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2026 Arkansas CTE Summer Conference has ended
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Tuesday, July 21
 

7:15am CDT

Registration
Tuesday July 21, 2026 7:15am - 8:15am CDT

Tuesday July 21, 2026 7:15am - 8:15am CDT
Saline County Career and Technical Campus 13600 I-30, Benton, AR 72015

8:30am CDT

General Session Part 1 - Opening, CTSO Greetings, Scholarships, Keynote Speaker
Tuesday July 21, 2026 8:30am - 10:30am CDT
We are excited to announce that Sandy Zimmerman will be joining us as the keynote speaker for the Arkansas ACTE Summer Conference!
Sandy is a nationally recognized educator, coach, and motivational speaker best known for her inspiring journey as a competitor on American Ninja Warrior. Her message of perseverance, leadership, and pushing past limits has inspired audiences across the country.

Presenters
KR

Katie Robertson

Past-President, Arkansas ACTE
MB

Molly Bennett

President, Arkansas ACTE

Tuesday July 21, 2026 8:30am - 10:30am CDT
Auditorium, SCCTC

9:00am CDT

CASE Briefcase - Ag-X (Intro to Agriculture Course/Middle School Ag Course)
Tuesday July 21, 2026 9:00am - 11:00am CDT
Teachers will leave this training certified to teach the CASE AgXplore course. Designed for middle school agriculture programs, AgXplore introduces students to the daily impact of agriculture through engaging, hands-on lessons and projects. Participants will explore curriculum topics including plants, natural resources, recycling, energy, animals, food systems, and agricultural careers. The course also incorporates laboratories, games, questioning activities, and Exploratory SAE project development to create an interactive and student-centered learning experience.

Presenters
avatar for Dr. Marsh

Dr. Marsh

Arkansas Tech University
Tuesday July 21, 2026 9:00am - 11:00am CDT
SCCTC Room C381

9:00am CDT

CASE Briefcase - Animal Health (CASE Vet Science certification)
Tuesday July 21, 2026 9:00am - 11:00am CDT
Animal Health and Veterinary Science (AHVS) is a semester-long program focused on inquiry-based learning and hands-on technical skill development in veterinary science. Students explore the factors that impact animal health while building essential skills in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment through interactive activities, projects, and real-world case studies. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and practical application, preparing students for success in animal health care and related career pathways.

Presenters
avatar for Dr. Marsh

Dr. Marsh

Arkansas Tech University
Tuesday July 21, 2026 9:00am - 11:00am CDT
SCCTC Room C381

10:30am CDT

General Session Part 2 - DCTE Updates with Director Ross White
Tuesday July 21, 2026 10:30am - 11:15am CDT
We are excited to announce that Sandy Zimmerman will be joining us as the keynote speaker for the Arkansas ACTE Summer Conference!
Sandy is a nationally recognized educator, coach, and motivational speaker best known for her inspiring journey as a competitor on American Ninja Warrior. Her message of perseverance, leadership, and pushing past limits has inspired audiences across the country.

Presenters
MB

Molly Bennett

President, Arkansas ACTE
KR

Katie Robertson

Past-President, Arkansas ACTE
RW

Ross White

Director, DCTE

Tuesday July 21, 2026 10:30am - 11:15am CDT
Auditorium, SCCTC

11:30am CDT

General Session Part 3 - Awards
Tuesday July 21, 2026 11:30am - 12:00pm CDT
We are excited to announce that Sandy Zimmerman will be joining us as the keynote speaker for the Arkansas ACTE Summer Conference!
Sandy is a nationally recognized educator, coach, and motivational speaker best known for her inspiring journey as a competitor on American Ninja Warrior. Her message of perseverance, leadership, and pushing past limits has inspired audiences across the country.

