BEGIN:VCALENDAR
VERSION:2.0
X-WR-CALNAME:regioniiconference2026
X-WR-CALDESC:Event Calendar
METHOD:PUBLISH
CALSCALE:GREGORIAN
PRODID:-//Sched.com ACTE's Region II Conference 2026//EN
X-WR-TIMEZONE:UTC
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260617T042021Z
DTSTART:20260909T130000Z
DTEND:20260909T150000Z
SUMMARY:Exhibitor Set Up
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:EXHIBITORS
LOCATION:
SEQUENCE:0
UID:286c5e9325cd04a830db7d47c8f2e639
URL:http://regioniiconference2026.sched.com/event/286c5e9325cd04a830db7d47c8f2e639
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260617T042021Z
DTSTART:20260909T130000Z
DTEND:20260909T200000Z
SUMMARY:Registration
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:REGISTRATION
LOCATION:
SEQUENCE:0
UID:e5c129e0d56bd1af4fd270670667b301
URL:http://regioniiconference2026.sched.com/event/e5c129e0d56bd1af4fd270670667b301
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260617T042021Z
DTSTART:20260909T150000Z
DTEND:20260909T200000Z
SUMMARY:Exhibitor Hours
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:EXHIBITORS
LOCATION:
SEQUENCE:0
UID:f6cea82611efcf3876953f4e2ca72b57
URL:http://regioniiconference2026.sched.com/event/f6cea82611efcf3876953f4e2ca72b57
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260617T042021Z
DTSTART:20260909T160000Z
DTEND:20260909T163000Z
SUMMARY:Lunch
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:MEAL
LOCATION:
SEQUENCE:0
UID:1b06215755da758d107f9eef2ce551d5
URL:http://regioniiconference2026.sched.com/event/1b06215755da758d107f9eef2ce551d5
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260617T042021Z
DTSTART:20260909T163000Z
DTEND:20260909T180000Z
SUMMARY:Opening Session
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:GENERAL SESSION
LOCATION:
SEQUENCE:0
UID:163bfca742ac39389cc915eaba2323d9
URL:http://regioniiconference2026.sched.com/event/163bfca742ac39389cc915eaba2323d9
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260617T042021Z
DTSTART:20260909T180000Z
DTEND:20260909T183000Z
SUMMARY:Dessert Break & Coffee with Exhibitors
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:MEAL
LOCATION:
SEQUENCE:0
UID:0ecd779f5b0154a29ccd42aae7b3e744
URL:http://regioniiconference2026.sched.com/event/0ecd779f5b0154a29ccd42aae7b3e744
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260617T042021Z
DTSTART:20260909T183000Z
DTEND:20260909T191500Z
SUMMARY:Bridging the Gap: Scalable Strategies for Building Strong School–Industry Partnerships
DESCRIPTION:Schools and industry partners share the goal of preparing students for future careers\, but collaboration is often limited to one-time events such as career days or guest speakers. While valuable\, these experiences can lack consistency\, scalability\, and long-term impact. This session addresses that gap by sharing practical strategies to build structured\, sustainable school–industry partnerships.\n\n\nParticipants will explore the concept of an outreach catalog—a simple\, structured menu of engagement opportunities that helps both educators and industry partners participate more consistently and effectively. The session will also introduce “flipped field trips\,” where industry experiences are brought directly into the classroom through hands-on\, interactive activities rather than relying solely on student travel to worksites. These approaches increase access and expand engagement for more students.\n\n\nAttendees will also learn how to design flexible\, scalable activities that can be adapted based on time and setting while still reinforcing the same core skills. For example\, one activity can be used in a brief career fair interaction\, a short classroom visit\, or a full class period experience. This flexible design ensures consistency in skill development while maximizing impact across environments. Participants will leave with practical tools to strengthen partnerships and immediately improve student engagement.
CATEGORIES:CONCURRENT SESSION
LOCATION:The Barn\, The Campbell House | 1375 S Broadway\, Lexington\, KY 40504
SEQUENCE:0
UID:77a68ef77a40ce3fc721a8bd0375ddc0
URL:http://regioniiconference2026.sched.com/event/77a68ef77a40ce3fc721a8bd0375ddc0
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260617T042021Z
DTSTART:20260909T183000Z
DTEND:20260909T191500Z
SUMMARY:Instructional Strategies for Increasing Multilingual Learner Engagement in CTE
DESCRIPTION:Designed for educators seeking actionable practices\, this interactive session highlights the critical importance of supporting both content and language development for multilingual learners (MLs) in Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses. Participants will explore research-based instructional strategies specifically designed to increase student engagement while strengthening comprehension and communication skills. Emphasis will be placed on how intentional instructional moves can make rigorous CTE content more accessible\, relevant\, and engaging for MLs.\n\n\nStrategies include scaffolding instruction to promote active participation\, embedding structured peer learning to foster collaboration and language use\, and integrating reading and writing supports that deepen understanding. The session will also focus on explicitly teaching technical vocabulary to help students confidently engage with industry-specific content.\n\n\nFeaturing authentic artifacts from CTE classrooms\, this session provides concrete examples of these strategies in action. Through discussion and hands-on activities\, such as a gallery walk\, educators will reflect on their own contexts and leave with practical\, classroom-ready approaches that enhance engagement and improve outcomes for multilingual learners in CTE settings.\n\n
CATEGORIES:CONCURRENT SESSION
LOCATION:The Still\, The Campbell House | 1375 S Broadway\, Lexington\, KY 40504
SEQUENCE:0
UID:b2fce6bbe20814830ced1a7375445f7e
URL:http://regioniiconference2026.sched.com/event/b2fce6bbe20814830ced1a7375445f7e
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260617T042021Z
DTSTART:20260909T192500Z
DTEND:20260909T201000Z
SUMMARY:ATTENTION! Active Listening is a Two-Way Street
DESCRIPTION:Active listening isn’t just about being quiet\, it’s about being curious\, and this session shows teachers how to make that come alive in the classroom. Participants will explore fun\, low-prep strategies that help teachers and students actually listen to each other (yes\, it’s possible). Through interactive activities\, teachers will learn how to uncover students’ learning styles while sneaking in essential EmployABILITY soft skills. This presentation replaces awkward lectures with movement\, conversation\, and moments students remember. Expect practical ideas you can use tomorrow—without groans\, eye rolls\, or extra grading.
