Step into the future of IT education with an engaging look at the skills students need to succeed in cybersecurity, cloud computing, and AI. This session blends research‑driven workforce insights with practical strategies that educators can apply in a variety of classroom settings. We will examine how modern IT roles are evolving, what early‑career professionals are expected to know, and how teachers can build those foundations with clarity and confidence. The session will include a few light interactive elements and helpful resources to support discussion, but the primary focus will remain on understanding trends and strengthening IT pathways. Participants will leave with practical ideas and a stronger framework for preparing students for tomorrow’s technology careers.
Assistant Professor of IT/Department Chair, Johnson County Community College
Hondo Tamez is an Associate Professor and the Department Chair of Information Technology at Johnson County Community College. He spends his time exploring the worlds of networking, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and all the other tech that keeps modern life running. Hondo holds industry... Read More →
Monday July 20, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT RC 23211190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210
Artificial intelligence is already embedded in the industries our students are entering. CTE educators do not need to become AI developers, but they do need to understand how AI tools can enhance instruction, improve efficiency, and better prepare students for modern workplaces.
This interactive session focuses on practical, hands on applications of AI tools that educators across all CTE pathways can implement immediately. Participants will explore how AI can support lesson planning, rubric creation, technical documentation, troubleshooting simulations, formative assessment, and student skill development. Rather than emphasizing coding or technical AI development, the session centers on what AI can realistically do, where it adds value, and how to guide students in using it professionally and ethically.
Through structured peer collaboration, attendees will design one AI integrated classroom activity tailored to their own program area. By the end of the session, participants will leave with a drafted implementation plan, example prompts aligned to their field, and a clear framework for integrating AI as a productivity and learning tool within existing coursework.
Assistant Professor of IT/Department Chair, Johnson County Community College
Hondo Tamez is an Associate Professor and the Department Chair of Information Technology at Johnson County Community College. He spends his time exploring the worlds of networking, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and all the other tech that keeps modern life running. Hondo holds industry... Read More →
Monday July 20, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT RC 18311190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210
Come and receive guidance from KSDE CTE staff as you complete your Student Data Management reporting. They will provide step by step instructions on how to assign students to pathways, and update their current status, followed by individual work time. Please come prepared with all KIDS reporting complete, and additional local files indicating the tracking of students CTE credit history.
CTE Pathways and KCCMS helpdesk public service administrator for the Kansas State Department of Education
Monday July 20, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT NMOCA 217 Hudson AuditoriumNerman Museum of Contemporary Arts at Johnson County Community College St, Overland Park, KS 66210
This presentation highlights how KSDE, the Kansas Department of Commerce, Workforce One, Washburn University, and TCALC collaborated to design and launch a youth teaching apprenticeship program. Attendees will learn how cross-agency alignment made it possible to create a sustainable pathway that connects high school students to postsecondary education and the teaching profession.
Laura Nichols is an education professional with a passion for expanding meaningful opportunities for students. She has experience supporting Career and Technical Education and school leadership through thoughtful implementation and collaboration. Laura is driven by work that connects... Read More →
Tuesday July 21, 2026 8:45am - 9:35am CDT RC 23211190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210
This session explores how electronic portfolios can transform the Individual Plan of Study into a dynamic, student-driven showcase of growth, achievement, and future readiness.
Discover how electronic portfolios help students document skills, reflect on progress, connect academic learning to career goals, and take ownership of their educational journey. Learn practical strategies for implementation, assessment alignment, and meaningful reflection that moves beyond compliance to true engagement.
Education Program Consultant and Individual Plan of Study Coordinator, Kansas State Department of Education
Former Kensington Kansas Goldbug and Fort Hays State University Graduate with a Bachelors Degree in Technology Studies and a Master Degree in Education Administration. An educator for 25 years in construction & design and SkillsUSA advisor. Currently serving as an education program... Read More →
Tuesday July 21, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT RC 18311190 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
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
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.
Shanta’ Kemp’s 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... Read More →
Tuesday July 21, 2026 1:30pm - 2:20pm CDT RC 17511190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210
