The Palmetto Education Summit 2026: Full Schedule

arrow_back View All Dates

10:15am EDT

Beyond the Diploma: A Roadmap for Aligning Classrooms, Counseling, and Careers to Improve CCR Outcomes

Monday June 15, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am EDT

Many career and college readiness efforts operate separately across classrooms, advising, and CTE programs, even though everyone shares the same goal of preparing students for life beyond graduation. This session provides a clear, practical approach to aligning those efforts and building a culture focused on student success.
If you serve as a…

CTE Educator: Discover how to intentionally align your CTE program with academic instruction and advising efforts to strengthen measurable CCR outcomes.
School Counselor: Learn practical strategies to integrate career advising into classroom experiences and expand your reach across the entire student body.
Administrator: Gain a clear alignment framework to strengthen school-wide CCR indicators and accountability systems.

This session introduces a practical alignment framework designed to help schools move from siloed efforts to shared ownership. Participants will explore how aligning advising structures, classroom instruction, pathway design, and workforce partnerships can:

Increase student clarity, motivation, and pathway ownership
Strengthen measurable College and Career Readiness outcomes
Improve graduation, persistence, and postsecondary engagement indicators
Establish shared language and aligned expectations across the school

Participants will leave with a practical alignment roadmap to identify strengths, address gaps, and guide intentional collaboration that prepares students for sustained success beyond graduation.

Speakers

Stephanie Haynes

Career Coach and Consultant, Sua Via Coaching and Consulting

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stories/sua_via_stephanie
Facebook: Sua Via Career Pathway Development

PES Presentation 2026 (3) pdf

School Reflection Sheet (1) pdf

Monday June 15, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am EDT
Room 10

Career Readiness

10:15am EDT

Beyond the Diploma: Teaching Career Readiness Skills Every Student Needs (No Matter the Classroom)

Monday June 15, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am EDT

Room 6

Career readiness is no longer the responsibility of Career and Technical Education alone—it is a shared priority across all classrooms, grade levels, and subject areas. This engaging, high-energy session equips educators, administrators, and community partners with practical, classroom-ready strategies to embed career readiness skills into everyday instruction, without adding to an already full plate. Participants will explore how to intentionally integrate essential employability skills, such as communication, problem-solving, adaptability, and professional behavior, into core academic subjects, advisory periods, and school culture. Through real-world examples attendees will learn how to connect learning to workforce relevance in ways that increase student engagement, motivation, and long-term success.

Speakers

Michael Connet

Associate Deputy Executive Director - Outreach & Partnerships, Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE)

Michael Connet is the Associate Deputy Executive Director - Outreach and Partner Development at the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE®). In this role, Michael is responsible for promoting the impact of high-quality CTE on America’s learners and supporting the... Read More →

Beyond the Diploma pptx

Monday June 15, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am EDT
Room 6

Career Readiness

10:15am EDT

Pathways with Purpose: Partnering to Meet Local Workforce Needs

Monday June 15, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am EDT

Room 7

How can schools, colleges, and businesses work together to inspire students and meet the evolving needs of our local workforce? In this session, we will explore how Lexington One has partnered with a local community college and area businesses to design career pathways that align with labor market demands. Participants will learn strategies for building sustainable partnerships, creating relevant programs of study, and opening doors for students to move confidently from high school to college and career. Join us to discover how collaboration can spark inspiration, strengthen communities, and empower the next generation of talent.

Speakers

Sandy Vining

Assistant Director Lexington Technology Center, Lexington County School District One

With 28 years of experience in education, Sandy Vining is an emerging leader in Career and Technology Education (CTE). As the Assistant Director at Lexington Technology Center in Lexington County School District One, she is at the forefront of forging collaborative partnerships between... Read More →

Tara D. Black

College and Career Services Coordinator, College and Career Services Coordinator, Lexington County School District One

With over 31 years of experience in education, Tara Black serves as the College and Career Services Coordinator for Lexington County School District One, where she oversees district-wide college, career, and work-based learning initiatives. Drawing on her experience as a high school... Read More →

Pathways with Purpose Partnering to Meet Local Workforce Needs (1) pdf

Monday June 15, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am EDT
Room 7

Career Readiness

10:15am EDT

School–Industry Partnerships: Creating Career Readiness Pathways to Undiscovered Talent

Monday June 15, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am EDT

Room 8

Strong communities and thriving businesses depend on a prepared workforce. This session explores how school–industry partnerships can create meaningful opportunities for students to demonstrate career readiness while allowing employers the opportunity to discover untapped talent. Participants will learn about a collaborative event which evaluates students’ abilities to demonstrate real-world. Participating in these collaborative experiences gives students confidence in their skills and businesses the unexpected employee they never thought to look for. Through innovative partnerships, schools and businesses can work together to build career pathways, strengthen the local workforce pipeline, and provide students with authentic opportunities to showcase their abilities. Attendees will leave with practical ideas for building partnerships that benefit students, schools, and employers alike. Learning Objectives: By the end of this session, participants will be able to: Identify strategies for establishing and sustaining effective school–industry partnerships that enhance student career readiness. Design opportunities for students to demonstrate real-world skills and employability, including those with unconventional or untapped talent. Implement practical approaches for connecting local businesses with schools to create pipelines for discovering and developing future employees.

