Session Descriptions

Thursday, October 4: Session Presenters

9:30-10:15--Session ONE Break Outs

Explore La Crosse! Brand Strategy

Explore La Crosse's Destination Brand Strategy which covers Brent’s process in building an audience for Explore La Crosse and how the La Crosse area attracts and communicates with visitors

Using Industry Tools with Students

We have a choice: provide students with “Easy Bake Ovens” or bring them to the “Master Chef” kitchen. Stop holding students back with simulations and teach them to use real world tools made for professionals. Learn about these and more: Trello, Xcode, Slack, Canva, Excel/Sheets, Wix/Weebly, Gapminder, Github

Google Slides: An Assessment Tool for the CTE Classroom

Session focus is about Strong’s experience with organizing student work into digital portfolios using Google Slides. The presentation will include overall plans and procedures, along with examples of student work. Tips for assessment and feedback, parent communication, and collaboration will be shared. Reflection on struggles and successes will also be highlighted.

Getting Started with the Microsoft Imagine Academy and Certification

Will your students be ready for the workforce when they graduate? Will they have practical Office computing skills that will help them get started in their careers? As Microsoft Imagine Academy (MSIA) members, you gain access to an in-depth set of STEM learning tools and a full curriculum for teaching technology courses. Microsoft Imagine Academy enables you to teach your students productivity, computer science, data science and IT infrastructure courses in your preferred style and to help you engage them in new and effective ways. You have access to a variety of tools and resources you can use to create and customize educational materials to prepare students for certification tests. Whether you prefer to employ self-paced online education, traditional instructor-led classroom teaching, or a combination of formats, these tools can help make your job easier. Join this session to learn more about the Imagine Academy and Certiport and get your students on the path to certification success!

Connect Learning to the Real World with EVERFI’s Online Resources

EVERFI’s online resources help educators teach critical skills in financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and career exploration at no cost to schools. These resources are standards-aligned and feature tools to track student knowledge gains. Attendees will receive login credentials, lesson plans and ongoing curriculum support. Please bring a laptop or tablet.

10:30-11:15--Session TWO Break Outs

Facilitation Tools & Techniques

Would you like to design more interactive and engaging class sessions? This workshop is designed to help you better facilitate so that participants learn, engage, and make progress. You will see high-impact activities that work for a variety of group sizes. You will learn how to use best practice techniques and tools to more confidently, actively, and successfully facilitate others. This is great for any class you’d like to make more interactive, collaborative, or reflective…including helping students engage and learn entrepreneurship.

AP Microeconomics

Sounds boring to you? It's what you put into it! If you are looking to add a new course, consider adding AP Microeconomics! This course boasts a 97% pass rate on the AP test! We'll go through the implementation thought process and advice about teaching this course.

Midwest High School Pitch Competition

Help prepare your high school students for the Midwest High School Pitch Competition. University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Launch Pad Director, Entrepreneurship Program Coordinator, Serial Entrepreneur and Author, Dave Gee, will discuss the science behind an effective startup pitch. These best practice strategies have been used by Tesla, Airbnb and more.

Career Projects for Any Classroom

Waunakee High School has a required 1/4 credit Career course for graduation. During this session, seven projects will be highlighted; two of which students must choose from for required work. (All projects have been curated to the WISELearn portal).

17 Tips on Teaching Social Media Marketing

Teaching a social media marketing course can be an extremely daunting task. The social media industry evolves so quickly that instructors simply don’t have enough time to keep up with the latest and greatest social media trends and updates. This presentation will give you tons of new ideas on ways to structure your course, as well as give you tips and tricks on how to stay current on the ever-changing social media world.

11:30-12:15--Session THREE Break Outs

Facilitation Tools & Techniques (Repeated session from 10:30)

Would you like to design more interactive and engaging class sessions? This workshop is designed to help you better facilitate so that participants learn, engage, and make progress. You will see high-impact activities that work for a variety of group sizes. You will learn how to use best practice techniques and tools to more confidently, actively, and successfully facilitate others. This is great for any class you’d like to make more interactive, collaborative, or reflective…including helping students engage and learn entrepreneurship.

