2026 WV ACTE Summer Conference

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10:00am EDT

Big Opportunities, Small Towns: Career Exploration Strategies for Rural Middle Schools

Tuesday August 4, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am EDT

2W16 Room @ Marshall University Student Memorial Center

Rural middle schools play a critical role in helping students begin to see possibilities for their future. Yet many schools face challenges such as limited access to industry partners, transportation barriers, and fewer opportunities for career exposure. This session will explore why career exploration in the middle grades matters and how educators can expand students’ awareness of careers—even without leaving the classroom.

Participants will learn practical, low-cost strategies that rural schools can implement immediately, including virtual industry tours, career-focused project-based learning, and using real labor market data for career research. Attendees will leave with concrete ideas and resources to help rural students discover big opportunities beyond their small towns.

Speakers

Judy Frank

Director of State and District Partnerships, Southern Regional Education Board

Judy Frank is the SREB West Virgina State Director. She joined SREB in 2015, bringing more than 33 years of experience working on issues of education policy and practice in the public education sector. Judy has led numerous school, district, state and national workshops advocating... Read More →

Daniel Rock

Senior Instructional Coach, Southern Region Education Board

Daniel Rock is an instructional coach with the Southern Regional Education Board who works with schools across multiple states to strengthen literacy and instructional practices across content areas, including career and technical education programs. His work focuses on helping teachers... Read More →

Tuesday August 4, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am EDT
2W16 Room Marshall University Student Memorial Center

Workshop

Area Middle School, Best Practices
global Y

10:00am EDT

From Classroom to Career: Engaging Students Through AP Business with Personal Finance

Tuesday August 4, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am EDT

Shawkey Room @ Marshall University Student Memorial Center

What does high-quality, career-connected business education look like in action?
In this interactive session, participants will experience AP Business with Personal Finance firsthand through hands-on, project-based challenges modeled after real classroom experiences. Designed to align with the ACTE High-Quality CTE Framework, this course integrates entrepreneurship, financial literacy, employer-endorsed credentials, and CTSO-aligned learning to prepare students for both college credit and high-demand careers.
Participants will explore how students develop decision-making skills using real-world case studies, apply the PACED model to personal and business financial decisions, and build an entrepreneurial venture through the AP Business Canvas project. Attendees will leave with practical strategies to expand access to rigorous business pathways, strengthen industry connections, and implement engaging, workforce-aligned programs that empower West Virginia students to own their futures.

Speakers

Autum Barry

College Board

Andrea Holzwarth

Career Strategy and Engagement, College Board

Andrea Holzwarth is the Director of Career Strategy and Engagement at the College Board and brings more than a decade of experience across K–12 education, higher education, and workforce development. She is passionate about strengthening operations, improving the customer experience... Read More →

Zach Riffle

State and District Partnerships, College Board

Zach Riffle works in the State and District Partnerships of College Board. In his current role, he works closely with states, districts, and schools to broaden access to advanced coursework, college readiness, and career-connected pathways through: the SAT and PSAT, AP Courses... Read More →

Tuesday August 4, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am EDT
Shawkey Room Marshall University Student Memorial Center

Workshop

Area Investing in the Future, Best Practices, Post-Secondary Credit
global Y

11:00am EDT

Beyond Compliance: Leveraging Initiatives for Real Impact in the 3 Es (Education, Employment, Enlistment

Tuesday August 4, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am EDT

Don Morris Room - Table 2 @ Marshall University Student Memorial Center

West Virginia CTE programs are uniquely positioned to prepare students for success in the 3 Es—Education, Employment, and Enlistment. Through practical strategies to intentionally connect instruction, industry collaboration, and student recognition to measurable readiness outcomes, this session explores how CTE educators can strategically leverage state initiatives to strengthen the 3 Es while aligning to ACTE’s High-Quality CTE standards for Business & Community Partnerships and Student Career Development. Participants will examine resources available to strengthen program quality, increase student opportunities, and elevate outcomes across all pathways.

