95th Annual Illinois Association for Career and Technical Education Conference: Full Schedule

In this session, some of the more popular AI resources utilized in TREES region schools will be highlighted and explored. TREES has been hosting a series of AI Roundtables in FY '25 with teachers exploring and utilizing a variety of AI resources to enhance their productivity as well as the classroom learning experience. We will highlight some of the most popular resources and ways in which teachers have utilized them to increase productivity and engage students.

Speakers

Chris McGuffey

Joliet Township HS

Brian Gordon

TREES Director, TREES

Thursday February 13, 2025 8:30am - 10:30am CST
BOS B11D

2/13 Breakout 1 8:30 - 10:30

8:30am CST

CTE Roundtable: Essential Conversations for Dean

Thursday February 13, 2025 8:30am - 10:30am CST

BOS B10

This roundtable will give Deans in the Career and Technical Education division an opportunity to discuss current events: Perkins funding, Programs of Study, Scheduling, Adjunct Faculty, and Implementation of New Programs just to name a few topics. Additionally, the individuals who participate can join in on the CTE Dean's Commission through ICCCA and a book club if so interested.

Speakers

Dana King

Dean, Agricultural and Industrial Technologies, Illinois Central College

Cathrine Hoekstra

Assistant Dean of Career and Technical Education, John A. Logan College

Thursday February 13, 2025 8:30am - 10:30am CST
BOS B10

2/13 Breakout 1 8:30 - 10:30

8:30am CST

Designing Class: Interior Design in the FCS Classroom

Thursday February 13, 2025 8:30am - 10:30am CST

BOS B3

In this interactive session participants will learn how to design engaging lessons for their interior design classes. We will be looking at examples of how to create lessons that build on themselves to create a practical interior design curriculum. Through this will discuss how to incorporate FCCLA into the classroom so that it is not an extra task on our already full plates. Turning it into an enriched resource instead so that it helps us and our students. Digging into the new trends and techniques happening in the interior design industry so that we can best learn how to help prepare our students for the careers of tomorrow. This session has information for teachers new to interior design units as well as those that have experience teaching whole interior design pathways.

Speakers

Micheal Rowley

Thursday February 13, 2025 8:30am - 10:30am CST
BOS B3

2/13 Breakout 1 8:30 - 10:30

8:30am CST

Developing a Summer Internship Program

Thursday February 13, 2025 8:30am - 10:30am CST

BOS B9

The session will focus on the steps taken to implement and run a summer internship program within our region. Participants will hear about the challenges and celebrations involved in putting together a paid internship program across multiple career areas and school districts. Participants will walk away with valuable insights as to the challenges of running a program and copies of the documents used within our region.

Speakers

Todd Stirn

Work Based Learning Specialist, Northern Kane County Regional Vocational System

With a career spanning decades, I have navigated the evolving landscape of education—from my foundational roots in Lutheran education to high-level public school administration. My journey includes 14 years as a superintendent and now as a Work-Based Learning Specialist with Northern... Read More →

Terry Stroh

Director of the Northern Kane County Regional Vocational System, Northern Kane County Regional Vocational System

Nancy Coleman

Thursday February 13, 2025 8:30am - 10:30am CST
BOS B9

2/13 Breakout 1 8:30 - 10:30

8:30am CST

Developing Professional Learning for Employer Partners

Thursday February 13, 2025 8:30am - 10:30am CST

BOS B1

As CTE leaders in buildings and at the regional level, we are often designing and implementing professional learning for our educators. What happens when it is our employer partners that need professional learning? We will explain from beginning to end how we identified the need for employer partner professional learning in hosting work-based learning. We will share our employer partner presentation materials including Are you Intern Ready?, the free micro-credential that leads employer partners to develop several key documents as they plan to host a high school intern, and our presentation materials from a December 2024 workshop designed to dispel myths about employing or hosting 16 and 17 year old's in work-based learning in the manufacturing setting.

Speakers

Cassie Blickem

System Director, VALEES

Thursday February 13, 2025 8:30am - 10:30am CST
BOS B1

2/13 Breakout 1 8:30 - 10:30

8:30am CST

Elevate Your Teaching with Canva: A Creative Revolution

Thursday February 13, 2025 8:30am - 10:30am CST

BOS B4

Ready to transform your classroom into a vibrant learning space? Join us for a 2-hour workshop that will empower you to harness the full potential of Canva. Learn how to create stunning visuals, interactive presentations, and engaging activities that will captivate your students and foster critical thinking. From designing eye-catching infographics to developing personalized learning materials, Canva offers a world of creative possibilities. Discover how to incorporate multimedia elements, animations, and interactive features to bring your lessons to life. By the end of this workshop, you'll be equipped with the skills and knowledge to confidently integrate Canva into your curriculum, revolutionizing your teaching practices and inspiring your students.

