2026 ISBE Career Connections Conference

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.

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 meaningful collaborative advising practices throughout your school community. Lastly, we will reflect on the roles and responsibilities that could make up a district or school’s postsecondary leadership team and give tips based on success markers we have seen in our schools.

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 energy system while building foundational knowledge in renewable energy, electrical circuits, and systems thinking. Participants will experience a live demonstration of the Solar Suitcase Learning Kit, explore curriculum connections aligned to STEM and CTE pathways, and learn practical strategies for classroom implementation. The session will also highlight how solar learning supports career awareness by introducing students to clean energy careers, technical skills, and real-world applications. Attendees will leave with free instructional resources, opportunities to apply for the kits, and inspiration to empower students through engaging, hands-on solar learning experiences across diverse classrooms and evolving career-connected learning environments.