Speakers

Donna Van Metre

President, WV ACTE

Donna Van Metre currently serves as the President of WV ACTE. Professionally, she serves as the CTE Learning and Development Coordinator by providing training and mentoring to new CTE teachers and administrators in CTE educational certification and endorsement programs. Her experience... Read More →

Tuesday August 4, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am EDT
Don Morris Room - Table 2 Marshall University Student Memorial Center

Speed Networking Session

Area Best Practices
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11:00am EDT

Building the Workforce Pipeline: A CTE Educator's Guide to NCCER

Tuesday August 4, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am EDT

Don Morris Room - Table 3 @ Marshall University Student Memorial Center

The National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) is one of the most recognized credentialing systems in the skilled trades industry. Yet for many CTE educators, it remains an untapped opportunity. This fast-paced 15-minute session gives West Virginia CTE educators a clear, practical overview of what NCCER is, what it offers, and why it matters for student outcomes and workforce readiness. Attendees will leave with a foundational understanding of the NCCER ecosystem and actionable next steps.

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 →

Tuesday August 4, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am EDT
Don Morris Room - Table 3 Marshall University Student Memorial Center

Speed Networking Session

Area Supply Chain and Transportation, Construction, Best Practices

11:00am EDT

Creating Meaningful Connections: Building Networks Between Educators and Industry Leaders

Tuesday August 4, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am EDT

Don Morris - Table 4 @ Marshall University Student Memorial Center

This session aims to provide teachers with strategies to form effective networks and partnerships with business and industry leaders. These connections will help educators align classroom instruction with real-world workforce needs, offering students opportunities for internships, mentorships, and hands-on learning experiences. Teachers will explore ways to engage local businesses, foster community involvement, and build sustainable partnerships that enhance both teaching and workforce readiness.

Speakers

Donn Kirkwood

Senior Leadership Coach for Technology Centers that Work, Southern Regional Education Board

Donn Kirkwood is a Senior School Improvement Leadership Coach with the Southern Regional Education Board, where he works with states, districts, and career and technical education centers to strengthen instructional quality and improve student outcomes. Through SREB’s Technology... Read More →

Judy Frank

Director of State and District Partnerships, Southern Regional Education Board

Tuesday August 4, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am EDT
Don Morris - Table 4 Marshall University Student Memorial Center

Speed Networking Session

Area Best Practices

11:00am EDT

Tosa: Progress monitoring and proficiency-based credentials for digital skills

Tuesday August 4, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am EDT

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

Tosa (Tests on Software Applications) certifications are an innovative way to assess and certify digital skills with programs commonly used in the workplace, such as Google Workspace, Microsoft Office (including Excel VBA) and Power BI for business-focused programs, the Adobe Creative Cloud for students learning graphic design and digital media, Python, JavaScript, HTML and CSS for computer science/coding, and/or AutoCAD and Revit within the architecture and engineering arena.

Tosa is the only certification for digital skills that uses adaptive testing and it's transforming how we assess and prepare learners for real-world success. Included practice tests provide a clear picture of desktop, graphics, digital and/or coding skill sets, how students are progressing, and when they’re ready for certification. Then, ultimately, Tosa certifies learners with a proficiency-based result, providing deeper insight into digital competence beyond just a pass/fail outcome.

Speakers

David Shiffman

Business Development Manager, Tosa Certifications by Isograd

David Shiffman has been working in educational technology for over 20 years, selling assessment and instructional technology as well as test prep and supplemental instructional materials. He joined Isograd in April 2025 and loves his role introducing new school districts to Tosa Certifications... Read More →

Tuesday August 4, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am EDT
Don Morris Room - Table 1 Marshall University Student Memorial Center

Speed Networking Session

Area Best Practices, Certifications

11:00am EDT

The Power of the Pack: Building a Rigorous, Student-Centered Middle School Career Exploration Program

