California Teachers to Share Strategies for Empowerment

On July 31, about 20,000 teachers, administrators and credential candidates at 33 locations across the state, including Cal State San Bernardino and its Palm Desert Campus, will come together to share innovative strategies to empower PreK-12 teachers and build strong teacher communities to positively impact California’s students. The New Teacher Center – in partnership with the California State University, the Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities (AICCU) and its member institutions – will co-host “Better Together: California Teachers Summit.” The free one-day conference is designed to help teachers learn from each other, share best practices in implementing the new California Standards, and celebrate their work. “The ‘Better Together: California Teachers Summit’ is a unique opportunity for teachers in the Inland Empire to meet and discuss how best the California Standards can be taught to PreK-12 students,” said professor Mick Verde, interim associate dean of Cal State San Bernardino’s College of Education and coordinator of the program on campus. “It is not often teachers can come and share ideas and strategies with teachers not in their districts or schools. This sharing of information will make students in the Inland Empire better prepared for life in the 21st century.” Cal State San Bernardino’s sessions will be from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the Physical Sciences Building, Room 10, and at the Palm Desert Campus’ Indian Wells Theater. Registration is free for all California PreK-12 teachers, teacher candidates and school administrators. Teachers are encouraged to register early as capacity and seating is limited at several host sites. To prevent being waitlisted and for up-to-date information, visit www.cateacherssummit.com. The events are supported by $3.5 million in grants to New Teacher Center, Cal State Fullerton and Loyola Marymount University from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. “California teachers know that the time to impact the lives of students is always going to be now,” said Ellen Moir, founder and CEO of New Teacher Center. “This event will allow 20,000 teachers to celebrate in-classroom successes while building a powerful and lasting support network.” “Better Together: California Teachers Summit” provides a unique opportunity to hear from nationally renowned speakers and give teachers a forum to share cutting-edge strategies and proven best practices led by teachers and for teachers as they prepare for the upcoming school year. The day of learning will include keynote presentations by nationally renowned speakers, fellow teachers and thought leaders in education, as well as ample time for networking and sharing ideas with fellow teachers in small group conversations. Teachers will come away with concrete tools and strategies for navigating recent changes in implementing the new California Standards, and a network of colleagues from their home region to support future collaboration. “California’s teachers work tirelessly every day to make sure our students thrive,” said Kristen Soares, president of AICCU. “This gathering celebrates their achievements and brings them back to their AICCU campus community to equip them with research-based practices to ensure their continued success in a changing environment.” “With roots extending back a century to its teacher college origins, the CSU is honored to host this special day of professional collaboration,” said CSU Chancellor Timothy P. White. “Through peer learning and exchange, California teachers continue to be at the forefront of classroom innovation – further igniting the spark of learning in their students.” Verde said, “Teachers can also receive professional development credit for their participation at a reduced cost. This is clearly a win-win situation and I hope many teachers will take advantage by participating in the event.” Continuing education credit of 0.5-unit will be available to interested teachers at a minimal cost. A stipend is not available. For more information or to register online, visit the “Better Together: California Teachers Summit” website at http://www.cateacherssummit.com and follow #CATeachersSummit on Twitter for up-to-date information.