Now more than ever, providing students with career-connected learning experiences helps students develop critical future-ready skills, leveling the playing field and ensuring that every child has the opportunity to chart a course toward an inspiring future.

We are excited to invite you to our Defined Symposium: Deeper Learning, Lasting Impact: Transforming Education for Tomorrow's Workforce. This Symposium is a 3-part series where education leaders and administrators from across the country will dive into how schools and districts are providing students with meaningful career-connected learning opportunities that build critical future-ready skills and expand career pathways, setting all students up for future success.

Registering for the Symposium will automatically register you for all 3 sessions. Certificates of attendance will be awarded after each session. For additional details, check out the agenda below.

Can't attend? Register now and we'll email you a recording!

Symposium Agenda

Session #1: November 6th, 2025 1:00 - 2:30 PM ET

Overview: Join Nick Garcia, Social Studies Curriculum Specialist, and Jon Gustin, Science Curriculum Specialist, from Cherokee County School District in Georgia, along with Tracie Pritchett, Ed.D., Director of Special Programs from Terrell Independent School District in Texas, as they share how their districts are transforming classrooms through career-connected deeper learning to equip students with the skills they need for future success. Defined's Superintendent in Residence, Dr. Melvin J. Brown, will facilitate the conversation and moderate Q&A sessions.

Learn more about our presenters!

Nick Garcia - Social Studies Curriculum Specialist, Cherokee County School District, GA

Nick Garcia is a 15 year veteran social studies educator. For the last two years he has served Cherokee County Schools as a Social Studies Curriculum Specialist. As a curriculum specialist, Nick helps teachers design and implement inquiry-based and project-based learning units. Nick also coaches teachers in designing stimulus-based assessments. He also enjoys creating multimedia content for online courses offered at Cherokee County's virtual school. Nick's passion is bringing out the best in teachers so they can bring out the best in their students.

Jon Gustin - Science Curriculum Specialist, Cherokee County School District, GA

Jon Gustin is a dedicated educator and leader in science instruction. Named Cherokee County Teacher of the Year in 2022, he has served as a science teacher for 17 years and previously worked as a Digital Curriculum Designer. He now serves as a Science Curriculum Specialist, supporting districtwide initiatives to create more rigorous, student-centered learning opportunities, including the development and implementation of project-based learning (PBL). His work focuses on empowering teachers and students through innovative, engaging, and standards-focused science education.

Tracie Pritchett, Ed.D. - Director of Special Programs, Terrell Independent School District, TX

Dr. Tracie Pritchett earned her Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies, Master of Science in Educational Administration, and Doctorate in Educational Administration from Texas A&M University-Commerce, now East Texas A&M. She began her public education career as a fourth-grade teacher in 2001. After 10 years in the classroom, she became a high school testing coordinator with assistant principal duties. She then served as an assistant principal for 4 years at the high school, middle school, and elementary levels. She began her first principalship at an alternative campus then served as an elementary principal for 8 years. The most recent campus where she served was recognized as a "School Transforming Learning" at the N2Learning National Conference, earned 12 distinctions in 3 years, ranked in the top 6% of elementary schools in the North Texas Region, and made the Honor Roll for the state of Texas. Dr. Pritchett began her 25th year in public education this school year and currently serves as the Director of Special Programs for Terrell ISD.

Dr. Melvin J. Brown - Superintendent in Residence at Defined

Dr. Melvin J. Brown is the President and CEO of Soul Vision, LLC, an equity-centered consulting firm focused on motivational speaking, educational consulting, and leadership development. He has held numerous leadership roles in education, including Superintendent of Montgomery Public Schools (AL) and Reynoldsburg City Schools (OH), and served as Vice President for Client & Partner Engagement at Bailey Education Group. With over two decades of experience—as a superintendent, principal, and executive leader—he has also worked with The Ohio State University and several educational organizations nationwide. Dr. Brown holds an Ed.D. from The Ohio State University, along with degrees from Virginia Commonwealth University and James Madison University. An active member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., he serves on multiple boards and is co-author of STEM Century. He was honored with the 2024 Dwight D. Jones Courageous Leader Award from the Institute for Education Innovation. Dr. Brown recently joined Defined as our new Superintendent in Residence advancing Defined’s mission by helping school systems scale career-connected learning from kindergarten through graduation.

Session #2: February 2026

More details to come!

Session #3: March 2026

More details to come!