Preview Conference Sessions of 2026 Connection Conference

This two-day session is designed to help teachers who want to certify in CTE or industry professionals whose certification comes with deficiencies that must be cleared within 3 years. The first day will be offsite and the second day will be at the Westin. Teachers in Agriculture Education (AgriScience) are tasked with developing their programs for their respective school districts. The session will concentrate on the needs of the teachers in the first few weeks of school to develop the program’s initial curriculum, Work Based Learning Activities, and CTSO management. Agriculture Education II will explore other unique items for ag educators in the AAEPEI evaluation, FFA evaluation, Extended Contracts and AET management.

This session is designed for teachers who incorporate blood spatter analysis into their coursework and want practical strategies for delivering it safely and effectively. Participants will explore the fundamentals of bloodstain pattern analysis—such as passive drops, wipes, cast-off patterns, and more—and learn how to teach students to interpret what these patterns can reveal about the events of a crime scene. The session will walk educators through classroom-ready lessons, controlled lab activities, and simple math applications that help students build observation skills and think critically about evidence. Attendees will see how to guide students in documenting patterns, calculating angles and directionality, and connecting scientific concepts to real-world forensic investigation. By the end of the session, teachers will leave with materials, techniques, and a clear framework for confidently teaching blood spatter analysis in a safe, engaging, and age-appropriate way.

New agriculture teachers will learn the ins and outs of creating a circuit board to take back to school with them. Please allow enough time to get to the offsite location. Transportation is not provided.

Great cinematography starts with great lighting. This hands-on workshop guides high school film teachers through the core principles of three-point lighting, color temperature, and cinematic lighting techniques — from basic classroom setups to more advanced applications. You’ll experience practical student activities firsthand and leave with adaptable lessons that meet students at every skill and budget level.

With all the available options for layout, Adobe InDesign remains the industry standard for document creation. Introduce your students to this powerful tool for layout and publication design. We'll explore essential skills such as working with text and images, using grids and styles, and preparing documents for print and digital formats. Emphasizing design principles alongside technical proficiency, this session will help teach students to create polished, professional layouts while building confidence in visual communication.

This tour will address the soft skills of hiring students and the technical skills needed for welding careers. Giving you an insight in specialized large-scale production runs, Empire combines decades of expertise with cutting-edge equipment to meet the needs of businesses across every industry.

This two-day course is an introduction to the design and use of CTE curriculum. In this highly engaging course teachers will focus on the design and delivery of relevant and engaging lessons. Special emphasis is placed on active participation strategies, a strong introduction to each lesson, clear and appropriate objective(s), a variety of ways to meet the objective(s), and closure to assess learning. These strategies will be woven across the entire workshop. All participants whose districts are members of the AZ CTE Curriculum Consortium and who complete both days of this workshop will receive password-protected access to the Curriculum Connection with its 3500+ bank of outstanding lesson plans for more than 20 CTE programs written by Arizona CTE teachers. This course is excellent for every teacher. Ace your next evaluation! Upon successful completion of the course participants will receive an ADE certificate for 15 professional development clock hours which equates to one (1) semester hour of coursework.

This session is for CTE Directors and Teachers who would like to learn about ADE Program Monitoring requirements for WBL Documentation. The session will include a quick Program Monitoring review, location of WBL Resources, and documentation recommendations for specific monitoring indicators. We will discuss what this documentation can look like at our varying school settings across the state.

Assessing and grading are two different actions. Learn a variety of formative and summative assessment techniques. A major focus is how to assess student work using rubrics. This class will help you create a clear grading policy and develop a variety of ways to assess student learning. How should students in CTE be assessed? How do we set up a fair grading system for both teachers and students? Learn about the wide variety of options that address both of these issues to help you develop both your own philosophy for grading as well as effective strategies for multiple ways to assess student learning and progress. You will also leave with a greater understanding of how to align testing and evaluation to your course outcomes and grading policies that will increase effective feedback for students. Upon successful completion of the course, which includes submission of homework, participants will receive an ADE certificate for 15 professional development clock hours which equates to one (1) semester hour of coursework.

This is a 1 day course - This foundational course is designed to equip emerging educators with the essential knowledge and skills necessary to develop a positive learning environment. Participants will explore various aspects of the education profession, including terminology, characteristics of professional conduct, and classroom management strategies. Through a detailed examination, participants will develop clear and enforceable rules that promote respect, responsibility, and safety. Participants will examine the role of consequences in shaping student behavior and promoting accountability while creating and implementing consistent procedures to streamline classroom activities and maximize instructional time. By the course's conclusion, educators will emerge equipped with practical tools and insights to navigate the complexities of classroom management with confidence and professionalism. Upon successful completion of the course which includes submission of homework, participants will receive an ADE certificate for 15 professional development clock hours which equates to one (1) semester hour of coursework.

Create meaningful work-based learning experiences for your students. This course will provide teachers with a variety of models of work-based learning along with the associated forms, agreements, and guidelines. You will select the model that is most appropriate for your situation and create a plan to implement work-based learning as a part of your premier program! Upon successful completion of the course which includes submission of homework, participants will receive an ADE certificate for 15 professional development clock hours which equates to one (1) semester hour of coursework.

Closed-toe and closed-heel shoes, long pants, and shirts with sleeves (no tank tops) are required. Arizona’s mining industry extends far beyond copper—cement and aggregate operations are essential sectors offering diverse, high-demand career pathways for CTE students. Step beyond the classroom for an exclusive, behind-the-scenes tour of CalPortland’s quarry and mill. Participants will observe how raw materials are transformed into cement, understand the difference between cement and concrete, and hear directly from industry professionals about how education connects to real-world operations. This immersive experience equips educators with concrete examples and industry insight to inspire students to explore careers in engineering, skilled trades, environmental stewardship, human resources, and safety management.

Join Arizona CTE educators for a fast-paced, teacher-driven session focused on sharing standout Family & Consumer Sciences lessons. Teachers from Early Childhood Education and Education Professions will each highlight a successful, standards-aligned lesson that builds real-world skills. The session centers on practical classroom strategies, quick five-minute “Greatest Hit” lessons, rapid idea exchange, shared digital resources, and time to connect with colleagues. Bring one great idea and leave with many.

This session highlights how LPS curriculum can be energized through hands-on, creative projects that keep learning rigorous and engaging. Participants will see how topics in law enforcement, criminal justice, CSI, forensics, and incident response are taught through student-built crime scene reconstructions and investigative simulations. Using miniature models, staged evidence, and scenario-based narratives, students practice scene analysis, documentation, forensic techniques, and real-world investigative decision-making. Allison Crosby demonstrates how these projects support core academic and technical standards while boosting engagement, creativity, and career readiness. Students naturally develop leadership, teamwork, communication, and critical thinking skills as they build scenes, manage mock incidents, and present case outcomes. Attendees will leave with practical ideas and strategies for integrating project-based learning into LPS coursework, making complex topics interactive, memorable, and highly effective for diverse learners.

Open to members with 15+ years of teaching experience. As you advance in the profession, your needs as an educator change and evolve. Come share some of your wisdom and engage with others in your cohort during this session.

Join a student-led discussion focused on interactive engagement strategies for teaching today’s learners. Hear directly from a hand-picked group of students as they share their perspectives on what this generation needs and wants from their educational experience.

This workshop is designed for new graphic design teachers and educators looking to refresh their instructional approach. Participants will explore a variety of effective teaching methods, discover how purposeful bell work can create more time for engaging, hands on activities, and hear practical insights from real classroom experience. We’ll also discuss how to maintain healthy boundaries and avoid taking student behavior personally—so you can focus on creating a positive, creative learning environment.

