Sessions of 2026 Connection Conference: Robert DiPietro
Mr. DiPietro, Robert
Fire Instructor
CAVIT
Robert DiPietro (Bob) is a Fire Instructor with the Central Arizona Valley Institute of Technology (CAVIT) in Coolidge, Arizona. Bob has been a CTE Fire Instructor for over 15 years, starting with Pima County Joint Technical Education District (JTED). Bob retired as a Deputy Fire Chief from the New Britain, Connecticut Fire Department in 2007 and moved to Arizona with his wife to work with the Northwest Fire District as a Battalion Chief. While there he helped establish the Pima JTED Fire Science program. Bob earned a Bachelor's degree in Public Safety Administration from Charter Oak State College and a Master’s degree in Executive Fire Service Leadership from Grand Canyon University. He also earned the Executive Fire Officer certification from the National Fire Academy. Bob lives in Marana, with his wife of 47 years. They have two adult children and six grandchildren. Bob is an avid Boston Red Sox baseball fan and enjoys woodworking and cooking.
Sessions:
[5802] Streamlining Your School Life
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Westin La Paloma
- Public Service Careers
This is a practical session designed for Fire Science educators who want to simplify and strengthen their instructional workflow. Using tools like PowerSchool SIS, Chalk, and Schoology, attendees will learn how to build curriculum maps, create effective lesson plans, manage assignments and assessments, and leverage emerging AI tools such as PowerBuddy to support data-driven teaching. This session focuses on helping Fire Science instructors save time, stay organized, and deliver consistent, high-quality training to their students.
[5803] Building Our Future: Developing a High School Fire Science Program
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Westin La Paloma
- Public Service Careers
This will be a comprehensive session designed for Fire Science educators who are developing, expanding, or refining a high school level Fire Science program. Drawing on real-world experience and proven CTE models, this session explores how to establish sustainable fire service pathways through curriculum development, stakeholder engagement, advisory councils, dual credit partnerships, and industry-aligned certifications. Attendees will learn how to build a program that recruits locally, supports community workforce needs, aligns with state and NFPA standards, and prepares students for both postsecondary education and entry-level fire service careers. The session provides practical guidance for scheduling models, instructor expectations, safety requirements, equipment needs, and strategies for long-term program sustainability.
