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WA-ACTE 2026 Summer Conference
Venue: Meeting Room # 1 clear filter
Saturday, August 1
 

1:00pm PDT

WE-BAM Board Meeting
Saturday August 1, 2026 1:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Meeting Room # 1
The 2025-26 WE-BAM Board will meet to go over the annual agenda and work.  Agenda to be sent soon.
Speakers
avatar for Emily Wray

Emily Wray

Operations Director WE-BAM, WE-BAM
Saturday August 1, 2026 1:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Meeting Room # 1
  WE-BAM
 
Sunday, August 2
 

11:00am PDT

LIFESMARTS - Curriculum, State and National Competition and the GAME
Sunday August 2, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am PDT
Meeting Room # 1
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
avatar for Suzanne Klenk

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
avatar for Lyn Peters

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
avatar for Michelle Laskowski

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
 
Monday, August 3
 

11:00am PDT

OSPI HOT Updates in Mini-Sessions
Monday August 3, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am PDT
Meeting Room # 1
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
TP

Tracy Powell

CTE Program Supervisor, OSPI/CTE
To be submitted later.
Monday August 3, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am PDT
Meeting Room # 1
  Multiple Sections

1:00pm PDT

Digital Badges for Career Readiness: Validating Skills & Pathways in the Creative Economy Workforce
Monday August 3, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm PDT
Meeting Room # 1
Explore BRIC Digital Badges, industry-vetted credentials that help students communicate verified skills on resumes and professional profiles. Learn how to implement these badges in your program, understand the grading rubrics used by industry recruiters, and guide students through the submission process. Discover how badges across animation, VFX, sound design, production management, and more connect classroom learning to authentic creative economy pathways and career-ready employment.
Speakers
avatar for Darlene Edouard

Darlene Edouard

Director of Education, BRIC Foundation
Dr. Darlene Mortel Edouard is a dedicated creative professional committed to enhancing representation and equity in the entertainment industry. She currently serves as the Director of Education at the BRIC Foundation, where she works to increase diversity in the entertainment and... Read More →
avatar for Nicole Hendrix

Nicole Hendrix

Executive Director, BRIC Foundation
Nicole Hendrix is a four-time Emmy-winning Producer and Creative Director. With a multi-disciplinary background, Nicole has used storytelling as the main ingredient in her successful campaigns that span across television, games, live events, and film. She is currently working as a... Read More →
Monday August 3, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm PDT
Meeting Room # 1
  Multiple Sections

2:00pm PDT

Work Shop Maintenance & Safety Training
Monday August 3, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm PDT
Meeting Room # 1
Power Tool Repair Services is a factory-authorized provider of industrial power tool repair, preventative maintenance, CTE shop assessments, and shop renovation services for schools across Washington State.


PTRS helps Career and Technical Education programs maintain safe, functional, instruction-ready shop environments through onsite repairs, safety assessments, equipment maintenance, STEM tool support, dust collection improvements, workflow upgrades, and custom shop renovations aligned with Washington safety and compliance standards.


• Overview of PTRS Mobile Services
• Review of Tool Maintenance & Repair
• Importance of Safety & Code Compliance
• Shop Cleanliness and Organization
• Monthly Inspection Form, Proactive Shop Awareness
• PTRS Annual Service & CTE Assessments
Speakers
avatar for Morgan J Richards

Morgan J Richards

Journeyman Millwright, Power Tool Repair Services
Power Tool Repair Services is a factory-authorized service provider specializing in industrial power tool repair, preventative maintenance, CTE shop assessments, and shop renovation services. Serving schools across Washington State, PTRS helps Career and Technical Education programs maintain safe, functional... Read More →
Monday August 3, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm PDT
Meeting Room # 1
  WITEA

4:00pm PDT

CTE as a Literacy Bridge: Integrating Career and Technical Education to Support Language Acquisition and Academic Success
Monday August 3, 2026 4:00pm - 4:45pm PDT
Meeting Room # 1
This session explores how Career and Technical Education serves as a powerful wraparound service for literacy and language acquisition, particularly for multilingual learners, struggling readers, and students requiring inclusive support. Participants will examine authentic CTE frameworks that embed reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills within hands-on technical contexts, making academic content more accessible and relevant. The presentation demonstrates how project-based CTE instruction naturally scaffolds language development while building career readiness, creating multiple pathways for students to demonstrate competency and gain confidence in their academic abilities.
Speakers
avatar for Dr. Sarah Clark

