Real World Learning Celebrates Teachers Elevating Student Experiences through Client-Connected Projects

63 Educators Completed the CCP Apprenticeship Program, Impacting Over 1300 Students and Collaborating with 100+ Community Employers

The Real World Learning initiative proudly announces that 63 dedicated teachers have successfully completed its CCP (Client-Connected Projects) Apprenticeship Program. These educators, recognized for their commitment to providing students with meaningful learning experiences, have completed a year-long peer mentoring program aimed at enhancing real-world learning in classrooms across the region.

Through the CCP Apprenticeship Program, participating educators have gained skills and insights into implementing Client-Connected Projects (CCPs) in both core and elective classrooms. The program equips teachers with the tools and support necessary to engage students in authentic learning experiences that bridge the gap between classroom instruction and real-world application.

Key highlights of the program included:

  • A comprehensive 3-day workshop providing educators with foundational knowledge and strategies for implementing CCPs.
  • Ongoing coaching and support throughout the 2023-2024 school year, including access to resources and one-on-one guidance.
  • Strategies for effectively engaging with employers to enhance student learning experiences.
  • Building a comprehensive student journey towards real-world learning success.
  • Implementing project prompts and utilizing design thinking methodologies within CCPs.
  • Developing confidence in designing and executing successful CCPs, including project planning and execution.
  • Networking opportunities with fellow educators, both in-person and online, to share best practices and insights.

Participating educators have impacted over 1,300 students through the completion of client-connected projects. Additionally, these teachers have collaborated with more than 100 community employer partners, further enriching student learning experiences and fostering essential connections between the classroom and the workforce.

The following teachers were acknowledged for their dedication at a celebration luncheon on Thursday, April 25.

  • Ada Pelham — Heartland Christian School
  • Amanda Shropshire-West — Fort Osage High School
  • Bailey Grassley — Smithville High School
  • Bess Hayles — Lee’s Summit High School
  • Brandi Krahulik — Shawnee Mission East
  • Brett Blanton — LEAD Innovation Studio
  • Britney Williams-Bey — Piper Middle School
  • Carol Hess — Shawnee Mission South
  • Cortney Dougherty — Shawnee Mission South
  • Don Simon — Smithville High School
  • Dustin McKinney — Kearney High School
  • Elizabeth Mael — Kearney High School
  • Emelia Ladd — Harrisonville Middle School
  • Emily Craig — Ray-Pec High School
  • Heather Rimmer — Kearney High School
  • Isabella Mesa — Maple Elementary
  • Jacqueline Walker — Fort Osage High School
  • Jamie Lamb — Fort Osage High School
  • January Batcheler — Piper High School
  • Jennifer Florez — Arrowhead
  • Jennifer Hamilton — Ruskin High School
  • Jennifer Pughsley — Truman High School
  • Jim Newland — 6th & 7th Grade Center
  • Joneisha Williams — Northeast High
  • Joni Harrell — Belton High School
  • Julie Ammons — Fort Osage High School
  • Kara Kestner — LEAD Center
  • Katie Don Carlos — Fort Connect
  • Katie Huff — LEAD Center
  • Katy Bergeron — Ruskin High School
  • Kelly Dale — Kearney High School
  • Kelly Wilson — Fort Connect
  • Kevin Rushing — Belton High School
  • Kiera O’Boyle — Olathe Northwest
  • Kim Morgan — Smithville High School
  • Kohl Garten — LEAD Center
  • Laura Columbatto — Raymore Peculiar Ninth Grade Center
  • Lauren Sage — Schlagle High School
  • Lesli Lame — Harrisonville Middle School
  • Libia Kozisek — Lee’s Summit High School
  • Lucas Delameter — Clinton County
  • Madison Brown — Olathe South High School
  • Madison Rau — Belton High School
  • Marissa Cochran — Knob Noster RVIII
  • Michelle Lawrence — Staley High School
  • Miles Riley — Blue Valley CAPS
  • Nancy White — Raymore-Peculiar Academy
  • Nick Civitello — Belton High School
  • Nicole Porter — Mill Valley High School
  • Raquel Robinson — Blue Valley
  • Sherry Crall — Kearney High School
  • Stephanie Wixon — Shawnee Mission North
  • Tabatha Babcock — Belton High School
  • Tashann East — Hogan High School
  • Tesa Davis — Piper Middle School
  • Tina Tillotson — Belton High School
  • Tomi Hitt — Arrowhead
  • Tori Deneault — Piper High School
  • Tyler McSparin — North Kansas City
  • Tymia Morgan — Lincoln College Prep
  • Zachary Johnson — Class Act Coffee
  • Zelverick Gordon — Paseo Academy of Performing Arts