Through Washer Toss

25:23 Networking Through Community Engagement

32:24 "Seeking Direction and Growth Opportunities"

34:00 Building Impactful Education Programs

43:22 Career Exploration for Young Students

50:07 Computer Programming and Robotics Training

53:34 Free Dual Credit for CTE Students

58:04 Building Strong Professional Networks

Why You’ll Love This Episode

If you have ever wondered how schools can better prepare students for life beyond graduation, this episode is for you. Shawn Lucena brings an honest, down-to-earth perspective that blends personal storytelling with practical solutions for one of education’s biggest challenges: connecting classrooms to careers. You will hear inspiring success stories, from students signing career “letters of intent” to building homes and community projects that leave lasting legacies. Shawn also sheds light on emerging opportunities in tech, construction, and healthcare, while championing the human side of teaching: relationships, resilience, and purpose. Whether you are an educator, policymaker, parent, or simply passionate about the future of work, this conversation will leave you with fresh insights and hope for how CTE can create lasting change

Connect with Shawn Lucena

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawn-lucena-054b07325

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

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.