Loading…
RIACTE Summer Conference
Venue: New England Institute of Technology clear filter
Friday, August 14
 

TBA

RIACTE Executive Board Annual Planning and Decision Workshop
Friday August 14, 2026 TBA
This executive-board–only planning session will serve as a focused workshop to develop and finalize RIACTE’s operational plans for the year. This meeting will include the following:

- setting up a comprehensive meeting schedule
- a structured election timeline and administration plan,
- review and implementation steps for bylaws,
- a year-long networking/events strategy, and a recruitment plan for the 2026–2027 school year.
Friday August 14, 2026 TBA
New England Institute of Technology

TBA

From Classroom to Career: Leveraging Industry Certifications for District Success
Friday August 14, 2026 TBA
As school districts shift focus from strictly college-bound tracks to comprehensive career readiness, industry-recognized certifications have become a critical lever for student success. But how do you seamlessly bridge the gap between classroom learning and employment?
Join us for an interactive session that demystifies the certification ecosystem. We will break down Certiport’s proven “Learn, Practice, Certify” model and clarify the crucial distinctions between certifications and basic credentials. Discover how to leverage these tools to drive student outcomes, maximize district success, and secure vital funding alignment (including Perkins V).
We’ll also explore cutting-edge updates, including new GenAI certifications and the broader Pearson Career Ready offerings, designed to spark fresh classroom engagement and expand pathways beyond traditional programs.

Speakers
BI

Bob Imhoff

Pearson Education
MG

Mike Greenwald

Pearson Education
Friday August 14, 2026 TBA
New England Institute of Technology

TBA

Canva for the Classroom: Design Tools for Educators
Friday August 14, 2026 TBA
This hands-on workshop introduces educators to Canva and how it can be used to create engaging classroom materials quickly and easily. Participants will learn the basics of Canva's design tools, templates, and collaboration features while creating resources they can immediately use with students. Topics include:
-Creating presentations, worksheets, posters, and classroom signage
-Using templates to save time and maintain consistency
-Designing graphics for Google Classroom, social media, and school communications
-Incorporating images, video, and animations into lessons
-Exploring AI-powered tools to support content creation
-Sharing, collaborating, and organizing classroom materials

By the end of the workshop, participants will have created several classroom-ready resources and gained practical strategies for using Canva to enhance instruction, communication, and student engagement.

Requirements:
-Participants must bring a laptop with internet access.
-A Canva account. Education version is recommended (free).
-No prior Canva experience is required.
Speakers
JZ

Josh Zanni

PCTA
Josh Zanni is a CTE Media Arts educator at Providence Career and Technical Academy (PCTA). He teaches graphic design, video production, website design, and digital media using industry-standard tools such as Adobe and Canva. With experience helping students of diverse backgrounds... Read More →
Friday August 14, 2026 TBA
New England Institute of Technology

TBA

From Advisory Board to Workforce Partner: Building Industry Partnerships That Produce Results
Friday August 14, 2026 TBA
Many advisory committees meet once or twice a year but fail to become true workforce partners. This workshop will demonstrate strategies for developing engaged industry partners who contribute to curriculum, equipment planning, work-based learning, internships, mentoring, fundraising, and workforce pipeline development. Participants leave with: Advisory committee framework, Annual meeting calendar, Partnership action plan, and Industry engagement templates
Speakers
LF

Lori Ferguson

LF Consulting
Lori Ferguson is the Founder and Principal Consultant of LF Consulting, LLC, bringing over 30 years of experience in education and workforce development, with a specialized focus on career and technical education. A recognized leader in the field, Lori has dedicated her career to... Read More →
SV

Susan Votto

Susan Votto is an innovative leader with over 34 years of experience in workforce development. As the senior consultant of LF Consulting, LLC, she brings a wealth of expertise and a proven track record of driving innovation and collaboration across key industries, including manufacturing... Read More →
Friday August 14, 2026 TBA
New England Institute of Technology

TBA

Transforming Education & Career Readiness with VR
Friday August 14, 2026 TBA
This workshop introduces educators and CTE leaders to immersive learning through VRCORE Education: a gym-scale, multiplayer VR platform that transforms ordinary school spaces into interactive career and curriculum labs. Participants will learn how VRCORE brings students together inside shared, multiplayer virtual environments where they actively explore complex concepts, experience career-connected learning, and engage with curriculum in a memorable, guided, and highly interactive way. The session will also include a hands-on component, where a smaller group of attendees can experience VRCORE directly using headsets. This interactive demonstration will show how students move through shared virtual environments together.
Speakers
JV

Jason Van Hierden

VCORE Education
Jason Van Hierden is the Founder and CEO of VRCORE Education, a company that brings immersive, gym-scale virtual reality field trips and career-connected learning experiences into schools. Since 2016, Jason has led VRCORE’s growth from a VR arcade concept into an education platform... Read More →
Friday August 14, 2026 TBA
New England Institute of Technology
  Interactive Expirence
  • about Jason Van Hierden is the Founder and CEO of VRCORE Education, a company that brings immersive, gym-scale virtual reality field trips and career-connected learning experiences into schools. Since 2016, Jason has led VRCORE’s growth from a VR arcade concept into an education platform that has served students across multiple countries, partnering with schools, science centers, and organizations including the International Space Station National Laboratory. Jason’s work focuses on making advanced experiential learning accessible, scalable, and curriculum-relevant for K–12 education. Through VRCORE Education, he helps schools bring entire groups of students into shared, multiplayer virtual environments where they can explore science, space, public safety, art, and career pathways in a guided and highly engaging format.