Speakers

Dr. Robyn Mixon

Post Secondary Planning Specialist, Dorchester 4 School District

Robyn Mixon is an adjunct professor at Tri-County Technical College and a Transition Specialist in Dorchester 4 School District. Although employed by Dorchester 4 School District for the past 19 years, she has been a Transition Specialist for the past four years. In this role, Dr... Read More →

School–Industry Partnerships Creating Career Readiness Pathways Presentation pdf

Monday June 15, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am EDT
Room 8

Career Readiness

10:15am EDT

Siemens Pathway to Learning Engineering: Preparing Students for Real-World Innovation with Educational Resources and Industry Certifications

Monday June 15, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am EDT

Room 9

Siemens will present the Pathway to Learning Engineering (PLE) — a comprehensive, project-based curriculum designed in collaboration with Siemens engineering experts and educators. This innovative pathway immerses students in authentic design challenges while preparing them for industry-recognized certifications, including NX, Programmable Logic Controllers, and Six Sigma Lean Manufacturing. During the session, participants will discover how to access and implement the curriculum, secure Siemens software licenses for classroom use, explore professional development opportunities for educators, and register students for certification exams that validate their learning. The presentation will demonstrate how Siemens PLE equips high students with the skills, experiences, and credentials needed to succeed in the evolving world of engineering and advanced manufacturing.

Speakers

Siemens

K-12 STEM Instructional Manager, Siemens Digital Industries

TBD

Meredith Smith

Horry County Schools

Experienced STEM and engineering educator with 25+ years in secondary education, specializing in Project Lead The Way and the Siemens High School Engineering Program. I am a Master Teacher for the South Carolina Siemens Engineering Program and certified to teach multiple PLTW engineering... Read More →

Siemens SW Siemens engineering design Flyer pdf

Siemens SW Manufacturing and automation Flyer pdf

Siemens SW Mechatronics and the Internet of Things Flyer pdf

Siemens SW Engineering research and development Flyer pdf

SC Presentation June 14 18 (1) pdf

Monday June 15, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am EDT
Room 9

Career Readiness

10:15am EDT

Skills for Hire: Embedding Employability in Every CTE Classroom

Monday June 15, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am EDT

Wando

Preparing students for the workforce requires more than technical know‑how—it takes communication, teamwork, professionalism, and problem‑solving woven into daily learning. In this session, CTE teachers will explore practical, low‑prep strategies for integrating soft skills seamlessly into existing lessons and labs. Participants will leave with ready‑to-use ideas, classroom routines, and instructional moves that build employability skills without sacrificing content time. Help your students become not just job‑ready, but hire‑ready.

Speakers

Dr. Herb Bocchino

CTE Standards and Certifications Coordinator, South Carolina Department of Education

Dr. Herb Bocchino serves as the CTE Standards and Certifications Coordinator in the Office of Career Readiness at the South Carolina Department of Education. He holds a Master’s in Educational Administration and a Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction. With over 20 years of experience... Read More →

Heather Harmon

Pathway Specialist, South Carolina Department of Education

Heather Harmon is an Innovative Pathway Specialist with the Office of Career Readiness at the South Carolina Department of Education. With 19 years of classroom experience, including 15 years teaching high school English, she is dedicated to expanding high‑quality, future‑ready... Read More →

Skills for Hire Embedding Employability in Every CTE Classroom FINAL 6 14 2026 pptx

Monday June 15, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am EDT
Wando

Career Readiness

10:15am EDT

Growing Grit in Students: Building Resilience & Resourcefulness in the Next Generation

Monday June 15, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am EDT

Room 11

Students today have unprecedented access to technology, convenience, and instant answers—yet many struggle with resilience when faced with challenge. How can educators cultivate perseverance, problem-solving, and a growth mindset in this environment? In this engaging session, participants will explore how modern technology is shaping student resilience and learn practical strategies to develop grit in both faculty and students. Attendees will walk away with clear principles and actionable tools they can implement immediately to help students embrace challenges, delay gratification, and build the perseverance needed for long-term success. Participants will: understand how smart technology influences students’ resilience and resourcefulness, learn practical strategies to cultivate grit and delay gratification in young people, gain actionable tools to strengthen perseverance in staff, faculty, and students, and leave with a clear game plan for building a culture of resilience on campus.

Speakers

Andrew McPeak

Growing Leaders: Powered by Maxwell Leadership

Andrew McPeak is an author, researcher, and expert on emerging generations. He has over a decade of experience working with young adults, from public schools to corporate boardrooms. His deep understanding of the challenges facing today’s young leaders enables him to equip adults... Read More →

Monday June 15, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am EDT
Room 11

Character and Resiliency in Education

10:15am EDT

The Palmetto Civics Project

Monday June 15, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am EDT

Room 12

This professional development session introduces educators to the Palmetto Civics Project, a South Carolina Department of Education initiative designed to strengthen civic literacy, character development, and student engagement through meaningful, real-world connections. Participants will explore key resources such as the Palmetto Pioneers, which highlight influential South Carolinians and the civic virtues they embody and examine how these tools can be used to bring civics to life across grade levels and content areas.

