Join webinar about the
Career-related Programme
in California
BREAK
Expanding Opportunities: The Value of the IB Career-related Programme
in California's CTE Landscape
May 29, 2025
9:30 am PT
The IB's Career-related Programme offers schools the opportunity to expand their current offering of the DP Programme or start their journey into becoming an IB school. The programme provides alignment to CTE pathways and is recognized at the college level throughout the state of California.
Webinar Agenda:
- IB Introduction
- Career-Related Programme Introduction
- Why the Career-Related Programme and How
- Success Stories
- Recognition of the Programme
- ASU Partnership
Featuring:
Judd Thompson is the Head of School at Guajome Park Academy in Vista, California, where he has served as an educator and leader since 2005. With nearly two decades of experience in International Baccalaureate education, Mr. Thompson brings a deep commitment to student-centered learning and a comprehensive understanding of the IB programmes across all levels.
He has held numerous instructional and leadership roles across the Middle Years Programme (MYP), Diploma Programme (DP), and the Career-related Programme (CP). He has taught Theory of Knowledge and served as the coordinator for the Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) project as well as the Extended Essay. As DP and CP Coordinator, he not only led implementation efforts but also helped guide Guajome Park Academy through the CP authorization process, making it one of only eight schools in California to earn this distinction at the time.
He has held numerous instructional and leadership roles across the Middle Years Programme (MYP), Diploma Programme (DP), and the Career-related Programme (CP). He has taught Theory of Knowledge and served as the coordinator for the Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) project as well as the Extended Essay. As DP and CP Coordinator, he not only led implementation efforts but also helped guide Guajome Park Academy through the CP authorization process, making it one of only eight schools in California to earn this distinction at the time.
Melissa Ritchie is the IBCP Coordinator at Guajome Park Academy in Vista, California, where she has served as an International Baccalaureate educator and leader since 2018. With 19 years of experience in education, she brings a passion for student voice, interdisciplinary learning, and equitable access to rigorous academic programs.
She began her teaching career in 2006 after earning a degree in English Education with an emphasis in Theater Arts from California State University, Long Beach. She later earned a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Greenville University. After relocating to San Diego County, she joined Guajome Park Academy as an IB Language and Literature teacher, where she played a key role in broadening the course to serve all students as part of Guajome’s “IB for All” initiative. In 2019, she became involved in the Career-related Programme and soon took on the role of Personal and Professional Skills (PPS) instructor. In 2022, she was appointed IBCP Coordinator, where she continues to support student development through reflective, career-focused learning.
She began her teaching career in 2006 after earning a degree in English Education with an emphasis in Theater Arts from California State University, Long Beach. She later earned a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Greenville University. After relocating to San Diego County, she joined Guajome Park Academy as an IB Language and Literature teacher, where she played a key role in broadening the course to serve all students as part of Guajome’s “IB for All” initiative. In 2019, she became involved in the Career-related Programme and soon took on the role of Personal and Professional Skills (PPS) instructor. In 2022, she was appointed IBCP Coordinator, where she continues to support student development through reflective, career-focused learning.
Michael Cacciatore serves as the Partnership Manager for Florida at Arizona State University’s Learning Enterprise, specializing in international and International Baccalaureate (IB) partnerships. A proud ASU alumnus, he holds a Bachelor’s degree in English and a Master’s degree in Creative Writing. Prior to joining ASU, Michael spent 17 years teaching across Central Florida, where he inspired students in subjects ranging from AP Literature and Journalism to Photography and Yearbook. His passion for student success led him to work as a college counselor, supporting students through their postsecondary transitions.
At ASU, Michael has played a key role in designing and implementing dual and concurrent enrollment programs with global high schools, particularly those offering the IB Career-related Programme (CP). He advances educational equity by bridging high school and university pathways, leading curriculum development and professional learning initiatives. Michael is a recognized thought leader, presenting at international conferences and championing innovative approaches to global education in collaboration with IB schools worldwide.
At ASU, Michael has played a key role in designing and implementing dual and concurrent enrollment programs with global high schools, particularly those offering the IB Career-related Programme (CP). He advances educational equity by bridging high school and university pathways, leading curriculum development and professional learning initiatives. Michael is a recognized thought leader, presenting at international conferences and championing innovative approaches to global education in collaboration with IB schools worldwide.
Dorothy Battenfeld is the University Liaison for the California Association of IB World Schools. In this role, she maintains the UC IB Program A-G list and assists IB schools in developing and updating their school A-G lists. She supports the work of the IBO and CAWS in their advocacy for improved university recognition of IB programs and coursework.
A teacher at Montgomery High School in Santa Rosa for 30 years, Dorothy coordinated Montgomery’s IB Diploma Program, which she helped to found in 1995. In 2012, she was named International Baccalaureate Teacher of the Year by the California Association of IB World Schools and has been awarded two prestigious Fulbright fellowships.
Dr. Miriam Choi is an experienced educator and passionate advocate for international education. She currently supports the development and expansion of International Baccalaureate (IB) programmes across California, working closely with schools and districts to foster access, growth, and high-quality education. Before joining the IB, she worked at an IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Primary Years Programme (PYP) school in Los Angeles. Throughout her career, she has served in a variety of roles, including PYP teacher, PYP Coordinator, MYP teacher, MYP Personal Project Coordinator, Targeted Student Population (TSP) Coordinator, and English Learner (EL) Coordinator.
Dr. Choi holds a Bachelor of Science in Educational Foundations from the University of Oregon. She furthered her education with a Master of Education in Curriculum and Teaching from the University of Oregon and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership with a concentration in K-12 Leadership from USC. She is deeply committed to expanding access to high-quality education and building inclusive, globally minded school communities.
Dr. Choi holds a Bachelor of Science in Educational Foundations from the University of Oregon. She furthered her education with a Master of Education in Curriculum and Teaching from the University of Oregon and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership with a concentration in K-12 Leadership from USC. She is deeply committed to expanding access to high-quality education and building inclusive, globally minded school communities.
Register now!
We look forward to meeting you and answering any questions you may have. Learn more about the International Baccalaureate here.
We look forward to meeting you and answering any questions you may have. Learn more about the International Baccalaureate here.
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