ACTE's Region II Conference 2026

ACTE's Region II Conference 2026

9:00am EDT

Exhibitor Set Up

Wednesday September 9, 2026 9:00am - 11:00am EDT

Wednesday September 9, 2026 9:00am - 11:00am EDT

Exhibitors

9:00am EDT

Registration

Wednesday September 9, 2026 9:00am - 4:00pm EDT

Wednesday September 9, 2026 9:00am - 4:00pm EDT

Registration

11:00am EDT

Exhibitor Hours

Wednesday September 9, 2026 11:00am - 4:00pm EDT

Wednesday September 9, 2026 11:00am - 4:00pm EDT

Exhibitors

12:00pm EDT

Lunch

Wednesday September 9, 2026 12:00pm - 12:30pm EDT

Wednesday September 9, 2026 12:00pm - 12:30pm EDT

Meal

12:30pm EDT

Opening Session

Wednesday September 9, 2026 12:30pm - 2:00pm EDT

Wednesday September 9, 2026 12:30pm - 2:00pm EDT

General Session

2:00pm EDT

Dessert Break & Coffee with Exhibitors

Wednesday September 9, 2026 2:00pm - 2:30pm EDT

Wednesday September 9, 2026 2:00pm - 2:30pm EDT

Meal

2:30pm EDT

Bridging the Gap: Scalable Strategies for Building Strong School–Industry Partnerships

Wednesday September 9, 2026 2:30pm - 3:15pm EDT

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...
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Speakers

Angela Thomas

External Manufacturing Workforce Development Trainer, GE Appliances

Angela Thomas is a workforce development professional specializing in building meaningful connections between education and industry. As an external workforce development trainer with GE Appliances, she leads school outreach initiatives and develops partnership strategies that connect... Read More →

Wednesday September 9, 2026 2:30pm - 3:15pm EDT
The Barn The Campbell House | 1375 S Broadway, Lexington, KY 40504

Concurrent Session

2:30pm EDT

Instructional Strategies for Increasing Multilingual Learner Engagement in CTE

Wednesday September 9, 2026 2:30pm - 3:15pm EDT

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...
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Speakers

Meghan Gregoire-Smith

Multilingual Learner Coach, SupportEd

Meghan Gregoire-Smith is a Multilingual Learner Coach at SupportEd. In this position, she has worked with educators at a CTE program in New York State to embed scaffolds for multilingual learners into their curriculum and daily instructional practice. She has been working with MLs... Read More →

Sydney Snyder

Principal Associate, SupportEd

Sydney Snyder is a Principal Associate at SupportEd, where she coaches CTE teachers to strengthen instruction for multilingual learners across programs and supports educators in developing scaffolded materials that promote engagement and understanding. She has over 25 years of experience... Read More →

Wednesday September 9, 2026 2:30pm - 3:15pm EDT
The Still The Campbell House | 1375 S Broadway, Lexington, KY 40504

Concurrent Session

3:25pm EDT

ATTENTION! Active Listening is a Two-Way Street

Wednesday September 9, 2026 3:25pm - 4:10pm EDT

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...
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Speakers

Kelli Lancaster

Business Development, Microburst Learning

Kelli Lancaster brings over 36 years of experience in Career and Technology Education, with a strong focus on workforce readiness and student success. She spent 21 years as a media broadcasting instructor before serving as the Work-Based Learning Coordinator at the Anderson Districts... Read More →

Wednesday September 9, 2026 3:25pm - 4:10pm EDT
The Still The Campbell House | 1375 S Broadway, Lexington, KY 40504

Concurrent Session

3:25pm EDT

Driving Student Engagement Through Aligned Advising

Wednesday September 9, 2026 3:25pm - 4:10pm EDT

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. 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,...
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Speakers

Susie Burkhardt

Senior Fellow, Kentucky Advising Academy, Council on Postsecondary Education (CPE)

Susie Burkhardt is a lifelong educator with a 35-year career of fostering student-centered learning and academic excellence. Currently serving as a Senior Fellow for the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education, Susie is supporting the development of the Kentucky Advising Scope... Read More →

Mitzi Holland

Director, Kentucky Advising Academy, Council on Postsecondary Education (CPE)

Mitzi Holland is an education leader with more than 25 years of experience in Career and Technical Education (CTE) and postsecondary readiness. She began her career as a business educator, spending 15 years developing students’ practical and career-focused skills. She later served... Read More →

