This year’s event will focus on the theme: “Building Bridges: Connecting Education and Industry”…“Strengthening the workforce, one connection at a time” To bring this vision to life, MAVA is proud to welcome Captain Barrington Irving, an esteemed entrepreneur, STEM+ explorer, and workforce development ambassador, as the keynote speaker.
About Captain Barrington Irving Captain Irving is a pioneering aviator and educator committed to empowering the next generation through real-world STEM experiences. His extensive career includes global expeditions, workforce development initiatives, and transformative educational programs. In 2023, he founded the Barrington Irving Technical Training School (BITTS) to provide high school and adult students with hands-on technical training, micro-credentialing, and job placement, particularly in aviation fields. In just 15 months, BITTS generated over $1 million in employment salaries and hosted 12 industry-leading maintenance competitions across the country. Captain Irving has also collaborated with top industry players, including Bombardier Aircraft, Atlantic Aviation, and Signature Aviation.
Beyond BITTS, Captain Irving has been a leader in STEM+ education for over a decade. His Flying Classroom program, celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2024, has impacted more than 3 million students by integrating hands-on, real-world problem-solving into classrooms nationwide. Additionally, his nonprofit organization, Experience Aviation, has been providing STEM-based career guidance to middle and high school students since 2005.
A true trailblazer, Captain Irving has traveled to over 70 countries, completed more than 80 STEM+ expeditions, and led groundbreaking engineering challenges—including constructing a car faster than a Ferrari and building a plane he personally test-piloted. In 2007, he made history as the youngest person and first Black pilot to fly solo around the world, earning two Guinness World Records at just 23 years old.
Teachers will learn how to use Blender 3D to create free 3D models for the vocational classes below. Blender 3D can be used to make vocabulary terms interactive and help students understand simple or complex concepts in our trades. No experience is necessary.
Automotive: Automotive technology, collision repair, and related fields. Culinary Arts: Baking, cooking, and restaurant management. Construction: Carpentry, electrical, plumbing, and related trades. Computer Science: Computer programming, information technology, and related fields. Health Sciences: Allied health, nursing, and other medical-related fields. Engineering: Welding, metal fabrication, and other engineering-related fields. Business: Business technology, marketing, and related fields. Agriculture: Animal science, agricultural mechanics. Cosmetology: Hairdressing, cosmetology, and related fields. Early Childhood Education: Childcare and early education programs.
TEC is an experienced provider of innovative, quality products for STEM, design, manufacturing and pre-engineering programs/labs, libraries and makerspaces that delivers superior customer support and service.
The Office of College, Career, and Technical Education will be presenting a session on navigating the Career Connected Learning Hub alignment to newly developed frameworks, industry recognized credentials, college and career planning (MyCap), and teacher licensure.
Associate Commissioner, Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
Elizabeth Bennet has worked in career and technical education for close to 25 years. She is a graduate of Tufts University with a C.A.G.S in Urban Justice and Sustainability and a Masters Degree from Rivier College in Nashua in Educational Administration. Elizabeth serves as the Associate... Read More →
Wednesday June 25, 2025 11:00am - 11:50am EDT C-107
Unlock the power of storytelling to transform biotech education. This hands-on workshop empowers instructors to use AI tools to craft engaging story wrappers around biotechnological concepts and lab skills. Learn to teach mitosis and breast cancer biomarkers through patient journeys, explore the science of heartbreak to explain anatomy and physiology, or unpack the mystery of Auto-Brewery Syndrome to spark discussions around diagnostic panels and legal implications. We’ll also dive into the role of SNPs in opioid addiction and metabolic signals in drugs like semaglutide/Ozempic—all framed within compelling, student-centered narratives. Participants will practice building story-driven lesson hooks that tie directly into core skills like ELISA and PCR testing. Leave with ready-to-adapt scenarios and strategies that bring complex science to life, while deepening student engagement and curiosity in biotechnology’s real-world impact.
How are you leveraging technology to make managing CCR and WBL data more efficient? Discover how software like Jobready CCR can help you digitize forms, manage employer partnerships, track employer visits, create career plans, track student participation in events, and much more. Students can also upload pay stubs, record WBL hours by clocking in/out, and apply for opportunities posted by business partners. Jobready CCR is also a complete CCR solution that includes postsecondary suggestions, college applications, SAT/ACT test preparation, scholarships, course planning, career exploration, industry recognized credential tracking, follow-up studies and more. Best of all, everything is tied to MA state standards. To fully grasp the all-encompassing capabilities of this application, you need to attend this session.
This hands-on session will display a few inexpensive projects taught in a high school renewable energy engineering class. These projects can be easily modified and cater to students in a wide variety of applications and skill abilities, and utilize inexpensive materials (some of which are free). The first part of the session will showcase example projects, including floating lanterns. In the second half, participants will be able to work in small groups to practice building and flying a floating lantern of their own, as part of a lesson to teach the concept of density.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming education, empowering both educators and students in core academics and Career and Technical Education (CTE). In this interactive workshop, attendees will discover how AI can enhance lesson planning, assessment, student engagement, and skill-building across diverse learning environments.
We will explore AI-powered strategies for educators, including differentiated instruction, automated feedback, and work-based learning applications. Additionally, we will highlight ways students can leverage AI tools to improve problem-solving, self-paced learning, and motivation—from AI-driven tutoring to career exploration tools.
Attendees will receive practical resources, including recommended AI tools, lesson templates, and student-friendly applications. The session will feature live demonstrations, discussions, and hands-on AI exploration, ensuring participants leave with actionable strategies to enhance both teaching efficiency and student success in academic and career-focused classrooms.