This Educator Exchange brings together instructors who teach Cosmetology and Therapeutic Massage programs to share lessons, activities, and instructional strategies grounded in authentic experiences. Participants will exchange approaches for teaching Cosmetology and Therapeutic Massage standards. The exchanged lessons may also include strategies to teach teamwork, leadership, and accountability. Attendees are encouraged to actively participate and to share one or more classroom-tested resources from their own programs. Participants will be invited to submit a resource prior to the conference to help spark discussion and idea sharing. Each educator’s contributions play a vital role in the success of this collaborative session.

Empower your students to produce professional‑quality athletic livestreams. This workshop provides a toolbox of practical tips, tech tools, and creative ideas to help them deliver polished, engaging broadcasts for your school community.

This session explores strategies for strengthening partnerships between employers, workforce agencies, and education providers to ensure construction programs align with industry expectations. Participants will learn how to co-develop training and apprenticeship pathways, integrate industry-recognized credentials, use labor market data to shape curriculum, and create feedback loops that keep instruction aligned with jobsite realities. The session also highlights approaches for expanding equitable access to training and employment opportunities across diverse communities.

Attend this session to deepen your understanding of the bioscience and health sectors through easy-to-use instructional resources and real-world industry insights. Participants will explore aligned classroom resources ranging from short classroom activities to extended projects that connect directly to current workforce trends, career pathways, and in-demand skills. You will review ready-to-use tools that integrate seamlessly into your curriculum while gaining a clearer picture of how industry operates today. Walk away with new instructional resources and industry perspectives designed to spark relevance, curiosity, and expanded career possibilities for your program.

Learn how to build a strategic partnership framework that boosts industry involvement in the classroom, strengthens ROI (return on investment) for partners, and elevates your overall engagement process. Perfect for anyone new to partnerships or ready to level up their existing strategy.

Strong workforce pipelines are built through meaningful partnerships between CTE programs and business and industry. This session will explore strategies for deepening collaboration to align education with real workforce needs. Participants will learn how employers can actively support CTE through work-based learning, curriculum insight, mentorship, and industry engagement that prepares students for high-demand careers. Hear practical examples of partnerships that are strengthening talent pipelines while creating clear pathways for student success. Leave with actionable ideas to expand collaboration and ensure CTE programs remain responsive, relevant, and connected to the future workforce.

Join Arizona CTE educators for a fast-paced, teacher-driven session focused on sharing standout Family & Consumer Sciences lessons. Teachers from Culinary and Hospitality will each highlight a successful, standards-aligned lesson that builds real-world skills. The session centers on practical classroom strategies, quick five-minute “Greatest Hit” lessons, rapid idea exchange, shared digital resources, and time to connect with colleagues. Bring one great idea and leave with many.

This session will introduce and educate participants on the use of modern manufacturing tools, including laser cutters, 3D printers, and CNC machines. We will provide an overview of each technology, its primary applications, key differences in the software used, and practical strategies for integrating these tools into your curriculum. Demonstration machines and sample projects will be available, along with proven classroom lesson plans that successfully incorporate their use.

Podcasts in the K-12 classroom can help students take their educational journey to the next level. This educational podcast session introduces participants to the art and science of podcasting as a powerful learning and communication tool. Participants will explore how podcasts can be used to share knowledge, tell meaningful stories, reinforce topics and engage diverse audiences. The workshop covers the fundamentals of podcast planning, software and equipment, scripting, recording, and basic editing, while emphasizing critical thinking, creativity, and digital literacy. By the end of the session, participants will have a clear understanding of how to create an educational podcast from concept to publication.

Today’s students are tomorrow’s innovators—and entrepreneurial thinking is key to their success. In this session, educators will discover how to bring business creation and economic decision-making into the classroom in ways that are engaging, relevant, and actionable. Designed for grades 7–12, this workshop uses Everfi’s digital courses to help students launch ideas, understand markets, and connect classroom learning to real-world careers. Participants will explore free digital tools and project-based strategies that spark creativity, build financial confidence, and strengthen workforce readiness. Walk away with ready-to-use resources and activities that empower students to think like entrepreneurs, act like decision-makers, and succeed in life beyond the classroom. Presenter is an exhibitor.

Join Mike Puente, AZPOST Program Administrator, for an inside look at the evolution of Arizona’s Law & Public Service Academy curriculum. This session will walk educators through the key updates implemented over the past several years, the improvements shaping current training standards, and the future enhancements planned to better align students with public safety career pathways. Participants will gain a practical understanding of how AZPOST is modernizing curriculum to strengthen student readiness, professionalism, and real-world relevance within the LPS field. For those seeking deeper insight, such as observing academy operations, exploring specialized content areas, or collaborating with expert Master Instructors, AZPOST will provide connections to regional academies or subject-matter experts tailored to each attendee’s interests.

Learn about what’s going on with Arizona FFA as we head into the school year. These important updates will set teachers on the right foot to have an outstanding school year!

Please be here by 11:00 AM to enjoy lunch! Closed-toe, closed-heel, long pants, shirts with sleeves (no tank tops) are required. Designed for CTE engineering teachers, this exclusive tour offers an in-depth, behind-the-scenes look at CalPortland’s modern cement mining operation. Participants will explore engineering processes, equipment, and process controls, seeing how classroom concepts in engineering and technology are applied in real-world industrial settings. This hands-on experience is an opportunity for teachers to connect curriculum to industry, inspire students, and strengthen STEM education with real-world applications. It's recommended to join the "Beyond Copper: Explore Careers in Mining by Touring CalPortland" preceding this session. For safety reasons, participation in the mine tour requires a reasonable level of physical fitness. The tour may involve walking long distances, uneven or slippery surfaces, low lighting, confined spaces, and climbing or descending stairs or ladders. Participants should be comfortable with these conditions and free from medical conditions that could be aggravated by physical exertion or underground environments. Appropriate footwear and protective equipment must be worn at all times, and all safety instructions from tour guides must be followed.

This workshop helps educators design classrooms where students not only learn content but build the work-ready mindsets employers and communities demand. Participants will explore practical strategies to cultivate initiative, resilience, accountability, professionalism, collaboration, and reflection—skills that research shows are critical for postsecondary success and lifelong learning. You’ll walk away with easy-to-implement classroom structures, assignment tweaks, and routines that support personally-driven tasks, time-bound goals, meaningful SAE integration, and thoughtful reflection on choices and consequences. Through discussion, examples, and planning time, teachers will create a tailored action plan to strengthen student engagement, ownership, and readiness for work and life.

This workshop is designed to teach participants how to transform their graphic designs created in Adobe Illustrator into tangible products by applying them onto textiles. Participants will gain practical knowledge and hands-on experience in heat transfer and screen printing techniques, along with insights on how to create a student-based enterprise to generate revenue through custom-designed spirit wear and athletic jerseys.

Teaching screenwriting for the first time can feel intimidating—especially if you don’t come from a writing background. This session is designed for Film and TV Production teachers who want a clear, practical starting point. We’ll cover foundational screenwriting principles, explore industry practices and participate in ready-to-use classroom activities that help students learn screenwriting.

This Educator Exchange brings together instructors who teach Mental and Social Health programs to share lessons, activities, and instructional strategies grounded in authentic experiences. Participants will exchange approaches for teaching Mental and Social Health standards. The exchanged lessons may also include strategies to teach teamwork, leadership, and accountability. Attendees are encouraged to actively participate and to share one or more classroom-tested resources from their own programs. Participants will be invited to submit a resource prior to the conference to help spark discussion and idea sharing. Each educator’s contributions play a vital role in the success of this collaborative session.