CATEGORIES:CONCURRENT SESSION
LOCATION:The Still\, The Campbell House | 1375 S Broadway\, Lexington\, KY 40504
SEQUENCE:0
UID:172da5745e355d3ba1e339d2cade29bf
URL:http://regioniiconference2026.sched.com/event/172da5745e355d3ba1e339d2cade29bf
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260617T042021Z
DTSTART:20260909T192500Z
DTEND:20260909T201000Z
SUMMARY:Driving Student Engagement Through Aligned Advising
DESCRIPTION:This session explores strategies for strengthening student engagement through meaningful ownership of the Individual Learning Plan (ILP) embedded in an aligned advising framework for grades 6–12. &nbsp\;Grounded in Kentucky’s Postsecondary Advising Scope and Sequence and leveraging Futuriti\, this work reflects the partnership between the Kentucky Advising Academy and Education Strategy Group\, which supported the development of the state’s Postsecondary Advising Toolkit\, Framework\, and Scope and Sequence.\n\n\nEducators will gain practical strategies designed to facilitate student ownership of career and postsecondary planning and decision-making within a comprehensive\, aligned advising system that incorporates student-driven tools. The session will highlight strategies for connecting career exploration\, postsecondary planning\, financial literacy\, and essential skills\, while also aligning ILP engagement to Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways and credentials of value.\n\n\nAttendees will leave with practical tools to better align student experiences with postsecondary and workforce goals—ultimately helping students gain purpose\, direction\, and a clearer vision for their future.
CATEGORIES:CONCURRENT SESSION
LOCATION:The Barn\, The Campbell House | 1375 S Broadway\, Lexington\, KY 40504
SEQUENCE:0
UID:4a65fb1d6d266784ec2748887ed52b37
URL:http://regioniiconference2026.sched.com/event/4a65fb1d6d266784ec2748887ed52b37
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260617T042021Z
DTSTART:20260909T192500Z
DTEND:20260909T201000Z
SUMMARY:Public Service and Safety: Building the next Generation
DESCRIPTION:As states modernize their Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways to better align with workforce needs\, public service and safety remains one of the most underdeveloped—and most urgently needed—career pipelines. ENGAGE is a Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO) designed to fill that gap by providing students with hands-on\, career-aligned experiences and competitions in:&nbsp\;\nPublic Service- Government & Public Management\, Applications of Law\, Judicial and Legislative systems\nPublic Safety- Police\, Fire\, 911\, CSI\, National security\, Cybersecurity\, JROTC\, and Civic Leadership.\n\n\nThis session introduces ENGAGE Youth in Government to educators\, state leaders\, nonprofit organizations\, and workforce partners who may be unfamiliar with the model\, while also offering practical guidance for states and organizations interested in launching ENGAGE in their own context. Participants will explore how ENGAGE functions as a CTSO and is uniquely aligned to Public Service and Safety career pathways.&nbsp\;\n\n\nThe session will highlight how ENGAGE integrates simulations\, competitions\, leadership development\, and real-world industry partnerships to create a sustainable pipeline into public service and safety careers. Attendees will leave with a clear understanding of ENGAGE’s structure\, its alignment with modern CTE frameworks\, and the steps required to pilot or scale the program at the local or state level\n\n\n
CATEGORIES:CONCURRENT SESSION
LOCATION:The Carriage Room\, The Campbell House | 1375 S Broadway\, Lexington\, KY 40504
SEQUENCE:0
UID:dc62348fc179baf6079e1d05a8f2fddb
URL:http://regioniiconference2026.sched.com/event/dc62348fc179baf6079e1d05a8f2fddb
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260617T042021Z
DTSTART:20260909T213000Z
DTEND:20260910T013000Z
SUMMARY:Special Event - TBD
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:MEAL
LOCATION:
SEQUENCE:0
UID:d54327ac5d0bd3ce57b71fb9d4673b26
URL:http://regioniiconference2026.sched.com/event/d54327ac5d0bd3ce57b71fb9d4673b26
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260617T042021Z
DTSTART:20260910T120000Z
DTEND:20260910T190000Z
SUMMARY:Exhibitor Hours
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:EXHIBITORS
LOCATION:
SEQUENCE:0
UID:142ac50b479ac92172da41ec65fde6e9
URL:http://regioniiconference2026.sched.com/event/142ac50b479ac92172da41ec65fde6e9
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260617T042021Z
DTSTART:20260910T120000Z
DTEND:20260910T123000Z
SUMMARY:Breakfast
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:MEAL
LOCATION:
SEQUENCE:0
UID:bad85007bdc6469b63f77950916ca947
URL:http://regioniiconference2026.sched.com/event/bad85007bdc6469b63f77950916ca947
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260617T042021Z
DTSTART:20260910T124500Z
DTEND:20260910T133000Z
SUMMARY:Learners in the Lead: Empowering Students with Tools for Certification Success
DESCRIPTION:Empowering students to own their learning is essential for engagement and long-term success—especially in CTE programs where certifications signal readiness for college\, careers\, and life.&nbsp\;\n\n\nThis session explores how students can become active\, informed learners by using assessment resources to personalize instruction\, build confidence\, and improve performance on industry-recognized exams. We’ll examine how embedding certification competencies into instruction\, paired with tools like study guides\, pre-tests\, and performance data\, helps students track growth\, close skill gaps\, and celebrate progress.&nbsp\;\n\n\nJoin us to explore practical strategies and share your own learner-centered innovations.
