2026 ISBE Career Connections Conference: Full Schedule

Energy – It is the lifeblood of our society. Increasingly in the news, standards exist across multiple grade levels and create engaging opportunities for hands-on STEM activities that help bridge the gap between industry and the classroom. Discover how an innovative industry-education program in schools across the Midwest is revolutionizing STEM education by integrating math, science, and Career...
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Speakers

Dan Whisler

Educator in Residence, Trane

Trane

Wednesday May 6, 2026 9:20am - 10:05am CDT
Prairie I - 2nd Floor

9:20am CDT

Igniting Career Pathways: A Leadership Lab for Student Voice, Skills, and Career Identity

Wednesday May 6, 2026 9:20am - 10:05am CDT

Prairie II - 2nd Floor

High school students are most successful when they can clearly articulate who they are, what they bring to the workplace, and how their strengths connect to future career pathways. This highly interactive session introduces the Leadership Lab, a toolkit-based framework designed to help high school students develop leaders identity as a core employability skill aligned to CTE Career Pathways and...
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Speakers

Kimberly Clayton-Code

Professor, Northern Kentucky University

Kimberly Clayton-Code, PhD is a professor in the College of Education at Northern Kentucky University, where she teaches courses in gifted and talented education and educational foundations. A passionate educator and curriculum designer, she has authored nationally recognized, award-winning... Read More →

Wednesday May 6, 2026 9:20am - 10:05am CDT
Prairie II - 2nd Floor

9:20am CDT

Leverage Free Statewide EdTech Services to Maximize Impact

Wednesday May 6, 2026 9:20am - 10:05am CDT

4E Lounge - 4th Floor

Join the Learning Technology Center (LTC) as we introduce you to free and low-cost services and support available to all K-12 educators and districts. Partially funded by the Illinois State Board of Education, the LTC helps districts, schools, and educators harness the power of technology to empower student learning. This session will provide resources to address specific technical needs in a...
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Speakers

Hope Hardin-Borbely

Purchasing Cooperative Manager, Learning Technology Center

Hope Hardin-Borbely serves as the Purchasing Cooperative Manager for the Illinois Technology Purchasing Program (ILTPP), the LTC’s cooperative purchasing program.
To her role, Hope brings ten years of experience overseeing educational technology contracts and vendor relationships. Her expertise lies in managing cooperative purchasing contracts, ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations, and driving program development and performanc... Read More →

Wednesday May 6, 2026 9:20am - 10:05am CDT
4E Lounge - 4th Floor

9:20am CDT

Make Your Life Easier!

Wednesday May 6, 2026 9:20am - 10:05am CDT

Spotlight Room - 1st Floor

Learn strategies for balancing multiple course preps, reducing planning time, and creating simple substitute plans. Discover engaging classroom activities, organize course outlines, assign materials, and build effective assessments. Participants will experience sample activities and gain practical ideas for managing a busy schedule.

Speakers

Callie Schorfheide

Marketing Manager, Cutting Edge Curriculum

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 →

Wednesday May 6, 2026 9:20am - 10:05am CDT
Spotlight Room - 1st Floor

9:20am CDT

Navig8Lake - County Wide Approach to Career Exploration

Wednesday May 6, 2026 9:20am - 10:05am CDT

1W Lounge - 1st Floor

Speakers

Gina Schuyler

District Careers & community Partnerships/CTE Consultant, Navig8Lake - County Wide Approach to Career Exploration

Wednesday May 6, 2026 9:20am - 10:05am CDT
1W Lounge - 1st Floor

9:20am CDT

No More Novices: How AI is Replacing the “Junior” Role

Wednesday May 6, 2026 9:20am - 10:05am CDT

Old Main - 1st Floor

Artificial intelligence is rapidly automating the entry-level tasks that once served as the first rung of the career ladder, creating a unique challenge for today's Career and Technical Education students. This session examines the specific impacts of AI across different CTE clusters and explores how educators can shift their instructional focus toward the critical thinking, adaptability, and...
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Speakers

Matt Sherrill

Regional EdTech Coordinator, Learning Technology Center

Matt Sherrill (he/him) is a Regional Educational Technology Coordinator for the Learning Technology Center, serving Illinois’ East Central region. Always an early adopter, Matt is passionate about utilizing technology to drive impactful learning and supporting fellow educators as... Read More →