Tuesday August 4, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am EDT

2W16 Room @ Marshall University Student Memorial Center

The Power of the Pack: Building a Rigorous, Student-Centered Middle School Career Exploration & CTE Program
What does it look like when an entire middle school rallies together to build a culture where every student can see—and start becoming—their future self? In this session, participants will explore how Warm Springs Middle School has transformed Career Exploration into a cohesive, student-centered, and community‑driven initiative that strengthens engagement, academic relevance, and postsecondary awareness across grades 6–8.
This session will spotlight how WSMS redesigned its systems using career clusters, student voice, intentional teaming, and community partnerships to create a comprehensive middle‑grades CTE pipeline. Participants will examine the school’s Career Exploration Club model—28 clubs aligned with CTE pathways—and learn how this model naturally complements programs like Discovering Your Futures, Project Lead The Way (PLTW), and other exploratory curricula.
Attendees will discover practical strategies for:
• Building a career-connected culture in the middle grades
Through weekly exploratory rotations, interest‑based clubs, and cross‑curricular collaboration, WSMS increased student agency and intrinsic motivation that extends into classrooms, athletics, intramurals, and schoolwide leadership opportunities.
• Designing sustainable, student-driven CTE experiences
Learn how WSMS integrates hands‑on STEM experiences, agriculture, technical skills, and real-world problem solving through PLTW modules, student-selected pathways, and community mentorships.
• Leveraging Discovering Your Futures to promote early career identity development
See how the framework supports students in identifying strengths, exploring clusters, and developing personal goals—while giving teachers an easy-to-implement structure.
• Writing grants that bring your vision to life
Participants will see real examples from WSMS’s successful grant projects—such as greenhouse construction, agriculture expansion, and new technology programs—and walk away with replicable grant-writing tips to secure funding for high-impact student experiences.
• Partnering with local businesses & industry—at a middle school level
Explore how WSMS built meaningful partnerships with local employers, colleges, and community organizations to strengthen relevance, boost student engagement, and ignite early workforce curiosity.
By the end of the session, participants will leave with:
✓ A strategic roadmap for launching or expanding middle‑grade CTE
✓ Templates for student interest surveys, teaming structures, and club design
✓ Ideas for integrating PLTW and Discovering Your Futures into daily schedules
✓ Grant-writing language and models they can adapt immediately
✓ Concrete, actionable steps to create a schoolwide culture of exploration, belonging, and future readiness
Join us to discover how The Power of the Pack can reshape your school—and empower every student to explore boldly, think deeply, and dream confidently about who they can become.

Speakers

Jamie Harris

The Power of the Pack: Building a Rigorous, Student-Centered Middle School Career Exploration Program, Warm Springs Middle School/Morgan County Schools WV

Jamie Harris is a visionary, student‑centered leader who serves as Principal of Warm Springs Middle School, where he has spearheaded one of the most transformative periods of growth and innovation in the school’s recent history. Known for his visible, hands-on leadership style... Read More →

Tuesday August 4, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am EDT
2W16 Room Marshall University Student Memorial Center

Workshop

Area Middle School, Best Practices
global Y

1:00pm EDT

Answering the Call: Creating an EMS Career Pathway from High School to Workforce

Tuesday August 4, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT

John Marshall Room @ Marshall University Student Memorial Center

Across West Virginia, communities are facing a growing shortage of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) professionals. To help address this challenge, BridgeValley Community & Technical College partnered with Clay County Schools to develop an innovative EMS career pathway that allows high school students to begin preparing for emergency services careers while still in school.

This session will showcase how the EMS Pathway Program at Clay County High School integrates career and technical education, dual enrollment, hands-on skills training, and simulation-based learning to introduce students to the EMS profession and create a direct pipeline into EMT and paramedic education.
Presenters will discuss how the program was developed through collaboration between secondary education, higher education, and local EMS agencies, and how the model can be adapted and implemented in other schools and communities across West Virginia.

Participants will learn how this pathway can be replicated or customized to fit the needs of their own schools, allowing districts to build sustainable healthcare workforce pipelines while giving students meaningful opportunities to enter high-demand careers.

Attendees will leave with practical ideas for starting or expanding similar programs, including strategies for partnerships, curriculum alignment, equipment needs, and student recruitment.

Speakers

Jon Fannin

EMS Program Director, BridgeValley CTC

Jonathan Fannin, BA, NRP, FP-C, MCCP is the Program Director for Emergency Medical Services at BridgeValley Community & Technical College in South Charleston, West Virginia. With more than 20 years of experience in Emergency Medical Services, Jonathan has served in a variety of roles including ground EMS, critical care... Read More →

Jennifer Hurt

Dean of High School Students, BridgeValley CTC

Jennifer Hurt, MA, EdS serves as the Dean of High School Programs at BridgeValley Community & Technical College, where she leads the college’s dual enrollment initiatives and High School Programs. With more than 30 years of experience in education and curriculum development, she has dedicated her career to helping students access meaningful college and career pathways while still in high s... Read More →

Tuesday August 4, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT
John Marshall Room Marshall University Student Memorial Center

Workshop

Area Healthcare & Human Services, Best Practices, Law & Public Safety

2:00pm EDT

Blazing a Career-Connected Trail: Unifying Students, Employers, and Educators Through One Lens

Tuesday August 4, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm EDT

John Marshall Room @ Marshall University Student Memorial Center

What does it take to build a future-ready education system that unites students, educators, and employers in a shared vision? This session explores how accurate, timely labor market information can serve as the backbone for transforming Career and Technical Education (CTE). Attendees will learn how tools like the Pathway2Careers Labor Market Navigator and CTE Hub connect real-time workforce data, educational programming, and regional employer engagement into a single ecosystem.

