Best Practices for CTE Administrators Conference 2026: Full Schedule

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

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

Concurrent Session

2:45pm PDT

From Compliance to Commitment: Reigniting Passion in CTE Leadership

Wednesday October 7, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm PDT

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

Concurrent Session

8:00am PDT

CTE Is Shifting. Are You Leading or Watching?

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

Mt. Sopris B

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 PDT
Mt. Sopris B

Concurrent Session