DECA Updates & Best Practices (Emerging Leaders Series, SBE)

This session will focus on SBE, competitive events, emerging leaders, and crowd-sourcing of best practices. Link to the parking lot to post questions on any of the topics highlighted in this session is located here: https://padlet.com/heshal/decasession

Self-Paced & Digitize Your Elementary Keyboarding Classroom--for Free!

Do you teach keyboarding to upper elementary students? Do you struggle finding a sub or something for the sub to do with your students when you need to be gone? Do you wish you could provide enrichment for your higher-level keyboarding students without leaving others behind? Are you interested in gamifying your classroom? Find a potential answer to all these questions by hearing Jennifer’s experience using Google Classroom and teacher-created or vetted materials to make her elementary keyboarding classroom self-paced. There will also be baby steps toward gamification of the classroom presented.

Reading Literacy in the CTE Classroom

Struggling with ideas to bring reading literacy into your classroom? Looking for resources? This session will highlight ways to implement school goals with reading literacy activities in your CTE classroom.

Improve MOS Success Rates with Engaging, Progressive Online Learning (Convention Sponsor)

TestOut spent years researching and learning what frustrations/pains instructors and students had before creating a course. We wanted to provide the most streamlined way to learn Microsoft Office in the shortest amount of time. How students practice makes all the difference. Desktop Pro Plus features learning methodology that produces real results. After following our course methodology (videos, labs, and end of chapter tests), schools have reported that their class performance improved and their classes averaged 80% or better on combined tests of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. We want to give you access to Desktop Pro Plus so you can see it for yourself.

1:30-2:15--Session FOUR Break Outs

New Teacher--Mini Workshop

This session is designed for teachers new to the classroom experience and individuals who are preparing for a career in Business, Information Technology, and Marketing classrooms. Get the inside scoop on how your classroom is a vital piece of the Future Wisconsin Project and the DPI's vision for Student Success.

Connect with your State Education Consultants to discuss a variety of topics related to this ever-changing field. Topics may include: WISELearn, classroom strategies to overcome challenges, technology tips, effective methods of teaching, approaches to strategic assessment, building community support, and leadership development opportunities for you and your students.

Coding Integration and Collaboration

This session will highlight the use of coding in business and computers classes; collaboration project; and tools used (i.e. Scratch, CS First, Code.Org, Google Applied Digital Skills). Resources will include rubrics, grading strategies, and tips

Business Law: Trips, Tips, and Talk

Teaching Business Law this year and looking for ideas to jazz up your course? In this session information will be presented on various field trips, resources, and ideas you can incorporate for either your business law classroom or other CTE course.

Work-Based Learning with the High Impact Twist

The session aims to stretch our collective imagination on work-based learning (WBL) design options and how they can contribute to an evolutionary business education teaching and learning experience. Recognizing teaching and learning cannot be constrained to traditional methods, delivery modes, and place and space. The session aims to move teachers, CTE coordinators, and school leaders to embrace High Impact Work-based Learning across curriculum; consistent with applied business, information communication technology, and marketing competencies.

Help Your Students Get a Jump on the Future (Thursday Luncheon Co-Sponsor)

Junior Achievement is the largest organization in the country that helps school districts & educators prepare students for the future. We’ll share how our volunteer-led, standards-based curriculum can help your students avoid a life of poverty, unleash their spirit as entrepreneurs, and be ready for success in the business world.

Work-Based Learning with the High Impact Twist

The Century 21 Accounting Series celebrates its 115th anniversary this year! While this best-selling series has changed over the years, attend this session to learn about the recent updates to MindTap, the current online course solution for Online Working Papers and other assignments. Get a sneak-peak into the new simulations within MindTap that will release shortly after the 11th editions of the General Journal and Multicolumn titles this spring. For teachers who are interested in bringing digital assessment and practice into the classroom for the first time, get a deep dive into the ways teachers are using online assessment, practice, and analytics in their accounting courses! For those who has used Aplia Online Working Papers in the past, this session will go over how that software has been updated and incorporated into the new solution.

