Relevance: iCEV creates curriculum, certification exams, data management for ONLY CTE. For 40 years our focus is helping teachers and coordinators create powerful learning experiences and certifications for learners. We provide over 200 CTE courses in 11 career clusters. All of our hosted certifications are SC approved.
Value: Many CTE educators already use our curriculum and certification exam hosting to ensure the success of not just daily instruction but certification earning for their students. We provide affordable, scalable, measurable CTE curriculum that saves educators the time and cost of creating, finding, and/or curating various resources to support engaging lessons.
Presenter Knowledge: Jessica Hidalgo is the TOY for LexRich5 CATE and is an 11-year veteran of the CTE classroom. Trained in animal science with a Master's Degree, she prepares students for careers in veterinary medicine and livestock production and care.
The Case for CTE is relevant to all areas of CTE and anyone involved in education. CTE has long been the "hidden secret" in most districts, while many do not realize the value it holds. Participants will learn why CTE is not the "lesser" educational experience, but actually, the most valuable experience. Participants will learn of benefits to students as well as the entire educational system, as it has the potential to improves student performance and school report card ratings. The presenter is a 10-year veteran of CTE and often presents at local, state, and national conferences. This presentation contains researched components as well as components garnered directly from field and "hands on" experiences.
Shane and I are instructional technology facilitators for Greenville County Schools. We spend time developing and delivering trainings across the district. AI is a hot topic and I believe MagicSchool.ai is a relevant topic for all educators in the CTE field. The participants will learn about the various AI tools MagicSchool.ai offers to help with saving an educators energy and time so they can shine best in front of their students.
The relevance of stackable, industry-recognized credentials is tremendous to the CTE field, as degrees alone are no longer enough to prepare students for today’s workforce. With 92% of U.S. jobs requiring mastery of digital skills—including Adobe Suite, Microsoft Office, Google Docs, cybersecurity, web development, and coding—it’s essential to equip students with tools that ensure their success and give them a competitive edge. Alarmingly, over one-third of college graduates enter the job market without these critical competencies.
The value to participants is great, as they will explore how stackable, industry-recognized, and proficiency-based certifications can bridge this critical skills gap. Participants will learn actionable strategies to empower learners to validate and demonstrate their expertise in essential digital competencies, setting them up for success in higher education and their careers.
The presenter, Melissa Murphy, regional sales manager at Tosa by Isograd, taught elementary school for many years before moving into the educational technology space for K-12 schools, as well as higher education institutions. Her passion has always been in education, in providing teachers and students with the skills to be successful.
This topic bridges the gap between athletic mental health and career and technical education by showcasing how mental health support systems can integrate with career pathways, workforce development, and academic disciplines. It emphasizes leveraging athletics to provide the life lessons and real-world skills often touted as the benefits of sports participation, ensuring these ideals are intentionally realized. This approach can engage a highly motivated and hard-working population, fostering growth for students of all ages and abilities, both on and off the field.
Value to Participants:
This session offers a unique and innovative perspective by connecting athletic mental health support directly with career development and life skills, an approach that is not commonly explored. Participants will gain actionable, cutting-edge strategies to implement programs that intentionally combine well-being support with career readiness. Through real-world examples and collaborative discussions, attendees will learn to create impactful, integrated programs that deliver a holistic and forward-thinking approach to student-athlete development, setting this model apart from traditional methods.
Presenter Knowledge and Experience:
Dr. David Schary is a professor, mental health counselor, and Director of Mental Health and Performance for Winthrop Athletics. He brings a unique combination of academic, clinical, and applied expertise. His work focuses on intentionally aligning the life lessons often associated with sports - such as resilience, teamwork, and leadership - with meaningful career pathways and mental health support systems, ensuring these ideals are not left to chance but embedded in practice. Dr. Schary’s approach is designed to engage a highly motivated and hardworking population, empowering students of all ages and abilities to thrive in all areas of their lives. As an advocate for athlete development and mental health, he is committed to fostering well-rounded, mentally strong individuals both in athletics and beyond.
This is relevant to the field of CTE because this represents a Career Cluster within the Advance CTE Cluster. This cluster has over 32,000 students taking courses in this pathway. This pathway serves over 400 teachers who are medical professionals.