Speakers

Corey Bedenbaugh

South Carolina Department of Education

Corey Bedenbaugh is the 2026 South Carolina Teacher of the Year and passionate advocate for civic literacy. Through a civic-centered approach to teaching and learning, Corey empowers students to think critically, engage meaningfully, and understand their role as active citizens. A... Read More →

The Summit Palmetto Civics Project pptx

Monday June 15, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am EDT
Room 12

Civics

10:15am EDT

Accelerate Potential. Ignite Possibility.

Monday June 15, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am EDT

Room 14

Every child deserves daily access to meaningful, grade‑level learning. Yet educators face a pressing challenge: how do we support students who have fallen behind—including those receiving Special Education services—while still working to close persistent achievement gaps? This session offers a clear framework, practical strategies, and essential mindset shifts to move away from defaulting to remediation when striving to support struggling learners. You'll discover how acceleration opens the door to rich Tier 1 instruction for all students—fueling confidence, momentum, inspiration, and genuine academic growth. Come ready to rethink, re‑ignite, and reimagine what students can achieve when we raise the bar and provide the path to reach it.

Speakers

Andrea Niesse

South Carolina Department of Education

Andrea Niesse brings 25 years of experience in education with a strong emphasis on early literacy and educational neuroscience. As a first year teacher in an urban elementary school in Memphis, TN she discovered early on that she needed a stronger foundation to teach struggling... Read More →

Accelerate Potential pptx

UDL Guidelines Chart pdf

Hess RbD scaffolding summary Final pdf

Monday June 15, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am EDT
Room 14

Literacy

10:15am EDT

Lasting Learning Through Interleaving: A Powerful Strategy for All Levels of Math

Monday June 15, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am EDT

Room 13

Learn how mixing different types of math problems—rather than grouping them by skill—dramatically strengthens students’ retention and problem-solving. In this interactive session, teachers will examine the cognitive science behind interleaving practice, experience classroom-ready examples, and plan lessons that weave new and prior skills together. Leave with practical strategies to help students make connections, think flexibly, and retain essential concepts well beyond the unit test.

Speakers

Paul Riccomini

Professor, The Pennsylvania State University

Dr. Paul Riccomini is a highly respected expert in mathematics education, specializing in high intensity instructional techniques for mathematics.
With a mathematics degree and dual certifications as a high school math and special education teacher, Paul possesses in-depth knowledge of content matter and evidence-based instructional techniques. Drawing from extensive classroom experience, Paul understands the unique challenges... Read More →

IPF Retention COLOR HANDOUT RICCOMINI pdf

IPF Retention B&W HANDOUT RICCOMINI pdf

Monday June 15, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am EDT
Room 13

Numeracy

11:30am EDT

Envision an Educational System that Connects Core and Career Learning

Monday June 15, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm EDT

Room 9

Education cannot exist in silos. Student learning builds on previously learned concepts. Employers insist that educators build character and employability skills. Character readiness, college readiness, and career readiness are all essential in preparing students for their next steps after high school and eventually to a life-long career. Join us as we "Envision an Educational System that Connects Core and Career Learning."

Speakers

Bryce Myers

Lexington County School District One

Bryce Myers graduated from Francis Marion University with a BBA in Management in May of 1997. He then enrolled at Winthrop University and obtained a MAT in Business Education in December of 1998. In the fall of 1999. Mr. Myers was hired as a Business and marketing teacher at Lexington... Read More →

Connecting Core and Career Learning pptx

Monday June 15, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm EDT
Room 9

Career Readiness

11:30am EDT

Forging Futures, E-Learning in Career and Technical Education A Research-Informed Framework for Digital Integration Across CTE Programs

Monday June 15, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm EDT

Room 8

In CTE, this bridge between theory and application is particularly critical. Students must develop technical competence alongside analytical reasoning, ethical judgment, and professional identity. Instruction must therefore extend beyond content transmission to intentional skill formation within authentic workforce contexts

Speakers

Steven Watterson

Education Associate, South Carolina Department of Education Office of Career Readiness

Steven Watterson- Retired as a United States Naval Engineering Officer 01 July 2005 and immediately entered public education as a Project Lead the Way teacher at F.P. Hamilton Career Center in the school district of Oconee County. Leaving Secondary for Post-Secondary becoming associate... Read More →

Jay Pearson

Greenville County School District

Jay Adam Pearson, Building Construction Instructor at Enoree Career Center. Like many instructors in Career and Technical Education (CTE), I did not begin as an educator. My path to Enoree Career Center began at Eastern Wayne High School in 1978 where I enrolled in carpentry classes... Read More →

Monday June 15, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm EDT
Room 8

Career Readiness

11:30am EDT

Future Ready from the Start: Get in the Game!

