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Best Practices for CTE Administrators Conference 2026
Type: Concurrent Session clear filter
Wednesday, October 7
 

9:45am PDT

An EPIC Focus: Building a High Quality Instructional Playbook
Wednesday October 7, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am PDT
What if every instructor, coach, and administrator could walk into any classroom and instantly name three indicators of high-quality instruction—without a rubric? This session tackles the challenge of inconsistent feedback, PD overload, and instructors (veteran and new) uncertainty of what good instruction looks like in a CTE facility.  At EPIC Campus, we place a high value on hiring instructors straight from industry and this session explores how administrators and coaches can create a shared instructional playbook to ensure high-quality learning in every classroom. Grounded in John Hattie’s Visible Learning, The New Teacher Project’s Opportunity Myth and Opportunity Makers, EPIC’s Instructional Look-Fors and Colorado Department of Education’s High-Quality Instructional Routines, participants will examine what effective instruction looks like, why consistency and coherence matter, and how to support instructional growth across diverse programs and instructors.
Participants will engage with research from TNTP and John Hattie on teacher clarity and participate in interactive activities to analyze how to use this tool. Attendees will leave with practical tools to develop or refine an instructional framework that strengthens teaching practices, supports new and veteran educators, and improves student outcomes.
Speakers
avatar for Anne Krause

Anne Krause

Instructional Coach, Teacher Cadet Instructor, EPIC Campus - Littleton Public Schools
Anne Krause is an Instructional Coach and Teacher Cadet instructor at EPIC Campus in Littleton Public Schools, where she partners with educators, industry instructors, and district leaders to design forward-focused, equitable learning experiences. With more than 27 years in education... Read More →
Wednesday October 7, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am PDT
Maroon Peak

9:45am PDT

Beyond Compliance: Strategic Use of Perkins and CLNA
Wednesday October 7, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am PDT
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
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 →
Wednesday October 7, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am PDT
Mt. Sopris B

9:45am PDT

Building Middle School CTE Pipelines That Convert Students into Programs of Study
Wednesday October 7, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am PDT
This session with highlights strategies for turning middle school CTE exploration into high school enrollment through intentional recruitment, career development experiences, equitable student supports, and student voice. Designed for CTE leaders, administrators, counselors, and educators, participants will examine real district examples and learn how to build vertically aligned pipelines that increase access and program participation.
Attendees will engage in brief discussions and a hands-on pipeline mapping activity and will leave with ready-to-use tools including a CTE exploration model, pathway communication resources, and a vertical alignment checklist.
Speakers
avatar for Anna M. Olguin

Anna M. Olguin

CTE Consultant, Education Service Center, Region 20
Anna Olguin serves as a Career and Technical Education (CTE) Consultant at Education Service Center Region 20, where she partners with districts across South Texas to strengthen CTE programs through strategic planning, data-driven decision making, and equitable student access. Her... Read More →
Wednesday October 7, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am PDT
Mt. Princeton

9:45am PDT

Celebrate CTE!: Using Data to Brand and Build Your CTE Program.
Wednesday October 7, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am PDT
If you are looking to get the most bang for your buck out of the CTE programs(s) you oversee, celebrate your successes! This session looks at data points around key CTE program criteria and how this data can promote the impact of your CTE programs.  We will investigate key outcomes that you can leverage to attract support for your program from a variety of stakeholders, including industry partners and potential funders.
Speakers
avatar for Megan Marx

Megan Marx

Assistant Director, Academy Development, NAF
English teacher turned CTE enthusiast, Dr. Marx spent 16 years in K12 education.  As Principal. opened up Elizabeth Public Schools’ 7th high school, in New Jersey, with a CTE focus. Megan led its development as a school-wide Academy of Finance that earned Distinguished mem... Read More →
Wednesday October 7, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am PDT
Mt. Sopris A

9:45am PDT

CTE & Core Content Subjects Unite Through Contextual/Integrated Learning
Wednesday October 7, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am PDT
As highlighted in the ACTE publication “Synergizing Success: Academic and Career Integration for CTE” by Richard D. Jones and Jill Ranucci, innovative CTE and math teachers collaborated to teach two distinct courses that integrate math standards into CTE programs. Join us in exploring AMPED on Algebra and Geometry in Construction. Each program combines the best aspects of Project-Based and Work-Based Learning, awarding math credit through CTE. Since 2005, this contextual/integrated model has positively impacted students nationwide and is utilized within our school district as the exemplary model for High School Reimagined work and attaining students' Durable Skills. 
 
