Presented by SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union
Saturday, November 22, 2025
| New Workshops |
| Special Topics:
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Anti-Racism
Social Emotional Learning
Student Engagement
Teacher Preparation
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(A) (P) (E) (I)
(HS) (SE)
| Intended Audience:
Any/All Future TeachersPreschool/Early Childhood Elementary Intermediate
High School Special Education |
Light Breakfast • 7:45 AM - 8:30 AM • JSC 2nd Floor
Please follow posted directional signs as free parking is available in Lot 6 and Lot 11. Our staff will help you check in for our conference at the 2nd floor of the Johnson Student Center by scanning your Eventbrite ticket. We encourage you to arrive on time. Afterwards, mingle with other conference attendees as you enjoy coffee, tea, and pastries from Paradise Bakery (first come, first serve). A conference tote bag, notepad, pen, and other materials will also be provided to you.
Welcome & Keynote Address • 8:30 AM - 10:15 AM • JSC-219
Welcome & Overview
Presented by: Dr. Steve Bautista, Santa Ana College
Location: Johnson Student Center - Conference Center (JSC-219)
Keynote Address and Q&A
Presented by: Ms. Megan Lee - 2026 Orange County Teacher of the Year
Location: Johnson Student Center - Conference Center (JSC-219)
Learn more about this year's keynote speaker! |
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Session 1 Workshops • 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM • I-Building
Empowered to Lead: CTA and the Voice of Aspiring Educators
Presented by: Gabriel Mendoza Jr. & DeWayne Sheaffer, California Teachers Association Location: I-107
Discover how the California Teachers Association (CTA) champions public education and educator rights, and explore how aspiring educators are shaping the future of the movement. Learn how your voice, organizing, and participation can influence meaningful change in classrooms, communities, and beyond. (A)
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Engaging Every Learner: Practical Ideas to Boost Participation and Joy in the Classroom
Presented by: Alondra Diaz, Andrea Rios & Cynthia Micka, Sycamore Magnet Academy & SVUSD Location: I-101
Through hands-on examples, led by current teachers, participants will experience strategies that can be applied across grade levels and content areas. Attendees will leave with ready-to-use ideas on building classroom community and collaboration to help create learning experiences where every student is actively involved. (E)
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Inclusive Teaching for Neurodivergent and Queer Students 🧠🌈 Presented by: Dr. Lisa Macafee, Santa Ana College Location: I-102 Want to build a classroom where all students feel seen and supported? This workshop offers practical strategies for creating inclusive spaces for neurodivergent and queer learners through classroom management, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and bias reduction. Whether you're new to equity or experienced, this space is for you. (A) |
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Roots and Wings: Developing a Steady Classroom Culture so Students Can Soar
Presented by: Dr. Corinna Hathuc, Chapman University Location: I-104
This workshop will cover the background and laws that have led to the implementation of Positive, Behavior, Interventions, and Supports that helps ensure teachers and students are fostering relationships to succeed academically and socially. (A) |
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Working with Young Children: Careers and Pathways
Presented by: Dr. Chris Becerra, Santa Ana College
Location: V-150
Desire to work with young children in early childhood education (ages 0-8)? This workshop will cover the many pathways in the field of early childhood education. (P, E)
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Education Resource Fair • 11:30 AM - 12:40 PM • JSC Outdoor West
Just outside the Johnson Student Center, we welcome you to visit tables representing various local universities, school districts, and organizations of interest to aspiring educators. Learn about local teacher education programs and resources that will help you pave your path to becoming a future educator -- our representatives welcome the opportunity to speak with you! You'll gain valuable information and get your questions answered. Click here for a complete list of this year's education resource fair participants.
Lunch • 12:10 PM - 12:40 PM • JSC 2nd Floor
Return to the Johnson Student Center and enjoy a delicious boxed lunch from Paradise Bakery as you network and mingle with other conference attendees and aspiring educators!
Session 2 Workshops • 12:50 PM - 1:50 PM • I-Building
An Educator’s Guide to Orange County: Community Curricular Partnerships Presented by: Ms. Stacy Yung, UC Irvine
Location: I-107
Two of the contributors to educatorsguidetooc.org will discuss how collaborative curriculum-building between K-12 educators, research scholars, and locally-grounded nonprofit groups empowers students with ethnic studies across the curriculum. (A)
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Ethnic Studies from A to Z: Responsive Teaching in Elementary Schools
Presented by: Dr. Caro Valdez, Cal State Fullerton Location: I-108
After introducing ethnic studies frameworks, the session will guide teachers through strategies in applying ethnic studies within the elementary context of standards-based learning and scripted curriculum, providing examples of ethnic studies lessons across subject matter, including language development, social-emotional learning, and classroom management. (E) |
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From Classroom Voice to Campus Change: Building Your Leadership and Advocacy Pathway
Presented by: Leslie Chavez, Buena Park School District Location: I-201 Teachers are powerful advocates. This workshop helps you explore teacher leadership, from mentoring and curriculum innovation to equity work and advocacy. Identify your strengths, learn to advocate for students and colleagues, and see your classroom as the start of broader change. (A) |
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Teachers Tell it All: New and Veteran Teachers Panel
Presented by: Dr. Steve Bautista, Santa Ana College & Panel of Teachers Location: JSC-219
Listen as new and veteran teachers share their classroom joys and challenges. Discover the things they wish they had known before their first day of teaching. Participants will gain insight into the classroom and receive helpful information about the responsibilities and unexpected realities of teaching today. (A) |
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Session 3 Workshops • 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM • I-Building
Landing Your First Teaching Job
Presented by: Dr. Steve Bautista, Santa Ana College & Panel of Principals Location: JSC-219 This workshop is an opportunity to collaborate, exchange ideas, share experiences, and explore the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education. This workshop is designed for prospective and current educators looking to leverage AI for teaching and learning. The goal is to explore possibilities and deepen understanding of AI's role in shaping the future of learning. (A) |
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Pathways to Teaching
Presented by: Thomas Grebeyesus and Melissa Baez, Cal State Fullerton Location: I-101
Learn the basic steps to become a teacher in California and the best pathway to follow in your journey that will empower you as a future teacher. (A)
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Science and Literacy Integration: Learning Outside the Four Walls of the Classroom
Presented by: Dr. Amy Cox-Petersen & Catherine Petersen, Cal State Fullerton & San Diego Zoo Safari Park Location: I-102
Learn about ways to integrate outdoor learning into science and language arts. Outdoor learning provides an authentic context with real-world connections that provides a natural learning environment to connect students with their surroundings. (A)
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Closing Session • 3:00 PM - 3:30 PM • JSC-219
Return to the Johnson Student Center Conference Center (JSC-219) for our closing session. Here is where you will also submit your Conference Evaluation Form to be entered into our opportunity drawing for some fabulous prizes. We value your feedback as we strive to continuously improve your conference experience! Participants may also pick up a Certificate of Participation for their attendance at the conference.
