8:45 AM - 9:50 AM

8:45 AM - 9:00 AM: Welcome to Teach for LA!

9:00AM - 9:15 AM: Tony Thurmond, California’s 28th State Superintendent of Public Instruction

Tony Thurmond was sworn in as California’s 28th State Superintendent of Public Instruction in 2019, bringing over 15 years of experience in public service across local and state government. An educator, social worker, and public school parent, he previously served on the Richmond City Council, the West Contra Costa Unified School Board, and in the California State Assembly. Raised in challenging circumstances after the loss of his mother, Thurmond relied on public schools and assistance programs to overcome poverty and pursue higher education. His career has focused on supporting foster youth, at-risk communities, and educational advancement, and he has led major initiatives to improve outcomes for students across California.

9:15AM - 9:50 AM: Rene Romero, 2026 California Teacher of the Year

Being named 2026 California Teacher of the Year has caused a lot of reflection; it has reiterated the power of teaching and the power of thresholds--those charged vulnerable spaces of "what is" and "what could be." Being an English Learner and the son of immigrants, I have been able to navigate through different spaces that have helped me serve as a guide to my students. My graduate studies have strengthened my pedagogy where I combine a love ethic with a productive rage to give my students the courage to cross different thresholds and create a space where my classroom mantra is to "treat people like stories." Everyone has a narrative worth hearing and everyone deserves a seat at the table.

10:00 AM - 10:50 AM

Young children need activities that promote cognitive skills to stimulate learning and acquisition of knowledge. The type of activities can activate Higher Order of Thinking Skills (HOTS) that are beyond memorizing. HOTS focus on problem solving skill, creating new ideas, evaluating and analyzing skills. These skills are critical in building cognitive processes encouraging and promoting deeper understanding complex problems. Using a developmentally appropriate practices (DAP), children can achieve their full potential. 

11:00 AM - 11:50 AM

This workshop is an interactive session that explores the value of dual language education and what it takes to be a dual language educator.

11:00 AM - 11:50 AM

 In this workshop participants will explore the importance of: 

• Understanding their why in choosing ECE

• Validating the work they do in ECE

• Various pathways to Early Childhood Education Leadership 

12:00 PM - 12:50 PM

Dive into the firsthand, real-world excitement of ocean exploration without leaving your classroom! Marley Parker, a professional science communicator and deep sea explorer, will share some of the educational tools she and her colleagues have developed while working on research vessels. She will also discuss how teachers can connect their students directly with researchers and engineers working aboard E/V Nautilus through live ship-to-shore video calls. During these calls, students can ask questions about deep sea critters, life at sea, ocean science careers, or anything else that piques their curiosity! These calls are free to classroom and community event audiences and can be pre-scheduled to match your teaching schedule.

1:00 PM - 1:50 PM

The Child Development Permit allows students to work in state funded preschool programs and sets requirements for the ECE field. Come and learn about the qualifications for the current permit and the new permit structure. We will discuss practical next steps and timelines.

2:00 PM - 2:50 PM

 (common teacher concerns  + real accommodations that actually work)

This workshop equips new teachers with practical strategies to support students with learning disabilities during key academic and life transitions. Participants will learn how to identify eligibility and address diverse needs, including those related to Autism Spectrum Disorder, Dyslexia, and executive functioning challenges, while applying effective classroom accommodations. The session emphasizes inclusive practices that reduce cognitive overload, support emotional regulation, and build student self-advocacy. Through interactive activities and real-world examples, educators will leave with tools they can immediately implement.

3:00 PM - 3:50 PM

Join us for a compelling Zoom conversation with Jennifer Davis, Multi-Subject Credentialed Teacher in Cypress School District, and Shelby Clatterbuck, Faculty Lead of the Teacher Preparation Pathway and Chair of Human Development at Irvine Valley College. In this session, Mrs. Davis shares her personal journey from community college to a four-year institution, through a multi-subject credential program, and into her first challenging year teaching first grade — now into her second year in Transitional Kindergarten. Gain insights into the realities of teacher preparation, early career challenges, resilience, reflective practice, and what supports new teachers need to thrive.

4:00 PM - 4:50 PM

¡Ven listo/a para mezclar, aplastar y experimentar!

Juntos descubriremos cómo algunos de los materiales más simples que tenemos en casa pueden convertirse en ricas experiencias sensoriales para los niños. No se necesitan materiales sofisticados; solo objetos cotidianos como harina, agua, jabón, loción, maicena y bicarbonato de sodio.

Comenzaremos con una breve introducción sobre la magia del juego sensorial y cómo este despierta la curiosidad, el descubrimiento y el aprendizaje alegre en los niños pequeños.

Luego viene la parte divertida: “Los Laboratorios de Juego”.

Aquí crearás tus propios medios sensoriales utilizando ingredientes simples. Antes del taller, elegirás uno (o más) materiales de los "Laboratorios de Juego" y vendrás preparado/a con tus ingredientes para que podamos mezclar, transformar, experimentar y sí… ¡ensuciarnos un poquito juntos!

Al final del taller, te llevarás ideas prácticas e inspiración para transformar materiales cotidianos en invitaciones de juego llenas de curiosidad y descubrimiento.