Speakers

Tori Hale

Adjunct Instructor, Teacher, EIU, Casey-Westfield CUSD #C-4

Tori Hale is a dedicated educator with a passion for empowering teachers and students. As a Business and Technology Teacher at Casey-Westfield High School and an adjunct instructor at Eastern Illinois University, Tori has spent 13 years shaping the future of education.Tori is a sought-after... Read More →

Thursday February 13, 2025 8:30am - 10:30am CST
BOS B4

2/13 Breakout 1 8:30 - 10:30

8:30am CST

How to Find, Support, and Retain Teachers from Industry (Brian Rick) AND Building an Educational Pathway (Angie Neilson)

Thursday February 13, 2025 8:30am - 10:30am CST

BOS B8

This presentation will address what is needed to find quality applicants and to support and transition your teachers from their respected industries to the classroom. This research was conducted from an ACTE mini-grant on how best to support and maintain your teachers, instructors, and adjunct teachers that are transitioning directly from industry in both the secondary and post-secondary spaces. We will discuss challenges these new teachers face coming into the classroom and give you some ideas and resources for supporting these new teachers including discussing the use of an interactive gaming technology that can benefit both these new instructors and the students as they work through this process together to increase student engagement and learning (Brian Rick) AND This session will walk teachers through how to build an Education Pathway/Grow Your Own program in their high schools; including highlights from the two pathway courses, best practices for classroom observations, and work-based practices. There will also be information on team based challenges embedded in the courses, work-based portfolios, and rubrics for observations. Handouts will be available for participants in order to implement these practices immediately! (Angie Neilson)

Speakers

Brian Rick

TCE Consulting

Angie Neilson

Thursday February 13, 2025 8:30am - 10:30am CST
BOS B8

2/13 Breakout 1 8:30 - 10:30

8:30am CST

Professional Development, Your CTE Transformation Toolkit

Thursday February 13, 2025 8:30am - 10:30am CST

BOS B6

This session provides leaders with tools and strategies to facilitate updated Career and Technical Education (CTE) information to staff, focusing on recent policy shifts, the PaCE Framework, and enhancing the local impact. Attendees will learn how to engage staff in understanding CTE pathways, community partnerships, and employability skill development. Through interactive techniques, data-driven storytelling, and practical resources, participants will leave equipped to inspire their teams, fostering a unified vision for CTE success. This session includes brainstorming exercises, key resources, and real-world examples to guide effective staff presentations and drive program improvement.

Speakers

Nancy Awdziejczyk

Michele Napier

Thursday February 13, 2025 8:30am - 10:30am CST
BOS B6

2/13 Breakout 1 8:30 - 10:30

8:30am CST

Promoting Equity and Inclusion in your Classroom

Thursday February 13, 2025 8:30am - 10:30am CST

BOS B2

Today's social environment is more diverse than it has ever been in known history and the challenges grow more complex everyday as new situations and norms become woven into the fabric of society. Providing Equity and Inclusion in your classroom can be a difficult topic to navigate on a daily basis. This presentation will point on the differences between Equity and Equality as well as as a brief sociological review of "Labeling, Stereotypes, Prejudice , Discrimination , and Bias". Attendees will be given classroom strategies and be encouraged to participate in lively discussions.

Speakers

Julia Ann Oglesby

Special Populations Coordinator, Wilco Area Career Center

Thursday February 13, 2025 8:30am - 10:30am CST
BOS B2

2/13 Breakout 1 8:30 - 10:30

8:30am CST

What is Skills USA? AND Empowering Youth for Future Careers: A Structured Path from Discovery to Apprenticeship with SkillsUSA

Thursday February 13, 2025 8:30am - 10:30am CST

BOS B7

We’ll explore how SkillsUSA serves as your trusted partner in guiding students from middle school through early adulthood on their career journeys. From career exploration to employment readiness, SkillsUSA supports each stage with impactful activities, measurable outcomes, and a strong sense of community.

