CALSA's Summer Institute 2026: Full Schedule

CALSA’s Summer Institute is where innovators, educators, and intergenerational leaders come together to shape the future of public education. Grounded in the theme Somos el Puente entre Generaciones – We Are the Bridge Between Generations, the 2026 conference elevates the voices, practices, and partnerships that strengthen schools and communities across California.

For more information on Summer Institute 2026, visit calsa.org/summerinstitute.

7:30am PDT

Registration/Member Services Opens

Thursday June 25, 2026 7:30am - 2:30pm PDT

Start your SI2026 experience by visiting the Registration and Member Services desk! Our CALSA team will be available to welcome attendees, assist with check-in, and answer any questions about sessions, schedules, or membership benefits. It’s the perfect time to connect with the CALSA familia, update your membership information, and prepare for an inspiring conference ahead.

Thursday June 25, 2026 7:30am - 2:30pm PDT

8:00am PDT

CALSA Orientation Table (Complimentary Coffee + Tea)

Thursday June 25, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am PDT

Join us as SI2026 kicks off with a light morning welcome featuring coffee, tea, and connection. Meet the CALSA Familia at the Orientation Table to discover how CALSA builds community and leadership through corazón, culture, and collaboration.

Thursday June 25, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am PDT

8:00am PDT

Professional Headshots (By Appointment Only)

Thursday June 25, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am PDT

TBA

Take advantage of this opportunity to update your professional headshot during SI2026. A professional photographer will be available onsite to capture high-quality headshots ideal for district profiles, professional bios, LinkedIn, and conference materials. Appointments are required and space is limited.

Thursday June 25, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am PDT
TBA

8:00am PDT

All-Day Meet & Mingle: CALSA Exhibitor Showcase (8:00 AM – 4:00 PM)

Thursday June 25, 2026 8:00am - 4:00pm PDT

Connect with CALSA’s valued partners and explore the innovative programs, products, and services they bring to our educational community. During this dedicated networking time, attendees are encouraged to meet our exhibitors and discover new resources that support leadership development and student success. The exhibitor hall is open all day.

Thursday June 25, 2026 8:00am - 4:00pm PDT

Networking

9:00am PDT

Bargaining Basics: Building a Strong Foundation for Negotiations

Thursday June 25, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am PDT

Honey Locust 1

Successful negotiations begin with a solid understanding of the bargaining process. This session will introduce participants to the essential elements of collective bargaining, including preparation strategies, effective communication, and common challenges. Attendees will gain practical tools and insights to approach negotiations with confidence and support positive labor relations outcomes...
See More →

Speakers

Mellissa Gallegos

Partner, Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo

Mellissa Gallegos represents and advises California school districts, community college districts, and county offices of education in all education and employment law matters, including employee evaluation, discipline and dismissal, reasonable accommodation, interactive meetings... Read More →

Thursday June 25, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am PDT
Honey Locust 1

Workshop

9:00am PDT

Bridging Vision to Practice: A New District Leader’s Playbook for Change

Thursday June 25, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am PDT

Live Oak 1

In a first year as a district leader, one of the most powerful levers for change is what we choose to notice—and how we act on it. This session highlights how instructional walkthroughs can move beyond isolated observations to become a systemwide strategy for coherence, equity, and continuous improvement. Grounded in real examples from secondary school visits, participants will explore how...
See More →

Speakers

Dr. Monica Luther

Administrator of Secondary Curriculum, Instruction and Career Readiness, Orange Unified School District

Dr. Mónica Luther is a passionate and results-oriented educational leader with over two decades of experience and deep expertise in secondary curriculum, instruction, and leadership development across content areas. She has a proven record of advancing equity, driving academic achievement... Read More →

Thursday June 25, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am PDT
Live Oak 1

Workshop

9:00am PDT

Elevating the Frontline: Shared Leadership and Authentic Community-Building for Campus Supervisors

Thursday June 25, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am PDT

Fern Pine 3

To advance opportunity and create lasting impact for California’s students, we must empower the staff who interact with them most: our campus supervisors. This session offers a meaningful learning experience centered on a proven model that builds the capacity of campus safety personnel.Rooted in the belief that authentic community-building begins with the staff, we...
See More →

Speakers

Marcela Valadez, Ed.D

Assistant Principal, Pasadena Unified School District

Marcela Valadez, Ed.D., is a transformational and systems-focused leader dedicated to equity-driven, student-centered education. She currently serves as the Assistant Principal of Attendance, Interventions and Supervision at Thurgood Marshall Secondary School in the Pasadena Unified... Read More →

Jenny Franke

Vice Principal, Anaheim Elementary School District

Jenny Franke is a dedicated educational leader with nearly two decades of experience serving students and families within the Anaheim school districts. Currently serving as a Vice Principal, she specializes in leading rightful presence, implementing Multi-Tiered System of Supports... Read More →

Thursday June 25, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am PDT
Fern Pine 3

Workshop

9:00am PDT

From Vision to Practice: A Superintendent's Blueprint for District-Wide AI Implementation

Thursday June 25, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am PDT

Honey Locust 2

AI is arriving in our schools whether we are ready or not. For superintendents leading predominantly Latino communities, the urgency is not just operational. It is personal. Our students deserve the same access to the tools shaping the future as any student anywhere in this country, and it is our responsibility as leaders to make sure they get it.This session presents a district-wide AI Leadership...
See More →