Wednesday May 6, 2026 9:20am - 10:05am CDT
Old Main - 1st Floor

9:20am CDT

Paving the Way to an Improved Pathway to Success

Wednesday May 6, 2026 9:20am - 10:05am CDT

4W Lounge - 4th Floor

Highlight importance of how students can progress from foundation of skills in classroom to pathway to job success. problem solving and confidence skills. Discussion of different approaches to align all students for success

Speakers

Nancy Evans

cte instructor, IHOA

Wednesday May 6, 2026 9:20am - 10:05am CDT
4W Lounge - 4th Floor

9:20am CDT

Prepare the Next Generation for Success in an AI-Driven World

Wednesday May 6, 2026 9:20am - 10:05am CDT

Prairie III - 2nd Floor

As the demand for AI skills surges across industries, are your students equipped to leverage artificial intelligence effectively and ethically? Are you prepared to incorporate and teach AI in your classes? Certiport offers specialized courses designed to teach the foundational requirements of AI in the workplace, culminating in a certification that demonstrates real-world, job-ready...
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Speakers

Justin Barker

Regional Manager, Certiport

Wednesday May 6, 2026 9:20am - 10:05am CDT
Prairie III - 2nd Floor

9:20am CDT

Designing Team Based Challenges Aligned to ISBE Guidelines and CCPE Expectations

Wednesday May 6, 2026 9:20am - 10:05am CDT

Founders Suite - 1st Floor

This session focuses on designing and implementing Team Based Challenges that align directly with Illinois State Board of Education guidelines and Career Connected Pathway Endorsement expectations. Participants will examine the required components of an ISBE aligned Team Based Challenge, including authentic problem design, defined team structures, alignment to technical and cross sector...
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Speakers

Sophie Carpenter

ISBE Principal Consultant, Illinois State Board of Education

Wednesday May 6, 2026 9:20am - 10:05am CDT
Founders Suite - 1st Floor

ISBE Presentation

10:15am CDT

Cultural Wealth & Digital Innovation: Igniting PaCE-Aligned Equity in CTE

Wednesday May 6, 2026 10:15am - 11:00am CDT

4W Lounge - 4th Floor

Speakers

Salma Uribe

Training and Development Specialist, Illinois Student Assistance Commission

"
Education: B.A. in Social Work from Concordia University Chicago

Salma is a first-generation college graduate with a bachelor’s in social work from Concordia University Chicago. In 2023, she joined the ISACorps and started working with the Triton Community College district, helping students figure out how to succeed in college. She joined the... Read More →

Olivia Sanchez

Training and Development Specialist, Training and Development Specialist

Wednesday May 6, 2026 10:15am - 11:00am CDT
4W Lounge - 4th Floor

10:15am CDT

Fusing High School with Community College: A Welding Dual Enrollment Cohort Pilot for Career Readiness

Wednesday May 6, 2026 10:15am - 11:00am CDT

Old Main - 1st Floor

Speakers

Dr. Rebecca Sulaver

Glenbard Township HS District 87, Assistant Director of Teaching and Learning

Ami Chambers

Program of Study Alignment Coordinator, College of DuPage

Ami Chambers has spent the past 17 years at the College of DuPage, where she currently serves as Program of Study Alignment Coordinator. In this role, she focuses on connecting Career and Technical Education programs with local high schools to build seamless, real-world pathways into... Read More →

Susannah Wagner

Assistant Director of Teaching and Learning, Glenbard Township HS District

Wednesday May 6, 2026 10:15am - 11:00am CDT
Old Main - 1st Floor

10:15am CDT

Illinois Programs of Study Alignment Initiative

Wednesday May 6, 2026 10:15am - 11:00am CDT

Prairie III - 2nd Floor

Illinois has made significant investments in career and technical education (CTE) and postsecondary pathways, yet two parallel frameworks, the Illinois Model Programs of Study Guides and the ISBE CTE Model Programs of Study, currently operate without full alignment. This session explores the importance of integrating these frameworks to create a coherent, student-centered system that supports...
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Speakers

Laura Monteagudo

Pathways Manager, Education Systems Center at Northern Illinois University

Meagan Mitchell

Director of Pathways, Education Systems Center at Northern Illinois University

Wednesday May 6, 2026 10:15am - 11:00am CDT
Prairie III - 2nd Floor

10:15am CDT

Physical Computing Skills for all CTE Clusters

Wednesday May 6, 2026 10:15am - 11:00am CDT

Prairie I - 2nd Floor

The newest CTE career clusters list digital technology as foundational skills for all students, but these invaluable tools have often been out of reach for many rural school districts because of perceived barriers around costs and technical ability. Thankfully, you don’t need to be a computer scientist to teach your students about technology! This hands-on session introduces the micro:bit, a...
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Speakers