Speakers

Katie Bye

Exhibitors

Christopher Anderson

SkillsUSA

The Youth Workforce Development Foundation is dedicated to fostering the future generation of the American workforce by establishing sustainable youth talent pipelines that bridge the gap between education and industry. Our commitment lies in bolstering programs that empower individuals... Read More →

Thursday February 13, 2025 8:30am - 10:30am CST
BOS B7

2/13 Breakout 1 8:30 - 10:30

10:30am CST

Beverage Break - Enjoy a Beverage and Visit the Exhibits

Thursday February 13, 2025 10:30am - 11:00am CST

BOS B11-A, B, & C

Enjoy a Beverage Break and Visit with the Exhibitors - Sponsored by Transfr

Thursday February 13, 2025 10:30am - 11:00am CST
BOS B11-A, B, & C

Snack/Reception

Audience All Registrants

11:00am CST

Building Equity for Rural CTE

Thursday February 13, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm CST

BOS B11D

This session provides an overview of the Rural IL CTE Project, a partnership between the Association of Illinois Rural and Small Schools (AIRSS) and the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE). The Project seeks to understand the needs and equity gaps of rural CTE programs, and then provide targeted technical assistance to rural districts. In this session, attendees will learn the research insights gained from the first year of the project and then hear the action steps being taken in response to the research in order to support rural CTE programs. Attendees will then have an opportunity to share their own perspectives and input for how the Rural IL CTE Project should proceed.

Speakers

John Glasgow

Associate Director, Association of Illinois Rural and Small Schools

I call rural west central Illinois my home, and am passionate about helping rural areas and small town communities thrive through supporting strong local schools. I currently lead a project seeking to understand the challenges and success of rural CTE programs. I would love to talk... Read More →

Thursday February 13, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm CST
BOS B11D

2/13 Breakout 2 11:00 - 12:00

11:00am CST

CANCELLED - Fostering Excellence in CTE Instruction: Innovative Approaches to Mentorship, Recruitment, and Community Engagement - CANCELLED

Thursday February 13, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm CST

BOS B2

Community colleges shape the future of career technical education by recruiting passionate individuals from diverse backgrounds as CTE instructors. Join us to discuss how mentorship and professional development can create a "Grow Your Own" pipeline, inspiring the next generation of students. We will also explore innovative recruitment practices, targeted outreach to local business and secondary partners, and internal resource sharing. Together, we can foster a robust teaching workforce that meets the evolving needs of industry.

Speakers

Cathy Taylor

Teacher, Elgin Community College

Jeanine McMillen, Ed.D.

Waubonsee Community College

Equity-focused Higher Education Leader

Thursday February 13, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm CST
BOS B2

2/13 Breakout 2 11:00 - 12:00

11:00am CST

Creating Financial Success by Integrating Personal Finance into CTE Pathways

Thursday February 13, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm CST

BOS B1

This session will provide CTE Educators with tools to implement personal financial management in the classroom. Attendees will learn to incorporate financial lessons into their curriculum as students explore career pathways. Topics will include budgeting, the use of credit, and savings for long-term financial success. Teaching Strategies and sample lesson plans will be provided.

Speakers

Tamra Connor

Associate Dean for Accreditation and Operations, Illinois State University

Thursday February 13, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm CST
BOS B1

2/13 Breakout 2 11:00 - 12:00

11:00am CST

Enhancing High-Quality Internship Programs

Thursday February 13, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm CST

BOS B10

This session is designed for internship coordinators and educators who work closely with students engaging in WBL experiences. Participants will explore, collaborate and share effective strategies for recruiting both students and host sites, optimizing the quality of internship experiences, and developing a robust work-based learning curriculum that complements and enriches internship programs. The session will also include a discussion into the key quality components that make an internship program successful, ensuring students gain valuable, real-world skills.

Speakers

Michelle Buhrow

Business Education Teacher/Internship Coordinator, CUSD 300

Dustin Smith

Internship Coordinator, Jacobs High School

Thursday February 13, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm CST
BOS B10

2/13 Breakout 2 11:00 - 12:00

11:00am CST

Math in CTE - It's in there!

Thursday February 13, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm CST

BOS B3

This session will show practical examples of how math standards are addressed in the CTE arena. Our students math scores are one of the Perkins Performance Measures we are judged against. Research shows CTE teachers deliberately "acknowledging the math" will improve test scores by providing relevance and meaning to the content. A hands on activity, examples, and resources will be shared.

Speakers

Brian Gordon

TREES Director, TREES

Thursday February 13, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm CST
BOS B3

2/13 Breakout 2 11:00 - 12:00

11:00am CST

NEW TEACHER: Unit and Lesson Planning in your CTE Course

Thursday February 13, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm CST

BOS B4

The NIU Illinois CTE Project Team, in collaboration with the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), worked to create professional development that addresses the needs of New CTE Educators across the State of Illinois. This session includes the sharing of new resources around lesson planning templates and unit of study resources. These resources will be shared so educators can use them in future planning activities in their CTE instructional and curriculum development.