CATEGORIES:CONCURRENT SESSION
LOCATION:The Carriage Room\, The Campbell House | 1375 S Broadway\, Lexington\, KY 40504
SEQUENCE:0
UID:2056f55596ae25505349e6e38da42f98
URL:http://regioniiconference2026.sched.com/event/2056f55596ae25505349e6e38da42f98
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260617T042021Z
DTSTART:20260910T124500Z
DTEND:20260910T133000Z
SUMMARY:No Regrets: Live Like You Were Dying.
DESCRIPTION:At my wife’s funeral the mourners said she was too young to die. I agreed. She was too young to die\, but you can’t bargain with cancer. &nbsp\;Even though I was not ready for her to die\, there were NO REGRETS because early in our professional careers we had learned how to balance our lives and manage our priorities. We had raised a beautiful family\, traveled extensively\, and played a lot but we both had successful award-winning teaching careers. Research shows CTE teachers work an average of 50-55 hours a week and are often frustrated trying to balance work and family. In this workshop twelve time-tested\, researched-based strategies will be shared that will help agriculture teachers manage their careers and personal life.&nbsp\;
CATEGORIES:CONCURRENT SESSION
LOCATION:The Barn\, The Campbell House | 1375 S Broadway\, Lexington\, KY 40504
SEQUENCE:0
UID:826c852c6b2891528ab6d01cdc329dc1
URL:http://regioniiconference2026.sched.com/event/826c852c6b2891528ab6d01cdc329dc1
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260617T042021Z
DTSTART:20260910T124500Z
DTEND:20260910T133000Z
SUMMARY:Teaching AI with Food\, Chatbots\, and Mad Libs: Engaging\, Hands-On Strategies for Every Classroom
DESCRIPTION:Artificial Intelligence can feel complex\, but it doesn’t have to be. This interactive session shows educators how to teach foundational AI concepts using simple\, engaging activities like food analogies\, chatbot simulations\, and Mad Lib-style language modeling.\n\n\nParticipants will experience hands-on strategies that make abstract AI concepts—such as machine learning\, training data\, bias\, and large language models—accessible to all students\, regardless of grade level or technical background. These activities are designed to work in both technology-rich and unplugged environments\, making them ideal for diverse classrooms.\n\n\nIn addition to instructional strategies\, this session addresses ethical considerations including bias\, accuracy\, and responsible AI use. Educators will leave with ready-to-use lessons that increase student engagement while building critical thinking skills needed for an AI-driven world.
CATEGORIES:CONCURRENT SESSION
LOCATION:The Still\, The Campbell House | 1375 S Broadway\, Lexington\, KY 40504
SEQUENCE:0
UID:07f57b8bcca013f507998e770b73e245
URL:http://regioniiconference2026.sched.com/event/07f57b8bcca013f507998e770b73e245
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260617T042021Z
DTSTART:20260910T134000Z
DTEND:20260910T142500Z
SUMMARY:Cultivating a Growth Mindset in New CTE Teachers
DESCRIPTION:Career and Technical Education (CTE) classrooms are increasingly led by highly skilled professionals transitioning directly from industry into teaching—bringing invaluable real-world expertise\, but often without formal training in pedagogy. This session explores the critical role CTE administrators play in fostering a growth mindset among these new educators as they navigate the steep learning curve of classroom instruction\, student engagement\, and educational systems. Participants will examine the unique challenges faced by industry-trained teachers\, including shifting expectations from managing employees to supporting diverse learners\, understanding educational language and frameworks\, and developing effective classroom practices. Through practical strategies and real-world insights\, this session will equip administrators to better support\, mentor\, and retain CTE teachers—ultimately strengthening student outcomes and program success.