The Energy Career Cluster spans careers in traditional and renewable fuel production, power generation and energy conversion, utilities, environmental preservation, ecological research, and resource extraction. To minimize environmental impacts and meet global energy needs, these industries focus on efficient and responsible resource management, including conservation, transmission, distribution, and storage. Careers in this Cluster are dedicated to creating a sustainable future, innovating cleaner energy solutions, and preserving our planet’s natural resources for generations.
The career pathway content standards outline the technical knowledge and skills required for future success within this discipline. This is intended to provide state education leaders and educators with a forward-thinking guide for what students should know and be able to do after completing a program of study in this career pathway. State leaders and local educators are encouraged to use the standards to develop well-planned curricula and assessments for Energy & Natural Resources-related Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs.
A Safety Panel of Experts, including Peter Barletta, Brett Fortin from OSHA, Adam Hartnett - WSHP Exec. Office of Labor & Workforce Development, Chris Faucher, Hot Works/Peterson School, Sean Ryan and staff
In an era of rapidly evolving global threats and emerging technologies, the United States Air Force (USAF) faces the critical challenge of building a diverse, skilled, and resilient force to safeguard national security. This session explores how modern recruiting strategies are not just about filling ranks but about shaping the future of air and space power.
Led by a senior USAF recruiting official, this session will examine the intersection of talent acquisition and national defense, highlighting how recruitment efforts align with broader strategic goals. Attendees will gain insights into the innovative approaches being used to attract next-generation airmen and guardians, including outreach to underrepresented communities, leveraging digital platforms, and adapting to changing workforce expectations.
The discussion will also address the implications of recruitment shortfalls, the role of public-private partnerships, and how the USAF is evolving to meet 21st-century security challenges. Whether you are a defense professional, educator, or policy maker, this session offers a critical look at how human capital drives military readiness and national resilience.
This session proposes a hands-on, forward-thinking approach to strengthening workforce readiness by integrating NASA GLOBE smart sensor technologies and AI applications into Vocational and Career & Technical Education (CTE) programs. By equipping students with real-world, data-driven technology skills, this initiative helps prepare a future workforce capable of addressing complex challenges across rapidly evolving technical fields. The session also introduces school administrators to the emerging profession of Sensor Technician—a role gaining traction across industries such as environmental monitoring, public health, smart infrastructure, HVAC, electrical, automotive, agriculture, and more. With the support of low-cost sensor technologies and accessible, open-source platforms, educators can bring this new career path directly into classrooms and shops, while aligning with Massachusetts’ workforce development and CTE priorities. This session also offers MAVA a valuable opportunity to connect with NASA GLOBE, a nationally recognized initiative that supports real-world student engagement and industry-relevant learning.
This hands-on session explores the creative frontier of generative AI and its implications for the future of work. Discover how educators can leverage experimental AI tools to engage students in innovative, real-world learning experiences that align with emerging industry trends. From AI-generated media to no-code prototyping, you’ll explore how schools can become launchpads for future-ready talent in a rapidly evolving workforce.
What is Heat-Related Illness? What Are the Numbers – “Do really that many people die from Heat?” How Hot is Too Hot? What are the Signs of Heat injury or illness and Personal Risk Factors How Can Heat-Related Illness Be Prevented? How Businesses Can Create a Heat Illness Prevention Plan Heat Illness Prevention and Young Workers' Safety and Health Resources to Help Educate Teens on the Risks of Excessive Heat and other Workplace Hazards.
Since Career and Technical Education was established, it has played a significant role in exposing and training young trades men and women in high schools across our country. In the early 2000’s The New England Laborers’ Training Trust Fund had a vision to create a 4 year high school curriculum that would be used as recruitment and training tool for the Laborer’s locals across the New England Region. In 2002 this vision became a reality when they established The New England Laborers Charter School Cranston Public Schools in Cranston, Rhode Island. In 2007 they applied and received Chapter 74 approval from the Department of Secondary education in Massachusetts. Since then this initiative has expanded across Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut. Throughout this presentation the New England Laborers’ will take you through their journey on how these initiatives started and where they are today.
We know that just because career & technical teachers often lack expertise in teaching, it doesn't mean they lack expertise. So how do we teach people who are experts and novices at the same time? An individualized, non-threatening coaching relationship can make all the difference. We'll share stories, examples, and successes of partnerships we've had with many local vocational schools. We'll discuss key principles underlying the growth we've been seeing, and we'll incorporate practical advice for you to continue the work at your own schools/organizations.
What if every vocational student could graduate with a professional digital presence that helped them get hired?
This session introduces Scaffald --- https://scaffald.com/ --- a free workforce readiness platform built specifically for students entering the trades. Designed in partnership with vocational educators, state agencies, and industry leaders, Scaffald serves as both a reflection tool and a career-launching portfolio. Students use it to document skills, showcase certifications and projects, and connect directly with employers looking to hire talent from CTE programs.
You’ll hear from the founders of Scaffald on how the platform is already being embedded in classrooms, beginning with Essex North Shore Tech. We’ll explore how your school can leverage Scaffald to help students gain confidence, build visibility, and make a seamless transition into co-ops, apprenticeships, and full-time jobs.
At the recent SkillsUSA Massachusetts State Leadership & Skills Conference, Scaffald’s cofounders presented to the MAVA CTE directors group with plans to roll out the platform to all vocational students in MA.
If LinkedIn wasn’t built for tradespeople, Scaffald is. And with it being free for students, we can’t wait to get in their hands!
Medical Assisting educators face a unique set of instructional, clinical, and certification-related challenges. Too often, Health Assisting and Medical Assisting programs are grouped together despite key differences in curriculum, industry standards, and student outcomes. This roundtable session will provide a much-needed space for Medical Assisting teachers across Massachusetts to connect, collaborate, and exchange best practices.