Monday June 15, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm EDT

Room 7

What if we started preparing students for their careers the same way we prepare them for sports — by teaching the rules, practicing the skills, and building confidence early? SC Career Kids is helping schools build a strong workforce foundation by introducing career awareness in elementary school through hands on exploration, purposeful play, and meaningful conversations with community helpers and industry professionals. From statewide Safety Town programs serving PreK through 2nd grade to expanding after school Career Clubs across multiple districts, students are introduced to career pathways, essential life skills, and workplace readiness habits in developmentally appropriate ways. This session explores how early career exposure strengthens academic engagement, builds student confidence, and supports long term educational success. Participants will learn how intentional community partnerships, interactive programming, and aligned instructional strategies can integrate career awareness within existing school structures. Attendees will leave with a clear understanding of how early career exposure can be thoughtfully integrated within their schools and districts, and how SC Career Kids can serve as a trusted partner and resource in helping bring these experiences to life. We would never wait until high school to teach a child how to read or to compete in athletics. Career awareness should be no different. The earlier students understand the possibilities ahead of them, the stronger their educational journey becomes. The future is not waiting. It is time to get students in the game.

Speakers

Katy Wiggs

SC Career Kids

Katy Wiggs is an educator, workforce development advocate, and the Founder of SC Career Kids, a South Carolina nonprofit dedicated to helping children explore careers, build life skills, and connect classroom learning to real world opportunities.SC Career Kids was born during COVID... Read More →

Beth Lechner

SC Career Kids

Beth Lechner, an experienced educator, serves as the Program Director of Career Kids for SC Career Kids, where she leads the development and implementation of after school Career Clubs and career focused camps across South Carolina.With a background in education and a passion for... Read More →

Pollyanna Buff

SC Career Kids

Pollyanna Buff serves as the Program Director of Safety Town for SC Career Kids, leading the growth and implementation of the organization’s signature early childhood safety education program across South Carolina.A retired teacher, Pollyanna brings years of classroom experience... Read More →

Future Ready from the Start Get in the Game! pptx

Monday June 15, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm EDT
Room 7

Career Readiness

11:30am EDT

OSHA 10: The Credential of Value for CTE Students Entering the Workforce

Monday June 15, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm EDT

Room 6

Industry-recognized credentials are becoming increasingly important in Career and Technical Education programs as schools work to better prepare students for employment after graduation. This session will explore the value of the OSHA 10-Hour safety credential as a foundational certification for students entering a wide range of career pathways. Participants will learn how OSHA 10 helps students develop a strong understanding of workplace safety while also reinforcing professional habits that employers expect. The session will highlight how safety training supports workforce readiness, increases student confidence, and provides students with a credential that is recognized across multiple industries including construction, manufacturing, healthcare, and logistics. Attendees will leave with practical ideas for implementing OSHA 10 within their programs and strategies for connecting safety training to broader workforce preparation goals.

Speakers

Justin Williamson

Sales Executive, CareerSafe

Justin Williamson is a Sales Executive with CareerSafe, where he works with school districts, technical colleges, and workforce development programs across the country to expand access to OSHA safety training and workforce readiness credentials. With 17 years of experience in education... Read More →

SC June 26 pptx

Monday June 15, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm EDT
Room 6

Career Readiness

11:30am EDT

Skills for Hire: Embedding Employability in Every CTE Classroom

Monday June 15, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm EDT

Wando

Speakers

Dr. Herb Bocchino

CTE Standards and Certifications Coordinator, South Carolina Department of Education

Heather Harmon

Pathway Specialist, South Carolina Department of Education

Skills for Hire Embedding Employability in Every CTE Classroom FINAL 6 14 2026 pptx

Monday June 15, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm EDT
Wando

Career Readiness

11:30am EDT

Resilience Starts with Independence: How Educators Can Foster Student Self-Reliance

Monday June 15, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm EDT

Room 11

Many educators unknowingly limit student growth through well-intentioned overprotection and over-involvement in classroom and school activities. This highly interactive session reveals the science behind how independence builds resilience and explores why stepping back—not hovering, managing, or constantly helping—is the most powerful teaching strategy available. Participants will examine the difference between appropriate support and enablement, discover age-appropriate independence opportunities across different grade levels and subject areas, and learn practical strategies for creating classroom and school environments where students can practice self-reliance. Through real-world examples, small group activities, and practical frameworks, educators will leave with concrete strategies to empower young people to solve their own problems, learn from natural consequences, and develop the deep confidence that comes from capability. This session is both inspiring and grounded in actionable takeaways.

Speakers

Andrea Keith

Executive Director, Let Grow

With experience as an elementary educator and 14 years in education technology start-ups, Andrea Keith is the Executive Director of Let Grow, a nonprofit promoting childhood independence, resilience, and well-being. Under her leadership, Let Grow has expanded to reach close to a... Read More →

Monday June 15, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm EDT
Room 11

Character and Resiliency in Education

11:30am EDT

Civics in Action: Medal of Honor Character Development Program

Monday June 15, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm EDT

Room 12

Discover how the Medal of Honor Character Development Program brings democratic principles to life through powerful, real-world stories. This interactive session showcases free lessons that build civic engagement, ethical decision-making, and student voice. Participants will explore primary sources, short video scenarios, and discussion strategies that help students connect acts of courage and service to their own roles as citizens. Leave with ready-to-use resources that inspire character, empathy, and community-minded action.

