ACTE's National Work-Based Learning Conference 2026: Full Schedule

This session examines how Meridian Technology Center moved apprenticeship skeptics, including instructors, administrators, industry partners, and students, toward advocacy and support. Using real-life examples from multiple occupations, the session combines success stories with practical strategies to demonstrate how starting small, proving value, and then scaling can transform an institutional culture. Attendees will learn how relationships, partnerships, and persistence drive change, while also discovering how to apply these lessons to their own contexts.
Participants will benefit from insights into overcoming resistance, building trust, and highlighting measurable success in apprenticeship programs. The session will include short presentations, open discussion, and opportunities for attendees to reflect on their own challenges. Visual slides will feature before/after data points, employer and student feedback, and program growth. Attendees will leave with ideas and examples they can apply to gain buy-in within their classrooms, institutions, and communities.

Speakers

Jeramiah Reed

Apprenticeship Training Coordinator, Meridian Technology Center

Jeramiah Reed is Apprenticeship Training Coordinator at Meridian Technology Center. He develops and manages programs across the skilled trades, connecting employers and apprentices through industry-driven training. With experience in HVAC, teaching, and workforce development, he focuses... Read More →

Justin Siler

Director of Apprenticeship Training, Meridian Technology Center

Justin Siler is Director of Apprenticeship Training at Meridian Technology Center. He leads efforts to expand apprenticeship opportunities by aligning employers, educators, and workforce partners. A Gallup Certified Strengths Coach and first-generation college graduate, Justin is... Read More →

Friday May 1, 2026 9:15am - 10:15am EDT
555 AB 1 Sabin Street, Providence, RI

Concurrent Session

global Y

9:15am EDT

CANCELLED: From Intake to Impact: Six Steps to Student–Industry Projects

Friday May 1, 2026 9:15am - 10:15am EDT

556 A

Work-Based Learning thrives when industry and education collaborate with clarity, accountability, and purpose. This session introduces the Catalyst Project Process—a 6-step framework (Intake, Onboard, Action Plan, Manage, Evaluate, Celebrate) that equips educators and industry partners to co-create meaningful student projects. Drawing from real examples at the Davis Catalyst Center, we will show how this process builds student agency, ensures industry alignment, and creates replicable pathways for schools seeking to strengthen profession-based learning. Attendees will gain practical strategies for structuring student–industry partnerships, managing expectations, and embedding reflection and celebration into the experience. Participants will leave with tools to implement the framework in their classrooms, programs, or institutions.

Speakers

Natalie Stromberg

Business Development Coordinator, Davis School District

Natalie is the Business Development Coordinator at the Davis Catalyst Center where she works with industry partners to find real-world projects for students. Students develop professional skills as they take ownership of their future. Natalie is the project manager directing student... Read More →

Friday May 1, 2026 9:15am - 10:15am EDT
556 A 1 Sabin Street, Providence, RI

Concurrent Session

9:15am EDT

Navigating Together: Schools and Industry Aligned for Student Impact

Friday May 1, 2026 9:15am - 10:15am EDT

Ballroom A-E

In the Kansas City Metro Area, two distinct school systems created internship opportunities for students, aligned to the same vision of providing access to meaningful, professional experiences for their students.

This session will highlight how Liberty Public Schools and DeLaSalle Education Center have utilized Real World Learning to implement and scale internship experiences for students, with initial support from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation.

Join us to learn more about how Liberty Public Schools has grown their internship program from 25 students to 170 students in five years, while also significantly investing in the program with three full-time staff. This session will also provide a deep dive into how DeLaSalle bridges the gap between school and out of school time to provide safety for its most vulnerable students, along with an opportunity to learn-and-earn with local community partners.

