Barbra Gonzales

Experienced Career & Technical Education leader with 30+ years in public education, curriculum leadership, staff development, and workforce partnership building. Proven background in leading district-wide CTE programs, managing state and federal compliance, supporting instructional staff, and building partnerships with business, industry, and postsecondary institutions. Recognized for leadership in CTE, professional learning, event planning & strategic program development.

Career & Technical Education Coordinator at Olathe Public Schools (2016-07 – Present)

• Led curriculum development, instructional material selection, and program implementation for district CTE pathways.
• Coordinated staff training, onboarding, coaching, and professional development to support instructional effectiveness.
• Supported district and building leadership with program planning, staffing, reporting, and compliance requirements.
• Managed state-approved CTE course reporting, budgets, grants, and federal/state funding compliance.
• Served as liaison between district staff, Kansas State Department of Education, business partners, higher education institutions, and community stakeholders.
• Organized business and industry advisory boards and supported postsecondary articulation agreements.

Event Coordinator at Kansas Association for Career & Technical Education (2020-10 – Present)

• Coordinated statewide conference planning and execution aligned with organizational goals
• Managed logistics involving venues, hotels, sponsors, and exhibitors
• Organized agenda development and breakout session scheduling
• Secured sponsorships and exhibitor participation

Fashion Show Director at Natalie M Foundation (2008-08 – 2016-02)

• Directed fashion show fundraising events for the Natalie M Foundation from planning through execution.
• Recruited and coordinated participation from metro-area schools, students, and volunteers.
• Managed event communications, fitting schedules, ticketing, and program creation.
• Oversaw event-day logistics, including scheduling, coordination, and guest experience.
• Collaborated with schools and community partners to support fundraising goals.

Family & Consumer Sciences Teacher at Olathe North High School (1995-08 – 2016-05)

• Created & delivered lesson plans using varied instructional strategies
• Collaborated with faculty to support student engagement and program growth
• Served as Department Chair for Family & Consumer Sciences and Technology Education
• Mentored student teachers as cooperating teacher
• Served on Building Technology Team and Building Leadership Team

Master of Science in Secondary Education – Kansas State University (1994 – 1996)

Bachelor of Science in Business & Fashion Merchandising – Baker University (1989 – 1993)