These programs include robust, hands-on activities that go beyond simple simulations. Participants will also receive links to curricular materials, enabling them to experience these proven activities and teaching strategies firsthand. Our mission for every student is mastery through authentic projects that bring learning to life and positively impact the community.     
Speakers
avatar for Scott Burke

Scott Burke

Coordinator of Contextual Learning & Teacher at Green Mountain High School, Jefferson County Public Schools
Scott Burke is in his 26th year as an administrator, classroom teacher, and an innovative pioneer in contextual/integrated learning.  Throughout his career, he has collaborated with others to develop three contextual programs: Geometry in Construction - est. in 2005 AMPED on Algebra... Read More →
Wednesday October 7, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am PDT
Mt. Oxford

9:45am PDT

It's Cheaper To Keem 'Em
Wednesday October 7, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am PDT
Do you know how much you spend to replace a CTE teacher?  The average cost has now reached over $18K to hire, onboard, and train new CTE teachers.  The economic challenges states and districts face call for fresh, flexible, and innovative strategies to create a sustainable teacher workforce that is effective, engaging, and enduring.  While many solutions help teachers over the certification barrier, a solid and systemic teacher induction program with multifaceted support systems is required to ensure that new CTE teachers become competent, confident, and career-making CTE educators. Discover practical, actionable strategies from states and districts that have partnered with SREB to develop innovative programs to ensure that passionate industry professionals transition, thrive, and remain in the classroom as successful educators beyond their first years with 3-5 year retention rates into the 90% range.  Whether you're a school leader or policymaker, this session will equip you with insights and actionable ideas to strengthen your teacher recruitment, preparation, and retention. Be part of the solution!
Speakers
avatar for Chris Bailey

Chris Bailey

Director of State & District Partnerships, Southern Regional Education Board
Chris Bailey serves as the Director of State and District Partnerships and Teaching To Lead for the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB). He joined SREB in 2022 as an instructional coach with Teaching To Lead, where he quickly became a key leader in designing and scaling support systems for new and developing educators.Chris began his career as an agricultural education teacher and has since served in a wide range of instructional and administrative roles, including CTE teacher, career... Read More →
Wednesday October 7, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am PDT
Mt. Columbia

2:45pm PDT

Fluent Work - Highly Engaging, Literacy-Based CTE Instructional Strategies
Wednesday October 7, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm PDT
This session introduces the Fluent Work framework—an instructional planning and reflection model that embeds literacy into career-connected learning using research-aligned, high-impact strategies grounded in the science of learning (John Hattie). Designed for administrators, instructional leaders, and program directors, the session demonstrates how literacy-based practices can be leveraged to improve engagement, rigor, and transfer across CTE and academic programs. Participants will experience interactive design challenges, structured discussion protocols, and digital thinking tools that mirror classroom implementation. Attendees will apply strategies directly to their leadership roles by mapping one Fluent Work strategy to a program goal, walkthrough focus, or improvement plan. Deliverables include a digital playbook, planning and reflection templates, a curated toolkit of resources, and a slide deck for turnkey implementation.
Speakers
avatar for Sandra Adams

Sandra Adams

VP Administration Division, ACTE
Sandra currently serves as a CTE administrator, instructional consultant, keynote speaker and ACTE Board member for Administration. Her passion for active learning and high-quality instruction led her to author four books on CTE instruction and meaningful collaboration, including... Read More →
Wednesday October 7, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm PDT
Mt. Sopris A

2:45pm PDT

From Compliance to Commitment: Reigniting Passion in CTE Leadership
Wednesday October 7, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm PDT
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
avatar for Justin Lyn Perfili

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 2:45pm - 3:45pm PDT
Mt. Sopris B

2:45pm PDT

How To Keep New Teachers from Industry from quitting so soon
Wednesday October 7, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm PDT
Career professionals bring real-world credibility into classrooms—but many leave teaching within their first few years due to culture shock, unclear expectations, and lack of targeted support. This session explores why teachers transitioning from industry struggle, what administrators often overlook, and practical steps leaders can take to improve retention of CTE and career-pathway educators.
Who benefits: School and district administrators, CTE/CTAE directors, instructional coaches, and program coordinators who supervise or support teachers entering education from industry.
How it helps: Attendees will learn actionable strategies to adjust onboarding, mentoring, communication, and evaluation practices to better support career-field teachers—without lowering expectations.
Engagement: The session includes brief discussion prompts, real-world scenarios, and reflection activities grounded in actual transition experiences.
Deliverables: (Potential opportunity for a book if published in time) Participants receive a slide deck, a new-teacher support checklist, and a practical planning tool administrators can immediately implement in their programs.
Speakers
avatar for Richard Trinkwalder

