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.
Optics are everywhere! Keene State College is excited to share an overview of new educational and training pathways in the field of precision optics. Starting this fall at KSC is a new one-year certificate program in precision optics, preparing students for high-tech careers that are abundant in the New England area. This program will provide students with a strong foundation on the fundamentals of optics, and also offer hands on opportunities with instrumentation and tools used by the optics industry. Students will learn to use diamond turning machining, thin-film deposition, and metrology tools. 5-Day Professional workshops are also available at KSC for diamond turning machining and metrology. Our presentation will highlight these areas and overview the curriculum, new learning spaces, and benefits to choosing these pathways to find success.
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.
Looking for a creative solution that provides both teachers and students with additional support? Come learn about how to leverage student leaders through a peer mentoring program that happens during the school day, right in the classroom! This session will discuss processes and considerations for administrators, but more importantly, you will hear directly from a teacher and student academic mentor about their experience.
Strategies used in the classroom to promote the ideas used in Universal Design for Learning (UDL) including Engagement, Representation and Action & Expression.
In this engaging and actionable session, participants will be introduced to DetecTogether’s 3 Steps Detect® curriculum—a free, ready-to-implement, teacher-led program designed to equip students with the skills to detect cancer early and take charge of their health. Grounded in real stories and rooted in the National Health Education Standards, this curriculum is especially relevant to health assisting, medical science, and public safety pathways, but also adaptable for any academic or advisory setting that supports college and career readiness. Developed by teachers, for teachers - this program will elevate the health literacy of your students.
This 50-minute session will:
- Showcase how the curriculum integrates seamlessly into CTE and academic environments, promoting cross-curricular application and student engagement.
- Offer practical strategies for delivering the content using UDL to support diverse learners.
- Provide access to free online learning tools and facilitator resources, including pre/post assessments and asynchronous modules for blended learning.
The rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) presents new opportunities for both academic and vocational educators to enhance curriculum design and assessment strategies. This professional development session aims to introduce teachers to AI tools and techniques that can improve student engagement, personalize learning experiences, and streamline assessment processes.
By the end of this training, participants will be able to: - Understand the fundamentals of AI and its applications in education. - Explore AI-driven tools for curriculum development and assessment. - Develop AI-enhanced lesson plans and assessment strategies. - Identify best practices for integrating AI while maintaining academic integrity.
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.
M.G.L. Chapter 71, Sections 37H, H1/2, H3/4... often cited, often misunderstood. This session is meant for teachers who wish to learn the basics of school discipline law in Massachusetts and what assistant principals and deans of students go through when it's time for discipline. Participants will be able to interpret each of the three school discipline laws under M.G.L. c. 71 and apply what they learned to real-world situations in their classrooms, shops, and schools.
Question, Persuade, and Refer - the 3 simple steps anyone can learn to help save a life from suicide. Gatekeepers can be anyone, but this includes all educators who are strategically positioned to recognize and refer someone at risk of suicide. Just as people are trained in CPR, thousands of Americans have been trained in QPR and have saved lives. This presentation will include information specific to supporting our youth. All participants will be emailed a certificate on behalf of the QPR institute following the training.
New administrators must be given a mentor within two weeks of hire. DESE recommends that this mentor has completed a DESE endorsed training, however, no such program exists in Massachusetts. Additionally, mentoring, in general, is often left to local control. Administrators mentoring experience differs from one school to the next and often from one mentor to the next. While this allows for professional decision making, it leaves room for much error, and often leaves proteges without an equitable onboarding experience. For this reason, Dr Clinton, Dr. Ferreira, and Dr. Warren partnered to create a two-credit administrative mentoring program offered at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. The focus of this session discusses the development of an ongoing nature of this program.
Goals: Participants will be able to identify ways in which to support new leaders in their districts Participants will be able to identify the elements of a DESE aligned Administrative mentoring program Participants will be able to identify ways in which to support a mentor-protege team Possibly add… · Formally integrate mentoring into leadership hiring and succession planning to link to district needs. · Compensate and recognize mentors for their time and expertise in developing aspiring leaders.
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.
