Education Transformation
Explore bold solutions for redesigning curriculum, engaging stakeholders, and preparing students for tomorrow’s jobs
Meet the Speakers
MASTERCLASS:
Reengineering the Conveyor Belt Model
BEN CHIDA
Former Chief Deputy Cabinet Secretary and Senior Advisor for “Cradle to Career” within the California Office of the Governor
For too long, education has functioned like a conveyor belt, sorting students into rigid paths that limit their potential. This outdated system dehumanizes students and educators alike. Today, we will reengineer those conveyor belts to actually fit the lived realities of our students and families. This masterclass challenges the status quo and offers a new vision—one that prioritizes exploration and flexibility. Instead of rigid tracks, we need a system that supports students as they grow, adapts to evolving careers, and empowers individuals at every stage of life. Change is urgent. By breaking down barriers and aligning education with real human development, we can rebuild a system that truly works for all. Now is the time to act.
MASTERCLASS:
Leading Change and Creating Buy-In
CHRISTINE CRUZVERGARA
Chief Education Strategy Officer, Handshake
Good ideas don't matter if you can't convince those around you to follow. As you accumulate inspiration from the speakers before, don't forget to devise a strategy for how you'll implement these new ideas. Your success and your students' success relies on your ability to effectively lead change. Come learn 5 principles for creating the necessary buy-in across your campus or organization. Using behavioral psychology as a foundation, Christine will leave you with memorable stories and concrete techniques to use with your team, your colleagues, and even your children!
MASTERCLASS:
Continuous Improvement & Changing Culture
DR. AL SOLANO
Founder & Coach at the Continuous Learning Institute
MASTERCLASS HIGHLIGHTS
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Guides Institutions from Strategy to Action Through Culture Change: Confront inertia and lead transformational change by turning ambitious plans into effective, on-the-ground implementation.
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Unpacks the “Five Process Elements” Essential for Lasting Impact: Learn how to drive clarity, coherence, and consensus using a proven framework that includes purpose, assessment, leadership, expertise, and impactful meetings.
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Reimagines Collaboration Through “Settings” That Get Real Work Done: Discover how structured, purpose-driven meeting spaces can replace slow-moving committees and foster rapid, student-centered innovation.
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Introduces Practical Planning Models to Sustain Momentum: From “Discover–Develop–Implement–Evaluate–Report” to his Three-Month Rule, Dr. Solano equips teams to manage time, lead change, and avoid burnout.
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Centers Leadership, Kindness, and Community as Catalysts for Change: This masterclass highlights the power of relational leadership and reminds us that real transformation begins with how we treat one another.
MASTERCLASS:
Big Picture Learning
DR. ELLIOT WASHOR
Founder & CEO, Experience Institute
MASTERCLASS HIGHLIGHTS
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Makes the Case for Learning with Purpose and Passion: Dr. Washor shows how connecting education to students’ real interests transforms motivation, engagement, and long-term success.
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Reimagines the Role of Educators as Designers of Learning Environments: Educators are called to create contexts—not just content—that support curiosity, agency, and deep learning beyond the classroom.
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Highlights the Power of Advisory and Authentic Relationships: Grounded in decades of practice, Dr. Washor explores how strong advisory structures can help students feel seen, supported, and capable of thriving.
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Challenges One-Size-Fits-All Measures of Success: This masterclass pushes back on standardized metrics, advocating instead for personalized learning goals rooted in student voice and real-world relevance.
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Draws from Proven Models Like Big Picture Learning: With rich storytelling and actionable examples, Dr. Washor shares a blueprint for transforming schools into communities where students learn by doing—and by being known.
MASTERCLASS:
Redefining the Goal of Education
DR. KEVIN J FLEMING
Author, CEO of Catapult
MASTERCLASS HIGHLIGHTS
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Reframes Education Around the Question “What’s Next?”: Dr. Fleming challenges institutions to ensure every student graduates with clarity, direction, and purpose—not just a diploma.
