1PM EDT

Led by Nico Valencia, Career Readiness Leader, Intuit & Karla Readshaw, Strategic Partner Manager, Intuit | Moderators: Amina Music & Sonja Visser

Join this in-depth immersion into Experimentation, one pillar within Design for Delight. You will learn to identify your riskiest assumptions, and how to build a prototype to test them with customers in 48 hours or less, with little to no money. Decisions are better based on facts than assumptions; experiments are usually the best way to get the facts.

11AM – 12PM EDT

Moderators: Elizabeth Pooran & Yuvi Dhir

Join our Zoom room with your questions! Come chat with other facilitators and VE staff.

11AM – 12PM EDT

Moderators: Meghan Foley & Abril Peña

Join our Zoom room with your questions! Come chat with other facilitators and VE staff.

1PM EDT

Led by Nico Valencia, Career Readiness Leader, Intuit & Karla Readshaw, Strategic Partner Manager, Intuit | Moderators: Susan Chan & Amina Music

Join this in-depth immersion into Customer Empathy, one pillar of Design for Delight. You will learn how to gain customer insights through “Follow Me Homes”, defining key problems in a “Customer Problem Statement” and declare a bold vision for the future by defining an “Ideal State.”

1PM EDT

Led by Nico Valencia, Career Readiness Leader, Intuit & Karla Readshaw, Strategic Partner Manager, Intuit | Moderators: Abril Peña & Gina Pol

Join this in-depth immersion into Go Broad to Go Narrow, one pillar of Design for Delight. To get to one great idea, you need a lot of them. Go for quantity first, then be intentional about narrowing to the best one. You will learn the best practices of group brainstorming and narrowing techniques like the 2×2 and 100 point methods.

Led by Kendra Lee, IL VE Coordinator | Moderator: Susan Chan

Attend an orientation on VE and the ongoing support they will receive through their mentor cohorts this year. Teachers will gain an understanding of this year’s timeline as well as an understanding of the resources that are available to them. Session Type: Presentation Plus

Led by Nick Chapman, VE President | Moderator: Amina Music

Join VE President Nick Chapman to hear about the latest program updates to VE, including professional development and how your favorite events have been reimagined for the 2020-21 school year. Session Type: Presentation Plus

Led by Iris Blanc, VE Founder & Will Wilson, National Middle School Program Director | Moderator: Elizabeth Pooran

This session will provide an overview of the VE-JV (Junior Ventures) Middle School Career Academy, a two-year program that fosters career exploration and career readiness at an early age. Teachers will explore materials and resources to get them ready to implement the program. Session Type: Presentation Plus

Led by Kendra Lee, IL VE Coordinator | Moderator: Abril Peña

Learn the basic elements that make up VE including the Career Readiness Framework, VE Curriculum, VE program implementation, and a review of VE resources. Session Type: Panel Discussion

Led by Iris Blanc, VE Founder; Gina Pol, Program Support Manager; & Wendy Schmitt, National Program Manager | Moderator: Meghan Foley

This session will include a walk-through of the VE Hub and associated tools. We will review resources, highlight new features, and answer your questions. Session Type: Presentation Plus

Led by Will Wilson, National Middle School Program Director | Moderator: Yuvaraj Dhir

All VE-JV Program resources are housed in the VE Hub. Located within the Hub is our VE Learning Management System (VE-LMS), which holds the curriculum. In this session, participants will develop facility with these platforms by exploring the basic features of the Hub and VE-LMS. Session Type: Presentation Plus

New & Returning VE Teachers: Introduction to Design Thinking

Led by Nico Valencia, Career Readiness Leader at Intuit; Karla Readshaw, Strategic Partner Manager at Intuit; & Wendy Schmitt, National Program Manager  | Moderator: Susan Chan

Join this 1-hour design thinking session to get immersed in Design for Delight (D4D), Intuit’s secret weapon for problem solving, innovation and entrepreneurship. The workshop will bring to life its three pillars, Deep Customer Empathy, Go Broad to Go Narrow, Rapid Experiments with Customers, and how they can be applied in VE to help build critical 21st century skills. Session Type: Presentation Plus

Led by Joanna Gillen, NY VE Facilitator & Maria Frangella, NY VE Facilitator | Moderator: Elizabeth Pooran

