2026 WV ACTE Summer Conference

You will be able to validate your attendance (Check-In to sessions) using your personal schedule.

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10:00am EDT

From Classroom to Community: Embedding Innovation & Entrepreneurship in a Middle School Program

LIMITED

Monday August 3, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am EDT

2W22 Room @ Marshall University Student Memorial Center

Limited Capacity seats available

This session highlights how a rural West Virginia middle school program leverages community partnerships, state connections, and existing campus resources to embed innovation and entrepreneurship into student learning. Participants will explore practical, replicable strategies for building partnerships, designing student-driven projects, and transforming classroom assignments into real-world impact. Attendees will leave with a framework they can immediately implement in their own schools—regardless of size or funding.This session highlights how a rural West Virginia middle school program leverages community partnerships, state connections, and existing campus resources to embed innovation and entrepreneurship into student learning. Participants will explore practical, replicable strategies for building partnerships, designing student-driven projects, and transforming classroom assignments into real-world impact. Attendees will leave with a framework they can immediately implement in their own schools—regardless of size or funding.

Speakers

Jeremy Cantrell

CTE 7/Ag, Braxton County Middle School

Jeremy Cantrell is a West Virginia middle school educator and innovative program leader recognized for advancing environmental education and entrepreneurship in rural schools. A recipient of the 2026 WVDEP Environmental Teacher of the Year Award (6th-8th grade level) and honored with... Read More →

Alicia McPherson

CTE 8th, Braxton County Middle School

Mrs. McPherson is an 8th grade Career and Technical Education teacher whose collaborative leadership and forward-thinking mindset have helped expand innovation within the middle school program. Working alongside Jeremy, she has played a key role in designing hands-on, student-centered... Read More →

Monday August 3, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am EDT
2W22 Room Marshall University Student Memorial Center

Workshop

Area Best Practices, Middle School, Management & Entrepreneurship, Agriculture
global Y

11:00am EDT

From Ideas to Action: Sparking Student Innovation

LIMITED

Monday August 3, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am EDT

Shawkey Room @ Marshall University Student Memorial Center

Limited Capacity seats available

This session highlights how student-centered innovation, structured business partnerships, and authentic work-based learning experiences can strengthen student problem-solving, creativity, and career readiness. Participants will explore how Student Innovators and SparkWV integrate project-based learning, employability skills, CTSO alignment, and industry engagement into a cohesive pathway experience. Through real examples from West Virginia students and educators, participants will learn how students move from ideation to community-supported implementation.

This session will provide practical tools and replicable strategies that align with key elements of the ACTE High-Quality CTE Framework, including:
Engaging instruction and project-based learning
Business and community
Work-based learning
Student career development

Attendees will leave with implementation strategies to strengthen any programs of study while expanding student access, career-connected learning, and skill development.

Speakers

Kim Zirk

Program Manager, The EdVenture Group

Kim Zirk earned a Master’s in Secondary Education and a Bachelor’s in English from West Virginia University. With over a decade of experience spanning the K-16 continuum, she has worked extensively with youth, designing and implementing research-driven, differentiated curriculum... Read More →

Monday August 3, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am EDT
Shawkey Room Marshall University Student Memorial Center

Workshop

Area Management & Entrepreneurship, Best Practices
global Y

3:15pm EDT

Business, Marketing, Financial Services & Entrepreneurship Networking Session

LIMITED

Monday August 3, 2026 3:15pm - 4:00pm EDT

2W9 Room @ Marshall University Student Memorial Center

Limited Capacity seats available

This session is a dedicated networking meetup rather than a formal presentation. Educators across business, marketing, financial services, and entrepreneurship are encouraged to come together to share strategies, resources, and ideas that connect classroom learning to real-world applications.

Participants will engage in open conversation around project-based learning, student organizations, industry partnerships, and innovative instructional practices. Use this time to collaborate, exchange best practices, and build a network to support and strengthen your programs.

Monday August 3, 2026 3:15pm - 4:00pm EDT
2W9 Room Marshall University Student Memorial Center

Networking