The OSHA 10-Hour Credential of Value provides Kansas students with a strong foundation in workplace safety across multiple CTE pathways. This interactive session explores how schools can pair OSHA 10-Hour training with employability skills to strengthen workforce readiness and align instruction with employer expectations.
Participants will see brief classroom examples, engage in discussion, and reflect on an essential question: What are you currently using to teach safety in your classroom or lab? Attendees will leave with practical ideas they can apply immediately.
Justin Williamson is a Sales Executive with CareerSafe, where he works with school districts, technical colleges, and workforce development programs across the country to expand access to OSHA safety training and workforce readiness credentials. With 17 years of experience in ed... Read More →
Tuesday July 21, 2026 8:45am - 9:35am CDT RC 14511190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210
Educators shape far more than academic outcomes. They help shape students’ confidence, character, and career trajectories. In this engaging and interactive session, educator, former financial advisor, and motivational speaker Justin Roger shares how teachers and mentors helped him overcome adversity and change the direction of his life. Participants will explore practical ways to build strong relationships, raise expectations, and inspire students to develop purpose, resilience, and a mindset that prepares them for both the workforce and life.
Educator and Educational Speaker, Breaking Cycles, Building Futures: Justin Speaks
I'm Justin - a K-12 educator who also travels the country with one goal in mind: to inspire and empower teachers to take them from "Is this it?" --> "This IS it."
Tuesday July 21, 2026 8:45am - 9:35am CDT RC 18311190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210
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
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 27011190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210
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.
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 AuditoriumNerman Museum of Contemporary Arts at Johnson County Community College St, Overland Park, KS 66210
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!
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 23211190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210
Kansas schools have a unique opportunity to connect agriculture and consumer education by incorporating locally grown ingredients into school meal programs. This session explores how grain sorghum, one of Kansas’ most resilient and versatile crops, can serve as a nutritious, Kansas-raised ingredient in school cafeterias while supporting agricultural literacy and local supply chains.
Participants will learn about sorghum’s nutritional benefits and why this Kansas-grown grain is a strong fit for school meal programs. The session will highlight the many forms sorghum can take—from whole grain, milled into flour, or even popped—and examples of outreach initiatives that show how schools can introduce sorghum to students through food service, classroom learning, and partnerships across the local food system.
Attendees will leave with practical ideas for incorporating a value-added grain into school meals, strategies for connecting students to Kansas agriculture, and resources to support farm-to-school efforts in their own communities.
Senior Director of Communications, Kansas Grain Sorghum Commission
Maddy Meier is the Senior Director of Communications for Kansas Sorghum, where she leads storytelling and engagement efforts that elevate the voice of Kansas sorghum producers and promote market development for the crop. From working alongside her family’s row crop and cattle operation... Read More →
Tuesday July 21, 2026 9:45am - 10:35am CDT RC 14511190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210
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.
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 17511190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210
Come learn about the Build Up Kansas and its NCCER Trades and Ag Tech/Mech curriculum aligned with the KSDE/KBOR Construction and Design Pathway and Agricultural, Food, and Natural Resources (AFNR) Standards. This opportunity is endorsed by the National FFA Organization and the National Council for Agricultural Education. Construction and Design offer three levels of trades education, in Core, General and Advanced Carpentry. In addition, the Ag. Tech resources offer three levels of training covering content in Construction Tech/Safety, Welding & Fabrication, and Heavy Equipment Operations. In addition, three industry credentials can be earned for each NCCER level completed by students in both pathways.
Over the past 4 years, AGC-BUK has provided NCCER resources FREE to 200 plus Kansas schools/districts/colleges. These resources include NCCER training, books/on-line learning platform, testing, and industry credentialing. In addition, YES … it’s still FREE!
CTE Education Coordinator and NCCER Program Trainer, Association of General Contractors and Build Up Kansas
PJ Reilly is a lifelong CTE educator and CTE adminstrator. He is in his 43rd year of service to Career and Technical Education in Kansas. He retired in 2023 and went directly to work for AGC and Build UP Kansas as their CTE Coordinator and NCCER school training. For the past 3 years... Read More →
Tuesday July 21, 2026 9:45am - 10:35am CDT RC 18111190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210
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.
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 18111190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210
Discover how Eduthings can simplify CTE data management and empower better program decisions. This session highlights how the platform streamlines reporting, tracks student progress, manages certifications and work‑based learning, and reduces administrative workload. Educators will explore key features, learn practical workflows, and share ideas on using data to tell a stronger story about CTE success.
