Nebraska Career and Technical Education Conference 2026: Full Schedule

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8:00am CDT

Registration

Tuesday June 9, 2026 8:00am - 4:00pm CDT

Tuesday June 9, 2026 8:00am - 4:00pm CDT
Entryway

Cross Career Field Administrators Agriculture Food & Natural Resources Business Marketing & Management Communication & Information Systems Health Sciences Human Sciences & Education School Counselors Skilled & Technical Sciences WBL Coordinators

8:30am CDT

How to Create Lesson Plans for Those New to Teaching

Tuesday June 9, 2026 8:30am - 9:15am CDT

Diamond 3

Speakers

Shelly Mowinkel

Tuesday June 9, 2026 8:30am - 9:15am CDT
Diamond 3

8:30am CDT

Strategies for Helping the Multilingual Learners in Your Classroom

Tuesday June 9, 2026 8:30am - 9:15am CDT

Diamond 8

If you have every come across a situation where you have not known how to communicate, then you know part of what an EL student may feel on any given day in any US classroom. We all need to be EL teachers, teaching literacy in our classrooms as we teach them their career skills. This session will focus on arming CTE teachers with common strategies and ideas to help aid them in the classroom and connecting with our EL population, while using real examples and tools from our classes.

Speakers

Taylor Wilton-Cooper

Urban Ag Teacher, Omaha Public Schools

I teach Urban Agriculture, Food, & Natural Resources in Omaha Public Schools at Bryan High School. I just finished my 8th year teaching, all at Bryan High. I have taught Introduction to Agriculture, Animal Science, Plant Science, and our Senior Capstone classes over the years, but... Read More →

Tuesday June 9, 2026 8:30am - 9:15am CDT
Diamond 8

8:30am CDT

Building Career Conversations into All Classrooms

Tuesday June 9, 2026 8:30am - 9:15am CDT

Ruby 3

Building Career Conversations into All Classrooms focuses on creating a career-centric culture that serves every student while leveraging Nebraska Career Connections, provided by the Nebraska Dept. of Education. This session focuses on equipping educators in all disciplines with practical strategies to embed career development into daily instruction, ensuring academic content consistently connects to real-world applications, workforce demands, and students’ long-term goals.
Participants will explore actionable, cross-disciplinary examples, including:

Applying cost-of-living and salary analysis to math instruction
Investigating STEM career pathways within science curricula
Integrating résumé writing, professional communication, and career research into English language arts

The session also provides guidance on helping students explore related education and workforce opportunities, enabling students to make informed decisions about their academic and career trajectories.

Speakers

Sarah Wilson

John Milroy

Vice President of Partner Solutions, Kuder, Inc.

Tuesday June 9, 2026 8:30am - 9:15am CDT
Ruby 3

8:30am CDT

Creating Modified Career-Based Programming to Support High School Special Education Students (With a Focus on Early Childhood Education)

Tuesday June 9, 2026 8:30am - 9:15am CDT

Ruby 5

During this presentation, you will hear how a dual credit high school developed a modified/adjusted pathway for high school Special Education students wanting to explore a career in Early Childhood. We will discuss the vision behind the coursework, development of curriculum, and how the experience aligns with our CTE goals as a school and district. Participants will not only hear about this program, but will also discuss other ways to modify career-based programming for high school SE students.

Speakers

Jame Cartwright

Early Childhood instructor., The Career Academy (Southeast Community College)

Jame is an Early Childhood instructor at Southeast Community College and The Career Academy. She was responsible for creating the dual credit experience for students exploring the ECED career pathway at The Career Academy. Jame has worked this year to help develop the Child Development... Read More →

Joshua Jones

Director, The Career Academy (Lincoln Public Schools)

Josh has been with Lincoln Public Schools for 13 years and at The Career Academy (a dual credit partnership between LPS and Southeast Community College) for 9 years. He has helped lead The Career Academy to record enrollment (800 students) along with the expansion of programs to... Read More →

Makayla Watson

Special Education Teacher, The Career Academy (Lincoln Public Schools)

Makayla is a Special Education teacher at The Career Academy. Before working at The Career Academy she taught at Lincoln Northeast High School. Makayla has been instrumental in the creation and teaching of the Child Development Associate program at The Career Academy. This program... Read More →

Tuesday June 9, 2026 8:30am - 9:15am CDT
Ruby 5

Human Sciences & Education Administrators School Counselors

8:30am CDT

Become a PoWeRful Partner in a Thriving Career Preparation Ecosystem

Tuesday June 9, 2026 8:30am - 9:15am CDT

Ruby 2

Join this session as a kick-off for the day ahead. We’ll touch on friendly reminders from the PoWeRful Career Preparation Ecosystem session the day before and brainstorm next steps, share new aspirations, discuss possibilities and address anything that would best equip you for a successful rest of conference all through the lens of partnership.

