WA-ACTE 2026 Summer Conference

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11:00am PDT

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

Join the OSPI Program Supervisors for a fast-paced mini-session covering the latest OSPI updates that impact your CTE programs. Whether you're a CTE veteran or new to the field, these sessions are designed to get you up to speed quickly and confidently. Same great content with discussion on improved Verification Reports, Career Clusters & CIP codes, plus a roundup of improved resources and support tools available to you.

Come with questions, leave with answers (and maybe a few action items for Monday morning). Hope you're optimistic about all the updates — because staying current takes a little tenacity, and we've got you covered.

Speakers

Holli Ryan-Kalaleh

Program Supervisor, Career Technical Education, Washington OSPI

Holli Kalaleh serves as a Program Supervisor at the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). In partnership with Washington educators, CTSOs, and industry experts, her work focuses on transformative processes and programs that encourage innovation in career skills... Read More →

Monday August 3, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am PDT
Cedar Ballroom

Multiple Sections

1:00pm PDT

Building Tenacity: A Deeper Dive into The Energy Map

Monday August 3, 2026 1:00pm - 2:45pm PDT

Cedar Ballroom

The breakout session provides an applied and interactive deep dive into The Energy Map
introduced in Monday’s keynote. Participants will explore the five energy levels in greater
depth, learning how to recognize patterns of helplessness, tension, ownership, servant
leadership, and collective commitment within themselves and their organizations. Through
guided reflection and collaborative discussion, attendees will examine real-world
leadership scenarios and practice shifting from reactive responses to intentional
ownership. This session moves beyond inspiration into practical strategy, equipping
leaders with concrete tools to sustain momentum, navigate pressure, and build cultures
rooted in accountability and resilience. Participants will leave with clarity, confidence, and
actionable steps to strengthen tenacity within their teams and institutions.

Speakers

Niki Spears

Business Owner, Culture Cre8ion

Niki Spears is an educator, keynote speaker, entrepreneur, and culture strategist passionate about helping people and organizations transform the way they think, lead, and work together. A former school principal and the founder of Culture Cre8ion, Niki has spent years empowering educators, leaders, and teams through powerful conversations centered on mindset, self-awareness, ownership, and culture transformation.Known for her high-energy storytelling and practical leadership strategies, Niki challenges audiences to recognize... Read More →

Monday August 3, 2026 1:00pm - 2:45pm PDT
Cedar Ballroom

Multiple Sections

3:00pm PDT

New CTE Director Resources

Monday August 3, 2026 3:00pm - 3:45pm PDT

Cedar Ballroom

Welcome new CTE Administrators! This session introduces you to the CTE team, key agency contacts, and essential resources to support your leadership journey. We'll wrap up with a Q&A to answer your questions and help you get connected.

Speakers

Krista Fox

Director of CTE, OSPI

Krista Fox, Ed.D. serves as Director of Career and Technical Education (CTE) at OSPI, leading statewide efforts to strengthen CTE programs, career-connected learning, and student opportunities across Washington.

Kari Morgan

Associate Director of CTE

Kari Morgan is the Associate Director of Career Technical Education and has been in K-12 education for over 14 years. Kari has served as a skills center registrar, a CTE Business and Marketing teacher, and a district CTE Director. Prior to her career in education, she worked in the... Read More →

Monday August 3, 2026 3:00pm - 3:45pm PDT
Cedar Ballroom

Multiple Sections

4:00pm PDT

OSPI Statewide Update: Policy, Priorities, and What's Ahead

Monday August 3, 2026 4:00pm - 4:45pm PDT

Cedar Ballroom

Join OSPI staff for a high-level update on agency priorities, initiatives, and topics relevant to Career and Technical Education and our K12 system. This session will provide opportunities for questions, discussion, and feedback, allowing participants to share how OSPI can best support CTE programs and the broader education system through effective communication, technical assistance, and customer service.

Speakers

Clarisse Leong

Director of Operations, Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

Clarisse serves as the Director of Operations in the Pathway and Preparation Division at OSPI.

Becky Wallace

Assistant Superintendent, Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

Becky serves as the Assistant Superintendent of Pathway Preparation and Title Programs at OSPI. The Pathway Preparation and Title Programs division supports providing students with access to challenging coursework, a tailored secondary educational experience, and pathways to graduation... Read More →

Monday August 3, 2026 4:00pm - 4:45pm PDT
Cedar Ballroom

Multiple Sections