2:30-3:15--Session FIVE Breakouts

BMIT Teaching & Trends

Have you ever wondered what classes are trending in Business, Marketing and Information Technology? Are you interested in meeting and sharing ideas with other educators who teach similar courses as you? Are you looking for new ideas for your classroom? If so, this share out session is perfect for you!

Navigate the Future with MBA Research Learning Center (DOUBLE SESSION)

The MBA Learning Center includes over 300 comprehensive learning modules in all areas of business, marketing, and career readiness. A panel of educators will illustrate how the Learning Center has positively helped them “Navigate their Future.”

The second half of this double session will be dedicated for attendees to explore and access the resources that are available to them.

Using Google Sites for Student Portfolios

Are you looking to offer a game design class in your program, but are stumped for resources? Or a coding/computer science unit to add to an existing class? The increased emphasis on including more coding and more computer science in schools has generated interest in game design. Attend this session to learn more about software programs, apps, and even virtual reality resources for teaching game design. Best of all, the resources are FREE!

Teachers as Expert Learners

In a rapidly changing world, it’s near impossible for a teacher to prepare students for careers that don’t exist yet. What is possible is mastering the art and science of learning. Learn strategies to embrace the expert learner mindset so that their students have access to more opportunities.

Business of Being You (Thursday Luncheon Co-Sponsor)

Running a business is hard work! As a CEO, your good decisions are responsible for the successes of your company – the networking, long-term goals, finances, marketing and sales. And, guess what? YOU are the CEO of your own life! Every decision you make, every post you post, every dollar you spend – these decisions affect your bottom line, and your future! Michelle Grajkowski, a former educator and Wisconsin Business World Manager, is the owner of a successful, 18-year-old literary agency. In The Business of Being You, Michelle will give you the tools you need to take back to your students to show them how to reframe their thinking, and to become the best boss of their own lives – everyday!

3:30-4:15--Session SIX Breakouts

Business Panel: John Funke, JB White; Rick Klein, Gundersen Health Systems; Megan Harcey, Kwik Trip; Cheryl Dutton, Altra Credit Union

La Crosse area businesses discuss topics concerning what is happening in businesses today and what students need to know as they prepare for the world of work. Session will focus on audience questions with panelists.

Navigate the Future w/MBA Research Learning Center (DOUBLE SESSION Con't From Break Five - this second half of the session is Hands-On)

The second half of this double session will be dedicated for attendees to explore and access the resources that are available from the MBA Learning Center.

How to Access and Use Data Effectively in Business Education

Utilizing data is the cornerstone of decision-making. Data driven decision-making can improve the overall quality of education for all stakeholders. The use of data in business education has many implications for schools, administrators, educators, students, policymakers, and for research. Data provides purpose, direction, and accountability for all aspects of business education.

FBLA Updates

Learn about FBLA chapter organization, important deadlines, conferences, fundraising, project submissions for competitions, resources, and more!

Differentiating in the CTE Classroom

Learn how strong instructional resources can help support all CTE learners succeed.

Friday, October 5: Session Presenters

9:45-10:30--Session ONE Break Outs

Mindfulness 101

Mindfulness meditation is a practice that has helped people calm their minds, gain insight, and improve wellbeing for thousands of years. Modern day researchers have uncovered a host of mental, emotional, and physical benefits. Come see why this ancient practice is reawakening today and getting so much attention. This session will introduce mindfulness and provide several guided practices.

Personal Finance: Revolutionizing the PFL Classroom

This session will help you make the best use of ready-made and customizable, FREE, content for your personal finance class. A ready-to-use unit on philanthropy for your Personal Finance class will also be highlighted. This is the first of its kind for a high school setting, and it combines the power of giving with the knowledge of making good financial decisions. Created in partnership with Next Gen Personal Finance holds the possibility of partnering with local philanthropists to connect students to the causes that they believe in. So come join us and see what the future of Personal Finance looks like!