Speakers

Lauren Jones

Program Director for Special Populations, Counseling & Career Development, Colorado Community College System

Lauren ‘LJ’ Jones (Austin) NCC, LPCc, CSCDA, MCC*, is a past expeditionary learning instructor, teen adventure guide and Adjunct Lecturer for School Counseling Graduate Programs. She's a Colorado Trail thru-hiker, published author and currently is in her 16th year as the Career... Read More →

Tuesday June 9, 2026 8:30am - 9:15am CDT
Ruby 2

School Counselors Cross Career Field Administrators Agriculture Food & Natural Resources Business Marketing & Management Communication & Information Systems Health Sciences Human Sciences & Education Skilled & Technical Sciences WBL Coordinators

9:30am CDT

Pathways for Every Learner: A Multistage Continuum Linking Inclusive CTE, CTSOs, and Competitive Employment

Tuesday June 9, 2026 9:30am - 10:15am CDT

Ruby 3

The continuum from classroom to paycheck requires more than just technical instruction; it requires a deliberate, scaffolded journey. This session introduces a three-phase continuum designed to move learners—including those with disabilities—from foundational learning to competitive integrated employment.
Participants will explore how to transform Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs) into a foundation for professional stamina. We will move beyond the traditional competition model to show how CTE advisors and Transition Professionals can apply co-coaching strategies with students, using high-stakes environments to meet IEP goals and executive functioning needs in conjunction with CTSO competitive events. Finally, we will discuss the result phase by assessing workplace readiness through the use of multiple data sources to indicate a workplace ready student.
Key Learning Outcomes:

Reimagine the CTSO (Foundation): Connect CTE performance data and CTSO competitive events to work place ready skills in preparation for a high skills work place environment emphasizing soft-skill development, professional stamina and transition experiences.
Execute Co-Coaching Models (Apply): Define specific roles for CTE instructors and Transition Teams to provide scaffolded support during CTE classes, CTSOs and Transition based learning experiences.
Measure Career Readiness (Result): Use CTSO rubrics, IEP data and WBL evaluations to track progress toward competitive integrated employment

Speakers

Michalla Schartz

SE Region Transition Facilitator, Southeast Region

Hello! My name is Michalla Schartz and I am the Southeast Regional Transition Facilitator and Instructor with Project CRAVE (Career Readiness and Vocational Education). I serve ESU 4, 5, 6 and 18/LPS to support Transition and Special Education. I have enjoyed a career in Special... Read More →

Blair Ryan

Transition Facilitator, Central Region Transition Facilitator/ESU10

Blair Ryan serves as the Central Region Transition Facilitator, supporting ESUs 9, 10, 11, and 17. With a strong background in career and technical education (CTE) and school counseling, Blair brings over five years of experience providing transition services to special education... Read More →

Pathways for Every Learner Multistage Continuum in Inclusive CTE and CTSOs pdf

Tuesday June 9, 2026 9:30am - 10:15am CDT
Ruby 3

9:30am CDT

The Big Picture of Sharing Your Story through Social Media

Tuesday June 9, 2026 9:30am - 10:15am CDT

Diamond 3

Speakers

Shelly Mowinkel

Tuesday June 9, 2026 9:30am - 10:15am CDT
Diamond 3

9:30am CDT

Teaching the Teachers: Education Pathways in High School

Tuesday June 9, 2026 9:30am - 10:15am CDT

Ruby 5

This class will focus on how high schools can intentionally develop and strengthen Education Pathways that prepare students for careers in Early Childhood Education and K–12 teaching. This session highlights the importance of early exposure to teaching careers, hands-on learning experiences, and career-aligned coursework that builds both foundational knowledge and professional skills.
Participants will explore how Education Pathways support workforce development, increase student engagement, and create clear connections between high school coursework, postsecondary programs, and education-related careers. Practical examples and strategies will be shared to help educators design, refine, or expand pathway opportunities within their own schools.

