The Palmetto Education Summit 2026

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.

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.

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.