Speakers

Crystal Everett

Program Leader - School Engagement, Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation

Crystal Everett brings nearly 15 years of experience in education and community engagement. As the Program Leader for the Kauffman Foundation, Crystal is deeply committed to advancing opportunities for local communities, with a focus on access and real world learning. In her previous... Read More →

April Fleming

Career Navigator, Liberty Public Schools

April Fleming currently serves as a Career Navigator for Liberty Public Schools, serving high school interns at both Liberty High School and Liberty North High School. She brings decades of classroom experience, along with coaching high school volleyball for 21 seasons to this role... Read More →

Sean Stalling

Executive Director, DeLaSalle Education Center

Sean Stalling currently serves as Executive Director at DeLaSalle Education Center, bringing decades of experience to education and serving students. He has previous experience as a principal and Chief of Schools for Chicago Public Schools and is committed to providing equitable... Read More →

Breona Ward

Director of College and Career Progressions, DeLaSalle Education Center

Breona Ward currently serves as the Director of College and Career Progressions at DeLaSalle Education Center in Kansas City. Within this role, she leads and manages the Block37 internship program. She has held numerous roles in the field of education, serving as a teacher and holding... Read More →

Dr. Sara Wickham

Director of Real World Learning, Liberty Public Schools

Dr. Wickham currently serves as the Director of Real World Learning in Liberty Public Schools. She has served in roles such as English Language Arts Teacher, Innovation and Learning Coach, and Assistant Principal at Liberty High School from 2006 - 2023. She most recently served as... Read More →

ACTE WBL Conference Final pptx

Friday May 1, 2026 9:15am - 10:15am EDT
Ballroom A-E 1 Sabin St, Providence, RI 02903

Concurrent Session

global Y

9:15am EDT

Rural Reach: Mastering Social Media & Marketing to Amplify WBL

Friday May 1, 2026 9:15am - 10:15am EDT

552 AB

This session highlights how a rural East Tennessee school district transformed a minimal Work-Based Learning (WBL) program into a vital community resource that helps local employers fill workforce gaps. Attendees will learn how a personalized, “one student at a time” approach with business partners has built strong relationships and meaningful student opportunities.
We’ll explore how strategic social media use and personal stories from teachers, students, and partners have boosted awareness and engagement for the WBL program. This practical session provides real-world examples and actionable strategies that educators can apply immediately, regardless of their setting.
Participants will take part in interactive discussions and hands-on activities via mobile devices, fostering collaboration. Attendees will also access our social media resources and tools to replicate effective marketing strategies. This session is ideal for educators and administrators aiming to grow and promote WBL programs while strengthening community partnerships.

Speakers

Jill Denton

CTE Counselor, Grainger County Schools

Jill Denton has 32 years of experience in Grainger County Schools, serving in roles such as special education teacher, 2nd grade teacher, and school counselor. She currently works as a Career and Technical Education Counselor, dedicated to helping students achieve their academic and... Read More →

Megan Harris

Library Media Specialist, Grainger County Schools

I serve as the Library Media Specialist at Grainger High School within the Grainger County School District. In this multifaceted role, I wear many hats—as the librarian, Niswonger and dual enrollment liaison, technology leader, and social media manager for both Grainger High School... Read More →

Amanda Johnson

CTE Counselor/ WBL Coordinator for Grainger County Schools, Grainger County School

Hello, friends! Greetings from Grainger County, a close-knit rural community in Eastern Tennessee. Born and raised here, I proudly served as a high school counselor for fourteen years before transitioning into what truly feels like my dream job in Career & Technical Education. For... Read More →

Friday May 1, 2026 9:15am - 10:15am EDT
552 AB 1 Sabin Street, Providence, RI

Concurrent Session

9:15am EDT

Scaling Apprenticeships: Innovating to Deliver on Investments

Friday May 1, 2026 9:15am - 10:15am EDT

554 AB

The uptake and placements of pre-apprenticeships and apprenticeships do not match the level of attention and investments made over the past decade. Across the US, communities are grappling with how to scale these opportunities to align with employer demand while providing needed support to students. It's clear, innovative new strategies are needed. In April 2026, Kaptivate hosted an Innovation Lab that brought together CTE educators, employers, workforce development leaders, community partners and students from across DC, Maryland, and Virginia.
Join us to learn about the Innovation Lab and the new approaches that emerged. Participate in a working session to translate identified actions to your local context and define what you'd need to scale these programs. Attendees will leave with concrete ideas they can test in their own communities and a clearer understanding of how innovation labs can accelerate collaborative workforce solutions.

