ACTE's Region III Conference 2026: Full Schedule

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8:00am PDT

Breakfast

Wednesday June 17, 2026 8:00am - 8:30am PDT

Ballroom - 2nd Floor

Wednesday June 17, 2026 8:00am - 8:30am PDT
Ballroom - 2nd Floor

Meal

8:00am PDT

Registration

Wednesday June 17, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am PDT

MSC Concourse Lounge W - 2nd Floor

Wednesday June 17, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am PDT
MSC Concourse Lounge W - 2nd Floor University of Wisconsin-Stout, 302 10th Ave E, Menomonie, WI 54751

Registration

8:30am PDT

Advancing From Electives to Economic Engine: Using LinkedIn to Build Real CTE Programs

Wednesday June 17, 2026 8:30am - 9:30am PDT

Ballroom - 2nd Floor

CTE programs are built on industry partnerships—yet most programs operate with limited visibility to the very employers they are trying to engage.

Educators often celebrate students and partners in closed rooms (banquets, advisory boards, internal communications, or filed-away evaluations), while neglecting the one platform designed for professional visibility: LinkedIn. As a result:
● Student talent remains invisible to employers
● Employer engagement remains transactional instead of scalable
● Programs struggle to move from good experiences to sustainable talent pipelines

If employers cannot consistently see your students, your program, and your outcomes, your program is not competing in the modern workforce ecosystem.

This session reframes LinkedIn from a social media tool into a strategic workforce development engine for CTE programs.

Participants will learn how to transform everyday program activities, student placements, employer partnerships, and classroom experiences, into high-visibility, high-impact content that attracts, engages, and recruits industry partners.

Attendees will leave with a practical system to:
● Position students as emerging talent, not just participants
● Turn employer appreciation into public recruiting leverage
● Build a living, scalable portfolio system that extends beyond graduation
● Expand employer networks through second- and third-degree visibility
● Document program impact in a way that speaks the language of ROI and workforce value

This is not about posting more—it is about building a digital talent pipeline that works for you 24/7.

Speakers

Jason Van Nus

Wednesday June 17, 2026 8:30am - 9:30am PDT
Ballroom - 2nd Floor

Concurrent Session

9:45am PDT

Building Bridges to Success: Curriculum Mapping That Meets Adult Learners Where They Are

Wednesday June 17, 2026 9:45am - 10:35am PDT

Ballroom - 2nd Floor

Adult learners bring rich life experiences to the classroom, yet many higher education structures are not intentionally designed with their unique pathways in mind. This session explores how curriculum mapping can serve as a powerful tool to intentionally design programs that meet adult learners where they are while creating clear, achievable pathways to success.

Speakers

Dr. Tasha D. Jones

Dean of Allied Health Professions, Richland Community College

I bring more than 25 years of teaching experience and a deep commitment to student-centered learning. Much of my work has focused on supporting first-generation college students and helping them navigate the challenges of higher education. I believe strongly in meeting students where... Read More →

Wednesday June 17, 2026 9:45am - 10:35am PDT
Ballroom - 2nd Floor

Concurrent Session

9:45am PDT

Comfortable with Discomfort: Building an innovative school in a system not built for it

Wednesday June 17, 2026 9:45am - 10:35am PDT

MSC Willow/Walnut - 1st Floor

Comfortable with Discomfort: Building an Innovative School in a System Not Built for It outlines the vision, lessons, and strategic approach behind launching a Career and Technical Education (CTE) high school designed to meet evolving workforce demands and changing diploma requirements. Grounded in the mission to personalize learning within a restorative environment, the model prioritizes resilience, excellence, and real-world readiness while ensuring every student is known, loved, and flourishing.
The presentation details five core lessons learned: starting small with focused pathways and strong partnerships; anticipating operational and safety challenges; centering student agency as a driver of culture and leadership; navigating the slow pace of industry systems through creative problem-solving; and recognizing innovation as ongoing legacy work rather than a finite initiative. Emphasis is placed on workforce alignment, industry collaboration, youth apprenticeship alternatives, school-based enterprises, and cultivating diverse talent to sustain innovation.
Ultimately, this work demonstrates that building an innovative CTE high school requires strategic risk-taking, deep relationships, operational clarity, and a commitment to continuous adaptation. The model serves as a practical guide for school leaders seeking to bridge middle and high school, empower students as leaders—not just workers—and design systems that prioritize long-term student success.