In this session, VE-JV facilitators will be introduced to the components of the Year 1 curriculum, “Technology Applications for Business.” Participants will explore the Year 1 course structure of teacher lessons, student activities, and resources. Session Type: Presentation Plus

All Teachers: Creating Connections: Fostering a Community of Practice

Led by Nick Chapman, VE President | Moderator: Meghan Foley

Following an introduction to plans for the 2020-21 Facilitator Mentor Network, participants will choose an implementation cohort for smaller group discussions. Guided conversations will include challenges, opportunities and questions for facilitation within each delivery model. Session Type: Discussions & Breakouts

Led by Joseph Dunne-Jaffe, NY VE Facilitator | Moderator: Yuvaraj Dhir

In this session, VE-JV facilitators will be introduced to the Year 2 Curriculum, “Junior Ventures.” Participants will explore the activity map, course outlines, lessons, and instructional components. Session Type: Presentation Plus

Led by Jillian Berg, FL Regional Director | Moderator: Abril Peña

Explore the facilitation process required to implement the VE curriculum. Learn to use the pacing guide to create a fun learning environment for students. Break-out discussions and best practices will be presented to help identify methods that can be used in a variety of educational environments. Session Type: Discussions & Breakouts

Led by Nick Chapman, VE President | Moderator: Amina Music 

Join a panel of veteran VE facilitators from across the country as they discuss the opportunities and challenges of guiding students through the VE program in a hybrid learning environment. Topics to be explored include opportunities and challenges from this past spring, and where to focus to keep all students engaged this fall. Session Type: Panel Discussion

Led by Joanna Gillen, NY VE Facilitator & Joseph Dunne-Jaffe, NY VE Facilitator | Moderator: Elizabeth Pooran

In this session, VE-JV facilitators will explore the complex facilitation process required to implement parts of the Year 1 curriculum and the entire Year 2 curriculum. Break-out discussions and best practices will be presented and discussed in order to identify methods that can be used in a variety of educational environments. Session Type: Discussions & Breakouts

Led by Carrie Smith, MI State Coordinator | Moderator: Susan Chan

For many students, the VE interview may be their first experience with interviewing. During this session, a panel of VE veteran teachers will discuss their experiences with this activity and the best procedures to engage mentors for your firm’s interview day. Session Type: Panel Discussion

Led by Jillian Berg, FL Regional Director & Wendy Schmitt, National Program Manager | Moderator: Meghan Foley

During this panel discussion, veteran facilitators will review the interview process and student portfolio tasks under three primary VE delivery models using VE Career Readiness Framework as a guide. Session Type: Panel Discussion

Led by Joanna Gillen, NY VE Facilitator & Maria Frangella, NY VE Facilitator | Moderator Yuvaraj Dhir

In this session, VE-JV facilitators will take a deep dive into the Year 1 Curriculum. Each unit will be covered and explained. Participants will experience a lesson as a student. Session Type: Discussion & Breakouts

Led by Carrie Smith, MI State Coordinator | Moderator: Meghan Foley

This deep-dive session will take participants into the Business Registration Process and includes how to register a business in the VE-LMS and access various Marketplace Tools. Session Type: Presentation Plus

Led by Wendy Schmitt, National Program Manager & Gina Pol, Program Support Manager | Moderator: Amina Music

Managing a classroom where students are working on many different tasks at once can be challenging. During this session, we will highlight new tools to help facilitate the VE experience. Session Type: Presentation Plus

Led by Joseph Dunne-Jaffe, NY VE Facilitator | Moderator: Elizabeth Pooran

In this session, VE-JV facilitators will take a deep dive into the Year 2 Curriculum. Each Unit and related tasks/resources will be explored. Teachers will experience a lesson as a student. Best practices will be presented and discussed with veteran VE-JV teachers. Session Type: Discussions & Breakouts

New & Returning VE Teachers: VE Scavenger Hunt: Exploring the VE Hub

Led by Wendy Schmitt, National Program Manager & Jillian Berg, FL Regional Director | Moderator: Meghan Foley

In this hands-on networking session, facilitators will work in peer groups to complete a scavenger hunt throughout the VE Hub and LMS. Session Type: Discussions & Breakouts

Led by Will Wilson, National Middle School Program Director & Gina Pol, Program Support Manager | Moderator: Yuvaraj Dhir

