Sessions of 2026 Connection Conference: Robert Waller
Mr. Waller, Robert, M.A.Ed
Program Specialist, Communications Media Technologies
Arizona Department Of Education
A life-long learner and passionate advocate for Career and Technical Education, Robert Waller is honored to serve as the Program Specialist for Communications Media Technologies at the Arizona Department of Education. In this role, Robert collaborates with business professionals, professional educators, administrators, and other stakeholders to prepare students for high-demand, high-skill, and high-wage careers in creative industries. Robert brings a wealth of experience to this role from both secondary and post-secondary education. He has recently served as an Adjunct Professor at Grand Canyon University’s College of Arts and Media and as an Adjunct Instructor in Scottsdale Community College’s Visual Communication program, where he delivered dynamic, industry-focused instruction in design thinking, graphic design, marketing, and advertising. In addition, Robert spent many years teaching Graphic Design, Digital Photography, and Film & TV Production at Valley Vista High School in Surprise, Arizona. Robert is passionate about empowering Arizona’s CTE educators and students. His mission is to support high-quality, innovative, and relevant educational experiences that build meaningful opportunities and lasting impact across the state.
Sessions:
5613: Educator Exchange: Graphic Design
| Date | From | To |
|---|---|---|
Westin La Paloma
- Business and Marketing Education
- Communications Media Technologies
Best Practices, Skill-Building, and Classroom-Tested Ideas for Teaching Visual Communication! This Educator Exchange brings graphic design instructors together for a collaborative sharing experience centered on lessons, activities, and instructional strategies that truly work in CTE classrooms. Participants will exchange favorite projects, skill-building exercises, and assessment approaches that support student growth in visual communication, design thinking, and professional practice. To ensure a rich and meaningful experience, attendees are encouraged to actively participate and to share one or more classroom-tested resources drawn from their own teaching. Participants will be invited to submit a resource prior to the conference to help spark discussion and idea sharing. Whether new to teaching design or highly experienced, each educator’s contributions are essential to the success of this session.
5614: Educator Exchange: Film & TV Production and Digital Animation
| Date | From | To |
|---|---|---|
Westin La Paloma
- Business and Marketing Education
- Communications Media Technologies
Best Practices, Skill-Building, and Classroom-Tested Ideas for Production-Based Learning! This Educator Exchange brings film & 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.
5615: Educator Exchange: Digital Photography
| Date | From | To |
|---|---|---|
Westin La Paloma
- Business and Marketing Education
- Communications Media Technologies
Best Practices, Skill-Building, and Classroom-Tested Ideas for Teaching Visual Storytelling! This Educator Exchange connects digital photography instructors in a collaborative environment centered on sharing lessons, activities, and teaching strategies that have proven effective in CTE classrooms. Participants will exchange ideas for teaching composition, lighting, camera control, editing, critique, and creative problem-solving across a range of student skill levels. Attendees are encouraged to actively participate and to share one or more classroom-tested resources drawn from their own teaching experience. Participants will be invited to submit a resource prior to the conference to help seed discussion and idea sharing. The session is designed to support both new and experienced educators through shared practice and peer learning.
5616: Educator Exchange: Digital Communications & Yearbook
| Date | From | To |
|---|---|---|
Westin La Paloma
- Business and Marketing Education
- Communications Media Technologies
Best Practices, Skill-Building, and Classroom-Tested Ideas for Real-World Publishing! This Educator Exchange brings together instructors who teach digital communications and yearbook courses to share lessons, activities, and instructional strategies grounded in authentic, publication-based classroom experiences. Participants will exchange approaches for teaching storytelling, writing, photography, layout, teamwork, and production while managing deadlines, 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.