Speakers

Jenn Stein

VP, Innovation & Workforce Strategies, Kaptivate

Excited to be here for my 3rd ACTE Work-Based Learning Conference!My work at Kaptivate sits at the intersection of open innovation, community activation, and workforce development. I get to work on some really fun initiatives, including the U.S. Department of Education’s Career... Read More →

Innovation Action Plan Template pdf

ACTE WBL Scaling Apprenticeships Jenn Stein 2026 5 1 pdf

Friday May 1, 2026 9:15am - 10:15am EDT
554 AB 1 Sabin Street, Providence, RI

Concurrent Session

global Y

9:15am EDT

Unlocking NC’s Work-Based Learning Manual: Supporting District Success

Friday May 1, 2026 9:15am - 10:15am EDT

553 AB

Discover how North Carolina brings its 140-page Work-Based Learning (WBL) Resource Manual to life across 115 school districts. The manual serves as a roadmap for building sustainable WBL systems, supporting multi-role educators, and guiding partnerships with employers and communities.
This session is ideal for state and district administrators, CTE/WBL coordinators, and educators overseeing career-connected learning. Participants will explore North Carolina’s statewide WBL vision and learn practical strategies for implementing quality WBL experiences, engaging employers, ensuring compliance, and evaluating program success.
Through a hands-on scavenger hunt, attendees will work in small groups to explore the manual’s six chapters, uncover key strategies, and discuss real-world applications.
Attendees will leave with actionable tools, including a slide deck, planning resources, and ideas for adapting North Carolina’s approach to their own districts or states. This session combines interactive activities, discussion, and practical resources to help participants strengthen WBL programs immediately.

Speakers

Jeanne Turner

Work-based Learning Consultant, North Carolina Department of Public Instruction

Jeanne Turner brings over 25 years of educational leadership experience and currently serves as North Carolina’s Work-based Learning Consultant. She leads initiatives that ensure work-based learning is meaningful, sustainable, and aligned with the state’s vision, while fostering... Read More →

Friday May 1, 2026 9:15am - 10:15am EDT
553 AB 1 Sabin Street, Providence, RI

Concurrent Session

global Y

9:15am EDT

Unlocking Potential, Empowering Communities: Rural Success Stories in Work-Based Learning

Friday May 1, 2026 9:15am - 10:15am EDT

550 AB

Discover how rural Montana and North Dakota are transforming education through work-based learning. Leave with practical strategies you can apply in any rural community. Does it get more rural than Montana and North Dakota?

This session will explore innovative and scalable work-based learning (WBL) strategies that have successfully strengthened rural communities in Montana and North Dakota. Attendees will gain practical insights into programs that prepare students for future careers, expand access in rural and remote areas, and connect classroom learning to real-world economic opportunities.
Participants will learn about Montana’s Work-Based Learning Collaborative and Data Dashboard, a comprehensive tool for tracking WBL activity statewide, as well as North Dakota’s development of virtual WBL options that broaden student access. The session will also showcase an Entrepreneurial WBL model designed to empower rural students to explore business ownership and contribute to local economic development. Additionally, attendees will examine the impact of teacher externships, which immerse educators in industry settings and help them bring real-world relevance back to their classrooms—often influencing 20 to 150 students per externship.
Educators, administrators, policymakers, and workforce development professionals seeking practical, adaptable strategies to strengthen WBL in their own rural communities will benefit from attendance. Through discussion, examples, and interactive Q&A, participants will explore ways to implement these strategies in their programs or institutions. Attendees will leave with actionable ideas, including how to leverage data tools, virtual learning options, entrepreneurial WBL models, and professional development through teacher externships to create inclusive, future-ready WBL systems.