Join Arizona CTE educators for a fast-paced, teacher-driven session focused on sharing standout Family & Consumer Sciences lessons. Teachers from Interior and Fashion Design and Merchandising will each highlight a successful, standards-aligned lesson that builds real-world skills. The session centers on practical classroom strategies, quick five-minute “Greatest Hit” lessons, rapid idea exchange, shared digital resources, and time to connect with colleagues. Bring one great idea and leave with many.

Join us for an in-depth look at how academia is developing curriculum and pathways around drone technology, including how students can become commercially licensed drone pilots by age 16 while earning college credits, multiple industry certifications, and a clear pathway into the workforce. This session will explore how Arizona is positioning itself around drone technology, how the field is expected to scale within our communities, and the projected industry demand. We will share insights into hardware, simulation tools, and student-experience considerations that help shape effective learning objectives and maintain strong engagement. We'll also cover best practices for teaching responsible drone use, mitigating risks, and understanding the security and operational considerations that educational institutions should incorporate as they adopt and expand drone programs.

Learn about the newest and upcoming resources from Agriculture in the Classroom (AITC). Whether you are new to teaching or have been around for a while, AZFB AITC has something to help you! The team is continuously working to develop new resources for Ag Teachers. See what we are working on for the next year, including our VR career presentations and test your Ag knowledge for some cool prizes!

This session dives into how students can bring stories to life using After Effects. We will showcase real classroom projects, including layered, ready-to-animate scenes that teach animation, motion graphics, and storytelling all at once. Attendees will see student examples, learn workflow tips, and get strategies for integrating industry-standard software into any CTE classroom—no prior animation experience required.

Join us for an in-depth look at how academia is developing curriculum and pathways around drone technology, including how students can become commercially licensed drone pilots by age 16 while earning college credits, multiple industry certifications, and a clear pathway into the workforce. This session will explore how Arizona is positioning itself around drone technology, how the field is expected to scale within our communities, and the projected industry demand. We will share insights into hardware, simulation tools, and student-experience considerations that help shape effective learning objectives and maintain strong engagement. We'll also cover best practices for teaching responsible drone use, mitigating risks, and understanding the security and operational considerations that educational institutions should incorporate as they adopt and expand drone programs.

The CTE Florence Unified CTE Staff will design a strategic and action plan for the upcoming school year to include, but not limited to, Performance Measures, CTE Assessments, and other CTE related items.

The offsite location for this session will be announced shortly. We appreciate your patience and look forward to you joining us! Participants will need to provide the following required tools: a trowel, 2 foot and 4 foot levels, tape measure, jointer, and brush. Participants will choose from beginner, intermediate or advanced masonry projects and build the selected project in the time allowed. Journeyman masons will be present to provide training and teaching tips. Participants must wear closed-toe shoes, pants, sun protection, and come ready to learn about masonry.

Hands-on lessons to take back to your classroom! Join us as we complete activities in mechanics, plant science, animal science and more. Items will be given to each attendee to take home so you can complete this in your own classroom.

Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSO) will take your CTE Program to the next level! This course is designed for first and second year advisors who want to effectively manage a CTSO. During this course advisors will discuss how to seamlessly integrate a CTSO into their curriculum, brainstorm fundraising opportunities, share strategies for conducting awards recognition functions and explore related legal and ethical considerations. Advisors will also be acquainted with CTSO resources available to them. Come and learn about the CTSO that YOU will be advising! Participants who participate in the course and complete the follow-up assignments will have the opportunity to earn 15 CEU hours approved by ADE to be used for your standard CTE certificate or for recertification hours.

This Educator Exchange brings together instructors who teach Dental Assisting programs to share lessons, activities, and instructional strategies grounded in authentic experiences. Participants will exchange approaches for teaching Dental Assisting standards. The exchanged lessons may also include strategies to teach teamwork, leadership, and accountability. Attendees are encouraged to actively participate and to share one or more classroom-tested resources from their own programs. Participants will be invited to submit a resource prior to the conference to help spark discussion and idea sharing. Each educator’s contributions play a vital role in the success of this collaborative session.

Want students to pay attention faster—and remember more? This practical, hands-on session shows educators how simple design principles can dramatically improve student engagement and understanding. Learn easy ways to use typography, color, layout, and visual hierarchy to make slides, handouts, and digital content clearer and more impactful. No design degree required. We’ll break down what works, why it works, and how to apply it immediately in your classroom. Whether you teach business, marketing, media, or core academics, you’ll leave with straightforward strategies to make your lessons more visually engaging, more organized, and easier for students to process. If you’re ready to level up your materials and energize your classroom, this workshop gives you practical tools you can use the very next day.

Too many teens enter the workforce without the communication skills employers expect—skills in speaking, listening, reading, and writing that shape how they collaborate, solve problems, and present themselves professionally. In this session, participants will engage in hands-on activities such as storytelling challenges, close readings, quick pitches, and collaborative MadLibs that make communication practice engaging and relevant. These real-world, career-ready strategies, no matter the CTE pathway, equip students to express ideas clearly, build confidence, and succeed in the workplace.

This course is designed to provide CTE educators and other interested parties with a broad understanding of special education. During this interactive workshop, we will cover a range of topics including special education law, modifications, accommodations, interventions, supports, the special education process, and the Response to Intervention process. Our goal is to provide you with the tools you need to serve exceptional students enrolled in CTE courses more effectively. Upon successful completion of the course which includes submission of homework, participants will receive an ADE certificate for 15 professional development clock hours which equates to one (1) semester hour of coursework.

To receive all three (3) semester hours, you must attend both days AND the suggested sessions on the third day. This engaging course was crafted for middle school educators who want to inspire students about career literacy and Career and Technical Education (CTE). Over the course of this multi-day session together, we will explore the CTE delivery model and how it can be incorporated at the middle school level, integrate the eCTE professional skills standards with core academic standards, and design an implementation plan for your school. This is a unique session: the first two days will be all-day instruction, and the third optional day will be a mix of career literacy sessions you get to choose. Upon successful completion of the session, including participating in the third day sessions, participants will receive professional development hours equivalent to three (3) semester hours of coursework.

This session gives Arizona teachers a relaxed, accessible introduction to the basics of mining and its role in everyday life. Participants will learn how mining works, the materials produced in Arizona, and the wide range of high-quality career pathways the industry offers. The session also highlights how mining connects to safety, communities, the environment, and the economy, helping educators build confidence in discussing these topics with students. Attending teachers will receive a copy of the presentation for classroom use. The presenter is also an exhibitor.

All Arizona Ag and Culinary teachers are invited to join the Arizona Beef Council and Dr. Duane Wulf for a tour of the newly renovated University of Arizona Food Product and Safety Lab to learn about the harvesting process of meat animals and food safety.

This session introduces CTE educators to the Animal Decontamination Certification (ADC), an Arizona Department of Education A–F approved credential for Law & Public Safety, Veterinary Science, and Agriculture pathways. Participants will experience a condensed, interactive overview of the certification, including responder safety, contamination zones, PPE selection, animal handling, documentation, and cross-pathway collaboration. The session demonstrates how animal decontamination concepts can be integrated into CTE classrooms to build real-world skills in emergency response, biosecurity, animal welfare, and community safety. Educators will explore curriculum structure, assessment design, and implementation models, and examine how the certification supports pathway completion, CTSO participation, and measurable student outcomes. Presented by a certification provider for informational and professional learning purposes.

This interactive roundtable session brings business and marketing educators together to share their favorite AI tools and classroom integration strategies. Participants will exchange real-world examples, discuss responsible AI use, and leave with practical ideas, resources, and tools they can immediately apply to enhance instruction, student engagement, and career readiness.