Speakers

Elizabeth Odle

FCS teacher, North Platte High School

Family & Consumer Sciences educator with a passion for hands-on, student-centered learning. She has taught for 20 years in Utah and Nebraska helping students develop leadership, career, and life skills through real-world projects. Each position has included some sections of Early... Read More →

Brett Joneson

FCS teacher, North Platte High School

Current FCS teacher at North Platte High School. I have been in education as a History teacher, Coach, and Administrator in the North Platte system. I retired in 2024 after 31 years. I subbed during the 24-25 year and have now started a new adventure in the FCS department at North... Read More →

Tuesday June 9, 2026 9:30am - 10:15am CDT
Ruby 5

Human Sciences & Education Administrators School Counselors

10:00am CDT

Vender Expo

Tuesday June 9, 2026 10:00am - 3:30pm CDT

Diamond 1, 2, & 6

Tuesday June 9, 2026 10:00am - 3:30pm CDT
Diamond 1, 2, & 6

10:30am CDT

Universal Design Learning - Meeting the Needs of All Students

Tuesday June 9, 2026 10:30am - 11:15am CDT

Diamond 3

Speakers

Shelly Mowinkel

Tuesday June 9, 2026 10:30am - 11:15am CDT
Diamond 3

11:30am CDT

Awards Luncheon

Tuesday June 9, 2026 11:30am - 12:45pm CDT

Crystal 2, 3, & 4

Join us in honoring the best and brightest from CTE in Nebraska for the last year. Enjoy lunch, catch up with colleagues, and network while we present the 2026 Career and Technical Education and the 2026 Association for Career and Technical Education of Nebraska Award winners and honorees!

Tuesday June 9, 2026 11:30am - 12:45pm CDT
Crystal 2, 3, & 4

1:00pm CDT

I Cannot Believe I Forgot About These Google Tools

Tuesday June 9, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm CDT

Diamond 3

Speakers

Shelly Mowinkel

Tuesday June 9, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm CDT
Diamond 3

1:00pm CDT

Course Alignment & CTE - How Your School Counselor Can Support Your Programs

Tuesday June 9, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm CDT

Ruby 1

Your building's CTE departments play a vital role in helping students explore and discover careers that they can pursue upon graduation. School counselors play a valuable role in aligning CTE courses to make sure students are able to become CTE Pathway completers and concentrators. This session will dive into methods of where to find the CTE pathways, how to look at your own building's pathways and compare them with NDE's and will then discuss methods of making sure your course codes are aligned. This will be beneficial for school counselors to process if they are in alignment with NDE, and can create conversations with building administrators and CTE teachers alongside school counselors to make sure you are preparing students for future careers. Discussion of CTE and Nebraska's new AQuESTT categories will also be included.

Speakers

Jake Willems

School Counselor, Aurora High School

I am the school counselor at Aurora High School in Aurora, NE. This is my 5th year here. I previously served as a school counselor at Northwest High Magnet School in Omaha, NE for six years. Before that I was a special education teacher at Omaha South High Magnet Schools for six years... Read More →

Tuesday June 9, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm CDT
Ruby 1

1:00pm CDT

Recruiting and Retaining Multilingual Learners in CTE

Tuesday June 9, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm CDT

Ruby 7

Multilingual learners are often underrepresented in CTE programs, not because of interest or ability, but due to barriers in recruitment, access, and instructional design. This session focuses on practical, low-lift strategies CTE educators and leaders can use to intentionally recruit multilingual learners and support their persistence once enrolled. Participants will explore how language demands show up in CTE classrooms, how to reduce unnecessary barriers without watering down standards, and how to create learning environments where multilingual learners can succeed and see themselves in CTE pathways. Examples will be drawn from real secondary CTE contexts and are applicable across program areas.

Speakers

Theresa Ritta-Olson

Teaching and Learning Coordinator, Educational Service Unit 10

Theresa has over 20 years of experience in education, supporting English learners. She taught middle and high school English learners at Crete Public Schools, spent 12 years teaching English learners and reading at Lexington High School, and has worked for the past 10 years at ESU... Read More →