CATEGORIES:CONCURRENT SESSION
LOCATION:The Barrell Room\, The Campbell House | 1375 S Broadway\, Lexington\, KY 40504
SEQUENCE:0
UID:b30caa0aad1d1fa895e9d06a2af41532
URL:http://regioniiconference2026.sched.com/event/b30caa0aad1d1fa895e9d06a2af41532
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260617T042021Z
DTSTART:20260910T134000Z
DTEND:20260910T142500Z
SUMMARY:Mind the Gap: Using Data to Align CTE Pathways with Workforce Needs
DESCRIPTION:Are your CTE programs preparing students for jobs that actually exist in your region? This session shares findings from ongoing research examining the alignment between workforce-focused CTE dual enrollment pathway participation and the local labor market outlook across North Carolina's diverse rural and urban communities.\n\n\nAttendees will learn about a practical methodology that compares student enrollment patterns with projected job openings\, employment growth\, and wages regionally. Using real examples\, we'll reveal that some of the most popular CTE pathways show surprisingly weak alignment with local job prospects\, and explore why these gaps might exist.\n\n\nThe centerpiece of this session is an interactive web-based dashboard designed for practitioners. This tool enables administrators\, counselors\, and workforce development professionals to identify programs that have low participation relative to workforce prospects or are absent from their current offerings\, spark conversations about program mix and resource allocation\, and help students make informed decisions about career pathways. It also raises important questions: Why might certain high-demand fields be underrepresented in student enrollment? What local context\, employer relationships\, credential requirements\, or student awareness should inform program development?\n\n\nAttendees will leave with actionable strategies for using labor market data to strengthen CTE programming and a framework adaptable to their own state or regional context. This work is a collaboration between RAND and the Early College Research Center at UNC Greensboro.
CATEGORIES:CONCURRENT SESSION
LOCATION:The Carriage Room\, The Campbell House | 1375 S Broadway\, Lexington\, KY 40504
SEQUENCE:0
UID:e5df25d878640b441c2a43581012cb9e
URL:http://regioniiconference2026.sched.com/event/e5df25d878640b441c2a43581012cb9e
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260617T042021Z
DTSTART:20260910T134000Z
DTEND:20260910T142500Z
SUMMARY:The Logistics Revolution: Creating Quadruple Credentialed Graduates Through an Integrated Transportation Academy
DESCRIPTION:The transportation and logistics industry is undergoing a rapid transformation driven by automation\, artificial intelligence\, and global supply chain demands. Career and Technical Education programs must evolve just as quickly to prepare students for careers that are expanding beyond traditional transportation roles. The Daniel Morgan Technology Center (DMTC) Academy of Transportation\, Distribution\, and Logistics represents an innovative\, future-focused model designed to meet these workforce needs while increasing student engagement and credential attainment.\nThis session will showcase how DMTC developed an integrated academy that houses four high-demand programs: Drone Technologies\, Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)\, Global Logistics and Supply Chain Management\, and Diesel Engine Technologies. Participants will learn how aligning these programs into a unified academy structure creates opportunities for students to earn stackable industry credentials and become quadruple completers\, significantly increasing their workforce readiness and career flexibility.\nSpecial emphasis will be placed on the implementation of an Artificial Intelligence pathway that supports predictive maintenance\, logistics optimization\, and emerging transportation technologies. Attendees will also explore strategies to introduce students to logistics and supply chain careers they may have never considered\, expanding awareness of high-wage\, high-demand opportunities.\nBy the end of this session\, participants will gain practical strategies for designing integrated academies\, implementing stackable credential systems\, and leveraging emerging technologies to strengthen workforce pipelines and student success.\n\n
CATEGORIES:CONCURRENT SESSION
LOCATION:The Still\, The Campbell House | 1375 S Broadway\, Lexington\, KY 40504
SEQUENCE:0
UID:ee37fb0138fe3103117b49591ce36e38
URL:http://regioniiconference2026.sched.com/event/ee37fb0138fe3103117b49591ce36e38
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260617T042021Z
DTSTART:20260910T134000Z
DTEND:20260910T142500Z
SUMMARY:We Didn't Start the Fire: AI in a Changing Classroom
DESCRIPTION:As artificial intelligence rapidly reshapes education and the workforce\, Career and Technical Education (CTE) educators are uniquely positioned to lead the way in modeling ethical\, responsible use. This interactive session explores the opportunities and challenges AI presents in CTE classrooms\, with a focus on academic integrity\, bias\, privacy\, and student skill development. Participants will engage in real-world scenarios\, examine practical classroom applications\, and develop strategies for teaching students to use AI as a tool for learning—not a shortcut for thinking. Attendees will leave with actionable guidelines\, sample policies\, and ready-to-use approaches that can be immediately implemented across diverse CTE pathways.
CATEGORIES:CONCURRENT SESSION
LOCATION:The Barn\, The Campbell House | 1375 S Broadway\, Lexington\, KY 40504
SEQUENCE:0
UID:103f7de9b5b4ce00b85911133d637f7c
URL:http://regioniiconference2026.sched.com/event/103f7de9b5b4ce00b85911133d637f7c
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260617T042021Z
DTSTART:20260910T144500Z
DTEND:20260910T153000Z
SUMMARY:Closing the Skills Gap: Career Prep for the Modern Workforce
DESCRIPTION:The U.S. faces a projected shortage of 6.5 million skilled workers in the next decade. This session explores how to build a CTE program that equips students with the foundational and technical skills for tomorrow’s careers and provides training in high-demand and emerging fields.