Join representatives from the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office for an in-depth session on wage and hour laws, compliance, and best practices. This presentation will cover key topics such as minimum wage, overtime, child labor laws, earned sick time, and wage enforcement. Attendees will gain valuable insights into legal requirements, and how to ensure fair labor practices within their institutions. There will also be an opportunity for Q&A to address specific concerns. Don't miss this essential session to stay informed and compliant with Massachusetts labor laws.
This hands-on session will display a few inexpensive projects taught in a high school renewable energy engineering class. These projects can be easily modified and cater to students in a wide variety of applications and skill abilities, and utilize inexpensive materials (some of which are free). The first part of the session will showcase example projects, including floating lanterns. In the second half, participants will be able to work in small groups to practice building and flying a floating lantern of their own, as part of a lesson to teach the concept of density.
Do you have any students who did not get their top shop choice during exploratory? Are any students in your school wishing they could have been placed elsewhere? If this is familiar to you, join this professional development session to learn more about the possibilities of bringing vocational education to students outside of their vocational program. During this session, participants will learn about the benefits of integrating CTE and academic education. In particular, participants will explore a specific example of what marketing can look like when Graphic Design and Visual Communications students integrate with other academic students during their academic cycle. A curriculum and simulation program will be discussed, and a sample syllabus will be offered.
Intended Outcomes for Participants: Understand the benefits and challenges of integrating academic and vocational content in CTE settings Provide a sample of what integrated education could look like in a shop setting Provide a sample syllabus for use-tomorrow application. Provide and discuss simulation program with embedded academic and vocational skills
Develop practical approaches for educators to create sustainable esports programs: Obtain guidelines for designing stackable credentials and initiatives that ensure students are equipped for future challenges.
Training Equipment, Simulators, and Curriculum for most Vocational Programs, including: VR EMS Services, FANUC Robotics and CNC, Heavy Equipment Simulators, Drones, HMI/PLC Trainers, and More!
The current Design and Visual Communications Frameworks for CTE includes examining the history of typography in Standard 2 and 3H, Fundamentals of Design. These standards allow students to understand the scholars of the typographic canon from a limited view. Missing are design scholars who have influenced the history of typography. In addition, Standards 2 and 3H do not include those who are missing or erased from design history, education, and practice. Knowing this demands the need for the CTE education community to identify the gaps and add missing authors long unrepresented in art and design schools and graphic design programs. In this panel, two longtime high school, college, and teacher educators levels will share how Dr. Cheryl Miller's course, Decolonizing Graphic Design, A Black Perspective is transforming their practice. Cheryl provides user-friendly tactical instruments for educators and administrators of schools to examine one's own relationship to their own ancestral history while adding to the history we all teach.
This session will focus on evidence based practices used at Southeastern Regional to support multilingual students, including Newcomers, to strengthen ESL programming and student outcomes.
This session is designed for Career and Technical Education (CTE) instructors at all experience levels, from new educators to seasoned professionals looking to refine their teaching strategies. It is ideal for instructors working in vocational-technical high schools and trade schools, particularly those seeking to enhance student engagement and lesson fluidity. Participants will benefit from strategies to create dynamic, structured lesson plans that incorporate continuous learning, hands-on practice stations, and AI integration to streamline instruction. This session is particularly relevant for educators aiming to move beyond single-concept teaching and develop meaningful, student-centered learning experiences that keep students engaged.
As the clean energy sector accelerates, vocational educators have a unique opportunity to prepare students for sustainable, high-growth careers. This session will showcase strategies for embedding clean energy career awareness into existing programs using the updated Massachusetts CTE Frameworks and Massachusetts Climate Careers: Powering the Future, a free, standards-aligned curriculum designed to help students connect their technical skills to emerging clean energy fields like solar, offshore wind, energy storage, and building efficiency. The session will highlight how these resources can support career exploration, reinforce transferable skills, and enhance existing vocational instruction across trades.
Learning Objectives: Examine pathways to integrate clean energy career awareness within existing vocational frameworks Explore instructional resources that connect technical skills to in-demand clean energy careers Identify strategies to help students recognize transferable skills between traditional trades and emerging clean energy occupations
This presentation helps vocational teachers understand their retirement options under MTRS, including pension benefits, Social Security coordination, and service buybacks. It also emphasizes the importance of saving outside the pension and offers support through Diamond Point Wealth Partners.
Bristol County Agricultural High School has a unique curriculum and mission as Massachusetts’ only agricultural-based career technical (CTE) school with a fully operational farm. When initially planning the project, the scope was limited to upgrading science classrooms and expanding the animal science program. However, seeing the opportunity to strengthen BA’s agricultural roots and further the mission of academic excellence rooted in science-based education and environmental stewardship, the project grew into a broader campus renewal that fosters interdisciplinary learning. This presentation offers a case study in how a renewed campus design can amplify a CTE school’s mission and support students as they pursue STEAM-focused careers in a dynamic, hands-on learning ecosystem. Through visioning sessions with school staff and administration, students, community representatives, and legislative officials, a transformative shift to a “STEA(A)M” model emerged, expanding STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) to include (A)griculture, and leveraging BA’s unique educational framework. After two years of operation, Superintendent Derek Costa remains committed to bringing the community’s vision to life and will provide insight into the campus renewal project and successes and challenges he has faced when preparing students for future careers in STEA(A)M fields. Bristol Aggie provides specialized career technical pathways in Natural Resource Management, Animal Sciences, Environmental Engineering, Arboriculture, Floriculture, and Landscaping while maintaining a strong foundation in core academic subjects like Math, Science, English, and Social Studies. Learning at BA extends beyond traditional classrooms, happening everywhere—from the new Center for Science and the Environment building to the campus-wide arboretum. Woven together with a variety of outdoor learning environments, the facilities allow hands-on, student-driven projects; prepare students for real-world challenges and opportunities; and strengthen the school’s partnerships with state and federal agencies to advance experiential learning and research.