Emily Pool

Professional Learning Specialist, CS & STEM, Learning Technology Center (LTC)

Emily Pool (she/her) is an LTC Instructional Technology Coach serving the Adams and Pike county regions. In this role, Emily strives to help teachers get excited about, engaged with, and enriched by educational technology – especially when it comes to bridging the gap between potential... Read More →

John Glasgow

Program Director, Association of Illinois Rural and Small Schools

John Glasgow serves as the Program Director for the Association of Illinois Rural and Small Schools. He leads the Rural IL CTE Project in partnership with the Illinois State Board of Education. The Project is a state-wide effort to understand and address the needs and equity gaps... Read More →

Wednesday May 6, 2026 10:15am - 11:00am CDT
Prairie I - 2nd Floor

10:15am CDT

The Fives Framework: Building Consistent, Engaging Instruction Across CTE

Wednesday May 6, 2026 10:15am - 11:00am CDT

4E Lounge - 4th Floor

Delivering high-quality instruction in Law and Public Safety CTE—and across all CTE pathways—requires more than good intentions. The Fives is a field-tested instructional framework that brings clarity, balance, and consistency to lesson and unit design. Built from more than 40 years of experience in education and workforce preparation, The Fives distills proven teaching and learning practices...
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Speakers

Thomas Washburn

Executive Director, Law and Public Safety Education Network

Dr. Thomas Washburn is the Executive Director of LAPSEN. He retired from three decades in education. He has consulted in CTE in hundreds of schools, He was an advisor for SkillsUSA where he had two national officers, twelve state officers, SkillsUSA National Model of Excellence winner... Read More →

Wednesday May 6, 2026 10:15am - 11:00am CDT
4E Lounge - 4th Floor

10:15am CDT

Three’s Company: When High Schools, EFEs, and Colleges Work in Sync

Wednesday May 6, 2026 10:15am - 11:00am CDT

1W Lounge - 1st Floor

Speakers

Eric Lasky

Principal, Ridgewood High School

Michael Kuhn

Director, Des Plaines Valley EFE

My name is Michael Kuhn and I have extensive experience in both career development and Career & Technical Education. I am an educator with proven success assisting students within diverse educaional settings. I specializes in data collection, retention, and ongoing development of... Read More →

Paul Jensen

Associate Vice President Academic Innovation and Workforce Education, Triton College

Wednesday May 6, 2026 10:15am - 11:00am CDT
1W Lounge - 1st Floor

10:15am CDT

Using HOSA to connect Work-Based Learning, Leadership, and Career Skills into your Health

Wednesday May 6, 2026 10:15am - 11:00am CDT

Prairie II - 2nd Floor

This session explores how HOSA–Future Health Professionals can be strategically integrated into Health Science programs to strengthen Work-Based Learning (WBL), develop leadership capacity, and intentionally build career-ready skills. Participants will learn how to move beyond viewing HOSA as an “extra activity” and instead leverage it as a structured instructional tool that enhances...
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Speakers

Kristin Pila

Teacher/Technology Coach, D230

Nana Bonsu

CTE Teacher, Chicago Public Schools

Wednesday May 6, 2026 10:15am - 11:00am CDT
Prairie II - 2nd Floor

10:15am CDT

The Modernized Career Clusters Framework

Wednesday May 6, 2026 10:15am - 11:00am CDT

Founders Suite - 1st Floor

Join Dr. Erica Thieman, Director of CTE for ISBE, as she presents the new Modernized Career Clusters Framework which is being rolled out for school year 26-27. The new framework includes "cross-cutting clusters" which allow students a more customizable option for their career paths to blend coursework from two pathways.

Speakers

Erica Thieman

Director of Career and Technical Education, Illinois State Board of Education

Wednesday May 6, 2026 10:15am - 11:00am CDT
Founders Suite - 1st Floor

ISBE Presentation

11:10am CDT

Aligning Assets and Action for Rural CTE Success: New Insights from the Rural IL CTE Project

Wednesday May 6, 2026 11:10am - 11:55am CDT

Prairie I - 2nd Floor

Speakers

John Glasgow

Program Director, Association of Illinois Rural and Small Schools

Karli Strom

Assistant Director, Association of Illinois Rural and Small Schools

Wednesday May 6, 2026 11:10am - 11:55am CDT
Prairie I - 2nd Floor

11:10am CDT

From Circuits to Smart Systems: A Free Curriculum to Demystify Hardware, Software, and AI

