The K-ACTE House of Delegates represents members of each affiliate group and is responsible for setting policies, decision-making, representation, oversight, and advocacy. By fulfilling these roles, the House of Delegates ensures that K-ACTE remains responsive to the needs of its members and effectively supports the advancement of career and technical education statewide.
Linda has been teaching agriculture for 26 years. Over half her career has been spent managing high school greenhouses and teaching horticulture. She has focused on having great sales and teaching students how to run the greenhouse and run the sale. Her success has lead to her horticulture... Read More →
Monday July 20, 2026 9:45am - 10:25am CDT NMOCA 217 Hudson AuditoriumNerman Museum of Contemporary Arts at Johnson County Community College St, Overland Park, KS 66210
Whether you are navigating Work-based Learning experiences for students in your CTE pathways for the first time or if you are a seasoned pro; this session will support looking at sharing best practices, resources, and partnerships as we create these meaningful learning opportunities for our students.
Once you understand what AI is, the exciting question becomes: how do I use it intentionally and powerfully? This high energy, hands-on workshop moves beyond awareness into real time application. Educators will experiment with classroom ready AI tools, test how they function, and design learning experiences on the spot, including building, refining, and rethinking instructional tasks that elevate student thinking rather than replace it. Expect learning by doing, collaborative problem solving, and practical takeaways you can implement the very next day.
Key Takeaways Hands on experience using AI tools in real time Strategies for designing AI supported tasks that increase rigor rather than reduce it Approaches to strengthen clarity and creativity in instruction Ready to implement ideas for your classroom
Digital Literacy & Citizenship Coordinator, Wichita Public Schools
Dyane Smokorowski is an accomplished educator, having been inducted into the National Teacher Hall of Fame in 2019 and named 2013 Kansas Teacher of the Year. As Coordinator of Digital Literacy in the Wichita Public Schools, she fosters a student-centered classroom that builds skills... Read More →
Monday July 20, 2026 10:45am - 11:35am CDT RC 17511190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210
Are you teaching a new class but have no textbook, lesson plans, or curriculum maps? Do you need to give a current class an overhaul? Fall 2025 I found myself in this exact spot, a brand new class being offered across the state, but no curriculum provided. Come to a hands-on workshop to build the curriculum directly from your course competency using AI products.
Shanta’ Kemp’s taught for five years in Wellsville, KS, then left teaching to run a successful Pampered Chef business for 15 years. In 2016, she returned to the classroom via a long term substitute position at Ottawa High School that turned into a full-time position. Currently... Read More →
Monday July 20, 2026 10:45am - 11:35am CDT RC 14511190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210
Engage students by giving their work purpose beyond the classroom. This session showcases how Speech classes at Gardner Edgerton High School partnered with local government and business professionals to create meaningful, client-connected projects. Students addressed real challenges and pitched their ideas directly to decision-makers. Participants will gain a step-by-step look at how the project was developed, how community partners were engaged, and how student and client feedback shaped the experience. The presenter will also discuss how this framework can be adapted to fit a wide range of courses and disciplines.
Jaylene Freeman holds a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education with a minor in Business from Kansas State University and a Master of Arts in Education from Baker University. She has spent her career dedicated to preparing students for life beyond the classroom through innovative... Read More →
Monday July 20, 2026 10:45am - 11:35am CDT RC 27011190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210
This session is designed for FCCLA advisers who want to strengthen student leadership, chapter impact, and program sustainability through Kansas FCCLA. Participants will receive a comprehensive Kansas FCCLA state update, including current initiatives, program highlights, and upcoming opportunities for students and advisers. Beyond updates, this session will focus on intentional program support, showcasing how FCCLA aligns with Family and Consumer Sciences curriculum, leadership development, and schoolwide goals. Attendees will leave with practical ideas for supporting FCCLA at the local level, increasing student engagement, and fostering strong partnerships between advisers and administrators.
