2026 ISBE Career Connections Conference

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

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 expertise. All attendees will receive complimentary access to these courses, practice exams, and certification opportunities—empowering you to help your students stand out in today’s competitive market. Join our session to discover the details of this offer or visit the Certiport booth during the conference for additional information.

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 engage in their academic pathway. As mentors gain leadership experience, scholars demonstrate stronger academic confidence, greater engagement in their major, and a clearer sense of identity as future educators. This session will share successful experiences and examples of positive student outcomes observed within the program, offering practical ideas for how high schools and teacher preparation partners can support students who are interested in pursuing education as a college and career pathway.

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.

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".