2025 K-ACTE Summer Conference
Dates: July 23-25, 2025
The annual K-ACTE Summer Conference is an engaging and exciting event for all CTE Teachers, Coordinators and Administrators. Partnering with Kansas Affiliates, workforce and postsecondary schools, the content helps schools move beyond the common into the unexpected! The conference will feature relevant presenters and breakout sessions. Network with the KSDE CTE team and like-subject teachers. Sponsored by K-ACTE, this conference is a must-attend!
Registration will open April 1.
Interested in Presenting?
Deadline to submit: March 1, 2025
Submit a Proposal to PresentWe want to hear from YOU! Are you doing something innovative in your classrooms or businesses that’s keeping students engaged and exceeding expectations? Whether you’re running a school-based enterprise, placing students in impactful internships, or using creative strategies to inspire learning, your insights can make a difference.
The best ideas often come from those who are in the trenches every day—other teachers and industry leaders like you. That’s why we’re inviting you to submit a session proposal to share your knowledge, ideas, and practices at the Annual K-ACTE Summer Conference, taking place July 23-25, 2025, in Manhattan, Kansas.
Why Present?
- Inspire your peers by sharing what works.
- Collaborate and connect with other passionate educators and leaders.
- Contribute to advancing career and technical education across Kansas.
To submit a session proposal, simply click the link below.
K-ACTE Member Pricing
- Early Bird Rates (April-May): $345 (full conference); 205 (1-day conference)
- Regular Rate (After June 1) $405 (full conference); $305 (1-day conference)
Non-Member Pricing
- Early Bird Rates (April-May): $465 (full conference); $305 (1-day conference)
- Regular Rate (After June 1) $555 (full conference); $345 (1-day conference)
Student Pricing
- Early Bird Rates (April-May): $85 (full conference)
- Regular Rate (After June 1) $105 (full conference)
Conference Details
Meals included with Registration:
• Thursday light breakfast
• Thursday lunch
• Thursday afternoon cookie treat
• Friday Buffet breakfast
• Friday Lunch
• Friday afternoon cookie treat
Attendees can register for the conference by clicking the REGISTER NOW link below.
We are using an online platform called Eventify for the official event schedule and directory. Please download the app on your mobile device and create an account to access all of the conference features by searching "2025 K-ACTE Summer Conference." Create your own agenda by saving sessions you would like to attend.
Eventify AppK-ACTE has partnered with MNU to offer attendees college credit for attending the conference. Tuition is not included in the conference registration. Please follow the instruction to apply.
K-ACTE will be presenting awards to winners at breakfast on July 24th, 2025 at our annual K-ACTE Summer Conference.
Kansas is conducting a statewide search for excellence in career and technical education (CTE) to highlight outstanding educators as part of our annual awards program. We are seeking nominations from all divisions, positions, and content areas this year for the following awards:
• Kansas ACTE Teacher of the Year recognizes the finest career and technical teachers at the middle/secondary school level who have demonstrated innovation in the classroom, commitment to their students and dedication to the improvement of CTE in their institutions and communities.
• Kansas ACTE Postsecondary Professional of the Year recognizes the finest career and technical professionals at the postsecondary level who have demonstrated innovation in the classroom, commitment to their students and dedication to the improvement of CTE in their institutions and communities.
• Kansas ACTE New Teacher of the Year recognizes new CTE teachers who have made significant contributions toward innovative and unique career and technical education programs and shown a professional commitment early in their careers.
• Kansas ACTE Teacher Educator of the Year recognizes teacher educators who have demonstrated innovation in teacher education, leadership in improving CTE, and commitment to preparing teachers to deliver high quality CTE programs.
• Kansas ACTE Administrator of the Year recognizes administrative CTE professionals at the school, district, county, state or federal level who have demonstrated leadership in ensuring teacher and student success and have made significant contributions toward innovative, unique and effective career and technical education programs.
• Kansas ACTE Counseling and Career Development Professional Award recognizes school counselors and career development professionals who have demonstrated commitment to connecting students with opportunities for success, shown innovation in career exploration and development, and have advocated for CTE as a viable option for all students.
