General Session Speakers

Thursday Opening General Session
Aaron Polansky

Aaron Polansky serves as a superintendent in Massachusetts and brings a dynamic background in education and leadership. He holds a Certificate in School Management and Leadership from Harvard’s Graduate School of Education, a Certificate in Entrepreneurship and Innovation from Harvard Business School Online, an M.S. in Athletic Administration from Springfield College, and a B.S. from UMass Amherst. With experience spanning pre-K to college as a coach, teacher and administrator, Polansky also worked in the private sector and led Massachusetts USA Wrestling for a decade. He is president-elect of both the Massachusetts Association of Vocational Administrators and the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents and serves on multiple state advisory boards and commissions. An award-winning educator and coach, Polansky is also the author of Dolphins in Trees, Beyond Us and Finding Purpose, which have inspired educators and leaders nationwide.

Thursday Lunchtime General Session Panel

Women in CTE: Elevating Voices and Removing Barriers
Panelists: Lauren Doherty, MBIT Assistant Director; Sandra Adams, ACTE Admin Division Vice President; Janel Humphries, Dallas ISD CTE Director; Dana King, Dean of Agricultural and Industrial Technologies, Illinois Central College
Moderator: Rachael Mann, Executive Director, NCLA

Join us for an empowering lunchtime panel celebrating the leadership, resilience, and impact of women in career and technical education. Although women represent the majority of K–12 educators, they remain underrepresented in CTE leadership roles and high-wage, high-demand fields. You'll hear from trailblazing CTE leaders who are breaking barriers, challenging stereotypes, and paving the way for the next generation. Panelists will share their personal journeys, reflect on systemic challenges, and offer insights on how to support and sustain inclusive leadership pipelines. Whether you're a seasoned educator or new to CTE, you’ll leave energized and equipped with bold ideas to drive innovation across all pathways.
 

Friday Closing General Session A.J. Rinaldi

Defining the Difference Maker
A.J. Rinaldi brings over 20 years of leadership experience in youth care and family services. As a seasoned administrator, he has earned a
strong reputation for designing and implementing effective behavior management systems that support both student development and instructional excellence. Throughout his career, Rinaldi has trained thousands of educators, youth care professionals and support staff across the country, equipping them with tools to create structured, engaging and supportive learning environments. His contributions have been widely recognized, including receiving the 2024 Outstanding Achievement Award from the Youth Intervention Programs Association and his induction into the Youth Worker Hall of Fame. Rinaldi's leadership style is both inspirational and practical. He blends real-world experience with evidence-based strategies rooted in human behavioral science, making his approach especially impactful in CTE settings that prepare students for career and life success.