Speakers

Javier Martinez

Medal of Honor Foundation

Javier Martinez graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 1982 with a degree in Electrical Engineering. He was commissioned as a 2ndLT through the NROTC Program and served as an Officer in the Marine Corps, in both the Active and Reserve Forces, for 10 years. After leaving the... Read More →

Monday June 15, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm EDT
Room 12

Civics

11:30am EDT

South Carolina High School Law Review: How Constitutional Law Cultivates Agreeable Disagreement

Monday June 15, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm EDT

Room 10

What can constitutional law teach students about respectful disagreement? High School Law Review explores that question through Supreme Court case analysis, structured oral presentation, and legal writing. In this workshop, we'll look at how HSLR fits into existing Government courses and how students are rewarded for publishing legal analysis in school-based, state-wide, and national law reviews. For South Carolina students, standout legal notes earn an invitation to our inaugural South Carolina Law Review competition. This in-person event where students defend their work before a live audience and recognizes them alongside the teachers who supported them. Together, we'll explore how studying the law sharpens critical thinking, builds civic literacy, and models the rigorous, humble disagreement our students need most.

Speakers

Pierce Watson

Studium, High School Law Review

Olivia Gross

Studium, High School Law Review

Olivia Eve Gross is the Founder and CEO of Studium, whose mission is to teach students how to agreeably disagree. Through products like High School Law Review and Middle School Law Review, students engage with constitutional questions, publish their ideas, and learn to debate evidence... Read More →

Palmetto Education Summit HSLR.pptx pdf

Monday June 15, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm EDT
Room 10

Civics

11:30am EDT

Teach the Stuff and Cut the Fluff While Still Having Fun

Monday June 15, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm EDT

Room 14

Do you want to ensure all your students achieve grade-level expectations? Are you looking for instructional practices that are proven to lead to high levels of achievement? Join us to learn how to utilize essential components of explicit instruction throughout your entire instructional day.

Speakers

Audrey Goninan

Literacy Specialist, South Carolina Department of Education

Audrey Goninan, M.Ed., is a Literacy Specialist with the Office of Instructional Supports for the South Carolina Department of Education. In this role, she supports schools and districts in the Upstate region, with a focus on building teachers' knowledge and implementation of evidence-based... Read More →

Brittany Daniels

Literacy Specialist, South Carolina Department of Education

Brittany Daniels is a National Board Certified educator and two-time graduate of the University of South Carolina with over 21 years of dedicated service to students and educators. After spending a decade in the elementary classroom, she transitioned into the role of school-based... Read More →

Best Practices pdf

Palmetto Education Summit 1 HOUR SESSION Teach the Stuff and Cut the Fluff While Still Having Fun pdf

Hold Up Card pdf

Monday June 15, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm EDT
Room 14

Literacy

11:30am EDT

From Research to Classroom Practice: A Collaborative Partnership for Implementing Cognitive Based High-Impact Math Strategies

Monday June 15, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm EDT

Room 13

What does it take to move evidence-based strategies from professional development into consistent classroom practice? This session highlights a district–research partnership focused on implementing Interleaving Practice Format (IPF) and Worked Solution Strategy (WSS). Participants will explore a three-step model: collaborative professional learning to build understanding, instructional coaching to support lesson design, and follow-up coaching for in-class implementation and refinement. Through classroom examples and planning artifacts, this session demonstrates how districts can move beyond isolated PD to build coherent systems that support teacher learning and improve student outcomes. Attendees will leave with a practical framework for sustaining research-based practices in mathematics instruction.

Speakers

Candace Lane

Horry County Schools

Candace W Lane, brings 36 years of dedicated service to public education, grounded in an unwavering belief that public schools are the fabric of our society. With 14 years in the classroom, Candace developed a deep understanding of the art and science of teaching—recognizing that... Read More →

Paul Riccomini

Professor, The Pennsylvania State University

HCS Session FINAL B&W HANDOUTS RICCOMINI pdf

HCS Session FINAL COLOR HANDOUTS RICCOMINI pdf

Monday June 15, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm EDT
Room 13

Numeracy

2:15pm EDT

From Insight to Impact: Transforming CTE with Career-Connected Learning

Monday June 15, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm EDT

Room 7

From Insight to Impact: Transforming CTE with Career-Connected Learning What happens when student aptitude data meets authentic career-connected learning? This session offers both big-picture strategy and practical implementation steps for districts seeking to strengthen and grow any program or pathway. Learn how the Biomedical Science Program at Aiken County Career & Technology Center transformed recruitment, instruction, and student outcomes through a strategic career-connected learning approach. Faced with enrollment challenges, the program implemented a data-driven recruitment strategy using YouScience to identify students with demonstrated aptitudes and interests in health science. The result: a 73.3% increase in applications following a targeted Health Science recruitment night. Beyond recruitment, the program integrated the BIOCAP model, empowering students to manage a student-based service enterprise, earn advanced life science certifications, and complete meaningful work-based learning experiences. Presenters will share how aptitude data informed instructional adjustments—such as differentiating approaches to solution calculations based on numerical strengths—leading to improved technical skill development and certification readiness. Attendees will leave with a replicable framework that combines: Strategic, data-informed recruitment School-based enterprise implementation (BIOCAP model)Instruction aligned to student aptitudes Career-connected learning experiences that build real workforce readiness