Wednesday May 6, 2026 11:10am - 11:55am CDT

Prairie III - 2nd Floor

Today’s students are growing up in a world where technology shapes nearly every aspect of their lives—yet many curricula only scratch the surface of how computers, coding, and artificial intelligence truly work. This session introduces an innovative, free curriculum designed to help learners explore the fundamentals of hardware, software, and AI through engaging, hands-on activities....
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Speakers

Jessica Winn

STEAM Instructor, NIU

With 16 years of teaching experience from California, to Alaska, and now Illinois, I have spent a lot of time working to generate a hands on classroom. I have worked with NASA, NPS, PBS, and more as I have developed curriculum that is entertaining and full of rigor. I love what I... Read More →

Yaw Agyemang

IT Support Associate, NIU

Wednesday May 6, 2026 11:10am - 11:55am CDT
Prairie III - 2nd Floor

11:10am CDT

From Student to Future Educator: Cultivating Belonging and Leadership Through the Redbird Educator Scholarship

Wednesday May 6, 2026 11:10am - 11:55am CDT

4W Lounge - 4th Floor

For the past three years, the Redbird Educator Scholars Program at Illinois State University has strengthened the educator pipeline by preparing future teachers through peer mentorship, a sense of belonging, and early leadership development. The program pairs incoming teacher education majors with trained sophomore mentors who support their transition into the college environment and help them...
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Speakers

Maria Luisa Zamudio Mainou

Director, Redbird Educator Scholars Program, Illinois State University

"Dr. Stacey Jones Bock is Senior Associate Dean in the College of Education at Illinois State University and Co-PI on the Redbird Educator Scholars Program, and the Center for Intensive Behavioral Supports and the Autism Professional Learning and Universal Supports projects. She received... Read More →

Kelli Appel

Director of Recruitment, Retention, and Student Services, Illinois State University

Wednesday May 6, 2026 11:10am - 11:55am CDT
4W Lounge - 4th Floor

11:10am CDT

Igniting Employability: Innovation Challenges for CTE Success

Wednesday May 6, 2026 11:10am - 11:55am CDT

Prairie II - 2nd Floor

Today’s rapidly changing environment demands innovative thinking, effective communication, collaboration, and agile problem-solving. Fast-paced collaborative competitions, such as Innovation Challenges, encourage students to address real-world issues while developing employability skills, engagement, and authentic exploration. This session will present strategies for designing project-based...
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Speakers

Becky Swiontek

NIU STEAM Instructor, Northern Illinois University

Christina Swartz

NIU STEAM Instructor, Northern Illinois University

Wednesday May 6, 2026 11:10am - 11:55am CDT
Prairie II - 2nd Floor

11:10am CDT

In the Workplace Aurora

Wednesday May 6, 2026 11:10am - 11:55am CDT

1W Lounge - 1st Floor

Through a partnership with the P-20 Network and funding from the Dunham Foundation, East Aurora D131, VALEES, and West Aurora SD129 engaged employer partners and community organizations in professional learning to improve their capacity to support work-based learning across the spectrum. Learn about the project including the curriculum for employer partners and community organizations, the format...
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Speakers

Cassie Blickem

Director, VALEES

Cassie Blickem is the Director of Valley Education for Employment System (VALEES, EFE #130) serving 17 member districts and two Area Career Centers in the southern portion of Kane County and parts of DeKalb, Kendall, LaSalle and Lee Counties.

Laura Edwards

Department Administrator 6-12 CTE & Career Pathways, West Aurora SD129

Jason Klein

Senior Director of Learning Partnerships, Northern Illinois University

Jason Klein is the Senior Director of Learning Partnerships at Northern Illinois University (NIU). This role includes work in both the NIU College of Education and the NIU Division of Outreach, Engagement and Regional Development. In this role, Jason co-facilitates the Illinois P... Read More →

Katie Johnson

Career Development Coordinator, West Aurora High School

Wednesday May 6, 2026 11:10am - 11:55am CDT
1W Lounge - 1st Floor

11:10am CDT

Roots to Rise: Growing the Educator Pipeline

Wednesday May 6, 2026 11:10am - 11:55am CDT

4E Lounge - 4th Floor

Join Dr. Lindsey Jensen, 2018 Illinois Teacher of the Year, and Jill Haacke as they describe how they are strengthening the Educator Pipeline in Illinois, building bridges between Educators Rising Illinois, IEA Aspiring Ed, and IEA Early Career. Topics include utilizing Teacher Leaders, strengthening educator pathways, capitalizing on partnerships, and growing future educators.