TBA

Beyond Competitions: Free SkillsUSA Classroom Resources for Employability
Friday August 14, 2026 TBA
SkillsUSA Is More Than a Competition Think SkillsUSA is just for contests? Think again. This session will showcase free and low cost, ready to use classroom resources that help build both technical skills and employability skills through the SkillsUSA Framework. Join the state director and a classroom teacher for practical ideas, real classroom examples, and tools you can start using right away. Your students will benefit, and your lesson plans will thank you.
Speakers
S

SkillsUSA

SkillsUSA
SkillsUSA is the #1 workforce development organization for students. We empower students to become skilled professionals, career-ready leaders and responsible community members.
CP

Chris Pilling

SkillsUSA
Christopher Pilling is an education and workforce development leader focused on career and technical education, leadership development, and student success. A teacher at Burrillville High School with prior experience in Massachusetts, he partners with schools, industry, and organizations... Read More →
Friday August 14, 2026 TBA
New England Institute of Technology
  Presentation, Discussion
  • about Christopher Pilling is an education and workforce development leader focused on career and technical education, leadership development, and student success. A teacher at Burrillville High School with prior experience in Massachusetts, he partners with schools, industry, and organizations like SkillsUSA to create meaningful, hands on pathways that prepare students for careers and life beyond the classroom.

TBA

Career Arts Participation Lowers Chronic Absenteeism — Rhode Island Findings
Friday August 14, 2026 TBA
In partnership with Nicole Simpson, the RI State Council on the Arts, and Quadrant Research, we will present at the RIACTE conference findings from a study of Rhode Island student-level data (2018–2024) linking arts participation to lower chronic absenteeism: chronic absenteeism rose during the pandemic and has not fully recovered, but high school seniors who completed four consecutive years of arts instruction (“Career Arts”) had 8.8%–27.3% lower absenteeism than peers in each senior cohort from 2021–2024 (a 19.7% average reduction), with sustained music participation showing the largest effect (Career Music seniors 34.5%–59.3% lower, 45.3% on average); the advantage persisted across nearly every demographic subgroup examined, suggesting districts should consider investing in and expanding Arts/A‑V and Communications programs.
Speakers
MA

Maggie Anderson

Hope High School
Maggie Anderson serves as the Director of Arts and Development at Hope High School in Providence where she manages the implementation of the school's strategic redesign plan.  She co-chairs the Arts, A/V, Communication Subcommittee to the Career and Technical Education Board of Trustees... Read More →
Friday August 14, 2026 TBA
New England Institute of Technology

TBA

CCRI and CTE CNA Collaboration
Friday August 14, 2026 TBA

Speakers
avatar for Maddie Burke

Maddie Burke

Dean Career & Technical Education, Early College, & Community Partnerships, CCRI
Madeline Burke is CCRI’s first Dean of Career and Technical Education, Early College & Community Partnerships. Maddie brings both personal passion and professional expertise to her role, working closely with regional higher education and K–12 partners to expand CCRI’s Early... Read More →
YC

Yamel Chinchilla

CCRI
Yamel Chinchilla is a higher education and workforce development leader with experience building educational pathways that connect students, schools, employers, and community partners. She currently serves as Manager of Executive Operations at the Community College of Rhode Island... Read More →
Friday August 14, 2026 TBA
New England Institute of Technology

TBA

Collaborating Pathways: Building School Community Through Cross-Program Partnerships
Friday August 14, 2026 TBA
How can Career & Technical Education programs move beyond working in silos and create authentic learning experiences that mirror the real world? This session will explore how cross-program collaboration can strengthen school culture, increase student engagement, and provide meaningful work-based learning opportunities. Presenters will share examples from the Woonsocket Career & Technical Center, and how integrating hospitality, business, marketing, media, and leadership skills are valuable to student future success. Participants will learn how industry partnerships, field experiences, student leadership, and project-based learning can be leveraged to connect multiple career pathways while helping students develop communication, teamwork, professionalism, and career readiness skills.
Speakers
MR

Monica Rodrigues

Woonsocket Career Tech Center
Monica Rodrigues is the Hospitality & Culinary Academy instructor at the Woonsocket Career & Technical Center in Woonsocket, Rhode Island. An award-winning CTE educator and CCRI Concurrent Enrollment Instructor, she is passionate about creating authentic learning experiences through... Read More →
AC

Ann Croft

Woonsocket Career Tech Center
Ann Croft is the Business & Marketing instructor at the Woonsocket Career & Technical Center in Woonsocket, Rhode Island. She is dedicated to preparing students for success through hands-on learning experiences in business, marketing, entrepreneurship, and career development. Ann... Read More →
Friday August 14, 2026 TBA
New England Institute of Technology

TBA

Experience Tech: Hands-On CTE Career Pathways at NEIT
Friday August 14, 2026 TBA
NEIT "Experience Tech" provide students an exciting way to learn about new CTE Career Paths, participate in Work-Based-Learning activities, and have fun learning in a Hands-On college setting while still in High School/Middle School.  This workshop details how NEIT can work with all schools to create customized hands-on learning experiences across any of our 50+ degree programs- all of which are focused on in-demand CTE Career Pathways.  Whether it's showcasing how CTE Programs at your school can easily transition into a unique College setting or introducing students to new career opportunities they were unaware of, Experience Tech at NEIT affordably helps drive students towards in-demand careers both in and after high school.  Learn about how your school could participate next year!

