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A pathways strategy ensures that students have access to coursework that prepares them for life after graduation. Schools should have a pathways strategy that informs the types of programs and coursework that is offered to students.
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A pathways strategy helps districts to implement State Designated pathways such as State-Approved Career Technical Education (Chapter 74), Innovation Career Pathways, Early College, and locally developed pathways such as Career Connections (non-Chapter 74/Perkins only) and other local pathways and coursework.
Designing a secondary education that serves every student begins with ensuring all students have a strong foundation that is based in providing each student with the supports necessary to gain the foundational college and career readiness skills of Math, English, and Science proficiency in relevant, engaging learning experiences, developing and testing a plan that connects their learning to their interests and goals (MyCAP), and ensuring students are taking coursework that allows for an authentic choice to pursue four year college degree post-graduation (MassCore).
Schools then can determine the pathways and coursework to offer along a spectrum of courses and programs that offer advanced standing for specific careers, advanced standing in college, and broader college and career exploration.
Developing a Pathways strategy and Program of Study for your school/district, should be developed based on Community Need/Demand, what the community want graduates to be able to do by graduation (portrait of a graduate), and guided by ensuring students have voice and choice in determining their path that would help them be successful post-graduation.
Peer Ambassadors are teachers or leaders in DESE-designated pathway programs (CTE, CTE-Partnership, or ICP). These experienced career pathway practitioners serve as accessible, supportive peer points-of-contact to prospective applicants and current designees including sharing what they have learned about designing and implementing effective, equitable programs and facilitating peer-to-peer site visits. They also participate actively in the portal online discussion forums, assist with co-planning and facilitation of online workshops, and help advance DESE's Educational Vision and the goals of the Office of College, Career and Technical Education.
If you want to reach out directly to a Peer Ambassador, a link to their email address can be found in their profile. To help Peer Ambassadors in tracking incoming email requests, we are asking Community of Practice members to note "Peer Ambassador Request" in the subject line of emails.
Work Based Learning Manager
Dearborn STEM Academy
Pathways Website
MassHire Region: Boston
I specialize in creating pathways for student success through my roles as Work Based Learning Manager at Dearborn STEM Academy and Post-Secondary Success Coach at Chelsea High School. My work involves managing internships, fostering industry connections, and guiding at-risk youth towards successful careers. With my passion for student development, I'm dedicated to bridging the gap between education and professional growth.
Pathway Designation:
Contact me about:
Vocational Coordinator
Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School
MassHire Region: Merrimack Valley
As a graduate of a Vocational Technical High School, I have experienced firsthand how a Chapter 74 pathway can transform a student's future. Prior to becoming a Marketing Education teacher, I spent 17 years in retail management. I was able to utilize the knowledge and skills I obtained in industry to prepare my students for success through hands-on learning and career readiness. In my current role as the Vocational Technical Coordinator at Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School, I oversee the Service and Allied Health Cluster Chapter 74 Pathways. I also manage the district's Adult Training Programs, including Adult Education and Career Technical Initiative (CTI) grant-funded training. To meet the evolving training and employment demands of our community, our programs operate during the day, in the evening, and throughout the summer, providing accessible and high-quality training for all individuals seeking a pathway into the trades and career advancement opportunities.
College, Career, and Pathways Specialist
Wachusett Regional High School
MassHire Region: Central Massachusetts
Dr. Rebecca (Becki) DeMarco serves as the College, Career, and Pathways Specialist at Wachusett Regional High School, where she leads Innovation Career Pathways (ICP), MyCAP, and Early College initiatives. With a focus on equitable access and meaningful career-connected learning, Becki collaborates with teachers, administrators, higher education institutions, and workforce partners to create pathways that prepare students for success beyond high school. Her work emphasizes authentic learning experiences, student voice, and alignment between classroom instruction and industry needs. Becki is passionate about building programs that inspire students to explore their strengths and future goals, while also helping districts use data and storytelling to strengthen retention and engagement. As an ICP Ambassador, she looks forward to collaborating with colleagues across Massachusetts to share best practices, celebrate innovation, and continue expanding opportunities for all students to discover and pursue their career and academic potential.
Designated Pathways:
CTE Instructional Coach
Madison Park Technical Vocational High School
In my current role as Full-Time CTE Instructional Coach at Madison Park Technical Vocational High School, I have successfully coached over 20 educators, coordinated district-wide professional learning initiatives, and implemented improvement science methodologies that have scaled innovative practices across multiple learning communities.
Science Teacher
Hoosac Valley High School
MassHire Region: Berkshire
For the past twenty years, I have been pursuing a lifelong passion in environmental studies and education, with particular ecological focus on forested and riparian ecosystems. Dedicated to enthusiastic and dynamic learning as a means of creating and nurturing a love of the natural world for myself and others, I have developed environmental programming for the past six years at Hoosac Valley High School where I currently teach. Course development includes Outdoor Leadership, Conservation and Stewardship, Food System Science, Outdoor Adventure Skills (field course), and Environmental Sustainability (dual enrollment). A classroom teacher for over twelve years, in 2024 I was nominated by Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts and named one of nine educators to receive the Massachusetts State Universities Educator Alumni Award. I continue to teach high school science at Hoosac Valley High School as a science teacher incorporating environmental education and opportunities as often as possible.
Pathway Designations:
Director of Vocational Programs
Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School
MassHire Region: North Central
With more than 22 years of experience in education, I have dedicated my career to shaping the next generation of skilled trades professionals. As the Vocational Director at Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School, I bring extensive hands-on expertise and strong leadership to the role. As a Carpentry Instructor for nearly 20 years, I combined real-world experience with a passion for teaching. Through house building and community service projects, my background as a former carpentry business owner provided students with authentic insight into both the technical and entrepreneurial sides of the trade. Beyond teaching, I have had the privilege of mentoring and coaching high school baseball and football teams. My commitment to teamwork, discipline, and personal growth extends beyond academics—I strive to equip every student with the confidence and skills to thrive in life and the workforce.
Last Updated: December 24, 2025