Wednesday Workshops & Tours

Tours

Cuillier Career Center, Jefferson Parish Schools Tour
Wednesday, December 2, 8:50-11:35 a.m.
Cost: $95

Join us for an engaging tour of Cuillier Career Center, part of Jefferson Parish Schools, highlighting its dynamic programs in Construction and Advanced Manufacturing. This visit will showcase how students are gaining hands-on, industry-aligned experience that prepares them for high-demand careers.

A key focus of the tour will be the strong collaboration among partners who make these opportunities possible, including Jefferson Parish Schools, the Greater New Orleans Construction Sector Partnership, Local 60 Plumbers & Steamfitters, and Nunez Community College. Guests will learn how this cross-sector partnership model supports workforce development, creates seamless education-to-career pathways, and strengthens the regional talent pipeline.

This tour offers a firsthand look at how education and industry are working together to build the future workforce.

Credentials / dress code requirements: Government issued ID, closed toe shoes, no shorts, no ripped/torn clothing.Jefferson Parish Schools,

High School as Workforce Development: St. Charles Parish Public Schools Satellite Center Tour
Wednesday, December 2, 8:20 a.m.-12:25 p.m.
Cost: $95

CTE systems should take on the personality of its economic region, and our Satellite Center is a true reflection of Southeastern Louisiana workforce development with programs to address our region's targeted economic sectors including advanced manufacturing, logistics, energy, information technology, and health sciences. We are continually working to strengthen our business and industry partnerships through such initiatives as expanding our advisory boards, adopting and integrating industry procedures into our skilled crafts programs, and hosting job fairs for our seniors, among others. On the horizon, we will be developing Industry Partner PLCs by partnering with our industry partners to help us identify essential learning, develop formative assessments, and help to design interventions and extensions.

Inside Reconcile: A Youth Workforce Training Experience Tour
Wednesday, December 2, 2:10-5:00 p.m.
Cost: $95

Visit Reconcile to see a 14-week workforce training program in action. This site visit highlights how culinary training, paid work experience, and supportive services prepare young people ages 16–24 for employment and career growth. Attendees will observe program activities and learn strategies for engaging youth and connecting training to industry.

Jefferson Parish Schools, JEDCO & Delgado Community College Advanced Manufacturing Workforce Programs Tour
Wednesday, December 2, 12:10-3:10 p.m.
Cost: $95

Explore how Jefferson Parish Schools, the Jefferson Economic Development Commission (JEDCO), and Delgado Community College are preparing the next generation of skilled manufacturing professionals.

This tour highlights the Advanced Manufacturing Certificate of Technical Studies (CTS) programs available to dual enrolled high school students — offering a direct pathway from the classroom to a high-demand career. Participants will see firsthand how students earn industry-recognized credentials while still in high school, positioning them for employment or continued education upon graduation.

A key feature of this model is the partnership with JEDCO, which plays a vital role in bridging school to career. Through JEDCO, students benefit from on-site industry interactions with local manufacturing companies operating within Jefferson Parish, giving them real-world exposure to the careers their training supports. For students in their senior year, JEDCO co-hosts hiring events that connect CTS completers directly with employers actively seeking skilled talent.

Together, these partners have built a workforce pipeline that serves students, schools, and the regional economy — making Jefferson Parish a model for career and technical education done right.

New Orleans Branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta Tour
Wednesday, December 2, 8:15-10:30 a.m. & 9:30-11:45 a.m.
Cost: $95

Join us to visit the operations at the New Orleans Branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta. Opened in 1915, the New Orleans Branch is the first branch office established in the Federal Reserve System. Its operation has an important role in our nation’s financial system and its establishment and location are deeply rooted in New Orleans’ economic history. Come see cash process, learn a little history and some fun facts about Federal Reserve System’s very first branch. This is a unique tour experience that isn’t open to the general public.

All visitors must present a government-issued photo ID (driver’s license or passport) to enter the facility. Everyone and their personal belongings will pass through metal detection screening, so bringing minimal items will help speed up the process. Coats, hats, bags, backpacks, and similar items are not permitted in Cash Operations and will be left in the conference room. Cell phones are allowed; however, photography and video recording are strictly prohibited. Weapons of any kind, including pepper spray, are not permitted on the premises.

New Orleans Career Center Tour: A behind-the-scenes look at New Orleans' premier CTE training hub
Wednesday, December 2, 11:45 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Cost: $95

Step inside the New Orleans Career Center to see how industry-informed training spaces, employer partnerships, and work-based learning are preparing the city's young people for high-demand careers.

Workshops

Career Exploration in the Middle Grades: Purpose and Practice
Wednesday, December 2, 1:00-5:00 p.m.
Presenter: Rahsaan Bartet, ADE
Cost: $175

Have you ever thought, “We need to engage students in CTE earlier”? This interactive workshop equips educators with the foundational knowledge and practical tools needed to design impactful professional development for the middle grades. Participants will explore the CTE Delivery Model and learn how to intentionally integrate career awareness, career exploration, and professional skills into existing middle school academic instruction. Through guided discussions, hands-on planning activities, and real-world examples, educators will analyze national career pathways, align instruction with middle school career standards, and create a clear, actionable plan to implement this work within their own schools or districts. The session empowers participants to build a strong foundation of career literacy that prepares students for future pathways while enhancing engagement and relevance in everyday instruction.