This is a practical session designed for Fire Science educators who want to simplify and strengthen their instructional workflow. Using tools like PowerSchool SIS, Chalk, and Schoology, attendees will learn how to build curriculum maps, create effective lesson plans, manage assignments and assessments, and leverage emerging AI tools such as PowerBuddy to support data-driven teaching. This session focuses on helping Fire Science instructors save time, stay organized, and deliver consistent, high-quality training to their students.

Camp M&M (Mentors & Mentees) is a full-day, conference experience designed specifically for CTE administrators at all stages of leadership. This interactive session focuses on mentorship, collaboration, and practical leadership strategies to support both new and experienced directors. Participants will engage in meaningful discussions, share best practices, and build professional networks that extend well beyond the conference. Participants are also encouraged to attend the ACOVA Business Meeting and Critical Issues in CTE session during the conference.

What dangers may be lurking in your venue? Come learn the top ten unsafe things we commonly see when we do inspections and how to make them safer. Includes all areas of technical theater and has some great photos of both what to do and what not to do. This session is great for teachers, administrators and venue managers as well as performers.

Market Day is a high-impact, real-world learning experience where students invest their own money, launch a small business, and sell to real customers. This how-to session walks educators through planning, logistics, student expectations, funding considerations, risk management, and assessment. Learn how to structure timelines, approvals, pricing, marketing, and reflection while maintaining equity and school compliance. The session also covers common pitfalls, profit tracking, and ways to connect Market Day to performance indicators and work-based learning requirements. Participants leave with a clear road map and ready-to-use ideas to confidently run a successful, student-driven market experience.

Best Practices, Skill-Building, and Classroom-Tested Ideas for Production-Based Learning! This Educator Exchange brings film and television production and digital animation instructors together for a collaborative sharing experience focused on lessons, activities, and instructional strategies that succeed in real production-based classrooms. Participants will exchange ideas for teaching storytelling, camera operation, audio, editing, and crew collaboration while navigating time, equipment, and team dynamics. To support a meaningful exchange, attendees are encouraged to actively participate and to share one or more classroom-tested resources drawn from their own programs. Participants will be invited to submit a resource prior to the conference to help spark discussion and idea sharing. Every educator’s experience—new or veteran—contributes to the success of this session.

This half-day session, designed for high school Photography teachers, explores black-and-white photography and editing—one of the most teachable visual disciplines. Monochrome strips images to essentials, sharpening students’ grasp of light, form, contrast, and storytelling—skills that enhance all design work. Rick Burress breaks down techniques from masters like Ansel Adams, Richard Avedon, Joel Grimes, and Platon, delivering clear, classroom-ready methods for Photoshop, Lightroom Classic, and Camera Raw. Topics include shooting with monochrome intent, powerful color-to-B&W conversions, mastering shadows/highlights/contrast, the three qualities of light, metering, high-key/low-key, Gestalt principles, and eye magnets. Editing focuses on non-destructive workflows, dodge & burn, histograms/curves, conversion sliders, and shortcuts for consistent looks. Includes samples, handouts, and step-by-step guides.

Explore with Siemens, cutting-edge engineering education that is transforming today’s CTE classrooms. This session begins with an introduction to emerging initiatives that strengthen high-quality engineering pathways and workforce readiness across schools. Siemens will showcase its Pathway to Learning Engineering (PLE) suite—a comprehensive, project-based curriculum co-developed by Siemens engineering experts and educators. These resources challenge students to collaborate on authentic design problems and prepare for industry-recognized certifications in NX X Essentials and Siemens Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs). Participants will learn how to access the curriculum, secure academic software licenses, explore professional development opportunities, and register students for certification exams. The session concludes with a hands-on activity simulating the student experience, offering a practical look at how these tools can be implemented in any classroom to foster innovation and career readiness.

See how my Film and TV students turned a simple idea into The Masked Coyote — our school’s take on The Masked Singer. This student-led project combined live action, motion graphics, and event coverage, giving every student a real production role. I’ll share how we organized the teams, managed limited resources, and kept creativity at the center while meeting CTE standards. Walk away with ideas and templates to launch your own large-scale media project.

This Educator Exchange brings together instructors who teach Business and Marketing Education programs to share lessons, activities, and instructional strategies grounded in authentic, real-world experiences. Participants will exchange effective approaches for teaching Business Management, Finance, Marketing, and related CTE program standards. Shared lessons may also include strategies for developing essential employability skills such as teamwork, leadership, problem solving, and accountability. Attendees are encouraged to actively participate and contribute by sharing one or more classroom tested resources from their own programs. Participants will be invited to submit a resource prior to the conference to help spark discussion and inspire collaborative idea sharing. Each educator’s contributions play a vital role in the success of this engaging and highly collaborative session.

This Educator Exchange brings together instructors who teach Rural Health Science programs to share lessons, activities, and instructional strategies grounded in authentic experiences. Participants will exchange approaches for teaching Health Science standards. The exchanged lessons may also include strategies to teach teamwork, leadership, and accountability. Attendees are encouraged to actively participate and to share one or more classroom-tested resources from their own programs. Participants will be invited to submit a resource prior to the conference to help spark discussion and idea sharing. Each educator’s contributions play a vital role in the success of this collaborative session. This session is for Health Science teachers who could not attend any other Educator Exchange session.

As demand grows for access to high-quality career-connected learning, schools must rethink traditional internship models that limit participation and strain industry capacity. This session highlights a micro-internship approach that expands student access to meaningful, credit-bearing experiences while engaging a broader range of industry partners through short, project-based commitments. Attendees will learn how this model aligns student learning with workforce demand, strengthens industry partnerships, and supports pathways that prepare students for postsecondary success.

This session will cover the basics of measurement and the application of quality standards used in Precision Machining. The session will include information on measurement standards, blueprint reading, geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T), and various hand tools used to verify part conformance. This session is designed for individuals with little to no knowledge of these topics, as well as those with some knowledge who wish to learn more or have questions about the subject. An assortment of hand inspection tools will be available for individuals to use and become more familiar with.

Money doesn’t come with a manual—but it should. In this live demo of Fi$cal Savvy’s Spending Module, attendees will get an inside look at one of Cultured Experiences’ signature financial literacy lessons designed specifically for high school students. Fi$cal Savvy is a comprehensive, student-centered financial literacy curriculum made up of six modules, each designed to build practical money skills teens can use now and into adulthood. In this session, we’ll be demoing Module: Spending—walking through a condensed version of the 90-minute workshop experience so attendees can see firsthand how the content comes to life in the classroom.

CTE students don’t just need skills. They need the confidence to walk up, introduce themselves, and start the conversation that leads to internships, apprenticeships, and job offers. In this high-energy, hands-on session, educators will learn how to teach small talk and networking as practical workplace tools students can use at job fairs, interviews, and work-based learning experiences. Using Robyn Austin’s Small Talk: Ready, Set, Go framework, participants will practice quick conversation scripts, low-pressure role-play rotations, and “real employer moment” scenarios that help students feel prepared. Attendees leave with activities that raise students' confidence.

This session provides a deep look into the future of CTE in Arizona, exploring everything from recruiting high-quality instructors to empowering students to lead key aspects of their programs. Presenters will explain effective strategies for increasing industry involvement to help guide programs toward positive student outcomes, including meaningful employment. Student leaders will share their experiences and decision-making perspectives, offering insight into the learner’s role in program development. The session will also examine industry certification options for CTE programs and clarify how these certifications align with current industry expectations.

Arizona Ag and Culinary teachers are invited to take part in a knife skills session at the University of Arizona Food Product & Safety Lab, led by Duane Wulf. This general session will introduce foundational knife skills used in food science and meat processing settings, along with a broad overview of beef fabrication. Participants may observe or discuss the process of breaking down portions of a beef carcass to better understand how larger cuts are separated into wholesale and retail products.

