2026 K-ACTE Career Tech Summit: Full Schedule

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

You will be able to validate your attendance (Check-In to sessions) using your personal schedule.

6:00pm CDT

KATFACS Executive Council Meeting

Sunday July 19, 2026 6:00pm - 7:00pm CDT

RC 270

KATFACS Executive Board Members will conduct the business of our organization during this meeting.

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 has been teaching 14 years and is an active member of KATFACS, currently serving as the 2025-2026 KATFACS President.

Sunday July 19, 2026 6:00pm - 7:00pm CDT
RC 270 11190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210

Concurrent Session

Affiliate KATFACS
Session Type Business Meeting
Subject Family & Consumer Sciences

10:45am CDT

Rooted in Purpose: Growing Leaders the Kansas FCCLA Way

Monday July 20, 2026 10:45am - 11:35am CDT

RC 221

This session is designed for FCCLA advisers who want to strengthen student leadership, chapter impact, and program sustainability through Kansas FCCLA. Participants will receive a comprehensive Kansas FCCLA state update, including current initiatives, program highlights, and upcoming opportunities for students and advisers.
Beyond updates, this session will focus on intentional program support, showcasing how FCCLA aligns with Family and Consumer Sciences curriculum, leadership development, and schoolwide goals. Attendees will leave with practical ideas for supporting FCCLA at the local level, increasing student engagement, and fostering strong partnerships between advisers and administrators.

Speakers

Shandi Andres

State Adviser, Kansas FCCLA

Shandi serves as the Kansas FCCLA State Adviser, where working alongside Family and Consumer Sciences professionals and FCCLA members is the highlight of her role. She is passionate about supporting leadership development and meaningful learning experiences for students across the... Read More →

Monday July 20, 2026 10:45am - 11:35am CDT
RC 221 11190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210

Concurrent Session

Affiliate KATFACS
Session Type Career & Technical Student Organizations (CTSO)
Subject Family & Consumer Sciences

11:40am CDT

KATFACS Awards Luncheon

Monday July 20, 2026 11:40am - 1:00pm CDT

RC 270

KATFACS invites members to come celebrate our affiliate award winners and induction of officers!

Speakers

Janet Holden

FCS Teacher, St. Mary's Colgan

Monday July 20, 2026 11:40am - 1:00pm CDT
RC 270 11190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210

MEALS

Affiliate KATFACS
Session Type Affiliate Awards
Subject Family & Consumer Sciences

1:00pm CDT

KATFACS Business Meeting

Monday July 20, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT

RC 270

All FCS Members: Plan to attend the KATFACS Business Meeting to engage with key leaders and gain insights into the strategic direction of our organization. This session will cover important updates, discuss ongoing initiatives, and outline future plans to enhance our impact in the field of Family and Consumer Sciences. Board members and attendees will have the opportunity to contribute their perspectives and collaborate on shaping the vision for KATFACS. Your participation is vital as we work together to advance our mission and support our professional community. FCS Teachers should plan to attend even if you're not a member!

Speakers

Janet Holden

FCS Teacher, St. Mary's Colgan

Monday July 20, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
RC 270 11190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210

Concurrent Session

Affiliate KATFACS
Session Type Business Meeting
Subject Family & Consumer Sciences

1:00pm CDT

Real-World Personal Finance: Helping Students Navigate Today’s Money Culture

Monday July 20, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT

RC 175

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.

Speakers

Ryan Wood

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 175 11190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210

Concurrent Session

Affiliate KBOA, KATFACS
Session Type Engaging Instructional Methods, Student Career Development
Subject Business & Marketing, Family & Consumer Sciences

2:00pm CDT

Be Future Ready: Empowering Tomorrow’s Financial Leaders

Monday July 20, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT

RC 175

With digitization reshaping the way we bank, pay, and earn, it's crucial to deepen students’ understanding so they can navigate our evolving financial landscape. This session will explore a new online course that delves into the innovative world of finance and technology through a student lens.

The lessons cover digital banking and payments, how to manage one’s digital financial footprint, social trends that intersect with finance, risks associated with digital banking and payments, digital currencies, avoiding financial frauds and scams, and more. The three stand-alone modules offer student-centered activities, built-in assessments, and a comprehensive teacher’s guide, and can also be integrated into existing learning management systems for students to complete independently. Join this session to discover how this new curriculum can help teens take control of their financial future and empower them to make more informed choices in our digital world.