Explore how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming vocational education by enhancing teaching strategies and equipping students with future-ready skills. This interactive session will delve into practical applications of AI within vocational environments, from carpentry to culinary arts, and its role in advancing student learning outcomes. Attendees will engage with real-world case studies and discuss ethical considerations of integrating AI into curricula. Learning Objective: Analyze the impact of AI-driven tools on teaching methodologies and student engagement in vocational education. Intended Outcomes: Develop strategies for incorporating AI to simulate real-world industry scenarios. Create actionable plans for using AI to personalize student learning experiences.
Turning the standard senior project research paper into a year long project where creating, developing, planning, and the execution of running a business is displayed for each senior. Included in this is embedded academics in Arithmetic and English (and History and Science for Culinary).
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!
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.
This interactive session focuses on the strategies and tools to build a classroom of "thinkers," not "mimickers." The goal is to create the conditions for learner-centered, student-owned educational experiences.
The two significant challenges facing the United States are climate change and growing economic insecurity. While each issue requires unique strategies, solutions can be aligned for mutual benefit. For example, transitioning to a carbon-free power sector by 2035 and achieving a net-zero economy by 2050 will create numerous job opportunities.
A critical element in realizing these opportunities is to create and scale green workforce development programs that will sustain and thrive beyond short-term funding opportunities, which is essential for raising awareness about job opportunities in the energy sector.
Such collaborations allow students to gain hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, and job placements. These are crucial for preparing a skilled workforce capable of meeting the demands of the evolving energy sector. These programs provide students practical skills, real-world experience, and improved employability upon graduation.
Moreover, these partnerships are essential for promoting diversity within the energy sector. By engaging a wide range of educational institutions, including those that serve underrepresented communities, ACT can help ensure that the benefits of clean energy jobs are accessible to a diverse population. This approach addresses systemic barriers to occupational segregation, allowing individuals from various backgrounds to pursue careers in this dynamic field.
This class explores innovative engagement strategies to connect with audiences, enhance participation, and drive meaningful interactions. It covers modern approaches such as data-driven personalization, interactive content, gamification, AI-driven communication, and social media engagement tactics.
Vocabulary strategies you can use to help all students better understand your content vocabulary! Having a deeper understanding of “essential” vocabulary helps students better comprehend their reading and prepare for their future career and program of study.
This session will provide educators and school leaders with actionable strategies for planning and implementing Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) and District Curriculum Accommodation Plans (DCAP). Participants will explore how to create equitable learning environments through proactive intervention frameworks and accommodations tailored to diverse student needs. Using case studies and collaborative problem-solving activities, attendees will identify barriers to implementation and learn how to align DCAP strategies with MTSS tiers for improved outcomes. High-Order Learning Objectives: Analyze the intersections of MTSS and DCAP to design a cohesive framework that addresses academic and behavioral interventions at all tiers of support. Develop a school-wide or district-wide implementation plan by applying principles of data-driven decision-making and stakeholder collaboration. Intended Outcomes for Participants: Understand how to integrate DCAP accommodations within the MTSS framework to support students with diverse needs effectively. Identify tools and resources for monitoring the fidelity and effectiveness of MTSS and DCAP strategies. Leave with a draft action plan to improve their institution’s MTSS and DCAP alignment and implementation.
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.
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.
Optics are everywhere! Keene State College is excited to share an overview of new educational and training pathways in the field of precision optics. Starting this fall at KSC is a new one-year certificate program in precision optics, preparing students for high-tech careers that are abundant in the New England area. This program will provide students with a strong foundation on the fundamentals of optics, and also offer hands on opportunities with instrumentation and tools used by the optics industry. Students will learn to use diamond turning machining, thin-film deposition, and metrology tools. 5-Day Professional workshops are also available at KSC for diamond turning machining and metrology. Our presentation will highlight these areas and overview the curriculum, new learning spaces, and benefits to choosing these pathways to find success.
Strategies used in the classroom to promote the ideas used in Universal Design for Learning (UDL) including Engagement, Representation and Action & Expression.
