Episode #124
CC#124: Learn and Earn with Ohio 2026 APOY Deanna Elsing
2026 Ohio Assistant Principal of the Year, Deanna Elsing, Associate Principal of Mayfield High School in Mayfield, Ohio*, discusses the innovative "Learn and Earn" program employed at Mayfield High School. This program provides students with paid work experiences in various trades and industries, emphasizing soft skills, career exploration, and real-world readiness. Recorded over the summer, conversation also gets into the different pace of the summer months...enjoy! *Since recording, Deanna has accepted a position as the Director of Secondary Education for the Auburn Career Center . THANK YOU FOR LISTENING! Leave a like and leave a comment for this episode and Cool Coffee with Kansas Principals on your favorite podcast platform! Contact the guest: Deanna Elsing Contact Cool Coffee host, Principal Rick Sola or at KPA's Cool Coffee Podcast . The mission of the Kansas Principals Association , an organization committed to educational excellence and the lifelong success of all students, is to develop and support all principals through optimized learning, collaborative leadership, networking, and service. Read more about the KPA HERE . Provide Cool Coffee feedback! Click HERE to share thoughts and guest suggestions. Click for ALL Cool Coffee episodes! Connect with Cool Coffee on... Follow us on X: @KSPrincipals ; @KPACoolCoffee Facebook: KSPrincipals Contact host Principal Rick Sola or at KPA's Cool Coffee Podcast . Episode Chapters (time stamps do not account for show intro) 00:00 Introduction to Deanna Elsing and the Learn and Earn Program 01:02 The school year timeline and summer break in Ohio 02:24 What is the Learn and Earn program? 02:54 Addressing oversubscribed career tech programs in Ohio 03:56 Targeting students without access to traditional programs 04:53 Participation growth and program expansion 06:02 Paid pathways in manufacturing, auto, health, and facilities 08:05 Preparing students for workplace expectations 08:33 Teaching soft skills and professional standards 09:57 Field trips and real-world exposure 10:54 Employer interviews and student self-promotion 11:38 Attendance, punctuality, and soft skills expectations 12:43 Impact of Ohio's cell phone ban on student behavior 13:42 Student feedback on soft skills and soft skills challenges 15:54 Success story: Sydney’s journey from dropout risk to employment 18:33 Sydney’s pathway to college and career success 19:55 Celebrating employment signing day and student achievements 20:53 Students exploring different career paths and changing directions 24:22 Post-high school pathways: employment, college, and trade schools 27:01 Building industry relationships and employer engagement 28:02 Growing the employer network and community partnerships 29:42 Lessons learned: starting small and iterating 31:01 Advice for districts considering similar programs 32:46 Bragging on the team and student resilience 33:34 Summer priorities: family, recharge, and personal growth