Speakers

Betsy Westergreen

Northern Illinois University

Thursday February 13, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm CST
BOS B4

2/13 Breakout 2 11:00 - 12:00

11:00am CST

Preparing for Retirement as an Educator

Thursday February 13, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm CST

BOS B6

Many educators struggle preparing and understanding what retirement is all about. This session will discuss challenges and strengths of retirement from a "retiree" perspective. We will look at planning, view TRS documents and listen to a short interview with a financial advisor. In addition, the audience will have a chance to ask questions. At the conclusion of this professional teaching and learning workshop, participants will be better able to understand how to prepare for retirement as an educator.

Speakers

Rod McQuality

Illinois Business Education Association

Meet Your FacilitatorsChris Merrill is a Professor of Technology and Engineering Education, as well as STEM Education and Leadership in the Department of Technology at Illinois State University. Merrill has 26.5 years of experience at the high school and university levels. In 2020... Read More →

Dr. Chris Merrill

Thursday February 13, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm CST
BOS B6

2/13 Breakout 2 11:00 - 12:00

11:00am CST

Teaching the Important Stuff

Thursday February 13, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm CST

BOS B8

"Teaching the Important Stuff" is a workshop that gets right to the point on essential leadership and workplace skills that need taught in every high school in America. Topics covered will be effective lessons on Why People Work, Ethics in the Workplace, Getting the Job, Time Management, Problem Solving and Decision Making, and Effective Communication Skills. Participants will learn effective teaching methods and lesson plans designed to engage students. The workshop is led by a veteran teacher with 28 years of experience, who has successfully implemented these lessons in her classroom.

Speakers

Sue Schafer

Vocational Department Chair, Taylorville Community School District #3

Thursday February 13, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm CST
BOS B8

2/13 Breakout 2 11:00 - 12:00

11:00am CST

The Anxious Generation: An Epidemic of Mental Illness

Thursday February 13, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm CST

BOS B7

Presentation will be based on the bestseller "The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness." The presentation will detail the obstacles, issues, and failings of Western Civilization's addiction to Social Media, Technology, and the fact that these technological advancements are negatively impacting today's society. The presentation will blend excellent story-telling, data, and insights and recommendations as to how we can reclaim the next generation's youth, reduce our mental health epidemic: depression, anxiety, etc. and simply live more meaningful, productive, happier lives.

Speakers

Nancy Evans

Wilco Area Career Center

Jeannine Marco

Assistant Principal, Wilco Area Career Center

Thursday February 13, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm CST
BOS B7

2/13 Breakout 2 11:00 - 12:00

11:00am CST

The Role of a Paraprofessional in High School CTE METT Programs

Thursday February 13, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm CST

BOS B9

In high school Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, especially in Manufacturing, Engineering, Technology, and Trades (METT) pathways, paraprofessionals play a vital role in supporting student learning. Attendees will learn how they assist students to master technical skills and academic content while ensuring safety with tools and machinery. Collaborating with instructors, paraprofessionals provide individualized support and accommodations, offering extra guidance when students face challenges, both in and out of the classroom. Paraprofessionals can assist students to develop critical real-world skills like problem-solving, teamwork and collaboration.

Speakers

Anthony Maccani

Auto Aide, Wilco Area Career Center

I am a dedicated paraprofessional at Wilco Area Career Center in Romeoville, Illinois. Passionate about technical education, he supports students in developing hands-on skills and preparing for careers in various industries. With a strong background in automotive and career-focused... Read More →

Thursday February 13, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm CST
BOS B9

2/13 Breakout 2 11:00 - 12:00

12:15pm CST

Luncheon/Awards Ceremony - IACTE President Dana King Presiding - Sponsored by iCEV

Thursday February 13, 2025 12:15pm - 2:00pm CST

Hotel Presidential Ballroom

Luncheon/Awards Ceremony - IACTE President Sally Arnett Presiding - Sponsored by Certiport

Thursday February 13, 2025 12:15pm - 2:00pm CST
Hotel Presidential Ballroom

General Session/Meal

Audience All Registrants

2:15pm CST

AI-Powered Lessons: Crafting Future-Ready Skills for Any Curriculum

Thursday February 13, 2025 2:15pm - 3:15pm CST

BOS B11D

Unlock the potential of AI to elevate your curriculum with future-ready skills! In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn how to use AI tools like Gemini and ChatGPT to design lessons that integrate essential post-secondary competencies. We’ll guide you through creating a custom lesson plan, scripting a 90-second instructional video, and producing it with Synthesia—all within the session. Leave with a ready-to-use lesson model and the skills to build engaging, skills-focused content that resonates with students and enhances their real-world readiness.