Tina Young

Senior Associate, Education Strategy Group

Tina Young supports Education Strategy Group’s secondary career readiness work. Her expertise focuses on helping states enhance their exploration and navigation efforts to help students identify pathways, career interests, and postsecondary options that speak to their strengths... Read More →

Wednesday September 9, 2026 3:25pm - 4:10pm EDT
The Barn The Campbell House | 1375 S Broadway, Lexington, KY 40504

Concurrent Session

3:25pm EDT

Public Service and Safety: Building the next Generation

Wednesday September 9, 2026 3:25pm - 4:10pm EDT

The Carriage Room

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...
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Speakers

Angela Hargis

Chief Operating Officer, Center for Civic Engagement

Dr. Angela Hargis has dedicated over 40 years to the field of education, retiring in 2019 after a distinguished career as the school principal of Westside Middle School. Her tenure at Westside was marked by exceptional leadership and a commitment to fostering a supportive and academically... Read More →

Wednesday September 9, 2026 3:25pm - 4:10pm EDT
The Carriage Room The Campbell House | 1375 S Broadway, Lexington, KY 40504

Concurrent Session

5:30pm EDT

Special Event - TBD

Wednesday September 9, 2026 5:30pm - 9:30pm EDT

Wednesday September 9, 2026 5:30pm - 9:30pm EDT

Meal

8:00am EDT

Breakfast

Thursday September 10, 2026 8:00am - 8:30am EDT

Thursday September 10, 2026 8:00am - 8:30am EDT

Meal

8:00am EDT

Exhibitor Hours

Thursday September 10, 2026 8:00am - 3:00pm EDT

Thursday September 10, 2026 8:00am - 3:00pm EDT

Exhibitors

8:45am EDT

Learners in the Lead: Empowering Students with Tools for Certification Success

Thursday September 10, 2026 8:45am - 9:30am EDT

The Carriage Room

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. This 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....
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Speakers

Heidi Speese

Director of Education, NOCTI

Heidi Speese is the Director of Education for NOCTI and Nocti Business Solutions. She shares the organization's mission to support high-quality career and technical education programs and empower students through industry-recognized credentialing. Passionate about workforce readiness... Read More →

Thursday September 10, 2026 8:45am - 9:30am EDT
The Carriage Room The Campbell House | 1375 S Broadway, Lexington, KY 40504

Concurrent Session

8:45am EDT

No Regrets: Live Like You Were Dying.

Thursday September 10, 2026 8:45am - 9:30am EDT

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. 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...
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Speakers

Gary Moore

Professor Emeritus, North Carolina State University

Gary Moore is a Professor Emeritus of Agricultural and Extension Education at North Carolina State University. Gary has made more than 450 presentations in 41 states, three Canadian provinces, and on four continents. He has been a feature speaker at the New York Chautauqua 15 years... Read More →

Thursday September 10, 2026 8:45am - 9:30am EDT
The Barn The Campbell House | 1375 S Broadway, Lexington, KY 40504

Concurrent Session

8:45am EDT

Teaching AI with Food, Chatbots, and Mad Libs: Engaging, Hands-On Strategies for Every Classroom

Thursday September 10, 2026 8:45am - 9:30am EDT

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.Participants will experience hands-on strategies that make abstract AI concepts—such as machine learning, training data, bias, and large...
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Speakers

Dr. Melissa Busbin

Teacher, Tift County School System

Dr. Melissa Busbin is an award winning Computer Science educator and CTE leader dedicated to preparing students for an AI-driven future. She leads innovative AI and computer science programs at Tift County High School and supports educators statewide through professional development... Read More →

Thursday September 10, 2026 8:45am - 9:30am EDT
The Still The Campbell House | 1375 S Broadway, Lexington, KY 40504

Concurrent Session

9:40am EDT

Cultivating a Growth Mindset in New CTE Teachers

Thursday September 10, 2026 9:40am - 10:25am EDT

The Barrell Room

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...
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Speakers

Laura Smith

Drafting/CAD Instructor, Washington County Career & Technical Education Center

Laura Smith is a dedicated drafting and CAD teacher in Washington County, VA, with 35 years of involvement in Career and Technical Education (CTE). Her journey in CTE began as a student and has evolved over the years to include significant contributions as a business and industry... Read More →

Thursday September 10, 2026 9:40am - 10:25am EDT
The Barrell Room The Campbell House | 1375 S Broadway, Lexington, KY 40504