This session will guide educators and school leaders in effectively implementing My Career and Academic Plan (MyCAP) frameworks to support student success and readiness for postsecondary opportunities. Participants will delve into strategies for aligning MyCAP initiatives with school-wide goals, fostering student agency, and creating individualized, meaningful plans. Through interactive discussions and resource sharing, attendees will explore best practices for engaging students, families, and stakeholders in the planning process and addressing challenges in implementation. High-Order Learning Objectives: Evaluate the essential components of a comprehensive MyCAP framework to ensure alignment with students’ academic, career, and personal goals. Design a scalable MyCAP implementation strategy that leverages data, technology, and stakeholder collaboration to enhance student outcomes. Intended Outcomes for Participants: Gain a clear understanding of how to integrate MyCAP processes into existing school structures to support personalized student planning. Learn practical tools for tracking progress and ensuring continuous improvement in MyCAP implementation.
An overview of literacy strategies that can be used in any classroom to help close equity gaps and prepare students for their future careers and programs of study.
Question, Persuade, and Refer - the 3 simple steps anyone can learn to help save a life from suicide. Gatekeepers can be anyone, but this includes all educators who are strategically positioned to recognize and refer someone at risk of suicide. Just as people are trained in CPR, thousands of Americans have been trained in QPR and have saved lives. This presentation will include information specific to supporting our youth. All participants will be emailed a certificate on behalf of the QPR institute following the training.
The "Hawk for a Day" program, hosted at Southeastern Regional, provided junior students from Oliver Ames High School, a comprehensive sending school within our district, with a hands-on opportunity to explore dual enrollment and post-graduation options in the particular trades of interest to them. This interactive career exploration paired the students with mentors from Southeastern (SET) in their chosen vocational fields. We will cover the detailed and structured approach taken during the shadowing experience, highlighting how this collaborative model prepares students for real-world career opportunities. Participants will leave the session with practical strategies and tools to develop similar programs in their own schools, strengthening the connection between comprehensive and CTE education.
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.
Now more than ever, vocational and technical schools have a powerful opportunity to demonstrate leadership in creating learning environments where every student, staff member, and family feels valued and supported. This interactive workshop will focus on practical strategies for affirming and supporting LGBTQ+ individuals across the school community.
Participants will explore: • The current landscape of LGBTQ+ inclusion in schools and why visibility and support matter * Ways to implement inclusive policies and practices that align with Massachusetts guidance and the Safe Schools Program for LGBTQ Students * Approaches for engaging families and fostering strong, supportive school–home partnerships * Tools to build educator and staff capacity through professional development and cultural responsiveness
Participants will leave with actionable ideas and resources to help ensure that LGBTQ+ students, staff, and families feel seen, respected, and included in all aspects of school life.
Intended Audience:Vocational and technical educators, administrators, counselors, and support staff committed to creating inclusive, student-centered school communities.
Freshman Exploratory teachers have a short time with each group of students, and it is important to make critical information relative to special learning needs easily accessible and understandable. Through our Exploratory Binders initiative, we have a central place, and consistent procedure, for doing just that. This process facilitates communication about freshman with IEPs and 504s, as well as English language learners, during the exploratory cycles.
This session will empower educators to create inclusive and flexible learning environments using the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework. Participants will explore practical strategies to design and implement UDL principles that meet the diverse needs of all learners. Through engaging activities, case studies, and resource sharing, attendees will learn how to remove barriers to learning by incorporating multiple means of engagement, representation, and action/expression into their instructional practices. High-Order Learning Objectives: Critically evaluate existing instructional practices to identify areas where UDL principles can enhance accessibility and inclusivity for all learners. Develop a comprehensive UDL implementation plan tailored to their school or district’s unique needs, incorporating stakeholder input and evidence-based strategies. Intended Outcomes for Participants: Understand the core principles of UDL and their application in creating accessible and equitable learning experiences. Gain practical tools and resources to support the integration of UDL into curriculum design and instructional planning. Leave with an actionable roadmap for implementing UDL strategies to foster student engagement and success.
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.