CTE Admin 101: Leading High-Quality Programs
Wednesday, December 2, 8:00 a.m.-noon
Presenter: Michelle Conner
Cost: $175

This dynamic and engaging workshop is designed for new, emerging, and aspiring secondary Career and Technical Education administrators who are ready to lead high quality, impactful programs. Grounded in the ACTE High Quality CTE Framework and aligned to the CTE Total Program Model, participants will explore the essential components of effective program leadership, including curriculum design and mapping, stakeholder engagement, and continuous improvement. Through interactive activities, real world scenarios, and collaborative discussion, participants will apply key concepts to their own contexts and walk away with practical strategies they can use right away. Led by a seasoned CTE professional with more than 20 years of experience in teaching and administration, and current national work with ACTE, this session brings both deep expertise and a broad perspective on the challenges and opportunities shaping CTE across states. Participants will also benefit from meaningful networking and shared learning with peers from across the field.

CTE for the Global Workforce: Empowering English Learners
Wednesday, December 2, 8:00 a.m.–noon
Presenter: Michelle Conrad and Nabat Erdogan
Cost: $175

Career and Technical Education classrooms are increasingly multilingual and culturally diverse as programs prepare students for a global workforce. This interactive workshop equips CTE educators with practical strategies to support English language learners (ELLs) while building intercultural and global competence in technical learning environments. Participants will explore the stages of second-language acquisition, the context and experiences of multilingual learners, and how cultural communication styles influence classroom interactions and teamwork. Using AI-generated video scenarios, educators will examine real-world situations and practice strategies such as tiered questioning, culturally responsive communication, and cross-cultural conflict resolution. Participants will draw from their own professional experiences and collaborate with colleagues to identify inclusive teaching approaches that support both technical skill development and language growth. Participants will leave with practical tools and AI resources they can immediately apply to create more inclusive, globally responsive CTE learning environments.

Championing Counselors in a CTE Community-From Guidance to Impact
Wednesday, December 2, 8:00 a.m.-noon
Presenters: Paula Ann Trevino and Teresa Collis
Cost: $175

This interactive preconference workshop supports counselors, guidance leaders, and administrators in redesigning high schools into equitable, student-centered pathway systems. Grounded in helping students understand who they are, where they are going, and who can support them, the session focuses on connecting vision to action through purposeful student support.

Engagement Solved: Proven Strategies That Win Students’ Hearts & Minds
Wednesday, December 2, 8:00 a.m.-noon
Presenter: Mark Perna, TFS Results
Cost: $175

Join education and workforce development visionary Mark C. Perna for the cutting-edge strategies to inspire, focus, and engage students in their education and career journey! Amid challenging levels of chronic absenteeism and student apathy, CTE has a unique opportunity to reconnect with the Z and Alpha generations. Discover how to:

Unlock students’ motivation by leading them to build a personal competitive advantage
Inspire consistent attendance by creating ongoing, compelling relevance and purpose
Implement a comprehensive engagement culture that wins students’ hearts and minds
Attract, retain, and graduate more of the right students in the right programs, pathways and careers

Mark’s dynamic message has garnered thousands of rave reviews from educators across North America, who call it a “can’t miss” experience. Register now to experience the proven tools to engage younger generations, build compelling relevance and purpose, and unlock their highest performance!

Finding Success in Onboarding and Mentoring Early-Service CTE Teachers
Wednesday, December 2, 1:00-5:00 p.m.
Presenters: Donna Rain-O’Dell, Joshua Testa
Cost: $175

New CTE instructors don’t all start from the same place—and their onboarding shouldn’t either. This session focuses on building effective mentoring and onboarding systems for both industry professionals entering education and teachers transitioning intoCTE. We’ll unpack the key differences in their needs, explore strategies for supporting hands-on, differentiated instruction, and reframe classroom “chaos” as purposeful, engaging learning. Participants will leave with actionable ideas to better prepare and retain new CTEeducators and gain practical strategies to ensure new instructors not only survive—but succeed.

From Access to Employment: Preparing Neurodiverse Learners for CTE Careers
Wednesday December 2, 1:00-5:00 p.m.
Presenters: Christian Zimmerman, Jenifer Montag, Tara Frazier
Cost: $175

Career and Technical Education (CTE) is one of the most powerful pathways to meaningful employment, yet many neurodiverse learners, including students with autism, ADHD, intellectual disability, and other cognitive differences, continue to face barriers to entering and completing CTE programs and transitioning into the workforce. This interactive pre-conference workshop will equip educators, administrators, and workforce partners with practical strategies for preparing neurodiverse learners for employment in CTE-supported fields. Participants will explore how to align instruction, accommodations, work-based learning, and industry partnerships to support student success while maintaining rigorous technical standards. Drawing on emerging research and national models of accessible CTE programs, this session will highlight strategies that integrate universal design, structured skill development, and employer engagement to create stronger pathways from training to employment. Participants will leave with an actionable framework and tools they can immediately implement to strengthen employment outcomes for neurodiverse learners in their CTEprograms.