Presenters
JT

Jimmie Tucker

Awards Chair, ACTE
KR

Katie Robertson

Past-President, Arkansas ACTE
MB

Molly Bennett

President, Arkansas ACTE

Tuesday July 21, 2026 11:30am - 12:00pm CDT
Auditorium, SCCTC

12:00pm CDT

LUNCH
Tuesday July 21, 2026 12:00pm - 12:45pm CDT

Tuesday July 21, 2026 12:00pm - 12:45pm CDT
Saline County Career and Technical Campus 13600 I-30, Benton, AR 72015

1:00pm CDT

DECA Update
Tuesday July 21, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm CDT
CTSO Update for the 2026-2027 School Year
Presenters
Tuesday July 21, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm CDT
SCCTC Room C387

1:00pm CDT

Ed Rising Update
Tuesday July 21, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm CDT
CTSO Update for the 2026-2027 School Year
Presenters
Tuesday July 21, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm CDT
SCCTC Room A310

1:00pm CDT

FBLA Update
Tuesday July 21, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm CDT
CTSO Update for the 2026-2027 School Year
Presenters
Tuesday July 21, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm CDT
SCCTC Room C382

1:00pm CDT

FCCLA Update
Tuesday July 21, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm CDT
CTSO Update for the 2026-2027 School Year
Presenters
Tuesday July 21, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm CDT
SCCTC Room C386

1:00pm CDT

HOSA Update
Tuesday July 21, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm CDT
CTSO Update for the 2026-2027 School Year
Presenters
Tuesday July 21, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm CDT
SCCTC Room A126

1:00pm CDT

JAG Update
Tuesday July 21, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm CDT
CTSO Update for the 2026-2027 School Year
Presenters
Tuesday July 21, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm CDT
SCCTC Room A121

1:00pm CDT

SkillsUSA Update
Tuesday July 21, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm CDT
CTSO Update for the 2026-2027 School Year
Presenters
Tuesday July 21, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm CDT
SCCTC Room A333

1:00pm CDT

TSA Update
Tuesday July 21, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm CDT
CTSO Update for the 2026-2027 School Year
Presenters
Tuesday July 21, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm CDT
SCCTC Room A336

2:00pm CDT

3D Printing in Schools: Beyond the Hype, Real Results
Tuesday July 21, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm CDT
What does it actually take to make 3D printing work in a real classroom—not a highlight reel, not an idealized pilot program, but with real students, real budgets, and real time constraints? This session cuts through the hype and delivers the honest, classroom-tested knowledge educators need to build a program that lasts. Attendees will learn when 3D printing genuinely transforms learning and when it's just an expensive distraction, plus the foundational skills—materials, slicer settings, bed adhesion, and maintenance—that separate thriving programs from dusty printers in the corner. We'll also explore the exciting shift toward AI-assisted CoreXY systems and multi-toolhead printing that are reshaping what's possible in schools. And yes—we'll show how you can use 3D printing to raise real money for your STEM programs. Leave with practical strategies and information you can put to work immediately. 
Presenters
avatar for Michael Herren

Michael Herren

Computer Science / Robotics Teacher, Lake Hamilton Middle School
Tuesday July 21, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm CDT
SCCTC Room A110

2:00pm CDT

ArACTE Fellows: A Year in Reflection
Tuesday July 21, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm CDT
What have we been up to this past year? Come see all the fun, exciting things we learned and amazing connections we made.
Tuesday July 21, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm CDT
SCCTC Room A114

2:00pm CDT

Breaking Barriers, Building Nurses: How Partnerships Created a High School LPN Pipeline
Tuesday July 21, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm CDT
Learn how Little Rock School District’s Metropolitan Career Technical Center partnered with Baptist Health College of Little Rock, healthcare industry leaders, and community stakeholders to launch one of Central Arkansas’s first high school Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) programs. This session will highlight the strategies used to remove barriers for students, align secondary and postsecondary systems, secure funding, and create authentic healthcare experiences that prepare students for high-skill, high-wage careers.

Participants will explore lessons learned in program development, student recruitment, concurrent credit alignment, clinical experiences, and sustainability planning. Presenters will also share early outcomes from the inaugural cohort of graduates and discuss how cross-sector partnerships can strengthen the future healthcare workforce pipeline while expanding access and opportunity for students.
Presenters
avatar for Shameka Montgomery

Shameka Montgomery

Director of Career Education/Metropolitan Career Technical Center, Little Rock School District
For Shameka Montgomery, education isn't just a career, it’s a calling. As the Director of Career Education/Metropolitan Career Technical Center for LRSD, Shameka has spent over 28 years championing the idea that every student deserves a clear path to success.

Shameka has been instrumental in launching high-impact initiatives, most notably the Licensed Practical Nursing Program for high school students. Under her guidance, the inaugural cohort is set to achieve the historic milestone of graduating from both high school and nursing school... Read More →
Tuesday July 21, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm CDT
SCCTC Room A126

2:00pm CDT

Building Student Ownership Through Community Connections
Tuesday July 21, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm CDT
Creating a culture of student growth requires more than quality projects and activities. It starts with building student ownership of learning, strengthened through meaningful community engagement and support. For educators who are not members of the communities they serve or new to community projects, finding authentic connections can feel intimidating.