Speakers

Lindsey Jensen

Early Career Development Director, Educators Rising Illinois State Coordinator, Illinois Education Association

Dr. Lindsey Jensen is the 2018 Illinois Teacher of the Year, the 2020 NEA Foundation for Teaching Excellence Illinois Awardee, a Teach Plus Policy Alum, and was Vice-President of the Illinois State Teachers of the Year. She made Brightbeam's list of Top 21 Rising Women in Education... Read More →

Jill Haacke

Pipeline Paraprofessional, Illinois Education Association

Wednesday May 6, 2026 11:10am - 11:55am CDT
4E Lounge - 4th Floor

11:10am CDT

The Achievement of the Dual Credit Quality Act (DCQA): Highlights and Opportunities

Wednesday May 6, 2026 11:10am - 11:55am CDT

Founders Suite - 1st Floor

Join ICCB and ISBE for an overview of recent updates to the Dual Credit Quality Act. We’ll examine the amended language from both secondary and postsecondary perspectives and highlight new opportunities to strengthen school–college partnerships. The session will also feature statewide efforts to expand accessible postsecondary pathways and support career attainment for Illinois students.

Speakers

Charmell Stoxstell

Principal Consultant/Methods of Administration Coordinator, Illinois State Board of Education

Adrienne Pickett

ICCB

Wednesday May 6, 2026 11:10am - 11:55am CDT
Founders Suite - 1st Floor

ISBE Presentation

11:10am CDT

Work-based Learning Renewal Trainers Collaboration Session

Wednesday May 6, 2026 11:10am - 11:55am CDT

Old Main - 1st Floor

Speakers

Abbi Barton

Principal Consultant, Illinois State Board of Education

Wednesday May 6, 2026 11:10am - 11:55am CDT
Old Main - 1st Floor

ISBE Presentation

12:10pm CDT

Lunch and Networking

Wednesday May 6, 2026 12:10pm - 12:40pm CDT

Brown Ballroom - 1st Floor

Boxed lunches will be available for attendees, offering a convenient and efficient way to enjoy your meal without missing any part of the conference. Each lunch includes a sandwich, side, and drink—perfect for grabbing on the go while connecting and networking with fellow attendees during the midday break.

Wednesday May 6, 2026 12:10pm - 12:40pm CDT
Brown Ballroom - 1st Floor

12:40pm CDT

Poster Walk and Vendor Showcase

Wednesday May 6, 2026 12:40pm - 1:40pm CDT

Brown Ballroom - 1st Floor

New this year! The Poster Session is an engaging 60-minute session that allows educators, students, and industry professionals to showcase best practices, classroom projects, research, and success stories in Career and Technical Education (CTE). Presenters will have the opportunity to connect one-on-one with attendees, exchange ideas, and inspire others with creative approaches that advance...
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Wednesday May 6, 2026 12:40pm - 1:40pm CDT
Brown Ballroom - 1st Floor

1:50pm CDT

Alumni Career Connection

Wednesday May 6, 2026 1:50pm - 2:35pm CDT

Prairie II - 2nd Floor

The Alumni Career Connection brings together distinguished graduates to inspire, inform, and empower current students as they explore career pathways. Alumni share firsthand insight into their professions, including the realities of entry-level work, the skills employers value, and the unexpected opportunities that shaped their journeys. This session emphasizes the power of relationships—showing...
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Speakers

Travis Mackey

CTE Director and Career Development, Geneseo High School

Travis Mackey, CTE Director with over 35 years in the educational field, is a seasoned expert in leveraging alumni connections to empower students’ career paths. Known for his impactful presentations, Travis has shared insights on the influential role of alumni networking with audiences... Read More →

Wednesday May 6, 2026 1:50pm - 2:35pm CDT
Prairie II - 2nd Floor

1:50pm CDT

Assessments That Drive Growth in a Work-Based Learning (WBL) Program

Wednesday May 6, 2026 1:50pm - 2:35pm CDT

4E Lounge - 4th Floor

Participants will explore how intentional assessment design can enhance student learning, reflection, and post-secondary readiness in a Work-Based Learning program. Presenters will share a comprehensive framework of formative and summative assessments—including weekly discussions, weekly WBL logs, dual credit coursework, mock interviews, and end-of-experience reflections—that support both...
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Speakers

Brett Thompson

Career Internship Teacher and Program Coordinator, Naperville CUSD 203

Brett is a 28 year champion of secondary and post-secondary CTE education from Naperville, IL with a focus on Technology and Engineering Education, College and Career Readiness, and Career Development Experiences. Brett has led the development and growth of the Work-Based Learning/Internship... Read More →

