Speakers
Heather Wendling
Hot Topics
Download the slide deck here: https://coloradoleague.org/asset/4DC69DA2%2D323C%2D46B7%2D9D65D2A5F0F00883/
The definition of “college and career readiness” is rapidly evolving. Families, communities, and employers are seeking schools that not only prepare students for higher education, but also for meaningful, future-focused pathways into the workforce. This session will highlight cutting-edge innovations in charter schools that expand the traditional view of readiness to include workforce-aligned models, industry-recognized credentials, apprenticeships, and real-world learning experiences.
Attendees will hear from the National Charter Schools Institute, recently awarded a federal Charter Schools Program grant to codify and disseminate best practices from workforce-driven schools across the country, alongside leaders from the Colorado Charter Schools Institute, a local authorizer committed to advancing quality and innovation. Together, presenters will share both national trends and Colorado-specific examples, offering insights that are relevant to authorizers, school leaders, and policymakers who want to strengthen career-connected opportunities for students.
The format of this session will be an interactive panel presentation with opportunities for Q&A and discussion. Presenters will share exemplars and lessons learned that attendees can adapt to their contexts.
As NACSA’s Vice President of Consulting Services, Heather leads NACSA’s consulting work with authorizers and education leaders across the country on customized projects designed to strengthen authorizing practices and outcomes for students.
Heather previously worked as a Project Director for WestEd, leading a three-year grant to establish and operate NY-RISE, New York State’s first technical assistance resource center and provide professional development to its 351 charter schools.
Formerly, Heather was the Director of Learning at NACSA. In that position, she served as an authorizing field expert in a variety of projects with all types of authorizers and developed resources critical to strengthening quality in the sector, including a comprehensive Special Education Toolkit for Authorizers. Prior to joining NACSA, Heather served as a Senior School Evaluator and the Director for New Charters at the SUNY Charter Schools Institute.
Earlier in her career, Heather spent eight years working in charter and traditional public schools as a Teach for America Corps member, and as a special education teacher, coordinator, and instructional coach in both elementary and middle school settings. Heather earned her BA in Political Science from SUNY Stony Brook University, her MST degree from Pace University, and her JD from the University of Connecticut School of Law.
Kim Caplan is the Director of School Programs, where she supports CSI schools in developing and strengthening a wide range of programs aimed at improving outcomes for all students. Her primary areas of focus include gifted education, career and technical education, postsecondary programs, and federal program support. Kim joined the CSI team in August 2015, bringing a strong commitment to expanding high-quality educational options for students and families.
Her prior experience in education includes teaching middle school science, serving as the principal of an alternative high school, and managing a division of 18 charter schools across Colorado, Arizona, and Ohio. Kim is licensed as both a principal and teacher, with endorsements in secondary science and gifted education. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and a Master’s degree in Teaching from the University of Virginia.