In this session, we will explore practical tools and strategies any classroom can use to leverage community relationships, promote student growth, and increase student ownership of learning.
Presenters
JB

Jason Blake

Director Of Training Services, EAST Initiative
Tuesday July 21, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm CDT
SCCTC Room A121

2:00pm CDT

Hospitality, Tourism, and Culinary Education
Tuesday July 21, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm CDT
Explore curriculum resources available to teachers utilizing nationally recognized certifications through the National Restaurant Association Education Foundation (NRAEF) and the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI). Participants will learn strategies for connecting students with industry professionals through guest speakers, internships, and work-based learning opportunities while gaining insight into career pathways and job opportunities within the hospitality industry. Leave with practical ideas and resources to strengthen your hospitality and tourism programs and create meaningful real-world experiences for students.
Exhibitors
avatar for Renee Jeffery Smith

Renee Jeffery Smith

Director of Education, Arkansas Hospitality Association
Culinary Arts, Nutrition, Hospitality and Tourism CurriculumMentors for StudentsGuest speakers for classes/demosField tripsScholarshipsInternshipsJobs
Tuesday July 21, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm CDT
SCCTC Room A333

2:00pm CDT

Leading Through Transformational Change: Building Systems, Culture, and Capacity
Tuesday July 21, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm CDT
Educational transformation requires more than new initiatives—it requires leaders who can build a shared vision, strengthen culture, and develop systems that create lasting impact. This session will explore practical strategies for leading teams through meaningful change by honoring current successes, creating collective ownership, and aligning people, programs, and resources toward a common purpose. Participants will examine how intentional leadership, clear communication, and a focus on continuous improvement can turn challenges into opportunities for innovation and growth. From shifting mindsets to sustaining momentum, transformational leadership is about developing people and building the capacity needed to move organizations forward.
Presenters
avatar for Justin Neel

Justin Neel

Principal, Caddo Hills Schools
Passionate and excited lead learner focused on bringing the real world into the classroom. I believe that strong community engagement fosters opportunities for student-focused learning.
Tuesday July 21, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm CDT
SCCTC Room A336

2:00pm CDT

Navigating Multiple Preps!
Tuesday July 21, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm CDT
Discover the secrets of finding a workload balance when you are faced with multiple preps in a school year. Teachers will learn how to cut down on planning time, make simple but effective substitute lesson plans, and discover classroom activities to keep students engaged. Participants will learn how to organize a course outline, assign materials to students from the outline and build effective assessments. Finally, the participants will experience sample activities and leave with ideas to tackle a busy classroom schedule.
Exhibitors
avatar for Lindi Kocher

Lindi Kocher

Executive Director, Cutting Edge Curriculum Inc.
Cutting Edge Curriculum is a not-for-profit corporation established by Agricultural Education advocates with a focus on curriculum development and delivery for Career & Technical Education (CTE) including Agricultural Education, Business, Family & Consumer Sciences, Health, and Industrial... Read More →
Tuesday July 21, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm CDT
SCCTC Room A317

2:00pm CDT

One Mission, Many Pathways: Connecting CTSOs to Strengthen CTE Programs
Tuesday July 21, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm CDT
Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs) are not extracurricular clubs—they are co-curricular organizations intentionally integrated into Career and Technical Education (CTE) to provide leadership development, technical skill application, career exploration, employability skills, and authentic workplace experiences. When CTSOs collaborate instead of operating independently, schools create stronger CTE programs, increase student engagement, strengthen industry partnerships, and provide more meaningful leadership opportunities for all students. This interactive workshop equips educators with practical strategies to build a collaborative CTSO culture that advances the shared mission of CTE and student success.
Presenters
JP

Jeana Parker

CTE Teacher, Alma High School

Tuesday July 21, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm CDT
SCCTC Room A310

2:00pm CDT

Teach More, Stress Less: Build Better CTE Curriculum with AI
Tuesday July 21, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm CDT
CTE teachers are being asked to do more than ever: align new standards, build engaging lessons, incorporate project-based learning, connect with local industry, and prepare students for certifications, all while continuing to teach every day.
Discover how Sage, an AI-powered curriculum development platform built specifically for CTE educators, helps teachers turn state standards, district priorities, and their own expertise into complete, classroom-ready curriculum in a fraction of the usual time. See how teachers can create pacing guides, lesson plans, projects, assessments, and authentic workplace learning experiences while staying in control of every instructional decision.
Whether you're a classroom teacher looking to reclaim your evenings or a district leader seeking greater curriculum consistency, you'll leave with practical ideas you can begin using immediately.
Bonus: Attend the session and you'll automatically be entered into our conference raffle. One lucky attendee will walk away with CASH during the conference's closing session!