Tuesday June 9, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm CDT
Ruby 7

1:00pm CDT

Apprenticeship TBD

Tuesday June 9, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm CDT

Ruby 3

Tuesday June 9, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm CDT
Ruby 3

1:00pm CDT

Brady Middle School TBD

Tuesday June 9, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm CDT

Ruby 5

Tuesday June 9, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm CDT
Ruby 5

2:00pm CDT

From Classroom to Career: Implementing Tiered Supports in CTE for ALL Learners

Tuesday June 9, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm CDT

Diamond 3

This session is designed to explore the critical connection between Career and Technical Education (CTE), Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), and post-school outcomes for all students. Participants will examine how leveraging MTSS to enhance classroom instruction ensures that accessible CTE leads directly to competitive job acquisition and gainful employment through quality transition planning. The session will delve into identifying and implementing Tier 2 strategies within the general education classroom to address individual student needs and move beyond simple equality toward true equity. Additionally, participants will discuss Universal Design for Learning (UDL) as a Tier 1 standard to proactively remove learning barriers and optimize teaching for every learner. Presenters will share resources for further exploration.

Key Learning Outcomes

Utilize MTSS to Enhance Post-School Outcomes: Participants will understand how to leverage Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) to enhance classroom instruction, ensuring that accessible Career and Technical Education (CTE) leads to competitive job acquisition and gainful employment for all students.
Identify Tiered Support Strategies: Participants will identify Tier 2 supports and strategies that can be incorporated in general education classrooms to enable access for all students, moving beyond simple equality to a model that addresses individual student needs for quality transition planning and post-school success.
Implement Tiered Instructional Frameworks: Participants will have an awareness of using Universal Design for Learning (UDL) frameworks to proactively remove barriers and optimize teaching for all learners.

Speakers

Kris Kampovitz

NeMTSS Regional Support Lead, Region 4 NeMTSS/ESU10

Kris Kampovitz is a strategic educational leader with nearly 30 years of experience spanning preschool through higher education. She currently serves as the Nebraska Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (NeMTSS) Regional Support Lead, providing leadership and technical assistance to school... Read More →

Blair Ryan

Transition Facilitator, Central Region Transition Facilitator/ESU10

Tuesday June 9, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm CDT
Diamond 3

2:00pm CDT

Empowering Education: Creating High School College and Career Academies in Small Schools Under 1,000 Students

Tuesday June 9, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm CDT

Ruby 1

Join us for an insightful presentation on the transformative journey of implementing high school academies in small schools with student populations under 1000. This session will delve into the strategic planning, implementation process, and the impactful outcomes arising from establishing academies within a smaller educational setting.
Key Topics Covered:

Understanding the Need:
- Explore the rationale behind introducing high school academies in smaller educational institutions.
- Discuss the unique challenges and opportunities presented by schools with fewer than 1000 students.
Strategic Planning:
- Learn about the essential steps involved in the strategic planning process for creating high school academies.
- Gain insights into needs assessments, stakeholder engagement, and aligning academies with the school's mission and goals.
Curriculum Development:
- Examine the process of designing and tailoring curricula to suit the specialized focus of each academy.
- Discuss how to integrate academic standards while promoting a cohesive and engaging learning experience.
Implementing Career Pathways:
- Explore the integration of career pathways within academies to prepare students for future success.
- Hear about successful models of collaboration with local industries, businesses, and community partners.

Speakers

Marcy Harrifeld

Assistant Principal, Crete High School

Marcy Harrifeld is a distinguished educational leader with over two decades of experience spanning the K–12 spectrum. Currently serving as the Assistant Principal and Director of Academies at Crete High School, Marcy oversees the Cardinal Academies, where she integrates rigorous... Read More →

Camelle Kinney

Career Academy Business Partner Liaison, Crete High School

Camelle C. Kinney currently serves as the Academy Business Partnership Liaison at Crete High School, where she connects business and industry partners with career academies to create meaningful, real-world learning opportunities for students. With more than 25 years in education... Read More →

Tuesday June 9, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm CDT
Ruby 1

2:00pm CDT

Language Is a Skill: Supporting Multilingual Learners in CTE Classrooms

Tuesday June 9, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm CDT

Ruby 7

CTE classrooms are rich with opportunities for language development, yet many instructors feel unsure how to support multilingual learners without becoming “language teachers.” This session reframes language as a technical and employability skill that can be intentionally developed through hands-on instruction, demonstrations, and work-based learning experiences. Participants will learn how to make technical language visible, scaffold speaking and listening in labs and shops, and support multilingual learners’ communication skills in ways that align with industry expectations. Strategies shared are immediately applicable and respect the realities of fast-paced, skills-based CTE instruction.

