2026 K-ACTE Career Tech Summit has ended

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2026 K-ACTE Career Tech Summit

Welcome to the K-ACTE Career Tech Summit 2026: Shaping the Next Generation of Workers!

You will be able to validate your attendance (Check-In to sessions) using your personal schedule.

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9:45am CDT

K-ACTE House of Delegates

Monday July 20, 2026 9:45am - 10:25am CDT

NMOCA 217 Hudson Auditorium

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.

Please note: No food or drink can be taken into this meeting space.

Speakers

Linda Chase

Agriculture Instructor, Wellington High School

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 →

Laurali Masterson

FACS teacher/CTE Coordinator, Hill City Junior Senior High School

Jamie Manhart

Monday July 20, 2026 9:45am - 10:25am CDT
NMOCA 217 Hudson Auditorium Nerman Museum of Contemporary Arts at Johnson County Community College St, Overland Park, KS 66210

Concurrent Session

Affiliate KAAE, KATFACS, KBOA, KHSIA, KLCTE, KTIEA
Session Type Business Meeting
Subject All CTE

10:45am CDT

AI 201 | Designing Instruction in an AI Enhanced Classroom

Monday July 20, 2026 10:45am - 11:35am CDT

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

Speakers

Dyane Smokorowski

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 175 11190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210

Concurrent Session

Affiliate KAAE, KATFACS, KBOA, KHSIA, KLCTE, KTIEA
Session Type Engaging Instructional Methods
Subject All CTE

10:45am CDT

CTE Coordinator Information and Updates

Monday July 20, 2026 10:45am - 11:35am CDT

NMOCA 217 Hudson Auditorium

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.

Please note: No food or drink can be taken into this meeting space.

Speakers

Natalie Clark

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 Auditorium Nerman Museum of Contemporary Arts at Johnson County Community College St, Overland Park, KS 66210

Concurrent Session

Affiliate KLCTE
Session Type Clusters/Pathways, Leadership
Subject All CTE

10:45am CDT

Pitching with Purpose: Bringing Client-Connected Projects into Any Classroom

Monday July 20, 2026 10:45am - 11:35am CDT

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.

Speakers

Jaylene Freeman

CTE and RWL Coordinator, USD 231 Gardner Edgerton

Jaylene Freeman has a background in secondary education and business, with degrees from Kansas State University and Baker University. She’s spent her career helping students connect classroom learning to real-world experiences while teaching a wide range of business and technology... Read More →

Monday July 20, 2026 10:45am - 11:35am CDT
RC 270 11190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210

Concurrent Session

Affiliate KLCTE, KAAE, KATFACS, KBOA, KHSIA, KTIEA
Session Type Business & Community Partnerships, Student Career Development, Engaging Instructional Methods
Subject All CTE

10:45am CDT

The Student Who Struggles: Why CTE is the Perfect Intervention

Monday July 20, 2026 10:45am - 11:35am CDT

In every school, there is a student who struggles. They can’t sit still. They miss assignments. They are labeled unmotivated, distracted, or difficult. Traditional classrooms often magnify their deficits, but Career & Technical Education can unlock their potential.
This session explores why many students who struggle academically are not incapable they are experiencing executive function skill gaps, regulation challenges, or learning environments that don’t match how they are wired to succeed. CTE classrooms, with their hands-on structure, real-world application, and built-in accountability, are uniquely positioned to serve as powerful interventions.
Participants will learn practical, shop-ready strategies to support executive function development, embed workforce readiness into daily routines, and design CTE environments that transform struggling students into thriving contributors. This is not about lowering expectations, it’s about building systems that allow students to rise to them.
Walk away with actionable tools you can implement immediately to better serve the student who struggles, and turn potential into performance.

Speakers

Stacey Jones

Director, Highland Community College

Director of Highland Community College's Western Center a Technical Education Campus for both high school students through Excel in CTE and for Post Secondary Students.

Monday July 20, 2026 10:45am - 11:35am CDT
RC 232 11190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210

Concurrent Session

Affiliate KTIEA, KAAE, KLCTE
Session Type Engaging Instructional Methods
Subject All CTE

10:45am CDT

Why Is Career Exploration so Critical Today?

Monday July 20, 2026 10:45am - 11:35am CDT

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.

Speakers

Kristin Brighton

Founder, HirePaths

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 181 11190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210

Concurrent Session

Affiliate KLCTE, KAAE, KATFACS, KBOA, KHSIA, KTIEA
Session Type Clusters/Pathways, Engaging Instructional Methods, Student Career Development, Work-Based Learning
Subject All CTE

10:45am CDT

Work-based Learning Fundamentals

Monday July 20, 2026 10:45am - 11:35am CDT

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.

