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Venue: Shawkey Room clear filter
Monday, August 3
 

10:00am EDT

From Classroom to Company: Building a Simulated Workplace That Develops Real-World Skills
Monday August 3, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am EDT
Shawkey Room @ Marshall University Student Memorial Center
Simulated Workplace (SWP) transforms Career and Technical Education classrooms into authentic business environments where students develop both technical and professional skills aligned with industry expectations. This session will provide educators with practical strategies for implementing SWP structures that strengthen student engagement, accountability, and career readiness.
Participants will explore key components of a high-functioning simulated workplace including company structures, student leadership roles, workplace expectations, safety systems, and continuous improvement practices. Through hands-on activities and demonstrations of ready-to-use tools, participants will walk through the process of building a classroom workplace culture that mirrors industry standards.
Attendees will leave with practical templates, implementation strategies, and classroom structures that can be immediately adapted for their programs.
Speakers
JC

James Coble

Coordinator, West Virginia Department of Education
James Coble is a Coordinator with the West Virginia Department of Education’s Office of Career and Technical Education, supporting statewide programs in STEM, Manufacturing, Architecture & Construction, Transportation, Government & Public Administration, and Law & Public Safety. A former teacher... Read More →
Monday August 3, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am EDT
Shawkey Room Marshall University Student Memorial Center
  Workshop

11:00am EDT

From Ideas to Action: Sparking Student Innovation
Monday August 3, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am EDT
Shawkey Room @ Marshall University Student Memorial Center
This session highlights how student-centered innovation, structured business partnerships, and authentic work-based learning experiences can strengthen student problem-solving, creativity, and career readiness. Participants will explore how Student Innovators and SparkWV integrate project-based learning, employability skills, CTSO alignment, and industry engagement into a cohesive pathway experience. Through real examples from West Virginia students and educators, participants will learn how students move from ideation to community-supported implementation.
 
This session will provide practical tools and replicable strategies that align with key elements of the ACTE High-Quality CTE Framework, including:
Engaging instruction and project-based learning
Business and community 
Work-based learning
Student career development
 
Attendees will leave with implementation strategies to strengthen any programs of study while expanding student access, career-connected learning, and skill development.
Speakers
avatar for Kim Zirk

Kim Zirk

Program Manager, The EdVenture Group
Kim Zirk earned a Master’s in Secondary Education and a Bachelor’s in English from West Virginia University. With over a decade of experience spanning the K-16 continuum, she has worked extensively with youth, designing and implementing research-driven, differentiated curriculum... Read More →
Monday August 3, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am EDT
Shawkey Room Marshall University Student Memorial Center
  Workshop

2:15pm EDT

Pre-apprenticeship
Monday August 3, 2026 2:15pm - 3:00pm EDT
Shawkey Room @ Marshall University Student Memorial Center
Apprenticeship Works’ pre-apprenticeships programs help to diversify and expand the
manufacturing workforce. Through these programs, participants prepare for new careers in manufacturing by learning basic foundational skills applicable to registered apprenticeship programs around the country.

Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center partners with the West Virginia Department of Education to provide pre-apprenticeships to high school students enrolled in career and technical education programs.

Students earn credit toward full U.S. Department of Labor registered apprenticeships at participating manufacturing companies across the Mountain State, enabling them to achieve DOL journey worker certifications faster and creating a steady pipeline of talent in high-demand occupations for state companies.
Speakers
DA

Dr. Ann Thomas

Technical Trainer, Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center
I am a Technical Trainer and Career & Technical Education (CTE) leader with over 15 years of experience in workforce development, instructional design, and program leadership. In my current role with the Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center, I design and deliver hands-on, industry-aligned... Read More →
Monday August 3, 2026 2:15pm - 3:00pm EDT
Shawkey Room Marshall University Student Memorial Center
  Workshop

3:15pm EDT

AI Literacy for All: Student-Led Learning with AI Ready Skills
Monday August 3, 2026 3:15pm - 4:00pm EDT
Shawkey Room @ Marshall University Student Memorial Center
In today's world, it is essential for students to understand Artificial Intelligence (AI). AI Ready Skills provides a comprehensive, student-led curriculum and credentialing pathway that educates students on AI through engaging and interactive methods. This session will demonstrate how integrating captivating student activities with the immersive environment of Minecraft Education empowers educators to enhance their students' AI knowledge, regardless of their own expertise in the field. Additionally, AI Ready Skills emphasizes the importance of teaching students to use AI responsibly, ensuring they understand ethical considerations and safe practices in their AI interactions. And it is available to all West Virginia public schools at no cost!
Speakers
avatar for Catrina Hunzeker

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 3:15pm - 4:00pm EDT
Shawkey Room Marshall University Student Memorial Center
  Workshop
 
Tuesday, August 4
 

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
AB

Autum Barry

College Board

avatar for Andrea Holzwarth

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 →
avatar for Zach Riffle

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

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
avatar for Diane Malachowski

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.
avatar for Portia Naze

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

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
avatar for Chris Buja

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.


avatar for Martin Nicolay

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
avatar for Stephen Guillette

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
 
2026 WV ACTE Summer Conference
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