Speakers

Theresa Ritta-Olson

Teaching and Learning Coordinator, Educational Service Unit 10

Tuesday June 9, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm CDT
Ruby 7

2:00pm CDT

Parli Pro Made Practical: Learning Parliamentary Procedure Through Trail Mix

Tuesday June 9, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm CDT

Crystal 1

Parliamentary Procedure doesn’t have to be intimidating or abstract. In this hands-on workshop, participants will learn the basics of Parliamentary Procedure by actively using motions, debate, and voting to complete a fun and familiar task—making trail mix. As a group, attendees will practice making main motions, amendments, and voting while experiencing how Parli Pro keeps meetings organized, fair, and efficient. This session is designed for beginners and focuses on building confidence, understanding meeting flow, and seeing how Parliamentary Procedure applies to real-life decision making within CTSO chapters and organizations (or in your own kitchen!).

Speakers

Stacie Turnbull

Lecturer, ALEC Department, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Lecturer, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Tuesday June 9, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm CDT
Crystal 1

2:00pm CDT

A Model for Success: How High School Experiences Build Careers in Early Childhood Education

Tuesday June 9, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm CDT

Ruby 5

Nebraska communities face ongoing shortages in early childhood educators, and high schools offer an untapped opportunity to help grow this workforce. This session showcases a replicable, student‑centered model for building early childhood pathways within career academies. Presenters will share their multi‑year process developing aligned coursework, dual‑credit options, industry credentials, and hands‑on practicum experiences that prepare students for immediate employment or seamless transition into two‑and four‑year educator preparation programs. Attendees will explore how thoughtful pathway design, strong cross‑sector partnerships, and intentional scheduling can boost engagement, deepen community connections, and support long‑term career success for future early childhood professionals.

Speakers

Kellee Vornhagen

Family and Consumer Sciences Teacher, Kearney Public Schools

Kellee Vornhagen is an experienced educator with a strong background in College and Technical Education, dedicated to preparing students for success in postsecondary education and career pathways in both Early childhood and Health Sciences. She teaches Family and Consumer Sciences... Read More →

Taylor Brase

Area Wide Early Childhood Education Program Director, Central Community College

Taylor Brase is the Director of the Early Childhood Education program at Central Community College. She has over 13 years of experience in early childhood and elementary education, including 10 years as an early elementary teacher and Title I interventionist across multiple school... Read More →

Tuesday June 9, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm CDT
Ruby 5

Human Sciences & Education Administrators School Counselors

3:00pm CDT

Activate the Textbook: Making the Textbook Come Alive Through Engagement and Evidence-Based Practice

Tuesday June 9, 2026 3:00pm - 3:45pm CDT

Ruby 3

What if your textbook could do more than deliver content—what if it could spark curiosity, deepen understanding, and drive student ownership of learning? In this interactive session, participants will explore how to transform textbooks and instructional resources into powerful tools for engagement and learning. Grounded in John Hattie’s Visible Learning research, Jon Almarode’s work on cognitive science and engagement, and the five dimensions of student engagement (behavioral, cognitive, emotional, social, and agentic), this session offers practical strategies to activate learning in every classroom. Educators will leave with a toolkit of techniques to make learning visible, meaningful, and memorable. (This session will be relevant to any subject area.)

Speakers

Laura Adamson

Educational Consultant, Goodheart-Willcox Publishers

Laura Adamson has been a teacher, literacy coach and educational consultant for over 30 years. Laura understands the importance of making lessons and activities active and engaging for students in the classroom. She is currently an educational consultant for Goodheart-Willcox.

Tuesday June 9, 2026 3:00pm - 3:45pm CDT
Ruby 3

3:00pm CDT

Chat, Teacher, and the Classroom

Tuesday June 9, 2026 3:00pm - 3:45pm CDT

Diamond 3

Speakers

Shelly Mowinkel

Tuesday June 9, 2026 3:00pm - 3:45pm CDT
Diamond 3

3:00pm CDT

Promoting Your CTE Program: Practical Tools for Teachers

Tuesday June 9, 2026 3:00pm - 3:45pm CDT

Ruby 6

You know the impact your CTE program has on students—but does your community and administration know it too? This interactive session shares practical strategies for promoting your program and building support. Participants will explore ways to highlight student success through social media, events, and community partnerships. Attendees will review real examples and begin developing a simple, ready-to-use promotion plan for their program.

Speakers

Stacie Turnbull

Lecturer, ALEC Department, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Lecturer, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Tuesday June 9, 2026 3:00pm - 3:45pm CDT
Ruby 6

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