• Kansas ACTE Carl Perkins Community Service Award recognizes individuals who have used CTE to make a significant impact on their community and demonstrated leadership in programs and activities that promote student involvement in community service.
• Kansas ACTE Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes CTE professionals for their leadership on behalf of ACTE, their innovations in CTE and their contributions to the field over an extended period of time.
Deserving candidates for these awards have demonstrated their commitment to CTE through their innovation, accomplishments, and contributions to the CTE community.
Applications are OPEN at the link below. Applications are due June 1st to be considered for this round of awards.
Award recipients will then be judged, and Kansas ACTE award winners will have their nominations forwarded on to be considered for the ACTE Region Awards.
If you would like to attend the Awards Ceremony Breakfast, and no other portion of the conference, there is an option to register for 'Monday Breakfast Only'. Visit the attendee registration page to sign up.
Hotel Information
Hilton Garden Inn
Fairfield Inn
Holiday Inn Express and Suites
Keynote Speakers
Elizabeth Anstine
Elizabeth Anstine’s path to education is notable. She spent nearly two decades in corporate marketing roles and volunteered with Junior Achievement in Kansas City’s inner-city schools. Following her corporate career, she volunteered in the Olathe School District, where her children attended. She assisted in Blue Ribbon applications, initiated a ‘Battle of the Books’ competition, established mentoring programs, provided booster club leadership, and participated in site councils.
Anstine’s educational journey is a testament to her commitment to lifelong learning. For over a decade, she substitute taught, crediting teachers with inspiring her. She earned a Bachelor of Science in business education from Fort Hays State University and a Master’s in curriculum and instruction from the University of Kansas, enhancing her qualifications and approach to teaching.
Anstine’s influence is felt through mentorship and leadership roles at Leavenworth High, where she teaches business marketing, entrepreneurship, and finance courses and is known for her leadership. Anstine serves as DECA advisor, cultivating an inclusive program that consistently produces internationally ranked students. She sponsors Interact to foster global understanding and plays a pivotal role on the Building Leadership Team, developing strategies to enhance student achievement. Anstine’s accomplishments include securing over half a million dollars in grant funding for STEM and business programs, establishing three school-based enterprises, and connecting with students from diverse backgrounds. Her commitment to public education stems from her desire to impact students’ lives and leave an indelible mark on Leavenworth High. Her students say, “Mrs. Anstine pushes beyond the limits of her job description, giving us the freedom to learn, create, and grow. She is a changemaker, deeply admired for her immeasurable caring and ability to see potential in each of us. Every student deserves a teacher like Mrs. Anstine.”
Whitney Aves
Whitney Aves is a dedicated family and consumer sciences teacher from Hutchinson, KS with a passion for teaching valuable life skills to her students within four career pathways. Armed with a Bachelor of Science in Family and Consumer Science Education from Kansas State University, she possesses a strong academic foundation that has informed her teaching practices. Throughout her career, she has consistently demonstrated a commitment to fostering a positive learning environment. She builds strong relationships with her students, ensuring that they each feel valued within her classroom. She has a strong track record of creating engaging and inclusive classroom experiences, tailoring her teaching methods to accommodate diverse learning styles, and encouraging critical thinking and curiosity.
Aves is an advocate for providing hands-on, engaging, career experiences for her students. Aves has helped many students earn industry recognized certifications within the restaurant management and hospitality pathway as well as the early childhood pathway. She provides a variety of lab opportunities for her culinary students, which challenge her students while helping them gain practical knowledge and confidence that will carry them through life. Students in Aves’ classes regularly demonstrate their professional skills by catering for large events throughout the year. Aves also connects her students to her community through a variety of field trips, guest speakers, and observation experiences.
Aves also serves as a chapter advisor for Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America whose mission is to promote personal growth and leadership development through FCS education as students grow into their roles as family members, wage earners, and community leaders.
Sponsor and Exhibitor Information
Showcase your product or service at our event!
