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Welcome to the K-ACTE Career Tech Summit 2026: Shaping the Next Generation of Workers!
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Tuesday, July 21
 

8:45am CDT

Changes to Digital Technology Career Cluster
Tuesday July 21, 2026 8:45am - 9:35am CDT
RC 221
In this session the newly approved changes to the Digital Technology (formerly known as Information Technology) career cluster will be discussed. A short question and answer session will be provided.
Speakers
avatar for Stephen King

Stephen King

Education Program Consultant, KSDE

Tuesday July 21, 2026 8:45am - 9:35am CDT
RC 221 11190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210
  Concurrent Session

8:45am CDT

Reality U: Innovative, Hands-On Financial Learning
Tuesday July 21, 2026 8:45am - 9:35am CDT
RC 175
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
  Concurrent Session

9:45am CDT

AI 101 | Teaching and Thinking in an AI World
Tuesday July 21, 2026 9:45am - 10:35am CDT
RC 270
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
  Concurrent Session

9:45am CDT

CTE & Career Exploration for Middle Grades
Tuesday July 21, 2026 9:45am - 10:35am CDT
NMOCA 217 Hudson Auditorium
Please note: No food or drink can be taken into this meeting space.

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
  Concurrent Session

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
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
  Concurrent Session

9:45am CDT

CTE Lesson Planning is Hard or izzit?
Tuesday July 21, 2026 9:45am - 10:35am CDT
RC 238
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 238 11190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210
  Concurrent Session

9:45am CDT

From Handshakes to Internships: Building Business Partnerships that Work
Tuesday July 21, 2026 9:45am - 10:35am CDT
RC 175
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
  Concurrent Session

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
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
  Concurrent Session

11:00am CDT

Mastering Money
Tuesday July 21, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
RC 245
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 245 11190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210
  Concurrent Session

11:00am CDT

Maximizing CTE Impact with Eduthings Data Management Solution
Tuesday July 21, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
RC 270
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
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 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
RC 270 11190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210
  Concurrent Session

11:00am CDT

Youth Registered Apprenticeship WORKS for CTE!
Tuesday July 21, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
RC 155
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
avatar for Eryn Knecht

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 155 11190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210
  Concurrent Session

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 255
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
avatar for Sara Sutton

Sara Sutton

Agriculture Department Chair, Perkins Co-Coordinator, Faculty Member, Fort Scott Community College
Sara Sutton is the Agriculture Department Chair, Perkins Co-Coordinator, and faculty member at Fort Scott Community College in Fort Scott, Kansas. A proud graduate of Fort Scott Community College, she earned her bachelor’s degree in Agriculture from Kansas State University, a master’s... Read More →
Tuesday July 21, 2026 1:30pm - 2:20pm CDT
RC 255 11190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210
  Concurrent Session

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
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
avatar for Andy Ewing

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
  Concurrent Session

1:30pm CDT

Organizing Your Digital World
Tuesday July 21, 2026 1:30pm - 2:20pm CDT
RC 175
Are you drowning in all things digital…resources, files, images, emails? Come to a hands-on workshop to create a starting point for digital organization. This will most likely be a beginner level workshop which will include ideas such as bookmarks, folders, email settings, or finding ideas for your organization challenges.
Speakers
avatar for Shanta' Kemp

Shanta' Kemp

Computer Teacher, Ottawa High School
Shanta’ Kemp taught for five years in Wellsville, KS, then left teaching to run a successful Pampered Chef business for 15 years.  In 2016, she returned to the classroom via a long term substitute position at Ottawa High School that turned into a full-time position. Currently Shanta... Read More →
Tuesday July 21, 2026 1:30pm - 2:20pm CDT
RC 175 11190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210
  Concurrent Session

2:30pm CDT

ADA Requirements for Kansas Schools
Tuesday July 21, 2026 2:30pm - 3:20pm CDT
RC 245
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
avatar for Andy Ewing

Andy Ewing

Consultant, KSDE
KSDE Special Populations Consultant
Tuesday July 21, 2026 2:30pm - 3:20pm CDT
RC 245 11190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210
  Concurrent Session

2:30pm CDT

Integration of AI to Elevate CTE Pathways
Tuesday July 21, 2026 2:30pm - 3:20pm CDT
RC 155
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 Angelia Schnakenberg

Angelia Schnakenberg

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 155 11190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210
  Concurrent Session

2:30pm CDT

KSDE Business Cluster Update
Tuesday July 21, 2026 2:30pm - 3:20pm CDT
RC 181
Updates regarding the Business Cluster
Speakers
avatar for ChapLynn Askins

ChapLynn Askins

Education Program Consultant, KSDE
Education Program Consultant overseeing the Business and Government & Public Administration Pathways
Tuesday July 21, 2026 2:30pm - 3:20pm CDT
RC 181 11190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210
  Concurrent Session

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
NMOCA 217 Hudson Auditorium
Please note: No food or drink can be taken into this meeting space.

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
avatar for Denise Lauber

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.
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
  Concurrent Session

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 238
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
avatar for Justin Williamson

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 education... Read More →
Tuesday July 21, 2026 2:30pm - 3:20pm CDT
RC 238 11190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210
  Concurrent Session
 

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