Best Practices for CTE Administrators Conference 2026: Full Schedule

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9:45am MDT

Beyond Compliance: Strategic Use of Perkins and CLNA

Wednesday October 7, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am MDT

Perkins and the Comprehensive Local Needs Assessment (CLNA) are often viewed as compliance requirements rather than strategic planning tools. This session will explore how secondary and postsecondary CTE leaders can move beyond basic compliance and use Perkins intentionally to strengthen programs, align with workforce needs, and drive continuous improvement.
Participants will examine practical strategies for using CLNA findings to guide curriculum decisions, equipment purchases, advisory council engagement, and program expansion. The session will highlight how to align labor market data, stakeholder input, and student performance outcomes to support funding priorities and long-term planning. Real-world examples from a community college CTE perspective will demonstrate how Perkins can serve as a framework for innovation rather than paperwork.
Attendees will leave with clear, actionable steps to transform CLNA data into meaningful program improvement strategies.

Speakers

Ben Souza

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 →

Wednesday October 7, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
Mt. Sopris B

Concurrent Session

2:30pm MDT

From Compliance to Commitment: Reigniting Passion in CTE Leadership

Wednesday October 7, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm MDT

Mt. Sopris B

Career and Technical Education leaders face increasing pressure to manage programs, support staff, analyze data, and improve outcomes, often while navigating burnout, change fatigue, and compliance demands. This session challenges CTE administrators to shift from compliance-driven leadership to purpose-driven leadership that strengthens culture, retention, and student success.
Drawing from real-world CTE experience, systems-level thinking, and leadership frameworks featured in his books Blind Spot and Rear View, Justin Lyn Perfili explores how reflection, clarity, and intentional leadership decisions can unlock potential in both people and programs. Participants will examine how mindset, culture, and purpose influence staff engagement, program quality, and continuous improvement efforts.
Designed for current and aspiring CTE leaders, this session offers practical insights, relatable stories, and actionable takeaways administrators can apply immediately to build stronger teams, more resilient programs, and CTE systems that move forward with intention.

Speakers

Justin Lyn Perfili

From Compliance to Commitment: Reigniting Passion in CTE Leadership, Royal Money Works/ Jordan School District

Justin Lyn Perfili is a nationally recognized CTE and financial literacy educator, keynote speaker, and author dedicated to helping educators and administrators reignite purpose, passion, and impact in their leadership. A Utah Hall of Fame Financial Education Teacher and current Subject... Read More →

Wednesday October 7, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm MDT
Mt. Sopris B

Concurrent Session

4:00pm MDT

Don't You Forget About Me: What CTE Teachers Need Administrators to Know

Wednesday October 7, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm MDT

Mt. Sopris B

CTE teachers come to schools from a variety of backgrounds and end up teaching content and performing challenging (and sometimes forgotten) tasks that are not common in a "typical" classroom setting. This presentation will inform (or offer important reminders to) administrators of some of the unique work, pitfalls, and challenges of CTE teachers, and discuss ways to support them in their classrooms and programs.

Speakers