Learning Objectives 1. Understand how interdisciplinary collaboration between academic and CTE programs can create innovative and impactful learning opportunities. Attendees will learn how integrating core academic subjects with hands-on, real-world agricultural education enhances student engagement and outcomes.
2. Identify design strategies that promote sustainability and environmental stewardship in educational facilities. Attendees will explore how features such as green roofs, composting toilets, and flexible outdoor spaces enhance learning and environmental awareness.
3. Recognize the importance of community engagement in shaping a school’s vision and fostering long-term success. Through the example of Bristol Aggie’s annual Fall Show and robust partnerships, attendees will understand how strong community ties can elevate educational experiences and outcomes.
4. Explore how purposeful campus and building design can support equitable access, safety, and lifelong learning. Attendees will discover how accessible pathways, specialized lab spaces, and adaptable learning environments create inclusive and forward-thinking educational spaces.
Implement methods to support and empower underrepresented students: Use esports to create inclusive opportunities and pathways for diverse populations.
Training Equipment, Simulators, and Curriculum for most Vocational Programs, including: VR EMS Services, FANUC Robotics and CNC, Heavy Equipment Simulators, Drones, HMI/PLC Trainers, and More!
This session proposes a hands-on, forward-thinking approach to strengthening workforce readiness by integrating NASA GLOBE smart sensor technologies and AI applications into Vocational and Career & Technical Education (CTE) programs. By equipping students with real-world, data-driven technology skills, this initiative helps prepare a future workforce capable of addressing complex challenges across rapidly evolving technical fields. The session also introduces school administrators to the emerging profession of Sensor Technician—a role gaining traction across industries such as environmental monitoring, public health, smart infrastructure, HVAC, electrical, automotive, agriculture, and more. With the support of low-cost sensor technologies and accessible, open-source platforms, educators can bring this new career path directly into classrooms and shops, while aligning with Massachusetts’ workforce development and CTE priorities. This session also offers MAVA a valuable opportunity to connect with NASA GLOBE, a nationally recognized initiative that supports real-world student engagement and industry-relevant learning.
This session offers a practical guide for vocational technical schools looking to introduce or expand the use of artificial intelligence in their programs. Using a proven framework and the DESE Integrating Artificial Intelligence document, we’ll help you take stock of where your school is now and chart a path toward making AI useful and meaningful for students and teachers. You’ll leave with planning tools and concrete strategies that show how AI can improve teaching, learning, and daily operations that work for teachers and administrators.
What You’ll Learn: How to assess your current approach to AI using six focus areas (curriculum, training, ethics, equity, feedback, and admin tools) How to build a functional plan for introducing or improving AI in classrooms and shops. How to align your efforts with DESE priorities, Perkins V goals, and workforce needs.
As high school students enter employment opportunities through experiential programs such as Cooperative Education, vocational educators and placement staff are uniquely positioned to support not only their technical development but also their mental and emotional well-being. This workshop explores the intersection of youth mental health and workplace readiness. Participants will learn how to identify early warning signs of mental health challenges, explore workplace stressors specific to young employees, and effectively navigate youth mental health with employers to encourage supportive environments that foster resilience and success.
Transform your teaching by effectively blending eLearning with hands-on lab activities. Learn strategies to enhance student engagement, streamline classroom management, and save instructional time.
Key Topics: Maximizing eLearning: Use digital modules as virtual teaching assistants to reinforce concepts. Assign pre-lab tasks, utilize quizzes, and automate grading. Integrating Hands-On Learning: Align practical lab equipment with digital lessons, incorporating fault insertion for troubleshooting skills. Develop rotation schedules combining online and hands-on activities. Efficient Lab Management: Optimize resource usage with student teams and clear roles. Implement visual or QR-code tracking systems.
What is Heat-Related Illness? What Are the Numbers – “Do really that many people die from Heat?” How Hot is Too Hot? What are the Signs of Heat injury or illness and Personal Risk Factors How Can Heat-Related Illness Be Prevented? How Businesses Can Create a Heat Illness Prevention Plan Heat Illness Prevention and Young Workers' Safety and Health Resources to Help Educate Teens on the Risks of Excessive Heat and other Workplace Hazards.
Educators have a powerful role to play in preparing students for future careers—especially in the growing clean energy sector. This session explores how clean energy technologies and climate solutions can serve as real-world, interdisciplinary contexts for teaching core academic subjects. Using the Massachusetts Climate Careers: Powering the Future curriculum and other clean energy curriculum resources, participants will explore hands-on lessons, classroom-ready materials, and strategies for embedding career-connected learning into science, math, ELA, and beyond. The session will emphasize how academic instruction can support both content mastery and student awareness of clean energy pathways.
Learning Objectives:
Examine instructional materials that connect classroom learning to real-world climate solutions Identify strategies to integrate career awareness into academic instruction using the context of clean energy Develop cross-disciplinary approaches that link academic content to high-growth career sectors in the clean energy economy
What if every vocational student could graduate with a professional digital presence that helped them get hired?
This session introduces Scaffald --- https://scaffald.com/ --- a free workforce readiness platform built specifically for students entering the trades. Designed in partnership with vocational educators, state agencies, and industry leaders, Scaffald serves as both a reflection tool and a career-launching portfolio. Students use it to document skills, showcase certifications and projects, and connect directly with employers looking to hire talent from CTE programs.
