Council on Occupational Education Participates in 2026 Ohio PACE Spring Conference

The 2026 Ohio Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE), Postsecondary Adult Career-Technical Education (PACE), and Ohio Talent Development Network (OTDN) Spring Conference was held April 9–10, 2026, at the Embassy Suites in Dublin, Ohio. The conference brought together educators, administrators, and workforce development leaders from across the state to engage in collaborative professional learning, exchange best practices, and strengthen career and technical education (CTE) programs.

Representing comprehensive and compact high schools, joint vocational school districts, adult career centers, and community colleges, attendees participated in meaningful discussions focused on advancing postsecondary adult career and technical education through innovative strategies, practical solutions, and valuable networking opportunities.

On behalf of the Council on Occupational Education (COE), Dr. Tennie McBryde, Assistant Vice President of Institutional Evaluation, delivered a presentation titled “Let’s Get Standardized – Standard Ten: Student Services and Activities.” Her session provided attendees with insights into accreditation expectations and highlighted effective approaches to strengthening student support services within career-focused institutions.

The conference featured a variety of timely and impactful sessions, including Building the Skills Gap with High-Quality Manufacturing Credentials, Workforce Pell, Aligning Education and Industry: Ohio’s Manufacturing Workforce Blueprint in Action, Relationships Determine Results: Connections Build Our Future, Using AI to Enhance and Supplement Instruction, Federal Financial Aid Updates, and Effective Default Management. These presentations offered practical guidance and emerging best practices designed to enhance educational quality, workforce alignment, and student success.

Reflecting on the event, Dr. McBryde shared, “It is always exciting to collaborate with our membership and observe how they remain at the forefront of innovative educational practices that empower adult students to achieve their educational goals, career aspirations, and life ambitions. The workshops created dynamic opportunities to network, collaborate, and exchange ideas with members, constituents, and colleagues while reinforcing our shared commitment to excellence in career and technical education. Through advocacy, information, and resources, Ohio’s Adult Career-Technical educators continue to provide exceptional opportunities for adult learners across the state.”

The conference exemplified the spirit of collaboration that is central to COE’s mission. As one of the Council’s core values, collaboration drives partnerships with educational institutions and stakeholders to continuously enhance the quality, effectiveness, and impact of career and technical education through accreditation and continuous improvement.

COE values its longstanding relationship with Ohio’s career and technical education community and looks forward to supporting and participating in the 2027 PACE Spring Conference.