Richard Trinkwalder

Teacher, Gwinnett County Public Schools
Richard "Rich" Trinkwalder is a seasoned educator and law enforcement professional with almost three decades of experience in public safety and criminal justice. He currently serves as a Law and Public Safety Teacher at the Grayson Technical Education Program within Gwinnett County... Read More →
Wednesday October 7, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm PDT
Mt. Oxford

2:45pm PDT

The Human Advantage: Emotional Intelligence and AI-Assessed Durable Skill Development
Wednesday October 7, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm PDT
As technology accelerates, workplaces are demanding more than technical expertise, they require human skills that machines cannot replace. Emotional Intelligence (EI) has become a defining factor in adaptability, leadership, collaboration, and long-term workforce success. Yet, these skills have often been undervalued because they are difficult to measure and teach with precision.
This session introduces a new approach to strengthening and measuring these critical human capabilities through AI-powered Durable Skills Assessment. Participants will explore how emotional intelligence, adaptability, communication, and self-awareness can be both developed and measured using intelligent tools that provide actionable insights. This session bridges the gap between human-centered skill development and cutting-edge assessment technology to better prepare individuals for the future of work.
Speakers
avatar for Sera Anello

Sera Anello

Partner Engagement and Growth, IMAGO
An adventure seeker and mountain explorer at heart, Sera Anello brings the same spirit of curiosity to her work in education. She began her career as a classroom teacher and Climate and Culture lead, where she discovered the power of brain-based strategies, soft skills, and human... Read More →
Wednesday October 7, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm PDT
Maroon Peak

4:00pm PDT

Bring the E to CTE: Energy | Engagement | Empowerment
Wednesday October 7, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Bring the E to CTE is a movement fueled by energy, engagement, and empowerment—created to elevate Career & Technical Education and the leaders behind it. Jason delivers more than a keynote; he creates a high-energy, story-driven experience that reignites purpose and challenges educators to lead boldly.
His dynamic sessions blend real stories, practical strategy, and interactive engagement to move schools from compliance to culture—and from programs to purpose. Through lived examples of launching academies, building industry partnerships, and leading culture change in real time, participants see what energized pathways truly look like.
Expect compelling stories, actionable strategies you can implement immediately, and interactive moments that spark reflection, laughter, and momentum.
Designed for CTE educators, school and district leaders, counselors, and industry partners, every session equips participants to align energy, engagement, and empowerment with intention.
Attendees leave re-energized, confident, and ready to tell the story of CTE boldly—because CTE isn’t a fallback, it’s a launchpad.
Speakers
avatar for Jason Mattick

Jason Mattick

Principal | Conference Speaker | Workshop Leader, Academy of Arts, Careers, and Technology, Washoe County School District, Reno, NV
I’m an innovative school leader who believes education should feel alive—energizing, relevant, and deeply connected to the real world. As Principal of Academy of Arts, Careers & Technology (AACT), I’ve built my work around a simple but powerful idea: when you intentionally align... Read More →
Wednesday October 7, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Maroon Peak

4:00pm PDT

Career Insights Academy: Partnering with your Chamber of Commerce to Strengthen Business and Industry Partnerships
Wednesday October 7, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Bentonville Schools Career and Technical Education Department and the Bentonville Chamber of Commerce collaborate to provide strong business and industry partnerships for our students and teachers. Through an annual event called the Career Insights Academy, educators and partners engage in industry tours and collaborative workshops that result in high level internships for students, externships for teachers, and strong partnerships for all of our 16 career pathways. Partners learn the value of serving as mentors, mock interviewers, pitch competition judges and intership facilitators.
Speakers
avatar for Melinda Bunyard

Melinda Bunyard

Director of Career and Technical Education, Bentonville School District
Melinda Bunyard is the Director of Career and Technical Education for Bentonville School District in Bentonville, Arkansas. With 25 years of experience in education, she has taught at the elementary, secondary, and higher education levels in both traditional and virtual learning... Read More →
Wednesday October 7, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Mt. Oxford

4:00pm PDT

Connecting CBE with CTE: A Model for School Innovation and Workforce Readiness
Wednesday October 7, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
The constantly evolving demands of a global, 21st-century workforce require educational systems to shift from 19th century industrialized, time-based models of schooling to systems focused on mastery, adaptability, and measurable skill attainment. Two approaches that have gained national attention for addressing these needs are Competency-Based Education (CBE) and Career and Technical Education (CTE). 