You’ll hear from the founders of Scaffald on how the platform is already being embedded in classrooms, beginning with Essex North Shore Tech. We’ll explore how your school can leverage Scaffald to help students gain confidence, build visibility, and make a seamless transition into co-ops, apprenticeships, and full-time jobs.
At the recent SkillsUSA Massachusetts State Leadership & Skills Conference, Scaffald’s cofounders presented to the MAVA CTE directors group with plans to roll out the platform to all vocational students in MA.
If LinkedIn wasn’t built for tradespeople, Scaffald is. And with it being free for students, we can’t wait to get in their hands!
This presentation helps vocational teachers understand their retirement options under MTRS, including pension benefits, Social Security coordination, and service buybacks. It also emphasizes the importance of saving outside the pension and offers support through Diamond Point Wealth Partners.
The Department of Labor Standards will review strategies that Superintendents, Vocational Directors, and other supervisors can use to effectively manage safety and health issues in the workplace. DLS will also discuss the benefits of using the On-Site Consultation Services Program.
In this session, I will share my journey of transforming a traditional Graphic Design curriculum into a full-fledged Career and Technical Education (CTE) program at Salem High School. Beginning with Graphic Design 1 and 2, I expanded the program to incorporate design theory, Adobe certification, Konica Minolta equipment training, large-format printing, lamination, dye sublimation, and an eCommerce platform for real-world order processing.
Attendees will gain insight into the step-by-step process of developing a high-quality, industry-aligned CTE program, including:
-Securing Funding & Resources – Writing and obtaining grants to upgrade Adobe software, Mac lab computers, and acquire professional printing equipment. -Industry Collaboration – Partnering with Konica Minolta and local businesses to equip students with hands-on skills. -Building an eCommerce Platform – A year-long development process with PageDNA to create "Witches’ Ink," a student-run online store that integrates order management and billing. -Curriculum Development – Writing coursework aligned with Massachusetts Visual Communication and Graphic Output standards, proactively adapting to evolving state standards. -Hands-on Learning & Equipment Training – Researching, self-training, and establishing professional workflows, including silk screening with support from local businesses.
This session will provide educators with a roadmap for expanding their own CTE programs, leveraging industry partnerships, and integrating real-world applications to prepare students for careers in graphic design and print production.
Target Audience: CTE educators, administrators, and program directors looking to enhance or develop a Graphic Design & Visual Communication program with strong industry connections and hands-on learning.
Session Format: Presentation with Q&A, featuring real-world examples, curriculum insights, and a discussion on best practices for implementing similar programs in other schools.
Stop in and connect! Raffle prizes and complimentary appetizers and beverages. The event is free, no RSVP required, and is open to all CFS participants.
Teachers will learn how to use Blender 3D to create free 3D models for the vocational classes below. Blender 3D can be used to make vocabulary terms interactive and help students understand simple or complex concepts in our trades. No experience is necessary.
Automotive: Automotive technology, collision repair, and related fields. Culinary Arts: Baking, cooking, and restaurant management. Construction: Carpentry, electrical, plumbing, and related trades. Computer Science: Computer programming, information technology, and related fields. Health Sciences: Allied health, nursing, and other medical-related fields. Engineering: Welding, metal fabrication, and other engineering-related fields. Business: Business technology, marketing, and related fields. Agriculture: Animal science, agricultural mechanics. Cosmetology: Hairdressing, cosmetology, and related fields. Early Childhood Education: Childcare and early education programs.
Empowering students to actively shape their educational experiences leads to stronger engagement, improved outcomes, and more responsive career and technical education (CTE) programs. This session will explore strategies for integrating learner voice into decision-making. Participants will gain insights from the ACTE - Advance CTE Learner Voice Toolkit and additional research-backed practices to foster student agency, equity, and collaboration. Through case studies and interactive discussion, administrators will leave with actionable approaches to elevate learner perspectives in their schools and programs.
Since Career and Technical Education was established, it has played a significant role in exposing and training young trades men and women in high schools across our country. In the early 2000’s The New England Laborers’ Training Trust Fund had a vision to create a 4 year high school curriculum that would be used as recruitment and training tool for the Laborer’s locals across the New England Region. In 2002 this vision became a reality when they established The New England Laborers Charter School Cranston Public Schools in Cranston, Rhode Island. In 2007 they applied and received Chapter 74 approval from the Department of Secondary education in Massachusetts. Since then this initiative has expanded across Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut. Throughout this presentation the New England Laborers’ will take you through their journey on how these initiatives started and where they are today.
This hands-on session explores the creative frontier of generative AI and its implications for the future of work. Discover how educators can leverage experimental AI tools to engage students in innovative, real-world learning experiences that align with emerging industry trends. From AI-generated media to no-code prototyping, you’ll explore how schools can become launchpads for future-ready talent in a rapidly evolving workforce.
Join this dynamic session where health assisting instructors come together to share innovative strategies, creative teaching methods, and effective tools for student success in the healthcare field. This is your chance to bring your best practices, challenges, and questions to the table for an open and engaging discussion.
We’ll explore ideas for incorporating technology, fostering leadership, and creating meaningful clinical and lab experiences. Participants are encouraged to contribute their own success stories, lesson plans, and classroom strategies, making this a true collaborative exchange. Walk away with fresh perspectives and practical solutions to take back to your program and inspire your students. Let’s learn and grow together!
