WA-ACTE 2026 Summer Conference

arrow_back View All Dates

8:00am PDT

Breakfast

Monday August 3, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am PDT

Grand Ballroom A,B,C

Monday August 3, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am PDT
Grand Ballroom A,B,C

WA-ACTE Sessions

9:00am PDT

Hope. Opportunity. Tenacity: The Mindset That Shapes Futures

Monday August 3, 2026 9:00am - 11:00am PDT

Grand Ballroom A,B,C

This keynote ignites the conference by exploring how hope fuels possibility, how
opportunity is intentionally created, and how tenacity sustains progress in career and
technical education. Participants will be introduced to The Energy Map — a dynamic
framework that helps leaders recognize how their internal mindset influences external
outcomes. Through engaging storytelling and actionable insight, attendees will begin to
identify how stress, pressure, ownership, and leadership energy show up in their daily
work. This session challenges leaders to become more aware, more intentional, and more
resilient in how they respond to challenges. Participants will leave inspired and equipped
with a powerful lens for understanding how their energy shapes the futures of students and
teams.

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 →

Michelle Spenser

Executive Director, WA-ACTE

Michelle Spenser is the Executive Director of the Washington Association for Career and Technical Education (WA-ACTE). With a decade of classroom teaching under her belt and experience as a former OSPI Program Supervisor, Michelle is deeply committed to empowering educators and expanding opportun... Read More →

Monday August 3, 2026 9:00am - 11:00am PDT
Grand Ballroom A,B,C

WA-ACTE Sessions

9:00am PDT

Exhibitor Show Open

Monday August 3, 2026 9:00am - 5:00pm PDT

Grand Ballroom A,B,C

Monday August 3, 2026 9:00am - 5:00pm PDT
Grand Ballroom A,B,C

WA-ACTE Sessions

11:00am PDT

WA-ACTE Blood Drive

Monday August 3, 2026 11:00am - 2:30pm PDT

Grand Ballroom A,B,C

🩸 Be a Hero: The WA-ACTE Life-Saving Blood Drive!
Where: Outside the Eastside Doors of the Davenport (just past the Grand Ballrooms)

Goal: 15 Units of Life-Saving Blood (Let’s crush this target!)

Why Join? As career and technical educators, we spend every day shaping the future—but here is your chance to literally save a life between sessions! We are on a mission to collect 15 units of blood, and we need your help to get there. It only takes a few minutes to make an immeasurable impact.

Roll up your sleeves, show the incredible heart of the WA-ACTE community, and help us hit our goal!

📢 Stay Tuned! More details and official sign-up slots will be available closer to the event. Keep an eye on your inbox so you can lock in your preferred time!

Speakers

Jodi Jacobs

CTE Program Facilitator, Everett Public School

Jodi Jacobs, CTE Program Facilitator at Everett Public Schools, offers 20+ years' expertise spanning Business, Marketing, IT, and Family Sciences. Engaged with WAME and WA-ACTE, she champions CTE development. Armed with BS degrees in Administrative Management and Business Education... Read More →

Dottie Record

Teacher, Wapato School District

With three decades of classroom experience, Dottie Record has spent her career empowering students at PACE High School. Her work in Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) has spanned everything from culinary arts and financial literacy to applied math and digital tools. A firm believer... Read More →

Monday August 3, 2026 11:00am - 2:30pm PDT
Grand Ballroom A,B,C

WA-ACTE Sessions