CTECS has joined forces with Marzano Resources over the past 3 years to align CBE with CTE and provide a coherent model for updating educational systems and strengthening pathways from school to career.   The results have been dramatic.


This session will detail how admin teams in a 17-school state-level district has have collaborated to shift the existing system in comprehensive high schools, and used CTE teachers to model what CBE looks like in the real world, thereby evolving the mindsets of academic teachers throughout the state.
Speakers
avatar for Mike Ruyle

Mike Ruyle

Connecting Competency-Based Education (CBE) with Career and Technical Education (CTE): A Model for School Innovation and Workforce Readiness, Marzano Resources
Dr. Mike Ruyle has led the creation and implementation of  competency-based schools in Montana and California, and is a recognized authority in the areas of assessment practice, CTE, mindfulness in classrooms, social justice, and healing-centered schooling.
avatar for Nicole Walsh

Nicole Walsh

Director of Accountability and School Improvement, Connecticut Technical Education and Career System
Nicole Walsh, EdD, serves as the director of accountability and school improvement for the Connecticut Technical Education and Career System, where she leads district wide initiatives in educator evaluation, performance data systems, strategic planning, and school improvement. With... Read More →
Wednesday October 7, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Mt. Sopris A

4:00pm PDT

The Power of Eduthings: Connecting Programs, Performance, and Possibility
Wednesday October 7, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
This session explores how Eduthings helps education leaders move beyond isolated data points to build a connected, strategic view of program performance, student outcomes, credential attainment, and workforce alignment. Participants will see how integrating these data elements into one cohesive ecosystem allows districts and institutions to make informed, proactive decisions rather than reactive ones.
District administrators, CTE directors, program coordinators, data specialists, and institutional leaders will benefit most from this session—particularly those responsible for accountability, program improvement, and strategic planning. Whether you oversee multiple campuses or manage a single program, this session will provide clarity on how to transform data into direction.
Attendees will leave with practical strategies they can immediately apply in their roles, including how to:
  • Identify performance trends and opportunity gaps
  • Align programs to workforce and funding priorities
  • Use data to strengthen improvement plans
  • Communicate impact effectively to stakeholders
The session will be highly interactive, incorporating guided discussion, real-world case examples, and live dashboard walkthroughs. Attendees will have opportunities to examine sample scenarios and practice interpreting insights for decision-making.
Participants will receive access to:
  • A session summary
  • A curated list of Eduthings tools and resources to support implementation
By the end of the session, attendees will not only understand the power of connected educational data—they will have a concrete framework and tools to begin applying it immediately within their institutions.
Speakers
avatar for Amy McAllister

Amy McAllister

Director of CTE Strategies, iCEV
I am a product of CTE, I was in Agriculture and Television Production Courses in high school and went on to major in Agriculture Education & Communications in College.  I began my teaching career in 2005 teaching Agriculture at the middle and high school level. During my time teaching... Read More →
Wednesday October 7, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Mt. Princeton
 
Thursday, October 8
 

8:00am PDT

CTE Is Shifting. Are You Leading or Watching?
Thursday October 8, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am PDT
Career and Technical Education is entering a new era — but not every system is moving with it. As expectations around student engagement, meaningful career planning, and long-term student preparation evolve, leadership decisions are increasingly determining which programs move forward and which remain stuck in outdated models.


This session challenges leaders to rethink a long-standing assumption: that CTE exists primarily for workforce development. Incremental fixes and short-term workforce solutions may act like bandages, but lasting impact requires something deeper. Participants will explore how shifting toward an economic development lens — one that anticipates future needs, builds community vitality, and intentionally develops talent — changes how CTE prepares students and defines success.