In this hands-on learning session, automotive educators will gain a comprehensive overview of electric vehicle (EV) components and configuration. From batteries and motors to charging systems and controllers, participants will learn how EVs differ from traditional vehicles and learn tips to effectively teach this content to students. Additionally, the session will cover safety equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE) specifically for working on EVs. Educators will learn the importance of proper tooling and procedures to mitigate risks associated with EV maintenance and repair. By the end of the session, attendees will have the knowledge and resources to begin incorporating EV curriculum and equipment into their classrooms and shops, preparing their students for the future of automotive technology.
About the presenter: Baily is a visionary in electrification education, currently serving as a Curriculum Specialist at Legacy EV. With over a decade of experience in education, she is dedicated to both developing the next generation of technicians in the EV industry and upskilling the current workforce to meet evolving demands of new vehicle technology. With her unique blend of education expertise, industry knowledge, and passion for empowering students and workers, she is a driving force in shaping the future of the EV industry. She has built high voltage safety certification training programs for businesses across the EV value chain, ensuring that employees are equipped with the necessary skills to work safely and efficiently in this critical field. She has been instrumental in establishing multiple Career and Technical Education Programs in public schools in the US, having played an integral role in the areas of teaching, curriculum design, and coaching teachers. An Arizona State University alumnus, Baily holds a Master's degree in Secondary Education, with a concentration in STEM, is a former Teach for America Corps Member, and Leading for Change Alumni.
This presentation helps vocational teachers understand their retirement options under MTRS, including pension benefits, Social Security coordination, and service buybacks. It also emphasizes the importance of saving outside the pension and offers support through Diamond Point Wealth Partners.
The Department of Labor Standards will be discussing ergonomics in the workplace for office settings. Ergonomics is the science of fitting the job to a person. Its goals are to optimize safety, comfort, and productivity by reducing physical strain and stress on the body. Topics that will be discussed will be proper setup and use of office equipment, such as office chairs and keyboard trays, safe lifting, and microbreaks. Tips learned in this presentation can be used by all employees of Vocational Schools.
Good Call Officiating Academy provides professional development opportunities for school systems to help address the shortage of officials in youth, middle school and high school sports. Good Call Officiating Academy professional development programs encompass all aspects of introduction and implementation of a recruiting, instructional, training, and employment placement curriculum in sports officiating for students. This session will also touch on the successful pilot program at Southeastern Regional.
The Energy Career Cluster spans careers in traditional and renewable fuel production, power generation and energy conversion, utilities, environmental preservation, ecological research, and resource extraction. To minimize environmental impacts and meet global energy needs, these industries focus on efficient and responsible resource management, including conservation, transmission, distribution, and storage. Careers in this Cluster are dedicated to creating a sustainable future, innovating cleaner energy solutions, and preserving our planet’s natural resources for generations.
The career pathway content standards outline the technical knowledge and skills required for future success within this discipline. This is intended to provide state education leaders and educators with a forward-thinking guide for what students should know and be able to do after completing a program of study in this career pathway. State leaders and local educators are encouraged to use the standards to develop well-planned curricula and assessments for Energy & Natural Resources-related Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs.
Learn about the tremendous opportunities of being an OSHA Trainer and find out about MAVA Safety Courses available, including earning FSU College Credits
This session offers a practical guide for vocational technical schools looking to introduce or expand the use of artificial intelligence in their programs. Using a proven framework and the DESE Integrating Artificial Intelligence document, we’ll help you take stock of where your school is now and chart a path toward making AI useful and meaningful for students and teachers. You’ll leave with planning tools and concrete strategies that show how AI can improve teaching, learning, and daily operations that work for teachers and administrators.
What You’ll Learn: How to assess your current approach to AI using six focus areas (curriculum, training, ethics, equity, feedback, and admin tools) How to build a functional plan for introducing or improving AI in classrooms and shops. How to align your efforts with DESE priorities, Perkins V goals, and workforce needs.
Designed for cosmetology educators, this hands-on workshop will equip you with the skills and techniques to confidently teach a specific balayage placement to your students. Limited to just 10 participants, this session ensures personalized instruction, guided practice, and interactive demonstrations.
Transform your teaching by effectively blending eLearning with hands-on lab activities. Learn strategies to enhance student engagement, streamline classroom management, and save instructional time.
Key Topics:
Maximizing eLearning: Use digital modules as virtual teaching assistants to reinforce concepts. Assign pre-lab tasks, utilize quizzes, and automate grading.
Integrating Hands-On Learning: Align practical lab equipment with digital lessons, incorporating fault insertion for troubleshooting skills. Develop rotation schedules combining online and hands-on activities.
Efficient Lab Management: Optimize resource usage with student teams and clear roles. Implement visual or QR-code tracking systems.
Employability Focus: Connect labs with real-world industry skills and certifications (SACA, MSSC). Integrate soft skills like teamwork and documentation.
Collaborative Solutions: Engage in discussions, share effective practices, tackle common teaching challenges, and experience hands-on demonstrations.
Join us to create dynamic, industry-aligned learning environments that empower students and simplify instruction.
Empowering students to actively shape their educational experiences leads to stronger engagement, improved outcomes, and more responsive career and technical education (CTE) programs. This session will explore strategies for integrating learner voice into decision-making. Participants will gain insights from the ACTE - Advance CTE Learner Voice Toolkit and additional research-backed practices to foster student agency, equity, and collaboration. Through case studies and interactive discussion, administrators will leave with actionable approaches to elevate learner perspectives in their schools and programs.
Leverage the power of a cloud-based PBX system combined with a best-in-class unified communication platform and protect your environment and investment. Join us for a live demonstration!
TEC is an experienced provider of innovative, quality products for STEM, design, manufacturing and pre-engineering programs/labs, libraries and makerspaces that delivers superior customer support and service.
Information for establishing a fiber optics training program in your school. Tips for getting industry backing and support. We have a fully operational program including industry certifications. If any school is interested in fiber this is the program to be at.