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 as a Career Internship Educator and Program Coordinator at Naperville CUSD 203... Read More →

Wednesday May 6, 2026 1:50pm - 2:35pm CDT
4E Lounge - 4th Floor

1:50pm CDT

Designing Career-Ready Computer Science Pathways

Wednesday May 6, 2026 1:50pm - 2:35pm CDT

Dobski Conference Room

As Illinois strengthens its expectations for computer science education and districts work to integrate computer science into existing programs, educators are seeking practical ways to design computer science instruction that supports career readiness. This session focuses on how computer science can function as a career and technical education pathway, emphasizing curriculum design, course...
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Speakers

LeeAnn Grant

Professional Development Specialist, CodeHS

LeeAnn is a Professional Development Specialist at CodeHS based in Anchor, Illinois. With nearly a decade of experience teaching Computer Science and STEM, she brings deep classroom expertise from middle and high school settings. Prior to joining CodeHS, LeeAnn taught introductory... Read More →

CodeHS Designing Career Ready CS Pathways Presentation pdf

Wednesday May 6, 2026 1:50pm - 2:35pm CDT
Dobski Conference Room

1:50pm CDT

Essential Employability Skills – Resources and Strategies for Implementation, empathy

Wednesday May 6, 2026 1:50pm - 2:35pm CDT

4W Lounge - 4th Floor

This session will look at several resources available to address Essential Employability Skills. Mr. Gordon's business and industry experience combined with his teaching and PD background enables him to provide some unique insights in to how Essential Employability Skills can be integrated in CTE programs.

Speakers

Brian Gordon

Founder, Better Education Network

Wednesday May 6, 2026 1:50pm - 2:35pm CDT
4W Lounge - 4th Floor

1:50pm CDT

From Classroom to Career – Building Career Pathways That Prepare Students for College, Military, and Workforce Success

Wednesday May 6, 2026 1:50pm - 2:35pm CDT

Prairie III - 2nd Floor

This session highlights DuPage High School District 88’s commitment to preparing students for success beyond high school through intentional, career-connected pathways. Participants will learn how District 88 integrates career exploration, aligned coursework, student voice, and strong community and industry partnerships to support the district’s What’s Your E? Vision… Enroll, Enlist, or...
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Speakers

Yvonne Tsagalis

Assistant Superintendent, DuPage High School District 88

Dani Brink

Director of Community Relations, DuPage High School District 88

Iridia Nevarez

Director of Student Career Development, DuPage High School District 88

Iridia Nevarez serves as the Director of Student Career Development for DuPage High School District 88, where she leads efforts to expand career pathways and create meaningful, real-world learning experiences for students. With 25 years in education... 20 of those years dedicated... Read More →

Wednesday May 6, 2026 1:50pm - 2:35pm CDT
Prairie III - 2nd Floor

1:50pm CDT

Leadership Coaching, Data, and Advising - A District Community Approach to College and Career Readiness and Success

Wednesday May 6, 2026 1:50pm - 2:35pm CDT

Spotlight Room - 1st Floor

Dive into a holistic approach to the mission of OneGoal- to lead the movement to transform Postsecondary Advising & Support. Together we will share best practices of strong & effective postsecondary leadership teams and postsecondary improvement planning for school communities. We will also explore identifying relevant student postsecondary readiness indicators to measure, and ways to integrate...
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Speakers

Vanessa Lee

Director of Secondary Success, OneGoal

Wednesday May 6, 2026 1:50pm - 2:35pm CDT
Spotlight Room - 1st Floor

1:50pm CDT

Real World Ready: Empowering Middle School CTE with Learning Blade

Wednesday May 6, 2026 1:50pm - 2:35pm CDT

1W Lounge - 1st Floor

Middle school and early high school are crucial places to connect academic skills to the real world - and we know CTE offers a powerful pathway to make those connections stick. This session explores how Learning Blade, a fully-funded (free) STEM and CTE platform, helps students see the relevance of what they’re learning by linking interdisciplinary academic skills to real jobs and authentic...
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Speakers

Jack Lomax

eDynamic Learning

Kristen Rolek

Director of State Managers

Wednesday May 6, 2026 1:50pm - 2:35pm CDT
1W Lounge - 1st Floor

1:50pm CDT

The Power and Potential of Rural PharmTech Programs

Wednesday May 6, 2026 1:50pm - 2:35pm CDT

Prairie I - 2nd Floor

Rural communities need stronger talent pathways, and rural CTE programs are uniquely positioned to build these for student success and community vitality. Data from the Rural IL CTE Project shows major rural economic sectors, such as healthcare, are underserved by local CTE programs. Rural pharmacies are especially endangered by the lack of clear pathways into this high-demand, high-wage, and...
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Speakers

