This session will provide essential information to prepare for the 2026-2027 school year, including updates on the Program of Studies, available Industry Certifications, and other key topics.
Take free Industry Certification Exams from Comptia/TestOut, Pearson/Certiport, and MBA Research ASK Institute. Get certified to better prepare your students.
This workshop is designed to bridge the gap between the classroom and the evolving 2026 workforce. Learn from our business and industry partners as they provide high school educators with a "front-row seat" to the trends, strategies and technologies currently defining the world of business and marketing.
For teachers who are teaching Personal Finance as a graduation requirement and/or business elective, trust me when I say, you should be utilizing the Mimic Personal Finance simulation, made by Stukent, in your classroom. Introducing a new simulation can be daunting. During this session I will show you how to introduce it to your students and give you some best practices for implementation.
Five percent of our entire economy is construction. As Mike Rowe says, AI won't build your house. Business skills are threatened by AI, but utilizing those skills in a hands-on way will not be replaced. Eastern Kentucky University's Construction Management Program requires classes in Estimating, Engineering the Economy, Contracts, Scheduling, Survey of Accounting, Principles of Management, Microeconomics, Business Law and Ethics, and Computer Applications in Technology. Many of these classes are skills we are already teaching. Make business and community partnerships with these hands-on programs that will not be replaced. Steer your students in the direction of these new high-needs areas.
Panel discussion of the benefits that the High School of Business Pathway offers both teachers and students. Discussion would include fast paced curriculum, real world projects, effective use of teams/project based learning, integration with National Business Standards, and quality instruction of business standards.
Transforming Your School StoreExplore how a school store can evolve from a small, limited space into a full-scale retail operation that serves both the school and the surrounding community. Using a real-world transformationfrom a store in a closet to a 1,200 square foot retail space with public access where students learn modern retail strategies, creative revenue generation, and cross-program collaboration. We will focus on product diversification beyond clothing, and how an entire CTE department can work together to raise funds that support multiple programs. Focus will be on promotions, product, equipment, public outreach, charitable giving and how to manage growth. Additionally, I will share what works for us and some contacts to help you get started on your own growth journey.
Middle School? Bruh, thats tough. Join Mr. Hellard as he walks through how to build a middle school program that students cannot wait to sign up for. Mr. Hellard launched a Middle School Business Pathway from ground zero. In less than 2 years, his classes were full with 120+ students and an CTSO with 100 active members. Mr. Hellard is here to talk about the good, bad, and ugly of Middle School. He is ready to help you LEVEL UP your program.
The first year of teaching can feel overwhelming—especially in a business classroom where standards, industry expectations, and CTSO leadership intersect. This session offers a practical look at year one from both a new teacher and a department head. Learn how to navigate pathway standards, plan with purpose, and avoid common pitfalls, while also managing a successful CTSO chapter. The session also highlights how mentors and administrators can effectively support new teachers to build confidence, growth, and retention. Whether you are new or supporting new staff, you’ll leave with practical tools, honest insights, and strategies to ensure no first-year teacher navigates alone.
This session will go over ways to teach Ethical Leadership in the classroom as add-ons to other courses or as a standalone course. There is free certification with this course, and it looks great on resumes. In a world full of clickbait and ugly news, these students need a foundation for success, growth, and decision-making strategies that will make them thrive not only in business but in life.
Unlock the full potential of MBA Research resources to give your students a competitive edge in DECA and FBLA competitions. This session focuses on navigating the MBA Research "State Connection" and Learning Center to find high-aligned content that maps directly to competitive event performance indicators.
As artificial intelligence becomes more common in education, teachers must understand both its benefits and limitations. This session provides an overview of AI, explores how students are using it, and highlights appropriate classroom applications. Educators will be introduced to practical AI tools that support learning, creativity, and ethical use.
Integrate career-ready digital skills into digital literacy, business essentials, marketing, and management courses using practical, ready-to-use classroom resources. Participants will explore tools and instructional strategies that strengthen Microsoft Office proficiency, digital communication, collaboration, productivity, and online professionalism across multiple business pathways. Attendees will leave with adaptable materials that support real-world applications, increase student engagement, and prepare learners for postsecondary education and the modern workplace.
We’ll dive into three high-interest areas: Marketing, Fashion, and Sports Marketing. I’ll be sharing my favorite student-tested projects—including both free resources and curated paid assignments. Come prepared to roll up your sleeves, as we’ll be completing a hands-on project together in every session!