Electronic resources included in the Discus library--Fergusons Career Guidance Center, Learning Express Library, Tutor.com, Learn360, and World Almanac for Kids: Careers--allow students access to career planning information, tools, and guidance relevant to all fields. These resources are provided to all South Carolinians free of charge. Presenter is a member of the Discus Training Team at the SC State Library.
Education Associate, South Carolina Department of Education
Anna Duvall is the School Counselor and Career Specialist Liaison for the South Carolina Department of Education. She also serves as the Student Transition Services team lead in the Office of Career and Technical Education and Student Transition Services.
Wednesday June 25, 2025 8:30am - 9:30am EDT Room 202-A
Session participants will learn about the many initiatives the South Carolina Coordinating Council for Workforce Development is undertaking to better connect K-20 education in the state to establish a more coherent, understandable, and efficient educational system that allows South Carolina to better prepare a future resilient workforce and increase economic development.
As SC moves to a stackable certification, it is crucial to adopt an understanding of the model's intent: student success.
Ivey Harrison is a Senior Territory Manager for YouScience, an edtech company bridging the workforce skills gap by connecting education and industry. With 15 years in college admissions and high school counseling in GA and SC, she has served on the SACAC board, as an NACAC delegate, and on advisory boards for UGA, USC, and Furman. She supports schools in SC, TN, and internationally with YouScience’s aptitude-based career tools. Passionate about helping students discover their unique talents, she loves empowering educators
Prior to working with YouScience, I worked in college admissions and high school counseling for 15 years at schools in SC and GA. I started full time with YouScience in Spring 2019 and am passionate about our mission to solve America's workforce skills gap and promote access to our... Read More →
Wednesday June 25, 2025 8:30am - 9:30am EDT Room 203
Shane serves as an Instructional Technology Facilitator with Greenville County Schools where he irons the capes of the true superheroes (teachers). As just one member of a dynamic team, his mission is to grow and equip teachers through professional development, co-teaching, model... Read More →
Wednesday June 25, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am EDT Room 202-C
One critical economic challenge facing South Carolina is the pressing need to enhance workforce development and training programs to align with the demands of a rapidly evolving economy. As automation and advanced technologies continue to reshape industries, traditional jobs are disappearing at an alarming rate. Consequently, there is a significant and growing demand for skilled workers proficient in specialized areas such as technology, healthcare, advanced manufacturing, and pet services.
To tackle this issue, the state government has initiated a variety of proactive measures, including job training programs and apprenticeships, aimed at equipping individuals with the necessary skills to thrive in the jobs of tomorrow. These initiatives often involve strategic partnerships with local businesses, ensuring that training reflects real-world needs and market conditions.
In addition to workforce development, significant attention has been directed toward enhancing educational access, particularly in underserved rural areas, as a means of combating poverty and addressing economic inequality. This comprehensive approach aims not only to foster individual success but also to stimulate broader economic growth across the state.
As a seasoned master groomer with over 25 years of experience, I possess a wealth of knowledge in various aspects of pet care, encompassing everything from health maintenance to behavioral identification. My extensive background allows me to offer valuable insights to participants regarding current market trends in the pet care industry, potential income opportunities, and firsthand accounts of the key elements necessary for achieving success in this rewarding field. One critical economic challenge facing South Carolina is the pressing need to enhance workforce development and training programs to align with the demands of a rapidly evolving economy. As automation and advanced technologies continue to reshape industries, traditional jobs are disappearing at an alarming rate. Consequently, there is a significant and growing demand for skilled workers proficient in specialized areas such as technology, healthcare, advanced manufacturing, and pet services.
To tackle this issue, the state government has initiated a variety of proactive measures, including job training programs and apprenticeships, aimed at equipping individuals with the necessary skills to thrive in the jobs of tomorrow. These initiatives often involve strategic partnerships with local businesses, ensuring that training reflects real-world needs and market conditions.
In addition to workforce development, significant attention has been directed toward enhancing educational access, particularly in underserved rural areas, as a means of combating poverty and addressing economic inequality. This comprehensive approach aims not only to foster individual success but also to stimulate broader economic growth across the state.
As a seasoned master groomer with over 25 years of experience, I possess a wealth of knowledge in various aspects of pet care, encompassing everything from health maintenance to behavioral identification. My extensive background allows me to offer valuable insights to participants regarding current market trends in the pet care industry, potential income opportunities, and firsthand accounts of the key elements necessary for achieving success in this rewarding field.
Larry Dubow has a BS in Marketing and has held several executive positions in technology firms. He is currently Chief Marketing Officer for Lobaki, Inc., a VR supplier to education for nearly ten years.
Lobaki has a CTE catalog with over 400 VR experiences to enhance technical education.
Exposure to how VR simulations can improve CTE with immersions into many technical fields.
In this seminar, you will discover: The effects of stress on our bodies How mindfulness can mitigate stress High impact strategies to enhance and empower educator wellness
Former School Principal, Current SEL Expert, UnlockingSEL
Lana Penley, a celebrated author, renowned speaker, and esteemed former Principal, is a prominent leader in Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) as the dynamic CEO and Co-Founder of Unlocking SEL. With 25 years of experience, she has developed groundbreaking, mindfulness-based approaches... Read More →
Wednesday June 25, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am EDT Room 201
This topic is highly relevant to the CTE field as it focuses on transforming essential yet mundane material into engaging and memorable learning experiences. The goal is to help students truly understand the content rather than simply memorize it. This session aims to inspire participants to build strong foundational relationships with their students while incorporating fresh, interactive activities into their classrooms. Our presenters bring valuable expertise: a registered nurse with 17 years of experience, including four years in the classroom, and an athletic trainer with 16 years of experience, all of which involve teaching. Additionally, our athletic trainer was recognized as the district teacher of the year in 2017.
This session will provide both a service to students and an opportunity to expand real-world experiences in the classroom. Both presenters are veteran CTE educators with a passion for not only helping the community but instilling the value of giving back in their students.
School counselors working in schools with the CTE fields represented need to come together to collaborate our ideas and practices. This hopefully will be a lively discussion of topics that are the day to day job of a school counselor in the CTE world. This is my 8th year as a school counselor at Woolard Technology Center in Kershaw County.
SCACTE is the state organization for CTE professionals. This session is valuable for all CTE professionals across the state as there are many great benefits that come with being a member of SCACTE. Mrs. Snipes is the SCACTE President-Elect and has been a member of SCACTE for 6 years.
Health Science Instructor and HOSA Advisor, Lancaster County School District Career Center
Anna Snipes is a veteran health science educator and mentor to other health science instructors. She is currently the South Carolina Health Science Educators Association's President- elect, serves on the SC HOSA Board of Directors, and was recently named SCACTE 2022 Teacher of the... Read More →
Wednesday June 25, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am EDT Room 102-C
Relevance: Updates from the South Carolina Department of Education. Value: Will prepare participants for changes taking place because of current trends. Presenter Knowledge and Experience: I am the SCDE Program Team Lead who manages the dual credit offerings with the program education associates, and whose responsibility is to keep abreast of current trends and inform the CTE administrators and teachers.
Dr. Gladney is an Education Associate in the Office of Career and Technical Education at the South Carolina Department of Education. She is a graduate of South Carolina State University, the University of South Carolina, and Capella University. Dr. Gladney manages the Fashion Design... Read More →
Wednesday June 25, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am EDT Room 101-B
SREB's AI Commission was formed by Gov. McMaster to address the changing needs of the workforce and how education can directly support them in gaining AI knowledge and skills. These skills are needed in every cluster and CTE teachers will need support as they work to embed this in their instruction.
Part of this industry relates to Commercial Driving and obtaining a CDL license or Heavy Equipment Diesel Mechanics
How to obtain a CDL without having to pay for additional training/school; become a Diesel Mechanic with minimal expense or work on the loading docks which is essential to everything we do.
I have worked in the industry for 29 yrs at Averitt
Relevance to CTE: Describes the connection between skills development and wages, and the importance of training.
Value to Participants: Provides (and demos) a ready-made lesson plan and activity for a group of students.
Presenter: Has 30+ years in economics and business education and works for the Federal Reserve, the owner of the website and the maker of the resources.
HSE is our Health Science Educators Division of ACTE. We have a strong group and always give an update at EBS. SC HOSA is our Health Science CTSO. Again, a strong group and we always give an update at EBS. The bonus is the discussion on the new career clusters.
When CTE instructors are trying to get their students ready to complete the ServSafe Food Handler's certification a great deal of time can be lost trying to keep their students all on the same timeline and keeping students on track while they navigate the modules. Getting the students' accounts set up is only one of the first steps to administering the certification in a timely manner.
Understanding the useful tools of the ServSafe website and how to navigate it to help your students is a key factor in completing the certification. I would like to go over the website in depth to help instructors understand how to fully navigate the website. There is a lot of information and a step by step guide would help instructors know functions and how to use them. Anyone that is working with students in a food environment would benefit in having their students complete the ServSafe modules. I have been working in culinary arts for the past seven years teaching Foods for Today, Intro to Culinary, Culinary 1, Culinary 2, and Baking and Pastry classes. I have eleven years of teaching experience and seven of that have been teaching food safety using the ServSafe system. I am a professional trained chef with ten years experience in the industry on top of eleven years experience teaching K-12.
This is my 9th year teaching. I am a professionally trained chef. My husband and I moved from Houston, Texas to get In-State tuition for our son, Nicholas, who is attending The Citadel in the fall.
Wednesday June 25, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT Room 101 A
As an industry professional it is difficult to transition to the classroom, especially with no formal training. The goal is to share the same as well as new information to the next group of industry educators to ensure the continued existence of CTE.
Ashley Caldwell has been a dedicated Territory Manager at Certiport for over 11 years, significantly contributing to the company's growth and success. During his 11 years at Certiport is has been privileged to service the schools of South Carolina. He is an alumnus of Weber State University.
Presentation Relevance to the CTE Field: By introducing students to careers within their community at an early age, this initiative fosters exploration of the trades and ignites potential passions that may lead them to pursue CTE courses in high school. Additionally, strengthening relationships with local businesses and industries creates pathways for future work-based learning opportunities, including internships and apprenticeships.
Value to Participants: Attendees will gain firsthand insights into the successes and challenges of building a program that serves students at multiple levels. This session could inspire new ideas and initiatives in their own communities, ultimately expanding career exploration and work-based learning opportunities for students.
Presenter Knowledge and Experience: The presenter brings extensive hands-on experience in developing and expanding career-connected learning programs. Since stepping into this role in 2022, the paid internship program has grown from fewer than 30 interns per year to 143 students working with 83 industry partners across sectors such as manufacturing, healthcare, and public service. In 2023, these relationships led to the launch of an 8th-grade tour program, ensuring every student in the district visits four organizations each semester to experience careers firsthand. In 2024, the initiative expanded further with "Career Time Tuesday," a monthly career exploration event for all 5th-grade students.
Agricultural Education State Staff will field questions from teachers, administrators, and District personnel on how to get the most out of their Agricultural Education program. State Staff will also offer guidance and assistance in starting a new program at their school.
This session will focus on industry certifications. The attendees will learn about the available certifications, how to implement a program at their school, and available college credit.
Ashley Caldwell has been a Territory Manager at Certiport for over 11 years. During his 11 years at Certiport is has been privileged to service the schools of South Carolina. He is an alumnus of Weber State University.
The vast majority of youth participating emerge from high school CTE programs - from over 17 schools all across the state. The program provides a springboard into the professional community that results in JOBS! and the commitment to further training and education in the chosen trade, in either an industry sponsored program, community college, or trade school. Participants will learn how to take advantage of this program for the benefit of their own students and communities. Charlie Plant has been placing youth in work place apprenticing experiences for almost 30 years, and has coordinated the Harbor Freight program for thousands of youth and hundreds of schools across the country for nine years now, including the last 8 here in South Carolina.
This field of image generation using AI is growing and expanding rapidly. This session will survey how to create content and practical applications/projects in the High School CTE setting.
Shane serves as an Instructional Technology Facilitator with Greenville County Schools where he irons the capes of the true superheroes (teachers). As just one member of a dynamic team, his mission is to grow and equip teachers through professional development, co-teaching, model... Read More →
Wednesday June 25, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT Room 202-C
Relevance to CTE: The topic discusses resources useful for teaching economics, business, finance, and entrepreneurship courses
Value to Participants: Shows the new website that offers hundreds of free resources. Teaches participants how to access resources and provides examples.
Presenter: Has 30+ years in economics and business education and works for the Federal Reserve, the owner of the website and the maker of the resources.
This session is very relevant to every CTE cluster as a recruitment strategy. The exposure provided from this session will prove immensely valuable to School Counselors, Career Center Directors, and District CTE Directors as they embark on simple initiatives that students will deem highly motivating. The presenter is a 25-year veteran in CTE and has worked in multiple regions of the Palmetto State.
CTE centers must follow the laws, regulations, and policies set forth by the General Assembly as it pertains to accurate student records and transcripts and are often not included in the district and school trainings I conduct. I have 8 years of experience working with and training district and school administrators and counselors on policies, regulations, and laws.
Laura McNair is a 6 year veteran of the South Carolina Department of Education. She works in the Division of College, Career, and Military Readiness, Office of Career and Technical Education and Student Transition Services, where she assists districts with high school diplomas... Read More →
Wednesday June 25, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT Room 101 A
I have been in education for over 30 years and am truly passionate about students getting equal opportunities across the state. I have been a CTE Director in a school district for the past 2 years but have always worked in the CTE area. I have had several positions within the public school system.
This session addresses the latest updates in CTE, focusing on the new career cluster framework. Exploring the crosswalk and understanding the vision behind these changes, educators will be empowered to better grasp how CTE is advancing to meeting workforce demands. Attendees will walk away with the new framework, debunk myths, and the tools to effectively prepare to make adjustments to implement the advancements in their classrooms. LaKeshia Adams, Ph.D. has 10+ years of educational instruction, support, and leadership experience on local, regional, and state levels. A certified Global Career Development Facilitator, with a background in teaching middle and high school mathematics, adult education math and science, and addressing college and career readiness for individuals in custody, her results-driven approach emphasizes leveraging technology for empowering learners. Dr. A excels in fostering collaborations with key stakeholders, making her an asset at the intersection of education, technology, and workforce development. She loves analyzing and solving problems that enable others to excel.
LaKeshia Adams, Ph.D. has 10+ years of educational instruction, support, and leadership experience on local, regional, and state levels. A certified Global Career Development Facilitator, with a background in teaching middle and high school mathematics, adult education math and science... Read More →
Wednesday June 25, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT Room 202-A
This session will provide examples of how to use WIN Learning's courseware to help learners build skills to be career ready and to earn stackable credentials. The courseware can serve as a curriculum supplement for CTE educators.
I am excited to collaborate about preparing people for the world of work! WIN Learning's courseware is a skill builder for students and a curriculum supplement for educators. Our Work Ready and Essential Soft Skills credentials provide a common language of the foundational skills... Read More →
Wednesday June 25, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT Room 102-B
Whether students are preparing for careers in healthcare, business, manufacturing, IT, or any other CTE pathway, the ability to understand and relate to coworkers, clients, and customers is essential for teamwork, leadership, and customer service. By fostering empathy in the classroom. Integrating empathy-building activities into CTE instruction ensures that students graduate not only with technical proficiency, but also with the soft skills employers demand—making them more well-rounded, adaptable, and career-ready. Kelli Lancaster has been involved with Career and Technology education for 35 years. She was a media broadcasting instructor for 21 years before taking the role of the Work-Based Learning Coordinator with the Anderson Districts 1 & 2 Career & Technology Center in Williamston, SC. Kelli implemented the soft skills curriculum into 22 programs while she was the coordinator at her center. She is also the recipient of the 2022 ACTE National Award for Counseling & Career Development.
Business Development Coordinator, Microburst Learning
Kelli Lancaster has been involved with Career and Technology education for 34 years. She was a media broadcasting instructor for 21 years before taking the role of the Work-Based Learning Coordinator with the Anderson Districts 1 & 2 Career & Technology Center in Williamston, SC... Read More →
Wednesday June 25, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT Room 102-C
Agriculture; Supply Chain; Industrial Connections; Business Education; Economics; Teaching Strategies
Presenter has a proven record of delivering high-quality professional development (at no cost) to teachers, schools, and districts across the state. SC Council on Economic Education prides itself on being current, engaging, relevant, and meaningful for its audiences. https://www.sceconomics.org/
Canva is becoming a valuable tool in every educator's toolkit. This session will move beyond the basics and explore the AI and app features, offering advanced content for those familiar with the platform.
Shane serves as an Instructional Technology Facilitator with Greenville County Schools where he irons the capes of the true superheroes (teachers). As just one member of a dynamic team, his mission is to grow and equip teachers through professional development, co-teaching, model... Read More →
Wednesday June 25, 2025 2:15pm - 3:15pm EDT Room 202-C
The ASVAB Career Exploration Program is a free federal government resource utilized by most every public school in South Carolina and many private, charter, and homeschool organizations. The value to participants is to become acclimated to the Career Exploration Program site and get a better understanding of the utility of the site. Another benefit is for students attaining a 31 or higher on the ASVAB, the student would meet one of the CCR indicators for the state of South Carolina. Carolyn Pastor is an experienced School Counselor and Global Career Development Facilitator in Dorchester County 2 Schools with a diverse and rich experience. Mrs. Pastor is also a certified ASVAB Career Exploration Program Post-Test Interpretation facilitator. Scott Burgess is the Program Director for the ASVAB Career Exploration Program and previously worked in secondary and higher education.
Relevance: Updates from the South Carolina Department of Education. Value: Will prepare participants for changes taking place as a result of current trends. Presenter Knowledge and Experience: I am the SCDE Education Associate for the Family and Consumer Sciences Programs of Study whose responsibility is to keep abreast of current trends and inform the CTE administrators and teachers.
Dr. Gladney is an Education Associate in the Office of Career and Technical Education at the South Carolina Department of Education. She is a graduate of South Carolina State University, the University of South Carolina, and Capella University. Dr. Gladney manages the Fashion Design... Read More →
Wednesday June 25, 2025 2:15pm - 3:15pm EDT Room 102-B
Perkins V is the primary federal funding for CTE programs. Perkins V requires all funding recipients to submit a CLNA with a focus on labor market demand. The twelve SC Workforce Regions submit their CLNA every two years.
Business and Industry Liaison, SC Department of Education
Welcome to EBS! In my role as Business and Industry Liaison, Office of Career and Technical Education, SC Department of Education, I facilitate statewide collaborations and industry relationships. I am honored to work with the Perkins V CLNA Teams in the 12 South Carolina Workforce... Read More →
Wednesday June 25, 2025 2:15pm - 3:15pm EDT Room 104 A
Priority Occupations are a resource that helps guide the development of new education or training programs and the continuous improvement of current programs. The interactive format allows students, parents and educators to craft personalized lists for potential career pathways or occupations of need in their area.
Technology integration is vital to modern CTE programs. This session introduces attendees to free, SC created, SC highlighting tools that can elevate instruction. By leveraging tech resources, educators can enhance engagement and help students gain real-world skills. Attendees will walk away with the awareness of three sources of free resources (audio clips, lesson plans, videos, documents, interactives, and photos). Attendees will be empowered to enhance their learning environments with standards-based resources. LaKeshia Adams, Ph.D. has 10+ years of educational instruction, support, and leadership experience on local, regional, and state levels. A certified Global Career Development Facilitator, with a background in teaching middle and high school mathematics, adult education math and science, and addressing college and career readiness for individuals in custody, her results-driven approach emphasizes leveraging technology for empowering learners. Dr. A excels in fostering collaborations with key stakeholders, making her an asset at the intersection of education, technology, and workforce development. She loves analyzing and solving problems that enable others to excel.
LaKeshia Adams, Ph.D. has 10+ years of educational instruction, support, and leadership experience on local, regional, and state levels. A certified Global Career Development Facilitator, with a background in teaching middle and high school mathematics, adult education math and science... Read More →
Wednesday June 25, 2025 2:15pm - 3:15pm EDT Room 202-A
Relevance to the CTE Field: Career and Technical Education (CTE) equips learners with the skills needed for successful careers, and financial literacy is a crucial part of this readiness. By integrating personal finance education into CTE programs, this workshop supports educators in preparing students for real-world challenges. It empowers students to make informed financial decisions as they transition into the workforce and helps professionals strengthen their financial stability as they advance in their careers. This alignment with CTE’s focus on practical, career-focused learning enhances both personal and professional outcomes.
Value to Participants: For Educators: Gain resources and strategies to teach financial literacy within CTE curricula, enhancing students’ preparedness for life beyond the classroom.
For Students: Build essential financial skills—from budgeting to investing—that complement technical training and promote independence and confidence in managing money.
For Professionals: Learn practical financial strategies that support career growth, from understanding banking services to making smart investment decisions for long-term stability.
Presenter: Personal Finance Teacher. Doctorate in Educational Administration, Business & Management background. 11 years teaching experience including higher education and secondary education
Any student can work in a manufacturing environment, no matter what their career cluster, whether in CTE or not. Participants can learn about the various types of occupations, even creative careers in manufacturing, that individuals can pursue.
Presenter is a Certified SC Economic Professional with 30 years of experience in the types of companies recruited to SC and who have expanded in SC and what those companies make.
Relevance to the CTE Field: Career and Technical Education (CTE) is at the forefront of preparing students for the 21st-century workforce, but many programs struggle to align with emerging industry needs. This session directly addresses how to bridge the gap between classroom instruction and career pathways by integrating real-world skills, industry certifications, and hands-on experiences into CTE programs. By focusing on high-demand STEM fields, this session empowers educators and administrators with strategies to ensure students graduate career-ready, not just diploma-ready.
Value to Participants: Actionable Strategies– Learn practical ways to align CTE with workforce needs, ensuring students are equipped for success. Industry & Education Partnerships – Discover how to **forge meaningful connections with businesses, securing internships, certifications, and funding. Innovative Teaching Methods – Explore hands-on, project-based learning techniques that increase student engagement and retention. Student Impact – Walk away with a roadmap to create clear, structured career pathways that lead to employment, entrepreneurship, or further education.
Attendees will leave with proven strategies, ready-to-use resources, and a fresh perspective on how to transform their CTE programs into powerful career-building engines.
Electronic resources included in the Discus library, like Chilton Library, are provided to all South Carolinians free of charge. Chilton is recognized for its authoritative automotive repair information and is an ideal resource for candidates sitting for their Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) exam, high school students taking automotive technology courses, and staff at state agency departments for transportation/mechanical services. Presenter is a member of the Discus Training Team at the SC State Library.
AI is transforming education, offering teachers and students smarter ways to learn and engage with content. This session is highly relevant to Career & Technical Education (CTE) as it equips educators with cutting-edge AI strategies to enhance learning experiences. Attendees will gain hands-on knowledge of AI study tools, learn how to create custom GPTs, and discover practical applications for the classroom. Presenter Sharon B. Easterling, MHA, RHIA, CCS, CDIP, CRC, FAHIMA, brings extensive expertise in AI and education, having trained thousands of professionals in integrating AI into learning and professional development.
Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs require strong leadership to drive student success, workforce readiness, and industry partnerships. Effective leadership is essential for CTE administrators, educators, and industry leaders who must adapt to changing workforce demands, implement innovative teaching strategies, and foster collaboration between education and industry. The Winning Leadership Challenge addresses these critical leadership needs by equipping CTE professionals with practical tools for vision-setting, decision-making, adaptability, and team empowerment—skills that directly impact program effectiveness and student outcomes.
Participants will leave with actionable leadership strategies that can be immediately applied in their roles. They will learn how to craft a compelling vision, make effective decisions under pressure, influence and engage stakeholders, and build high-performing teams. The session includes interactive exercises, case studies, and self-assessments to enhance learning and application. Whether they are CTE administrators, educators, or workforce development professionals, attendees will gain skills that enhance their leadership effectiveness and contribute to stronger, more resilient CTE programs.
Coach Kelly (the presenter) brings extensive experience in leadership development, CTE program management, and workforce training. With a background in coaching leaders across education and industry, the presenter has worked with CTE professionals, administrators, and business leaders to develop leadership competencies that drive organizational success. Drawing on research-backed leadership frameworks such as transformational leadership, adaptive leadership, and emotional intelligence, the presenter offers a blend of theoretical insights and real-world applications to ensure an engaging and impactful learning experience.