CATEGORIES:CONCURRENT SESSION
LOCATION:The Barrell Room\, The Campbell House | 1375 S Broadway\, Lexington\, KY 40504
SEQUENCE:0
UID:7d28bc52bbdc4ff4868e096244e9b33c
URL:http://regioniiconference2026.sched.com/event/7d28bc52bbdc4ff4868e096244e9b33c
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260617T042021Z
DTSTART:20260910T144500Z
DTEND:20260910T153000Z
SUMMARY:Creating "The Great Race" in Your Classroom: Harnessing the Power of Team-based Challenges
DESCRIPTION:Team-based challenges provide motivation as students work together from start to finish\, sharing their ideas and problems-solving skills. In this session\, you will brainstorm and design innovative learning activities that can be transformed into an exhilarating “Great Race” competition format. &nbsp\;Then you will participate in a simulated Great Race activity\, gaining first hand experience and building confidence to integrate similar challenges in your classroom. &nbsp\;Walk away equipped with practical insights and a toolkit of ideas that will spark enthusiasm and teamwork among your students.
CATEGORIES:CONCURRENT SESSION
LOCATION:The Still\, The Campbell House | 1375 S Broadway\, Lexington\, KY 40504
SEQUENCE:0
UID:b8bd4362d364bd3183daf0a4168ae4ca
URL:http://regioniiconference2026.sched.com/event/b8bd4362d364bd3183daf0a4168ae4ca
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260617T042021Z
DTSTART:20260910T144500Z
DTEND:20260910T153000Z
SUMMARY:The Classroom is a Leadership Lab: Transforming Instruction Through Intentional Leadership
DESCRIPTION:This session is designed to reframe how educators view their role in the classroom from content deliverers to intentional leaders who shape culture\, engagement\, and outcomes. The purpose of this session is to equip Career and Technical Education (CTE) educators with a practical leadership framework that strengthens classroom environments and improves student performance.\nParticipants will explore The Classroom Leadership Lab Framework™\, built on five key pillars: clarity\, connection\, culture\, consistency\, and capacity. Through real-world examples\, reflective activities\, and actionable strategies\, attendees will learn how to set clear learning intentions\, build meaningful relationships\, establish positive classroom cultures\, maintain consistent expectations\, and develop student capacity through feedback and growth-focused practices. The session will also guide educators through three critical leadership shifts: from control to influence\, compliance to connection\, and content to people.\nAttendees will leave with a downloadable\, ready-to-use framework that can be immediately implemented in their classrooms\, along with tools to assess and refine their leadership practices. The anticipated value includes increased student engagement\, reduced behavioral challenges\, and a stronger alignment between instructional practices and student success. This session empowers educators to lead with purpose and transform their classrooms into high-impact learning environments.
CATEGORIES:CONCURRENT SESSION
LOCATION:The Barn\, The Campbell House | 1375 S Broadway\, Lexington\, KY 40504
SEQUENCE:0
UID:007de2a46ad45192abf15c4db4a1d13f
URL:http://regioniiconference2026.sched.com/event/007de2a46ad45192abf15c4db4a1d13f
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260617T042021Z
DTSTART:20260910T154500Z
DTEND:20260910T161500Z
SUMMARY:Expert to Educator: The Administrator’s Role in Supporting New CTE Teachers
DESCRIPTION:Career and Technical Education (CTE) classrooms are increasingly led by industry experts who bring invaluable real-world experience—but often enter the profession without formal teacher preparation. While their content knowledge is strong\, the transition to effective classroom instruction can be overwhelming without intentional support. This session introduces the CTE Teacher S.O.S. (Support Options for Success) program\, a multi-layered approach designed to provide just-in-time\, practical support for new CTE educators. More importantly\, it highlights the critical role of principals and CTE administrators in ensuring these teachers not only survive\, but thrive. Participants will explore actionable strategies for building strong mentorship structures\, fostering supportive school environments\, and leveraging state-level resources to reduce teacher burnout and increase retention. Attendees will leave equipped with the tools and insights to transform a culture of sink-or-swim into one of sustained support and success.
CATEGORIES:CONCURRENT SESSION
LOCATION:The Still\, The Campbell House | 1375 S Broadway\, Lexington\, KY 40504
SEQUENCE:0
UID:925a07aadde96f7edff56ece9d3f8b7a
URL:http://regioniiconference2026.sched.com/event/925a07aadde96f7edff56ece9d3f8b7a
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260617T042021Z
DTSTART:20260910T154500Z
DTEND:20260910T161500Z
SUMMARY:I Hated Small Group Work Until....
DESCRIPTION:I was disappointed. The end of course evaluations were in for the computer applications course I taught. The instructor ratings were good\, but the overall course evaluation was mediocre. I had to figure out a better way to teach this class. And I needed to figure out how to spend less time grading student projects.\n&nbsp\;\nI realize the literature about being an effective teacher says we should use small group work\, but I hated small group work for a variety of reasons. However\, after spending the Christmas break thinking about how to better teach the computer applications class\, I came up with a totally new approach to using small groups in the class. And it worked. The students were enthused about the idea\, I spent less time grading projects\, and the course evaluation improved substantially.\n&nbsp\;\nIn this presentation a new approach to small group work will be illustrated.
