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

Starting the Journey Early: Middle School Career Exploration

LIMITED

Monday August 3, 2026 11:00am - 11:20am EDT

Don Morris Room - Table 1 @ Marshall University Student Memorial Center

Limited Capacity seats available

Career exploration shouldn't begin in high school—it should start the moment students begin asking "what do I want to be?" West Virginia's middle school CTE requirements create a powerful opportunity to plant those seeds early, but finding engaging, standards-aligned curriculum that meets those requirements can be a challenge.

This 15-minute session introduces educators and administrators to two powerful tools for middle school career exploration: eDynamic's middle school career exploration curriculum and Learning Blade, a supplemental STEM and career awareness platform. Together, these resources help students discover their interests, explore career pathways, and build foundational workplace skills—all while helping schools meet West Virginia's middle school CTE course requirements.

Speakers

Portia Naze

Specialist, Pearson Career Ready

Portia Naze brings a unique blend of classroom, administrative, and industry experience to the world of Career and Technical Education. A former teacher and school administrator, she has dedicated her career to supporting educators and building programs that meet the real needs of both teac... Read More →

Monday August 3, 2026 11:00am - 11:20am EDT
Don Morris Room - Table 1 Marshall University Student Memorial Center

Speed Networking Session