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Exposes the Disconnect Between Degrees and Employability: With powerful personal storytelling and data, Kevin unpacks how traditional degree paths can lead to overeducation, underemployment, and career confusion.
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Introduces the Five R’s for Future-Ready Students: Beyond reading, writing, and arithmetic, students need relevance and reality—a direct connection between classroom learning and the real-world labor market.
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Flips the Traditional College Decision Paradigm: Advocates for reverse engineering educational paths: Start with the desired career, then align the major and institution accordingly.
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Presents a Bold Call for Relevance-Driven Curriculum Design: Through real data and compelling insights, Dr. Fleming urges educators to prioritize personalized, skill-aligned learning that prepares students not just for graduation but for life.
MASTERCLASS:
Opportunity On-Ramps: Targeted Education for the Jobs of the Future
DR. MICHELLE WEISE
Future of Education & Workforce Strategist
Tech is advancing; jobs are morphing, and job tenure is shorter; retirement is delayed or gone entirely; and education has to be continuous. Education and workforce strategist Dr. Michelle R. Weise talks about the infrastructure we need to build for a future filled with 20, 30, or more job changes. Part of that involves building more on-ramps to better economic opportunities, which are not always going to mirror the educational experiences we recognize today. During this masterclass, Dr. Weise will share an array of new approaches to skill building for the jobs of today and tomorrow.
MASTERCLASS:
Design Matters: Rethinking Learning Environments
KEN SHELTON
Educator, Speaker
In today’s age, hybrid and remote working environments are becoming increasingly common along with asynchronous, global team collaborations. The terms "learning" and "classroom" (learning space) have therefore taken on a myriad of different and newer meanings.
Both regularly occur and are associated with physical and digital environments. Often times the design of these environments can be a determining factor in the desired outcomes and a learner’s career readiness. In both cases, the designs of each can not only influence the learner but also the breadth and quality of their learning experience. It is this experience that can mean the difference between successful engagement in learning versus disengagement.
During this masterclass, we will examine ways in which we can leverage the designs of physical and digital space to create a unique learner experience as well as strategies for effective design of equitable and inclusive learning environments. Because design matters.
LEVEL UP YOUR TEAM
See why educational institutions rely on Catapult to provide relevant learning & development. Contact us today!
Programs and Masterclasses
Interview format - host Dr. Kevin J Fleming
Interview format - host Dr. Kevin J Fleming
Interview format - host Dr. Kevin J Fleming
Interview format - host Dr. Kevin J Fleming
Interview format - host Dr. Kevin J Fleming
Pathway Success
Pathway Success
Pathway Success
Pathway Success
Pathway Success
"This has been a tremendous experience with growth potential at every corner! Our Implementation Team has been on fire, and we are stoked about each session. Thank you for providing this opportunity to our team!"
Chuck Carter, Director of CTE Programs, Tennessee Department of Education
99%
of educators/staff found Catapult’s content motivational and engaging.
90.8%
of educators/staff say Catapult helped to transform passive support into active commitment at their institution resulting in broader understanding and buy-in.
96.3%
of educators/staff found Catapult’s content useful in crafting their local strategies/tactics.
98%
of participating educators/staff were thankful for the time and space created to reflect, discuss, and engage together.
97.1%
of educators/staff felt more prepared and focused on implementing targeted institutional change.
95.9%
of educators/staff highly recommend Catapult.
Explore our complete Prospectus for an in-depth look at Catapult’s masterclasses, learning outcomes, and transformative approach to professional development
Discover how Catapult empowers educators through expert-led instruction, tactical resources, and a vibrant professional learning community
Explore our Manifesto to discover the ‘why’ behind Catapult—our vision, our values, and our unwavering belief in making education
boldly relevant
Learn how to incorporate Catapult Masterclasses into your Perkins V application with clear language and strategic alignment guidance