Speakers
SM

Sean Marshall

New England Tech
Sean Marshall is the Manager of Training and Workforce Development at New England Institute of Technology and currently works with adult and youth populations through a variety of workforce training and experiential learning opportunities.  Sean graduated from Western New England... Read More →
Friday August 14, 2026 TBA
New England Institute of Technology

TBA

RIDE CTE Certification, Program Requirements, and Supports
Friday August 14, 2026 TBA
This presentation will provide participants with guidance from Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) on Career and Technical Education (CTE) certification regulations, application pathways, key contacts, and available supports. The session will also include an overview of CTE program requirements and resources, including work-based learning expectations, Comprehensive Local Needs Assessment (CLNA) requirements, data and accountability resources, Perkins grant information, and induction requirements. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in questions and answers to support implementation and understanding of Rhode Island CTE expectations and processes.
Friday August 14, 2026 TBA
New England Institute of Technology

TBA

RIEXL: Expanding Equitable Career-Connected Learning in Rhode Island
Friday August 14, 2026 TBA
The Rhode Island Experiential Learning Navigator (RIEXL) presentation will introduce educators to a free, statewide platform that expands access to career-based learning opportunities for students across Rhode Island. RIEXL helps connect classroom learning with real-world experiences that support college and career readiness. This session will provide an overview and live demonstration of the RIEXL platform, which currently features more than 200 opportunities across 31 high-wage, high-demand industries. Educators will learn how to connect students with career exploration activities, workplace learning experiences, internships, job shadows, guest speakers, and other industry engagement opportunities through partnerships with employers and community organizations statewide. Participants will also explore strategies for integrating experiential learning into classroom instruction and career readiness initiatives while increasing equitable access to career-connected learning opportunities for all students. The presentation will highlight how Rhode Island educators are using RIEXL to strengthen student engagement, build career awareness, and create meaningful partnerships between schools and industry. By the end of the session, attendees will leave with practical tools and ideas for expanding career-connected learning opportunities and preparing students for success beyond the classroom.
Speakers
JA

Junior Achievement of Rhode Island

RIEXL
We are the nation's largest organization dedicated to giving young people the knowledge and skills they need to own their economic success, plan for their futures, and make smart academic and economic choices. Junior Achievement's programs—in the core content areas of work readiness... Read More →
KO

Kerry O'Hara

RIEXL
As Program Manager for Educator Relations with the RI Experiential Learning Navigator, Kerry O'Hara support educators connecting students to meaningful career exploration and workplace learning opportunities across RI. With a background in workforce development, teaching, career advising... Read More →
Friday August 14, 2026 TBA
New England Institute of Technology

TBA

UDL Strategies for Inclusive CTE Classrooms
Friday August 14, 2026 TBA
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) & Career and Technical Education (CTE)  CTE instructors and administrators will learn that Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a framework for creating instructional goals, methods, materials, and assessments that work for everyone. Instructors will gain an understanding that variability among learners is the norm rather than the exception. Participants will learn how to remove barriers so that all students can reach their goals while respecting students' learning experiences and diversity. Participants will leave with a toolbox of strategies that they can use in their CTE classrooms to create expert learners.  
Speakers
SG

Sarah Grossi

Sarah Grossi is the Careers in Education instructor at the Region 14 ATC at ConVal High School in Peterborough, New Hampshire, an Early Childhood Education adjunct professor at Lakes Region Community College in Laconia, New Hampshire, and a CAST National faculty member.  Grossi's... Read More →
Friday August 14, 2026 TBA
New England Institute of Technology
  Presentation, Discussion
  • about Sarah Grossi is the Careers in Education instructor at the Region 14 ATC at ConVal High School in Peterborough, New Hampshire, an Early Childhood Education adjunct professor at Lakes Region Community College in Laconia, New Hampshire, and a CAST National faculty member. &nbsp;Grossi's undergraduate degrees are in art, early childhood development, and K-8 education. She holds a master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a reading concentration from Keene State College and a graduate certificate in Behavior Management from the University of Massachusetts Lowell. Grossi is an Educators Rising teacher leader, ACTE New &amp; Related Services 2025 Experienced Fellow, and ACTE NRS Innovative Teaching and Learning Section Lead. Sarah was named a New Hampshire Teacher of the Year 2020 finalist. <br>
 
RIACTE Summer Conference
Register to attend
Share Modal

Share this link via

Or copy link

Filter sessions
Apply filters to sessions.