This session will explore strategies for developing cross-curricular lessons that seamlessly integrate academic content with technical and vocational instruction in Career and Technical Education (CTE) schools. Participants will engage in collaborative activities to identify opportunities for aligning curriculum standards, fostering interdisciplinary connections, and enhancing student engagement. Using real-world examples, attendees will learn how to design lessons that prepare students for academic success while equipping them with the technical skills needed for industry readiness. High-Order Learning Objectives: Analyze strategies for aligning academic standards with vocational competencies to create interdisciplinary lessons that reflect real-world applications. Design cross-curricular lesson plans that integrate academic and technical content to promote deeper learning and career readiness. Intended Outcomes for Participants: Understand the benefits and challenges of integrating academic and vocational content in CTE settings. Gain practical tools and resources for identifying and leveraging interdisciplinary connections in lesson planning. Leave with a draft plan for a cross-curricular lesson or unit that aligns academic and technical content with industry and educational standards.
This session is on bridging the gap between industry and academia. In today’s fast-paced world, the divide between what is taught in classrooms and what industries expect has become increasingly apparent. Our goal is to explore how we can better prepare students with the technical skills, practical tools, and real world experience they need to thrive in the workforce. At the same time, preparing students for independent living, developing life skills like financial literacy, communication, and problem-solving, which are just as crucial for their overall success. Come and learn about how the Common Strand class does just this.
Thursday June 26, 2025 10:00am - 10:50am EDT D-102
This class explores innovative engagement strategies to connect with audiences, enhance participation, and drive meaningful interactions. It covers modern approaches such as data-driven personalization, interactive content, gamification, AI-driven communication, and social media engagement tactics.
This session will be an update from last year's presentation including information on a Grading for Equity PLC group that was started and improved ways for handling retakes on exams.
Vocabulary strategies you can use to help all students better understand your content vocabulary! Having a deeper understanding of “essential” vocabulary helps students better comprehend their reading and prepare for their future career and program of study.
Are you considering administration? This session will give you an overview of some of the job details, best practices, identifying what needs to be addressed asap, what can wait, resources for help, and more. This will be an open Q & A addressing assumptions and realities involved with a leadership role.
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.
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.
An overview of literacy strategies that can be used in any classroom to help close equity gaps and prepare students for their future careers and programs of study.
M.G.L. Chapter 71, Sections 37H, H1/2, H3/4... often cited, often misunderstood. This session is meant for teachers who wish to learn the basics of school discipline law in Massachusetts and what assistant principals and deans of students go through when it's time for discipline. Participants will be able to interpret each of the three school discipline laws under M.G.L. c. 71 and apply what they learned to real-world situations in their classrooms, shops, and schools.
Strong teacher mentoring programs are essential for fostering professional growth, reducing educator turnover, and promoting a positive school culture. This session focuses on the unique aspects of mentoring within Career and Technical Education (CTE) schools, where both academic and vocational educators bring diverse skills and experiences. Participants will explore evidence-based practices for creating and sustaining mentoring programs that support new and experienced teachers alike, including strategies for pairing mentors and mentees, setting goals, and providing ongoing feedback. Through an interactive approach, attendees will examine how mentoring can address common challenges in CTE settings, such as cross-disciplinary collaboration, integrating academic and technical standards, and supporting the development of teachers’ instructional practices.
Session Objectives: Understand the key components of effective teacher mentoring programs in CTE schools. Explore strategies for mentoring new and veteran teachers to improve instructional practices and professional growth. Learn how to foster cross-disciplinary collaboration between academic and CTE educators through mentoring relationships. Develop approaches to support mentor-mentee pairings, goal setting, and reflective practices that lead to sustained success.
Intended Outcomes: By the end of this session, participants will: Gain tools and resources to establish or enhance teacher mentoring programs in their schools. Develop strategies to support mentees in navigating the unique challenges of teaching in CTE environments. Learn methods to encourage meaningful collaboration between academic and CTE educators through mentorship. Build a mentoring framework that fosters teacher retention, professional growth, and a strong sense of community.
Leading in school systems these days can give serious circus vibes. Yet somehow you’re juggling teacher burnout, parent emails that read like hate mail, and the ever-shifting “new normal” — all while trying to remember where you left your coffee (or, perhaps will to live).
This workshop is for vocational school leaders and educators who want to guide with strength, empathy, and a little more sanity. We’ll discuss stress, leadership fatigue, and the awkward magic of managing both staff and families (yes, magic).
