ACTE's National Work-Based Learning Conference 2026

This workshop will explain various ways Teacher Preparation and Early Childhood Education instructors can place their students into early childhood, elementary, and middle school classrooms for hands-on training. We will explore ways to embed practicum experiences in classrooms at various ages and grade levels and with specialists such as speech therapists, occupational therapists, and family consumer science, art, music, and physical education teachers. Attendees will learn about the effectiveness of paired placements.  We will discuss ways for students to collaborate with cooperating teachers to create, implement, and reflect on lessons.  Participants will leave with a toolbox of strategies that they can use to build high-quality grow-your-own (GYO) and CTE Education and training programs. 

Leadership extends beyond a title—it’s a mindset, shaping how we approach both life and work. Effectively guiding and influencing others, regardless of your role, requires internal maturity and resilience. In this insightful session, Hans Meeder—author, speaker, entrepreneur, and former U.S. Department of Education official—will explore the fundamental principles of self-leadership and personal growth. Through interactive discussions, participants will gain valuable insights to strengthen their ability to lead others through change.
No matter where you are in your career or leadership journey, this session will provide practical, actionable strategies to support your ongoing growth and success.

Come learn about the strategies used in Henrico County Public Schools to grow effective business partnerships using the "a handshake, not a handout" model.  Take a deep dive into how students enrolled in trades-related programs built a 48,000-square-foot school inside an existing mall. This case study demonstrates ways to build relationships with key business partners while offering over 600 work-based learning experiences to students in commercial construction.  This opportunity allowed for long-lasting relationships to be established between the school division and business partners, as well as between the students and business partners.  Get ready to explore how to grow partnerships into much more than a one-time request.

Discover how registered apprenticeships can launch high school students into successful careers while addressing critical labor shortages. This session is perfect for CTE teachers, counselors, administrators, and workforce partners seeking real-world strategies to connect classrooms with careers. Through interactive discussion, participants will learn how Jefferson County Schools in Alabama partnered with Southland Transportation Group, a leading dealer and servicer of International diesel trucks and equipment, to bridge the gap and address the need for diesel mechanics.  Participants will leave with success stories and ready-to-use tools—including templates, planning guides, and resource links—to strengthen or start apprenticeship programs in their own schools and communities.

Discover how Teen Court provides students with real-world legal experience while developing critical skills like public speaking, leadership, and collaboration. This session will show attendees how to implement or enhance Teen Court programs as a high-impact work-based learning opportunity in Law and Public Safety education. Teen Court is a student-led program where young people serve as attorneys, jurors, and judges for real cases involving their peers, giving students hands-on experience in the justice system.
Attendees will explore practical strategies to connect Teen Court to curriculum goals, track meaningful student outcomes, and engage students in authentic, career-ready experiences. The session includes interactive discussions, real case examples, and hands-on activities that simulate courtroom roles.
By the end, attendees will leave with actionable tools to bring Teen Court into their programs and prepare tomorrow’s justice leaders.