High School Educator Accounting Symposium

High School Educator Accounting Symposium

High School Educator Accounting Symposium

Overview

As a high school educator, you play a pivotal role in preparing students for their academic and professional future.


The High School Educator Accounting Symposium is an essential professional development opportunity that will provide the tools, ideas and resources you need to enhance the classroom experience for students and promote their achievements.


Grants
As an attendee, you'll have the opportunity to apply for an Accounting Career Awareness Grant of up to $2,500

Networking
Network with your fellow high school educators, as well as meet and hear from college educators and CPAs

Classroom Resources
Receive first-hand insights, innovative curriculum ideas and key resources

Who Should Attend

High school educators, guidance counselors and student teachers who are involved in educating students about accounting or business and are looking for the latest updates, curriculum ideas and new tools to better serve students.

Overnight Accommodations

A block of rooms has been reserved at the Milwaukee Marriott West in Waukesha (across from the WICPA Office) for the night of Thursday, Nov. 20, with a room rate of $119 (plus tax). To reserve a room, please call 262-574-0888 and mention you are attending the WICPA event.

Accounting Career Awareness Grants

Attend to apply for a grant of up to $2,500!

Each year, the WICPA Educational Foundation awards numerous grants to high school educators. The first step towards getting one for your class is to attend this year's High School Educator Accounting Symposium!

Note: Full-day attendance is required to apply for an Accounting Career Awareness Grant. Grant applications must be submitted by Friday, Jan. 9, 2026. Recipients will be announced in February/March 2026.

First-Time Attendee Stipend

The first 20 high school educators who register and are first-time attendees have the option to receive a $250 stipend!

6.8 CPE Credits

Registration

Registration is open through 11/21.

Member Price

$25

Nonmember Price

$50

Friday, November 21

8:30am to 4:00pm (Check-In 8:00am)

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WICPA

W233N2080 Ridgeview Pkwy Ste 201
Waukesha, WI 53188

Map and Directions

Agenda

Friday, Nov 21st

8:00AM TO 8:30AM / General Session

8:30AM TO 8:35AM / General Session

Mark Bichler, Accounting Teacher & Department Chair, Port Washington High School

8:35AM TO 9:25AM / General Session

Michael Brown, Senior National Instructor, Becker Professional Education

Amy Napolski, Senior Accountant Manager, Becker Professional Education

Demand and job satisfaction are high for accountants, especially CPAs.  Encourage your students to enter the profession by learning more about the vast opportunities in the accounting profession and credentials for accountants.  A discussion of the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) credential and the pathways to obtain the CPA. 

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9:25AM TO 9:35AM / General Session

Tammy Hofstede, President & CEO, WICPA

Get a brief update on the status of WICPA legislation that will introduce a third pathway to CPA licensure in Wisconsin.

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9:45AM TO 10:45AM / General Session

Mark Bichler, Accounting Teacher & Department Chair, Port Washington High School

Lisa Derouin, Assistant Professor, Wisconsin Lutheran College

Brett Killion, Associate Professor of Accounting, Lakeland University

Stacy Stinson, Assistant Professor - Accounting, Concordia University

Get insights and tips from college educators about how your students can prepare for and succeed in college accounting. You’ll hear perspectives from both public and private college educators.

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10:55AM TO 12:10PM / General Session

Mark Bichler, Accounting Teacher & Department Chair, Port Washington High School

Collaborate, network and share ideas, successes, tools and more with fellow attendees in a series of organized brief exchanges.

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12:55PM TO 1:15PM / General Session

Mark Bichler, Accounting Teacher & Department Chair, Port Washington High School

Share thoughts and ideas from the networking session.

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1:15PM TO 1:45PM / General Session

Mark Bichler, Accounting Teacher & Department Chair, Port Washington High School

This session will review and give new opportunities for ALL STUDENTS in your classroom.  A brief discussion and materials will be provided for opportunities such as: Transcripted Technical College Credit (Transcripted), CAPP Accounting, and new for 2026/2027 AP Business w/Personal Finance.

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1:55PM TO 3:00PM / General Session

Mark Bichler, Accounting Teacher & Department Chair, Port Washington High School

Omunazia Hicks, Staff Accountant, Wegner CPAs

Allyson Hofstede, Director Finance Governance, Horace Mann Insurance Company

Marcus Smrecek, Tax Manager, Smrecek & Co., S.C.

Elizabeth Unger, Audit Associate, Baker Tilly

Hear the perspectives of the accounting profession directly from CPAs in different positions, stages of their career and areas of the accounting field. You'll learn about different roles and responsibilities, along with advice for students considering accounting as a profession. 

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3:00PM TO 3:30PM / General Session

Mark Bichler, Accounting Teacher & Department Chair, Port Washington High School

Tammy Hofstede, President & CEO, WICPA

Find out how to apply for an Accounting Career Awareness Grant of up to $2,500, as  well as learn about resources for your students, including an option for your students to become WICPA members for free.

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3:30PM TO 3:35PM / General Session

Mark Bichler, Accounting Teacher & Department Chair, Port Washington High School

3:35PM TO 3:40PM / Breakout Sessions

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3:40PM TO 3:45PM / Breakout Sessions

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3:45PM TO 3:50PM / Breakout Sessions

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