Speakers

Jason Butcher

Outreach Director, Reach Higher Montana

Jason started working with Reach Higher Montana in May of 2020. He received his Bachelor’s Degree in Health Enhancement from Montana State University-Billings in 1991 and a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership, with a principal and superintendent endorsement in 1998 from... Read More →

Dawn Ulmer

Strategic Project Manager, North Dakota Career and Technical Education

Dawn Ulmer’s career reflects a lifelong passion for connecting people, purpose, and possibility. A graduate of Seattle Pacific University with a degree in Business Administration and Marketing, Dawn began her professional journey in finance and communications before answering... Read More →

ACTE WBL Conference 2026 Rural Success Stories in WBL pptx

Friday May 1, 2026 9:15am - 10:15am EDT
550 AB 1 Sabin Street, Providence, RI

Concurrent Session

global Y

9:15am EDT

Workforce Rx: Healing the Healthcare Talent Gap

Friday May 1, 2026 9:15am - 10:15am EDT

551 AB

As healthcare systems face growing labor shortages and an aging population, the prescription for a sustainable talent pipeline is clear: invest early, locally, and collaboratively. In this session, leaders from UW Health and local school districts will explore how an industry-driven regional approach to work-based learning is addressing critical gaps in healthcare talent development.
Attendees will gain insights into:

Wisconsin’s current workforce and demographic challenges — and why they demand urgent, coordinated action
The strategic rationale behind employer investment in youth and adult work-based learning, pre-apprenticeships, and registered apprenticeships
A technical overview of the design, implementation, and outcomes of programs spanning the work-based learning continuum
Real-world impact: how employers, educators, and learners are benefiting from this model

Whether you’re an employer, educator, or workforce development professional, this session offers a replicable framework and practical tools to build a stronger, more resilient talent pipeline — one that starts today and scales for tomorrow.

Speakers

Jenny Johnston

School to Career Coordinator, Verona Area School District

Marshall Behringer

Manager, Youth Apprenticeships, UW Health

Marshall Behringer, M.S. Ed, serves as the Youth Apprenticeships Manager for Allied Health Education and Career Pathways at the University of Wisconsin (UW) Health system in Madison, Wisconsin. Initially trained as a classroom educator, Marshall’s career has spanned education technology... Read More →

Greg Benz

CTE Coordinator, Monona Grove School District

Dr. Greg Benz is a seasoned educator and leader in Career and Technical Education (CTE), currently serving as the Career and Technical Education Coordinator at the Monona Grove School District outside Madison, Wisconsin. With over two decades of experience in secondary and post-secondary... Read More →

Greg Granberg

Career and Technical Education Coordinator, Sun Prairie Area School District

Greg Granberg, the Career and Technical Education Coordinator for the Sun Prairie Area School District, brings over two decades of educational leadership to his role. A dedicated advocate for preparing students for the ever-changing job market, Greg focuses on aligning curriculum... Read More →

Annie Johnston

Work-based Learning Coordinator, Madison Metropolitan School District

Annie Johnston is the Work-Based Learning Coordinator for the Madison Metropolitan School District in Wisconsin. When she is not working with partners or students in district-wide workforce development, she is enjoying downtime with her partner and 3 cats trying new foods and planning... Read More →

Bridgett Willey

Director, Allied Health Education & Career Pathways, UW Health

Bridgett Willey PhD, RT(R), RDMS, RDCS, RVT, FSDMS serves as the founder and Director for Allied Health Education and Career Pathways at the University of Wisconsin (UW) Health system in Madison, Wisconsin, and as adjunct clinical faculty at the UW-Madison School of Medicine and Public... Read More →

Friday May 1, 2026 9:15am - 10:15am EDT
551 AB 1 Sabin Street, Providence, RI

Concurrent Session

9:15am EDT

Smarter Approach to Tracking Work-Based Learning: Tools, Processes, Best Practices

Friday May 1, 2026 9:15am - 10:15am EDT

557

This session will highlight practical tools and strategies for streamlining processes, reducing administrative workload, and improving overall efficiency in managing work-based learning (WBL) programs, internships, and apprenticeships (autofilling documents with e-signatures, hour tracking, site visits, placement database, etc.). Participants will also hear directly from a school district about how they have strengthened their WBL programs through improved organization, better management practices, and easier access to placement data, while also receiving practical tips and advice from long-time WBL coordinators.