Speakers

Gigi Wolf Neil

Director of Education, Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City

Gigi Wolf Neil is Director of Education for the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, where she coordinates the strategic direction of education outreach throughout Kansas, western Missouri, and the region. She has extensive experience developing curricula related to economics, entrepreneurship... Read More →

Monday July 20, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT
RC 175 11190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210

Concurrent Session

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

2:00pm CDT

Pathways to Creative Careers: A Look Inside the JCCC Fashion & Interior Design Departments

Monday July 20, 2026 2:00pm - 3:50pm CDT

GEB 353-A

NOTE: Please meet no later than 2:00pm to meet in the Regnier Center lobby by the Nerman museum entrance doors to meet Joy Rhodes who will walk everyone over to the GEB building. This session will start at 2:15 to allow attendees time to walk/drive to the GEB building.

Join the Department Chairs from both Fashion Merchandising & Design and Interior Design for an inside look at the dynamic programs shaping the next generation. We will explore academic pathways, student activities, and transfer options that can prepare your students for a thriving career. This seminar will wrap up with a guided tour of our studio spaces and a behind‑the‑scenes look at the Historic Fashion Collection, a campus treasure you won’t want to miss.

Speakers

Dr. Heather Carlile Carter

Associate Professor/Department Chair, Johnson County Community College

Dr. Heather Carlile Carter is the Department Chair and Associate Professor of Interior Design at Johnson County Community College in Overland Park, Kansas. She holds a Ph.D. in Human Environmental Sciences with an emphasis in Architectural Studies from the University of Missouri and... Read More →

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 →

Monday July 20, 2026 2:00pm - 3:50pm CDT
GEB 353-A 12345 College Blvd, Overland Park, KS 66210

Concurrent Session

Affiliate KATFACS
Session Type Tour
Subject Family & Consumer Sciences

6:00pm CDT

KATFACS Social

Monday July 20, 2026 6:00pm - 9:00pm CDT

Nick & Jake's

Join us for the KATFACS Social, an off-site networking event designed to foster connections and collaboration among professionals in the field of Family and Consumer Sciences. This informal gathering offers a relaxed atmosphere to meet fellow attendees, share experiences, and build lasting relationships. Don't miss this opportunity to unwind, connect, and expand your professional network.

Please RSVP to Janet Holden 620-249-3311

Location:
Nick & Jake's
6830 W 135th St.
Overland Park, KS 66223

Speakers

Janet Holden

FCS Teacher, St. Mary's Colgan

Monday July 20, 2026 6:00pm - 9:00pm CDT
Nick & Jake's 6830 W 135th St, Overland Park, KS 66223

Social/Networking

Affiliate KATFACS
Session Type Social/Networking
Subject Family & Consumer Sciences

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

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

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

9:45am CDT

What's new in FACS?

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

RC 245

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 three... Read More →

Tuesday July 21, 2026 9:45am - 10:35am CDT
RC 245 11190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210

Concurrent Session

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

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

Concurrent Session

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

From Vision to Reality: Creating a Mental and Behavioral Health Pathway

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

RC 221

Learn our planning process, course sequencing, and resources used to support pathway implementation. This session shares how our district developed and implemented a Mental and Behavioral Health Strand. Presenters will discuss how partnerships were formed with the community, provide grab-n-go resources used in courses, and share our problem solving process for potential issues. Attendees will explore classroom-tested activities, instructional resources, and engagement strategies designed to increase relevance, student participation, and career readiness, with tools they can adapt for their own Human Services pathways.

Speakers

Cathy Mong

CTE Teaching Specialist, Wichita Public Schools

Cathy Mong is a CTE teaching specialist in Wichita Public Schools, USD259. She serves the FCCS, Early Childhood, Restaurant and Event Management, Teaching/Training, Health and Biotechnology

Aubry Weigel

Family and Consumer Sciences Teacher, Wichita Public Schools

Aubry Weigel is the Family Community Consumer Services Pathway Leader in Wichita Public Schools. She is also the FCS department chair at Wichita Northwest and is an Early Childhood Teacher

Tuesday July 21, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
RC 221 11190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210

Concurrent Session

Affiliate KATFACS
Session Type Business & Community Partnerships, Engaging Instructional Methods
Subject Family & Consumer Sciences

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

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

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

Concurrent Session

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

RC 175

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

Tuesday July 21, 2026 2:30pm - 3:20pm CDT
RC 175 11190 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210

Concurrent Session

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

6:00pm CDT

10:45am CDT

11:40am CDT

1:00pm CDT

1:00pm CDT

2:00pm CDT

2:00pm CDT

6:00pm CDT

9:45am CDT

9:45am CDT

11:00am CDT

11:00am CDT

1:30pm CDT

1:30pm CDT

2:30pm CDT

2:30pm CDT

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