2026 WV ACTE Summer Conference

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

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

1:00pm EDT

Your opportunity awaits! FREE Economics programs at WVU for Teachers and High School Students

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

2W16 Room @ Marshall University Student Memorial Center

Did you know there is an outreach via West Virginia University that can offer a no cost Masters of Science in Economics degree for Wv educators and free dual credit economics classes for West Virginia students? In this fun and informative session, representatives from the Kendrick Center for an Ethical Economy at the John Chambers College of Business and Economics at WVU will be here to fill you in on all the details. The Kendrick Center is breaking new ground in what business ethics means in a business college. Come be part of the mission and goal of providing an economist to every community across the State!

Speakers

Cathleen Johnson

Kendrick Chair of Economics, Director of the Center for an Ethical Economy, Kendrick Center for an Ethical Economy at West Virginia University

Cathleen Johnson is the Assistant Chair in the Economics Department at West Virginia University. She earned her Ph.D. in Economics from Virginia Tech in 2000. She completed a post-doctoral fellowship with Nobel Laureate Vernon Smith in 2001. Her specialty after network theory is running... Read More →

Tuesday August 4, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT
2W16 Room Marshall University Student Memorial Center

Workshop

Area Management & Entrepreneurship, Investing in the Future, Post-Secondary Credit

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

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