Speakers

Anthony Meals

Agricultural Education Program Consultant and Kansas FFA Advisor, KSDE

KSDE Agricultural Education Program Consultant and Kansas FFA Advisor

Monday July 20, 2026 10:45am - 11:35am CDT
RC 238 11190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210

Concurrent Session

Affiliate KLCTE, KAAE, KATFACS, KBOA, KHSIA, KTIEA
Session Type Work-Based Learning
Subject All CTE

1:00pm CDT

Building Rural Health Science Pathways: New Funding, Certifications & Pre-Apprenticeships for Kansas Schools

Monday July 20, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT

Looking to expand or launch health science pathways in your district? Kansas' Rural Health Transformation Plan is rolling out new funding to help rural high schools add courses and certifications, strengthen instructional capacity, and develop health care pre-apprenticeship models with local employers. Walk away with practical steps, funding details, and partnership strategies you can implement immediately.

Speakers

Jaron Caffrey

Director of Workforce and Health Care Policy, Kansas Hospital Association

Jaron serves as the Director of Workforce and Health Care Policy for the Kansas Hospital Association. In this role, he coordinates the association’s federal health policy and advocacy strategy and drives efforts to align national policy with the needs of Kansas hospitals and patients... Read More →

Monday July 20, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
RC 255 11190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210

Concurrent Session

Affiliate KHSIA, KLCTE
Session Type Assessment/Certification, Business & Community Partnerships, Clusters/Pathways, Student Career Development, Work-Based Learning
Subject Health Sciences

1:00pm CDT

Individual Plans of Study, Course Selection, and Future Goals and Plans

Monday July 20, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT

In this session, we will discuss how we are using student's IPS clusters to provide course recommendations and opportunities to students.

Speakers

Dr. Lindsay King

Director of College and Career Readiness, Maize USD #266

Dr. King serves as the Director of College and Career Readiness at Maize USD #266

Monday July 20, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
RC 155 11190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210

Concurrent Session

Affiliate KLCTE
Session Type Clusters/Pathways
Subject All CTE

1:00pm CDT

Perkins FY26-27: Reporting, Spending, and Reserve Grant Opportunities

Monday July 20, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT

NMOCA 217 Hudson Auditorium

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.

Please note: No food or drink can be taken into this meeting space.

Speakers

Denise Lauber

Perkins Coordinator, KSDE

Denise Lauber is the Perkins Coordinator for the Kansas Department of Education supporting the administration of Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical (CTE) grants to Kansas School Districts.

Monday July 20, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
NMOCA 217 Hudson Auditorium Nerman Museum of Contemporary Arts at Johnson County Community College St, Overland Park, KS 66210

Concurrent Session

Affiliate KLCTE
Session Type Clusters/Pathways
Subject All CTE

1:00pm CDT

Stronger Together: Turning ACTE & Kansas ACTE Membership into Meaningful Impact

Monday July 20, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT

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.

Speakers

Linda Chase

Agriculture Instructor, Wellington High School

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 →

Kelli Diemer

Senior Director of Membership, ACTE

Laurali Masterson

FACS teacher/CTE Coordinator, Hill City Junior Senior High School

Monday July 20, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
RC 181 11190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210

Concurrent Session

Affiliate KAAE, KATFACS, KBOA, KHSIA, KLCTE, KTIEA
Subject All CTE

2:00pm CDT

A Clear Path to Success: Using the IPS Model for Student-Driven Enrollment

Monday July 20, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT

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.

Speakers

Dana Daugharrthy

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 181 11190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210

Concurrent Session

Affiliate KAAE, KATFACS, KBOA, KHSIA, KLCTE, KTIEA
Session Type Clusters/Pathways, Leadership, Access and Supports, Student Career Development
Subject All CTE

2:00pm CDT

AI as a Teaching Tool: Practical Applications for Every CTE Program

Monday July 20, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT

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.

Speakers

Hondo Tamez

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 238 11190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210

Concurrent Session

Affiliate KAAE, KATFACS, KBOA, KHSIA, KLCTE, KTIEA
Session Type Engaging Instructional Methods, Data & Program Improvement
Subject All CTE

2:00pm CDT

Beyond the Credential: How the "Whole-Scholar" Model Achieves a 75% Persistence Rate

Monday July 20, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT

Most programs stop at graduation. We don't. Learn how Great Jobs KC uses a 5-pillar ecosystem (Intake to 1-Year Post-Employment Coaching) to achieve a 75% persistence rate and an average salary increase of 176%.

Using recent Mathematica Evaluation data to prove that tuition-free training is only half the battle. That providing on-going Scholar support through one-to-one coaching and robust community services leads to better outcomes and stronger employees.

Takeaways:
The "Scholar Advocate" framework: Moving beyond academic advising to life-barrier removal (transportation, tech, child care).

Using data to track success, not just completion.
Training in a holistic manner with mandatory life skill workshops leads to more well-rounded employee for area employers.
Strategies for building an "Employer Network Team" that guarantees a pipeline, not just a job board.

