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 Community: Embedding Innovation & Entrepreneurship in a Middle School Program

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

2:15pm EDT

Beyond the Classroom: Connecting Students to Real Careers Through Industry Partnerships

LIMITED

Monday August 3, 2026 2:15pm - 3:00pm EDT

2W22 Room @ Marshall University Student Memorial Center

Limited Capacity seats available

Students can’t pursue careers they’ve never seen. Yet too often, career awareness comes too late or not at all.

In this engaging session, discover how to bring real-world skills and career exposure into your CTE programs through intentional industry partnerships and hands-on learning. Learn how to break down silos, connect programs, and create experiences that reflect real workforce expectations.

Leave with practical strategies to immediately strengthen your program, expand your network, and better prepare students for the future of their work.

Speakers

Justin Hensley

National Engagement Director, Project Lead The Way

With over a decade of experience supporting Career and Technical Education (CTE) classrooms, STEM educators, and school administrators, Justin is a dedicated advocate for innovative, hands-on learning. Currently serving as a National Engagement Director at Project Lead The Way (PLTW... Read More →

Monday August 3, 2026 2:15pm - 3:00pm EDT
2W22 Room Marshall University Student Memorial Center

Workshop

Area Best Practices
global Y

3:15pm EDT

Think Like Industry: Using Problem-Based Learning to Build Workforce Skills in CTE

LIMITED

Monday August 3, 2026 3:15pm - 4:00pm EDT

2W22 Room @ Marshall University Student Memorial Center

Limited Capacity seats available

In today’s workforce, employees are expected to collaborate, analyze problems, and develop solutions in team settings. This session will introduce CTE teachers to a structured approach for using problem-based learning to engage students in solving authentic, industry-relevant challenges. Participants will explore how assigning career-based roles within student groups can mirror real workplace environments and strengthen communication, collaboration, and critical thinking skills.

Through an interactive process, attendees will experience how a problem-based learning cycle can guide students from identifying a problem to developing and presenting solutions. Practical strategies will be shared for designing industry-focused problems, structuring group roles, and facilitating productive student dialogue. Participants will leave with ideas and tools they can use to create engaging learning experiences that help students think and work like professionals in their career fields.

Speakers

Debra Cullen

Instructional Coach, Southern Regional Education Board (SREB)

Debra Cullen is an instructional coach with the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) who works with teachers and school leaders to strengthen instruction, leadership, and student engagement through project-based learning, literacy integration, and professional learning for educators... Read More →

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 →

Monday August 3, 2026 3:15pm - 4:00pm EDT
2W22 Room Marshall University Student Memorial Center

Workshop

Area Best Practices
global Y

10:00am EDT

Human Hands, AI Tools

LIMITED

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

2W22 Room @ Marshall University Student Memorial Center

Limited Capacity seats available

In a world where artificial intelligence is reshaping how we teach, create, and problem‑solve, educators need more than tools, they need confidence, clarity, and a human‑centered approach. Human Hands, AI Tools explores how teachers can blend authentic, hands‑on learning with the power of AI to amplify creativity, accelerate workflow, and open new pathways for student agency.

This session demystifies AI through practical, classroom‑ready examples drawn from makerspaces, computer science, and real WV classrooms. Participants will learn how to design learning experiences where students remain the thinkers, builders, and decision‑makers, while AI becomes a creative partner, supporting brainstorming, prototyping, iteration, and reflection.

Whether you’re new to AI or already experimenting, you’ll leave with strategies, prompts, and frameworks that help you integrate AI in ways that feel safe, meaningful, and deeply human.

Speakers

Cliff Sullivan

Computer Science and AI Coordinator, West Virginia Department of Education

Cliff has spent 18 years in education, beginning as a New York City Teaching Fellow in the Bronx, where he earned his MST from Fordham University. He now serves as a Technology Integration Specialist for the state of West Virginia and is a Code.org CS Foundations facilitator and former... Read More →

Tuesday August 4, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am EDT
2W22 Room Marshall University Student Memorial Center

Workshop

Area Digital Technology
global Y

11:00am EDT

Building Statewide Sports Medicine Impact

LIMITED

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

2W22 Room @ Marshall University Student Memorial Center

Limited Capacity seats available

This session will explore the growing demand for sports medicine and athletic training programs as an emerging Career and Technical Education (CTE) Program of Study. As schools look to expand relevant, high-interest pathways, sports medicine offers a unique opportunity to connect student-athletes and health-focused learners to real-world careers while supporting the overall health and safety of school communities.

Participants will examine strategies for increasing access to certified athletic trainers in schools and how these professionals can play a critical role in both student wellness and program development. The session will also highlight how building a strong sports medicine pathway can enhance school culture, improve injury prevention and response, and provide students with hands-on experiences aligned to healthcare careers.

Aligned to the Health Science Career Cluster, this session will provide actionable ideas for developing partnerships, integrating coursework, and creating sustainable programs that benefit both students and athletic programs. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of how investing in sports medicine education can positively impact student outcomes, support athletes, and strengthen career readiness across their schools.

Speakers

Justin Ross

Head Athletic Trainer and Health Department Chair, Cabell County Schools

Sports Medicine and cte

Tuesday August 4, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am EDT
2W22 Room Marshall University Student Memorial Center

Workshop

Area Healthcare & Human Services
global Y

2:00pm EDT

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

LIMITED

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

2W22 Room @ Marshall University Student Memorial Center

Limited Capacity seats available

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
2W22 Room Marshall University Student Memorial Center

Workshop