WA-ACTE 2026 Summer Conference

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11:00am PDT

LIFESMARTS - Curriculum, State and National Competition and the GAME

Sunday August 2, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am PDT

LifeSmarts is a comprehensive consumer education program that focuses on five key areas of learning; Consumer Rights and Responsibilities, the Environment, Health and Safety, Personal Finance and Technology. This informative session will explore the free Educational Resources, Active Competitions and Scholarship Opportunities available. Attendees will have an opportunity to experience the competition and have an opportunity to win a LifeSmarts Board Game for their classroom.

Speakers

Suzanne Klenk

FINANCIAL EDUCATORS, WSECU

WSECU's Financial Education Team is known statewide for their innovative and engagingly interactive financial education workshops for students. After nearly 20 years of active partnership with Washington K-12 School Districts and Higher Education, WSECU is a trusted resource for timely... Read More →

Sunday August 2, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am PDT
Meeting Room # 1

Multiple Sections

1:00pm PDT

"Finfluencers": Fantastic free financial advice you can take to the bank? Or are you (or your students) getting taken?

Sunday August 2, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm PDT

Meeting Room # 1

This session will review what a "finfluencer" is, what kind of certification they do - or don't - have and how their advice can be dangerous - and at times, downright fraudulent. I will touch on various types of financial fraud as well, including how AI is being used to make it more difficult to determine fact from fiction, and what you and your students can do to keep yourselves - and your money - safe from scammers.

Speakers

Lyn Peters

Director of Communications, Financial Education & Outreach, WA Dept. of Financial Institutions

Lyn Peters is the Director of Communications, Financial Education & Outreach for the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions (DFI). For the past 19 years, she has served the people of Washington State - all ages, all demographics and in communities large and small... Read More →

Sunday August 2, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm PDT
Meeting Room # 1

Multiple Sections

3:00pm PDT

Finding Your Flock: Connecting Computer Science Educators Across Washington

Sunday August 2, 2026 3:00pm - 3:45pm PDT

Meeting Room # 1

What challenges are you facing in your computer science classes or program? What successes are worth sharing? This Birds of a Feather session brings together CTE and computer science educators for meaningful conversations about teaching, recruiting students, generative AI and emerging trends.
Participants will help shape the discussion topics, share experiences, and build connections with colleagues who understand the unique opportunities and challenges of computer science education. Come ready to contribute, exchange ideas, and leave with actionable strategies and a stronger professional network.
Computer Science, Esports, Cybersecurity, Video Game Dev, AI Fundamentals, etc. educators are all encouraged to attend

Speakers

Michelle Laskowski

Cybersecurity Instructor, Tacoma Public Schools

Beginning Fall 2026, Michelle will be teaching cybersecurity at the new Maritime 253 Skills Center in Tacoma, WA. Additionally, she serves as President of CSTA Washington. She is passionate about expanding equitable and meaningful CS education in addition to timeless professional... Read More →

Sunday August 2, 2026 3:00pm - 3:45pm PDT
Meeting Room # 1

Multiple Sections, STEM