4:00 PM - 4:50 PM

Get the latest updates on California’s PK–3 Early Childhood Education Specialist Instruction Credential.  Commission on Teacher Credentialing staff will share updates, clarify program expectations, and highlight what candidates and preparation programs can anticipate as implementation moves forward. This brief session offers clear, timely guidance to help faculty support candidates and to help candidates understand how this credential fits into their pathway.

5:00 PM - 5:50 PM

This engaging workshop explores how artificial intelligence is shaping the future of teaching and learning. Designed for aspiring and early-career educators, participants will examine how AI tools can support lesson planning, engagement, and creative instruction. The session emphasizes that AI enhances—rather than replaces—the role of teachers by saving time and supporting meaningful learning. Participants will leave with practical ideas for using Artificial Intelligence responsibly while prioritizing human connection in the classroom.

9:00 AM - 9:50 AM

This interactive workshop will focus on developing the skills needed to build strong, healthy, and meaningful relationships in both personal and professional settings. We will to explore key topics such as effective communication, active listening, trust-building, empathy, and conflict resolution. Through guided discussions, practical exercises, and real-life scenarios, attendees will learn strategies to strengthen connections, improve collaboration, and foster mutual respect. By the end of the workshop, educators will leave with practical tools and greater confidence to create and maintain positive relationships in their everyday lives.

9:00 AM - 9:50 AM

This session is designed for Black and Hispanic community college transfer students interested in education, social justice, and community leadership, particularly those exploring teaching and youth-serving careers. Secondary audiences include academic counselors, student support staff, and program coordinators who support transfer and Black and Hispanic student success.

10:00 AM - 10:50 AM

This interactive workshop introduces educators to metacognition—helping students understand and manage their own learning processes—through practical, classroom-ready strategies grounded in Educational Psychology and the reflective learning principles of John Dewey. Designed for K–12 and college educators, participants engage in hands-on activities, reflection, and collaboration to experience these strategies firsthand. The session emphasizes learning by doing, with a focus on improving student motivation, self-regulation, and deeper learning. Participants will leave with ready-to-use tools to integrate metacognitive practices into their teaching.

10:00 AM - 10:50 AM

Young children enter preschool filled with big emotions. With our guidance, they can learn the foundations of emotional regulation. By using an attachment-based approach, educators can support children during moments of emotional dysregulation and foster trust and security. At the same time, children naturally test limits—an important part of their growth. When we respond with healthy boundaries and consistent consequences, we nurture their development while helping them understand what is acceptable and how to model positive behaviors.

10:00 AM - 10:50 AM

This interactive workshop explores equity-centered strategies to strengthen partnerships between high schools and community colleges through aligned pathways, dual enrollment, and early college awareness. Participants will learn how Career Technical Education (CTE) programs can connect students to college and career opportunities across high-interest fields. The session highlights practical approaches such as campus-based bootcamps that build student confidence and belonging. Attendees will leave with scalable ideas, tools, and templates to create effective, lasting partnerships.

11:00 AM - 11:50 AM 

Learn about the 15 industry sectors and career pathways, and how they work to promote student engagement.

11:00 AM - 11:50 AM 

This workshop explores how educators’ emotional regulation affects the classroom climate and student learning. When adults feel calm and supported, students are more likely to feel safe, focused, and ready to learn. Student's  will learn simple strategies to recognize stress in themselves and practice tools to stay grounded during the school day. The session connects basic brain science with everyday classroom practice. Through reflection and discussion, educators will develop practical ways to support their own well-being while building positive, responsive learning environments. This workshop is designed for educators who want to strengthen both adult wellness and student social-emotional growth in their students. 

11:00 AM - 11:50 AM 

How many times have you had a brilliant idea for a classroom project but realized that you didn't have the funding to make it happen? You either had to pay out of your own pocket or regrettably postponed the project indefinitely. This was the same dilemma that National ACTE Teacher of the Year Matthew Waynee faced for years, until he tried writing a grant to find funding.  Since then, he has written over $3,000,000 in grants!  Join him for this hands-on workshop to learn tips and strategies for developing winning proposals for your program and making your application stand out.

12:00 PM - 12:50 PM

Participants will engage in reflective discussions, practical strategies, and real-world examples that demonstrate how intentional connections positively influence children’s emotional well-being, learning outcomes, and family engagement.

12:00 PM - 12:50 PM

This transformative workshop addresses two critical challenges facing today's educators: preventing burnout by reconnecting with teaching purpose and developing a healthy identity beyond the classroom role. Drawing from evidence-based mindset principles adapted from high-performance athletics, this session provides educators with practical tools to sustain their passion, manage pressure, and cultivate holistic well-being.

1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

@ 1:00 PM - Student Panel

@ 2:00 PM - Closing & Raffle

Student Panel Description:

What inspires someone to become a teacher—and what keeps that passion alive? In this engaging student panel, aspiring educators from our community colleges share the powerful moments that shaped their journey into the classroom. Through brief personal stories, panelists will reflect on the experiences and individuals who influenced their path, then explore their growth through a Then–Now–Next conversation—where they’ve been, where they are, and where they hope to go. The session concludes with a forward-looking reflection on the impact they hope to make as future educators. Join us for an authentic and inspiring conversation that highlights the lasting impact of education and the voices of those ready to lead the next generation. 

Panelists:

• Alexis Gjurich: Antelope Valley College

• Beverly Madden: Rio Hondo College

• Felicia Barba: Antelope Valley College

• Gabriel Navarro: Antelope Valley College