Exploring Career Paths: Darian Harris on Fostering Diversity in Tech Education

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In this episode, Stanley Buchesky, CEO of pi-top, engages in an enlightening conversation with Darian Harris, the Director of Career and Technical Education for Durham Public Schools. Darian shares his compelling journey from accountancy to education, driven by a desire to foster diversity and make a significant impact in his community. Together, they explore the innovative measures being implemented in Durham to bridge the racial and gender gaps in technology education, emphasizing hands-on learning and the application of core concepts to real-world scenarios.

Darian discusses the crucial role of industry partnerships in providing students with exposure to diverse career paths and highlights the importance of equipping students with both technical and employability skills. He also delves into the evolving nature of teaching, stressing the move away from rote memorization toward developing problem-solving skills. The episode touches on the challenges teachers face amid rapid technological changes and the strategies to support them through ongoing professional development.

Tune in for a thoughtful discussion on reshaping education for today's diverse student landscape.

Key Moments

00:00 Career Shift: Accountant to Educator

05:24 Preparing Students for Future Jobs

07:56 Preparing Students for Workforce Success

11:41 Connecting Students with Opportunities

15:32 "Accelerated Degree Pathways"

17:52 Student Certifications Boost Earnings

23:03 Creating Engaging Classroom Environments

27:00 Teaching Problem Solving Beyond AI

30:25 Enhancing Classroom Question Techniques

31:23 Entrepreneurship Pitch and Presentation

35:45 "AI Integration and Language Shift"

39:15 Encourage Exploration in Education

Connect with Darian Harris

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darian-harris-180/

Website: https://www.dpsnc.net/