2026 CACTE CareerTech Summit

This interactive session introduces the Leadership Accountability Conversation (LAC) Models—structured approaches for CTE administrators, educators, and leaders to foster accountability in educational settings for both students and adults. Participants will explore how different situations require different approaches, practice applying a model, and consider implementation strategies to promote growth, responsibility, and professional expectations.

By 2029, every Colorado high school graduate must hit at least one of the state's "Big Three" milestones: earning college credit, attaining an industry-recognized credential, or completing quality work-based learning. While these mandates may seem daunting, Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs possess the unique "superpower" to achieve all three outcomes simultaneously within a single pathway. This breakout session is specifically designed for CTE teachers and district leaders to bridge the gap between state goals and classroom reality. During the session we will utilize real-time polling and collaborative conversations ("think-pair-share" for example) to explore how to audit, expand, and advocate for CTE as an engine for student success. Participants will leave with a  digital toolkit—accessible via QR code—containing implementation checklists, program mapping templates, and advocacy resources to save time and re-engage their school communities in this important work.

AI is reshaping every career field our students will enter. From AI-assisted diagnostics in health science to generative design in skilled trades, from automated inventory in business to intelligent code generation in engineering, no CTE pathway is untouched. Yet most AI literacy efforts remain siloed in computer science classrooms, leaving the majority of CTE students underprepared.


This session makes the case, with pathway-specific examples, that AI literacy is a CTE-wide initiative. Attendees will explore core AI literacy competencies every student needs regardless of future plans, then apply a practical integration framework to find authentic entry points within their existing content and curriculum. Whether you teach welding or marketing, health science or culinary arts, you will leave with a framework, foundational competencies, and an implementation plan ready to use Monday.

AFTERNOON SCHEDULE: 

1:45-2:30-Annual Business Meeting
2:30-2:45-Officer Installation-Debbie Nelson, CACTE Executive Director presides
2:45-3:00-Travel to Pueblo Community College
3:00-5:00-Pueblo Community College Tour #2 or Pueblo Water Tower Place (self-select)

Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping industries, eliminating some roles, and creating entirely new ones — and today's students will enter a job market that looks completely different. 


This session will take a deep dive into at the latest Colorado, national, and global workforce data, examine how industries are leveraging AI, which careers and tasks are most vulnerable to automation, and how educators can help students build the essential skills that AI cannot replace. 


Through collaborative activities, real-world examples, and group discussions, attendees will leave with practical classroom strategies and information they can share with their students.