Exhibitors
avatar for Phil Forrester

Phil Forrester

CTE Innovation Strategist, Sage Software for CTE
I work with school districts, educators, and industry leaders to explore how artificial intelligence can reduce teacher workload while strengthening career and technical education. My passion is helping educators spend less time building curriculum and more time engaging students... Read More →
avatar for Jonathan Sloan

Jonathan Sloan

Founder, Sage

Tuesday July 21, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm CDT
SCCTC Room A307

2:00pm CDT

Resiliency for All
Tuesday July 21, 2026 2:00pm - 3:45pm CDT
Resiliency for All is a two-hour course that prepares adults to build resiliency in themselves and in youth.  Resilience is defined by the capacity to withstand or recover quickly from difficulties.  It seems like we could all use a little more of that!  Have you ever wondered how to get more?  Do you tend to believe you either have resiliency…or you don’t?  This engaging course will open your eyes to all we can do for ourselves and those we serve.
(2 hours of PD)

  • Consider the four categories of resiliency and how to build more skills in each category.
  • Identify one healthy habit that you can bundle or stack.
  • Practice intentionally focusing on gratitude and optimism through scenario based activities.
  • Establish one social connection strategy that you will try this week.
  • Consider your current view on suffering and modify the view through reflection on the content.
  • Determine one strategy you can use to build resilience in a young person this week.

Presenters
avatar for Arkansas AWARE

Arkansas AWARE

Arkansas AWARE
Tuesday July 21, 2026 2:00pm - 3:45pm CDT
SCCTC Room A324

3:00pm CDT

Career Readiness
Tuesday July 21, 2026 3:00pm - 3:45pm CDT
Speak on soft skills development, workforce preparation and youth empowerment, assisting underserved youth, and rural and urban community development.
Presenters
avatar for Ada Brooks

Ada Brooks

CEO, Ada Brooks Consultant
Ada Brooks is the CEO of Ada Brooks Consulting (ABC), a faith‑driven career readiness organization serving underserved youth across Arkansas. With more than 25 years of Human Resources experience and an MBA, she specializes in workforce development, resume training, interview coaching... Read More →
Tuesday July 21, 2026 3:00pm - 3:45pm CDT
SCCTC Room A333

3:00pm CDT

Connecting Students to Industry Through Guaranteed Experiences
Tuesday July 21, 2026 3:00pm - 3:45pm CDT
Students in grades 9-12 are strategically connected to industry in meaningful ways to encourage deep college and career exploration that empowers students to select career pathways and to set goals for their futures. 
Presenters
avatar for Xerlotta Jones

Xerlotta Jones

Career & Technical Education Instructional Specialist, Little Rock School District - Career and Technical Education Department
With 34 years of service in the Little Rock School District, Xerlotta Jones has dedicated her career to preparing students for success. She spent 24 years as a Career and Technical Education (CTE) teacher at Little Rock Central High School before transitioning into her current position... Read More →
Tuesday July 21, 2026 3:00pm - 3:45pm CDT
SCCTC Room A336

3:00pm CDT

How to Enhance the Activities of Medical Detectives
Tuesday July 21, 2026 3:00pm - 3:45pm CDT
Project Lead the Way Gateway program for 6-8th grade has many activities in the curriculum. Many times these are dry and not very creative. My session would describe ways the teacher can enhance their instruction with different types of hands-on projects that can be done as a group, pairs or individually. 
Presenters
avatar for Tommie Campbell

Tommie Campbell

Medical Detectives Teacher, Lake Hamilton Middle School

Tuesday July 21, 2026 3:00pm - 3:45pm CDT
SCCTC Room A126

3:00pm CDT

Soybean Science Challenge
Tuesday July 21, 2026 3:00pm - 3:45pm CDT
The Soybean Science Challenge has engaged thousands of students and educators across the nation by connecting classroom science to real-world agricultural applications. This session will highlight how the program leverages a blended learning model that includes in-service teacher training, virtual field trips, classroom laboratory instruction, mentoring, and independent research opportunities. Attendees will explore how these experiences culminate in student participation in competitive science fairs, with opportunities for recognition and awards tied to soybean and agricultural research.
Presenters
KH