Speakers

Popy Graham

WBL Specialist, Hour Republic

Popy and her team have spent the past decade collaborating with work-based learning teachers. Their company, Charity Republic, started by supporting charities and non-profits, and naturally evolved into work-based learning through the development of their hour tracking and document... Read More →

Friday May 1, 2026 9:15am - 10:15am EDT
557 1 Sabin Street, Providence, RI

Sponsored Concurrent Session

9:15am EDT

Stukent CTE - Courses, Simternships, Certification Prep, & Certifications

Friday May 1, 2026 9:15am - 10:15am EDT

556 B

Stukent CTE provides access to world-class courseware, simulations, cert prep, and certifications. Business Content Areas: Business, Marketing, Entrepreneurship, Finance, & Accounting Agriculture Content Areas: Intro to Ag, AgBiz, Plant Science, Animal Science, Ag Mechanics, & Floral Design Hospitality Content Areas: Principles of Hospitality and Tourism Management, & Culinary Arts All CTE: Generative AI, Personal Finance, Career Readiness, & Public Speaking Courseware (Learn): Standards-based, interactive curriculum with full-year courses. The courses include lessons based on standards, video content from a group of young, diverse professionals, formative & summative assessments, projects, discussions, & exams (auto-graded). The platform also includes a bellringer video resource based on current events and case studies.Simternships (Simulate): Stukent CTE offers 15+ cutting-edge simulations, called Simternships, which give students hands-on learning, work-based experience, and robust application. Cert Prep (Practice): The platform also aligns with third-party Cert Prep offerings from Certiport and iCEV.Certifications (Certify): Stukent CTE offers 10+ Industry-Recognized Certifications that help teachers certify student understanding.
The Teacher Dashboard provides real-time measurement and monitoring tools, standards-based analytics, group management, tracking of student leader efficacy, and custom rubrics. The platform is fully integrated with Google Classroom, Canvas, Schoology, and MS Teams.

Speakers

Hayley Johnson

855-788-5863, Stukent CTE

Hayley serves as a Teacher Success Manager with Stukent CTE, where she is dedicated to making curriculum both effective and easy to implement. She especially enjoys partnering with educators to customize the platform to meet the unique and ever-evolving needs of their classrooms... Read More →

Friday May 1, 2026 9:15am - 10:15am EDT
556 B 1 Sabin Street, Providence, RI

Sponsored Concurrent Session

10:20am EDT

Break + Exhibitor Time

Friday May 1, 2026 10:20am - 10:45am EDT

Ballroom Prefunction

Friday May 1, 2026 10:20am - 10:45am EDT
Ballroom Prefunction 1 Sabin St, Providence, RI 02903

Break

10:45am EDT

Aligning Strengths to Opportunities: A Process for Personalizing Work-Based Learning

Friday May 1, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am EDT

552 AB

This session introduces a tested process for helping students identify and pursue Work-Based Learning (WBL) experiences that align with their strengths, interests, and goals. Drawing from classroom and district-level examples, presenters will demonstrate how structured career exploration supports equitable and meaningful student placement in internships, job shadows, and apprenticeships.

Designed for CTE educators, WBL coordinators, and career counselors, the session will engage participants in interactive activities, including mapping a student profile to potential WBL placements and discussing common challenges in matching students with opportunities. Attendees will leave with practical tools—reflection guides, planning templates, and student-ready activities—that can be immediately integrated into programs.

By the end of the session, participants will have both a replicable process and ready-to-use resources to enhance how their classrooms and institutions connect students to WBL experiences that fit.