Speakers

Dr. Christie Palladino

Biomedical Science Instructor, Aiken County School District

Dr. Christie Palladino discovered her passion for teaching through her career as an obstetrician-gynecologist and health science education researcher. She teaches biomedical science at the Aiken County Career and Technology Center (ACCTC). Palladino is a native of Williston, South... Read More →

Art Maxwell

YouScience

Art Maxwell is a passionate sales and marketing professional who believes deeply in the power of connection, purpose, and helping people discover what they are truly capable of. With a strong background in K-12 education, Career and Technical Education (CTE), and workforce development... Read More →

insighttoimpact handout pdf

Monday June 15, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm EDT
Room 7

Career Readiness

2:15pm EDT

Inside the New School Counseling & Career Guidance Framework: What You Need to Know for 2026 and Beyond

Monday June 15, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm EDT

Room 12

South Carolina is entering an exciting new era in school counseling and career guidance—and this session gives leaders the tools, clarity, and confidence to put the state’s revised Comprehensive School Counseling and Career Guidance Framework into action. Participants will explore the Framework’s four core components—Define, Deliver, Manage, and Assess—and discover how these elements work together to create coherent, aligned, and student‑centered programs across K–12 settings. The session will also unpack the Framework’s three developmental domains—Learning to Learn, Learning to Live, and Learning to Work—illustrating how they strengthen academic, personal–social, and career readiness through intentional skill‑building opportunities. Participants will gain essential updates on South Carolina‑specific legal requirements, including the EEDA, SC Code §59‑59‑120, the state’s 300:1 student–counselor ratio guideline, and scope‑of‑practice expectations that shape daily implementation statewide. Through interactive problem‑solving, real school scenarios, and collaborative discussions, attendees will practice applying the Framework in authentic contexts. Participants will leave with clear, actionable strategies they can implement immediately—strengthening program alignment, improving school‑wide systems, and ensuring every student receives high‑quality, developmentally appropriate counseling and career guidance.

Speakers

Dr. Erin Clarke

South Carolina Department of Education

Erin Clarke, Ed.D., serves as Education Associate at the South Carolina Department of Education, where she is the School Counseling and Career Specialist Liaison. With 17 years of experience and a doctoral degree in Educational Leadership, she leads statewide initiatives to support... Read More →

PES 2026 Inside the New School Counseling and Career Guidance Model What You Need to Know for 2026 and Beyond pdf

Monday June 15, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm EDT
Room 12

Career Readiness

2:15pm EDT

Siemens Exploring the World of Engineering: Engaging Middle School Students Through Project-Based STEM and Real-World Design

Monday June 15, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm EDT

Room 9

This session introduces Siemens Exploring the World of Engineering, a modular, project-based middle grades curriculum that immerses students in authentic STEM challenges across design, automation technology, autonomous electric vehicles, aerospace technology, energy management, informatics, biomedical manufacturing and engineering, and artificial intelligence. Participants will explore how eight flexible, non-sequential modules with differentiated projects build engineering literacy, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills through hands-on design, collaboration, and iteration. Attendees will learn how to integrate the curriculum into existing schedules, scaffold instruction using beginner-to-advanced projects, and use performance-based assessments and digital badges to support student growth and engagement.

Speakers

Siemens

K-12 STEM Instructional Manager, Siemens Digital Industries

TBD

Meredith Smith

Horry County Schools

Siemens Exploring the World of Engineering Scope and Sequence (6) pdf

SC Presentation June 14 18 6 11 26 pdf

Monday June 15, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm EDT
Room 9

Career Readiness

2:15pm EDT

The Great Disagreement Game: Turn “Whatever…” into “I hear you”

Monday June 15, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm EDT

Room 6

Disagreements happen in every classroom and workplace, but they don’t have to lead to negative consequences. This interactive session equips educators with practical strategies to help students navigate differing opinions with confidence and respect. Through engaging activities, role-play scenarios, and “game-style” challenges, participants will learn how to teach active listening, emotional regulation, and constructive communication. Discover how teaching active listening and conflict resolution will improve behavior in your classroom and prepare students for the world of work. Walk away with ready-to-use tools and activities.

