Sessions of 2026 Connection Conference: Shelly Thome
Mrs Thome, Shelly
Premier Series Instructor
West-MEC School District #402
Shelly Thome serves as the Director of Exceptional Student Services at West-MEC, where she oversees special education, 504, and intervention services. In her more than 25 years of career in education, she has performed roles as a social worker, counselor, liaison, and ESS manager. Shelly is the architect of the multi-tiered systems of support in her district. Shelly serves as Chair of the Association for Career Technical Education CTE for All mentorship program. Shelly currently serves on both the ACTE Counseling and Career Development Division and the CTE for All Policy Committees. She previously served on the ACTE Region V Policy Committee, where she continues to serve on nomination and award committees. In Shelly’s professional roles, she collaborates with secondary and post-secondary institutions to provide career development and student support services for all students. Shelly has a Master’s degree in Career and Agency Counseling from Chapman University.
Sessions:
Premier Series: Serving Exceptional Students in CTE
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Westin La Paloma
- Interdisciplinary
This one-day course is designed to provide CTE educators and other interested parties with a broad understanding of special education. During the course of this interactive workshop, we will cover a range of topics include special education law, modifications, accommodations, interventions, supports, the special education process, the Response to Intervention process and more. 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.
5471: Boost CTE Enrollment & Retention: Strategies & Tools
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Loews Ventana Canyon
- Interdisciplinary
- School Counseling
During this interactive session, counselors, career specialists, and district leaders will explore practical strategies to strengthen fair, equitable recruitment and enrollment in CTE programs. Participants will gain actionable tools and processes that empower schools to connect learners with high-quality CTE. Leave equipped to support ALL students in confidently pursuing their Faster Way Forward toward career and postsecondary success.
