2026 CACTE CAREERTECH SUMMIT WELCOMES YOU! July 19-23, 2026 PUEBLO CONVENTION CENTER Pueblo, CO
FAQs and up-to-date conference information can be found on the 2026 CACTE CareerTech Summit Page. Registration rates, lodging information, and the Call for Proposals link are located there.
For General Conference Questions, contact Sheri Bryant, Assistant Director & Conference Coordinator, at [email protected] For Exhibitor Questions and Support, contact Janet Brophy, Summit Assistant, at [email protected]
Discover how a pioneering partnership with one of Colorado’s largest school districts is transforming the landscape of personal finance education. Through a comprehensive “train-the-trainer” model, educators from 11 high schools have been equipped to deliver rigorous, standards-aligned instruction that bridges classroom learning with authentic financial decision-making. This collaborative initiative is advancing financial literacy across the district and ensuring students successfully meet Colorado’s personal finance graduation requirement. Teachers will benefit from the session by leaving with ready-to-implement classroom activities designed to enhance student engagement and understanding of key financial concepts. Attendees should include both teachers and administrators seeking to strengthen financial literacy instruction and program-wide implementation.
Business Dept. Chair/Accounting Faculty, Arapahoe Community College
Candace Dobert holds master’s degrees in Teaching and Accounting & Finance. She brings extensive experience from industry and secondary education to Arapahoe Community College, where she teaches accounting and leads the Business Department. Candace is dedicated to preparing students... Read More →
Ivan Nikolaeff is a Doctor of Education in Educational Technology and a 25-year higher education veteran specializing in experiential learning, mobile technology, and business simulation. A researcher, adventurer, and lifelong learner, he transforms diverse classrooms through empathy... Read More →
Looking for ways to fill your CTE student pipeline? It starts with early career literacy where students explore career options and connect them with CTE opportunities. This session introduces strategies to encourage career awareness in K-8 classrooms. With natural entry points into both core and career-focused classrooms, early career literacy expands career discovery, encourages career exploration, and provides opportunities for students to experiment with careers in hands-on ways. It also makes room to celebrate career literacy success in skill-building ways.This activity-packed session will share resources and ideas for engaging students in meaningful ways. Participants will receive a variety of hand-outs and a free book from the Bright Futures Press middle grade career exploration collection.
Diane is an author and book producer whose work focuses on early career literacy. Her company, Bright Futures Press, offers an 89-title middle grade career exploration collection of books with ten series that tap into student curiosity with hooks like career clusters, STEM, personal... Read More →
Through the PIP Path of entrepreneurship, educators learn to think like entrepreneurs discovering who they are, embracing innovation, and creating interactive learning experiences that ignite student potential.
Jeffrey is a Lead Consultant, Master Certified Life Coach, and Entrepreneurial Mindset Facilitator who empowers others to unlock their potential. With an MBA and leadership experience in education and business, he designs innovative, real-world learning programs and helps individuals... Read More →
AFTERNOON SCHEDULE (Begin at Pueblo Convention Center) 1:30-2:00-Trades & Industry Division Brainstorm/Business Meeting-Fortino Grand Hall C-West 2:00-Depart for self-selected tours at Pueblo Community College 2:30-4:00
TOUR ONE: Westwind Wood Specialties 33645 E United Ave, Pueblo, CO 81001 Shop tour with owner Troy Deaton -- intended for carpentry, cabinetmaking, and woods teachers
TOUR TWO: Pueblo Community College San Juan Building, next to Gorsich Advanced Tech Center 900 W. Orman Ave, Pueblo, CO, 81004 AWS D1.1 Guided Bend Test – for welding teachers
TOUR THREE: Pueblo Community College Medical Arts and Tech Building 900 W. Orman Ave, Pueblo, CO, 81004 Automotive shop tour and shop talk
TOUR FOUR: Pueblo Community College Medical Arts and Tech Building 900 W. Orman Ave, Pueblo, CO, 81004 Cosmetology Services offered: shampoo & styles, manicures, or scalp, hand, and arm massages
This interactive breakout session introduces a strengths-based advising model that helps students connect their personal strengths to career pathways and workforce opportunities. Participants will experience the process firsthand by completing a brief strengths assessment using IndigoPathway or the Colorado Career Advising (CCA) Tool and engaging in a guided reflection activity modeled after real advising conversations used in schools and CTE programs. Facilitators will walk participants through key components of the student strengths report and demonstrate how assessment insights can support career exploration, pathway planning, and meaningful advising conversations. Attendees will leave with practical strategies for helping students articulate their talents, connect learning to industry opportunities, and strengthen career-connected learning across CTE programs.
Director of Partnerships, Indigo Impact Initiative
Phillip Inzerillo builds partnerships connecting schools, employers, and communities to expand career-connected learning. With Indigo Impact Initiative, he supports implementation of strengths-based advising tools nationwide, including Colorado Career Advising and My Colorado Journey... Read More →
Give vocabulary the boost it deserves! This session features a collection of fun, effective, and hands-on vocabulary activities designed to help students internalize essential terms in personal finance, entrepreneurship, and more. Participants will experience both individual tasks and team-based challenges that promote active learning, reinforce key concepts, and support long-term retention. Walk away with ready-to-use tools and ideas to make vocabulary instruction more engaging, collaborative, and impactful—no flashcards required.
Robin Palmer is passionate about providing high quality professional development for teachers and helping students develop skills that they will use far beyond high school. As an Arizona educator, Robin shared her passions by teaching Entrepreneurship and Financial Math, classes... Read More →
