Sessions of 2026 Connection Conference: L'Shawn Rhodes
Rhodes, L'Shawn
CTE Instructor
L’Shawn Rhodes Sr. is a high school Career and Technical Education teacher who brings a student-centered, culture-first mindset into the classroom. In his first year teaching Graphic Design at Copper Canyon High School, Rhodes models what CTE can become by showing students that electives are more than classes—they’re opportunities to build pride, purpose, and real-world skills. As both an educator and a product of CTE himself, Rhodes has experienced firsthand how meaningful learning environments, strong relationships, and relevant instruction can shape confidence and direction in young people. He teaches with the belief that students deserve to understand why their learning matters and how it connects to their lives beyond school. Drawing from his background in coaching, Rhodes builds classrooms rooted in trust, routine, and accountability. He meets students where they are and challenges them to grow into who they’re capable of becoming, creating environments that feel professional, intentional, and connected to life after graduation. For Rhodes, culture isn’t extra—it’s the foundation. He approaches teaching the same way he approaches coaching: building trust, setting standards, and helping students grow into who they’re capable of becoming.
Sessions:
[5729] Cultivate Culture: Identity, Buy‑In and Belief in the CTE Classroom
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Westin La Paloma
- Communications Media Technologies
- Interdisciplinary
This workshop delivers a practical, high-impact approach to improving student engagement and performance in CTE classrooms through intentional culture-building. Drawing from real classroom experience and a coaching-informed mindset, Coach L’Shawn Rhodes shows how clear identity, shared language, and consistent expectations shift programs from task-based instruction to purpose-driven learning. Rather than relying on motivation alone, participants gain transferable systems that build student ownership, professionalism, and belief across any CTE pathway. Educators leave with immediately applicable strategies that strengthen classroom culture, increase buy-in, and support long-term student success—without adding to their workload.