Shandi serves as the Kansas FCCLA State Adviser, where working alongside Family and Consumer Sciences professionals and FCCLA members is the highlight of her role. She is passionate about supporting leadership development and meaningful learning experiences for students across the... Read More →
Monday July 20, 2026 10:45am - 11:35am CDT RC 22111190 Quivira Rd, 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
Janet Holden is a high school FCS Teacher/FCCLA adviser at St. Mary's Colgan in Pittsburg, KS. She is in her 14th year teaching and is an active member of KATFACS, currently serving as the 2025-2026 KATFACS President.
Monday July 20, 2026 11:40am - 1:00pm CDT RC 27011190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210
Learn our planning process, course sequencing, and resources used to support pathway implementation. This session shares how our district developed and implemented a Mental and Behavioral Health Strand. Presenters will discuss how partnerships were formed with the community, provide grab-n-go resources used in courses, and share our problem solving process for potential issues. Attendees will explore classroom-tested activities, instructional resources, and engagement strategies designed to increase relevance, student participation, and career readiness, with tools they can adapt for their own Human Services pathways.
Cathy Mong is a CTE teaching specialist in Wichita Public Schools, USD259. She serves the FCCS, Early Childhood, Restaurant and Event Management, Teaching/Training, Health and Biotechnology
Family and Consumer Sciences Teacher, Wichita Public Schools
Aubry Weigel is the Family Community Consumer Services Pathway Leader in Wichita Public Schools. She is also the FCS department chair at Wichita Northwest and is an Early Childhood Teacher
Monday July 20, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT RC 22111190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210
All FCS Members: Plan to attend the KATFACS Business Meeting to engage with key leaders and gain insights into the strategic direction of our organization. This session will cover important updates, discuss ongoing initiatives, and outline future plans to enhance our impact in the field of Family and Consumer Sciences. Board members and attendees will have the opportunity to contribute their perspectives and collaborate on shaping the vision for KATFACS. Your participation is vital as we work together to advance our mission and support our professional community. FCS Teachers should plan to attend even if you're not a member!
Janet Holden is a high school FCS Teacher/FCCLA adviser at St. Mary's Colgan in Pittsburg, KS. She is in her 14th year teaching and is an active member of KATFACS, currently serving as the 2025-2026 KATFACS President.
Monday July 20, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT RC 27011190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210
Personal finance is evolving faster than most curriculum can keep up. From sports betting and fast fashion to Buy Now Pay Later services and influencer investing, students are making complex financial decisions in real time. This interactive session gives CTE educators practical, classroom ready strategies to address emerging trends while reinforcing core concepts such as risk, credit, incentives, and consumer protection.
Midwest Partnerships Manager, Next Gen Personal Finance
Ryan supports teachers, districts, and states in delivering engaging, high-impact personal finance instruction. A former business and marketing teacher, he brings firsthand classroom experience to his work with CTE leaders and educators. He focuses on practical implementation by helping... Read More →
Monday July 20, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT RC 17511190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210
ACTE and Kansas ACTE work in partnership to provide members with a wide range of benefits—but understanding how to fully leverage those benefits is key to maximizing their impact. In this interactive session, ACTE and Kansas ACTE leaders will highlight how national and state-level efforts align to support professional growth, leadership development, advocacy, and career success. Participants will actively explore member benefits, hear real-world examples, and leave with practical strategies for engaging more intentionally with both organizations throughout the year.
Linda has been teaching agriculture for 26 years. Over half her career has been spent managing high school greenhouses and teaching horticulture. She has focused on having great sales and teaching students how to run the greenhouse and run the sale. Her success has lead to her horticulture... Read More →
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
Artificial intelligence is already embedded in the industries our students are entering. CTE educators do not need to become AI developers, but they do need to understand how AI tools can enhance instruction, improve efficiency, and better prepare students for modern workplaces.
This interactive session focuses on practical, hands on applications of AI tools that educators across all CTE pathways can implement immediately. Participants will explore how AI can support lesson planning, rubric creation, technical documentation, troubleshooting simulations, formative assessment, and student skill development. Rather than emphasizing coding or technical AI development, the session centers on what AI can realistically do, where it adds value, and how to guide students in using it professionally and ethically.
