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).
Having a strong foundation for learning also includes making sure all programming is safe and accessible for all students. Schools, especially those with state designated pathways, can use this Safety, Health, and Accessibility Review template to help ensure that all classrooms and programs are the highest quality for students.
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.
Pathways Peer Ambassadors are teachers or leaders in Department of Elementary and Secondary Education DESE-designated pathway programs (Career Technical Education CTE, Career Technical Education CTE-Partnership, or Innovation Career Pathway 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 assist with co-planning and facilitation of online workshops and professional learning communities.
If you want to reach out directly to a Peer Ambassador, a link to their email address can be found in their profile. To assist Peer Ambassadors in tracking incoming email requests, say "Peer Ambassador Request" in the subject line of emails. Please note that Peer Ambassadors provide guidance based on their own experiences, but questions regarding specific application questions or other matters of policy should be raised with your Department of Elementary and Secondary Education DESE College, Career and Technical Education CCTE Liaison.
Career, Community, and Innovations Coordinator
Nipmuc Regional High School
Pathways Website
MassHire Region: Central Massachusetts
With 30 years in education, I have served as a teacher, coach, athletic director, assistant principal, and principal. Today, as the Career, Community, and Innovations Coordinator at Nipmuc Regional High School, I leverage this comprehensive background to build meaningful learning experiences for our students. My extensive background in athletics deeply shapes my approach, instilling a strong team spirit and a collaborative mindset across all my work. Through the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education DESE Peer Ambassador program, I aim to partner with educational leaders across the Commonwealth, offering collaborative leadership to expand and elevate Innovation Career Pathways (Innovation Career Pathway ICP) for all students. I see the larger picture of how Innovation Career Pathway ICP fits seamlessly into authentic student learning, bridging the gap between the classroom and real-world application. Making these career connections is essential for engaging students, fostering purpose, and preparing them for life beyond graduation. I look forward to collaborating with fellow educators across the Commonwealth to expand these opportunities.
Pathway Designations:
Contact me about:
Coordinator, Innovation Career Pathways / Internship / My Career and Academic Plan MyCAP
Medway High School
MassHire Region: Metro South/West
Mrs. Carly Brousseau is entering her third year at Medway High School and currently serves as the Program Coordinator of the Innovation Career Pathways (Innovation Career Pathway ICP) and My Career and Academic Plan MyCAP programs. She is also the Internship Coordinator managing internship partnerships and overseeing work-based learning experiences for both Innovation Career Pathway ICP seniors and seniors outside of the Innovation Career Pathway ICP program. Prior to her time at Medway High School MHS, Carly held positions in program management at a global medical device company, various positions at a background screening firm, and worked in a direct-care position at a residential placement for teens. Carly is passionate about career exploration and real-world learning. She prioritizes opportunities for high school students to connect directly with industry professionals through guest speaking engagements, field trips, and school-based events like Career Day and Science, Technology Engineering, and Mathematics STEM Fair.
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 (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.
Career Technical Education CTE Instructional Coach
Madison Park Technical Vocational High School
MassHire Region: Boston
In my current role as a full-time Career Technical Education 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.
Assistant Director of Post Secondary Readiness
Lynn Public Schools
MassHire Region: North Shore
Dr. James McDonald (Jim) is an educational leader dedicated to creating innovative college and career pathways that expand opportunities for all students. As Assistant Director of Innovation and Grants Management for Lynn Public Schools, he leads Early College initiatives, develops strategic partnerships with higher education and industry, and supports the growth of career-connected learning experiences, including Innovation Career Pathway ICP and Career Technical Education CTE pathways, internships, and work-based learning. Drawing on nearly two decades of experience in K-12 and higher education, he has served as a teacher, school counselor, transition specialist, and college advisor, helping students successfully navigate postsecondary education and workforce opportunities. Jim is passionate about equitable access, student-centered planning, and building systems that connect education to meaningful futures.
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. 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, incorporating environmental education opportunities as often as possible.
Supervisor of Instructional Practices & Teacher Development
Essex North Shore Agricultural and Technical School
As a graduate of a vocational technical high school, Chapter 74 pathways have transformed my life and allowed me to impact future generations of Chapter 74 students. Since entering education in 2018, I have dedicated my career to strengthening Career Technical Education CTE programming, spending the last seven years teaching and leading within Career Technical Education CTE schools. Having served as a classroom teacher, CTAE instructional coach, and school administrator, I bring a well-rounded perspective on how to support both students and educators in career-focused environments. Throughout my career, I have held leadership and teaching roles at Greater Lawrence Technical School, Whittier Regional Vocational Technical School, and currently serve as Supervisor of Instructional Practices and Teacher Development at Essex North Shore Agricultural and Technical School. In my current role, I support high-quality instruction and teacher growth while spearheading strategic initiatives for Multilingual Learners. This past year, I led the team that redesigned our career pathways electives to fully align with Chapter 74 programming. I am passionate about ensuring high-school pathways provide all learners with rigorous, industry-aligned learning experiences that prepare them for long-term career success.
Assistant Principal
Bourne High School
MassHire Region: Cape Cod and Islands
I'm proud to represent Bourne High School as a Peer Ambassador for Innovation Career Pathways. I love sharing what we've learned through our School-to-Career programs including Innovation Career Pathway ICP, Chapter 74, and Early College. and being a resource for colleagues across the state. I'm always happy to share ideas, resources, and lessons learned to help others build strong opportunities for their students.
Last Updated: September 25, 2026