The Framework Every CTE Teacher Needs ft. Tisha Richmond | My EdTech Life 348

Career and Technical Education is often overlooked, misunderstood, or siloed. In this episode of My EdTech Life, Dr. Alfonso Mendoza sits down with Tisha Richmond, veteran CTE educator and author of The Magical CTE Classroom, to unpack what meaningful, joyful, and real-world CTE learning actually looks like. Tisha shares her journey from the classroom to edtech and back again, why CTE teachers face unique challenges, and how intentional design can transform labs, kitchens, workshops, and hands-on learning spaces into powerful environments for creativity, collaboration, and career readiness. This conversation explores how CTE classrooms can move beyond compliance and certifications toward engagement, student agency, and authentic learning experiences that prepare students for the real world of work. ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 – Welcome to My EdTech Life 02:10 – Who Is Tisha Richmond 05:20 – From Industry to the CTE Classroom 08:45 – Why CTE Teachers Feel Siloed 12:30 – The Story Behind The Magical CTE Classroom 16:10 – The MAGICAL Framework Explained 21:40 – Gamifying Vocabulary in CTE 26:30 – Safety, Structure, and Lab-Based Learning 31:20 – Industry Certifications and Real-World Skills 36:10 – Teaching Employability Through Play 41:10 – Challenges Facing CTE Educators Today 45:30 – Where to Find Tisha’s Work 48:00 – Final Thoughts and Stay Techie Connect with Tisha Richmond: Website: tisharichmond.com LinkedIn: Tisha Richmond Instagram: @tisharichmond About the Host: Dr. Alfonso Mendoza is the host of My EdTech Life, a podcast amplifying educator voices and exploring how technology, creativity, and intentional design shape learning experiences. 👉 Subscribe for conversations that move beyond buzzwords and focus on what actually works in classrooms. 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 Creator. Support the show