WA-ACTE 2026 Summer Conference

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9:00am PDT

Equity in Arts Education: Data-Driven Insights

Tuesday August 4, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am PDT

The intersection of CTE and Arts Education looked very different in 2009 when Washington last collected statewide data on arts education access.In 2019, OSPI, ArtsEd Washington, Inspire Washington, ArtsWA, and The Creative Advantage identified the need for a statewide focus on arts education and equity, and informally began building the Arts4All coalition. In 2025, Arts4All distributed a long-overdue “State of the Arts” survey which was completed by nearly 300 Washington State principals. This session will explore trends, strengths, and gaps according to statewide data sets, including the 2025 “State of the Arts” survey. Participants will also have the opportunity to ask questions, discuss potential next steps, and explore arts-focused resources with leaders at the helm of arts education advocacy--ArtsEd Washington, Inspire Washington, and the Washington State Arts Commission (ArtsWA). Together, we will find "Hope, Optimism and Tenacity" in the recent data surrounding CTE and Arts Education!

Speakers

Miranda Leigh Hein

Executive Director, ArtsEd Washington

After growing up in Moses Lake and moving to Spokane as a first-gen college student, Miranda earned a Bachelors, Masters, and National Board Certification. She became a teacher to provide confidence-building arts experiences for students that might not otherwise have arts access... Read More →

Tamar Krames

Arts in Education (AIE) Program Manager, Washington State Arts Commission (ArtsWA)

Tamar Krames is an arts administrator, a practicing multimedia artist, and a National Board-Certified teacher. As Arts in Education (AIE) Program Manager, she oversees grants and collaborative projects that support the creative practices of youth and educators with a focus on equitable... Read More →

Tuesday August 4, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am PDT
Meeting Room # 4

Multiple Sections

11:00am PDT

SchooLinks for the CTE Classroom

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

Meeting Room # 4

Did you know SchooLinks—Washington's statewide High School and Beyond Plan platform—includes powerful career exploration tools you can use directly in your CTE classroom? This hands-on session will show you how to leverage SchooLinks to lead engaging career and college research activities that deepen student learning and connect to your curriculum. You'll leave with ready-to-use strategies, sample lessons, and confidence to maximize this free resource in your classroom.

Speakers

Marcy Proctor

Career Connected Learning Coordinator, Tumwater School District

Hey folks, I’m Marcy, and I care about helping other people succeed. I love my career as a college and career readiness professional, and I am deeply passionate about providing opportunities for young people to explore and plan pathways to family wage careers. My winding career... Read More →

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

Multiple Sections

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

3:00pm PDT

The Coaching Academy: Building a Careers in Education Course for Coaches

Tuesday August 4, 2026 3:00pm - 3:30pm PDT

Meeting Room # 4

This session provides a practical, experience-based guide to designing and implementing a Coaching Academy course within a public high school setting., the presentation focuses on creating a dynamic program that prepares students for future roles in coaching, leadership, and sports management.Participants will explore how to structure a semester course that blends foundational coaching theory with real-world application. The session will highlight key curriculum components such as leadership development, communication skills, practice planning, sports psychology basics, ethics in coaching, and injury prevention. Emphasis will be placed on helping students understand the “why” behind effective coaching, not just the “how.”The session will also address how to build a sustainable program within the school system working collaboratively with athletic departments, and creating opportunities for students to take on leadership roles within their school community. And, how to utilize industry certifications to help build coaching knowledge. In addition, participants will benefit from a candid discussion of “dos and don’ts” when running a Coaching Academy. Topics include maintaining professionalism in student placements, avoiding liability issues, ensuring equitable opportunities across sports, and setting clear boundaries between student coaches and athletes.The presentation will conclude with an interactive “group think” segment, allowing attendees to collaborate, share ideas, and troubleshoot real-world challenges. A dedicated Q&A portion will provide time for participants to ask questions and walk away with actionable strategies tailored to their own programs.

Speakers