Keith Harris

Program Associate, University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture
Tuesday July 21, 2026 3:00pm - 3:45pm CDT
SCCTC Room A121

3:00pm CDT

Teach More, Stress Less: Build Better CTE Curriculum with AI
Tuesday July 21, 2026 3:00pm - 3:45pm CDT
CTE teachers are being asked to do more than ever: align new standards, build engaging lessons, incorporate project-based learning, connect with local industry, and prepare students for certifications, all while continuing to teach every day.
Discover how Sage, an AI-powered curriculum development platform built specifically for CTE educators, helps teachers turn state standards, district priorities, and their own expertise into complete, classroom-ready curriculum in a fraction of the usual time. See how teachers can create pacing guides, lesson plans, projects, assessments, and authentic workplace learning experiences while staying in control of every instructional decision.
Whether you're a classroom teacher looking to reclaim your evenings or a district leader seeking greater curriculum consistency, you'll leave with practical ideas you can begin using immediately.
Bonus: Attend the session and you'll automatically be entered into our conference raffle. One lucky attendee will walk away with CASH during the conference's closing session!

Exhibitors
avatar for Phil Forrester

Phil Forrester

CTE Innovation Strategist, Sage Software for CTE
I work with school districts, educators, and industry leaders to explore how artificial intelligence can reduce teacher workload while strengthening career and technical education. My passion is helping educators spend less time building curriculum and more time engaging students... Read More →
avatar for Jonathan Sloan

Jonathan Sloan

Founder, Sage

Tuesday July 21, 2026 3:00pm - 3:45pm CDT
SCCTC Room A114

3:00pm CDT

Verbal De-escalation / Emotional IntelligenceCTE Without Limits: Expanding Access Through Virtual Arkansas
Tuesday July 21, 2026 3:00pm - 3:45pm CDT
Training in diffusing situations or confrontations that have the potential to become violent. Learn to read body language and emotional mood swings of agitated individuals and techniques to deal with them. Learn about your own individual triggers or emotions might block you from being able to diffuse yourself or other during a high stress situation. 
Presenters
MA

Michael A. Brown

Criminal Justice Teacher, Academies of West Memphis
Tuesday July 21, 2026 3:00pm - 3:45pm CDT
SCCTC Room A317

3:00pm CDT

What I Wish Someone Had Told Me About Teaching CTE
Tuesday July 21, 2026 3:00pm - 3:45pm CDT
Whether you are new to CTE or simply looking for fresh ideas, this session will cover the practical side of teaching that often goes unspoken. Learn strategies for managing labs and hands-on classrooms, teaching professionalism and employability skills, building routines, balancing CTSOs, creating systems for organization, and navigating the many hats CTE teachers wear. Leave with actionable ideas and resources designed to make your job easier and your classroom stronger.
Presenters
avatar for Emily Geels

Emily Geels

Family & Consumer Science Teacher, Monticello High School
Tuesday July 21, 2026 3:00pm - 3:45pm CDT
SCCTC Room A310

6:00pm CDT

Social Event sponsored by iCEV with Comedian Devin Siebold - FREE
Tuesday July 21, 2026 6:00pm - 9:00pm CDT
Join us for a night of fun, networking and relaxation! Snacks and drinks provided! 
Presenters
JW

John Whitman

Executive Director, Arkansas ACTE

KR

Katie Robertson

Past-President, Arkansas ACTE
MB

Molly Bennett

President, Arkansas ACTE
Exhibitors
avatar for Steve Davis

Steve Davis

Territory Manager, iCEV
With iCEV, you have everything you need to equip learners with the real-world skills they need. This all-in-one CTE solution provides:
Comprehensive curriculum to teach more than 200 courses across 16 career clustersStandards-aligned prep materials to ready students for certification examsMultiple industry certifications hosted on the iCEV Testing PlatformSoftware to track, compile, and analyze critical student dataRoo... Read More →
Tuesday July 21, 2026 6:00pm - 9:00pm CDT
Enclave (112 E Ashley St., Benton, AR) 112 E Ashley St., Benton AR
 

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