Speakers

Macenzie Tucker

Senior Director of Workforce Development and Scholar Success , Great Jobs KC

As the Senior Director of Workforce Development and Scholar Success, Macenzie Tucker is responsible for overseeing core programming for the adult workforce development program, Great Jobs KC tuition-free job training. Macenzie Tucker holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from... Read More →

Alex Shaw

Great Jobs KC

Alex is an accomplished professional with a diverse skill set and a huge passion for workforce development. Alex has previously worked in education, behavioral health, county government, IT, and even construction! With experience in different organizations and settings, she has... Read More →

Monday July 20, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT
RC 155 11190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210

Concurrent Session

Affiliate KHSIA, KLCTE, KTIEA
Session Type Access and Supports, Engaging Instructional Methods, Student Career Development
Subject Health Sciences, Skilled Trades

2:00pm CDT

CTE Pathways Student Data Management Reporting Training

Monday July 20, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT

NMOCA 217 Hudson Auditorium

Come and receive guidance from KSDE CTE staff as you complete your Student Data Management reporting. They will provide step by step instructions on how to assign students to pathways, and update their current status, followed by individual work time. Please come prepared with all KIDS reporting complete, and additional local files indicating the tracking of students CTE credit history.

Please note: No food or drink can be taken into this meeting space.

Speakers

Jenna Giordano

PSA, KSDE

CTE Pathways and KCCMS helpdesk public service administrator for the Kansas State Department of Education

Monday July 20, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT
NMOCA 217 Hudson Auditorium Nerman Museum of Contemporary Arts at Johnson County Community College St, Overland Park, KS 66210

Concurrent Session

Affiliate KLCTE
Session Type Data & Program Improvement
Subject All CTE

2:00pm CDT

Leveling Up Your Labs with iCEV

Monday July 20, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT

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.

Speakers

Dr. Calee McElwain

Territory Manager, iCEV

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 270 11190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210

Concurrent Session

Affiliate KLCTE, KAAE, KATFACS, KBOA, KHSIA, KTIEA
Session Type Clusters/Pathways, Engaging Instructional Methods
Subject All CTE

2:00pm CDT

Recruiting and Supporting Special Populations in CTE

Monday July 20, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT

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.

Speakers

Dr. Lindsay King

Director of College and Career Readiness, Maize USD #266

Dr. King serves as the Director of College and Career Readiness at Maize USD #266

Andy Ewing

Consultant, KSDE

KSDE Special Populations Consultant

Monday July 20, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT
RC 245 11190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210

Concurrent Session

Affiliate KAAE, KATFACS, KBOA, KHSIA, KLCTE, KTIEA
Session Type Access and Supports
Subject All CTE

2:00pm CDT

The Value of ACT WorkKeys and the NCRC

Monday July 20, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT

This session will include an in-depth look at the ACT WorkKeys Assessments, ACT WorkKeys Curriculum, and the National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC) that an individual can earn by successfully completing three of the WorkKeys Assessments. The value of the NCRC will be discussed and demonstrate many of the benefits that are available not only to those who earn an NCRC but also to those who administer the WorkKeys Assessments and work with individuals in helping them select a career path.

Speakers

Michael Monson

Account Executive, ACT Education Corp.

After graduating in Chemical Engineering, Michael spent 35 years in the semiconductor industry, first as a Photolithography Engineer then transitioning into Sales & Marketing and then to a Business Management role. In 2012, Michael transitioned to ACT, Inc. to help individuals achieve... Read More →

Monday July 20, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT
RC 221 11190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210

Concurrent Session

Affiliate KLCTE, KTIEA
Session Type Assessment/Certification
Subject Skilled Trades, All CTE

2:00pm CDT

Olathe Innovations Campus

Monday July 20, 2026 2:00pm - 3:50pm CDT

Olathe Innovation Campus

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)

Speakers

Adam Wessel

Director of Career Ready Programs, Blue Valley

Blue Valley Director of Career Ready Programs

Monday July 20, 2026 2:00pm - 3:50pm CDT
Olathe Innovation Campus 450 N Rogers Road, Olathe, KS 66062

Concurrent Session

Affiliate KLCTE
Session Type Clusters/Pathways, Tour
Subject All CTE

3:00pm CDT

Educator Focus Group for HirePaths' Cool Careers Series

Monday July 20, 2026 3:00pm - 3:50pm CDT

HirePaths is gathering feedback on its free, Kansas-based career video series Cool Careers, which is especially designed for grades 4 through 8. Any educators or administrators who work with elementary or middle school students are invited to participate in this one-hour session to provide feedback on the series and input on marketing efforts.

This session will be capped at 20 participants.

All participants will receive $50 for their time, and a donation will be made to K-ACTE for each educator who participates.

Speakers

Kristin Brighton

Founder, HirePaths

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 3:00pm - 3:50pm CDT
RC 175 11190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210

Concurrent Session

Affiliate KAAE, KATFACS, KBOA, KHSIA, KLCTE, KTIEA
Session Type Student Career Development
Subject All CTE

5:00pm CDT

KLCTE Social

Monday July 20, 2026 5:00pm - 8:00pm CDT

Barley's Kitchen + Tap

Join other members of KLCTE for a social outing near the conference site.
Barley's Kitchen and Tap
11924 W 119th St.
Overland Park, KS 66213

Speakers

Adam Wessel

Director of Career Ready Programs, Blue Valley

Blue Valley Director of Career Ready Programs

Monday July 20, 2026 5:00pm - 8:00pm CDT
Barley's Kitchen + Tap 11924 W 119th St, Overland Park, KS 66213, USA

Social/Networking

Affiliate KLCTE
Session Type Social/Networking
Subject All CTE
global Y