2026 K-ACTE Career Tech Summit

Tuesday July 21, 2026 8:45am - 9:35am CDT

RC 183

Limited Capacity seats available

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.

Speakers

Justin Pickens

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 183 11190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210

Affiliate KATFACS, KLCTE, KAAE
Session Type Business & Community Partnerships, Student Career Development
Subject All CTE

8:45am CDT

Elevate Your Teaching: AI for the Busy Educators, Work Smarter and Level Up Your Lessons

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

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

Affiliate KATFACS
Session Type Engaging Instructional Methods
Subject All CTE

8:45am CDT

Reimagining Nutrition & Dietetics: Classroom-Ready Strategies for Kansas FCS

Tuesday July 21, 2026 8:45am - 9:35am CDT

RC 181

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

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

Affiliate KATFACS
Session Type Engaging Instructional Methods
Subject Family & Consumer Sciences

9:45am CDT

AI 101 | Teaching and Thinking in an AI World

Tuesday July 21, 2026 9:45am - 10:35am CDT

RC 270

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

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

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

9:45am CDT

CTE & Career Exploration for Middle Grades

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

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

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

9:45am CDT

CTE and ADHD: A "Perfect" Match - Why Hands-On Learning is the Key to Neurodiverse Success

Tuesday July 21, 2026 9:45am - 10:35am CDT

RC 232

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

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

Affiliate KAAE, KATFACS, KBOA, KHSIA, KLCTE, KTIEA
Session Type Access and Supports, Engaging Instructional Methods, Leadership, Student Career Development
Subject All CTE

9:45am CDT

CTE Lesson Planning is Hard or izzit?

Tuesday July 21, 2026 9:45am - 10:35am CDT

RC 183

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

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

Affiliate KBOA, KATFACS
Session Type Engaging Instructional Methods
Subject Business & Marketing, Media Technology, Family & Consumer Sciences

9:45am CDT

Discover Sorghum: Linking Kansas Farms, Classrooms, and Cafeterias

Tuesday July 21, 2026 9:45am - 10:35am CDT

RC 145

Limited Capacity seats available

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.

Speakers

Maddy Meier

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 145 11190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210

Affiliate KAAE, KATFACS
Subject Agriculture, Family & Consumer Sciences

9:45am CDT

From Handshakes to Internships: Building Business Partnerships that Work

Tuesday July 21, 2026 9:45am - 10:35am CDT

RC 175

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

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

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

9:45am CDT

What's new in FACS?

Tuesday July 21, 2026 9:45am - 10:35am CDT

RC 234

Limited Capacity seats available

Please join me to find out more about Pathway Changes for 26/27 School year, upcoming professional development opportunities, and upcoming cluster and pathway reviews.

Speakers

Heather Campbell

Family and Consumer Science Program Consultant, KSDE

Family and Consumer Science Program Consultant at Kansas State Education Department. I was a Facs instructor for 20 years prior to my role at KSDE. My experience includes a small rural school, a large city school and suburban districts. I live in Topeka with my husband and my... Read More →

Tuesday July 21, 2026 9:45am - 10:35am CDT
RC 234 11190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210

Affiliate KATFACS
Session Type Clusters/Pathways
Subject Family & Consumer Sciences

11:00am CDT

CTE Meet Literacy: What It Is, Why It Matters, and How to Do It Tomorrow

Tuesday July 21, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT

RC 181

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

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

Affiliate KAAE, KATFACS, KBOA, KHSIA, KLCTE, KTIEA
Session Type Engaging Instructional Methods, Access and Supports
Subject Agriculture, Skilled Trades, Family & Consumer Sciences

11:00am CDT

Mastering Money

Tuesday July 21, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT

RC 145

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

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 →

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

Affiliate KBOA, KATFACS
Session Type Engaging Instructional Methods
Subject Business & Marketing

11:00am CDT

Maximizing CTE Impact with Eduthings Data Management Solution

Tuesday July 21, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT

RC 270

Limited Capacity seats available

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.

Speakers

Dr. Calee McElwain

Territory Manager, iCEV

Tuesday July 21, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
RC 270 11190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210

Affiliate KAAE, KATFACS, KBOA, KHSIA, KLCTE, KTIEA
Session Type Assessment/Certification, Data & Program Improvement
Subject All CTE

11:00am CDT

Youth Registered Apprenticeship WORKS for CTE!

Tuesday July 21, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT

RC 234

Limited Capacity seats available

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.

Speakers

Eryn Knecht

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 234 11190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210

Affiliate KLCTE, KAAE, KATFACS, KBOA, KHSIA, KTIEA
Session Type Business & Community Partnerships, Work-Based Learning, Student Career Development
Subject All CTE

1:30pm CDT

Design Essentials Unlocked: Bringing Fashion Principles to Life in the Classroom

Tuesday July 21, 2026 1:30pm - 2:20pm CDT

GEB 353-A

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

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 →

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

Affiliate KATFACS
Session Type Engaging Instructional Methods
Subject Family & Consumer Sciences

1:30pm CDT

Employed, Enrolled, Enlisted: Olathe Public Schools' 2 Year Academy Approach to WBL

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

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 →

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 →

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

Affiliate KAAE, KATFACS, KBOA, KHSIA, KLCTE, KTIEA
Session Type Business & Community Partnerships, Clusters/Pathways, Data & Program Improvement, Engaging Instructional Methods, Leadership, Student Career Development, Work-Based Learning
Subject All CTE

1:30pm CDT

From Compliance to Collaboration: Building Advisory Boards That Actually Drive CTE Programs

Tuesday July 21, 2026 1:30pm - 2:20pm CDT

RC 157

Limited Capacity seats available

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.

