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 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

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

1:00pm EDT

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Visual App Development Pilot Program

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

Shawkey Room @ Marshall University Student Memorial Center

The pilot program initiative introduces hands-on, project-based AI education, providing high school students with the tools to build, create, and lead in the world of technology. The Rockefeller Foundation funded the pilot in five West Virginia counties in cooperation with Marshall University.

Speakers

Chris Buja

Education Lead, Thunkable

veteran of Google and Cisco Education, built one of the top 100 high schools in the US

Thunkable is the award-winning visual coding platform to allow students and teachers to create mobile apps on IOS and Android with no coding required.

Martin Nicolay

Science teacher, George Washington High School (Kanawha County Schools)

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

Workshop

global Y

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