Bruce Watkins will share important changes going on in ADE. The AZFFA Foundation will also be sharing about exciting opportunities for the foundation. Lastly, join us in an overview of the different committees AATA has and how you can make a positive impact on one!

This workshop introduces designers to the neuroscience behind effective visual communication. Participants will learn how the brain processes visual information and how to apply these insights to graphic design decisions. The session covers visual hierarchy, typography, color theory, and layout techniques through a science-informed lens that makes design more intentional and impactful.

Help your students move from “I have an idea…” to clear, confident communication. This practical, teacher-friendly session focuses on simple, repeatable ways to teach brainstorming, storyboarding, and content planning in any classroom. Learn how to guide students step-by-step through organizing their thoughts, shaping a strong beginning–middle–end, and creating content that actually connects with a real audience. We’ll share easy frameworks, classroom activities, and tools you can use right away—whether you teach media, marketing, design, or another CTE pathway. If you want students who think more clearly, plan before they create, and present their ideas with confidence, this workshop will give you approachable strategies that make storytelling easier to teach—and more fun to learn.

Come to this session to learn how to use CanvaAI to design engaging, standards-aligned WBL simulation games that let students practice job tasks, decision-making, safety, soft skills, and industry-specific problem solving.

This Educator Exchange brings together instructors who teach Pharmacy Support Services and Medical Records Technologist programs to share lessons, activities, and instructional strategies grounded in authentic experiences. Participants will exchange approaches for teaching Pharmacy Support Services and Medical Records Technologist standards. The exchanged lessons may also include strategies to teach teamwork, leadership, and accountability. Attendees are encouraged to actively participate and to share one or more classroom-tested resources from their own programs. Participants will be invited to submit a resource prior to the conference to help spark discussion and idea sharing. Each educator’s contributions play a vital role in the success of this collaborative session.

Today's students are tomorrow's innovators—and entrepreneurial thinking is key to their success. In this session, educators will discover how to bring business creation and economic decision-making into the classroom in ways that are engaging, relevant, and actionable. Designed for grades 7–12, this workshop uses Everfi's digital courses to help students launch ideas, understand markets, and connect classroom learning to Real-world careers. Participants will explore free digital tools and project-based strategies that spark creativity, build financial confidence, and strengthen workforce readiness. Walk away with ready-to-use resources and activities that empower students to think like entrepreneurs, act like decision-makers, and succeed in life beyond the classroom. Presenter is an exhibitor.

What dangers may be lurking in your venue? Come learn the top ten unsafe things we commonly see when we do inspections and how to make them safer. Includes all areas of technical theater and has some great photos of both what to do and what not to do. This session is great for teachers, administrators and venue managers as well as performers.

This session provides a deep look into the future of CTE in Arizona, exploring everything from recruiting high-quality instructors to empowering students to lead key aspects of their programs. Presenters will explain effective strategies for increasing industry involvement to help guide programs toward positive student outcomes, including meaningful employment. Student leaders will share their experiences and decision-making perspectives, offering insight into the learner’s role in program development. The session will also examine industry certification options for CTE programs and clarify how these certifications align with current industry expectations.

This will be a comprehensive session designed for Fire Science educators who are developing, expanding, or refining a high school level Fire Science program. Drawing on real-world experience and proven CTE models, this session explores how to establish sustainable fire service pathways through curriculum development, stakeholder engagement, advisory councils, dual credit partnerships, and industry-aligned certifications. Attendees will learn how to build a program that recruits locally, supports community workforce needs, aligns with state and NFPA standards, and prepares students for both postsecondary education and entry-level fire service careers. The session provides practical guidance for scheduling models, instructor expectations, safety requirements, equipment needs, and strategies for long-term program sustainability.

Connect employability skills using Game-Based Instructional Strategies within the classroom. Learn strategies that will give students a chance to provide visual workforce skills and apply them daily. Come ready to engage in an hands-on experience using budget-friendly simulation games.

No school-based enterprise? No problem. This practical session shares proven strategies for funding a successful student organization without relying on an SBE. Learn how to plan high-impact fundraisers, leverage community partnerships, run efficient campaigns, and engage students in the fundraising process while building leadership and professionalism. The session covers timelines, profit potential, compliance considerations, and ways to connect fundraising to student organization skills and chapter goals. Participants will leave with adaptable fundraiser ideas, planning tips, and strategies to sustain ably support travel, conferences, and competitions—even with limited time and resources.

AI is no longer a future topic—it’s already reshaping how students edit, design, and think creatively. This seminar is built for high school Photoshop teachers who want to confidently understand and teach Adobe’s newest AI-powered tools. Join Rick Burress for an educator‑focused walkthrough of the latest AI features in Photoshop, Lightroom Classic, and Adobe Camera Raw, including Generative Fill with partner models (Gemini, FLUX), Generative Expand, Harmonize, and new upscaling tools. Learn how these features work, where they shine or fail, and why students often struggle. Beyond the “wow factor,” the session emphasizes instructional clarity, ethics, and professional judgment—how to explain AI’s probabilistic nature, set realistic expectations, and teach when AI supports learning and when it undermines craftsmanship. You’ll see how modern AI tools integrate with traditional workflows, along with common student mistakes, quality-control habits, and classroom-ready strategies. Bonus: attendees receive 400+ ready-to-use AI prompts to immediately support classroom instruction!

Join us for ACTEAZ’s Annual Board Meeting as we honor the dedicated service of our outgoing Board Members and welcome the leaders guiding our 2026–2027 vision. This energizing session highlights key insights from our membership, celebrates the impact of CTE champions across Arizona, and outlines strategic priorities for the year ahead. More than a business meeting, this is a moment of connection, reflection, and renewed commitment to advancing Career and Technical Education statewide. Be part of the conversation, the celebration, and the forward momentum shaping the future of CTE.

This session provides training from ADE to help district data reporters prepare for the FY27 reporting year. Attendees will learn the upload process and requirements for submitting CTSO and Work-Based Learning data in the CTE Data Portal.

Join us to hear directly from experienced teachers as they share how to create and sustain a successful school-based enterprise and offer practical strategies for teaching plant science in the classroom.

This workshop teaches creative professionals how to integrate instructional design principles into their visual work. Participants will explore cognitive load theory, learning psychology, and how design choices impact comprehension and retention. The session provides practical frameworks for creating work that is both visually compelling and functionally effective for teaching and communication.

Historic preservation is more than saving old buildings: it's about honoring the stories, materials, and memories that shape our communities. In this Q&A, speak with an architect, preservationist, and urban planner who will share how preservation can be inclusive, creative, and forward-looking. From reusing buildings to amplifying overlooked histories, this session offers a thoughtful take on why preservation still matters and how we can all take part.

Your classroom is a lab; your SBE is the field test. Learn how to integrate your state standards directly into daily operations, ensuring that every transaction is a "teachable moment" that prepares students for the workforce.

The Benson Unified CTE Staff will design a strategic and action plan for the upcoming school year to include, but not limited to, Performance Measures, CTE Assessments, and other CTE related items. Only BUSD CTE staff should register for this workshop.

The SAMA certification from SolidWorks is an excellent entry-level, industry-recognized credential that students can earn. In this session, we will cover the knowledge and skills required to successfully pass the certification exam, and you will take the exam as part of the workshop. All instructional materials and content used in the course will be provided for classroom use, allowing you to incorporate them directly into your curriculum with your students.