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 11:00am - 11:50am CDT RC 27011190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210
Youth Registered Apprenticeship is a recognized Career Preparation Work-Based Learning activity for CTE in Kansas, providing students with meaningful earn-while-you-learn opportunities that can lead directly to full-time employment across industries such as construction, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. Attend this session to learn how the Apprenticeship system works and explore how districts across Kansas are implementing this model, leaving with a clearer understanding of how Youth Apprenticeship can be structured, supported, and expanded within your local context.
Registered Apprenticeship Program Manager, Kansas Department of Commerce | Office of Apprenticeship
Eryn Knecht is a dedicated leader in education and workforce development with 18 years of experience. She currently serves as a Program Manager with the Kansas Department of Commerce – Office of Apprenticeship, expanding career pathways through registered apprenticeship program... Read More →
Tuesday July 21, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT RC 23411190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210
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
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 →
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 →
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 AuditoriumNerman Museum of Contemporary Arts at Johnson County Community College St, Overland Park, KS 66210
Advisory boards are required for most CTE programs—but too often they function as compliance checkboxes rather than strategic workforce partners. This session will explore how secondary and postsecondary CTE leaders can transform advisory boards from routine meetings into meaningful collaborations that drive program innovation, strengthen workforce alignment, and create direct student opportunities.
Drawing from practical experience in rural community college CTE leadership and high school level CTE programs, participants will learn how to recruit the right members, structure high-impact meetings, leverage labor market data, and turn advisory conversations into actionable outcomes. The session will provide ready-to-use strategies, templates, and implementation ideas that can be adapted to both high school and community college programs.
If your advisory board feels stagnant—or if you're ready to elevate it to the next level—this session will provide practical, replicable tools to make it happen.
Agriculture Division Chair, Perkins Co-Coordinator, Faculty, Fort Scott Community College
Sara Sutton is the Agriculture Department Chair, Perkins Co-Coordinator, and faculty member at Fort Scott Community College. A proud graduate of Fort Scott Community College, she also earned her bachelor’s degree in Agriculture from Kansas State University, a master’s degree in... Read More →
Tuesday July 21, 2026 1:30pm - 2:20pm CDT RC 15711190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210
This session will review the administrative requirements found in the Kansas Secondary MOA Program Guide. This session will target those districts selected for audit in the coming school year.
Is your high school accessible? We will review specific requirements for your school and will connect you with common issues in Kansas schools. This will be an interactive session during which we will look at building elements at Johnson County Community College to get a better idea about how to review your own schools.
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.
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 →
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 23411190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210
Discover how Kansas districts are transforming CTE through the Modernization Reserve Grant! From state‑of‑the‑art health science labs to portable welding stations and drone‑piloting programs, this panel showcases real projects that are closing equity gaps, expanding career exploration in middle school, and strengthening high‑demand pathways statewide. Get a preview of what’s possible—and what may be coming for 26–27.
Denise Lauber is a Public Service Administrator for the Kansas Department of Education supporting the administration of Carl Perkins funds to Kansas School Districts.
Tuesday July 21, 2026 2:30pm - 3:20pm CDT NMOCA 217 Hudson AuditoriumNerman Museum of Contemporary Arts at Johnson County Community College St, Overland Park, KS 66210
Industry-recognized credentials are becoming increasingly important in Career and Technical Education programs as schools work to better prepare students for employment after graduation. This session will explore the value of the OSHA 10-Hour safety credential as a foundational certification for students entering a wide range of career pathways.
Participants will learn how OSHA 10 helps students develop a strong understanding of workplace safety while also reinforcing professional habits that employers expect. The session will highlight how safety training supports workforce readiness, increases student confidence, and provides students with a credential that is recognized across multiple industries including construction, manufacturing, healthcare, and logistics.
Attendees will leave with practical ideas for implementing OSHA 10 within their programs and strategies for connecting safety training to broader workforce preparation goals.
Justin Williamson is a Sales Executive with CareerSafe, where he works with school districts, technical colleges, and workforce development programs across the country to expand access to OSHA safety training and workforce readiness credentials. With 17 years of experience in ed... Read More →
Tuesday July 21, 2026 2:30pm - 3:20pm CDT RC 18311190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210