CATEGORIES:CONCURRENT SESSION
LOCATION:The Barn\, The Campbell House | 1375 S Broadway\, Lexington\, KY 40504
SEQUENCE:0
UID:972199d1faefe22fc4919e0bc82ce4a1
URL:http://regioniiconference2026.sched.com/event/972199d1faefe22fc4919e0bc82ce4a1
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260617T042021Z
DTSTART:20260910T154500Z
DTEND:20260910T161500Z
SUMMARY:Powerful Partnerships: Building Pathways to Successful Healthcare Careers
DESCRIPTION:In an era where workforce development and education professionals are seeking innovative solutions to create increased impact\, the importance of strategic partnerships cannot be overstated. This session will delve into how collaborative efforts can drive success in workforce programs\, focused on Dwyer Workforce Development's comprehensive workforce model.\nKey Points:\nPartnerships Roles: Partnerships are the cornerstone of effective workforce development. By forming strategic alliances\, organizations can leverage each other's strengths\, share resources\, access training tools\, holistically support and engage employers and program participants\, and advocate for issues that address the evolving needs of the workforce. Following this model\, DWD has over 200 partners in 7 states.\nSuccess Stories: DWD has demonstrated the transformative power of partnerships through its Scholar Journey Model. Since its inception in 2021\, Dwyer has empowered over 6\,000 individuals with the skills and support needed to pursue meaningful careers in healthcare. By collaborating with diverse partners\, including trainers\, employers\, and not-for-profits\, DWD has achieved an 81% program completion rate and 86% of those who became certified were placed in healthcare careers – four times the national average. These partnerships have been instrumental in breaking down barriers to job entry and career advancement and strengthening the healthcare workforce.\nCollaborative Impact: The power of partnerships extends beyond individual success stories. By addressing critical workforce shortages and improving care\, these collaborative efforts have made a significant impact on communities. The holistic approach\, including person-centered case management and wraparound services focused on barrier removal\, ensures that Dwyer Scholars receive the comprehensive assistance they need to succeed\, serving as a blueprint for organizations aiming to create lasting change in workforce development.\nSession Outcomes: Attendees will gain valuable insights into the power of partnerships in workforce development\; learn how strategic alliances enhance training outcomes\, improve job placement rates\, and make meaningful community impact. Through the success stories of Dwyer Workforce Development\, attendees will be inspired to explore and implement similar collaborative approaches in their own work\, ultimately driving innovation and success in workforce development and education.
CATEGORIES:CONCURRENT SESSION
LOCATION:The Carriage Room\, The Campbell House | 1375 S Broadway\, Lexington\, KY 40504
SEQUENCE:0
UID:e6574f4e0c427f9d015b77031309ccd0
URL:http://regioniiconference2026.sched.com/event/e6574f4e0c427f9d015b77031309ccd0
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260617T042021Z
DTSTART:20260910T161500Z
DTEND:20260910T171500Z
SUMMARY:Lunch
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:MEAL
LOCATION:
SEQUENCE:0
UID:3363f64fe65808e255a5d383deff89ef
URL:http://regioniiconference2026.sched.com/event/3363f64fe65808e255a5d383deff89ef
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260617T042021Z
DTSTART:20260910T172500Z
DTEND:20260910T181000Z
SUMMARY:AI-Ready Classrooms: Bridging Instruction\, Leadership\, and Ethics in K–12 Education
DESCRIPTION:Artificial intelligence is not a future concept—it is already transforming classrooms\, careers\, and the skills students need to succeed. This session is designed to move educators beyond curiosity to confident\, ethical implementation of AI in K–12 settings.\n\n\nCo-led by a classroom-based AI curriculum developer and an instructional leader\, this session shares a proven\, real-world approach to building AI-ready classrooms and school systems. Participants will experience engaging\, student-centered strategies such as prompt engineering\, AI timeline projects\, and ethical dilemma discussions that promote critical thinking and digital citizenship. The session emphasizes a critical instructional shift from product-based assessment to process-based learning—ensuring students can explain\, evaluate\, and take ownership of their thinking.\n\n\nBeyond the classroom\, attendees will explore leadership practices that support sustainable AI integration\, including professional development models\, policy alignment\, and district-level implementation strategies. Common barriers—such as teacher hesitation\, unclear expectations\, and infrastructure challenges—will be addressed with practical\, actionable solutions.\n\n\nParticipants will leave with ready-to-use resources\, adaptable lesson ideas\, and clear frameworks for ethical AI use. The value of this session is immediate and actionable: educators will gain the confidence and tools to increase student engagement\, guide responsible AI use\, and prepare learners for success in an AI-driven workforce.
CATEGORIES:CONCURRENT SESSION
LOCATION:The Barn\, The Campbell House | 1375 S Broadway\, Lexington\, KY 40504
SEQUENCE:0
UID:e09a37a28cceb8ee5c1408599261c43e
URL:http://regioniiconference2026.sched.com/event/e09a37a28cceb8ee5c1408599261c43e
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260617T042021Z
DTSTART:20260910T172500Z
DTEND:20260910T181000Z
SUMMARY:Bridging Academic Rigor and Career Readiness: Implementing the International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme Through Educator Sensemaking
DESCRIPTION:This session examines how educators implement the International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme in public high schools. The IBCP blends rigorous academics with career-focused learning\, yet adoption remains limited across many states. This session shares the planned qualitative study of Florida schools and focuses on how school leaders and teachers interpret\, adapt\, and sustain this model within existing policy and accountability structures.\n\n\nParticipants will explore how programs integrate academic coursework with career pathways\, build partnerships\, and align with workforce needs. The session will highlight practical strategies used by schools to expand access\, strengthen program coherence\, and support student engagement. Attendees will leave with clear insights into how hybrid college and career models operate in real settings and how these approaches transfer to other CTE contexts.