Discover how the MassSave® Green STEP program is transforming technical education across Massachusetts by preparing high school students for careers in sustainable building and energy efficiency. In partnership with eight (8) Massachusetts technical high schools—and growing—this initiative has already trained over 300 students in hands-on sustainable practices while helping them earn industry-recognized credentials. This is only the beginning, we are looking to expand our partnership with more CTEs in Massachusetts, we will discuss how to get your school and students involved.
Look back on 2024-2025 with MassSave Green STEP from emerging technologies, advanced in-classroom training for your students and career connections with local sustainable building, renewable energy and weatherization companies.
MassSave Green STEP goes into the classroom teaching students about the “green collar career” and how the technical trades are connected. Through MassSave Green STEP, students earn credentials such as Building Performance Institute, Urban Green Council and US Green Building Council. Instructors provide technical training on equipment like blower doors, duct blasters, insulation, air sealing and energy efficient lighting; all necessary to enter the workforce with a solid understanding of sustainable building techniques, energy conservation, and code to build tomorrow’s buildings today.
The Massachusetts Green Sustainability Technical Education Program (MA Green STEP) is a “green” workforce development program offered by the Sponsors of MassSave®, working with Massachusetts high schools to offer valuable training and building performance/energy industry certifications. The goals of MA Green STEP are for students to develop a foundation for sustainable building, earn industry certifications, gain awareness of building performance and energy industry career options, and be positioned for employment or higher education in these fields.
MassSave is brought to you by your local electrical and natural gas utilities and energy efficiency: Berkshire Gas, Cape Light Compact, Eversource, Liberty, National Grid and Unitil. As one we form Mass Save, with the common goal of helping residents and businesses across Massachusetts save money and energy, leading our state to a clean and energy efficient future.
The consistent process to develop, execute and debrief clinical simulation is essential in creating an objective experience. Learners deserve to be placed into situations which suspend disbelief to maximize the connection between educational theory, psychomotor skill, and patient experience.
Culinary Arts may not be as dangerous as other trade shops but a variety of hazards are present. The Department of Labor Standards will discuss these hazards, incidents that have happened, and how to prevent future incidents.
Good Call Officiating Academy provides professional development opportunities for school systems to help address the shortage of officials in youth, middle school and high school sports. Good Call Officiating Academy professional development programs encompass all aspects of introduction and implementation of a recruiting, instructional, training, and employment placement curriculum in sports officiating for students. This session will also touch on the successful pilot program at Southeastern Regional.
This session is designed for Career and Technical Education (CTE) instructors at all experience levels, from new educators to seasoned professionals looking to refine their teaching strategies. It is ideal for instructors working in vocational-technical high schools and trade schools, particularly those seeking to enhance student engagement and lesson fluidity. Participants will benefit from strategies to create dynamic, structured lesson plans that incorporate continuous learning, hands-on practice stations, and AI integration to streamline instruction. This session is particularly relevant for educators aiming to move beyond single-concept teaching and develop meaningful, student-centered learning experiences that keep students engaged.
Explore quorum sensing, the bacterial communication system that drives gene expression and influences fields from medicine to agriculture. In this hands-on workshop, biotechnology and health careers instructors will investigate operon regulation using Aliivibrio fischeri, a model for quorum sensing and bioluminescence. Applications in antibiotic resistance (e.g., Pseudomonas infections in cystic fibrosis), agriculture (plant-microbe interactions), cosmetics (microbiome-based skincare), regenerative medicine and environmental science will be discussed. Aligned with CTE biotechnology standards, this session provides lab strategies to engage students in cutting-edge biotechnology concepts with real-world relevance.
Explore strategies for engaging students in future-ready technology education: Understand how to integrate esports to spark curiosity and build foundational skills in critical areas.
Training Equipment, Simulators, and Curriculum for most Vocational Programs, including: VR EMS Services, FANUC Robotics and CNC, Heavy Equipment Simulators, Drones, HMI/PLC Trainers, and More!
Thursday June 26, 2025 11:00am - 11:50am EDT D-102
This session offers a practical guide for vocational technical schools looking to introduce or expand the use of artificial intelligence in their programs. Using a proven framework and the DESE Integrating Artificial Intelligence document, we’ll help you take stock of where your school is now and chart a path toward making AI useful and meaningful for students and teachers. You’ll leave with planning tools and concrete strategies that show how AI can improve teaching, learning, and daily operations that work for teachers and administrators.
What You’ll Learn: How to assess your current approach to AI using six focus areas (curriculum, training, ethics, equity, feedback, and admin tools) How to build a functional plan for introducing or improving AI in classrooms and shops. How to align your efforts with DESE priorities, Perkins V goals, and workforce needs.
Empowering students to actively shape their educational experiences leads to stronger engagement, improved outcomes, and more responsive career and technical education (CTE) programs. This session will explore strategies for integrating learner voice into decision-making. Participants will gain insights from the ACTE - Advance CTE Learner Voice Toolkit and additional research-backed practices to foster student agency, equity, and collaboration. Through case studies and interactive discussion, administrators will leave with actionable approaches to elevate learner perspectives in their schools and programs.
This will be a presentation that will provide insights on retirement benefits aimed towards vocational teachers. The presentation will touch on many topics including your pension, social security planning, buying back vocational time for MTRS credit and Retirement pension options.
There are several options for respiratory protection for automotive spraybooths. They include air purfiying respirators and supplied air respirators. The Massachusetts Department of Labor Standards will discuss the requirements for use of these respirators. The discussion will involve two case studies of an enforcement inspection and a consultation visit involving spray booth respiratory protection.