Speakers

Sara Sutton

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 157 11190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210

Affiliate KAAE, KATFACS, KBOA, KHSIA, KLCTE, KTIEA
Session Type Access and Supports, Business & Community Partnerships, Leadership, Data & Program Improvement
Subject Agriculture, Energy & Natural Resources, Business & Marketing, Media Technology, Engineering & Technology, Family & Consumer Sciences, Health Sciences, Skilled Trades

1:30pm CDT

Kansas Secondary Schools OCR/MOA Audits - Everything you need to know!

Tuesday July 21, 2026 1:30pm - 2:20pm CDT

RC 270

Limited Capacity seats available

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.

Speakers

Andy Ewing

Consultant, KSDE

KSDE Special Populations Consultant

Tuesday July 21, 2026 1:30pm - 2:20pm CDT
RC 270 11190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210

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

1:30pm CDT

Work Based Learning Organization & Collaboration

Tuesday July 21, 2026 1:30pm - 2:20pm CDT

RC 232

Limited Capacity seats available

Discussion of organization ideas and overall expectations for work-based learning class. Presenters will use their knowledge of early childhood labs/WBL; however, any lab course could utilize this information. Organization of portfolios, schedules for lab, partnership with the YMCA/other organizations/colleges, benefits of in-house vs off campus, ideas for in-house/off campus and how it would look for different classes.

Speakers

Jill Robinson

FACS teacher, USD 259, Wichita North High School

Jill is a 26th year Early Childhood Pathway teacher in USD 259 at North High School. She graduated from Bethel College in the final year FACS was offered.

Dani McEwen

FACS teacher, USD 259, Wichita West High School

Dani is a 6th year Early Childhood teacher in USD 259 at West High School. She graduated from Kansas State in 2021 and began teaching after graduation.

Tuesday July 21, 2026 1:30pm - 2:20pm CDT
RC 232 11190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210

Affiliate KATFACS
Session Type Work-Based Learning, Business & Community Partnerships
Subject All CTE

1:30pm CDT

Youth Teacher Apprentice Program and the Teacher/Training CTE Pathway

Tuesday July 21, 2026 1:30pm - 2:20pm CDT

RC 234

Limited Capacity seats available

This session will spotlight Kansas’s pilot Youth Teacher Apprenticeship Program, implemented during the 2025–26 school year by Topeka Public Schools, Spring Hill Public Schools, and Liberal Public Schools. Designed as a “grow your own” strategy, the program blends paid, work-based learning within the teacher/training CTE pathway with intentional access to dual college credit, creating an early and sustainable pipeline for students interested in becoming educators.

Moderated by Joel Gillaspie of the Kansas State Department of Education, who oversees the program statewide, this panel discussion will feature district leaders Laura Nichols (Topeka), Leah Good (Spring Hill), and Tasha Ebeling (Liberal). Each panelist will share their district’s unique approach to designing and implementing the pilot, including partnerships, scheduling, student supports, and lessons learned during the first year of operation.

Attendees will gain practical insights into how districts of varying sizes and contexts are leveraging youth apprenticeships to strengthen educator pipelines, support student career exploration, and align CTE, higher education, and workforce goals in meaningful ways.

Speakers

Joel Gillaspie

Tuesday July 21, 2026 1:30pm - 2:20pm CDT
RC 234 11190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210

Affiliate KLCTE, KATFACS
Session Type Work-Based Learning, Student Career Development
Subject All CTE

2:30pm CDT

ADA Requirements for Kansas Schools

Tuesday July 21, 2026 2:30pm - 3:20pm CDT

RC 145

Limited Capacity seats available

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.

Speakers

Andy Ewing

Consultant, KSDE

KSDE Special Populations Consultant

Tuesday July 21, 2026 2:30pm - 3:20pm CDT
RC 145 11190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210

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

2:30pm CDT

Integration of AI to Elevate CTE Pathways

Tuesday July 21, 2026 2:30pm - 3:20pm CDT

RC 234

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

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 →

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

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

2:30pm CDT

Modernizing CTE in Kansas: A Panel Showcase of 2025-26 Reserve Grant Innovations.

Tuesday July 21, 2026 2:30pm - 3:20pm CDT

Limited Capacity seats available

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.

Speakers

Denise Lauber

Public Service Administrator, KSDE

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

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

2:30pm CDT

OSHA 10: The Credential of Value for CTE Students Entering the Workforce

Tuesday July 21, 2026 2:30pm - 3:20pm CDT

RC 183

Limited Capacity seats available

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.

Speakers

Justin Williamson

Sales Executive, CareerSafe

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 183 11190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210

Affiliate KAAE, KATFACS, KBOA, KHSIA, KTIEA
Session Type Work-Based Learning, Assessment/Certification
Subject Skilled Trades, Health Sciences, Family & Consumer Sciences, Engineering & Technology, Energy & Natural Resources, Agriculture

2:30pm CDT

Toy Box Leadership: Leadership Lessons from the Toys You Loved as a Child

Tuesday July 21, 2026 2:30pm - 3:20pm CDT

RC 175

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

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