This two-day Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW) workshop provides participants with the knowledge, hands-on practice, and testing experience needed to meet industry-recognized qualification standards. Day 1 focuses on developing strong foundational skills in FCAW, including machine setup, travel speed control, electrode angle, and techniques for reducing slag inclusion, porosity, and other common weld defects. Participants will practice producing sound welds across multiple joint configurations while preparing the weld coupons needed for testing. Day 2 centers on formal evaluation and certification activities aligned with common industry and code requirements. Participants will complete required out-of-position welds—such as vertical or overhead—as needed for all‑position qualification. They will also take part in visual inspections and destructive testing processes, such as bend tests or macro-etch evaluations, conducted under the guidance of qualified inspectors. By the end of the workshop, participants will have strengthened their FCAW skills, gained insight into real-world qualification procedures, and completed the steps necessary to earn applicable welding certifications.

New yearbook advisers often overextend themselves by trying to oversee every task, solve every problem and catch every mistake. While well-intentioned, this approach quickly becomes unsustainable. In this session, a 20+ year yearbook adviser shares what they wish they had known early on about streamlining their role. The focus is on adviser-level strategies that reduce friction and decision fatigue, including how to set clear systems, simplify workflows, and structure responsibility so the book continues moving forward without constant adviser intervention. Attendees will leave with practical ideas for clarifying their role, tightening processes and building a yearbook program that runs more efficiently while still maintaining high standards.

Enjoy a relaxing, beginner-friendly yoga class designed for everybody, then learn how to adapt simple poses and breathing techniques to create calm, focus, and connection in your classroom. Perfect for all experience levels, participants will learn basic breathing exercises and yoga poses that can be easily tailored for the classroom setting. Be invigorated with a 45-minute yoga class followed by 45-minutes of practical tips and mindful movement strategies you can take back to your students to cultivate a more positive, centered learning atmosphere. No equipment is required, though participants are welcome to bring a yoga mat or towel if they’d like to engage in light floor work.

Discover how to transform your CTE classroom with AI tools that save time, enhance student engagement, and streamline lesson planning, all while preserving your personal time. In this hands-on session, we’ll explore how to use ChatGPT to feed into Gamma and then finalize with Curipod. All through the process, demonstrating practical ways to integrate these cutting-edge tools into your teaching practice. Designed specifically for educators in Allied Health, you’ll leave with ready-to-implement strategies that maximize classroom efficiency and boost student engagement.

This session will guide you through an activity that you can take back to use in your classroom. The activity is meant to serve as a warmup for their minds, getting them thinking and challenging their brains. It will help get them focused and prepare them to take in whatever your lesson content is for that day. This strategy can work for any subject in any classroom. We will practice it in our session and have you ready to implement immediately.

This presentation explores the essential components of high-quality Medical Assistant education, emphasizing the importance of validated assessments, meaningful externship experiences, and comprehensive, industry-aligned skills checklists. Participants will gain practical insight into how these elements work together to produce competent, confident, and workforce-ready Medical Assistants.

CTE courses are driven by student-created projects. Rubrics are an evaluation tool that can increase the quality of those student projects while simultaneously giving the teacher a quicker, fairer way to assess their quality. Come to this workshop with one or two student projects that you would like to assess more easily, and you will leave with an excellent rubric that you personalized for your classroom and the confidence and skills to create additional rubrics for the other student projects in your curriculum. Upon successful completion of the course which includes submission of homework, participants will receive an ADE certificate for 15 professional development clock hours which equates to one (1) semester hour of coursework.

This two-day course is an introduction to the design and use of CTE curriculum. In this highly engaging course teachers will focus on the design and delivery of relevant and engaging lessons. Special emphasis is placed on active participation strategies, a strong introduction to each lesson, clear and appropriate objective(s), a variety of ways to meet the objective(s), and closure to assess learning. These strategies will be woven across the entire workshop. All participants whose districts are members of the AZ CTE Curriculum Consortium and who complete both days of this workshop will receive password-protected access to the Curriculum Connection with its 3500+ bank of outstanding lesson plans for more than 20 CTE programs written by Arizona CTE teachers. This course is excellent for every teacher. Ace your next evaluation! Upon successful completion of the course, participants will receive an ADE certificate for 15 professional development clock hours which equates to one (1) semester hour of coursework.

Unlock the power of work-based learning (WBL)! This practical workshop guides you through the essential steps of establishing and maintaining robust WBL programs, from campus-wide initiatives to classroom-based experiences. Learn actionable strategies for setup, monitoring, and ensuring program quality. Participants will gain tangible resources applicable across diverse educational settings, including templates and frameworks, engage in interactive activities and leave equipped to implement and scale impactful WBL opportunities for student success.

In this interactive session, by the Arizona Mining Association, participants will explore Dig a Little Deeper, a free virtual lab from the free Dig Into Mining curriculum, where students take on the roles of a geologist, environmental scientist, and mining engineer. Working together, they study data and recommend the best location for a copper mine, considering environmental and economic impacts. The session highlights how real-world problems rely on multidisciplinary collaboration and critical thinking—connecting science, math, engineering, and technology. Educators will receive practical tools and strategies to bring this engaging lesson into their classrooms. Presenter is an exhibitor, sharing free mining education resources.

Attendees are required to bring a laptop to complete session coursework. Whether in a welding lab or a bioscience lab, effective demonstrations are crucial. If done correctly every student can successfully perform the new skill with little or no frustration, without wasted materials, and attain proficiency in a way that will ensure the whole class progresses at an appropriate pace. This is a real career extender! When you are successful in the lab, and the students are successful in the lab, teaching can be very rewarding. A bonus is that students complete the new skill in a safe environment. Come and learn this four-part demonstration method. Upon successful completion of the course, which includes submission of homework, participants will receive an ADE certificate for 15 professional development clock hours which equates to one (1) semester hour of coursework.

Discover how Teen Court provides students with real-world legal experience while developing critical skills like public speaking, leadership, and collaboration. This session will show attendees how to implement or enhance Teen Court programs as a high-impact work-based learning opportunity in Law and Public Safety education. Teen Court is a student-led program where young people serve as attorneys, jurors, and judges for real cases involving their peers, giving students hands-on experience in the justice system. Attendees will explore practical strategies to connect Teen Court to curriculum goals, track meaningful student outcomes, and engage students in authentic, career-ready experiences. The session includes interactive discussions, real case examples, and hands-on activities that simulate courtroom roles. By the end, attendees will leave with actionable tools to bring Teen Court into their programs and prepare tomorrow’s justice leaders.

This session introduces CTE educators to the Animal Decontamination Certification (ADC), an Arizona Department of Education A–F approved credential for Law & Public Safety, Veterinary Science, and Agriculture pathways. Participants will experience a condensed, interactive overview of the certification, including responder safety, contamination zones, PPE selection, animal handling, documentation, and cross-pathway collaboration. The session demonstrates how animal decontamination concepts can be integrated into CTE classrooms to build real-world skills in emergency response, biosecurity, animal welfare, and community safety. Educators will explore curriculum structure, assessment design, and implementation models, and examine how the certification supports pathway completion, CTSO participation, and measurable student outcomes. Presented by a certification provider for informational and professional learning purposes.

Diagnostics can be challenging. Manufacturers invest significant resources into developing published diagnostic procedures—but what happens when those procedures fall short? To solve problems effectively, you need a strong understanding of the system itself, along with the skills to gather and interpret the right data. In this session, we’ll break down how to do exactly that. You’ll learn how to analyze system behavior, acquire meaningful data, and use that information to build a diagnostic process that is both efficient and reliable. By the end, you’ll not only have a deeper understanding of the system in question—you’ll also know how to turn that understanding into a practical, effective diagnostic strategy.

Discover the latest advancements and resources in agricultural education. This engaging workshop will demonstrate options for course directions and industry certifications that are designed to empower educators and enhance student success. Join us for an interactive experience where you'll dive into lab and design challenges that  bring real-world applications into the classroom. This is a hands-on component that will allow you to explore how lab challenges can be integrated into your curriculum to elevate student engagement and skill development. We will also explore other benefits for you and your students. Presenter is an exhibitor.