Unlock the power of storytelling to transform biotech education. This hands-on workshop empowers instructors to use AI tools to craft engaging story wrappers around biotechnological concepts and lab skills. Learn to teach mitosis and breast cancer biomarkers through patient journeys, explore the science of heartbreak to explain anatomy and physiology, or unpack the mystery of Auto-Brewery Syndrome to spark discussions around diagnostic panels and legal implications. We’ll also dive into the role of SNPs in opioid addiction and metabolic signals in drugs like semaglutide/Ozempic—all framed within compelling, student-centered narratives. Participants will practice building story-driven lesson hooks that tie directly into core skills like ELISA and PCR testing. Leave with ready-to-adapt scenarios and strategies that bring complex science to life, while deepening student engagement and curiosity in biotechnology’s real-world impact.
Join this dynamic session where health assisting instructors come together to share innovative strategies, creative teaching methods, and effective tools for student success in the healthcare field. This is your chance to bring your best practices, challenges, and questions to the table for an open and engaging discussion.
We’ll explore ideas for incorporating technology, fostering leadership, and creating meaningful clinical and lab experiences. Participants are encouraged to contribute their own success stories, lesson plans, and classroom strategies, making this a true collaborative exchange. Walk away with fresh perspectives and practical solutions to take back to your program and inspire your students. Let’s learn and grow together!
As the demand for high-speed internet and data infrastructure continues to grow, so does the need for a skilled workforce to support it. This session explores the emerging job market in broadband telecommunications, with a focus on how schools can prepare students for meaningful, long-term careers in copper, fiber optic, and wireless technologies.
Educators will gain insight into the structure and impact of C-Tech’s Broadband Academy—a hands-on, industry-informed program that aligns classroom learning with real-world technical skills. With a focus on accessibility, engagement, and workforce readiness, this session will highlight how students—especially those often underrepresented in technical fields—can earn stackable certifications and develop career-relevant competencies in a rapidly expanding industry.
Whether you are looking to enhance your existing CTE offerings or explore new pathways that connect students to high-demand technical careers, this session will offer practical takeaways for building programs that make a lasting difference in students’ lives.
How are you leveraging technology to make managing CCR and WBL data more efficient? Discover how software like Jobready CCR can help you digitize forms, manage employer partnerships, track employer visits, create career plans, track student participation in events, and much more. Students can also upload pay stubs, record WBL hours by clocking in/out, and apply for opportunities posted by business partners. Jobready CCR is also a complete CCR solution that includes postsecondary suggestions, college applications, SAT/ACT test preparation, scholarships, course planning, career exploration, industry recognized credential tracking, follow-up studies and more. Best of all, everything is tied to MA state standards. To fully grasp the all-encompassing capabilities of this application, you need to attend this session.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming education, empowering both educators and students in core academics and Career and Technical Education (CTE). In this interactive workshop, attendees will discover how AI can enhance lesson planning, assessment, student engagement, and skill-building across diverse learning environments.
We will explore AI-powered strategies for educators, including differentiated instruction, automated feedback, and work-based learning applications. Additionally, we will highlight ways students can leverage AI tools to improve problem-solving, self-paced learning, and motivation—from AI-driven tutoring to career exploration tools.
Attendees will receive practical resources, including recommended AI tools, lesson templates, and student-friendly applications. The session will feature live demonstrations, discussions, and hands-on AI exploration, ensuring participants leave with actionable strategies to enhance both teaching efficiency and student success in academic and career-focused classrooms.
This session will focus on evidence based practices used at Southeastern Regional to support multilingual students, including Newcomers, to strengthen ESL programming and student outcomes.
In this session, I will share my journey of transforming a traditional Graphic Design curriculum into a full-fledged Career and Technical Education (CTE) program at Salem High School. Beginning with Graphic Design 1 and 2, I expanded the program to incorporate design theory, Adobe certification, Konica Minolta equipment training, large-format printing, lamination, dye sublimation, and an eCommerce platform for real-world order processing.
Attendees will gain insight into the step-by-step process of developing a high-quality, industry-aligned CTE program, including:
-Securing Funding & Resources – Writing and obtaining grants to upgrade Adobe software, Mac lab computers, and acquire professional printing equipment. -Industry Collaboration – Partnering with Konica Minolta and local businesses to equip students with hands-on skills. -Building an eCommerce Platform – A year-long development process with PageDNA to create "Witches’ Ink," a student-run online store that integrates order management and billing. -Curriculum Development – Writing coursework aligned with Massachusetts Visual Communication and Graphic Output standards, proactively adapting to evolving state standards. -Hands-on Learning & Equipment Training – Researching, self-training, and establishing professional workflows, including silk screening with support from local businesses.
This session will provide educators with a roadmap for expanding their own CTE programs, leveraging industry partnerships, and integrating real-world applications to prepare students for careers in graphic design and print production.
Target Audience: CTE educators, administrators, and program directors looking to enhance or develop a Graphic Design & Visual Communication program with strong industry connections and hands-on learning.
Session Format: Presentation with Q&A, featuring real-world examples, curriculum insights, and a discussion on best practices for implementing similar programs in other schools.
Training Equipment, Simulators, and Curriculum for most Vocational Programs, including: VR EMS Services, FANUC Robotics and CNC, Heavy Equipment Simulators, Drones, HMI/PLC Trainers, and More!
This hands-on session explores the creative frontier of generative AI and its implications for the future of work. Discover how educators can leverage experimental AI tools to engage students in innovative, real-world learning experiences that align with emerging industry trends. From AI-generated media to no-code prototyping, you’ll explore how schools can become launchpads for future-ready talent in a rapidly evolving workforce.
