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Welcome to the K-ACTE Career Tech Summit 2026: Shaping the Next Generation of Workers!
Audience: Engaging Instructional Methods clear filter
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Tuesday, July 21
 

8:45am CDT

Elevate Your Teaching: AI for the Busy Educators, Work Smarter and Level Up Your Lessons
LIMITED
Tuesday July 21, 2026 8:45am - 9:35am CDT
Limited Capacity seats available
We often hear about what AI can do for students, but what about the educators managing lesson planning, grading, sub plans, differentiation, and everything else that fills a teacher’s day? This hands‑on breakout session focuses on you, and how AI can lighten your daily workload without compromising high‑quality instruction.


Discover how to transform long, text‑heavy PowerPoints into dynamic, interactive presentations in just a few clicks. Learn how AI can instantly generate differentiated versions of assignments to support all learners, SPED, advanced, ELL, and everyone in between, using the materials you already have, as well as new content AI can help you find.


You’ll also explore how to create effective sub plans quickly and efficiently using your existing resources, and how to generate quizzes and send them directly to Canvas with minimal typing and maximum time saved.


Walk away with practical, ready‑to‑use AI strategies designed specifically for busy teachers, because your time is valuable, and your energy belongs with your students, not behind a keyboard.
Speakers
avatar for Nicole Linenberger

Nicole Linenberger

CTE FACS Teacher, Hays High School
Nicole Linenberger is a Culinary Arts and Career and Technical Education instructor at Hays High School whose program exemplifies the mission of CTE: preparing students with authentic technical skills, leadership opportunities, and meaningful workforce experience. Through innovative... Read More →
Tuesday July 21, 2026 8:45am - 9:35am CDT
NMOCA 217 Hudson Auditorium Nerman Museum of Contemporary Arts at Johnson County Community College St, Overland Park, KS 66210

8:45am CDT

Reality U: Innovative, Hands-On Financial Learning
LIMITED
Tuesday July 21, 2026 8:45am - 9:35am CDT
Limited Capacity seats available
Reality U is a 75-minute, hands-on simulation where students experience the financial realities of adulthood. Based on their current GPA, they step into the role of a 26-year-old and manage income and debt while navigating real-world financial decisions.


Through interactive booths staffed by local business and community volunteers, students make choices about housing, transportation, insurance, food, and more while balancing a checkbook that cannot dip below zero.


More than an event, Reality U is a powerful instructional tool. Students quickly see how academic performance and decision-making directly impact their financial stability and career pathways.


In this session, each participant will learn how Reality U boosts engagement, strengthens community partnerships, and reinforces career and life readiness skills while providing practical implementation strategies. From small schools to large, Reality U creates an unforgettable, hands-on financial experience for all students.


Speakers
avatar for Patrick Sehl

Patrick Sehl

Sr. Director of Reality U, Reality U - The Pando Initiative
Patrick Sehl is the Sr. Director of Reality U at The Pando Initiative. Patrick connects to students across the state of Kansas in middle and high schools by championing the idea that their effort in school really does matter. By engaging students in an interactive way during Reality... Read More →
Tuesday July 21, 2026 8:45am - 9:35am CDT
RC 175 11190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210

8:45am CDT

Reimagining Nutrition & Dietetics: Classroom-Ready Strategies for Kansas FCS
LIMITED
Tuesday July 21, 2026 8:45am - 9:35am CDT
Limited Capacity seats available
Kansas FCS teachers are invited to explore the newly revised Nutrition & Dietetics course (formerly Nutrition & Wellness, 19253). This session will provide an overview of the updated curriculum developed through the Kansas Center for Career & Technical Education (KCCTE), highlighting increased rigor, stronger alignment to healthcare pathways, and enhanced career readiness opportunities. Participants will view student samples, classroom-ready activities, and practical implementation strategies designed to support science integration and real-world application in diverse teaching settings.
Speakers
avatar for Janet Holden

