2026 Arkansas CTE Summer Conference: Full Schedule

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

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

Breakout Session, FACS Division

3:00pm CDT

Career Readiness

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

SCCTC Room A333

Speak on soft skills development, workforce preparation and youth empowerment, assisting underserved youth, and rural and urban community development.

Presenters

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

Breakout Session, All CTE

8:00am CDT

Helping Arkansas Students Set and Achieve Their Post-Secondary Goals

Wednesday July 22, 2026 8:00am - 8:45am CDT

SCCTC Room A333

In this session, participants will learn how to motivate and prepare their students for
post-secondary success. Motivational strategies and activities will be modeled, as will
instructional strategies that have proven effective for teaching test-prep skills and
content. Participants will leave with practical, easy-to-implement, effective tools to
promote goal setting and post-secondary success.

Presenters

Jessica Flynt

Head Coach, Kids First Education

B.S. Secondary Education
M.A. Gifted Education
Ed.S. Educational Administration
Jessica has 24 years in education and is passionate about helping students reach their
post-secondary goals. She has experience in all grade levels and in the community
college setting. She is currently a... Read More →

Wednesday July 22, 2026 8:00am - 8:45am CDT
SCCTC Room A333

Breakout Session, All CTE

9:00am CDT

Helping Arkansas Students Set and Achieve Their Post-Secondary Goals (repeat)

Wednesday July 22, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am CDT

SCCTC Room A333

Presenters

Jessica Flynt

Head Coach, Kids First Education

Wednesday July 22, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am CDT
SCCTC Room A333

Breakout Session, All CTE

10:15am CDT

Postsecondary Education Division Business Meeting

Wednesday July 22, 2026 10:15am - 11:00am CDT

SCCTC Room A333

Join your Administration Division fellow members to important information about your division and to elect a new division VP if needed.

Presenters

Starlinda Sanders

Division VP, ACTE

Wednesday July 22, 2026 10:15am - 11:00am CDT
SCCTC Room A333

Division Business Meeting, Postsecondary Education Division Meeting

11:45am CDT

Setting up a Concurrent Consortium

Wednesday July 22, 2026 11:45am - 12:30pm CDT

SCCTC Room A333

ATU-Ozark partners with 20 high schools to offer a variety of concurrent courses in multiple pathways. Dr. Tina Smith will present an overview of their process and various concurrent models, followed by Heather Nelson who will demonstrate a unique partnership using the Supply Chain pathway. This partnership enables students to achieve a Certificate of Proficiency from ATU-Ozark as well as an industry credential. This session will highlight activities that have worked as well as “speed bumps” experienced along the way.

Presenters

Heather E. Nelson

Program Chair, Arkansas Tech University

Wednesday July 22, 2026 11:45am - 12:30pm CDT
SCCTC Room A333

Breakout Session, Counseling and Career Development Division

12:45pm CDT

Getting Students College and Career Ready with Stackable, Industry-Recognized Credentials

Wednesday July 22, 2026 12:45pm - 1:30pm CDT

SCCTC Room A333

This session focuses on the importance of digital skills in today’s workforce and how certifications can help close the skills gap. Participants will learn how to use industry-recognized, stackable certifications to help students build and prove essential skills for college and careers.

Exhibitors