Inspired by the ideas behind CTE Reimagined, this conversation moves beyond adding new programs or initiatives. Instead, it focuses on leadership choices, system design, and the strategic shifts needed to move from reactive efforts to sustainable, future-focused outcomes.
Speakers
JF

Jeff Frost

Owner, NextGen Consulting
Jeff Frost is a respected Iowa educational leader with more than 35 years of experience advancing Career and Technical Education across diverse school settings. Known for his ability to connect vision with practical implementation, Jeff has led change at the classroom, district, and... Read More →
avatar for Kristy Volesky

Kristy Volesky

Founder and Principal Consultant, Volesky Consulting
Kristy Volesky brings deep experience across education, government, and business partnerships, helping schools, businesses, and communities move from ideas to action through bold vision, strategic alignment, and collective impact.
A national thought leader in systems-level collaboration, Kristy has worked with schools, colleges, organizations, and state agencies across the country to strengthen connections between education, business, and the community. Her work centers on aligning local and regional efforts
... Read More →
Thursday October 8, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am PDT
Mt. Sopris B

8:00am PDT

Fueling the Future: Positive Leadership, Student Voice, and Creative CTE Innovation
Thursday October 8, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am PDT
What happens when positive leadership becomes the engine for innovation? At Springfield-Clark CTC, we reimagined systems, not just programs, to build energy, momentum, and a forward-thinking culture across our campus. Through creative scheduling, student-voice-driven programming, SEL integration, expanded career awareness, and data-informed decision-making, we’ve moved beyond the traditional “factory model” of education toward flexible, future-ready learning structures.


Participants will explore how initiatives like Future Ready Friday, READY Period (SEL advisory), Career Awareness Menus and Kits, LEAD, Senior Academy, Pathway Mapping, and Opportunity Fairs were strategically implemented to elevate student voice while strengthening staff culture and community partnerships. Attendees will leave with practical frameworks to ignite positive leadership, amplify campus voices, and design innovative CTE systems that are career-ready, college-ready, and life-ready.
Speakers
avatar for Michelle Carn

Michelle Carn

Fueling the Future: Positive Leadership, Student Voice, and Creative CTE Innovation, Springfield-Clark Career Technology Center
Michelle Carn has served as the Compliance Administrator at the Springfield-Clark Career Technology Center since 2007. With nearly two decades of experience in career and technical education, she oversees regulatory compliance, state and federal reporting, grant management, and policy... Read More →
avatar for Michelle Patrick

Michelle Patrick

Superintendent, Springfield-Clark Career Technology Center
Michelle Patrick has served as Superintendent of the Springfield-Clark Career Technology Center since 2017. A forward-thinking and innovative leader, she has guided the organization through significant growth and transformation. Under her leadership, Springfield-Clark CTC has expanded programming to... Read More →
Thursday October 8, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am PDT
Mt. Oxford

8:00am PDT

Leadership as the Foundation: Developing Organizational Capacity to implement a new Strategic Plan
Thursday October 8, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am PDT
Recognizing that meaningful change begins with strong leadership, our organization made a deliberate decision: the first action step in implementing the transformation outlined in our strategic plan was to develop our leaders first. Research consistently demonstrates that organizations investing in leadership development experience higher levels of employee engagement, stronger cultures of accountability, improved retention, and significantly greater success in achieving strategic goals. With this evidence in mind, we prioritized leadership development as the foundation for long-term organizational success and sustainable change. This training series was intentionally designed to build the leadership capacity and set foundational expectations required to drive strategic change and to ensure alignment between individual leadership growth and organizational priorities. Administrators, Directors, and Leaders are the audience for this session. Real world case studies will be used for partner discussion. Additionally, sample tools and instruments will be used for audience members to practice and begin seeing how these tools could be used in their daily leadership behaviors.
 
Led by internal peer facilitators and aligned to our organization’s administrator evaluation system, the program provided a cohesive and relevant learning experience for leaders across the organization. Through structured modules—including Leadership Styles, Strategic Thinking, Systems Thinking, Communication, Change Leadership, and Performance Management—participants engaged in deep self-reflection, skill development, and application of new learning to real workplace challenges.


A central outcome of the series was the development of individualized leadership learning plans tailored to each participant’s strengths, growth areas, and future leadership aspirations. By equipping leaders with the tools, mindset, and behaviors essential for effective leadership expectations, the training established a common foundation for sustained organizational change and successful strategic plan implementation. Participants will engage in small group discussion and reflection on developing leadership capacity through identifying and prioritizing leadership levers that align with program or organizational goals. Handouts and slide deck will be provided. 
 
