The Idea Spark

Igniting innovative ideas to energize education.

The Idea Spark is a podcast series from EdSurge Solutions Studio, hosted by Carl Hooker.

EdSurge Solutions Studio collaborates with organizations in the edtech sector, crafting custom content that illuminates new paths in learning and explores the evolving landscape of education.

You can follow the podcast on the Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Amazon Music.

Interested in learning more?

Drop us a line at sales@edsurge.com.

BOLD ADVANCES IN COLLEGE AND CAREER READINESS

The Idea Spark

Career Readiness in the Real World [Podcast]

Sponsored by Pearson

The Idea Spark

Dual Enrollment Unpacked [Podcast]

Sponsored by Pearson

The Idea Spark

The Evolving Landscape of CTE [Podcast]

Sponsored by Pearson

A Podcast Series, from Pearson College and Career Readiness

CLICK TO LISTEN TO THE FULL SERIES!

Episode 1: The Evolving Landscape of CTE

Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs are evolving, becoming more deeply integrated into mainstream high school curricula. Alongside this transition is an expanded perspective on career exploration, and a stronger emphasis on student agency and well-being.

In this episode, host Carl Hooker speaks with Elyse Monahan, a former CTE educator and current National Product Sales Specialist at Pearson. They discuss the transformation of CTE, and how these programs are shifting towards offering students a more well-rounded, future-ready education.

Episode 2: Dual Enrollment Unpacked

With declining college enrollment, institutions are rethinking the traditional four-year model. Dual enrollment has emerged as a significant growth area, with high schools increasingly prioritizing these programs and colleges finding that dual enrollment students now comprise a significant portion of their student body. This trend has developed alongside the shift toward virtual and asynchronous course delivery, creating new educational pathways.

In this second episode of The Idea Spark podcast, host Carl Hooker speaks with Laura Weiss, senior director of commercial strategy and growth initiatives at Pearson. The episode explores how dual enrollment and early career pathways are helping students move faster and more affordably toward meaningful careers.

Episode 3: Career Readiness in the Real World

As industries evolve and the skills gap widens, the question remains: How can we better connect education to employment?

In this episode of The Idea Spark, host Carl Hooker welcomes Jennifer Wilkerson, VP of Innovations and Advancements at NCCER (National Center for Construction Education and Research), and Andy Dunaway, Product Manager, Career Connected Learning at Pearson. Together, they explore how credentialing, industry alignment, and strong partnerships help students move from the classroom to meaningful careers. Using construction as a lens, this conversation highlights scalable strategies for building career-ready pathways across CTE programs and beyond.

A Mini-Podcast Series, from EdSurge Solutions Studio

Carl Hooker brings us a live podcast from the ISTE+ASCD conference in San Antonio, Texas. He connects with conference attendees, friends old and new, asking each to share a problem they're working to solve in their corner of the education world — or as Carl puts it: "Tell me your idea spark."

CLICK TO LISTEN TO THE FULL SERIES!