About this episode
How CTE Really Works for Students ft. Dr. Joey Mendoza | My EdTech Life 344CTE is changing fast. Certifications, digital skills, pathways, tutoring, attendance, career pipelines—there’s a lot happening behind the scenes. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Joey Mendoza, a South Texas educator and freshly-minted doctoral researcher who has worked across classrooms, regional service centers, EdTech companies, and now the CTE space with YaizY. We unpack what CTE really looks like today: what works, what doesn’t, where students get stuck, and why attendance—yes, attendance—may matter more than tutoring when it comes to math achievement. We also break down how digital-first CTE programs can help students earn real certifications that actually translate into job-ready skills. Timestamps:0:00 Welcome And Sponsor Shoutouts1:16 Introducing Dr. Joey Mendoza2:50 From Classroom To Edtech And STEM5:20 Hands?On STEM And Student Impact8:05 Entering CTE: Digital Skills And Pathways11:07 Digital Nomads And Remote Work Futures13:18 Certifications And Early Pathway Access16:20 Myths And Mindsets About CTE19:10 Funding, Access, And Stacking Credentials22:00 How YaizY Works From Grade 4 Up24:20 Barriers To Strong CTE Programs28:10 Culture, Data, And ROI In CTE31:10 Why Districts Must Lead With Industry32:32 Dissertation Setup: Tutoring And STAR Math34:30 Key Finding: Attendance Outweighs Tutoring37:10 Rethinking Tutoring, Fidelity, And Alignment39:40 Attendance Realities And Family Factors42:00 Next Steps For After?School Effectiveness44:00 Closing Thoughts And Rapid?Fire Questions47:10 Thank Yous, Links, And Sign?OffSponsorsA massive thank-you to our sponsors: Book Creator, use code MYEDTECHLIFE for 3 months of premium access.Thank you, EduAide, Yellowdig, and Peel Back Education for supporting these conversations.Peel Back Education exists to uncover, share, and amplify powerful, authentic stories from inside classrooms and beyond, helping educators, learners, and the wider community connect meaningfully with the people and ideas shaping education today. Authentic engagement, inclusion, and learning across the curriculum for ALL your students. Teachers love Book Creato
