WA-ACTE 2026 Summer Conference

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11:00am PDT

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

QTIP, "quit taking it personally". Focused on understanding students personalities to help keep yourself present in the classroom with practical suggestions on avoiding burnout.

Speakers

Abigail Higgins

Instructor, Bremerton School District

I am a Cosmetology instructor at West Sound Technical Skills Center. I've been in the beauty industry for 12 years and have held my instructors license since 2022. I enjoy bringing the side of connection and understanding into the classroom while still maintaining strong expectations... Read More →

Tuesday August 4, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am PDT
Maple Ballroom

WA-FACSE, CCDEI

12:00pm PDT

WA-FACSE Awards Luncheon

Tuesday August 4, 2026 12:00pm - 2:00pm PDT

Cedar Ballroom

Awards Luncheon

Speakers

Cassie Mueller

Career Counselor, Puyallup School District

WA-FACS members

Tuesday August 4, 2026 12:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Cedar Ballroom

WA-FACSE

2:00pm PDT

Building a Careers in Education Pathway: From Classroom to College Credit

Tuesday August 4, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm PDT

Meeting Room # 4

This session offers a practical, experience-based look at designing and sustaining a Careers in Education (Teaching Academy) course within a public high school setting. The presentation walks through the essential components of creating an engaging and sustainable program that prepares students for future roles in education.Attendees will explore how to structure a semester-long course that blends teaching theory with hands-on experience. Key topics include building a relevant and student-centered curriculum, aligning with state CTE standards, and scaffolding skills such as lesson planning, classroom management, and professionalism.One focus of the session will be establishing meaningful partnerships with higher education institutions, including how to collaborate with Central Washington University to offer dual credit opportunities. Personal experience will be shared on navigating articulation agreements, aligning coursework with college expectations, and supporting students through the credit-earning process.The presentation will cover how to develop and manage student practicums. This includes strategies for placing students in elementary and intermediate school classrooms, coordinating with mentor teachers, setting clear expectations, and ensuring that field experiences are both structured and impactful.In addition, participants will gain insight into common challenges and proven strategies through a candid discussion of “dos and don’ts.” Topics include recruitment for the class, managing logistics, building strong school partnerships, and avoiding pitfalls such as inconsistent placements or unclear communication with stakeholders.

Speakers

Shawn C Gaspaire

CTE Instructor: Coaching Academy - Teaching Academy - Family Health - Psychology, Curtis High School / UPSD 83

With over two decades of experience in education, coaching, and entrepreneurship, I bring a well-rounded, real-world perspective to everything I do. I spent 23 years teaching high school students, leading courses in English (grades 10–12), Creative Writing, Journalism, Public Speaking... Read More →

Tuesday August 4, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm PDT
Meeting Room # 4

WA-FACSE