Adobe Express is a powerful, student-friendly tool for creating polished DECA projects and presentations. This session shows educators how to use Adobe Express to support branding, visual storytelling, pitch decks, marketing materials, and project submissions across DECA events. Learn classroom workflows, template strategies, and tips for teaching design basics without overwhelming students. The session also covers collaboration features, brand kits, and common design mistakes that impact judge perception. Participants will leave with practical ideas and examples for integrating Adobe Express into DECA prep efficiently and effectively.

In this presentation, we will discuss the impact that a connected community can have on creating a positive school experience for students. We will discuss different ways to engage with community partners and introduce strategies for developing "two-way" partnerships. A critical element of the Academies of the Southwest Valley is the inclusion of the community within our schools. During this session, we will also review the AFHSD Powerful Partnership plan that was co-developed with Ford Next Generation Learning. If you are looking for ways to connect with your community and industry partners, please join us for this session!

This half-day session targets high school Graphic Design and Photoshop teachers tired of “I lost my file,” “It didn’t save,” or constant restarts. Learn to teach professional habits that prevent chaos: clear naming conventions, logical folder structures, simple versioning, and non-destructive workflows using Smart Objects, adjustment layers, and linked assets. Show students why pros avoid “flatten and pray” so they can experiment fearlessly. Discover high-impact keyboard shortcuts, common timewasters, and fixes that speed work without sacrificing quality. Includes live demos, real classroom examples, handouts, and step-by-step how-to's ready for your lessons. Gain tools and strategies to boost efficiency, confidence, and professional discipline—while keeping your sanity intact.

We will do the AAEPEI review process, which provides AG ED teachers with an opportunity to identify the strengths and weaknesses of their programs. This is accomplished through collecting evidence that highlights all the amazing things your program does within a binder. Benefits of participating in this session and building your binder include facilitating an efficient way for your school administrators to evaluate all the great things you already do with your program, learning about what other programs do that may be applicable to your own, and networking with fellow agricultural educators in Arizona.

This 3 hour, hands-on workshop is designed for vocational construction instructors, combining foundational solar theory (how it works) with practical installation techniques. The session is structured to be "classroom-ready" allowing teachers to take the activities and knowledge directly to their students.

This session is designed for instructors who teach courses with a clinical component. Participants will explore how to create hands-on events that build students’ communication skills, professionalism, and confidence. The session also highlights how inviting community members, legislators, parents, and other partners can provide students with valuable real‑world practice in a supportive, authentic setting.

This is a professional development session designed for CTE teachers and student publication advisers who guide yearbook, journalism, or media programs. This course focuses on how to teach students to move beyond surface-level coverage and into meaningful reporting that captures both the historical significance and personal experience of a school year. Participants will learn instructional strategies that help students think creatively about coverage, develop strong storytelling habits, and intentionally connect reporting to theme. The course emphasizes yearbook as both a historical record and a deeply personal document, reflecting the voices, moments, and emotions of a school community.

New to teaching Photography and/or Film and TV? We’ve all been there. Join us for practical strategies to make your transition into these CTE classes smoother and less stressful. We’ll cover classroom management, how to start the year off strong (especially if you’re using Mac computers!), and effective ways to introduce camera basics in your classroom.

Is it difficult for your students to stay focused and avoid distractions? Do they struggle with managing their emotions or effectively planning how to complete a task? Self-regulation instruction and practice can help students learn to break down tasks, minimize emotional reactions to challenges, and improve their ability to sustain attention. By learning and practicing self-regulation, students improve their academic success and advance their success in postsecondary endeavors. The College & Career Competencies Project, in partnership with ADE, supports educators in developing self-regulation in their students. In this session, participants will learn research-based Self-Regulation Strategies and practice using the Self-Regulation Performance-Based Observation, a tool for monitoring students’ growth in self-regulation. By attending this session, participants will gain access to free resources to support their self-regulation instruction, like student videos, instructional activities, assessments, individual student supports resources, and family engagement materials.

As CTE programs evolve, industry-aligned micro‑credentials are becoming essential for validating real-world skills. In this session, participants will explore JA Inspire’s growing collection of student-friendly digital badges—covering employability skills, career exploration, resume readiness, and workplace professionalism—available in the interactive JA Inspire Studio. Attendees will see how these stackable credentials support learning from middle school through high school CTE and work-based experiences. The session includes a hands-on activity where educators earn a mock JA Inspire badge using the same criteria students complete, and will leave with practical ideas for integrating micro-credentials into advisory periods, CTSOs, and CTE assessments.

Join ADE and CTE Stakeholders for the first CTE Administrators meeting of the new school year! Meet your ADE/CTE staff and find out what's new or improved in CTE! All CTE secondary and postsecondary Administrators and CTED Superintendents should attend this informative session. Recommended for all new and experienced CTE Administrators and Directors.

Looking to strengthen your influence and leadership in Career and Technical Education (CTE)? Join us for an engaging panel presentation to learn more about Arizona’s premier leadership development opportunity—the ACTEAZ Fellows Program. This session offers a firsthand look into the Fellows experience, featuring insights from current program participants and alumni who will share how the program has shaped their professional journey, expanded their networks, and deepened their understanding of CTE advocacy and leadership. Whether you’re an emerging CTE leader or a seasoned CTE professional looking to take the next step, this session will inspire and inform your path forward.

This session explores an unconventional school-based enterprise (SBE) model through Fire Printing, a print and custom goods business run entirely within a marketing classroom. Participants will learn how flexible use of space, creative operations, and adaptable systems can turn any classroom into a real, student-run business—no traditional storefront required.

Stress is an inevitable part of life but managing it effectively can make the difference in achieving balance and resilience. In this session, attendees will explore practical techniques to identify, reduce, and cope with stress in both personal and professional settings. This session will cover the science behind stress, its impact on mental and physical well-being, and proven strategies for building resilience. Whether you're navigating high-pressure environments, supporting others in their stress management journey, or looking to improve your quality of life."

The future of CTE workforce professionals to understand and teach the evolving career landscape shaped by generative tools like Copilot, Claude, Perplexity, and Google Flow. Learn how AI is reshaping job roles, required skills, and lifelong learning strategies across industries. Discover how automation, augmentation, and AI collaboration are transforming roles in healthcare, education, finance, manufacturing, and creative industries.

Why reinvent the wheel? This collaborative session invites marketing educators to share classroom-tested lessons, activities, projects, and assessments that actually engage students. Participants will rotate through quick lesson shares focused on different marketing topics, leaving with ready-to-use ideas they can implement immediately. From bell ringers to capstone projects, this session emphasizes practical strategies aligned to marketing standards and performance indicators. Come ready to share one idea, steal many more, and walk away with a full toolkit of fresh, effective lessons for the marketing classroom. So, bring those lessons to share with you!

Teachers share their best ideas in the categories of Classroom Instructions, SAE, and CTSO. Prizes are awarded for the top three entries in each category. Registrants of this session will receive a link in their email prior to the conference to submit entries.

Join us as we put together tools and ideas to help advocate for our program and needs to our administrators and local community.

Join us for a professional development session designed for CTE teachers and student publication advisers who teach or support yearbook, journalism, or media programs. This course equips educators with the instructional strategies, curriculum frameworks, and practical tools needed to teach photography effectively within a publication-driven environment. Participants will explore how to teach foundational photography skills, guide students in creating intentional and varied coverage, and design authentic learning experiences that support yearbook and journalism outcomes. Emphasis is placed on accessibility, engagement, and real-world application so educators can confidently implement photography instruction with diverse student skill levels.

