2026 Arkansas CTE Summer Conference: Full Schedule

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

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.

ACTE Summer Conferece 2026 pptx

Tuesday July 21, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm CDT
SCCTC Room A336

Breakout Session, All CTE

3:00pm CDT

Connecting Students to Industry Through Guaranteed Experiences

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

SCCTC Room A336

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

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

Breakout Session, All CTE

8:00am CDT

Hospitality, Tourism, and Culinary Education

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

SCCTC Room A336

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

Wednesday July 22, 2026 8:00am - 8:45am CDT
SCCTC Room A336

Breakout Session, FACS Division

9:00am CDT

Hospitality, Tourism, and Culinary Education (repeat)

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

SCCTC Room A336

Exhibitors

Renee Jeffery Smith

Director of Education, Arkansas Hospitality Association

Culinary Arts, Nutrition, Hospitality and Tourism CurriculumMentors for StudentsGuest speakers for classes/demosField tripsScholarshipsInternshipsJobs

Wednesday July 22, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am CDT
SCCTC Room A336

Breakout Session, FACS Division

10:15am CDT

Trade and Industrial Education Division Business Meeting

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

SCCTC Room A336

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

Presenters

Katie Robertson

Past-President, Arkansas ACTE

Wednesday July 22, 2026 10:15am - 11:00am CDT
SCCTC Room A336

Division Business Meeting, Agriculture Education Division

11:45am CDT

Hospitality, Tourism, and Culinary Education

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

SCCTC Room A336

Exhibitors

Renee Jeffery Smith

Director of Education, Arkansas Hospitality Association

Culinary Arts, Nutrition, Hospitality and Tourism CurriculumMentors for StudentsGuest speakers for classes/demosField tripsScholarshipsInternshipsJobs

Wednesday July 22, 2026 11:45am - 12:30pm CDT
SCCTC Room A336

Breakout Session, FACS Division

12:45pm CDT

Hospitality, Tourism, and Culinary Education

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

SCCTC Room A336

Exhibitors

Renee Jeffery Smith

Director of Education, Arkansas Hospitality Association

Culinary Arts, Nutrition, Hospitality and Tourism CurriculumMentors for StudentsGuest speakers for classes/demosField tripsScholarshipsInternshipsJobs

Wednesday July 22, 2026 12:45pm - 1:30pm CDT
SCCTC Room A336

Breakout Session, FACS Division

2:00pm CDT

Soybean Science Challenge

Wednesday July 22, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm CDT

SCCTC Room A336

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

Keith Harris

Program Associate, University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture

Wednesday July 22, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm CDT
SCCTC Room A336

Breakout Session, Agriculture Education Division

3:00pm CDT

Building Student Ownership Through Community Connections

Wednesday July 22, 2026 3:00pm - 3:45pm CDT

SCCTC Room A336

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

Jason Blake

Director Of Training Services, EAST Initiative

Wednesday July 22, 2026 3:00pm - 3:45pm CDT
SCCTC Room A336

Breakout Session, All CTE

2:00pm CDT

1:00pm CDT

2:00pm CDT

3:00pm CDT

8:00am CDT

9:00am CDT

10:15am CDT

11:45am CDT

12:45pm CDT

2:00pm CDT

3:00pm CDT

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