Speakers

Bethany Orban Chew

Senior Director, The DeBruce Foundation

Bethany Orban Chew serves as a Senior Director at The DeBruce Foundation, focusing on partnership strategy and community engagement. She brings deep expertise in cross-sector collaboration, working to align employers, educators, and public agencies around scalable solutions that expand... Read More →

Cindy Schluckebier

Integration and Training Manager, The DeBruce Foundation

Cindy Schluckebier is an experienced educator and workforce innovator with a strong track record of helping students connect their classroom learning to real-world career opportunities. With more than a decade in education, Cindy designed and led CTE-aligned programs that integrated... Read More →

Friday May 1, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am EDT
552 AB 1 Sabin Street, Providence, RI

Concurrent Session

global Y

10:45am EDT

From Connection to Collaboration: Building Business Partnerships That Last

Friday May 1, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am EDT

555 AB

This session will equip teachers, coordinators, and administrators with practical tools for building and sustaining business partnerships that elevate Work-Based Learning and CTE pathways. We’ll focus on strategies for initiating relationships with employers, clearly communicating program needs, and establishing opportunities for business involvement—from internships and mentoring to classroom engagement and employment placements. Participants will engage in a brief partnership mapping exercise, practice effective communication approaches through role-play, and leave with a toolkit that includes templates, scripts, and planning resources. This session is ideal for educators who want to strengthen employer engagement but need efficient, actionable strategies that fit into busy schedules.

Speakers

Stacey Turner

Work-Based Learning Coordinator, Albertville City Schools

I am the Work-Based Learning Coordinator for Albertville City Schools in Alabama, where I support students at both Albertville High School and Albertville Innovation Academy. With over a decade of experience in Career & Technical Education, I focus on building strong industry partnerships... Read More →

Friday May 1, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am EDT
555 AB 1 Sabin Street, Providence, RI

Concurrent Session

global Y

10:45am EDT

From Start-Up to Standout: Building a Sustainable District-Wide Internship Program

Friday May 1, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am EDT

550 AB

This session will begin by engaging the audience in an in-depth look at the EBR Learn and Earn Internship Program through digital storytelling, providing a vivid example of how a pilot initiative can grow into a thriving district-wide model. Participants will explore the journey of developing, expanding, and sustaining a high school internship program that bridges education and workforce readiness. The presentation will highlight best practices in stakeholder engagement, funding strategies, program evaluation, and student support systems that ensure equitable access and long-term success. Attendees will gain actionable steps and templates for creating their own sustainable internship pipeline—one that not only prepares students for college and career success but also strengthens the local economy. This session is ideal for educators, workforce development professionals, and administrators eager to transform innovative ideas into impactful programs that deliver measurable results for students and communities.

Speakers

Dr. Ni'Shawn L. Stovall

Workforce Development Coordinator, East Baton Rouge Parish School System

Dr. Ni’Shawn L. Stovall, a native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, is a passionate educator and leader dedicated to advancing student achievement and workforce development. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education from Southern University and A&M College, a Master of... Read More →

2026 ACTE Presentation pdf

Friday May 1, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am EDT
550 AB 1 Sabin Street, Providence, RI

Concurrent Session

global Y

10:45am EDT

From Touchpoint to Career: DPS Career Exploration Initiatives for Pathway School Students

Friday May 1, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am EDT

551 AB

In this interactive session, participants get an inside view of Denver Public Schools Xplore Program and how we bring career exposure to students in alternative education settings (i.e. “Pathway Schools"). Pathway School students often face personal and systemic challenges that make traditional career development opportunities hard to access. Attend this session to learn how DPS leverages one program specialist to ensure access to work based learning for sixteen pathweay high schools.

Participants will gain strategies for starting a program from the ground up, steps for crafting uniquely curated events to meet student interests, and tips for specialized programming for students in the juvenile justice system. We will also discuss the benefit of stackable experiences that lead to a stronger career direction for students.