Speakers

Brett Thompson

Career Internship Teacher and Program Coordinator, Naperville CUSD 203

Peter Hostrawser

Career Internship Teacher and Program Coordinator, Naperville CUSD 203

I'm Peter Hostrawser, an educator, speaker, and co-host of the Disrupt Education Podcast. With over 23 years in education, I've built and expanded business and internship programs across six high school districts, growing them on an average of 30% year-over-year. Currently, I serve... Read More →

Thursday February 13, 2025 2:15pm - 3:15pm CST
BOS B11D

2/13 Breakout 3 2:15 - 3:15

2:15pm CST

Culturally Responsive Teaching in CTE

Thursday February 13, 2025 2:15pm - 3:15pm CST

BOS B6

Creating an inclusive classroom allows CTE teachers to recognize the importance of including students from all cultural backgrounds in all aspects of their learning. CTE teachers will learn strategies to incorporate culturally responsive teaching into their classrooms by making learning culturally relevant, building relationships, and planning lessons.

Speakers

Shavina Baker

DEI Educator, Northern Illinois University

Thursday February 13, 2025 2:15pm - 3:15pm CST
BOS B6

2/13 Breakout 3 2:15 - 3:15

2:15pm CST

Elevate Your Fashion Class to New Heights!

Thursday February 13, 2025 2:15pm - 3:15pm CST

BOS B2

Introduce your students to the vibrant world of the fashion industry and the numerous opportunities it presents. Encourage them to explore various career paths, including fashion design, merchandising, marketing, and styling. Bring in successful professionals to share their journeys and insights, creating valuable networking opportunities for your students. Arrange visits to local sewing shops, fashion design studios, and retail headquarters to provide them with an insider's perspective on the industry. Have you thought about launching a student-run fashion business or hosting a fashion show—or even both? Such hands-on experiences will equip students with essential skills in entrepreneurship, teamwork, and project management. Cultivate a collaborative atmosphere where creativity and innovation flourish, allowing your students to explore and express their unique visions. Join us to learn how to transform this vision into a reality in your fashion classroom!

Speakers

Allie Kucharski

FACS Teacher, Bolingbrook High School

Wendy Romero

Bolingbrook High School

Thursday February 13, 2025 2:15pm - 3:15pm CST
BOS B2

2/13 Breakout 3 2:15 - 3:15

2:15pm CST

Elevating Student Outcomes with Equitable Early College Access

Thursday February 13, 2025 2:15pm - 3:15pm CST

BOS B9

Explore research and hear first-hand from an exemplar school district that successfully collaborated with their local community colleges for equitable early college credit access. This session will explore best practices for early college credit setup, assessment, and maintenance. Attendees will gain additional insight into early college credit programming and have a chance to collaborate with peersto continue to hone their equity lens.

Speakers

Frank Holthouse

Director of Careers, Leyden CHSD 212

I've been an educator with Leyden District 212 since 2006. Before coming to Leyden, I studied Technology Education at Illinois State University in Bloomington/Normal, Illinois. I also received a Master's in Educational Leadership from The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign... Read More →

Thursday February 13, 2025 2:15pm - 3:15pm CST
BOS B9

2/13 Breakout 3 2:15 - 3:15

2:15pm CST

Engaging Minds: Transforming Vocabulary Reviews into Dynamic Experiences

Thursday February 13, 2025 2:15pm - 3:15pm CST

BOS B8

Join me for an energizing session that will transform your approach to vocabulary review, leaving your students eager to learn and retain new words. This interactive workshop will explore a variety of digital and hands-on resources designed to make vocabulary review exciting and effective. Walk away with practical resources and strategies you can implement immediately in your classroom!

Speakers

Allison Ferguson

Business, Eureka High School

Meet Ally Ferguson, a high school educator with 20 years of experience who has dedicated over a decade to seamlessly integrating game elements into the curriculum, transforming traditional learning environments into engaging and dynamic spaces. Ally has presented at various education... Read More →

Thursday February 13, 2025 2:15pm - 3:15pm CST
BOS B8

2/13 Breakout 3 2:15 - 3:15

2:15pm CST

From Feedback to Finals: Crafting Effective Formative and Summative Assessments

Thursday February 13, 2025 2:15pm - 3:15pm CST

BOS B4

Are you looking to empower student learning? In this workshop, we will dive into how to effectively design and implement formative and summative assessments in the CTE world. Attendees will get experience using current techniques to maintain flexibility in your classroom to assess student achievement and progress. An effective balance of these assignment tools will aid in the overall growth of CTE students in your classroom.

Speakers

John Heiser

District 1 Program Advisor, Facilitating Coordination in Ag Education

Taylor Wilkinson

Lindi Kocher

Cutting Edge Curriculum develops and delivers curriculum through MyCAERT.com.