Through the story of statewide initiatives that have modernized CTE, participants will see how labor market insights not only guide Perkins V planning but also help districts align programs with high-demand industries, strengthen career pathways, and equip students with purpose-driven plans for their futures. This isn’t just about data—it’s about systems-level collaboration, bold leadership, and replicable models that ensure every learner has access to meaningful, career-connected opportunities.

Speakers

Dr. Joseph Goins

CEO, Pathway2Careers

Dr. Joseph L. Goins began his career as a vocational educator in Tennessee, where he had the opportunity to develop the foundational skills program for learners with the Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) System. He was nominated for “Teacher of the Year” within the TBR system... Read More →

Tuesday August 4, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm EDT
John Marshall Room Marshall University Student Memorial Center

Speed Networking Session

Area Best Practices, Middle School, Post-Secondary Credit, Certifications

2:00pm EDT

Unleashing the Power of Pearson Career Ready

Tuesday August 4, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm EDT

2W16 Room @ Marshall University Student Memorial Center

Discover how the combined power of Certiport industry certifications, eDynamic Learning’s interactive digital curriculum, and Pearson’s College & Career Readiness solutions create a unified ecosystem supporting hundreds of certification pathways across all 16 ACTE career clusters—from Agriculture and Architecture & Construction to Health Science, IT, Transportation, and beyond.
In this session, we’ll explore a portfolio of 197+ industry-recognized credentials, including AI, Adobe, Autodesk, CompTIA, ASE, NCCER, Intuit, Entrepreneurship, NCHSE, and more—demonstrating that there is a pathway for every student.
But credentials are only part of the story. Learn how to successfully implement and sustain these programs on your campus, starting in middle school and extending through a thoughtfully designed CTE pathway that leads to real postsecondary opportunities.
Our solutions support students in meeting state graduation requirements—including personal finance, career exploration, and workforce readiness—while simultaneously building toward industry certification. Spanning grades 5–12, our resources also include award-winning virtual internships that provide meaningful, real-world experiences.

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... Read More →

Tuesday August 4, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm EDT
2W16 Room Marshall University Student Memorial Center

Speed Networking Session

Area Best Practices

2:00pm EDT

Turning Plans into Action: Aligning Student Follow-Through with High-Quality CTE Frameworks

Tuesday August 4, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm EDT

Shawkey Room @ Marshall University Student Memorial Center

In today’s rapidly evolving economy, aligning student readiness initiatives with actual workforce needs is a critical priority for CTE leaders. This session explores how districts and state agencies can bridge the gap between classroom planning and real-world follow-through by integrating digital readiness tools with existing school frameworks.

Drawing on lessons from successful statewide partnerships, we will discuss practical strategies for embedding college, career, and life readiness into the student experience.

This session specifically aligns with the ACTE High-Quality CTE Framework by addressing Standards-aligned and Integrated Curriculum, Prepared and Effective Program Staff, and Access and Equity. Participants will learn how to leverage evidence-based guidance to create a holistic, accessible pathway for all learners - from middle school career exploration to post-secondary transition.

Speakers

Stephen Guillette

Senior Director, Partnerships, Level All

Stephen Guillette is the Senior Director of Partnerships at Level All, where he collaborates with education agencies and districts to embed college, career, and life readiness into the student experience. A specialist in strategic alignment, Stephen supports leaders in integratin... Read More →

Tuesday August 4, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm EDT
Shawkey Room Marshall University Student Memorial Center

Workshop

Area Best Practices, Post-Secondary Credit

2026 WV ACTE Summer Conference

From $50.00

Tickets

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2026 WV ACTE Summer Conference

10:00am EDT

Judy Frank

Daniel Rock

10:00am EDT

Autum Barry

Andrea Holzwarth

Zach Riffle

11:00am EDT

Donna Van Metre

11:00am EDT

Portia Naze

11:00am EDT

Donn Kirkwood

Judy Frank

11:00am EDT

David Shiffman

11:00am EDT

Jamie Harris

1:00pm EDT

Jon Fannin

Jennifer Hurt

2:00pm EDT

Dr. Joseph Goins

2:00pm EDT

Portia Naze

2:00pm EDT

Stephen Guillette

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