Best Practices for CTE Administrators Conference 2026

Best Practices for CTE Administrators Conference 2026

9:45am MDT

An EPIC Focus: Building a High Quality Instructional Playbook

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

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

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 MDT
Maroon Peak

Concurrent Session

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

9:45am MDT

Building Middle School CTE Pipelines That Convert Students Into Programs of Study

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

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

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 MDT
Mt. Princeton

Concurrent Session

9:45am MDT

Celebrate CTE!: Using Data to Brand and Build Your CTE Program

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

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

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 MDT
Mt. Sopris A

Concurrent Session

9:45am MDT

CTE & Core Content Subjects Unite Through Contextual/Integrated Learning

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

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

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 MDT
Mt. Oxford

Concurrent Session

9:45am MDT

It's Cheaper To Keep 'Em

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

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

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 MDT
Mt. Columbia

Concurrent Session

2:30pm MDT

Fluent Work - Highly Engaging, Literacy-Based CTE Instructional Strategies

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

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

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 2:30pm - 3:30pm MDT
Mt. Sopris A

Concurrent Session

2:30pm MDT

From Compliance to Commitment: Reigniting Passion in CTE Leadership

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

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

2:30pm MDT

Innovation & Technical Education: A New Frontier

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

Exploring the relationship between innovation and technical education can be a challenge when looking from the inside. How do we know what innovation looks like, besides thinking it is happening? This session looks at the structures, levers, and lenses that can help you challenge your assumptions about how a high-quality innovative CTE environment can look in action.

Through evaluating program design or redesign, attendees will learn how a new career center leveraged a single cross-cutting pathway model for 400+ students to launch at full capacity and create a new lens on innovation, workforce development, and economic mobility in its community. Attendees will explore how this approach opens the door for students to connect with all career clusters at varying degrees of specialty, as well as high leverage industry agnostic strategies to unlock innovation through technical education.

Speakers

Riley Johnson

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

Concurrent Session

4:00pm MDT

Bring the E to CTE: Energy | Engagement | Empowerment

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

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

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 MDT
Maroon Peak

Concurrent Session

4:00pm MDT

Career Insights Academy: Partnering With Your Chamber of Commerce to Strengthen Business and Industry Partnerships

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

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

Sarah Henderson

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 MDT
Mt. Oxford

Concurrent Session

4:00pm MDT

Connecting CBE With CTE: A Model for School Innovation and Workforce Readiness

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

The constantly evolving demands of a global, 21st-century workforce require educational systems to shift from 19^th 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

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.

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 MDT
Mt. Sopris A

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

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

Alan Kirby

Principal, Willamette Career Academy, Willamette Education Service District

Regional CTE Centers
Health Services Programs
Where to visit when in Oregon

Wednesday October 7, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm MDT
Mt. Sopris B

Concurrent Session

8:00am MDT

CTE Is Shifting. Are You Leading or Watching?

Thursday October 8, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am MDT

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

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 →

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 MDT
Mt. Sopris B

Concurrent Session

8:00am MDT

Federal Policy Update

Thursday October 8, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am MDT

This session will provide a deep dive on the federal policy activity currently impacting CTE, including the latest on activities in Congress and the Administration. You will hear more about the implementation of Workforce Pell and new postsecondary accountability rules, proposed changes to the Uniform Grant Guidance, the latest on the federal budget and appropriations process, the looming mid-term elections and other issues on the congressional agenda in the remaining months of the year. We will also discuss ways to share CTE information with policymakers and build long-term support.

Speakers

Alisha Hyslop

Chief Policy, Research & Content Officer, ACTE

Dr. Alisha Hyslop has spent 25 years working in career and technical education and is
currently the Chief Policy, Research & Content Officer at the national Association for
Career and Technical Education. At ACTE, Alisha leads the organization’s policy,
advocacy, research, program... Read More →

Thursday October 8, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am MDT
Mt. Sopris A

Concurrent Session

8:00am MDT

Leadership as the Foundation: Developing Organizational Capacity to Implement a New Strategic Plan

Thursday October 8, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am MDT

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

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 →

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 MDT
Mt. Columbia

Concurrent Session

8:00am MDT

Make Education Relevant With Catapult Masterclass

Thursday October 8, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am MDT

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

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 MDT
Mt. Oxford

Concurrent Session

9:15am MDT

Facilitated Role-Based Discussion

Thursday October 8, 2026 9:15am - 10:15am MDT

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

Concurrent Session

9:15am MDT

Facilitated Role-Based Discussion

Thursday October 8, 2026 9:15am - 10:15am MDT

Colorado Ballroom

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

Concurrent Session

9:15am MDT

Facilitated Role-Based Discussion

Thursday October 8, 2026 9:15am - 10:15am MDT

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

Concurrent Session

9:15am MDT

Facilitated Role-Based Discussion

Thursday October 8, 2026 9:15am - 10:15am MDT

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

Concurrent Session

9:15am MDT

Facilitated Role-Based Discussion

Thursday October 8, 2026 9:15am - 10:15am MDT

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

Concurrent Session

9:15am MDT

Facilitated Role-Based Discussion

Thursday October 8, 2026 9:15am - 10:15am MDT

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

Concurrent Session

9:15am MDT

Facilitated Role-Based Discussion

Thursday October 8, 2026 9:15am - 10:15am MDT

Thursday October 8, 2026 9:15am - 10:15am MDT
Maroon Peak

Concurrent Session

Best Practices for CTE Administrators Conference 2026

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