Speakers

Julie Sharpe

Microburst

Julie is a soft‑skills implementation specialist who trains and coaches educators to build durable workplace‑readiness skills. She supports instructors from elementary through college levels, helping them confidently integrate EmployABILITY Soft Skills into daily instruction... Read More →

Rebecca Bazzle

Microburst Learning

Rebecca Bazzle is the Chief Operating Officer of Microburst Learning, where she leads the development of EmployABILITY Soft Skills programs and customized training for organizations worldwide. She collaborates with experts across education, industry, and healthcare to create engaging... Read More →

Lizzie Harris

Microburst Learning

Lizzie Harris is an instructional creative with Microburst Learning, where she helps educators bring EmployABILITY Soft Skills to life in the classroom. Since 2022, she has supported teacher trainings, sharing practical strategies for engaging learners and building the durable skills... Read More →

The Great Disagreement Game V5 Upload pptx

Monday June 15, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm EDT
Room 6

Career Readiness

2:15pm EDT

WOW! The "World of Work" Catawba Region Middle School Career Conferences

Monday June 15, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm EDT

Room 8

This session will allow attendees to explore the magic of WOW Conferences that take middle school students through the World of Work using the Career Clusters. The conference provides an intentional approach to helping students gain a true understanding of various careers. The conference brings businesses together with their future workforce and connects them with local middle school educators. The power of the WOW conferences was created in collaboration with York County Regional Chamber of Commerce (L.I.F.T. Program), Regional Workforce Advisor-Catawba (DEW), and Catawba Regional Career Specialist.

Speakers

Thomas Monroe

Regional Workforce Advisor-Catawba, South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce

Thomas Monroe currently serves as the Regional Workforce Advisor for the Catawba Region at the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce. In this role, he works at the intersection of education, industry, and community leadership—helping strengthen the state’s talent... Read More →

Beth Bottini

Regional Career Specialist - Catawba

Celeste Tiller

York County Regional Chamber of Commerce

Celeste Tiller is the Vice President of Talent & Workforce Development for the York County Regional Chamber of Commerce (Rock Hill, South Carolina), Adjunct Professor at Winthrop University, and Business Leads Fellow with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation (USCCF). In her role... Read More →

Palmetto Education Summit WOW! World of Work pdf

Monday June 15, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm EDT
Room 8

Career Readiness

2:15pm EDT

Creating Cultures that CARE: Character, Resilience, and Community in Action

Monday June 15, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm EDT

Room 11

Creating a positive school culture requires more than programs—it requires intentional leadership and a shared commitment to character, resilience, and community. Facilitated by Dr. Jamie Spinks, Managing Coach at Franklin Covey Education and former Lighthouse School Principal and successful school principal, hear from Leader in Me leaders, as they discuss how they are building cultures that CARE through student leadership, stakeholder engagement, and meaningful systems that support both academic and personal growth.

Speakers

Jennifer Dodds

Assistant Principal, Greenville County Schools

Jennifer Dodds is the proud principal of Mauldin Elementary, where leadership isn’t just taught—it’s lived every day. A graduate of Clemson University, she brings 24 years of experience in education, including 7 years as a principal. She is a passionate advocate for the Leader... Read More →

Andrew Shipman

Pickens School District

Andrew Shipman is an experienced educational leader currently serving as the Principal of Crosswell Elementary School. He is passionate about improving student outcomes through data-driven instruction, strategic program development,with a focus on supporting the whole child.
Since becoming principal in 2023, Principal Shipman has led the implementation of a comprehensive Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) and guided the transformation into a Leader in Me school. Through this work, Crosswell Elementary has developed a culture centered on leadership... Read More →

Rhonda Rhodes

SC Client Partner, Franklin Covey Education

Rhonda Rhodes is an experienced educator and leadership practitioner with more than 30 years of service as a teacher, school leader, and district leader. A nationally recognized principal, she was honored as a National Distinguished Principal and led a globally recognized Leader in... Read More →

Jamie Spinks

Franklin Covey Education

Dr. Jamie Spinks serves as a Managing Coach with Leader in Me, where he partners with schools and districts to strengthen leadership, culture, and student empowerment. With extensive experience as a school administrator and principal, Dr. Spinks is passionate about helping educators... Read More →

Michael Randall

Laurens County School District 56

Michael Randall serves as Assistant Principal at Clinton Middle School in Laurens County School District 56. As part of the school’s leadership team, he supports school culture, student leadership, and academic growth while helping foster a safe and supportive learning environment... Read More →

Miranda Leopard

West Pelzer Elementary / Anderson 1 School District

Miranda Leopard is an experienced educational leader currently serving as the principal of West Pelzer Elementary School. She brings over 20 years of experience in education, including the last 12 years at West Pelzer, where she has served as a literacy coach, assistant principal... Read More →

Monday June 15, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm EDT
Room 11

Character and Resiliency in Education

2:15pm EDT

A Shared Approach to Improve Literacy Skills of Learners in South Carolina with Evidence-Based Practices

Monday June 15, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm EDT

Room 14

Educators, families, and community members must all work together to improve the literacy skills of our youth in South Carolina. Join us for this interactive session as members of the Academic Alliance of South Carolina share three evidence-based practices that teachers, tutors, mentors, and parents can use across all content areas and at any grade level to improve the literacy skills of students with dyslexia and those with persistent reading difficulties. Participants will learn instructional strategies for reading aloud to youth at all grade and content levels to improve vocabulary, comprehension, and language skills regardless of the reading level, gain insight into using repeated reading as a strategy to improve reading fluency and comprehension as one of the key critical components in the science of reading, and acquire the skills to implement a cognitive strategy called, Get the Gist, to enable youth to identify the main idea at the sentence, paragraph, or complete text level, which are key skills for summarizing information efficiently. Participants will receive practical tips for implementing these strategies, along with electronic resources to support their use.

