GCC Con 2026

This interactive session explores teaching and learning through a holistic social, emotional, and culturally responsive (SEC) lens, providing teachers with practical strategies to increase student engagement in the classroom. Participants will explore how to integrate culturally responsive teaching and social-emotional learning into their practice, and leave with actionable approaches to support student growth and well-being.

In this session, we’ll share practical strategies for bridging academic and CTE instruction in ways that make learning more relevant, rigorous, and connected for students. Drawing from our roles as an instructional coach and college and career readiness director, we’ll explore what it looks like to integrate core academic standards into CTE classrooms—and bring CTE practices into core subject areas. Participants will leave with simple, adaptable tools that support cross-disciplinary collaboration, student engagement, and real-world learning pathways. Our goal is to offer ideas that are grounded, doable, and responsive to the realities teachers face every day.