A Community-connected Partnership: Strategies for Real-World Learning
Dec. 4, 1:00-4:30 p.m.
Presenter: Beth Grzelak, Ford NGL
Registration Cost: $175
Ford Next Generation Learning (NGL) Community Connected Learning (CCL) is the strategy for implementing standards-based, industry-approved, project-based learning alongside meaningful work-based learning (WBL) experiences. CCL is a talent development strategy adopted by communities to align workforce needs with student outcomes. It involves collaboration between education, community and industry partners to integrate career relevance into student courses through project-based learning. In CCL, teachers, employers and students engage in WBL experiences and interdisciplinary projects related to a career academy theme. The session will equip participants with tools and resources to address implementation challenges, covering topics like work-based learning activities and partnership-building protocols. Attendees will receive access to the WBL resource book and additional tools through Ford NGL U. Leveraging CCL helps districts meet instructional objectives by offering meaningful, industry-aligned learning experiences for students and teachers, too.
Broadening the Pipeline: Strategies to Recruit the CTE Educator Workforce
Dec. 4,1:00–4:30 p.m.
Presenters: Catherine Imperatore, ACTE; Kevin Johnson, Advance CTE
Registration Cost: $175
This workshop will offer a deep dive into strategies to identify, recruit, and hire CTE teachers, including building awareness of CTE teaching as a profession and recruiting underrepresented populations to broaden the CTE educator pipeline and support underserved learners. Participants will be supported to examine data on their current CTE workforce and identify gaps and areas of focus for recruitment, and they will receive an action planning tool to help identify root causes and action steps forward. Throughout the workshop, successful strategies for promoting CTE as a career choice, reaching diverse audiences, and creating inclusive preparation, licensure, and hiring processes will be explored, and specific program examples will be shared.
CTE Admin 101: Total Program Management for New CTE Administrators
Dec. 4, 8:30 a.m.–noon
Presenters: Kirsten Coury, Peoria Unified School District; Michelle Conner, ACTE
Registration Cost: $175
This popular and engaging workshop is designed for new and aspiring secondary CTE administrators. It is designed to help participants understand a director's role covering four major aspects of the position: program management, grant writing and management, teacher recruitment and retention, and advocacy and policy. These aspects will be linked to ACTE's Quality CTE Program of Study Framework and to the Perkins V comprehensive local needs assessment. Participants will have the opportunity to network with their peers about common challenges and innovative solutions while learning from seasoned CTE professionals. Participants will also receive a toolbox of resources that they can use and modify for their own districts.
CTE Admin 201: Mastering CTE Data for Program Success
Dec. 4, 1:00–4:30 p.m.
Presenters: Kirsten Coury, Peoria Unified School District; Michael Neu, Buckeye Union High School District
Registration Cost: $175
Take your understanding of career and technical education to the next level with our CTE Admin 201 workshop! Designed for both new and "new-ish" CTE administrators at the secondary level, this workshop offers an essential guide to using CTE data to drive program excellence. We will look closely at CTE data, especially Perkins performance accountability measures and state-determined levels of performance. You will learn how to understand and use this data to complete a usable comprehensive local needs assessment (CLNA) that informs data-driven decision-making for continuous program improvement. Connections between ACTE’s High Quality CTE Program of Study Framework and the CLNA will be made. Don't miss this opportunity to equip yourself with the skills and expertise to elevate your CTE administration game!
Classroom & Behavioral Management for New CTE Teachers
Dec. 4, 1:00–4:30 p.m.
Presenter: Kristina Guy, West-MEC
Registration Cost: $175
Join us for an engaging workshop designed to equip new CTE educators with tools and insights to foster a productive classroom environment. In this interactive session, participants will delve into classroom and behavioral management, exploring key strategies and techniques to support student growth and well-being while maintaining order and discipline. This workshop is designed to complement the workshop titled “Instructional Excellence for New CTE Teachers.” However, participation in both is not required.
Empowering Educators: Integrating AI into Diverse Disciplines of CTE
Dec. 4, 1:00–4:30 p.m.
Presenters: Cory Ortiz, University of Alaska Southeast; Kari Lamoreaux, Utah State University
Registration Cost: $175
As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes an integral part of our daily lives, it is imperative that we not only embrace its presence but also that we teach students to use it ethically and efficiently. This intermediate-level workshop is designed to equip educators with the knowledge and tools necessary to ethically integrate AI into their teaching practices, curricula and learning outcomes, ensuring students are prepared for an AI-driven future. We will explore how to create assignments that teach the ethics of AI, how to engineer prompts for AI assignments, and how to utilize AI to develop formative and summative assessments. Key takeaways from this workshop include a richer understanding of AI and its relevance in CTE disciplines, more familiarity with a variety of AI tools and their applications in education, strategies for ethically incorporating AI into teaching practices, and examples for integrating AI into assignments and classroom policies.
Girls in CTE: Strategies for Recruiting and Retaining Nontraditional Students
Dec. 4, 1:00–4:30 p.m.
Presenter: Amanda Bastoni, CAST
Registration Cost: $175
This session will benefit middle, high school, and postsecondary educators, administrators, and counselors. The session will highlight tangible strategies that can be applied immediately to ensure girls in CTE feel a sense of belonging. The session will include information on how Perkins funds can be used to develop recruitment and retention strategies that work. There will be time to ask questions and hear what has and what has not worked from others in the field. Co-presenter Abraham Ewing, a middle and high school CTE educator, will share his experience with increasing nontraditional students’ participation in manufacturing. Participants will leave with research-based moves and materials they can use — from Take Flight, an ongoing project funded by National Science Foundation that uses drones to engage girls in CTE and STEM classes.
Global Career Readiness: Going Beyond DEI
Dec. 4, 8:30 a.m.–noon
Presenters: Heather Singmaster, Digital Promise; Michelle Conrad, University of Central Missouri
Registration Cost: $175
As automation and technological advances change the nature of work, and as global diversity and economic growth change the characteristics of the employee and consumer base, skills that allow workers to compete in the global economy will be in greater demand. Companies looking to expand their businesses and become more innovative need employees with employability skills. This interactive session will share strategies to better support students: connecting learning with real-world contexts to relate to students’ different backgrounds and life experiences, and associating CTE content across pathways with global competence and employability skills. Participants will hear what businesses have to say, learn together, and explore free tools and resources to support global career readiness, including sample projects, educator professional development modules, student handouts, and more.
How to Build a Talent Pipeline from Kindergarten to Career
Dec. 4, 1:00-4:30 p.m.
Presenter: Angela Andersson, NC3
Registration Cost: $175
This session will challenge the traditional viewpoint that technical education starts in high school or later. It will explore the importance of building an intentional system of technical education that begins in early childhood education, at four or five years old. The session will address the need to change the narrative around career exploration and the key foundational skills and competencies that can be nurtured during these early years.
Innovative Strategies Enhancing Instructor Recruitment & Retention in Postsecondary CTE
Dec. 4, 8:30 a.m.–noon
Presenter: Dimitria Harding, Anoka Technical College
Registration Cost: $175
This session will address the pressing challenges of recruitment and retention in postsecondary career and technical education (CTE). Participants will gain insights into the current state of CTE recruitment and retention, explore strategic themes from the ACTE's 2023–27 Strategic Plan, and learn about best practices and innovative approaches. The presentation will also cover the importance of strategic partnerships and inclusivity in building a diverse and resilient CTE educator workforce. Attendees will leave with actionable strategies to improve recruitment and retention in their institutions.
Instructional Excellence for New CTE Teachers
Dec. 4, 8:30 a.m.–noon
Presenter: Donna Rain-O’Dell, Central Westmoreland Career and Technology Center
Registration Cost: $175
Are you a CTE teacher still in the early stages of your career? It’s time to explore the depths of instructional expertise and enhance your teaching! This dynamic workshop is designed specifically for new teachers and new-to-CTE teachers. Participants will go beyond theory and learn practical and proven instructional techniques from a practitioner with more than a decade of experience. Receive clear and straightforward training that explains educational jargon and simplifies classroom and lab instruction in an easy-to-apply approach. Participants can expect collaboration and engaging practice to process the information they receive. Participants will leave this workshop with a teacher toolbox full of tips and tricks to take back to their programs, ensuring a smooth and productive learning experience for all. The workshop is designed to complement the workshop titled “Classroom & Behavioral Management for New CTE Teachers.” However, participation is both is not required.
Optimizing CTSOs: Mastering Management with AI
Dec. 4, 8:30 a.m.–noon
Presenters: Rachael Mann, EdFuture.org
Registration Cost: $195
Discover how to streamline management of your career and technical student organization (CTSO) using artificial intelligence (AI). This workshop equips advisers with AI tools that can
enhance efficiency and improve integration into curricula. Learn to leverage AI for organizational tasks, event planning and student engagement. By tapping into AI, you can transform how CTSOs operate, making them more effective and less time-consuming. Attend to unlock a collection of essential CTSO re
sources and AI applications tailored for advisers.
Preparing Tomorrow's Workforce through Career Connected Learning
Dec. 4, 8:30 a.m.-noon
Presenter: Hans Meeder & JoLynn Fletcher, YouScience
Registration Cost: $175
Education leaders recognize the immense benefits of career connected learning strategies for all students, but they need support and guidance to foster a comprehensive approach. Attendees at this dynamic workshop will glean insights from successful initiatives implemented by school districts and colleges nationwide. With a 10-step planning and engagement strategy, learn how to seamlessly integrate career connected learning into any educational environment. Hans Meeder, former deputy assistant secretary at the U.S. Department of Education, and JoLynn Fletcher, senior manager of solutions at YouScience, co-wrote the groundbreaking new book "Preparing Tomorrow’s Workforce.” And together in this workshop they will offer a wealth of practical knowledge and actionable steps to develop students’ career navigation skills. Registration for this workshop also includes a copy of the book.
Reaching & Teaching English Learners in CTE Classrooms
Dec. 4, 8:30 a.m.–noon
Presenter: Roger Cleveland, Millenium Learning Concepts
Registration Cost: $175
This workshop will provide strategies to engage English learners in career and technical education. It will involve activities to address language acquisition, student engagement and raising academic expectations — providing strategies that teachers can use the next day and detailed, concrete examples to engage all participants.
Revitalizing CTE Instruction: Innovative Strategies for Seasoned Educators
Dec. 4, 1:00–4:30 p.m.
Presenter: Michelle Conrad & Larae Watkins, University of Central Missouri
Registration Cost: $210
Quality instruction in career and technical education (CTE) increases student engagement and can impact student achievement. The instructional strategies teachers select must match and make sense for the CTE concepts and skills being taught. Yet experienced instructors sometimes need to rethink a strategy to more fully engage learners. This interactive session will challenge experienced instructors to select and implement effective teaching and learning strategies.
Experienced teachers, faculty and administrators should plan to bring their own CTE curricular content to utilize within the session! Participants will also receive a copy of "Instructional Strategies for Career & Technical Educators," a new resource from ACTE.
State Association Leadership Training Program
Dec. 4, 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Registration Cost: $25
Click here to learn more.
Supporting Students with Disabilities in Career & Technical Education
Dec. 4, 8:30 a.m.-noon
Presenters: Emily Sherwood, Fountain-Fort Carson School District 8; Marta Osuna, ACE
Registration Cost: $175
Perkins’s V legislation prioritizes developing effective strategies to support accessibility for all learners with emphasis on students in special populations. This interactive, hands-on session will equip educators with resources and strategies to better prepare students with disabilities for high-wage careers. This workshop will cover effective strategies for fostering collaboration to offer a wider range of accessible career pathways, community resources like vocational rehabilitation, essential skills integration, and navigating accommodations within career and technical education programs while maintaining industry standards.
Vision to Action: Mastering Brand Strategy and Marketing for CTE
Dec. 4, 8:30 a.m.-noon
Presenter: Molly McGowan Gorsuch & Austen Rhodes, Rhodes Branding
Cost: $175
In this transformative session, Rhodes Branding's K–12 branding and marketing strategists will take participants on a journey that starts with the big picture that is understanding the role of branding and marketing in shaping the future of career and technical education (CTE). We’ll then drill down into practical, actionable strategies that CTE leaders can implement immediately to elevate their programs. Combining expert insights with hands-on activities, this session will empower attendees to return to their districts and schools with a clear plan and the tools they need to make an impact.
Workforce Readiness: Strategic Instruction for Integrating Employability Skills
Dec. 4, 1:00–4:30 p.m.
Presenter: Trent Mohrbutter, AVID
Registration Cost: $175
To ensure our students are truly prepared for the workforce, intentional planning and targeted instruction are crucial. Today's employers prioritize candidates who possess robust verbal and written communication skills, excel in team environments, adapt quickly, solve problems effectively, demonstrate leadership, think critically, and manage conflicts efficiently. This workshop will engage educators and equip them with effective teaching and learning strategies that seamlessly integrate these vital employability skills into everyday content delivery. Join us to explore innovative instructional methods that not only cover academic content but also foster the key competencies students need to thrive in today's dynamic job market.