Speakers

Deana Parish

Academic Alliance of South Carolina

Deanna Parish, Ph.D. has been serving students with disabilities for over 25 years. As a classroom teacher, she worked with students with intellectual disabilities, specializing in students with extensive support needs. Dr. Parish has also served as a lead teacher, working with other... Read More →

Susan Thomas

Academic Alliance of South Carolina

Dr. Thomas is a passionate educator and has over 45 years of experience. She retired from the South Carolina public school system, having served 18 years as a general and special education teacher, 9 years as a director of special education for two school districts, and 3 years at... Read More →

Ginger Catoe

Academic Alliance of South Carolina

A career educator, Virginia K. Catoe most recently served as the Director for Elementary Education and Early Childhood (CERDEP) and Title I Director for the Kershaw County School District where she supported the instructional programs in our elementary schools (PK-5). Prior to becoming... Read More →

Jenny Saunders

Academic Alliance of South Carolina

Jenny Saunders has nearly 2 decades of experience working in the South Carolina public education system. She spent the first 15 years as a school psychologist in Berkeley County School District, working in elementary, middle, and high schools. Jenny spent eight years serving as a... Read More →

A Shared Approach to Improve Literacy Skills of Learners in South Carolina with Evidence Based Practices pptx

Monday June 15, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm EDT
Room 14

Literacy

2:15pm EDT

Palmetto Math: Where Every Student in South Carolina is a Math Student

Monday June 15, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm EDT

Room 13

Have you ever heard the phrase, "I'm just not a math person." If so, this session is for you. Participants will gain insights on how using Concrete-Representational-Abstract (CRA) across all grade levels can create math kids and improve math outcomes. Through CRA, students develop a tactile and visual "anchor" for math concepts that create lasting mental representations that students can use when they encounter difficult abstract problems. In addition, CRA ensures students understand the why behind a procedure before moving to the abstract stage, preventing students from just memorizing steps they don't understand. When students understand the underlying concepts, they are better able to apply mathematical skills to new, real-world situations. Are you ready, let's do some math!

Speakers

Sheah Pacheco

South Carolina Department of Education

Sheah Pacheco serves as a Math Specialist with the Palmetto Math Project, bringing 16 years of experience in education to her work with supporting high-quality math instruction.
Her work as a mathematics educator across three states has equipped her with a broad understanding of diverse curricula, student populations, and math instructional practices. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from East Carolina University and a masters degree... Read More →

Elizabeth Shumpert

South Carolina Department of Education

Elizabeth Schumpert is honored to serve as the Team Lead for the Palmetto Math Project. She has 28 years of experience in public education in South Carolina. Before joining the S.C. State Department of Education, Elizabeth spent 26 years in Saluda County Schools as a teacher, instructional... Read More →

Monday June 15, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm EDT
Room 13

Numeracy

2:15pm EDT

Certification Central: TOSA by Isograd

Monday June 15, 2026 2:15pm - 4:15pm EDT

Cooper

Join us for a session of Certification Central with TOSA by Isograd.

Speakers

Heather Harmon

Pathway Specialist, South Carolina Department of Education

Jen Fausto

Business Development Manager, Tosa by Isograd

Developed by Isograd, Tosa is an industry-recognized digital skills certification solution that offers a unique, proficiency-based, and adaptive testing approach, unlike traditional pass/fail exams. Tosa certifies digital skills across desktop and graphic design applications, digital... Read More →

Monday June 15, 2026 2:15pm - 4:15pm EDT
Cooper

Career Readiness

2:15pm EDT

SC ACTE Annual Business Meeting

Monday June 15, 2026 2:15pm - 4:45pm EDT

Wando

Join SCACTE leadership and members for the Annual Business Meeting, featuring official association business, officer elections, and the presentation of SCACTE awards. Members are encouraged to attend and participate as we recognize excellence and plan for the year ahead. Non-members are welcomed to attend as well to learn more about the opportunities SCACTE offers.

Speakers

Anna Snipes

Health Science Education Associate, SC ACTE

I am the Health Science Education Associate at the SC Department of Education. I am available to answer questions about Health Science courses, standards, concentrators, completers, certifications, credentials, and SC HOSA. Prior to joining the SCDE, I taught health science for 6... Read More →

Monday June 15, 2026 2:15pm - 4:45pm EDT
Wando

Career Readiness

10:15am EDT

10:15am EDT

10:15am EDT

10:15am EDT

10:15am EDT

10:15am EDT

10:15am EDT

10:15am EDT

10:15am EDT

10:15am EDT

11:30am EDT

11:30am EDT

11:30am EDT

11:30am EDT

11:30am EDT

11:30am EDT

11:30am EDT

11:30am EDT

11:30am EDT

11:30am EDT

2:15pm EDT

2:15pm EDT

2:15pm EDT

2:15pm EDT

2:15pm EDT

2:15pm EDT

2:15pm EDT

2:15pm EDT

2:15pm EDT

2:15pm EDT

Get help with the event