Cal State San Bernardino's Palm Desert Campus Hosting Second Annual Teachers Summit

By Mike Singer, Cal State San Bernardino, Palm Desert Campus:

Better Together: California Teachers Summit, a free statewide day of learning and networking that is open to all California PreK-12 teachers, teacher candidates, school administrators and other educators. One of 38 locations across the state, CSUSB Palm Desert Campus invites Coachella Valley teachers to share ideas, join a teacher network, and learn effective strategies for implementing the new California Standards in their classrooms. Running from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Summit will take place in the campus’s Indian Wells Theater at 37-500 Cook St.

“The 2015 inaugural gathering of the Better Together: California Teachers Summit was a complete success, and we’re working to build off that momentum to make the 2016 summit even better,” said Mick Verdi, associate dean of Cal State San Bernardino’s College of Education and coordinator of the program on campus. “The Better Together: California Teachers Summit provides teachers in the Coachella Valley the opportunity to meet and discuss how best the California Standards can be taught to PreK-12 students.”

“It is not often teachers can come and share ideas and strategies with teachers not in their districts or schools,” Verdi said. “This sharing of information will make students in the Coachella Valley better prepared for life in the 21st century.”

The Summit will feature keynote addresses by education leaders, TED-style EdTalks presented by local teachers, and Edcamp discussions on timely topics such as the California Standards in English/Language Arts and Math and the Next Generation Science Standards. Teachers will walk away with access to new resources and concrete tools that are already working in classrooms across the state. In addition to the CSUSB Palm Desert Campus, Summit locations in the surrounding area include:

• Antioch University
• Azusa Pacific University
• Biola University
• Brandman University, Irvine
• Cal Poly San Luis Obispo
• Cal Poly Pomona
• CSU Channel Islands
• CSU Dominguez Hills
• CSU Fullerton
• CSU Fullerton, Irvine Campus
• CSU Long Beach
• CSU Los Angeles
• CSU Northridge
• CSU San Bernardino
• Loyola Marymount University
• Pepperdine University
• University of Redlands (at Lee Pollard High School)

A unique partnership between the Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities (AICCU), the California State University (CSU), and New Teacher Center formed to host this free statewide day of learning. Through their strong and distinct networks, the organizers will reach educators at every stage in their development: new and veteran teachers, current teaching students, and alumni.

“As California embraces new ways of teaching and learning, teachers want more opportunities to connect with and learn from their peers,” said Ellen Moir, Founder and CEO of New Teacher Center. “New Teacher Center supports new and veteran teachers. We’re thrilled Summit attendees will join a growing network of teachers teaching teachers.”

During EdCamp sessions teachers will pick topics – ranging from technology in the classroom, to improving literacy in early education, or boosting science, technology, engineering, and math education – and exchange ideas with colleagues throughout their region.

“CSU is pleased to be an organizing partner of Better Together. Led by teachers for teachers, the Summit recognizes the expertise of thousands of outstanding classroom teachers. It enhances the prestige of the profession and contributes to retaining excellent teachers, helping to address teacher shortages," said Dr. Loren Blanchard, Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs.

The TED-style EdTalks will feature local teachers sharing strategies and classroom victories in implementing the California Standards.

“In light of California’s teacher shortage, we must do more to celebrate and support teachers,” said Kristen Soares, President of AICCU. “Teaching is a uniquely challenging yet rewarding profession that requires teachers to be lifelong learners. AICCU’s innovative and leading Teacher Education Programs are proud to continue to serve our teachers. The Summit is a unique opportunity for teachers, teaching and teacher education to come together to collaborate and re-energize ahead of the new school year.”

More information, a list of event locations, and online registration is available at CATeachersSummit.com. Follow #CATeachersSummit for up-to-date information.

(Image via Shutterstock)