Janet Holden

FCS Teacher, St. Mary's Colgan
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. 
Tuesday July 21, 2026 8:45am - 9:35am CDT
RC 181 11190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210

9:45am CDT

AI 101 | Teaching and Thinking in an AI World
LIMITED
Tuesday July 21, 2026 9:45am - 10:35am CDT
Limited Capacity seats available
Artificial intelligence is already here, woven into the tools teachers and students use every day, from search engines to classroom platforms. In this interactive, hands on session, educators will explore what AI actually is, where it's already showing up, and what AI literacy looks like in practice for both teachers and students. Through guided exploration (bring a device!), participants will leave with a clear foundation, practical strategies, and the confidence to navigate AI conversations in their school communities, all while keeping human thinking front and center.

Key Takeaways
A clear, grounded understanding of what AI is (and what it is not)
Awareness of where AI is already embedded in common tools
A framework for building AI literacy with students
Strategies for keeping critical thinking at the center of learning
Confidence to lead AI conversations in your building
Speakers
avatar for Dyane Smokorowski

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 →
Tuesday July 21, 2026 9:45am - 10:35am CDT
RC 270 11190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210

9:45am CDT

CTE & Career Exploration for Middle Grades
LIMITED
Tuesday July 21, 2026 9:45am - 10:35am CDT
Limited Capacity seats available
Help students discover their strengths and future possibilities through meaningful CTE and career exploration! This session gives Kansas educators practical, engaging strategies for introducing 6th–8th graders to Kansas Career Clusters, real‑world connections, and early pathway awareness that supports the Individual Plan of Study (IPS). Engage with colleagues to share strategies, insights, and ideas that elevate middle school CTE and career exploration.
Speakers
avatar for Dr. Calee McElwain

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 →
Tuesday July 21, 2026 9:45am - 10:35am CDT
NMOCA 217 Hudson Auditorium Nerman Museum of Contemporary Arts at Johnson County Community College St, Overland Park, KS 66210

9:45am CDT

CTE and ADHD: A "Perfect" Match - Why Hands-On Learning is the Key to Neurodiverse Success
LIMITED
Tuesday July 21, 2026 9:45am - 10:35am CDT
Limited Capacity seats available
This high-energy presentation delves into the synergy between Career and Technical Education (CTE) and the ADHD brain. While neurodivergent individuals often face underemployment due to a lack of engagement in traditional academic settings, CTE offers a game-changing alternative. By prioritizing hands-on learning and industry-recognized credentials, CTE paves the way to high-wage, high-demand careers that align with neurodiverse strengths.
Attendees will explore recent research on access and supports, learn strategies for guiding students through career clusters and pathways, and discover effective methods for student leadership and work-based learning. This session is highly interactive, featuring an Executive Function Match-Up activity, collaborative sharing of educational methods, and a competitive quiz game with prizes!
Speakers
avatar for Dr. Chris Foster

Dr. Chris Foster

CTE Teacher, USD259 - Wichita North High
Dr. Chris Foster, a public school teacher for over 25 years, is certified in multiple subject areas, allowing her to switch things up when she needs a change of pace. She especially loves teaching CTE courses - college and career readiness is her jam! Her personal ADHD journey began... Read More →
Tuesday July 21, 2026 9:45am - 10:35am CDT
RC 232 11190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210

9:45am CDT

CTE Lesson Planning is Hard or izzit?
LIMITED
Tuesday July 21, 2026 9:45am - 10:35am CDT
Limited Capacity seats available
Looking for practical classroom resources that save planning time without sacrificing quality? This session introduces educators to ready-to-use CTE lesson plans and classroom resources available through izzit.org. Designed around sound instructional practices, these materials help reduce planning time while supporting student engagement. An educator with 20 years of experience using the resources will demonstrate how to access them at no cost, including 45-minute lessons, daily current events articles with discussion questions, and classroom activities, and will share practical strategies for integrating them into existing courses to enhance instruction and streamline preparation.
Speakers
avatar for Mark Turrentine