CATEGORIES:CONCURRENT SESSION
LOCATION:The Barrell Room\, The Campbell House | 1375 S Broadway\, Lexington\, KY 40504
SEQUENCE:0
UID:5ef49e0532fc73d2e125b1065094e428
URL:http://regioniiconference2026.sched.com/event/5ef49e0532fc73d2e125b1065094e428
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260617T042021Z
DTSTART:20260910T172500Z
DTEND:20260910T181000Z
SUMMARY:Why CTE Teachers Leave and What Administrators Can Do About It
DESCRIPTION:Many CTE teachers are not leaving because they lack commitment or skill. They are leaving due to predictable pressure points in how schools support their transition from industry to the classroom.\n\n\nCareer and Technical Education programs continue to expand\, yet many schools struggle to retain teachers who enter through nontraditional pathways. These educators bring strong content knowledge and real-world experience\, but often face challenges related to onboarding\, certification\, integration into school systems\, mentoring\, and gaps in instructional preparation. When these gaps are not addressed\, turnover disrupts program continuity and limits students’ access to consistent\, high-quality\, career-connected instruction.\n\n\nThis session examines how traditional support structures\, designed for traditionally prepared teachers\, often do not meet the needs of industry-to-classroom educators. Each stage of the CTE teacher lifecycle represents a leadership decision point where systems either support teachers or contribute to their exit. Participants will explore practical leadership actions that address these gaps at critical moments\, including hiring\, early onboarding\, certification support\, and mentoring.\n\n\nParticipants will be introduced to practical tools and examples\, including a leadership reflection protocol\, a mentor support guide\, and a structured framework to support CTE teachers across key stages of the transition from industry to the classroom.\n\n\nAttendees will leave with clear\, actionable ideas they can use immediately to better support CTE teachers\, reduce early attrition\, strengthen program stability\, and improve student outcomes.
CATEGORIES:CONCURRENT SESSION
LOCATION:The Still\, The Campbell House | 1375 S Broadway\, Lexington\, KY 40504
SEQUENCE:0
UID:9c5165b05fc91805ebfcea6f2c79cd3a
URL:http://regioniiconference2026.sched.com/event/9c5165b05fc91805ebfcea6f2c79cd3a
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260617T042021Z
DTSTART:20260910T182500Z
DTEND:20260910T191000Z
SUMMARY:From Cadet to Career-Ready: The Power of JROTC Leadership Certification
DESCRIPTION:JROTC cadets demonstrate leadership\, character\, and professionalism every day—but how can we help them turn those qualities into recognized opportunities? This session will guide educators through the process of offering the JROTC Leadership and Employability Skills Certification. Learn how this credential\, developed in partnership with JROTC\, supports accountability\, aligns with CTE goals\, and provides cadets with a tangible way to showcase their strengths to employers\, colleges\, and the community. We’ll cover practical steps for implementation and strategies to help cadets take ownership of their leadership journey.
CATEGORIES:CONCURRENT SESSION
LOCATION:The Barn\, The Campbell House | 1375 S Broadway\, Lexington\, KY 40504
SEQUENCE:0
UID:f1f9d5277db8990c04149e694d1dff8f
URL:http://regioniiconference2026.sched.com/event/f1f9d5277db8990c04149e694d1dff8f
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260617T042021Z
DTSTART:20260910T182500Z
DTEND:20260910T191000Z
SUMMARY:From Career Closet to Market Readiness: Closing the Professionalism Gap for CTE Students (or Emerging Topics and Innovative Practices in CTE)
DESCRIPTION:Career readiness is often measured by technical skills\, credentials\, internships\, and apprenticeships. But many CTE students lose opportunities before they can demonstrate their technical ability because they are underprepared for the “last mile” of workforce readiness: professional attire\, communication\, etiquette\, confidence\, virtual presence\, and employer-facing behavior.\n\n\nThis session will show how CTE programs can move beyond traditional donation-based career closets and build scalable readiness partnerships that connect attire access with employability skills\, work-based learning\, and student engagement. Drawing on MyCareerCloset’s 2025 research with hiring managers and career center directors\, presenters will examine the “Readiness Cliff”: a 20–30% gap between what employers expect and what students believe matters in professional readiness. In the same research\, employers rated business etiquette as 4.8 out of 5 in importance\, while students rated it closer to 3.0.\n\n\nParticipants will learn how career closets can become strategic infrastructure for teaching the hidden curriculum of workplace readiness\, especially for first-generation\, low-income\, adult\, rural\, and working learners. Attendees will leave with a practical framework for identifying readiness gaps\, engaging industry and postsecondary partners\, and building a sustainable model that helps students show up prepared\, confident\, and market-ready.\n\n\n\nFull Session AbstractTechnical skill remains essential in CTE\, but it is not enough on its own. Employers are increasingly looking for students who can represent themselves\, their programs\, and their future workplaces with professionalism from the first interaction. MyCareerCloset’s 2025 research with hiring managers and career center directors found a 20–30% perception gap between what employers expect and what students believe matters in professional readiness. Employers rated business etiquette at 4.8 out of 5\, while students rated its importance closer to 3.0. The research also identified persistent gaps in professional dress\, email etiquette\, virtual presence\, interview preparation\, and employer-facing communication.