Speakers

Adam Arellano

Project Specialist, Denver Public Schools- Career Development Team

Adam Arellano is the Project Specialist for the Career and Development Team within Denver Public Schools (DPS). He works with 16 Pathway Schools—also known as alternative schools—supporting work-based learning and implementing career exploration opportunities for students. In... Read More →

Monica Schultz

Senior Manager of Career Navigation Services, Denver Public Schools- Career Development Team

Monica Schultz is a lifelong champion of youth empowerment and workforce development. She has dedicated nearly three decades to helping young people discover their passions, build confidence, and access the tools they need to thrive in an ever-changing world of work.As Senior Manager... Read More →

Friday May 1, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am EDT
551 AB 1 Sabin Street, Providence, RI

Concurrent Session

global Y

10:45am EDT

Give me TEN: A Business First Approach to Work-Based Learning

Friday May 1, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am EDT

556 A

Engaging businesses in work-based learning requires more than just offering internship opportunities—it demands a partnership that respects the realities of running a business. Schools often focus on educational outcomes, while businesses prioritize profitability and workflow. How can these two worlds align to create sustainable, meaningful partnerships?

Enter the Give Me TEN programs, a business-first approach to work-based learning. This innovative model flips the script, allowing businesses to dictate what they can realistically offer based on their job flow and profitability, while still providing students with valuable real-world experiences. By prioritizing business needs, the program ensures partnerships are practical, productive, and long-lasting.

Join us to explore how educators and administrators can simplify school-business relationships, engage local industries, and create work-based learning programs that truly work for everyone. Leave with actionable strategies to implement this forward-thinking approach in your own community.

Speakers

Sue Dickson

Founder/Program Coordinator, Give Me TEN

Sue Dickson is a dynamic leader in workforce development and skilled trades education. As the driving force behind the Give Me TEN program, Sue has been instrumental in bridging the gap between education and industry, connecting students with hands-on learning opportunities and real-world... Read More →

Friday May 1, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am EDT
556 A 1 Sabin Street, Providence, RI

Concurrent Session

global Y

10:45am EDT

Pre-Apprenticeships: Building the Future of Education Through Georgia’s Teacher Pipeline

Friday May 1, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am EDT

554 AB

This session explores the Georgia Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Program and its innovative approach to cultivating future educators through high school pre-apprenticeship pathways. Attendees will gain insight into the four foundational components of a successful pre-apprenticeship program and how these are being implemented across Georgia to address the growing demand for qualified teachers.
Participants will engage in an interactive “Game of Life” simulation to evaluate the program’s alignment with their district or institution’s goals. The session will also provide a step-by-step implementation guide, making it easy for attendees to replicate the model in their own school systems. Real student stories will highlight the transformative impact of early exposure to the education profession, illustrating how this initiative is shaping the next generation of teachers.

Speakers

Dr. Laura Ergle

College & Career Readiness Specialist, Georgia Department of Education - Office of Rural Education & Innovation

Laura Ergle has dedicated her career in education to preparing students to be college and career ready. She began her career as a CTE educator, then moved onto the Georgia Department of Education as a Program Specialist serving CTE teachers across the state. Upon completing... Read More →

Heather Finley

Teacher Recruitment & Retention, Georgia Department of Education - Office of Rural Education & Innovation

Heather Finley serves on the Georgia Department of Education’s Rural Education and Innovation Team as a Teacher Retention and Recruitment Specialist. In this role, she supports rural districts in developing sustainable strategies to attract and retain educators. Heather oversees... Read More →

WBL Presentation Cultivating Educators through Pre Apprenticeships GaDOE pdf

Friday May 1, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am EDT
554 AB 1 Sabin Street, Providence, RI

Concurrent Session

global Y

10:45am EDT

WBL Event Inspiring Girls to Pursue their Dreams

Friday May 1, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am EDT

553 AB

Weber School District hosted a one of a kind WBL career event called WOW (Women in the Workplace). Held at Weber State University, this student-led event featured 20 female business leaders thriving in traditionally male-dominated industries like law enforcement, marketing, and healthcare among others. Through interactive breakout sessions, these leaders shared their personal journeys—highlighting resilience, innovation, and the power of pursuing one’s passions. Over the course of the day, 1,000 7th grade girls were inspired to envision possibilities beyond barriers and dream bigger about their futures. This presentation will showcase how intentional collaboration between schools, universities, and community partners created a transformational experience for students, while providing strategies for replicating large-scale, high-impact events that spark confidence, broaden career horizons, and amplify women’s voices in the workforce. You will get a how-to guide and several other deliverables that will allow you to replicate a powerful event like this.