Mark Turrentine

District Coordinator - Career & Technical Education, Blue Valley Schools
Mark started his career in business after graduating with a degree from Western Michigan University. He spent the next 20 years working in the corporate world and also receiving his MBA from Kansas University. He also started an income tax preparation company with his brother that... Read More →
Tuesday July 21, 2026 9:45am - 10:35am CDT
RC 183 11190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210

9:45am CDT

From Handshakes to Internships: Building Business Partnerships that Work
LIMITED
Tuesday July 21, 2026 9:45am - 10:35am CDT
Limited Capacity seats available
Developing strong community and industry partnerships is essential to expanding meaningful work-based learning opportunities for students. In this interactive session, Dr. Ceresa Schaffer from De Soto USD 232 will share practical strategies for building and sustaining partnerships with local businesses while increasing student participation in internship programs. Participants will learn how to effectively recruit business partners, market internship opportunities to students, and create systems that support successful placements. Attendees will engage in collaborative discussion and leave with ready-to-use ideas, outreach strategies, and tools they can implement immediately to strengthen business partnerships and expand student access to real-world career experiences.
Speakers
avatar for Dr. Ceresa Schaffer

Dr. Ceresa Schaffer

Coordinator of Studen Success, USD 232 De Soto
Dr. Ceresa Schaffer serves as the Coordinator of Student Success for De Soto USD 232 and is currently in her 27th year in education. In her role, she leads several district initiatives focused on student success, career readiness, and postsecondary pathways. Her work includes oversight... Read More →
Tuesday July 21, 2026 9:45am - 10:35am CDT
RC 175 11190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210

11:00am CDT

CTE Meet Literacy: What It Is, Why It Matters, and How to Do It Tomorrow
LIMITED
Tuesday July 21, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
Limited Capacity seats available
Literacy is already happening in your CTE classroom—this session helps you make it intentional and impactful. Explore how key ELA standards naturally align with CTE tasks and learn simple, high-leverage strategies to support students in reading technical texts, writing with purpose, and communicating their thinking.
Through real examples and quick application, you’ll walk away with practical tools and a ready-to-use plan you can implement tomorrow—no extra prep required.
Speakers
avatar for Mary Lonker

Mary Lonker

ELA Program Manager, Kansas State Department of Education
Mary Lonker has spent 30 years in English Language Arts education, teaching both middle and high school students. She taught 8th grade English as well as over 20 years of high school English, including a decade in AP Language and Composition, and is certified to teach AP Seminar... Read More →
Tuesday July 21, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
RC 181 11190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210

11:00am CDT

Mastering Money
LIMITED
Tuesday July 21, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
Limited Capacity seats available
Mastering Money -  1 hour
  • Free seminar to demystify checking accounts, budgeting, and credit scores.
  • This is a “no shame – no blame” seminar that gives actionable steps to raise your credit score. 
  • Learn about the free self-guided financial tools available to teachers and students.
  • We offer a free one on one personal Financial Checkup (with a certified financial councilor) to all attendees without requiring that they become Mainstreet Credit Union members. 
Speakers
avatar for Kelly Main

Kelly Main

Business Development Officer, Mainstreet Credit Union
Kelly Main has worked at Mainstreet Credit Union for over 3 years in Business Development. She partners with other companies to give free financial education seminars to groups both large and small. These seminars focus on a "no shame/no blame" inclusive style that promotes discussion... Read More →
avatar for Jillian Miller

Jillian Miller

Community Relations Officer, Mainstreet Credit Union
Jillian is the Community Relations Officer for Mainstreet Credit Union where she has worked for three years. Her role is to educate others about the importance of financial literacy as well as build and maintain relationships with community members, school districts, and local businesses... Read More →
Tuesday July 21, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
RC 145 11190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210