Speakers

Taundra Miles-Cranor

CTE Director, The Match High School and Career Center

Taundra Miles-Cranor is the founding CTE Director of the Match High School and Career Center. Her background includes 15 years of progressive Human Resources experience as well as over 10 years of classroom experience. She is responsible for all career programs and instructors... Read More →

Sam Schmelzer

Director of Workforce Development, The Match High School and Career Center

Sam Schmelzer is a skilled education and workforce development professional and advocate for career-connected learning. His background spans higher education, statewide youth apprenticeship expansion and planning, nonprofit administration, and personalized career coaching.

Wednesday June 17, 2026 9:45am - 10:35am PDT
MSC Willow/Walnut - 1st Floor University of Wisconsin-Stout, 302 10th Ave E, Menomonie, WI 54751

Concurrent Session

9:45am PDT

Expanding Access to Work-Based Learning: A Multi-District Approach to Recruiting, Matching, and Preparing Students

Wednesday June 17, 2026 9:45am - 10:35am PDT

MSC Badger - 1st Floor

This session focuses on moving away from managing student WBL placements on a student-by-student basis and shifting to an intentional, equitable system for student recruitment and matching that would allow every student to access Career-Connected Learning opportunities. Participants will be introduced to new inclusive strategies for recruiting and preparing students to work with employers, and a framework for matching the right student with the right employer, and the right time for equitable success

Speakers

Tanya Drake

Secondary teacher, Osseo area schools

[email protected]

Sarah Stacey

Lindsey Gutsch

BriAnna Brooks

Work-Based Learning Specialist, GPS Education Partners

BriAnna Brooks is a work- based learning specialist at GPS Education Partners. BriAnna has 13 years of experience working with youth in the state of Wisconsin. She specializes in talent and student acquisition. She advocates for diversity, equity, and inclusion for all students... Read More →

Wednesday June 17, 2026 9:45am - 10:35am PDT
MSC Badger - 1st Floor University of Wisconsin-Stout, 302 10th Ave E, Menomonie, WI 54751

Concurrent Session

9:45am PDT

Exploring Current Applications of Generative AI within the CTE Classroom

Wednesday June 17, 2026 9:45am - 10:35am PDT

MSC Birch - 1st Floor

Join this engaging session designed for educators who have some experience with AI and want to more purposefully integrate it into the instructional process. The session will explore major generative AI options, examining similarities and differences in their outputs; specialized AI tools designed for education; and practical examples of direct classroom and instructional use.
This session aims to demystify AI by showcasing its potential to enhance teaching and learning. Attendees will also have the opportunity to share their experiences and insights, fostering a collaborative discussion about our evolving educational landscape. Come discover how AI can transform education and empower both teachers and students.

Speakers

Kathy Brock

CTE Graduate Faculty, UW- Stout

Kathy Brock currently serves as Program Lead for the EdD in Career and Technical Education Leadership at the University of Wisconsin–Stout. She teaches courses across the CTE doctoral and master’s programs, as well as in the Master of Education program.
Prior to joining UW–Stout, she served as an academic administrator at several two-year colleges in Minnesota and Iowa, where she was responsible for more than 200 career and technical certificates, diplomas, and degrees. These programs spanned a wide range of fields, including... Read More →

Wednesday June 17, 2026 9:45am - 10:35am PDT
MSC Birch - 1st Floor University of Wisconsin-Stout, 302 10th Ave E, Menomonie, WI 54751

Concurrent Session

9:45am PDT

Wayfinding in the World of Personal Finance

Wednesday June 17, 2026 9:45am - 10:35am PDT

MSC White Pine - 1st Floor

Personal Financial Management is a lifelong journey with multiple waypoints where the decisions impact lifelong success. This session will share a framework for teaching Personal Financial Management in the CTE curriculum. Designed for all CTE pathways, this session will share three of the most important lessons all CTE students need to learn: Credit Management, Beginning Investing, and Creating a Spending Plan (Budget). Basic lesson plans will be provided for these three lessons.

Speakers

Tamra Connor

Professor, Illinois State University

I advance a vision of business education that integrates institutional accountability with human flourishing. As a Professor of Finance and former Associate Dean, I work at the intersection of accreditation strategy, curriculum architecture, and financial capability development. My... Read More →

Wednesday June 17, 2026 9:45am - 10:35am PDT
MSC White Pine - 1st Floor University of Wisconsin-Stout, 302 10th Ave E, Menomonie, WI 54751

Concurrent Session

10:45am PDT

Equip your students with the credentials they need to succeed! This session dives into the NCCER Industry-Recognized Credential and its game-changing curriculum for the Skilled Trades industries.

