Anna ISD Launch Week: Back to School 2026

Great programs start with great instruction! This two-hour session brings all CTE educators together to explore high-impact instructional strategies that drive student success. From building effective formative assessments to facilitating highly engaging, hands-on lab environments, you will walk away with practical, ready-to-use teaching practices that elevate classroom culture and technical mastery.
Key Takeaways:
 Active Learning in CTE: Strategies to seamlessly blend theoretical knowledge with hands-on, practical application.
 Checking for Understanding: Quick, low-stakes formative assessment techniques that keep students on track without eating up lab time.
 Classroom & Lab Management: Best practices for maximizing student time-on-task, maintaining safety, and fostering an inclusive, professional environment.

This session will support CTE teachers with course map creation and lesson development. Participants will work on aligning course expectations, instructional plans, and classroom-ready lessons.

Get ready to make, create, and innovate! This intensive, three-hour session is a deep dive into our makerspace ecosystem. Whether you are looking for a refresher on the laser cutter or planning your next 3D printing project, this hands-on workshop covers essential equipment training, safety protocols, and cross-equipment project planning to maximize your lab's potential.
Key Takeaways:
- Tech & Fabrication (3D Printing, CAD, Laser, Cricut): Troubleshooting tips, design-to-production workflows, and best practices for student design files.
- Textiles & Electronics (Micro:bits, Sewing): Ideas for integrating physical computing with fabric arts and wearable tech.
- Traditional Fab & Safety (Saws): Standard operating procedures and safety check-offs for wood and structural fabrication.
- Lab Management & Planning: How to orchestrate multi-tool projects so the whole class stays engaged and safe.

This session will support CTE teachers with course map creation and lesson development. Participants will work on aligning course expectations, instructional plans, and classroom-ready lessons.

This session will provide makerspace team members with equipment training and planning time. Participants will review safe and effective use of tools such as Cricut, Microbits, 3D printing, CAD, laser cutting, saws, and sewing machines.

This session will support CTE teachers with course map creation and lesson development. Participants will work on aligning course expectations, instructional plans, and classroom-ready lessons.

This session will support CTE teachers with course map creation and lesson development. Participants will work on aligning course expectations, instructional plans, and classroom-ready lessons.

This session will provide planning time for CTSO and work-based learning expectations. Participants will review program needs, timelines, and supports for the school year.

Connect your classroom to the professional world! This one-hour strategic session focuses on integrating Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs) and Work-Based Learning (WBL) experiences seamlessly into your program. Discover how to plan your competitive season, manage WBL documentation, and leverage community partnerships to give your students a distinct professional edge.
Key Takeaways:
- CTSO Excellence: Practical timelines for chapter management, leadership development, and alignment with state/national competitions.
- WBL Implementation: Streamlining training agreements, tracking student hours, and ensuring compliance for internships, apprenticeships, or practicums.
- Industry Connections: Best practices for engaging business partners to serve as judges, mentors, and WBL hosts.