1:30pm CDT

Design Essentials Unlocked: Bringing Fashion Principles to Life in the Classroom
LIMITED
Tuesday July 21, 2026 1:30pm - 2:20pm CDT
Limited Capacity seats available
NOTE: This session will be held in GEB. Join the Fashion Merchandising and Design faculty from Johnson County Community College for a hands-on workshop and learn creative ways to apply the Principles and Elements of Design in fashion assortment planning and product development. We will explore classroom project ideas in a creative learning environment using easy to find tools and materials. Learn more about the academic pathways at JCCC and how you can prepare your students for a successful career in the fashion industry.
Speakers
avatar for Joy Rhodes

Joy Rhodes

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 →
avatar for Audrey Michaelis

Audrey Michaelis

Associate Professor - Fashion Merchandising and Design, Johnson County Community College
Audrey Michaelis is a Professor in the Fashion Merchandising and Design department at Johnson County Community College with over 15 years of experience as a fashion educator.  Audrey is a passionate educator with a “real-world” approach to learning and brings industry knowledge... Read More →
Tuesday July 21, 2026 1:30pm - 2:20pm CDT
GEB 353-A 12345 College Blvd, Overland Park, KS 66210

1:30pm CDT

Employed, Enrolled, Enlisted: Olathe Public Schools' 2 Year Academy Approach to WBL
LIMITED
Tuesday July 21, 2026 1:30pm - 2:20pm CDT
Limited Capacity seats available
Discover how Olathe Public Schools is transforming the Work-Based Learning (WBL) experience in their Two Year Academies through innovative practices that engage students and connect them with industry partners. Students use tools such as Xello and JobReady 360 to support their WBL experiences, while building career readiness skills through electronic portfolios, weekly reflections, and professional learning that help them document their growth. Explore how Olathe integrates Interview Days, Client-Centered Projects, Business Partnerships, School-Based Enterprises, and both On-Campus and Off-Campus WBL placements to provide authentic, real-world experiences. Participants will leave this session with ready-to-use resources, templates, and strategies
Speakers
avatar for Amy Nail

Amy Nail

Career Pathways Facilitator, Olathe Public Schools
Amy Nail is in her 19th year in education. She spent 9 years teaching 4th grade before moving to high school as a Family & Consumer Sciences teacher. For the past 6 years, she has served as a Career Pathway Facilitator with Olathe Public Schools, connecting students to meaningful... Read More →
avatar for Sara Cockrum

Sara Cockrum

Animal Science and Research Instructor, Olathe Public Schools
Sara Cockrum teaches in the Two-Year Animal Science and Research Academy and is a registered veterinary technician. She holds degrees from Purdue University and is passionate about engaging students in Animal Science, research, and veterinary career pathways through meaningful, hands-on... Read More →
avatar for Dr. Chris Bergen

Dr. Chris Bergen

Automotive Technology Instructor, Olathe Public Schools
Dr. Chris Bergen began his career as a transmission and driveline technician with Ford before running his own repair shops and later serving as a maintenance manager for the U.S. Department of Defense in the Middle East. He transitioned into education as an automotive instructor and... Read More →
Tuesday July 21, 2026 1:30pm - 2:20pm CDT
NMOCA 217 Hudson Auditorium Nerman Museum of Contemporary Arts at Johnson County Community College St, Overland Park, KS 66210

1:30pm CDT

The Client‑Connected Blueprint: Turning Industry Partnerships Into Powerful Projects
LIMITED
Tuesday July 21, 2026 1:30pm - 2:20pm CDT
Limited Capacity seats available
Career and Technical Education is at its best when students work on authentic, industry‑driven projects that mirror the real world. A Client‑Connected Project bridges the gap between classroom learning and workplace expectations by engaging students with real business and industry partners who serve as “clients” for meaningful, standards‑aligned work.
This session will guide educators, administrators, and work‑based learning coordinators through the full process of implementing a Client‑Connect model, from identifying and onboarding industry partners, to aligning projects with curriculum and pathway competencies, to managing classroom implementation and assessment. Participants will leave with strategies, resources, and an actionable plan to bring client‑based learning into their own CTE programs.
Speakers
avatar for Adam Wessel

