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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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

Bringing Microsoft Certifications To Your Classroom

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

Shawkey Room @ Marshall University Student Memorial Center

Skills have become the currency of the 21st Century and West Virginia teachers have access to the resources needed to teach these skills along with certifications to validate your student's skills. We will discuss what certifications are offered through the West Virginia Statewide Programs, how to deliver certifications to your students, best ways to prepare students for certifications and share ideas on how to get your students motivated and excited about the certification opportunities you are giving them.

Speakers

Diane Malachowski

Certification Deployment Manager, Certiport/Pearson

Diane Malachowski is a Certification Deployment Manager with Certiport. She currently is over the Statewide Microsoft Certification Initiative in West Virginia. She is excited to help teachers achieve their certification goals and find success in the classroom.

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 11:00am - 11:45am EDT
Shawkey Room Marshall University Student Memorial Center

Workshop

Area Certifications, Management & Entrepreneurship

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