Name: Opening General Session
Start: 2026-04-30T08:00:00-0400
End: 2026-04-30T09:30:00-0400

Thursday April 30, 2026 8:00am - 9:30am EDT

Hosted by Matt Kirchner of the Tech Ed Podcast, this panel brings together perspectives from education, industry, and student leadership. Kathryn Dacier of Davies Career & Technical High School, William Barber of General Dynamics Electric Boat, and Kadence Agin, Rhode Island SkillsUSA State Officer President, share how work-based learning builds career-ready pipelines — and what it looks like from the classroom, the shop floor, and the student's seat.

Speakers

Katherine Sutton

Matt Kirchner

President

Matt Kirchner (pronounced “Kirk-ner”) is an international speaker, author and podcast host on topics of interest to educators, public policy makers and private employers. On a mission to secure the American Dream for the next generation of STEM and Workforce talent, Kirchner hosts... Read More →

Kathryn Dacier

Career Coordinator, Davies Career & Technical High School

Kathryn Dacier is a Career Coordinator who specializes in connecting education to industry through results-driven career readiness programs. She leads initiatives that give high school students meaningful real-world experiences. Her work centers on workforce development, employability... Read More →

Kadence Agin

Thursday April 30, 2026 8:00am - 9:30am EDT
Ballroom A-E 1 Sabin St, Providence, RI 02903

General Session

ACTE's National Work-Based Learning Conference 2026

Katherine Sutton

Matt Kirchner

Kathryn Dacier

Kadence Agin

Attendees (544)

Get help with the event

ACTE's National Work-Based Learning Conference 2026

Katherine Sutton

Matt Kirchner

Kathryn Dacier

Kadence Agin

Attendees (544)

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