Adam Wessel

Director of Career Ready Programs, Blue Valley
Blue Valley Director of Career Ready Programs
Tuesday July 21, 2026 1:30pm - 2:20pm CDT
RC 183 11190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210

2:30pm CDT

Integration of AI to Elevate CTE Pathways
LIMITED
Tuesday July 21, 2026 2:30pm - 3:20pm CDT
Limited Capacity seats available
Discover how artificial intelligence can elevate learning in the CTE classroom using the IAVES framework—Instruction, Assessment, Visibility, Engagement, and Support. This session showcases practical applications of AI in CTE classrooms, adaptive teaching tools, and AI‑powered project work to strengthen technical and academic skills. Participants will explore how AI enhances instructional planning, provides real‑time assessment insights, increases visibility into student progress, and boosts engagement through personalized learning. Attendees will leave with actionable strategies aligned to the IAVES model that can be implemented across any CTE pathway to better prepare students for an AI‑driven workforce. 
Speakers
avatar for Dr. Bryce Johnson

Dr. Bryce Johnson

Director of Business Partnerships, Van Learning
Dr. Bryce Johnson recently served as Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction for the Blue Springs School District, a Kansas City suburban school district.   Through his 28 years in education, he has taken on many roles including Elementary Teacher, Elementary Assistant... Read More →
avatar for Angela Schankenberg

Angela Schankenberg

Assistant Director of Real World Learning, Blue Springs School District
With more than 21 years of experience in education and six years in industry, Angelia brings a unique blend of real-world experience and instructional leadership to every learning environment. After beginning her career in the private sector, Angelia transitioned into education with... Read More →
Tuesday July 21, 2026 2:30pm - 3:20pm CDT
RC 234 11190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210

2:30pm CDT

Making core classes relevant to CTE students
LIMITED
Tuesday July 21, 2026 2:30pm - 3:20pm CDT
Limited Capacity seats available
This session will explain how to create a combined English and government class, with specific curriculum, to prepare CTE graduates for better success in the workplace. This class emphasizes local government over federal government and communications appropriate for gaining and maintaining employment
Speakers
avatar for Glenna Burden

Glenna Burden

Teacher, department chair, SkillsUSA coach, USD 308, Hutchinson
Glenna is a 32 year veteran teacher at Hutchinson High School, and serves as the department chair of the Social Studies department. She coaches the SkillsUSA leadership competitions and is a SkillsUSA advisor. She created and teaches a government and English class exclusively for... Read More →
Tuesday July 21, 2026 2:30pm - 3:20pm CDT
RC 270 11190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210

2:30pm CDT

Toy Box Leadership: Leadership Lessons from the Toys You Loved as a Child
LIMITED
Tuesday July 21, 2026 2:30pm - 3:20pm CDT
Limited Capacity seats available
Take a nostalgic look back into your childhood toy box to revisit the valuable leadership and life lessons.
How do Lego bricks teach students about building their leadership skills through making connections?
How can Slinky Dog demonstrate the value of patience?
How does Lite Brite light your leadership message?

Leadership strategy from the Little Green Army Men and many more playful and insightful lessons.
Whether you still feel young at heart or your childhood seems to be a distant memory, Toy Box Leadership will bring you back to the place where all important life lessons began to reinvigorate your ability to influence and lead others in the playground of life.

Engaging lessons for your students in the Leadership Service in Action course.
Speakers
avatar for Cathy Caylor

Cathy Caylor

FCS Instructor, CTE Coordinator, FCCLA Advisor, PD Chairman, Altoona-Midway MS/HS - USD 387
Cathy and Michael Caylor have been married for 30 years. They live in the small rural town of Buffalo. She has three children, Michael, Jon, Ashley and son in law Dylan. Michael and Cathy have two grandchildren - Madelyn, 4, and Crew, 2 years old.   Cathy has had a very active life... Read More →
Tuesday July 21, 2026 2:30pm - 3:20pm CDT
RC 175 11190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210
 
2026 K-ACTE Career Tech Summit
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