Chris Kendall

Director, Peoria Educational Region for Employment and Career Training EFE #300

John Glasgow

Program Director, Association of Illinois Rural and Small Schools

April Suter

College and Career Pathway Endorsement Coordinator, Peoria Educational Region for Employment and Career Training EFE #300

Wednesday May 6, 2026 1:50pm - 2:35pm CDT
Prairie I - 2nd Floor

1:50pm CDT

Aligning OSFM Fire Standards with High School Curriculum: Pathways to Certification

Wednesday May 6, 2026 1:50pm - 2:35pm CDT

Founders Suite - 1st Floor

Join us for a collaborative presentation focused on strengthening the connection between high school fire science programs and OSFM standards. This session will explore how high school fire science courses can align with OSFM standards to create stronger pathways into the fire service and the opportunity for state certification.

Speakers

Elyse Matulevich

Principal Consultant, Illinois State Board of Education

William Clossen

Assistant Division Manager, Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal

Chris Bednarek

Northern Supervisor, Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal

Joe Holomy

Fire Certification Specialist/Southern Supervisor, Illinois State Fire Marshal Personnel Standards & Education

Wednesday May 6, 2026 1:50pm - 2:35pm CDT
Founders Suite - 1st Floor

ISBE Presentation

1:50pm CDT

CTE Essentials: Tools and Supports for New Educators

Wednesday May 6, 2026 1:50pm - 2:35pm CDT

Circus Room

New to teaching Career and Technical Education in Illinois? This session is for you! Join the Illinois State Board of Education to explore essential resources, connect with fellow CTE educators, and build confidence in your teaching. By the end of the session, you’ll identify one practical goal or strategy to put into action in your classroom or program this school year.

Speakers

Heather Penczak

Director, EdSystems

Elyse Matulevich

Principal Consultant, Illinois State Board of Education

Wednesday May 6, 2026 1:50pm - 2:35pm CDT
Circus Room

ISBE Presentation

2:25pm CDT

Afternoon Beverage and Snack Break

Wednesday May 6, 2026 2:25pm - 2:45pm CDT

Brown Ballroom - 1st Floor

Take a moment to recharge during the afternoon snack and beverage break. Enjoy light refreshments while connecting with fellow attendees and reflecting on the day’s sessions before heading into the final stretch of the conference.

Wednesday May 6, 2026 2:25pm - 2:45pm CDT
Brown Ballroom - 1st Floor

2:45pm CDT

Building CTE Pathways Through AP Business with Personal Finance

Wednesday May 6, 2026 2:45pm - 3:30pm CDT

4E Lounge - 4th Floor

Imagine a course where students earn college credit, fulfill Illinois Consumer Education requirements, build financial literacy, and manage a real business—all before graduation. AP Business with Personal Finance, part of College Board’s new Career Kickstart initiative, makes it possible.This flexible course can be implemented within a CTE pathway or offered as an elective, integrating...
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Speakers

Andrea Holzwarth

Director of Career Strategy & Engagement

Wednesday May 6, 2026 2:45pm - 3:30pm CDT
4E Lounge - 4th Floor

2:45pm CDT

CTE is the Key to Our Future Workforce – CTE Academics and Workforce Ties

Wednesday May 6, 2026 2:45pm - 3:30pm CDT

4W Lounge - 4th Floor

Participants in this session will discuss current workforce needs and how CTE coursework uniquely addresses the academic and soft skills employers are seeking. CTE is critical to the success of our economic standing and we will discuss the unique ways it can address essential employability skills as well as core academic competencies necessary to "get the job".

Speakers

Brian Gordon

Founder, Better Education Network

Wednesday May 6, 2026 2:45pm - 3:30pm CDT
4W Lounge - 4th Floor

2:45pm CDT

Navigate a World Built on Code: Computational Thinking for All Learners

Wednesday May 6, 2026 2:45pm - 3:30pm CDT

Prairie III - 2nd Floor

We live in an era where computers are no longer just on our desks—they essentially touch corner of our lives. To thrive in this environment, students need more than to be digital users; they need to master Computational Thinking (CT) - or the Human Operating System of thinking.This session explores how CT provides the foundational logic required to navigate a world where technology is...
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Speakers

Emily Pool

Professional Learning Specialist, CS & STEM, Learning Technology Center (LTC)