&nbsp\;\n\n\nFor CTE students\, these gaps often become visible at the exact moments that matter most: career fairs\, internship interviews\, apprenticeship placements\, clinicals\, employer site visits\, networking events\, and first days on the job. The issue is not simply “manners.” Employers increasingly define professionalism as applied workplace readiness: the ability to read the room\, communicate clearly\, ask informed questions\, follow up\, dress appropriately for context\, and build trust with supervisors\, clients\, and teammates.\n\n\nThis session reframes the career closet as a strategic CTE readiness tool. Traditional career closets often focus narrowly on donated clothing inventory. A modern model can combine attire access\, employer expectations\, career coaching\, etiquette education\, and partnership development. This approach helps institutions connect professional attire to broader outcomes\, including student confidence\, persistence\, work-based learning participation\, employer trust\, and equitable access to career pathways.\n\n\nThe session will also address the equity dimension of professional readiness. For many first-generation\, low-income\, adult\, rural\, and working learners\, workplace norms are part of a hidden curriculum that more privileged peers may absorb through family\, professional networks\, or prior exposure. Professional wardrobes can cost upwards of $500\, making access to the “look” of success economically gated. Without explicit instruction and access\, students are often left to guess at norms around dress\, email\, networking\, follow-up\, and workplace conduct.&nbsp\;\n\n\nThrough a practical readiness-mapping activity\, participants will identify where students at their own institutions may be losing confidence\, credibility\, or access before employer-facing opportunities. They will leave with a partnership framework they can use with employers\, alumni\, foundations\, postsecondary partners\, student success teams\, and community organizations to build or strengthen a career closet model that supports both equity and workforce outcomes.
CATEGORIES:CONCURRENT SESSION
LOCATION:The Barrell Room\, The Campbell House | 1375 S Broadway\, Lexington\, KY 40504
SEQUENCE:0
UID:c1475c61d5a9dde20769fd7afb281f43
URL:http://regioniiconference2026.sched.com/event/c1475c61d5a9dde20769fd7afb281f43
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260617T042021Z
DTSTART:20260910T182500Z
DTEND:20260910T191000Z
SUMMARY:Niswonger Career Pathways: Innovative Rural Approaches in Biotechnology & AI/Data Science
DESCRIPTION:What if every rural student\, not just a select few\, could access cutting-edge career pathways in biotechnology and AI? The Niswonger Foundation has done exactly that\, building two financially sustainable\, academically integrated pathways serving hundreds of students across rural Appalachian Tennessee. Designed to fit within existing school structures\, these pathways blend core academics with career-focused learning\, meet students at every aspiration level\, and pay for themselves through state funding. Attendees will explore both models in depth\, examine real challenges and solutions\, and use a planning framework to envision what's possible in their own district\, including free curriculum and support available to get started.
CATEGORIES:CONCURRENT SESSION
LOCATION:The Carriage Room\, The Campbell House | 1375 S Broadway\, Lexington\, KY 40504
SEQUENCE:0
UID:1dc2467f718e0b61781fcfcc2cb9a1a4
URL:http://regioniiconference2026.sched.com/event/1dc2467f718e0b61781fcfcc2cb9a1a4
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260617T042021Z
DTSTART:20260910T182500Z
DTEND:20260910T191000Z
SUMMARY:The Power of Best Practices to Increase Student Engagement
DESCRIPTION:Having trouble increasing engagement in your courses? CTE courses are already interactive and hands-on. But sometimes\, things can get chaotic if best practices and systems aren't in place. In this session\, participants will learn how to use instructional best practices and effective classroom systems for maintaining student engagement and effectiveness. Materials will include how to implement student accountability systems\, project-based assessments\, warm-up activities\, technology platforms\, group activities\, and class assignments which promote student engagement and keeps order in your classroom.Participants will be able to leave with lesson plan resources to be able to use with their students and teachers in their department. Materials are adaptable to be used for various courses under the CTE umbrella.
CATEGORIES:CONCURRENT SESSION
LOCATION:The Still\, The Campbell House | 1375 S Broadway\, Lexington\, KY 40504
SEQUENCE:0
UID:7978cb94220007a6fa69bc0142d3a20c
URL:http://regioniiconference2026.sched.com/event/7978cb94220007a6fa69bc0142d3a20c
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260617T042021Z
DTSTART:20260910T190000Z
DTEND:20260910T200000Z
SUMMARY:Exhibitor Breakdown
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:EXHIBITORS
LOCATION:
SEQUENCE:0
UID:a33fbeb5244c02e135a24155d650d788
URL:http://regioniiconference2026.sched.com/event/a33fbeb5244c02e135a24155d650d788
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260617T042021Z
DTSTART:20260911T130000Z
DTEND:20260911T150000Z
SUMMARY:Region II Awards Breakfast
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:MEAL
LOCATION:
SEQUENCE:0
UID:080d78cdfcc638f6a5c1456d5e142a61
URL:http://regioniiconference2026.sched.com/event/080d78cdfcc638f6a5c1456d5e142a61
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR