IACTE State Conference 2026

This presentation explores two dramatically different types of leaders: those who diminish the intelligence, energy, and capability of the people around them, and those who multiply it. Diminishers often feel the need to be the smartest person in the room, unintentionally limiting the contributions and growth of others. Multipliers, by contrast, use their intelligence and influence to draw out the strengths, ideas, and abilities of the people they lead.
Designed around leadership growth and development, the presentation will help students, teachers, coaches and administration to examine how leadership style affects individual and team performance. Participants will explore how effective leaders create environments where people are challenged, trusted, and inspired to stretch beyond what they thought possible—often producing results that surpass expectations.

A central focus will be self-discovery. Participants will identify their own strengths, consider how those strengths shape the way they lead, and reflect on behaviors that may either diminish or multiply the capabilities of others. Through reflection and discussion, participants will begin answering an important leadership question: Am I acting as a Diminisher or a Multiplier—and what kind of leader do I want to become?

The overall goal is to help everyone develop a more intentional leadership style—one that recognizes the potential in others, creates opportunities for growth, and builds stronger, more capable people and teams.

This interactive session shows how to launch a student-based print enterprise that delivers real Work-Based Learning. Students take on roles in design, production, sales, marketing, and finance while creating posters, banners, decals, and awards. Learn a simple framework for roles, workflow, and order systems. See how schools reduce costs, generate revenue, and build real-world skills.

All WS1 classes without a dedicated round table please attend this session as part of your WS1 required meeting.

How can districts scale career-connected learning without overextending employer partnerships? This session explores how to expand high-quality work-based learning that prepare more students for internships and apprenticeships. Learn how models like Teamship build durable skills earlier and connect more students to high-wage, in-demand careers.

Microcredentials provide proof of skills to help students obtain skills in high-demand careers. CCLC has been piloting microcredentials for youth with disabilities for 3 years. IN Day and Employment Services Outcomes System survey found that 23% of individuals with disabilities had jobs (IIDC, 2025; INDWD, 2025). IN has been challenged by state CTE goals to prepare youth with disabilities for employment. Microcredentials will help youth gain and maintain employment. This presentation will discuss microcredential piloting, provide learned, and pilot participation.

Unlock career potential for students with disabilities through high-engagement, hands-on learning. This session introduces Future Ready modules: modified, career-focused experiences designed to bridge the gap between IEP goals and real-world employment. Help students build skill-based portfolios and master pre-employment transitions.

The National Technical Honor Society is THE honor society for CTE. Learn how to start a chapter and incorporate it into your classroom. NTHS awards over $325K in scholarships annually.

AI is reshaping cybersecurity, digital identity, and workplace decision-making. This session helps CTE educators teach AI, cybersecurity, and digital ethics as connected career-readiness skills. Participants will explore classroom-ready scenarios on phishing, deepfakes, privacy, responsible AI use, and ethical hacking, leaving with adaptable discussion prompts and lesson structures for middle and high school pathways.

This session introduces Certiport’s industry-recognized certification programs approved on the Indiana Department of Education’s Credentials of Value list: Microsoft Office Specialist, Adobe Certified Professional, Intuit QuickBooks Certified User, and Autodesk Certified User. Attendees will learn how these certifications align to CTE pathways and how Certiport’s courseware and practice tests—mapped directly to exam objectives—support effective classroom instruction and student success.

Stay informed on the latest CTE legislation, mandates, diploma requirements, and accountability updates impacting schools across Indiana. This session will explore advocacy strategies, best practices for promoting CTE programs to stakeholders, and ways to communicate student outcomes, workforce connections, and program impact. Participants will leave with practical tools to strengthen support for high-quality career-connected learning opportunities.

Ever been mid-lesson when a hand shoots up, not with a question, but “Can I go to the bathroom?” Or “When will this be graded?” This session shares the “secret recipes” for routines like bathrooms and late work, plus other procedures teachers wrestle with. I’ll share what works for me and ideas I’ve borrowed, or stolen, from others, helping you cook up smooth, low-chaos classrooms.

Whether you teach Health Science, Trades, Business, IT, or Agriculture, this workshop will give you the tools to meet your students where they are—creating immersive, digital-first learning experiences with ease - no coding reqired. Learn how to use Canva’s AI tools to auto-generate realistic workplace scenarios, tailored CTE case studies, and visual aids in seconds. Design click-and-reveal flashcards, interactive digital workbooks, decision-making trees, and games using built-in Canva links and smart embeds. Walk away with at least one project ready to use in your classroom!

Academic Roots. Career-Ready Routes: Using Cambridge's Career-Connected Courses to Strengthen Indiana CTE Programs As Indiana schools prepare students for an evolving workforce, many are looking to strengthen both academic rigor and career readiness. This session explores how Cambridge supports CTE pathways.  Attendees will learn how Cambridge courses align with pathways in business, digital technology, health sciences, hospitality, entrepreneurship, and other career fields. See how Cambridge integrates into CTE pathways while expanding opportunities to college credit across Indiana and U.S. The session also highlights Next Level Programs of Study and Perkins V funding opportunities.

This session explores how one county united business, higher education, K-12, private schools, government, and community members to design a world-class CTE program and facility. Grounded in economic data and employer engagement, the initiative demonstrates how communities can create pathways that value CTE students and strengthen the regional workforce.

Imagine a world where every 6-9th grader has the tools and guidance to confidently select their high school pathway and navigate their educational journey towards a successful future. This vision is not just aspirational—it’s achievable through innovative and customizable Paxton Patterson l College and Career Labs.