Professional Learning
Professional Learning Academies 2026
Counseling & Career Development Leadership Academy
A live, virtual leadership academy for career counselors and education professionals.
Overview
The Counseling & Career Development Leadership Academy equips career counselors and education professionals with the practical tools and strategic insights needed to guide learners through Career and Technical Education (CTE) and adult education pathways. Grounded in CORD’s Framework for Career Pathways Alignment, the academy emphasizes collaborative partnerships, systems thinking, and learner-centered practices.
Through interactive discussions, real-world case studies, and reflective practice, participants will strengthen their role as influencers for learner success by aligning their work with broader education and workforce development goals. Whether you’re new to career pathways or a seasoned professional, the academy provides opportunities to build on your expertise, expand your perspective, and grow professionally alongside a national network of peers.
What You'll Gain
- Champion collaboration and alignment.
- Navigate and influence systems change.
- Foster supportive, learner-centered environments.
Translate policy into practice with confidence and clarity. - Cultivate leadership presence and strategic communication skills.
Designed For
- Middle School and High School Counselors
- Post-secondary Advisors
- Career coaches
- Navigators
- Career Development Professionals
- Work-based learning coordinators
Program Snapshot
| Format | Six live virtual sessions (one kickoff and five weekly interactive sessions) |
|---|---|
| Kickoff | Monday, September 14, 2026 (45-minute virtual session) |
| Weekly Sessions | Fridays
|
| Time | 1:00–3:00 p.m. ET (2 hour sessions) |
| Registration Fee | $699 |
| Recognition | Certificate of completion, recognition at NCPN Connect 2027, and graduate credit and/or continuing education opportunities may be available for an additional fee. |
Program Schedule & Learning Topics
Kickoff | Monday, September 14 | 1:00–1:45 p.m. ET | Welcome and Orientation
- Welcome
- Introductions
- Academy expectations
- Moodle access and overview
Week 1 | Friday, September 18 | 1:00–3:00 p.m. ET | Leading Through the Career Pathways Framework
Explore the foundations of career pathways and leadership identity.
- CORD's Framework for Career Pathways Alignment
- The evolving role of counselors and advisors
- Learner-centered, equity-driven advising
- Leadership reflection and action planning
Week 2 | Friday, September 25 | 1:00–3:00 p.m. ET | Influencing Systems Through Partnerships & Data
Strengthen your ability to build partnerships and use data to support informed decision-making.
- Employer and workforce engagement strategies
- Labor market information in advising
- Systems thinking and alignment
- Leadership communication strategies
Week 3 | Friday, October 2 | 1:00–3:00 p.m. ET | Counseling for Exploration, Decision-Making, and Student Success
- Career development theories in practice
- Career exploration and assessment tools
- Supporting informed educational and career choices
- Trauma-informed and culturally responsive advising
Week 4 | Friday, October 9 | 1:00–3:00 p.m. ET | Building Ecosystems of Support
Discover strategies for creating supportive environments that promote learner persistence and success.
- Cross-sector partnerships
- Identifying barriers to learner success
- Wraparound support strategies
- Advocacy and facilitation skills
Week 5 | Friday, October 16 | 1:00–3:00 p.m. ET | Pathways in Practice
Bring it all together by developing a plan for applying what you've learned.
- Data-informed counseling practices
- Communicating the value of career pathways
- Capstone presentations and peer feedback
- Personal leadership action planning
Take The Next Step
Join a national cohort of education and workforce professionals committed to supporting learner success through counseling, advising, and career development.
Related Academy
Career Pathways Leadership Academy
Design, strengthen, and sustain industry-informed, learner-focused career pathways through collaboration, employer engagement, and strategic planning.