Concurrent Session

9:40am EDT

Mind the Gap: Using Data to Align CTE Pathways with Workforce Needs

Thursday September 10, 2026 9:40am - 10:25am EDT

The Carriage Room

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.Attendees will learn about a practical methodology that compares student...
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Speakers

Marwa AlFakhri

Associate Economist, RAND

Marwa AlFakhri is an associate economist at RAND. She is an applied labor economist specializing in quantitative methods, data analysis, and program evaluation. Her research focuses on examining the alignment of workforce development initiatives with evolving labor market demand and... Read More →

Brian Phillips

Policy Researcher, RAND

Brian Phillips is a policy researcher at RAND. His research focuses on education, workforce development, labor markets, and economic policy. Recent projects include analyses of pathways into postsecondary education and the workforce including dual enrollment and career and technical... Read More →

Thursday September 10, 2026 9:40am - 10:25am EDT
The Carriage Room The Campbell House | 1375 S Broadway, Lexington, KY 40504

Concurrent Session

9:40am EDT

The Logistics Revolution: Creating Quadruple Credentialed Graduates Through an Integrated Transportation Academy

Thursday September 10, 2026 9:40am - 10:25am EDT

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,...
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Speakers

Dr. Nikki Honeycutt

CTE Director, Daniel Morgan Career and Technology Center

Dr. Nikki Honeycutt is the Director of the Daniel Morgan Technology Center in Spartanburg School District 3, SC, bringing over 29 years of experience. Dr. Nikki Honeycutt was named 2025 Administrator of the Year by the South Carolina Association for Career and Technical Education... Read More →

Thursday September 10, 2026 9:40am - 10:25am EDT
The Still The Campbell House | 1375 S Broadway, Lexington, KY 40504

Concurrent Session

9:40am EDT

We Didn't Start the Fire: AI in a Changing Classroom

Thursday September 10, 2026 9:40am - 10:25am EDT

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...
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Speakers

Kaye Harris

CTE Coordinator, Polk County Schools

Kaye C. Harris, Ed.D. is a dedicated Career and Technical Education (CTE) leader committed to advancing innovative and ethical practices that prepare students for success in an evolving workforce. As CTE Coordinator for Polk County Schools, she provides strategic direction, program support, and leadershi... Read More →

Thursday September 10, 2026 9:40am - 10:25am EDT
The Barn The Campbell House | 1375 S Broadway, Lexington, KY 40504

Concurrent Session

10:45am EDT

Closing the Skills Gap: Career Prep for the Modern Workforce

Thursday September 10, 2026 10:45am - 11:30am EDT

The Barrell Room

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.

Speakers

Kedrick Lewis

Account Executive II, College and Career Ready, Southeast, Savvas Learning Company

Because I was raised in an agricultural community outside of Charlotte, my first ACTE instructors were the farmers I did general labor for, the entrepreneur who ran the local fish camp where I washed dishes, and my grandfather who had a woodworking and welding shop next door.
O... Read More →

Thursday September 10, 2026 10:45am - 11:30am EDT
The Barrell Room The Campbell House | 1375 S Broadway, Lexington, KY 40504

Concurrent Session

10:45am EDT

Creating "The Great Race" in Your Classroom: Harnessing the Power of Team-based Challenges

Thursday September 10, 2026 10:45am - 11:30am EDT

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. Then you will participate in a simulated Great Race activity, gaining first hand experience and...
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Speakers

Robin Palmer

Education Specialist, Take Charge Today

Robin Palmer, an Arizona educator, specializes in entrepreneurship and financial math, bringing real-life skills to students. Robin’s resume includes being a DECA Advisor, developing curriculum for local, state, and national organizations, and being nominated for Arizona Teacher... Read More →

Thursday September 10, 2026 10:45am - 11:30am EDT
The Still The Campbell House | 1375 S Broadway, Lexington, KY 40504

Concurrent Session

10:45am EDT

The Classroom is a Leadership Lab: Transforming Instruction Through Intentional Leadership

Thursday September 10, 2026 10:45am - 11:30am EDT

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.Participants will explore...
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Speakers

Dr. Lashawnte McCray-Sarvis

assistant principal, Richland One Schools

Dr. Lashawnte McCray-Sarvis is a visionary educator, consultant, and author with over 28 years of experience in shaping learning environments that foster equity, innovation, and lifelong success. She currently serves as an assistant principal of Heyward Career and Technology Center... Read More →