Igniting the Spark: Meeting All Learners Through Authentic Career Agency
Wednesday, December 2, 8:00 a.m.–noon
Presenters: Samantha Shane
Cost: $200.00 (includes book)

Why do students thrive in the lab but struggle in the classroom? The answer lies at the intersection of adolescent brain science and instructional design. In this session, we move beyond "standardized compliance" to explore how the teenage brain is uniquely wired for high-stakes, authentic learning. We will shift the focus from passive behavior to active agency, providing a roadmap to transform your curriculum into a professional environment where students lead their own development.

Attendees will dive into connecting theory to practice, ensuring pedagogical concepts are anchored in real-world milestones. We will tackle differentiation through low, medium, and high prep strategies that support every learner without compromising rigor. Participants will engage through interactive "Industry Audits" and collaborative "Lesson Hacks" to ensure immediate scalability. You will leave with a tangible CTE Toolkit, including digital templates, differentiation rubrics, and actionable strategies to ignite excellence in every student who enters your room.

Lead Like it Matters-Because it Does
Wednesday, December 2, 8:00 a.m.-noon
Presenters: Edgar Blunt and Melissa Murphy
Cost: $175

This interactive pre-conference experience equips administrators with scalable, ready-to-implement strategies to build emotionally intelligent, high-functioning teams across classrooms, schools, and CTE pathways. Participants will actively engage in three IMAGO experiences: emotional intelligence for the future of work, practical leadership tools for communication and feedback, and storytelling to strengthen culture and connection. Rather than passive learning, attendees will practice tools in real time, to create stronger climates with clarity, feedback, and trust. Each strategy is designed to transfer seamlessly across K–12, postsecondary, and workforce settings. Participants will leave with tangible resources, including facilitation templates, plug-and-play discussion protocols, and easily implemented tools. The session emphasizes immediate application and long-term scalability, helping leaders embed human skills into daily practice, professional learning, and organizational culture, without adding complexity to already full systems.

Navigating Difficult Conversations
Wednesday, December 2, 1:00-5:00 p.m.
Presenter: Shelly Thome
Cost: $175

Navigating Difficult Conversations is an interactive workshop designed to help school professionals build confidence and skill in handling challenging interactions, whether in person, over the phone, or by email. Explore real-life scenarios, de-escalation techniques, and the power of non-verbal communication. Engage in hands-on activities to co-create communication norms and dive into strategies. Participants will also reflect on personal and team support systems, self-care, and the importance of being heard. Walk away with practical tools, a stronger sense of team support, and greater clarity for navigating tough conversations with professionalism and empathy.

State Association Leadership Training
Wednesday, December 2, 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Cost: $40

Join ACTE for a full-day leadership training designed for current and emerging state association leaders. This structured, interactive workshop focuses on association management best practices aligned with ACTE’s Quality Association Standards. Participants will explore key topic areas—including governance, membership, finance, communications, and public policy—through facilitated discussion, shared examples, and real-world scenarios. Attendees will gain access to practical tools, reference materials, and actionable strategies they can adapt for use within their own state associations. Bring a friend, or your full team, for maximum workshop value! Questions? Contact Kelli Diemer.

The AI Advantage: Automating Success for Community College Students
Wednesday, December 2, 8:00 a.m.-noon
Presenters: Jiri Jirik, John Sands
Cost: $175

This hands-on session shows how community colleges can use Generative AI to automate real operational work, create instructional materials, and strengthen pedagogy to improve student outcomes. Participants will build practical assets such as standard operating procedures, compliance instruments, simulations, dynamic dashboards, and curriculum-ready teaching materials aligned with technical programs. They will also learn how to evaluate and select appropriate AI tools for specific tasks and design AI-driven workflows that mirror real industry pressures. Attendees will leave with ready-to-use AI-generated models, frameworks, instructional resources, and evaluation tools they can immediately adapt to support student readiness for the AI-driven workforce.

Turn Your Perkins CLNA into a Strategic Roadmap
Wednesday. December 2, 1:00-5:00 p.m.
Presenter: Hans Meeder
Cost: $175

The Comprehensive Local Needs Assessment (CLNA) under Perkins V is more than a compliance requirement—it is a powerful opportunity to strengthen Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs and better align them with student needs and workforce demand. In this interactive 4-hour workshop, district and school teams will learn how to translate CLNA findings into clear, actionable strategies for program improvement. Participants will engage in practical exercises focused on asking the right questions, analyzing key data, and identifying meaningful gaps across programs and learner groups.

By the end of the session, teams will leave with practical tools, ready-to-use templates, and a structured planning approach they can immediately apply in their local context. Led by Hans Meeder, this session equips participants with the knowledge and confidence to strengthen their next CLNA cycle and drive sustained, long-term program success.