2026 WV ACTE Summer Conference

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

10:00am EDT

Immersive Computer Science Education with Coding in Minecraft

Monday August 3, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am EDT

John Marshall Room @ Marshall University Student Memorial Center

Limited Capacity seats available

Are you looking to teach coding in a fun, engaging way but don’t consider yourself a coding expert? In this dynamic session, you’ll discover how Coding in Minecraft transforms the classroom into a student-driven, high-energy learning experience where students take charge of their own coding journey using Blocks, JavaScript, or Python. As the educator, you’ll become a guide, empowering students to explore, create, and thrive in their learning. Plus, they can earn a credential through our Capstone Credential Exam! Dive into our immersive curriculum and discover the all-in-one pathway you need to ignite a passion for coding in your students. And it is FREE for all West Virginia public schools.

Speakers

Catrina Hunzeker

Product Specialist, Prodigy Learning

Catrina Hunzeker is a Product Specialist for Prodigy Learning and has 20 years’ experience as both an educator and a trainer. She has trained hundreds of teachers on game-based learning through Minecraft Education. As a former computer science and CTE teacher, Catrina is... Read More →

Monday August 3, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am EDT
John Marshall Room Marshall University Student Memorial Center

Workshop

Area Digital Technology
global Y

11:00am EDT

Taking Flight: Career Exploration and Workforce Development at Butler Tech Aviation Center

LIMITED

Monday August 3, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am EDT

John Marshall Room @ Marshall University Student Memorial Center

Limited Capacity seats available

Located in southwest Ohio, the Butler Tech Aviation Center offers students career exploration, hands-on training, and industry-recognized credentials. Through partnerships with local businesses and the FAA, students gain practical skills and certifications, preparing them for careers in aviation. This presentation will highlight how the center fosters workforce development and creates pathways to success in the growing aviation industry.

Speakers

Adam Snoddy

Aviation Center Principal, Butler Tech

Adam Snoddy is the Principal of the Butler Tech Aviation Center, located in southwest Ohio. He was previously a social studies teacher for 14 years, including 10 years at Butler Tech's main campus.

Monday August 3, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am EDT
John Marshall Room Marshall University Student Memorial Center

Workshop

Area Supply Chain & Transportation
global Y

2:15pm EDT

From Tension to Tranquility: Easy Techniques for Everyday Calm

LIMITED

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

John Marshall Room @ Marshall University Student Memorial Center

Limited Capacity seats available

This presentation will explore simple yet effective relaxation techniques that can be incorporated into facial services to improve the client experience and promote deeper relaxation. Attendees will learn how breathing cues, intentional touch, rhythm, and environmental awareness can help calm the nervous system and create a more therapeutic service. A brief interactive demonstration will also be included to show how these techniques can be taught and applied in student practice. I am not sure if this would fit in a 15 minute slot but I don't think I would need a full 45 minutes.

Speakers

Shanaya Griffin

Aesthetics Instructor, Carver Career and Technical Education Center

I have been in the beauty industry for 12 years and have been teaching for 2 years now.

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

Workshop

Area Healthcare & Human Services
global Y

3:15pm EDT

The Art of Cheese: Tasting, Pairing, and Perfect Presentation

LIMITED

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

John Marshall Room @ Marshall University Student Memorial Center

Limited Capacity seats available

Explore the rich world of cheese through a guided tasting experience that brings flavor, technique, and creativity together. Participants will sample a variety of cheeses while learning to identify key classifications and flavor profiles—from mild and creamy to bold and complex.
Discover how to thoughtfully pair cheeses with charcuterie board staples such as fruits, nuts, meats, and spreads to create balanced, visually appealing presentations. Blending practical knowledge with hands-on exploration, this session equips participants with techniques and insights that can be applied in both professional and personal settings.

Speakers

Mandy Gum

ACE Adult Instructor - Culinary Arts, Carver Career and Technical Education Center

Chef Bio....
Chef Mandy Gum is a passionate culinary instructor, chef, and mentor dedicated to shaping the future of the culinary industry. She teaches at Carver Career & Technical Center, where she helps post-secondary students develop culinary expertise while fostering creativity and professionalism... Read More →

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

Workshop

Area Hospitality Events & Tourism
global Y

10:00am EDT

Guardians of the Gasline

LIMITED

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

John Marshall Room @ Marshall University Student Memorial Center

Limited Capacity seats available

This interactive session highlights how modern sensing technology is used in the energy industry to detect gas leaks and protect communities and the environment. Participants will engage in a hands-on engineering challenge using micro:bit devices to simulate real-world gas detection systems similar to those used in pipeline monitoring and industrial safety. Teachers will write simple code and calibrate their sensors to detect different “gas” levels, modeling the process technicians and engineers use to configure leak detection equipment.

The session demonstrates how this activity can be used in CTE, STEM, and middle or high school classrooms to connect coding, electronics, and environmental safety with real workforce applications in West Virginia’s energy sector. Participants will also learn about classroom resources and industry partnership opportunities available through the WVU STEAM Technical Assistance Center (STEAM TAC) and the WVPEC Speakers Bureau.

Speakers

Melissa Bane

STEAM Specialist/Program Coordinator, WVU STEAM TAC

Before joining WVU, Melissa Bane taught in West Virginia public schools for eleven years. Melissa developed and implemented STEAM and STEM instruction for grades 5-8 and gained grant funds to design, stock and run a vibrant, functioning Makerspace. Melissa is a Project Lead the Way certified teacher. She has tra... Read More →

Angela McDaniel

Curriculum and Professional Development Director, WVU STEAM TAC

Angela McDaniel, Ed.D., is the Curriculum and Professional Development Director for the West Virginia University STEAM Technical Assistance Center (STEAM TAC). With more than 30 years in education, she works with educators across West Virginia to strengthen career and technical education... Read More →

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

Workshop

Area Supply Chain & Transportation
global Y

11:00am EDT

How to Effectively Operate a Welding Program

LIMITED

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

John Marshall Room @ Marshall University Student Memorial Center

Limited Capacity seats available

This session will provide a practical look at how to successfully design, manage, and sustain a high-quality welding program. Participants will explore how to implement a simulated workplace structure that builds student responsibility, accountability, and real-world skills. The session will also cover program organization, safety expectations, equipment and lab management, and strategies for creating an industry-aligned learning environment.

In addition, attendees will gain insight into integrating NOCTI assessments, industry-recognized certifications, and performance-based evaluations to ensure students are workforce-ready. Real-world examples, tools, and strategies will be shared to help instructors strengthen instruction, improve student outcomes, and align their programs with current industry standards.

Speakers

Trey Fulton

Welding Instructor, Marion County Technical Center

I am a welding instructor that would be presenting on classroom structure, organization and planning regarding not just welding but all fields.

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

Workshop

Area Advanced Manufacturing

1:00pm EDT

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

LIMITED

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

John Marshall Room @ Marshall University Student Memorial Center

Limited Capacity seats available

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