Thursday September 10, 2026 10:45am - 11:30am EDT
The Barn The Campbell House | 1375 S Broadway, Lexington, KY 40504

Concurrent Session

11:45am EDT

Expert to Educator: The Administrator’s Role in Supporting New CTE Teachers

Thursday September 10, 2026 11:45am - 12:15pm EDT

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...
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Speakers

Laura Smith

Drafting/CAD Instructor, Washington County Career & Technical Education Center

Laura Smith is a dedicated drafting and CAD teacher in Washington County, VA, with 35 years of involvement in Career and Technical Education (CTE). Her journey in CTE began as a student and has evolved over the years to include significant contributions as a business and industry... Read More →

Thursday September 10, 2026 11:45am - 12:15pm EDT
The Still The Campbell House | 1375 S Broadway, Lexington, KY 40504

Concurrent Session

11:45am EDT

I Hated Small Group Work Until....

Thursday September 10, 2026 11:45am - 12:15pm EDT

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. I realize the literature about being an effective teacher says we should use...
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Speakers

Gary Moore

Professor Emeritus, North Carolina State University

Gary Moore is a Professor Emeritus of Agricultural and Extension Education at North Carolina State University. Gary has made more than 450 presentations in 41 states, three Canadian provinces, and on four continents. He has been a feature speaker at the New York Chautauqua 15 years... Read More →

Thursday September 10, 2026 11:45am - 12:15pm EDT
The Barn The Campbell House | 1375 S Broadway, Lexington, KY 40504

Concurrent Session

11:45am EDT

Powerful Partnerships: Building Pathways to Successful Healthcare Careers

Thursday September 10, 2026 11:45am - 12:15pm EDT

The Carriage Room

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.Key Points:Partnerships Roles: Partnerships...
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Speakers

Maria Darby

Chief Engagement Officer, Dwyer Workforce Development

Maria Darby serves as Chief Engagement Officer, leading national partnership strategy, development, and external engagement to fuel organizational growth and impact. With more than 25 years of leadership experience across healthcare, education, and philanthropy, she specializes in... Read More →

Teressa Turner

Director of Partner Success, Dwyer Workforce Development

Teressa Turner is the Director of Partnership Success responsible for developing, implementing and evaluating DWD's partnership management in alignment with the Scholar Journey Model. She owns partnership success program implementation, partner quality standards, workforce outcomes... Read More →

Thursday September 10, 2026 11:45am - 12:15pm EDT
The Carriage Room The Campbell House | 1375 S Broadway, Lexington, KY 40504

Concurrent Session

12:15pm EDT

Lunch

Thursday September 10, 2026 12:15pm - 1:15pm EDT

Thursday September 10, 2026 12:15pm - 1:15pm EDT

Meal

1:25pm EDT

AI-Ready Classrooms: Bridging Instruction, Leadership, and Ethics in K–12 Education

Thursday September 10, 2026 1:25pm - 2:10pm EDT

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.Co-led by a classroom-based AI curriculum developer and an instructional leader, this session shares a proven, real-world approach to...
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Speakers

Dr. Melissa Busbin

Teacher, Tift County School System

Dr. Melissa Busbin is an award winning Computer Science educator and CTE leader dedicated to preparing students for an AI-driven future. She leads innovative AI and computer science programs at Tift County High School and supports educators statewide through professional development... Read More →

Dr. Donald Gilman

CTAE Director, Tift County School System

Dr. Donald Gilman is an educational leader focused on innovative instructional practices and preparing students for emerging technologies. He works to bridge the gap between classroom instruction and workforce readiness by supporting program development, educator growth, and student-centered... Read More →

Thursday September 10, 2026 1:25pm - 2:10pm EDT
The Barn The Campbell House | 1375 S Broadway, Lexington, KY 40504

Concurrent Session

1:25pm EDT

Bridging Academic Rigor and Career Readiness: Implementing the International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme Through Educator Sensemaking

Thursday September 10, 2026 1:25pm - 2:10pm EDT

The Barrell Room

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...
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Speakers

Renee Ilhardt

Education Systems Solutions Partner, International Baccalaureate Organization

Renee Ilhardt is a Senior School Improvement and Innovation Solutions Manager with the International Baccalaureate Organization in the Education Systems Solutions department. She brings over 24 years of K–12 experience. Her work focuses on building coherent pathways that connect... Read More →

