Career and employability skills are often treated as an add-on, limited to CTE pathways or career-focused electives. In this panel discussion hosted by Vernier Science Education and Marzano Research, researcher David Yanoski leads a conversation with education leaders about a different approach, grounded in new research conducted for the U.S. Department of Education.

After examining more than 22,000 resources, the Marzano Research team found that skills like technology fluency, adaptability, communication, and problem-solving are essential outcomes, with academic content serving as the vehicle for developing them. Panelists Aurora Hymel (West Ada School District, Idaho), Carolina Cano (Portland Public Schools, Oregon), and Kian Zare (Houston ISD, Texas) share how they are integrating these skills into everyday instruction across grade levels and subject areas.

You will learn:

• The eight core skill areas employers consistently prioritize, according to research
• How educators are integrating employability skills into academic content across grade levels, not just in career-focused programs
• Practical strategies for supporting skill development in early grades, where foundational habits like collaboration and self-regulation take root
• Leadership perspectives on what’s working, what’s challenging, and how school leaders can create the conditions for success

Report Link: Building a Future-Ready Workforce: Insights for Employability Skills Framework 2.0