Wednesday June 17, 2026 10:45am - 11:35am PDT

MSC Willow/Walnut - 1st Floor

NCCER (National Center for Construction Education and Research), in partnership with Pearson, offers Industry Recognized Credentials to CTE students through accreditation, instructor certification, standardized curricula, and career resources."

Are your students receiving Industry Recognized Credentials for their training? High schools play a crucial role in building successful career pathways and creating talent pipelines for the industry. NCCER has been providing quality education programs and credentials to high schools for over 25 years. Our print and digital solutions, developed with subject matter experts, include videos, online activities, and testing that connects with our credential engine to provide students with transcripts and digital credentials. Join us to explore how NCCER's credentials and curriculum can enhance your Skilled Trade programs.

Speakers

Daniel Krauss

Executive Director, Pearson/NCCER

Daniel Krauss is Executive Director for Pearson’s NCCER partnership, bringing nearly 20 years of experience in Educational Technology. He collaborates with CTE programs and industry partners across Arizona to expand workforce development in the construction and skilled trades, promoting... Read More →

Wednesday June 17, 2026 10:45am - 11:35am PDT
MSC Willow/Walnut - 1st Floor University of Wisconsin-Stout, 302 10th Ave E, Menomonie, WI 54751

Concurrent Session

10:45am PDT

Grant Writing Strategies for National Science Foundation ATE Proposals

Wednesday June 17, 2026 10:45am - 11:35am PDT

MSC White Pine - 1st Floor

The National Science Foundation Advanced Technological Education program has grant funding opportunities available to support 2-year institution CTE and STEM technician program development, faculty professional development, career pathways, curriculum development, outreach activities, equipment and more. Attendees will learn some grant writing strategies focused on the NSF-ATE solicitation. Attendees will also learn about how NSF-ATE grant funding opportunities can help with technician program development and improvement as well as what activities qualify for NSF-ATE grant funding. Attendees will learn about multiple categories of NSF-ATE grant funding in support of STEM technician education. The current NSF-ATE solicitation and proposal development mentoring opportunities plus some helpful NSF-ATE resources will be presented. Attendees will learn about NSF-ATE resources, the ATE grant proposal solicitation, and mentoring opportunities and the potential to improve their CTE programs. Anyone thinking about submitting an NSF-ATE grant proposal and desiring to learn some strategies to craft a proposal or wishing to learn more about the NSF-ATE program may potentially benefit from attending this session.

Speakers

Greg Kepner

Consultant, Hillsborough College

Greg is the PI for the ATE NavigATE Project and a Senior Personnel member for the Micro Nano Technology Education Center. He has served as PI of the Midwest Photonics Education Center, Co-PI for OP- and PI for 2 NSF projects. He was Department Chair of Advanced Manufacturing & Robotics/Automation... Read More →

Wednesday June 17, 2026 10:45am - 11:35am PDT
MSC White Pine - 1st Floor University of Wisconsin-Stout, 302 10th Ave E, Menomonie, WI 54751

Concurrent Session

10:45am PDT

High School Career and Technical Education Admissions Best Practices

Wednesday June 17, 2026 10:45am - 11:35am PDT

MSC Birch - 1st Floor

Career and Technical Education (CTE) plays a critical role in preparing students for successful transitions to postsecondary education and the workforce. Research consistently demonstrates that students who participate in CTE programs experience higher graduation rates, stronger engagement in school, and improved employment outcomes. For students with disabilities and other special populations, these programs can be particularly impactful because they provide hands-on learning experiences, opportunities to develop employability skills, and access to real-world career exploration. However, despite these benefits, many students with disabilities still encounter barriers that limit their access to high-quality CTE programs.

This session will explore how special education leaders, administrators, and CTE professionals can work collaboratively to remove systemic barriers and create inclusive pathways that allow all students to benefit from career-focused education. Presenters will examine common challenges that prevent equitable access to CTE programs, including admissions criteria that may unintentionally exclude students with disabilities, limited alignment between Individualized Education Program (IEP) transition planning and career pathways, and uncertainty among educators regarding appropriate accommodations and instructional supports within technical programs.

Participants will gain a deeper understanding of federal and state expectations related to equitable access in CTE, including guidance from civil rights regulations and the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act (Perkins V). The session will highlight how equitable enrollment practices, transparent admissions criteria, and ongoing program review can help ensure that CTE programs reflect the diversity of the broader student population and provide opportunities for all learners.