Wednesday May 6, 2026 2:45pm - 3:30pm CDT
Prairie III - 2nd Floor

2:45pm CDT

Solar Solutionaries

Wednesday May 6, 2026 2:45pm - 3:30pm CDT

Spotlight Room - 1st Floor

Transform your classroom into a solar learning lab with We Care Solar’s Solar Suitcase Learning Kit. In this interactive session, educators will explore how the Solar Suitcase brings clean energy concepts to life through hands-on, project-based learning. Designed for middle and high school classrooms, the kit allows students to assemble, test, and troubleshoot a fully functioning, portable solar...
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Speakers

Dallas Turner

Instructional Coach, Thurgood Marshall Middle School

Physics teacher turned to the dark-side as a technology mentor; theologian, computer geek, rocket enthusiast, wannabe early adopter of technology. My interests are diverse, but my passion runs across all of these.

Becky Goldberg

Strategic Lead of Education, We Care Solar

Wednesday May 6, 2026 2:45pm - 3:30pm CDT
Spotlight Room - 1st Floor

2:45pm CDT

Strengthening K12 Career Development Through Community Advisory Collaboration

Wednesday May 6, 2026 2:45pm - 3:30pm CDT

Prairie I - 2nd Floor

Learn how community advisory committees can be used to drive system development and continuous improvement for how schools increase student awareness, interest, and readiness for promising careers. This collaborative approach supports grade-level career development targets, fosters durable skills, and strengthens academic connections to real-world opportunities across rural, industrial, and...
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Speakers

Steven LaFemina

Partner, TNTP

I'm a proud father of two, former math and science teacher, and outdoor enthusiast living in Raleigh, NC but working in states throughout the Midwest and Southeast to build new systems that unlock future opportunities for youth. Come talk with me about how TNTP is working collaborative... Read More →

Bryan Jones

Senior Manager, TNTP

Community Advisory Committees TNTP pdf

Wednesday May 6, 2026 2:45pm - 3:30pm CDT
Prairie I - 2nd Floor

2:45pm CDT

The Blueprint for Alignment: Integrating Curriculum, Industry, and Learning Spaces

Wednesday May 6, 2026 2:45pm - 3:30pm CDT

1W Lounge - 1st Floor

How can school districts expand Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways so students graduate prepared for multiple postsecondary options, not just a single course or credential? In this co-presentation, DLR Group and Rockford School District 205 share the transformation of a former college facility into a College and Career Education Center serving high school students. District leaders and...
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Speakers

Bridget French

Executive Director - College & Career Readiness Program, Rockford Public Schools 205

Bridget French has been the executive director of college and career readiness for Rockford Public Schools since 2017. In this role, Bridget is responsible for the development, implementation, assessment, and continuous improvement of programs aimed at increasing student access to... Read More →

Tim Shimp

Educational Learning Designer, DLR Group

Wednesday May 6, 2026 2:45pm - 3:30pm CDT
1W Lounge - 1st Floor

2:45pm CDT

Trading Up the Next Generation

Wednesday May 6, 2026 2:45pm - 3:30pm CDT

Prairie II - 2nd Floor

As industries evolve and infrastructure demands grow, the skilled trades face a widening talent gap, as well as a powerful opportunity. In this session, Brian Huff shares firsthand insights from the front lines of workforce training, drawing on his experience as a trained welder and an innovative leader in skills-focused education. He explores why traditional education pathways alone are no longer...
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Speakers

Brian Huff

CEO/Founder, Midwest Technical Institute

Wednesday May 6, 2026 2:45pm - 3:30pm CDT
Prairie II - 2nd Floor

2:45pm CDT

ASAP Framework for Enhancing HST Pathways

Wednesday May 6, 2026 2:45pm - 3:30pm CDT

Founders Suite - 1st Floor

This session focuses on initiative to enhance equitable access to rural healthcare career pathways by providing structured support, high‑quality instruction, and regionally responsive programming. The Support and Pilot framework equips schools to help design, implement, and refine Health Science Technology (HST) pathways that meet community health needs and create stronger college and career...
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Speakers

Shaista Saiyed

CTE - HST Principal Consultant, Illinois State Board of Education

"Shaista Saiyed is the Health Science and Technology (HST) Principal Consultant for the Career and Technical Education (CTE) department at the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE). In this role, Shaista provides leadership, expertise, and support within ISBE and other agencies... Read More →

Wednesday May 6, 2026 2:45pm - 3:30pm CDT
Founders Suite - 1st Floor

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