KSDE will share important information and updates regarding School Improvement, Career and Technical Education, Individual Plan of Study and Work-Based Learning. Cluster review recommendations will be presented.
Assistant Director, Kansas State Department of Education
Assistant Director, Career, Standards and Assessment Services, Kansas State Department of Education
Monday July 20, 2026 10:45am - 11:35am CDT NMOCA 217 Hudson AuditoriumNerman Museum of Contemporary Arts at Johnson County Community College St, Overland Park, KS 66210
HirePaths Founder and Manhattan mom Kristin Brighton will overview the latest national and state data behind why Kansas and the entire United States need to invest heavily in career exploration, starting with students as young as elementary school. She'll also share her personal story as a parent and entrepreneur and overview HirePaths, which offers free, Kansas-based career resources you can easily integrate into your district's classrooms.
Kristin Brighton is one of the principals and founders of New Boston Creative Group LLC, an integrated marketing communications firm based in Manhattan.
Ms. Brighton is the founder of HirePaths, a marketing campaign to introduce Kansas kids to high-demand careers.
In addition to her professional work, Ms. Brighton is an elected member of the USD 383 Manhattan-Ogden School Board, and she was the 2016 chair of the board for the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce... Read More →
Monday July 20, 2026 10:45am - 11:35am CDT RC 18111190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210
Join us for a practical overview of key Perkins Timelines and opportunities. We'll cover essential steps for completing the FY26 final report, proven strategies for managing FY27 funds effectively, and a preview of reserve grants available in the year ahead.
Denise Lauber is a Public Service Administrator for the Kansas Department of Education supporting the administration of Carl Perkins funds to Kansas School Districts.
Monday July 20, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT NMOCA 217 Hudson AuditoriumNerman Museum of Contemporary Arts at Johnson County Community College St, Overland Park, KS 66210
Learn how to move beyond traditional course catalogs to create a more intentional, student-driven enrollment experience. This session will demonstrate how Iola High School successfully increased buy-in for CTE pathways by merging a new interest-based recommendation system with a redesigned community engagement model. Participants will walk away with actionable strategies for facilitating deeper career conversations between students and parents, ensuring that every course choice is a purposeful step toward a clear future goal.
CTE Coordinator / Academic Counselor, Iola High School
With a career rooted in the lab and the classroom, Dana is passionate about helping students navigate their future. He currently serves as the CTE Coordinator and Academic Counselor at Iola High School. My background includes teaching everything from robotics to physics, and I still... Read More →
Monday July 20, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT RC 18111190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210
Take your hands‑on learning to the next level with iCEV! This session highlights quick, practical ways to enhance your classroom labs using iCEV’s built‑in activities, projects, and management tools. Learn how to customize labs, integrate industry‑aligned skills, and streamline prep time while boosting student engagement. Perfect for educators looking to modernize and simplify their lab-based instruction.
Dr. Calee McElwain is the iCEV Territory Manager for Kansas and Missouri. She spent 25+ years in public education in a variety of roles including classroom teacher, instructional coach, and curriculum director. She has experience in both rural and suburban school districts. Dr... Read More →
Monday July 20, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT RC 27011190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210
NOTE: This session is a tour at an alternate location about 15 minutes from JCCC campus. The tour will begin at 2:20pm to allow participants time to drive to the location.
Explore the future of learning at the Olathe Innovation Campus. This guided tour offers a firsthand look at innovative, student-centered spaces where career pathways come to life. Participants will experience how real-world skills, industry partnerships, and cutting-edge facilities are shaping tomorrow’s workforce.
Address for Olathe Public School Innovation Campus: 450 N Rogers Road Olathe, KS 66062
Please park in the large main lot off Spruce on the southeast side of the building and enter through door A (large apple on the door)
Barbra Gonzales earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business and Fashion Merchandising from Baker University and a Master’s degree in Secondary Education from Kansas State University. She taught Family and Consumer Sciences at Olathe North High school for 21 years. While at Olathe... Read More →
Monday July 20, 2026 2:00pm - 3:50pm CDT Olathe Innovation Campus450 N Rogers Road, Olathe, KS 66062
