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
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This conversation is a blueprint for how education can actually meet the moment.
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What is The District Dialogue Podcast?
Welcome to The District Dialogue Podcast, where we explore how educators, technologists, and youth advocates are opening new doors in STEM, digital media, and esports.
Each episode, we dive into conversations with the people reimagining career and technical education—leaders who are turning interest into impact and helping underserved students turn passion into future-ready careers.