Artificial Intelligence is transforming education. At West-MEC, we're strategically integrating this technology to provide Mock Interviews and expand access to authentic work-based learning experiences. Through our implementation of Immersive Solutions MetaCoach AI technology in our Medical Assistant and Aesthetics programs, we're pioneering a scalable approach to hands-on career preparation. Our initiative will show how AI can access immersive learning through interactive training, virtual workplace scenarios, and 3D modeling of professional environments. By bringing traditionally external experiences inside our classrooms, we can create a blueprint for equitable access to career preparation—particularly in rural communities and programs facing clinical site shortages. Join us for an interactive demonstration and explore how AI-enabled learning environments could help your program scale quality Mock Interviews and work-based learning opportunities. Experience the technology firsthand and discover how emerging tools can break down barriers while maintaining industry standards.

Pieces of Me: The essential starting point of making connections with others is a solid sense of self. In this session you will walk through the seven pieces of who you are by looking at where you've been, the place you find yourself in now, and what you see ahead of you. We'll walk through the entire strategy together so you can immediately apply it to both your personal and professional endeavors. Pieces of You: As we make connections, giving and receiving feedback naturally becomes part of that working relationship. In this session you'll walk through a strategy that will help you and your students to give and receive supportive feedback. You'll be able to immediately apply this strategy in your classroom as well as apply it to personal and professional relationships.

Unlock the Career and Technical Education potential for students with disabilities through interagency collaborative partnerships and cooperation transition planning between students, families, Special Education, educators, Vocational Rehabilitation and others. Empower students with the supports, knowledge and skills to build a self determined career while understanding the steps they need to take for successful career development. Learn how to partner for early engagement in pre-employment transition activities like job exploration counseling and fostering self-advocacy skills to complement school provided activities. Learn about some of the partners available that can provide pathways and resources to develop a student’s skills in career development areas like advocating for their needs, understanding the demands of various job environments, evaluating educational institutions and opportunities, and help students understand their unique strengths. Discuss how an interagency approach can affect the outcomes of students with disabilities in Career and Technical Education.

The Educator Exchange brings together instructors who teach all JROTC programs to share lessons, activities, and instructional strategies grounded in authentic experiences. Participants will exchange approaches for teaching terminology, practices, and other JROTC Driven Standards. The exchanged lessons may also include strategies to teach teamwork, leadership, and accountability. Attendees are encouraged to actively participate and to share one or more classroom-tested resources from their own programs. Participants will be invited to submit a resource prior to the conference to help spark discussion and idea sharing. Each educator’s contributions play a vital role in the success of this collaborative session.

Led by the SEMI Foundation, the session explores how educators and workforce partners can prepare learners for high-growth careers in the semiconductor industry through career-connected, hands-on experiences. Participants will learn how to integrate industry-informed career pathways, leverage free workforce development tools, and connect students to earn-and-learn opportunities across the semiconductor ecosystem. The session will also showcase practical resources—such as career exploration platforms, curriculum supports, and employer engagement strategies—that attendees can immediately apply within their classrooms, campuses, or organizations.

Are you tired of the "Cat and Mouse" game between students using AI and teachers trying to catch them? It’s time to flip the script! In the world of Career and Technical Education, AI isn't the enemy—it’s the new power tool in the shed. This fast-paced, high-energy session is designed specifically for CTE Administrators who want to lead their staff away from "policing" and toward Authentic Assessment. We’ll explore how to shift the focus from what a student can memorize to what they can master alongside AI.

Engage, reflect, and apply! In this hands-on session, participants will experience interactive strategies for teaching CTE Professional Skills Standards. Let us help you explore practical ways to embed the standards and leave with ready-to-use ideas to make teaching professional skills more effective.

Military-connected students often face frequent transitions, and schools play a crucial role in providing stability and support. This session will explore how counselors and teachers can help these students feel understood, connected, and prepared for strong career pathways. Participants will learn what it means to be an ADE Purple Star School, how partnerships with military families and community organizations strengthen support systems, and how CTE skills can translate into real military career advantages. Attendees will leave with practical, empathetic strategies to better serve military-connected learners.

The Seal of Financial Literacy is a powerful credential—but many students miss it simply due to lack of awareness or planning. This session guides educators through strategies to intentionally support students in earning the seal before graduation. Learn how to align coursework, assessments, and projects to financial literacy requirements, track student progress, and integrate preparation into existing marketing and CTE classes. The session also covers documentation, timelines, and student motivation strategies. Participants will leave with a clear framework to help more students graduate with this meaningful, career-ready distinction.

This is an interactive, hands-on workshop where teams transform an idea into a launch-ready brand. Participants collaborate to develop core elements such as identity, audience, and messaging—gaining practical experience in creative problem-solving and real-world concept development. By the end, each team presents a brand prototype ready for launch. All attendees will receive a Phoenix Fashion Week T-shirt.

The State 48 Graduate Profile was developed by a coalition of educators, business leaders, and community members. This collaborative framework represents a unified definition of student readiness. Essential human and workforce skills prepare K-12 students for career, college, career, and community life. It serves as a blueprint to strengthen instruction and bridge technical skills with durable, adaptable competencies. The profile connects technical skill attainment (taught in CTE) and is aligned to the AZ CTE Professional Skills Standards. State 48 Graduate Profile can strengthen instruction, support student readiness and ensure graduates are prepared for their future success. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the profile's framework, where they can be demonstrated within the CTE standards, and learn how to highlight these vital connections in daily teaching and learning.

This fast-paced, hands-on half-day seminar is crafted for high school teachers of Graphic Design, Photography, and Visual Communications using Adobe tools. Gain practical, time-saving tips and best practices across Photoshop, Bridge, Lightroom Classic, Camera Raw, InDesign, and After Effects. Focus on efficiency, organization, and professional habits that prepare students for real-world success. Live demos use real samples, with clear handouts and step-by-step how-tos ready for your classroom. Tackle common challenges: tight schedules, mixed abilities, and shifting students from button-pushers to intentional designers. Examine AI’s impact on teaching, creativity, and careers—while blending it with timeless fundamentals. Leave with actionable ideas, resources, and stronger Adobe workflow knowledge for confident, effective instruction.

Jobs EQ is a market labor data tool provided to Perkins entities free of charge. Labor market information is a critical component in planning, designing, and implementing high-quality CTE programs. Come learn how to use live labor market data to help shape the decisions and outcomes of your district!

AI is transforming the world of Business and Marketing. CTE teachers plan curriculum with limited resources, design custom lessons and stay on top of new industry trends while juggling all the classroom responsibilities behind the scenes. Join Andrea, Business & Marketing Curriculum Specialist, and Michelle, AI Strategist, for an exciting session packed with interactive learning and engaging projects and games for your classrooms. The best part? Teachers attending the session receive a FREE digital package with all the AI tools and classroom resources you need to level up your lessons along with promotional campaigns for your school to make you a Rock Star with admin! Laptops are required to practice with AI tools that will help your students design professional quality content and calendars for social media campaigns. As we wrap up, have fun competing with your peers to win prizes while learning about internships opportunities for your students.

This session provides an ADE-led overview of CTE data reporting in the CTE Data Portal. Designed for novice and intermediate users, it prepares attendees for the FY27 reporting year by covering key processes, requirements, and best practices.

Career readiness isn’t just about knowing where you want to go—it’s about being prepared to get there. This session showcases how embedding financial literacy and the Earn to Learn model into CTE programs can boost student engagement, confidence, and long-term success. Participants will explore digital tools, advising frameworks, and partnership strategies that elevate career literacy while fostering responsible savings behaviors and informed decision-making. We will share examples of how Arizona schools and partners are leveraging matched savings, scholarship alignment, and early financial education to help students access postsecondary pathways with reduced debt and more clarity about their future.