The Year 2 Curriculum requires the facilitator and employees (students) to register their business, apply for a business loan, access various Martketplace Tools and the VE bank. In this session, participants will take a deep dive into the Marketplace Tools and how they relate to running a successful VE-JV firm as well as the VE bank.. Session Type: Presentation Plus

Led by Jillian Berg, FL Regional Director; Kendra Lee, IL State Coordinator; & Carrie Smith, MI State Coordinator | Moderator: Susan Chan

Using the VE Pacing Guide, facilitators will be introduced to a variety of strategies that can be used in the VE class to facilitate concurrent tasks among multiple departments and teams. Facilitators will learn to use the competition deadlines as end-points to guide their pacing. Session Type: Panel Discussion

Led by Nick Chapman, VE President | Moderator: Amina Music

DON’T MISS THIS SESSION! Topics will include: the 2020-21 modified VE calendar, an overview of National Competitions, National Business Plan Competition, VE Top 50, and how these modified experiences align to the Career Readiness Framework and provide Work-Based Learning opportunities in a hybrid/blending learning environment. Session Type: Presentation Plus

Led by Will Wilson, National Middle School Program Director | Moderator: Elizabeth Pooran

In this session, participants will explore assessment techniques and strategies in a project based learning environment. Session Type: Panel Discussion

Led by Kendra Lee, IL State Coordinator | Moderator: Abril Peña

In this panel discussion, expert VE facilitators will discuss the importance of developing a strong marketing plan for their VE Firm while sharing ideas and best practices to prepare for competition. Session Type: Panel Discussion

Led by Mark Jones, NC State Coordinator & Wendy Schmitt, National Program Manager | Moderator: Meghan Foley

Join a panel of veteran facilitators as they discuss the essentials of the VE Marketing Plan. We will be reviewing department tasks and the updated competition rubric, and veteran facilitators will share their best practices for facilitation and successful presentations. Session Type: Panel Discussion

Led by Will Wilson, National Middle School Program Director | Moderator: Yuvaraj Dhir

There’s nothing more satisfying than watching a class of Year 2 VE-JV students collaborating in their individual departments and completing their work. In this session, veteran VE-JV facilitators will discuss best practices for managing departments throughout the year. Session Type: Panel Discussion

Led by Carrie Smith, MI State Coordinator | Moderator: Gina Pol

Review the financial planning required to get your firm up and running. Session will cover funding the business, making payroll, identifying capital needs, and making projections. Session Type: Presentation Plus

Led by Teri Jones, CA Regional Director & Irv Wortman, Long Island Program Coordinator | Moderator: Amina Music

Using the enhanced Finance Competition Rubric as an outline, this session will review financial planning, funding and making projections for the VE firm. Best Practices and tips for success will also be shared. Session Type: Presentation Plus

Led by Will Wilson, National Middle School Program Director & Elizabeth Pooran, NYC Program Coordinator | Moderator: Elizabeth Pooran

In this session, VE-JV facilitators will explore and use a variety of digital tools that can assist with remote learning. Session Type: Presentation Plus

Led by Carrie Smith, MI State Coordinator; Lori Jepson, CA VE Facilitator; & Emily Watkins-Daigle, Intuit Education Account Manager | Moderator: Susan Chan

Following a short step-by-step session on how to establish your firm’s QuickBooks Online account for the new year, this session includes an overview of QuickBooks online. Session Type: Presentation Plus

Led by Nick Chapman, VE President & Gina Pol, Program Support Manager | Moderator: Meghan Foley

Join a panel discussion surrounding use of QuickBooks Online with your VE Firm. Common challenges, pro tips, and a review of the QBO Competition Rubric will be included, as well as an update of the QBO Student Pilot initiative. Session Type: Panel Discussion

Led by Will Wilson, National Middle School Program Manager | Moderator: Yuvaraj Dhir

For many students, the VE-JV interview may be the first time they have practiced interviewing in their lives. During this session, a panel of VE-JV veteran teachers will discuss their experience with this learning activity. Session Type: Panel Discussion

Led by Kendra Lee, IL State Coordinator; Carrie Smith, MI State Coordinator; & Jillian Berg, FL Regional Director | Moderator: Susan Chan