Thursday September 10, 2026 1:25pm - 2:10pm EDT
The Barrell Room The Campbell House | 1375 S Broadway, Lexington, KY 40504

Concurrent Session

1:25pm EDT

Why CTE Teachers Leave and What Administrators Can Do About It

Thursday September 10, 2026 1:25pm - 2:10pm EDT

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.Career 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...
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Speakers

Lisa Rudzinski

Assistant Principal - Mercer County Senior High School, Mercer County Schools (Kentucky)

Dr. Lisa Rudzinski is a high school assistant principal and Career and Technical Education (CTE) leader with more than 30 years of experience in education, criminal justice, and workforce development. She holds a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in P–12 Administration from Morehead State... Read More →

Thursday September 10, 2026 1:25pm - 2:10pm EDT
The Still The Campbell House | 1375 S Broadway, Lexington, KY 40504

Concurrent Session

2:25pm EDT

From Cadet to Career-Ready: The Power of JROTC Leadership Certification

Thursday September 10, 2026 2:25pm - 3:10pm EDT

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...
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Speakers

Heidi Speese

Director of Education, NOCTI

Heidi Speese is the Director of Education for NOCTI and Nocti Business Solutions. She shares the organization's mission to support high-quality career and technical education programs and empower students through industry-recognized credentialing. Passionate about workforce readiness... Read More →

Thursday September 10, 2026 2:25pm - 3:10pm EDT
The Barn The Campbell House | 1375 S Broadway, Lexington, KY 40504

Concurrent Session

2:25pm EDT

From Career Closet to Market Readiness: Closing the Professionalism Gap for CTE Students (or Emerging Topics and Innovative Practices in CTE)

Thursday September 10, 2026 2:25pm - 3:10pm EDT

The Barrell Room

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.This session will...
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Speakers

Rahul Jindal

Senior Vice President, Product Strategy, MyCareerCloset

Co-Founder & CEO, MyCareerCloset
Washington, DCExecutive leader with a background spanning workforce recruitment, strategy consulting, corporate development, and career-readiness innovation. Rahul Jindal is the co-founder and CEO of MyCareerCloset, a turnkey career-readiness platform that helps students access p... Read More →

Thursday September 10, 2026 2:25pm - 3:10pm EDT
The Barrell Room The Campbell House | 1375 S Broadway, Lexington, KY 40504

Concurrent Session

2:25pm EDT

Niswonger Career Pathways: Innovative Rural Approaches in Biotechnology & AI/Data Science

Thursday September 10, 2026 2:25pm - 3:10pm EDT

The Carriage Room

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...
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Speakers

Vicki C. Kirk

Director, Niswonger Career Pathways, Niswonger Foundation

Dr. Vicki Kirk retired from a career in education on June 30, 2021, and now serves as the project director for Niswonger Foundation Career Pathways. In this role, she leads the development of cutting-edge career pathways in fields such as biotechnology and AI & data science. Prior... Read More →

Lawrence "Law" Loving

Director, Work Force Development, Niswonger Foundation

Law is Director of Career & Workforce Readiness at the Niswonger Foundation, where he leads the CareerConnect program, which ensures students at high schools across the region have opportunities to explore careers and develop their soft skills. He also oversees the Work Ethic Distinction... Read More →

Thursday September 10, 2026 2:25pm - 3:10pm EDT
The Carriage Room The Campbell House | 1375 S Broadway, Lexington, KY 40504

Concurrent Session

2:25pm EDT

The Power of Best Practices to Increase Student Engagement

Thursday September 10, 2026 2:25pm - 3:10pm EDT

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...
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Speakers

Dee Harris

Teacher- Family & Consumer Sciences, Alexandria City Public Schools

Dee Harris is a Family & Consumer Sciences educator with over 20 years of experience. Throughout her career she noticed several things about students and their skillset----they were graduating without having the proper skillset to sustain life.⠀Sure, they may have received good... Read More →

Thursday September 10, 2026 2:25pm - 3:10pm EDT
The Still The Campbell House | 1375 S Broadway, Lexington, KY 40504

Concurrent Session

3:00pm EDT

Exhibitor Breakdown

Thursday September 10, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT

Thursday September 10, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT

Exhibitors

9:00am EDT

Region II Awards Breakfast

Friday September 11, 2026 9:00am - 11:00am EDT

Friday September 11, 2026 9:00am - 11:00am EDT

Meal