Agenda Formative and Summative Assessment pdf

From Feedback to Finals Crafting Effective Formative and Summative Assessments pptx

Thursday February 13, 2025 2:15pm - 3:15pm CST
BOS B4

2/13 Breakout 3 2:15 - 3:15

2:15pm CST

From Soft to Essential, Skills for Classroom Success and Beyond

Thursday February 13, 2025 2:15pm - 3:15pm CST

BOS B10

While our programs often excel at incorporating technical skills in the classroom, employers are seeing skill gaps with new hires in areas including reliability, communication skills, organizational skills, and critical thinking. Faculty might agree that students in their classrooms are lacking these skills as well! Join us as we talk about ways to incorporate these Essential Skills into curriculum giving students the foundation they need for success in the classroom and beyond.

Speakers

Andrea Montgomery

Waubonsee Community College

Alyson Gaspar

Waubonsee Community College

Thursday February 13, 2025 2:15pm - 3:15pm CST
BOS B10

2/13 Breakout 3 2:15 - 3:15

2:15pm CST

Getting All of the Pieces to Fit! Practical Collaboration between CTE teachers, School Counselors and Administration

Thursday February 13, 2025 2:15pm - 3:15pm CST

BOS B7

As a small rural school with a student population of 500 it can be a daunting task to meet all of the career needs of students. Come learn how Olympia School District is able to fulfill the Illinois PaCE Framework requirements while providing the new Work-Based Learning Fundamentals and a College and Career Pathway Endorsement. Katie Turner, College and Career Counselor, and Britta Langley, CTE Business teacher will provide practical ways in which we accomplish college and career goals in our district.

Speakers

Katie Turner

School counselor, Olympia High School CUSD #16

Britta Langley

Olympia High School

Thursday February 13, 2025 2:15pm - 3:15pm CST
BOS B7

2/13 Breakout 3 2:15 - 3:15

2:15pm CST

How to Make HOSA Part of Your CTE Pathways?

Thursday February 13, 2025 2:15pm - 3:15pm CST

BOS B3

In an engaging educational session focused on connecting Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways for health science technology to the Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA), participants explored the vital role of hands-on experiences and leadership development in shaping future healthcare professionals. The session highlighted how CTE programs can provide students with practical skills and knowledge, while HOSA offers opportunities for competition, collaboration, and networking. By integrating these pathways, students are better prepared for careers in health science, equipped with both technical expertise and essential soft skills. Attendees left inspired to enhance their programs and foster connections that empower the next generation of healthcare leaders.

Speakers

Kristin Pila

Lisa Dunham

Thursday February 13, 2025 2:15pm - 3:15pm CST
BOS B3

2/13 Breakout 3 2:15 - 3:15

2:15pm CST

Moving the Non-Trad Metric: A Region's Journey with 4S1

Thursday February 13, 2025 2:15pm - 3:15pm CST

BOS B1

While non-traditional enrollment in CTE programs is essential, it is one of the harder Perkins metrics to meet since it relies so heavily on student choice and likes/dislikes. Learn about how NSERVE supports its districts and community college partners in increasing non-traditional enrollment in CTE programs with practical strategies and support. Collaboration with others on best practices will be encouraged during this session. Hear about what we are currently doing and new projects on the horizon.

Speakers

Amy Kastory

EFE 020, NSERVE

Amy Kastory is the Executive Director of NSERVE.Previously, Amy worked for Chicago Public Schools supporting career and technical education in almost 80 high schools. She deeply knows the Illinois teacher licensure system and the new Perkins legislation. In addition, she is the... Read More →

Thursday February 13, 2025 2:15pm - 3:15pm CST
BOS B1

2/13 Breakout 3 2:15 - 3:15

3:15pm CST

Visit the Exhibits - Beverage Break

Thursday February 13, 2025 3:15pm - 3:45pm CST

BOS B11-A, B, & C

Visit the Exhibits

Thursday February 13, 2025 3:15pm - 3:45pm CST
BOS B11-A, B, & C

Exhibits and Silent Auction

Audience All Registrants

3:45pm CST

Assessing Students in the Age of AI - AI-RESISTANT ASSESSMENTS

Thursday February 13, 2025 3:45pm - 4:45pm CST

BOS B11D

This session explores innovative strategies for designing assessments that can accurately measure student knowledge and skills without relying on Artificial Intelligence (AI). In many educational districts where AI use is restricted, teachers must navigate how to create assessments that maintain integrity and authenticity. This session provides practical techniques and examples to develop AI-resistant assessments suitable for today's evolving educational landscape. Participants will gain insights into practical techniques and examples tailored to enhance assessment integrity and authenticity in today's educational landscape influenced by AI technology.