Through structured peer collaboration, attendees will design one AI integrated classroom activity tailored to their own program area. By the end of the session, participants will leave with a drafted implementation plan, example prompts aligned to their field, and a clear framework for integrating AI as a productivity and learning tool within existing coursework.
Assistant Professor of IT/Department Chair, Johnson County Community College
Hondo Tamez is an Associate Professor and the Department Chair of Information Technology at Johnson County Community College. He spends his time exploring the worlds of networking, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and all the other tech that keeps modern life running. Hondo holds industry... Read More →
Monday July 20, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT RC 18311190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210
With digitization reshaping the way we bank, pay, and earn, it's crucial to deepen students’ understanding so they can navigate our evolving financial landscape. This session will explore a new online course that delves into the innovative world of finance and technology through a student lens.
The lessons cover digital banking and payments, how to manage one’s digital financial footprint, social trends that intersect with finance, risks associated with digital banking and payments, digital currencies, avoiding financial frauds and scams, and more. The three stand-alone modules offer student-centered activities, built-in assessments, and a comprehensive teacher’s guide, and can also be integrated into existing learning management systems for students to complete independently. Join this session to discover how this new curriculum can help teens take control of their financial future and empower them to make more informed choices in our digital world.
Director of Education, Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City
Gigi Wolf Neil is Director of Education for the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, where she coordinates the strategic direction of education outreach throughout Kansas, western Missouri, and the region. She has extensive experience developing curricula related to economics, entrepreneurship... Read More →
Monday July 20, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT RC 17511190 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
Join us as we explore strategies to recruit and support special populations in your CTE pathways. You'll have the opportunity to see specific strategies being used at Maize Career Academy to successfully promote participation in all CTE pathways available at Maize USD #266 and Maize Career Academy.
NOTE: This session will start at 2:30 to allow attendees time to walk/drive to the GEB building.
Join the Department Chairs from both Fashion Merchandising & Design and Interior Design for an inside look at the dynamic programs shaping the next generation. We will explore academic pathways, student activities, and transfer options that can prepare your students for a thriving career. This seminar will wrap up with a guided tour of our studio spaces and a behind‑the‑scenes look at the Historic Fashion Collection, a campus treasure you won’t want to miss.
Department Chair - Fashion Design and Merchandising, Johnson County Community College
Joy Rhodes is the current Department Chair of the Fashion Merchandising and Design department at Johnson County Community College. In addition to her Chair role, Joy has been teaching in the Fashion department for over 20 years. Joy has over 15 years of previous apparel industry... Read More →
Associate Professor/Department Chair, Johnson County Community College
Dr. Heather Carlile Carter is the Department Chair and Associate Professor of Interior Design at Johnson County Community College in Overland Park, Kansas. She holds a Ph.D. in Human Environmental Sciences with an emphasis in Architectural Studies from the University of Missouri and... Read More →
Monday July 20, 2026 2:30pm - 3:50pm CDT GEB 353-A12345 College Blvd, Overland Park, KS 66210
Join us for the KATFACS Social, an off-site networking event designed to foster connections and collaboration among professionals in the field of Family and Consumer Sciences. This informal gathering offers a relaxed atmosphere to meet fellow attendees, share experiences, and build lasting relationships. Don't miss this opportunity to unwind, connect, and expand your professional network.
Please RSVP to Janet Holden 620-249-3311
Location: Nick & Jake's 6830 W 135th St. Overland Park, KS 66223
Janet Holden is a high school FCS Teacher/FCCLA adviser at St. Mary's Colgan in Pittsburg, KS. She is in her 14th year teaching and is an active member of KATFACS, currently serving as the 2025-2026 KATFACS President.
Monday July 20, 2026 6:00pm - 9:00pm CDT Nick & Jake's6830 W 135th St, Overland Park, KS 66223
