Sessions of 2026 Connection Conference: Dr. Robert Caplinger
Caplinger, Dr. Robert
Chief Communications Officer
Dr. Robert Caplinger was previously the Principal of A-rated Laveen Elementary School, named a 2022 A+ School of Excellence by the Arizona Educational Foundation, a 2022 National School of Distinction by the Association for Middle Level Education (AMLE), and a 2020 Exemplary Title 1 School by the Arizona Department of Education. He earned his doctoral degree from the University of Oregon in 2013 in educational leadership. He also holds two master's degrees in education and school counseling. In 2005, Dr. Caplinger was recognized as the National Educator of the Year by AMLE. He has teaching, counseling, and administrative experience at the elementary, middle, and high school levels and is currently a Faculty Associate in the Mary Lou Fulton College of Teaching and Learning Innovation at Arizona State University. Dr. Caplinger serves as the State Director of the Arizona Schools to Watch Program.
Sessions:
[5602] Middle Level Matters: Association of Middle Level Education (AMLE) and eCTE
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Loews Ventana Canyon
- Interdisciplinary
Middle school is a pivotal stage in a student's journey—where curiosity, identity, and aspirations begin to take shape. It's during these years that students start to ask, "Who am I?" and "Who can I become?” Connecting current interests to future career possibilities, helps students bridge classroom learning with real-world applications. Implementing eCTE Career Exploration in this developmental stage allows students to move from concrete to abstract thinking, improving engagement and preventing dropout. As educators, supporting this transition is essential for fostering lifelong learning and career readiness.