Marketing Curriculum Share

This curriculum share will provide you with free and editable access to your colleagues’ best activities, resources, and projects. Are you lacking ideas in a particular unit? Teaching a new course and need fresh ideas? Marketing and Business teachers need this time to collaborate, get new inspiration, and see what others are doing in their classrooms that WORKS! Please bring your favorite resource to share by placing a copy into the Google Drive Folder. A special gift for those that successfully upload their resource to WISELearn prior to the workshop.

Work-Based Learning 101

Learn how to successfully incorporate work based learning opportunities into your high school -- from general Employability Skills to Youth Apprenticeship Programs. Best practices from a B&IT teacher and the School to Career Coordinator at Waunakee High School will be shared.

10:45-11:30--Session TWO Break Outs

Building a Classroom Community

Almost all of us have advisories in our schools, but what does yours look like? Is it a study hall? Is it a struggle to get students to participate in required lessons? Walk away from this session with a handful of tools and activities to help students get to know one another, build them up and help them support one another.

“Don’t Underestimate the Importance of Body Language”

Join La Crosse Toastmaster club officers Nick Lechnir, VP of Education, and Dana Ecker, VP of Membership, as they talk about their unique perspectives and journeys with public speaking. Nick and Dana explain how they became more effective communicators by using body language, vocal variety, grammar and vocabulary, time management, and audience engagement techniques. Learn how to speak in inspirational, entertaining, and informative ways without being boring, in addition to being an active listener and giving specific, positive, and helpful feedback.

Toastmasters is an educational organization that teaches you how to give effective speeches and presentations, while also teaching you valuable leadership skills.

Promotion Through Social Media

Let's get to the nuts and bolts of creating a successful social media presence for your organization! This hands-on session will share apps, tools, strategies and more to get the most out of your social media efforts. Plenty of time for Q&A - and your mind will be overflowing with excitement as you head back to school with new ideas!

Servant Leadership in Business

11:45-12:30--Session Three Break Outs

Mindfulness 101 (this session is repeated from break out one)

Mindfulness meditation is a practice that has helped people calm their minds, gain insight, and improve wellbeing for thousands of years. Modern day researchers have uncovered a host of mental, emotional, and physical benefits. Come see why this ancient practice is reawakening today and getting so much attention. This session will introduce mindfulness and provide several guided practices.

Teaching Accounting with General Accepted Accounting Principles (Sponsored by WICPA)

Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) standards have become principle-based to align with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). Introducing a principle based standard can be challenging. Discussion on best practices in the Accounting classroom will be highlighted during this session.

Building Her Business: Women in the Tech World

Since starting a business in 2014 in a niche market, Andrea has learned a LOT! This interactive session will breakdown some of the biggest successes and failures along her journey. Their have been some unique challenges being a woman, but there are also some distinct advantages! After exploring these, their will be time for discussion on what you need for your female students to encourage them into these opportunities.

UnCorking Pop-Up Retailing & Social Media (Google Hangout Session)

Tyler Balliet has been producing and marketing large-scale wine events for over a decade. As Founder of Wine Riot, a touring, educational wine festival, he threw over 50 major events in six US cities selling over 150,000 tickets in total. In 2018 Balliet founded and launched Rosé Mansion, an 18,000 sq. ft. wine pop-up on 5th Ave in Manhattan with a capacity of over 5,000 attendees per week. The pop-up is slated to run from July - October of 2018. Balliet was awarded the Inc Magazine 30 Under 30 award, was on the cover of Wine Enthusiast Magazine for receiving the 40 Under 40 award, and was recently on Good Morning America.

Technical Incentive Grant Experience: A*S*K Certification (Pre-Sign Up Required)

A*S*K Certification represents the “Assessment” of the “Skills” and “Knowledge” of Business. Certifications are comprehensive, challenging, and highly focused on real-world business expectations. The certification is on the approved technical incentive grant list; therefore, you will have the opportunity to complete the certification which will help “Navigate the Future!”