Joe Ferguson has spent the past decade teaching science and natural resources courses at Alliance High School in Portland Public Schools, where he designs interdisciplinary, project-based learning experiences that connect students to high-wage, high-demand careers in Oregon’s natural resources sector. He collaborates extensively with statewide partners including the Oregon Forest Resources Institute, Oregon State University’s Natural Resources Education Program, Oregon Future Natural Resource Leaders, and Portland Parks & Recreation to create authentic career-connected learning opportunities. His work includes initiatives such as wildland fire training, salmon stewardship, youth conservation corps pathways, nonprofit workforce exploration, and large-scale interdisciplinary projects like boat building, climate resilience planning, and community-based ecological research. Joseph also offers multiple fully articulated dual-credit biology courses with Portland Community College, expanding postsecondary access for students. With nearly two decades of experience as a science educator, instructional coach, and curriculum designer, he brings a human-centered, design-thinking approach to CTE that emphasizes equity, real-world problem solving, and strong partnerships between schools, industry, and community.