The SC Technical College System OER Hub directly aligns with the Career and Technical Education (CTE) field by making educational resources more accessible and affordable for students. Open Educational Resources (OER) help reduce financial barriers, ensuring that CTE students have the materials they need to succeed in their coursework and workforce preparation. The initiative supports equitable access to high-quality learning and promotes innovation in teaching and training, which are essential to the evolving CTE landscape.
Attendees will gain insights into the development and impact of a statewide OER initiative and learn how they can leverage similar resources in their institutions. They will discover strategies for cost reduction, collaboration techniques for implementing large-scale academic initiatives, and best practices for enhancing student success through open access materials. This session will provide actionable takeaways for educators, administrators, and policymakers interested in improving affordability and accessibility in technical education.
Ron Stafford, Jessica Howington, and Justin Sherry bring a wealth of experience in academic initiatives, program management, and organizational leadership. Their expertise in collaborative project execution, compliance, and workforce development makes them well-suited to discuss the implementation and success of the OER Hub. Their leadership in this initiative demonstrates their deep understanding of both educational systems and strategic resource management, ensuring participants receive knowledgeable and practical guidance on adopting similar approaches.
Ron Stafford serves as the Head Librarian at Northeastern Technical College, where he leads strategic initiatives focused on digital equity, student access, and library transformation. A recognized expert in Open Educational Resources (OER) and instructional innovation, Ron has presented... Read More →
Wednesday June 25, 2025 3:30pm - 4:30pm EDT Room 104 A
Growing Our Own: Moving the Educurious to Educator is directly related to the CTE Education and Training pathway. Other teachers, administrators, and career center directors will find value in learning from Saluda County's successful development in a rural community. Heather Harmon, the presenter, has been a key component to the growth and success of this program through recruitment and instruction for the courses offered to achieve completion status.
Teacher Cadet and English teacher, Department Chair, Saluda County School District
This is my first year as a Teacher Cadet instructor. In addition to Teacher Cadet, I'm currently teaching Ready for HS Literacy and English 2 Honors. I also serve as the English Department chairperson and NHS advisor. During our time together, I look forward to sharing experiences... Read More →
Wednesday June 25, 2025 3:30pm - 4:30pm EDT Room 102-A
In the Career and Technical Education field, preparing students for the workforce goes beyond technical training. As industries increasingly adopt AI and automation, employers are seeking well-rounded professionals who not only possess technical expertise but also demonstrate strong soft skills like communication, teamwork, critical thinking, and adaptability. Kelli Lancaster has been involved with Career and Technology education for 35 years. She was a media broadcasting instructor for 21 years before taking the role of the Work-Based Learning Coordinator with the Anderson Districts 1 & 2 Career & Technology Center in Williamston, SC. Kelli implemented the soft skills curriculum into 22 programs while she was the coordinator at her center. She is also the recipient of the 2022 ACTE National Award for Counseling & Career Development Professional.
Business Development Coordinator, Microburst Learning
Kelli Lancaster has been involved with Career and Technology education for 34 years. She was a media broadcasting instructor for 21 years before taking the role of the Work-Based Learning Coordinator with the Anderson Districts 1 & 2 Career & Technology Center in Williamston, SC... Read More →
Wednesday June 25, 2025 3:30pm - 4:30pm EDT Room 102-C
The CERT program aligns closely with the goals of Career and Technical Education (CTE) by fostering critical skills in emergency response, public safety, and community service. Many CTE fields, including healthcare, public safety, and human services, require a solid foundation in disaster preparedness and crisis management. Participants will gain an understanding of the CERT program’s mission and learn essential disaster response skills, including basic medical aid, fire safety, and team organization. These skills not only improve personal preparedness but also enhance participants’ professional competencies in safety and emergency management. Attendees will leave with actionable steps to get involved in CERT, fostering a sense of empowerment and civic responsibility while opening opportunities for networking and collaboration with local emergency response teams.
This session is most relevant to attendees because of the new changes and revisions that are important and beneficial to students in helping them make good career choices and are certainly vital to the success of all career program offerings.
My name is Murline Ingram and I am an Education Associate in the Office of Career and Technical Education (OCTE). I have been employed with the SCDE for approximately eight years. Some of my major duties include the responsibility of documents such as the Student Reporting Procedures... Read More →
Wednesday June 25, 2025 3:30pm - 4:30pm EDT Room 102-B
