From Classroom to Career: How Certifications Enable Practical STEM Learning and CTE Readiness

Roger Tadajewski – Executive Director, National Coalition of Certification Centers (NC3)

Roger is the Executive Director of the National Coalition of Certification Centers (NC3). This organization focuses on educational and industry partnerships. They champion the advancement of standardized stackable multi-industry competency-based certifications developed in partnership with industry and educational leaders in the Transportation, Aviation, Manufacturing, Welding, Construction Trades, Energy, Health & Safety, Coding and STEM sectors.

Ben Sego - Board Member, Hardin County Schools (Ky.), Former NASA contractor

Ben is a member of the Hardin County School Board and works as a consultant in software development and engineering. With a degree in mathematics and computer science, Ben has had many math-focused and technology-driven roles, including as a contractor for NASA. In many of his engagements, he’s called on to survey the scientific literature, research new and developing techniques, and apply that to an engineering problem. In addition to his Board position, he volunteers as an engineering mentor with the VEX Robotics program. For fun, he applies his science and engineering skills to professional pyrotechnics and the development of magic effects. On vacation, you’ll more likely find him at a top-rated escape room than at a five star restaurant.

Michael Hines– Education Leader, Trane by Trane Technologies

Michael is responsible for leadingTrane’s educational offerings and initiatives for the United States and Canada. This includes providing pathways for students to help provide awareness and skill acquisition for all students in secondary and post-secondary education. Mike heads strategic educational offerings and initiatives, helping school districts meet their goals of providing a quality education that will allow students to thrive in the workplace and their community. Mike has spent over thirty years serving educators trying to help optimize the learning experience for students and teachers. Mike holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Wyoming and an MBA from the University of Nebraska.