Engage students by giving their work purpose beyond the classroom. This session showcases how Speech classes at Gardner Edgerton High School partnered with local government and business professionals to create meaningful, client-connected projects. Students addressed real challenges and pitched their ideas directly to decision-makers. Participants will gain a step-by-step look at how the project was developed, how community partners were engaged, and how student and client feedback shaped the experience. The presenter will also discuss how this framework can be adapted to fit a wide range of courses and disciplines.
Jaylene Freeman holds a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education with a minor in Business from Kansas State University and a Master of Arts in Education from Baker University. She has spent her career dedicated to preparing students for life beyond the classroom through innovative... Read More →
Monday July 20, 2026 10:45am - 11:35am CDT RC 27011190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210
HirePaths Founder and Manhattan mom Kristin Brighton will overview the latest national and state data behind why Kansas and the entire United States need to invest heavily in career exploration, starting with students as young as elementary school. She'll also share her personal story as a parent and entrepreneur and overview HirePaths, which offers free, Kansas-based career resources you can easily integrate into your district's classrooms.
Kristin Brighton is one of the principals and founders of New Boston Creative Group LLC, an integrated marketing communications firm based in Manhattan.
Ms. Brighton is the founder of HirePaths, a marketing campaign to introduce Kansas kids to high-demand careers.
In addition to her professional work, Ms. Brighton is an elected member of the USD 383 Manhattan-Ogden School Board, and she was the 2016 chair of the board for the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce... Read More →
Monday July 20, 2026 10:45am - 11:35am CDT RC 18111190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210
Students are asked to walk into locations they are not familiar with, work with people they don't know, and learn from those experiences. At the end of this session, participants will get a gift from the KHSIA, as well as:
1. Examine issues that students could encounter on the way to and from a work-based learning experience and how to mitigate those risks to them and your program. 2. Examine issues within the work-based learning experience that a student may need to deal with and how to mitigate those risks. 3. Explore how to improve a student's work-based learning experiences by addressing how to get the most out of their learning.
Health Science/Sports Medicine Teacher, USD 512 Shawnee Mission School District
Kevin has finished his eight year in the classroom, where he teaches sports medicine and a couple of work-based learning courses. His emphasis on preparation for the work-based learning and his relationships with preceptors allow for a smooth transition for students into the clinical... Read More →
Monday July 20, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT RC 15711190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210
Personal finance is evolving faster than most curriculum can keep up. From sports betting and fast fashion to Buy Now Pay Later services and influencer investing, students are making complex financial decisions in real time. This interactive session gives CTE educators practical, classroom ready strategies to address emerging trends while reinforcing core concepts such as risk, credit, incentives, and consumer protection.
Midwest Partnerships Manager, Next Gen Personal Finance
Ryan supports teachers, districts, and states in delivering engaging, high-impact personal finance instruction. A former business and marketing teacher, he brings firsthand classroom experience to his work with CTE leaders and educators. He focuses on practical implementation by helping... Read More →
Monday July 20, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT RC 17511190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210
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
Learn how to move beyond traditional course catalogs to create a more intentional, student-driven enrollment experience. This session will demonstrate how Iola High School successfully increased buy-in for CTE pathways by merging a new interest-based recommendation system with a redesigned community engagement model. Participants will walk away with actionable strategies for facilitating deeper career conversations between students and parents, ensuring that every course choice is a purposeful step toward a clear future goal.
CTE Coordinator / Academic Counselor, Iola High School
With a career rooted in the lab and the classroom, Dana is passionate about helping students navigate their future. He currently serves as the CTE Coordinator and Academic Counselor at Iola High School. My background includes teaching everything from robotics to physics, and I still... Read More →
Monday July 20, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT RC 18111190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210
Most programs stop at graduation. We don't. Learn how Great Jobs KC uses a 5-pillar ecosystem (Intake to 1-Year Post-Employment Coaching) to achieve a 75% persistence rate and an average salary increase of 176%.
Using recent Mathematica Evaluation data to prove that tuition-free training is only half the battle. That providing on-going Scholar support through one-to-one coaching and robust community services leads to better outcomes and stronger employees.
Takeaways: The "Scholar Advocate" framework: Moving beyond academic advising to life-barrier removal (transportation, tech, child care).
Using data to track success, not just completion.
Training in a holistic manner with mandatory life skill workshops leads to more well-rounded employee for area employers.
Strategies for building an "Employer Network Team" that guarantees a pipeline, not just a job board.
Senior Director of Workforce Development and Scholar Success , Great Jobs KC
As the Chief Operating Officer, Jimmy Swift is responsible for overseeing our core programs, our adult workforce development program, Great Jobs KC tuition-free job training, and our KC Scholars Scholarship Program, which includes 11th Grade Traditional Scholarships and Adult Learner... Read More →
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
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.
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 17511190 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
This interactive presentation will introduce participants to the University of Kansas School of Health Professions and the U-CHaMP program. The session is designed to increase awareness of health professions degree programs, highlight career pathways in healthcare, and actively engage participants through a hands-on career exploration activity.
Participants will gain a better understanding of the variety of health professions careers available, the educational pathways required, and how U-CHaMP supports students pursuing careers in healthcare.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this session, participants will be able to: 1. Describe the mission and goals of U-CHaMP and its role in supporting students interested in health professions. 2. Identify degree programs offered through the KU School of Health Professions. 3. Connect healthcare careers to real-world patient cases, job responsibilities, and required education. 4. Actively explore health professions careers through an interactive matching activity.
2. Overview of U-CHaMP (10 minutes) • Mission and purpose of U-CHaMP • How U-CHaMP prepares students for professional health programs
3. KU School of Health Professions Overview (10 minutes) • Overview of the School of Health Professions • Introduction to select degree programs and career outcomes
4. Interactive Career Exploration Activity (10–12 minutes) Participants will work individually or in small groups using a set of five cards: • Card 1: Healthcare career • Card 2: Job description • Card 3: Patient case • Card 4: Diagnosis • Card 5: Interesting fact about the career • Card 6: Degree required
Participants will match the cards correctly, encouraging critical thinking and discussion around how healthcare professionals work with patients and within care teams.
5. Wrap-Up & Q&A (3–5 minutes) • Group discussion and reflections • Questions and next steps for students interested in health professions
As an outreach and recruitment specialist, Neely focuses on U-CHaMP recruitment efforts throughout the Kansas City metro area and surrounding counties. She is originally from Lee's Summit, Missouri, and she obtained both bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Missouri-Kansas... Read More →
Tuesday July 21, 2026 9:45am - 10:35am CDT RC 15711190 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
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
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
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.
Looking to expand or launch health science pathways in your district? Kansas' Rural Health Transformation Plan is rolling out new funding to help rural high schools add courses and certifications, strengthen instructional capacity, and develop health care pre-apprenticeship models with local employers. Walk away with practical steps, funding details, and partnership strategies you can implement immediately.
Director of Workforce and Health Care Policy, Kansas Hospital Association
Jaron serves as the Director of Workforce and Health Care Policy for the Kansas Hospital Association. In this role, he coordinates the association’s federal health policy and advocacy strategy and drives efforts to align national policy with the needs of Kansas hospitals and patients... Read More →
Tuesday July 21, 2026 2:30pm - 3:20pm CDT RC 15711190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210
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
