2026 K-ACTE Career Tech Summit: Full Schedule

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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8:00am CDT

Monday July 20, 2026 8:00am - 8:45am CDT

RC 101 - Capital Federal Conference Center

Celebrate excellence in Career and Technical Education at the K-ACTE Awards Ceremony. This session honors outstanding educators, programs, and industry partners who have made significant contributions to the field. Join us to recognize the achievements of your peers, applaud their dedication, and be inspired by their exemplary work.

Monday July 20, 2026 8:00am - 8:45am CDT
RC 101 - Capital Federal Conference Center

Plenary Session

Affiliate KTIEA, KAAE
Session Type Assessment/Certification
Subject Agriculture, Skilled Trades, Engineering & Technology

10:45am CDT

Artificial Intelligence as a Tool for Advancing CAD Education

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

RC 155

This presentation examines how artificial intelligence enhances computer-aided drafting instruction. It highlights AI tools that support design exploration, creativity, and real-time feedback, and emphasizes integrating AI into CAD curricula to prepare students for complex design challenges. Participants will be encouraged to share experiences and ideas related to AI use in drafting or CTE education.

Speakers

Kim Stewart

Professor and Chair of the Department of Applied Technology, Fort Hays State University

Kim M. Stewart is Professor and Chair of the Department of Applied Technology at Fort Hays State University (FHSU) in Hays, Kansas. A faculty member since 1997, he has led the department since 2012 and was instrumental in the design and construction of the Center for Applied Technology, a 58,000-square-foot... Read More →

Heather Cleveland

Assistant Professor Department of Applied Technology, Fort Hays State University

Heather Cleveland is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Applied Technology at Fort Hays State University in the Peter Werth College of Science, Technology, and Mathematics. She holds a Master of Science in Education and a Bachelor of Science in Technology Studies from FHSU... Read More →

Eric Deneault

Professor Department of Applied Technology, Fort Hays State University

Eric L. Deneault is a Professor in the Department of Applied Technology at Fort Hays State University, where he teaches Engineering Design Technology, Construction Management, and Technology and Engineering Education. He holds a terminal degree, a Master’s in Instructional Technology... Read More →

Monday July 20, 2026 10:45am - 11:35am CDT
RC 155 11190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210

Concurrent Session

Affiliate KTIEA
Session Type Engaging Instructional Methods
Subject Engineering & Technology, Skilled Trades

1:00pm CDT

Constructing Excellence: How to Build a Program That Produces Industry-Ready Professionals

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

RC 245

What does it take to turn learners into job-ready professionals in today’s construction industry? This session breaks down the blueprint for success—covering curriculum design, experiential learning, employer collaboration, and program scalability—while highlighting how Kansas Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways can be leveraged to strengthen program alignment and student outcomes. Walk away with actionable strategies to build or enhance a program that delivers skilled, confident, and workforce-ready graduates.

Speakers

Nathan Howard

Associate Professor, Fort Hays State University

Associate Professor in the Department of Applied Technology at Fort Hays State University. Lead professor in construction management and lead sponsor of Associated General Contractors student organization.

Monday July 20, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
RC 245 11190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210

Concurrent Session

Affiliate KTIEA
Session Type Work-Based Learning, Engaging Instructional Methods
Subject Skilled Trades, Engineering & Technology

1:00pm CDT

Teaching Tomorrow’s Tech: Preparing Students for Cyber, Cloud & AI Careers

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

RC 232

Step into the future of IT education with an engaging look at the skills students need to succeed in cybersecurity, cloud computing, and AI. This session blends research‑driven workforce insights with practical strategies that educators can apply in a variety of classroom settings. We will examine how modern IT roles are evolving, what early‑career professionals are expected to know, and how teachers can build those foundations with clarity and confidence. The session will include a few light interactive elements and helpful resources to support discussion, but the primary focus will remain on understanding trends and strengthening IT pathways. Participants will leave with practical ideas and a stronger framework for preparing students for tomorrow’s technology careers.

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 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
RC 232 11190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210

Concurrent Session

Affiliate KBOA
Session Type Engaging Instructional Methods, Student Career Development, Data & Program Improvement
Subject Engineering & Technology

2:00pm CDT

Welding Test for Excel in CTE

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

WCMT 129

NOTE: Please meet at the doors at the bottom of the stairs in the Regnier Center lobby to meet Amy Sellers who will walk participants over to the WCMT building.

This session is to help instructor prepared students for completing the weld test connected to Excel in CTE. Attendees will receive some classroom instructions, then conduct the weld test using either GMAW or SMAW. This session is not designed to teach you how to weld but how to help instruct students so that they are prepared for taking the test. Attendees should leave with a good understanding on how to prep material prior to weld, understand hold points, measure and visually inspect welds, prepare material for bend test, conduct bend test, and how to inspect the bend coupons.

Speakers

Jeremiah Harmon

Welding Instructor, HCTEA

Thirty years experience in welding and metal working. Have been in education for 17 and a Certified Welding Inspector and Educator since 2014.

Grant Von Lunen

Associate Professor, Metal Fabrication/Welding, Johnson County Community College

AWS CWI and CWE

Monday July 20, 2026 2:00pm - 3:50pm CDT
WCMT 129 12345 College Boulevard, Overland Park, KS, USA

Concurrent Session

Affiliate KTIEA, KAAE
Session Type Assessment/Certification
Subject Agriculture, Skilled Trades, Engineering & Technology

4:30pm CDT

KTIEA Board of Directors meeting

Monday July 20, 2026 4:30pm - 5:15pm CDT

RC 175

Meeting for Board of Directors members only. This meeting is to review Constitution and Bylaws, recommendations for amendments, vote to move recommendations forward for members approval.

Speakers

Jeremiah Harmon

Welding Instructor, HCTEA

Thirty years experience in welding and metal working. Have been in education for 17 and a Certified Welding Inspector and Educator since 2014.

Monday July 20, 2026 4:30pm - 5:15pm CDT
RC 175 11190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210

Concurrent Session

Affiliate KTIEA
Session Type Business Meeting
Subject Engineering & Technology, Media Technology, Skilled Trades

8:00am CDT

10:45am CDT

1:00pm CDT

1:00pm CDT

2:00pm CDT

4:30pm CDT

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