Dr. Sarah Clark

Assistant Principal, Thomas Jefferson High School/ Federal Way Public Schools
Dr. Sarah Clark is an assistant principal serving in the Federal Way Public Schools district. She has experience teaching at the elementary, middle, and high school levels in Tacoma and at the Muckleshoot Tribal School, with a strong emphasis on intervention and foundational skills... Read More →
Monday August 3, 2026 4:00pm - 4:45pm PDT
Meeting Room # 1
  Multiple Sections, CCDEI
 
Tuesday, August 4
 

9:00am PDT

Equity at Sea: Expanding Access to Maritime Career and Technical Education Through Strategic Partnerships
Tuesday August 4, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am PDT
Meeting Room # 1
This session highlights a proven, strategic model for expanding access to high-quality Maritime Career and Technical Education (CTE) experiences for underrepresented youth. Through the “Equity at Sea” program at Sound Experience, students engage in immersive, hands-on maritime learning that integrates STEM, environmental science, and workforce development aboard the historic schooner Adventuress.Participants will explore how strategic partnerships with community-based organizations, workforce agencies, and schools can reduce barriers to participation and create meaningful pathways into maritime and environmental careers. This session will provide practical strategies for designing inclusive Maritime CTE programs, building sustainable partnerships, and aligning experiential learning with High School and Beyond Plans.Attendees will leave with actionable frameworks to replicate similar access-driven, maritime career-connected learning opportunities.
Speakers
avatar for Richard Lauridsen

Richard Lauridsen

Partnership Director, Sound Experience
As Partnership Director for Sound Experience and the historic schooner Adventuress, Richard collaborates with schools, community nonprofits, local governments, workforce organizations and tribal organizations to design inclusive, mission-aligned programs across the Salish Sea. His work focuses on expanding access to maritime education and creating pathways for... Read More →
Tuesday August 4, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am PDT
Meeting Room # 1
  WITEA, STEM

10:00am PDT

From Blank Framework to Standards-Aligned Framework: Using AI in CTE
Tuesday August 4, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am PDT
Meeting Room # 1
Learn how to leverage both free and paid AI tools to move from a blank framework to a fully developed, standards-aligned CTE framework with greater speed, consistency, and confidence. This hands-on session shares real prompts, workflows, and strategies for framework writing, pathway alignment, curriculum development, and program planning while maintaining alignment to state standards and workforce needs. These same strategies have also supported grant writing and program expansion efforts. Be sure to bring a device for guided, real-time application.
Speakers
avatar for Scott Sandberg

Scott Sandberg

CTE Coordinator, Ephrata School District
Scott Sandberg is a CTE Coordinator and Business, Technology and Engineering teacher in Ephrata School District. A PLTW Master Teacher and AI Certified educator, he collaborates with OSPI, PLTW, and education and industry stakeholders to develop scalable, standards-aligned CTE frameworks... Read More →
Tuesday August 4, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am PDT
Meeting Room # 1
  WITEA

11:00am PDT

Cardboard Arcades: Creativity, Engineering, and Engagement
Tuesday August 4, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am PDT
Meeting Room # 1
In this hands-on session, participants will explore how cardboard arcade projects can spark creativity, collaboration, engineering thinking, and student engagement in STEM and CTE classrooms. Attendees will learn strategies for launching and managing a cardboard arcade design challenge, explore student examples and classroom resources, and participate in a mini cardboard design activity using simple materials and Makedo tools. Participants will leave with adaptable ideas and resources ready for classroom use.
Speakers
avatar for Rena Clark

Rena Clark

CTE STEM Facilitator, Renton School District
Rena Clark is currently a middle school CTE and STEM teacher and soon-to-be STEM Teaching and Learning Specialist in the Renton School District. She has nearly 20 years of experience as a teacher, instructional coach, district facilitator, and STEM leader. Rena teaches Game Design... Read More →
Tuesday August 4, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am PDT
Meeting Room # 1
  Multiple Sections, STEM

