Kristy Venne has over 20 years of experience in PK-12 education, workforce development, and community engagement. She has served as a teacher, principal, and district administrator in central Ohio. Kristy earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Art Education and her Superintendent License from The Ohio State University. Kristy’s leadership includes roles as the founding Director of Emerald Campus, Career Education Coordinator, and Director of Community Engagement for Dublin City Schools, where she built impactful PK-12 initiatives. Her goal is to empower students and leverage a collaborative approach to transforming challenges into opportunities. In 2024, she founded Jade Strategies, a consulting firm dedicated to advancing classroom-to-career solutions through strategic partnerships and innovative programming. Her clients range from the State Department of Education and Workforce, Educational Service Centers, Industry Associations, to school districts.
In a recent interview with Higher Education Digest, Kristy Venne discussed her experience with classroom and career. She shared her views on workforce development, career pathway development for students, Balancing Digital and Traditional Learning, leadership within K-12 education, and many more.
How has your experience shaped your views on workforce development and its integration into K-12 education?
My perspective on workforce development has evolved significantly over the years and it is grounded in the idea that our communities thrive on strong connections between K-12 schools, higher education institutions, training programs, and the workforce.
I began my career as a traditionally trained educator, teaching elementary and high school visual arts. Workforce development was rarely a topic of discussion when I obtained my principal and superintendent licensure at a top-rated institution – it was mentioned but not emphasized. My true immersion in workforce development began when I was selected to open an innovative high school that integrated experiential learning, career academies, college courses, International Baccalaureate programs, and alternative pathways for students with disabilities or other challenges. That experience, nearly eight years ago, transformed my worldview and educational philosophy. It reinforced the responsibility we have to ensure students graduate not only with academic knowledge but also with the skills and experiences needed to succeed in their future careers.
What role does community engagement play in strengthening student success, and how have you effectively fostered partnerships?
The saying “It takes a village to raise a child” holds true today more than ever. Community engagement is a critical factor in student success, as strong partnerships between schools, businesses, and organizations create opportunities that enhance learning, remove barriers, and uplift entire communities.
As the Director of Community Engagement for a suburban Ohio public school district with almost 18,000 students, I had the opportunity to build partnerships that directly increased student learning and success. A prime example is the Business Advisory Council (BAC), which I co-led. This council played a pivotal role in providing students with real-world opportunities, from participating in mock interviews to preparing for college, scholarships, and internships. Additionally, we partnered with businesses to develop career pathway academies in logistics, healthcare, cybersecurity, entrepreneurship, and hospitality.
Beyond career development, community partnerships also support students in other essential ways—addressing food insecurity, providing mental health support, and celebrating student achievements. Most community members want to see schools succeed, whether because they care about students or because strong schools benefit local economies, increase home values, and attract businesses. Schools are an integral part of a community’s ecosystem, and when they flourish, everyone benefits.
Workforce demands are evolving rapidly—how can K-12 schools better prepare students for future careers?
K-12 schools often operate under a traditional model that hasn’t changed much in over a century. Meanwhile, the workforce is evolving at an unprecedented pace, requiring employees who can think critically, adapt to change, collaborate, and build strong relationships. With AI becoming increasingly integrated into industries, human or “durable” skills – such as communication, problem-solving, and emotional intelligence – are more valuable than ever.
Now is the time for schools, businesses, and higher education institutions to break down silos and work together. This means aligning priorities, sharing resources, and collaborating to create meaningful, real-world learning experiences. Schools must help students see the connections between classroom learning and real-world applications. By integrating project-based and work-based learning, educators can engage students in solving real problems that align with their interests and aptitudes.
To achieve this, education leaders must understand workforce needs and be open to adapting their approach to align with the broader economic ecosystem while still meeting mandated graduation requirements. Students are eager to engage in meaningful problem-solving that impacts their communities – this is a powerful entry point for blending academic learning with career readiness.
What innovative strategies have you seen successfully implemented in career pathway development for students?
One of my favorite models is the Career Academy approach, where students follow a structured pathway of a series of aligned courses that lead to obtaining an industry-recognized credential, experiential learning with industry partners, and/or potential college credit. The most impactful programs go beyond coursework – students actively solve real problems for businesses, allowing them to gain practical experience while learning.
When students engage in authentic work, they develop a deeper understanding of their career interests and build confidence in their abilities. Experiential learning is key—students should have opportunities to apply their skills in real-world settings, whether through internships, apprenticeships, or project-based learning. Students also need on-ramps and off-ramps with the option to change their mind and pivot as they discover more about their preferences and talents. This is time well-spent prior to making life-changing decisions post high school.
How can schools and businesses collaborate to create meaningful work-based learning opportunities?
Successful partnerships start with aligning needs and priorities and clearly defining roles and responsibilities. Schools and businesses often have different approaches—schools tend to plan thoroughly before launching new initiatives, while businesses prefer to pilot, iterate, and refine. The key is to meet in the middle and take action.
In my state, the Department of Education and Workforce provides great resources to help schools and partners to implement work-based learning, but the most critical step is simply to start. Schools and businesses must open lines of communication, share resources, and create opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience. Even small-scale initiatives, such as job shadowing or mentorship programs, can make a significant impact. Over time, these efforts can evolve into structured career pathways that prepare students for the workforce.
What are the biggest challenges in leadership within K-12 education today, and how can educators and administrators navigate them?
In the United States, we have seen external factors such as political issues create challenges for school leaders and the boards they answer to. These distractions take time away from important issues such as academic growth, student mental health, and school safety which must remain top priorities. School leaders must focus on foundational needs while creating a student-centered culture that fosters engagement and success.
Another layer of complexity education leaders face is that today’s students are growing up in a complex digital landscape with social media and technology that present both opportunities and challenges. Many educators did not experience these challenges themselves as students, making it essential for school leaders to listen to students and adapt to their realities.
With technology transforming education, how can schools balance digital learning with traditional teaching methods while maintaining student engagement?
At the heart of student engagement is empowerment and agency – students must take ownership of their learning and see its relevance to their future. Digital tools can enhance this process and allow students to learn when and how they prefer; this ultimately prepares young people for their future, which includes requirements for life-long learning and up-skilling. Students already access vast amounts of information on their own, meaning educators must find ways to make curriculum relevant and engaging. The most effective teachers leverage a mix of digital and traditional methods but, most importantly, prioritize relationships. When students know their teachers care about them as individuals, they become more engaged in learning – regardless of the format.
Gamification, hands-on relevant projects, and real-world problem-solving can all enhance student motivation. Ultimately, digital learning should be viewed as a tool rather than a replacement for meaningful instruction and mentorship from expert educators.
Looking ahead, what trends do you believe will shape the future of K-12 education and workforce development?
The most significant force shaping education is technology – especially artificial intelligence. Just as the internet revolutionized education decades ago, AI is now accelerating change at an exponential rate. This shift demands agility from educators and an unprecedented level of collaboration between K-12 schools, higher education, and workforce leaders.
Another key trend is the shift from degree-based hiring to skills-based hiring. More industries are now valuing short-term credentials and specialized training over traditional four-year degrees. As a result, schools must rethink how they prepare students for the workforce, placing a stronger emphasis on hands-on learning, industry-recognized credentials, and adaptable skill sets.
Additionally, human skills – such as communication, leadership, and critical thinking – will be more valuable than ever. Schools must ensure students have opportunities to develop these competencies in alignment with workforce needs. The future of education will be defined by collaboration, adaptability, and innovation. Schools that embrace these principles will be best positioned to prepare students for an ever-changing workforce.