Speakers

Dr. Rod Belnap

CTE Director, Weber School District

Dr. Rod Belnap is the CTE Director in the Weber School District and is in his 31st year in education. He has a Bachelors Degree from Weber State University, his Masters degree from Utah State University, and a doctoral degree from the University of Utah. He is a charismatic, energetic... Read More →

Kyle Stanger

CTE Coordinator, Weber School District

Kyle Stanger is an experienced educator and industry professional specializing in career and technical education (CTE), with a B.S. in Business and Marketing Education Composite and an MBA with a financial focus. Passionate about CTE, he advocates for teachers and supports them with... Read More →

Friday May 1, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am EDT
553 AB 1 Sabin Street, Providence, RI

Concurrent Session

global Y

10:45am EDT

Networking Session

Friday May 1, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am EDT

Ballroom A-E

Friday May 1, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am EDT
Ballroom A-E 1 Sabin St, Providence, RI 02903

Networking Session

10:45am EDT

Fueling the Workforce Development Engine: Leveraging student aptitudes to ensure the best fit work-based experiences

Friday May 1, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am EDT

557

By first exposing your students to their aptitudes, their natural talents, you can ensure the best fit placements for their work-based experiences. In conjunction, you can use student aptitude data to help fuel your industry partners pipeline. Students receive opportunities based on careers and roles in which they're naturally more likely to thrive. Industry partners are getting opportunities with students that are aligned to their pathway. We'll help explore how this works in theory and in practice.

Speakers

Alex Palmer

Friday May 1, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am EDT
557 1 Sabin Street, Providence, RI

Sponsored Concurrent Session

10:45am EDT

Stronger Together: Building Regional WBL Programs Through District Collaboration

Friday May 1, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am EDT

556 B

A thriving Work-Based Learning (WBL) program depends on a strong network of local employers and meaningful opportunities for students. But building and sustaining that network can be challenging, especially when it’s one of many responsibilities on your plate. What could your WBL program achieve if you partnered more intentionally with neighboring districts and expanded your collective reach?

In this session, Xello and Susan Scott from Thompson School District share how inter-district collaboration can strengthen regional WBL ecosystems and expand opportunities for students, employers, and communities alike. By sharing resources, aligning goals, and coordinating outreach to local businesses and organizations, districts can work together to build a more connected and comprehensive approach to WBL.

Join us to explore practical strategies for collaborating across districts, strengthening employer partnerships, and creating a coordinated approach to expanding WBL opportunities throughout your region.

Speakers

Susan Scott

Business Community Coordinator, Thompson School District

I develop business and community partnerships for CTE and Work-Based Learning in Thompson School District. We utilize the Xello platform for our Career & College Readiness as well as Work-Based Learning. We are part of the NoCo K-12 WBL Collaborative which represents the school... Read More →

Madison Hendrick

Partnership Manager, Work-Based Learning, Xello

After years of working in nonprofit marketing and management, Madison has transitioned into the role of Partnership Manager, supporting the New Hampshire work-based learning network through Xello. By building connections with business partners across the state, Madi helps organizations... Read More →

2026 ACTE WBL Stronger Together Xello and NoCo pptx

Xello CCR Readiness Report 2026 27 pdf

Friday May 1, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am EDT
556 B 1 Sabin Street, Providence, RI

Sponsored Concurrent Session

11:00am EDT

Exhibitor Move-Out

Friday May 1, 2026 11:00am - 1:00pm EDT

Ballroom Prefunction

Friday May 1, 2026 11:00am - 1:00pm EDT
Ballroom Prefunction 1 Sabin St, Providence, RI 02903

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