2:00pm PDT

FREE Industry Certifications...With my Library Card?
Tuesday August 4, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm PDT
Meeting Room # 1
Your students and staff can now access free self-paced courses, practice tests, exam vouchers and proctoring, ALL FREE with thier local or state library card!  Learn about the state library's free certification program, and how easy it is for your students and staff to access these free resources through https://wsl.infojinicloud.com.  We'll cover the program, the website, and partnership opportunities!  This is for instructors, program managers, career counselors, directors, and community partners.
Speakers
avatar for Joyce Abbott

Joyce Abbott

Workforce Development Librarian, Washington State Library - Statewide
Joyce works at the intersection of workforce development, digital equity, and public service.  As the workforce development librarian for the Washington State Library, she supports libraries, community orgs, nonprofits and local government in connecting learners with resources that... Read More →
Tuesday August 4, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm PDT
Meeting Room # 1
  Multiple Sections
 
Wednesday, August 5
 

9:00am PDT

Beyond the Club: Embedding HOSA into Everyday Instruction
Wednesday August 5, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am PDT
Meeting Room # 1
Transform HOSA from an extracurricular activity into a powerful instructional tool. In this interactive session, educators will explore how to incorporate HOSA competitions, projects, and resources into daily classroom practice. Attendees will leave with practical examples, rubrics, and strategies to support student learning across health science pathways including sports medicine, nursing, and allied health.
Speakers
WC

Whitney Champlin

CTE Instructor, Athletic Trainer, Union High School - Evergreen Public Schools
Whitney is a high school sports medicine and health sciences teacher and athletic trainer dedicated to preparing students for careers in healthcare. In addition to teaching, Whitney is an active advisor for HOSA, guiding students in developing essential skills and pursuing postsecondary... Read More →
Wednesday August 5, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am PDT
Meeting Room # 1
  HSCTE

10:00am PDT

From BACE to Beyond: Industry-Aligned Biotech Credentials to Strengthen Career Pathways
Wednesday August 5, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am PDT
Meeting Room # 1
The Biotechnology Aptitude and Competency Exam (BACE) serves as a base, with a framework supported by bioscience industry standards for career-ready talent. Building on the validated BACE credential, new credentials aligned with high-demand workforce needs have been developed to expand bioscience career options. This session will share credential design strategies and provide industry insights on technician-level talent. We invite educators, administrators, counselors, and industry partners to explore how industry hiring needs and credentialing models intersect to shape career pathway ecosystems.
Speakers
avatar for Tamara Mandell

Tamara Mandell

Director, University of Florida, Biotility
Tamara Mandell, M.Ed., serves as Director of Biotility at the University of Florida (UF Biotility), where she leads national efforts to build a skilled, future ready bioscience workforce. Applying more than a decade of combined academic research and industrial biotechnology experience... Read More →
Wednesday August 5, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am PDT
Meeting Room # 1
  WITEA

11:00am PDT

Effect of vocational retraining alignment on injured workers’ motivation and well-being, and its application to Career and Technical Education in Washington State
Wednesday August 5, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am PDT
Meeting Room # 1
This session explores the impact of choice in vocational retraining on the motivation and well-being of injured workers who are forced to switch careers due to a workplace injury. Research conducted on the subject will be presented along with the findings. The results and data will then be generalized to what role choice can have in the motivation and well-being of students with Washington state Career and Technical Education programs, and how this consideration can be used in future curriculum and program planning.
Speakers
avatar for Jantz Garza, PhD

Jantz Garza, PhD

Teacher, Kennewick School District
Jantz Garza is a middle school teacher in Kennewick, Washington, who teaches STEM Exploration. Jantz has completed Concordia University Wisconsin’s Doctor of Philosophy in Leadership in Innovation and Continuous Improvement program. His research explored the motivation and well-being... Read More →
Wednesday August 5, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am PDT
Meeting Room # 1
  WA-CCER, CCDEI
 
WA-ACTE 2026 Summer Conference
From $21.37

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