Speakers

Tori Hale

Adjunct Instructor, Teacher, EIU, Casey-Westfield CUSD #C-4

Thursday February 13, 2025 3:45pm - 4:45pm CST
BOS B11D

2/13 Breakout 4 3:45 - 4:45

3:45pm CST

Bridging The Gap: High School and Post-Secondary Partnership Collaboration

Thursday February 13, 2025 3:45pm - 4:45pm CST

BOS B1

Discover how high schools and community colleges collaborate to support the critical work needed at both institutions, creating pathways for students to achieve high-paying careers. This session will provide an overview of key initiatives, including understanding secondary frameworks like the PaCE Plan, transitional courses, and career pathways. Additionally, it will cover essential post-secondary systems, such as types of credentials, program approval processes, and dual credit opportunities. Learn how these collaborative efforts help align educational goals, ensuring a smooth transition from high school to college and beyond, and ultimately prepare students for success in the workforce

Speakers

Eric Lasky

Assistant Principal, Ridgewood High School

Paul Jensen

Associate Vice President, Academic Innovation and Workforce Education, Triton College

Thursday February 13, 2025 3:45pm - 4:45pm CST
BOS B1

2/13 Breakout 4 3:45 - 4:45

3:45pm CST

Collaboration is Key: Putting Policy into Practice in Your Rural Community

Thursday February 13, 2025 3:45pm - 4:45pm CST

BOS B6

Providing opportunities for students in rural school districts while navigating policy changes can pose unique challenges, but know that it is POSSIBLE! Our session focuses on how our efforts to collaborate with not only our school districts but industry partners and post-secondary institutions have provided our regional students with experiences and exposures that help our districts meet the PaCE Framework requirements at both the middle school and high school levels. This session will allow participants to see how to collaborate on events such as the Welcome to the Real World and Career Exploration Day, utilize ISBE Career Guides and Transfr VR Headsets for career exploration, dive into all that the CiS360 free online platform has to offer from 6th grade on, build College and Career Pathway Endorsements for students in our region, and recap our experiences collaborating with our community on the Education pipeline. The session will wrap up with resources on who to collaborate with to support putting the PaCE Framework into practice!

Speakers

Kathryn Jennings

Director of ROE Services, Regional Office of Education #33 & Delabar CTE System

Alignment and promotion of mission, vision, and goals in all continuous improvement efforts both school and district-wide for all stakeholders--students, parents, educators, community members, etc.Instructional leadership through organizing curricula, assisting with and providing... Read More →

Brittany Stegall

Delabar EFE System #208

Kathy Wight

Director of CTE/Delabar CTE System #280, Delabar CTE System #280/ROE #33

Thursday February 13, 2025 3:45pm - 4:45pm CST
BOS B6

2/13 Breakout 4 3:45 - 4:45

3:45pm CST

Creating a High School Electrical Shop program.

Thursday February 13, 2025 3:45pm - 4:45pm CST

BOS B3

This session focuses upon how to implement or improve a Residential / Commercial High School Electrical Shop Program. Dundee-Crown H.S. currently has over 300 annual Electric Shop enrollments, providing relative, diverse, fun & educational curriculum. Our website www.L-Ectric.com is a great informational source to view our history, curriculum and to see our class in motion.

Speakers

Nicholas Linden

Industrial Ed. Instructor, CUSD 300/Dundee-Crown High School

Dundee Crown H.S. Electrical Progam serves almost 300 student enrollments per year. Look at our website to learn more of our great success.

Joseph Sieczkowski

Director of CTE, Pathways, & CCR, CUSD 300

Thursday February 13, 2025 3:45pm - 4:45pm CST
BOS B3

2/13 Breakout 4 3:45 - 4:45

3:45pm CST

CTE Teacher Evaluation

Thursday February 13, 2025 3:45pm - 4:45pm CST

BOS B2

Does this framework apply to my CTE course? In this session, we will explore how the Danielson framework has been interpreted and employed at Wilco Area Career Center. In the context of CTE, this framework emphasizes the integration of industry standards and real-world applications, ensuring that educators not only deliver content effectively but also create an engaging and supportive learning environment. By focusing on collaboration with industry partners and incorporating hands-on learning experiences, the Danielson Framework helps CTE instructors align their teaching with the skills and competencies required in the workforce, ultimately preparing students for successful careers.

Speakers

Elizabeth Kaufman

Executive Director, Wilco Area Career Center

Thursday February 13, 2025 3:45pm - 4:45pm CST
BOS B2

2/13 Breakout 4 3:45 - 4:45

3:45pm CST

Explore Multiple Paths: District 128's Multi-Prong Approach to College & Career Readiness

Thursday February 13, 2025 3:45pm - 4:45pm CST

BOS B7

Learn how District 128 (Libertyville & Vernon Hills High Schools) is building district-wide college and career readiness systems and programs for its students. Our collaborative work includes weaving together College & Career Pathway Endorsements, a dual credit strategy, a career exploration framework, workplace internships, the PaCE Framework, and more. We'll touch on using the digital platform SchooLinks and how it is critical to ensure our systems and efforts align.