The presentation will also focus on practical strategies for supporting students with disabilities once they enroll in CTE programs. Participants will explore how collaboration between special education staff, CTE instructors, counselors, and administrators can strengthen transition planning and ensure that career pathways align with students’ interests, strengths, and postsecondary goals. Examples of accommodations, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and instructional supports that maintain high expectations while increasing access to technical content will be discussed.

In addition, the session will highlight innovative workforce development strategies that connect students with disabilities to meaningful career experiences. Participants will learn how Registered Youth Apprenticeships and other work-based learning opportunities can provide students with paid, structured training experiences while they are still in high school. These partnerships not only support successful postsecondary transitions for students but also help address workforce shortages by preparing the next generation of skilled workers.

Throughout the session, presenters will share real-world examples, data, and tools that administrators can use to review their own CTE policies and practices. Attendees will leave with actionable strategies for improving equitable access, strengthening collaboration between special education and CTE programs, and expanding career pathway opportunities for students with disabilities.

Speakers

Amy Herrman

Career Education Special Needs Planner, Missouri Department of Education, University of Missouri Science and Technology

Dr. Amy Herrman serves as the Career Education Special Needs Planner (CESNP) for the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). She holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from William Woods University and a Master’s degree from the University of Missouri–Columbia... Read More →

Jim Pritchett

Registered Youth Apprenticeship Consultant, Missouri Department of Education (DESE), South Central RPDC, Missouri University of Science and Tech

Dr. James Pritchett serves as a Registered Youth Apprenticeship (RYA) Consultant for the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, supporting schools, employers, and communities across the South Central and Southeast regions through the Regional Professional Development... Read More →

Wednesday June 17, 2026 10:45am - 11:35am PDT
MSC Birch - 1st Floor University of Wisconsin-Stout, 302 10th Ave E, Menomonie, WI 54751

Concurrent Session

10:45am PDT

Hope Over Hype: How Vocational Students Imagine Their Futures in Norway and Wisconsin

Wednesday June 17, 2026 10:45am - 11:35am PDT

Ballroom - 2nd Floor

This session explores how vocational students in Norway and Wisconsin imagine their futures, challenging deficit narratives that frame vocational pathways as second-best. Drawing on comparative qualitative study of students enrolled in vocational education and training (VET) in Norway and career and technical education (CTE) in Wisconsin, this presentation highlights youth perspectives on hope, purpose, and opportunity, offering new insights into how institutional contexts shape future orientations. Findings reveal striking similarities in how students across both contexts articulate optimism and meaningful engagement with vocational learning, while also reflecting contextual differences related to economic security and welfare systems.

Speakers

Matt Simoneau

Professor, University of Wisconsin-Stout

Matt Simoneau is a Professor in Career and Technical Education at the University of Wisconsin-Stout where he teaches graduate and undergraduate course in CTE. His research interests include academic and carer planning, comparative vocational systems, and policies that affect CTE... Read More →

Eli Smeplass

Professor Section for Vocational Studies and Educational Leadership Department of Teacher Education, Norwegian University of Science and Technology

She is Professor of Vocational Pedagogy at the Department of Teacher Education. Her research explores education, inequality, and professional learning, with a particular focus on vocational pathways. She works at the intersection of sociological theory and pedagogical practice, combining... Read More →

Wednesday June 17, 2026 10:45am - 11:35am PDT
Ballroom - 2nd Floor

Concurrent Session

11:45am PDT

Lunch

Wednesday June 17, 2026 11:45am - 12:15pm PDT

Meal

12:15pm PDT

Final Thoughts & Silent Auction

Wednesday June 17, 2026 12:15pm - 12:30pm PDT

General Session

ACTE's Region III Conference 2026

Success you have shared X tickets.

ACTE's Region III Conference 2026

8:00am PDT

8:00am PDT

8:30am PDT

Jason Van Nus

9:45am PDT

Dr. Tasha D. Jones

9:45am PDT

Taundra Miles-Cranor

Sam Schmelzer

9:45am PDT

Tanya Drake

Sarah Stacey

Lindsey Gutsch

BriAnna Brooks

9:45am PDT

Kathy Brock

9:45am PDT

Tamra Connor

10:45am PDT

Daniel Krauss

10:45am PDT

Greg Kepner

10:45am PDT

Amy Herrman

Jim Pritchett

10:45am PDT

Matt Simoneau

Eli Smeplass

11:45am PDT

12:15pm PDT

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