TJ Warren

Best Pracitice Presentation Topic

Real-World Ready: A Suburban Iowa School District's Mission to Provide Authentic, Real-World Learning Opportunities to Students

Biography

TJ Warren is the Center for Advanced Professional Studies (CAPS) Careers Instructor for Cedar Falls Community School District in Cedar Falls, Iowa. He works closely with juniors and seniors who are either interested in engineering or uncertain about what they want to do after high school. Using the CAPS Network principles and framework, TJ helps his associates explore career opportunities, develop durable skills, and solve real-world problems in partnership with local employers. Additionally, TJ serves as the K-12 STEM & Community Career Facilitator where he plans programs and advocates for authentic learning opportunities and experiences throughout the district's K-12 experience.

Prior to his current role, TJ spent 15 years mentoring, advising, and coaching students in the higher education landscape. Through his time in various roles at Upper Iowa University, Wartburg College, and the University of Northern Iowa, as well as 2 years in the private sector at YouScience, TJ developed a passion for helping others pursue their purpose. He believes one of his unique purposes in the world is to help others pursue theirs.

In his free time, TJ is a keynote speaker and writer, and he enjoys drawing, reading, spending time with his family, playing board games with his friends, and catching the latest superhero movie.