During this session, with the help of VE staff, facilitators will break into teams to create a curriculum map of lessons and activities for the first day of class, the first week of class and the first month of class. Session Type: Discussions & Breakouts

Led by Tim O’Shei, NY VE Facilitator | Moderator: Meghan Foley

The same skills that evoke laughs onstage help business professionals – including VE students – generate more sales, supercharge their marketing and improve their communication. Join VE teacher Tim O’Shei, who has trained in improv comedy in Toronto, New York and Los Angeles, for an interactive workshop where you’ll take away quick strategies for using improv techniques such as “Yes and,” active listening both in your classroom and online. It’ll be good for business — and for laughs! Session Type: Presentation Plus

Led by Amy Demchak, NY VE Facilitator | Moderator: Abril Peña

Learn how to create a unique, real-world, comprehensive, and integrated personal finance experience for the virtual enterprise student-employee that can be applied to the work simulation and carried into real life. Session Type: Presentation Plus

Returning VE & VE-JV Teachers: Choice C: Intro to Design Thinking (repeat)

Led by Nico Valencia, Career Readiness Leader at Intuit; Karla Readshaw, Strategic Partner Manager at Intuit; & Will Wilson, National Middle School Program Director | Moderator: Elizabeth Pooran

Join this 1-hour design thinking session to get immersed in Design for Delight (D4D), Intuit’s secret weapon for problem solving, innovation and entrepreneurship. The workshop will bring to life its three pillars, Deep Customer Empathy, Go Broad to Go Narrow, Rapid Experiments with Customers, and how they can be applied in VE to help build critical 21st century skills. Session Type: Presentation Plus

New & Returning VE Teachers: Choice A: Preparing for a Trade Show / Online Trade Shows

Led by  Teri Jones, CA Regional Director, Gina Pol, Program Support Manager  & Mark Jones, NC State Coordinator | Moderator: Gina Pol

Using an online trade show model, facilitators will review trade show setup and operations, and learn how to prepare for an online trade show. Session Type: Presentation Plus

New & Returning VE Teachers: Choice B: Establishing HR Policies and Procedures in your VE firm

Led by Jillian Berg, FL Regional Director & Wendy Schmitt, National Program Manager | Moderator: Amina Music

During this panel discussion, industry experts will discuss how current events have impacted real-world Human Resource Departments. Apply their experiences to your VE firm’s processes and practices in development of the Employee Handbook, when approaching employee evaluations, and handling day-to-day operations. Session Type: Panel Discussion

Led by Joanna Gillen, NY VE Facilitator & Joseph Dunne-Jaffe, NY VE Facilitator | Moderator: Yuvaraj Dhir

Competitions for your Year 2 program are motivating aspects of the program. In this session, we will review with the student competitions and how the competitions connect to the curriculum. Session Type: Presentation Plus

New & Returning VE Teachers: Choice A: VE Sales Process

Led by Sarah McCance, CA VE Facilitator & Benedict Tieniber, Ed.D., NY VE Facilitator | Moderator: Abril Peña

Making sales is the driving force behind the VE economy. Join this session for a review of Sales curriculum, discuss strategies to generate sales, and learn how to best utilize sales-related Marketplace Tools. Session Type: Presentation Plus

New & Returning VE Teachers: Choice B: The Importance of Teacher Feedback & Student Self-Assessment in Developing Career Readiness Competencies

Led by Michael Brownstein, Director of Strategic Growth & Amy Demchak, NY VE Facilitator | Moderator: Susan Chan

In this session, we will review connections between our Career Readiness Framework and student portfolio. We will also highlight how PRO Feedback frees teachers from being the sole assessor of students’ learning. More importantly, we will discuss how to give timely/actionable feedback as part of in-person/remote/hybrid classrooms. Session Type: TBD

Led by Will Wilson, National Middle School Program Director | Moderator: Elizabeth Pooran

The VE-LMS is a robust platform for delivering VE-JV content. In this session, participants will be guided through hands-on activities tthat enable them to use this platform. Session Type: Presentation Plus

All Teachers: Closing Session

Led By Nick Chapman, VE President

Join the final session of the 2020 NTC to reflect on the week, review upcoming summer learning opportunities and discuss plans for ongoing support during the new school year. Session Type: Presentation Plus