Speakers

Benjamin Rodriguez

IACTE 2025 Handout pdf

IACTE 2025 Explore Multiple Paths District 128's Multi Pronged Approach to College & Career Readiness pdf

Thursday February 13, 2025 3:45pm - 4:45pm CST
BOS B7

2/13 Breakout 4 3:45 - 4:45

3:45pm CST

Seamlessly Integrate Essential Skills into Your CTE Classroom: Practical Scenarios and Engaging Activities

Thursday February 13, 2025 3:45pm - 4:45pm CST

BOS B8

Join us for an energizing session to help CTE educators seamlessly integrate essential skills into their classrooms! This presentation will provide practical scenarios and engaging activities that make teaching these vital skills effective and efficient. Discover innovative strategies to incorporate critical thinking, communication, teamwork, and more into your curriculum. Through hands-on exercises and real-world examples, you’ll be equipped with the tools and inspiration needed to enhance your teaching and empower your students for success. Don’t miss this opportunity to transform your approach and make essential skills a dynamic part of your classroom experience with FCAE Program Advisor John Heiser and Karen McDowell from Realityworks.

Speakers

John Heiser

District 1 Program Advisor, Facilitating Coordination in Ag Education

Karen McDowell

National Accounts Manager, Realityworks

Agenda Seamlessly Integrate Essential Skills into Your CTE Classroom Practical Scenarios and Engaging Activities pdf

Seamlessly Integrate Essential Skills into Your CTE Classroom Practical Scenarios and Engaging Activities (1) pptx

Thursday February 13, 2025 3:45pm - 4:45pm CST
BOS B8

2/13 Breakout 4 3:45 - 4:45

3:45pm CST

Should This Stay, or Should This Go Now: A Rubric to Determine CTE Program Feasibility

Thursday February 13, 2025 3:45pm - 4:45pm CST

BOS B9

How can you determine when to introduce a new CTE program or phase out an existing one? Unraveling the complex web of labor market data is challenging. The difficulty is often exacerbated by suggestions from well-intentioned board members and high-level administrators, which sideline data-driven decision-making. Colleges or Workforce Innovation Boards may have access to data firm reports (such as Lightcast or Chmura) that aid in these endeavors. However, ineffective utilization of these reports can overlook the broader context. This session will present a rubric for use at your institution to evaluate the growth potential of CTE programs and identify those that should be gradually removed from your offerings. Mapping backward from IDES employment and wage data, to refined data sets by data firms, to the program level, participants will be able to create a weighted rubric to assess program viability for current and future CTE programs.

Speakers

Patty Zuccarello

Zuccarello & Associates

Thursday February 13, 2025 3:45pm - 4:45pm CST
BOS B9

2/13 Breakout 4 3:45 - 4:45

3:45pm CST

Standing Up and Growing A Work-Based Learning/Internship Program

Thursday February 13, 2025 3:45pm - 4:45pm CST

BOS B10

Join us for an insightful session that will describe how one Illinois school district is standing up and growing their WBL/Career Internship program. Our WBL/Career Internship course is designed for students in career pathways working toward a College and Career Pathway Endorsement (CCPE). Explore how our district aligned our program to state initiatives, along with the many resources we use, including Schoolinks and AI, to ensure that our students have unique and meaningful Work-Based Learning experiences. This session is designed for educators, administrators, and career development/WBL professionals wanting to build and/or grow their Work-Based Learning/Internship program.

Speakers

Brett Thompson

Career Internship Teacher and Program Coordinator, Naperville CUSD 203

Peter Hostrawser

Career Internship Teacher and Program Coordinator, Naperville CUSD 203

Thursday February 13, 2025 3:45pm - 4:45pm CST
BOS B10

2/13 Breakout 4 3:45 - 4:45

3:45pm CST

Surviving and Thriving in Your First Years in CTE

Thursday February 13, 2025 3:45pm - 4:45pm CST

BOS B4

So you've made the jump to CTE. Whether you are straight from a teacher preparatory program or like me entered as a second career; you have questions...probably a lot of them. I'll share what has worked for me and some of the fantastic info gained from attendance at a half-dozen conferences as well as the best advice I've received in my first three years of Industrial Tech teaching. Don't worry though, the info shared will be of benefit regardless of the area of CTE you now call home. Plan on bringing your best suggestions, advice, and questions as we all be sharing strategies and workshopping ideas.

Speakers