 
Speakers
avatar for Dr. Steve Gerhard

Dr. Steve Gerhard

Educational Consultant, Chester County Intermediate Unit
Before his retirement in 2025, Dr. Steve Gerhard served as assistant executive director of the Chester County Intermediate Unit, overseeing the divisions of career, technical and customized education, student services, and Brandywine Virtual Academy.In his nearly 30 years working... Read More →
avatar for Danielle Hawkins

Danielle Hawkins

Assistant Director of Human Resources, Chester County Intermediate Unit
Ms. Danielle Hawkins offers over two decades of impactful experience in special education, culminating in her current role as Assistant Director of Human Resources for Employee Development at the Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU) since 2022. In this capacity, she spearheads... Read More →
Thursday October 8, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am PDT
Maroon Peak

8:00am PDT

Make Education Relevant with Catapult Masterclass
Thursday October 8, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am PDT
The heart of any educational transformation lies not with programs or policy alone, but with educators themselves. We must empower and equip educators to lead change locally to Make Education Relevant so that all students graduate world-ready with a competitive advantage. This will require a new hybrid-flexible approach to our K-16 professional development to evolve both mindsets and metrics. Leveraging Dr. Fleming’s research and experience, participants will gain a fresh perspective on new teacher induction and enhancing professional learning – at scale.  Gain insight into how Catapult Masterclass drives institutional change, foster continuous improvement, and galvanizes support for career-connected learning. 
Speakers
avatar for Kevin Fleming

Kevin Fleming

CEO, Catapult Masterclass
Dr. Kevin Fleming received the 2025 ACTE Postsecondary Leadership Award and serves as the Founder and CEO of Catapult Masterclass.  A 25+ year administrator, he has also produced multiple, viral animation videos including Success in the New Economy, and authored four books including... Read More →
Thursday October 8, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am PDT
Mt. Princeton

8:00am PDT

Strategic Credit with Intention in High Schools
Thursday October 8, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am PDT
High schools across the country are expanding access to dual/concurrent enrollment, AP, IB, and industry credential opportunities—but without a strategic plan, these options can become fragmented and inequitable. This session provides a practical framework for designing intentional college credit pathways that align with student goals, workforce needs, and postsecondary partnerships.
Drawing on implementation experience collaborating with high school administrators, counselors, and teachers, this session will share adaptable planning templates, decision-making tools, and communication strategies that support sustainable program growth. Participants will learn how to audit current offerings, identify gaps in access and alignment, and build a multi-year roadmap that prioritizes both equity and academic rigor.
Lessons learned from cross-functional leadership teams will highlight common challenges, including master scheduling constraints, staff credentialing, student advising, and data tracking. Attendees will leave with ready-to-use planning templates and concrete next steps to move from scattered opportunities to a cohesive, student-centered college credit strategy.
Speakers
avatar for Jenn Edgar

Jenn Edgar

College Credit Coordinator, Jeffco Public Schools
Jenn Edgar has spent the past 20+ years in education, and during that time, has spanned many roles. From being a high school teacher to a postsecondary advisor, CTE director to program administrator, she currently leads all college credit opportunities for Jeffco Public Schools. Providing... Read More →
Thursday October 8, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am PDT
Mt. Sopris A

9:15am PDT

Facilitated Role-Based Discussion
Thursday October 8, 2026 9:15am - 10:15am PDT

Thursday October 8, 2026 9:15am - 10:15am PDT
Mt. Sopris B

9:15am PDT

Facilitated Role-Based Discussion
Thursday October 8, 2026 9:15am - 10:15am PDT

Thursday October 8, 2026 9:15am - 10:15am PDT
Colorado Ballroom

9:15am PDT

Facilitated Role-Based Discussion
Thursday October 8, 2026 9:15am - 10:15am PDT

Thursday October 8, 2026 9:15am - 10:15am PDT
Mt. Sopris A

9:15am PDT

Facilitated Role-Based Discussion
Thursday October 8, 2026 9:15am - 10:15am PDT

Thursday October 8, 2026 9:15am - 10:15am PDT
Mt. Oxford

9:15am PDT

Facilitated Role-Based Discussion
Thursday October 8, 2026 9:15am - 10:15am PDT

Thursday October 8, 2026 9:15am - 10:15am PDT
Mt. Columbia

9:15am PDT

Facilitated Role-Based Discussion
Thursday October 8, 2026 9:15am - 10:15am PDT

Thursday October 8, 2026 9:15am - 10:15am PDT
Mt. Princeton

9:15am PDT

Facilitated Role-Based Discussion
Thursday October 8, 2026 9:15am - 10:15am PDT

Thursday October 8, 2026 9:15am - 10:15am PDT
Maroon Peak
 
Best Practices for CTE Administrators Conference 2026
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