Bring your woes, leave in the know. Let’s have some laughs, and learn some useful tools for leading well without losing yourself.
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.
Freshman Exploratory teachers have a short time with each group of students, and it is important to make critical information relative to special learning needs easily accessible and understandable. Through our Exploratory Binders initiative, we have a central place, and consistent procedure, for doing just that. This process facilitates communication about freshman with IEPs and 504s, as well as English language learners, during the exploratory cycles.
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 session provides educators in Career and Technical Education (CTE) schools with practical, research-based instructional strategies to enhance student engagement, equity, and achievement. Designed for both CTE and academic teachers, the session focuses on integrating academic and technical instruction to support diverse learners, including those with IEPs, English Language Learners, and students requiring Tier 2 and Tier 3 interventions. Attendees will explore frameworks such as Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), District Curriculum Accommodation Plan (DCAP), and Universal Design for Learning (UDL), as well as MyCAP (My Career and Academic Plan) for personalizing instruction and improving college and career readiness. Participants will leave with actionable strategies to promote cross-curricular collaboration, align instruction with workforce and academic standards, and address diverse student needs effectively.
Session Objectives: Identify research-based instructional strategies that enhance learning outcomes in CTE and academic settings. Understand how frameworks like MTSS, DCAP, and UDL can support diverse learners in vocational schools. Develop methods to foster collaboration between academic and vocational educators for cross-curricular alignment. Explore ways to use MyCAP for integrating career readiness with personalized academic goals.
Intended Outcomes: By the end of this session, participants will: Gain practical tools and resources to implement effective teaching strategies in CTE and academic classrooms. Learn how to use UDL principles to make learning accessible and engaging for all students. Design strategies for fostering collaboration between academic and CTE educators to enhance interdisciplinary learning. Be equipped to create a classroom environment that supports student success in both technical skills and academic development, aligned with college and career readiness goals.
The two significant challenges facing the United States are climate change and growing economic insecurity. While each issue requires unique strategies, solutions can be aligned for mutual benefit. For example, transitioning to a carbon-free power sector by 2035 and achieving a net-zero economy by 2050 will create numerous job opportunities.
A critical element in realizing these opportunities is to create and scale green workforce development programs that will sustain and thrive beyond short-term funding opportunities, which is essential for raising awareness about job opportunities in the energy sector.
Such collaborations allow students to gain hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, and job placements. These are crucial for preparing a skilled workforce capable of meeting the demands of the evolving energy sector. These programs provide students practical skills, real-world experience, and improved employability upon graduation.
Moreover, these partnerships are essential for promoting diversity within the energy sector. By engaging a wide range of educational institutions, including those that serve underrepresented communities, ACT can help ensure that the benefits of clean energy jobs are accessible to a diverse population. This approach addresses systemic barriers to occupational segregation, allowing individuals from various backgrounds to pursue careers in this dynamic field.
In this engaging and actionable session, participants will be introduced to DetecTogether’s 3 Steps Detect® curriculum—a free, ready-to-implement, teacher-led program designed to equip students with the skills to detect cancer early and take charge of their health. Grounded in real stories and rooted in the National Health Education Standards, this curriculum is especially relevant to health assisting, medical science, and public safety pathways, but also adaptable for any academic or advisory setting that supports college and career readiness. Developed by teachers, for teachers - this program will elevate the health literacy of your students.
This 50-minute session will:
- Showcase how the curriculum integrates seamlessly into CTE and academic environments, promoting cross-curricular application and student engagement.
- Offer practical strategies for delivering the content using UDL to support diverse learners.
- Provide access to free online learning tools and facilitator resources, including pre/post assessments and asynchronous modules for blended learning.
Leading in school systems these days can give serious circus vibes. Yet somehow you’re juggling teacher burnout, parent emails that read like hate mail, and the ever-shifting “new normal” — all while trying to remember where you left your coffee (or, perhaps will to live).
This workshop is for vocational school leaders and educators who want to guide with strength, empathy, and a little more sanity. We’ll discuss stress, leadership fatigue, and the awkward magic of managing both staff and families (yes, magic).
Bring your woes, leave in the know. Let’s have some laughs, and learn some useful tools for leading well without losing yourself.
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.