Speakers

Dr. Emy Flores

Superintedent, West Covina Unified School Distrcit

Dr. Emy Flores is the Superintendent of Schools for the West Covina Unified School District and a respected leader in public education with more than three decades of experience serving students, families, and communities. Over the course of her career, she has served as a teacher... Read More →

Thursday June 25, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am PDT
Honey Locust 2

Workshop

9:00am PDT

From Vision to Velocity: Leading an Inside-Out AI Implementation for Systemwide Impact

Thursday June 25, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am PDT

Fern Pine 4

This session examines how one school district strategically launched artificial intelligence through an inside-out leadership model—beginning with capacity-building for administrators, alignment of governance, and ethical guardrails before scaling to classrooms. Participants will explore a district-wide approach to AI implementation that builds coherence, trust, and sustainability by engaging...
See More →

Speakers

Shevonne Swanson

Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services, Cutler-Orosi Joint Unified School District

Shevonne Swanson is an accomplished educational leader with extensive experience spanning classroom instruction, coaching, early learning, curriculum leadership, and district administration. She has dedicated her career to serving students, staff, and families in the Cutler-Oros... Read More →

Yolanda Valdez

Superintendent, Cutler-Orosi Joint Unified School District

Yolanda Valdez is a seasoned educational leader with more than 35 years of experience spanning classroom instruction, school administration, and district leadership. She has served as the Superintendent of the Cutler-Orosi Joint Unified School District in Tulare County, California... Read More →

Thursday June 25, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am PDT
Fern Pine 4

Workshop

9:00am PDT

Nunca solas: Sisterhood and the Power of Sustaining Latine Leadership

Thursday June 25, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am PDT

Live Oak 2

This session is grounded in the lived experiences of two sisters—both Latina administrators in public education— shaped by family, culture, and generational identity. Together, they bring a deeply personal lens to how first-generation, 1.5 generation, second-generation, and multigenerational identities influence the way we show up as leaders: how we use our voice, how we navigate authority,...
See More →

Speakers

Vanessa Fortney

Principal, Pittsburg Unified School District

Vanessa Fortney is an educational leader specializing in secondary education, with a strong commitment to advancing equity, inclusion, and opportunity for all scholars. She currently serves as Principal of Rancho Medanos Junior High in Pittsburg Unified School District, where she... Read More →

Cristina Urbano

Senior Program Director, Culturally and Linguistically Responsive Pedagogy, Alameda County Office of Education

Cristina Urbano is an educational leader with deep commitment to advancing culturally and linguistically responsive education. She has served as a Spanish bilingual elementary teacher, an English Language Development Curriculum Specialist, an Instructional Coach for language and literacy... Read More →

Thursday June 25, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am PDT
Live Oak 2

Workshop

10:15am PDT

Bridging Equity in Special Education: Rethinking Assessment Practices for Multilingual Learners

Thursday June 25, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am PDT

Live Oak 1

Disproportionate identification of multilingual learners in special education, particularly within the category of Specific Learning Disability (SLD), continues to challenge school systems striving to ensure equitable access and opportunity for all students. Although federal law requires multidisciplinary teams to rule out exclusionary factors such as limited English proficiency, lack of...
See More →

Thursday June 25, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am PDT
Live Oak 1

Workshop

10:15am PDT

Co-Creating a Framework for the Future: How Salinas Union High School District Engaged Every Voice to Build a Portrait of a Graduate

Thursday June 25, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am PDT

Fern Pine 4

What does it look like when a school district truly listens—to students, families, teachers, principals, and board trustees—before charting its future? This session tells that story.Salinas Union High School District (SUHSD), one of California's largest and most diverse high school districts, embarked on a multi-year, community-centered process to develop its Framework for the Future and...
See More →

Speakers

Dr. Teresa López Alonzo

Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services, Salinas Union High School District

Dr. Teresa López Alonzo is a transformative educational leader with over three decades of experience advancing equity and excellence in California's K-12 schools. Currently serving as Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services at Salinas Union High School District—California's... Read More →

Dr. Zandra Jo Galván

Superintendent, Salinas Union High School District

Dr. Zandra Jo Galván is a respected bilingual Superintendent with over 30 years of service as an educator, leader, and innovator in California public education. A proud Central Coast native, she earned an A.A. from Hartnell College, a B.A. and teaching credential from CSU Fresno... Read More →

Thursday June 25, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am PDT
Fern Pine 4

Workshop

10:15am PDT

From Resource Access to Educational Ecosystems: How Family Resource Centers Strengthen Student, Family, and Community Partnerships

Thursday June 25, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am PDT

Honey Locust 1

Caring for the whole child means caring for the whole family. Leaders from Garden Grove Unified School District (GGUSD), a diverse urban community, will present on how the district expanded its comprehensive network of five Family Resource Centers (FRCs) to strengthen the entire educational ecosystem for students and their families. This initiative, rooted in the Community Schools Framework and...
See More →

Speakers

Tanya N. Avina

Director, English Learner Programs, Garden Grove Unified School District

Tanya Avina, Director of English Learner Programs in the Office of K-12 Educational Services at Garden Grove Unified School District, oversees multilingual pathways, including dual language immersion, heritage language programs, and English Learner assessment/reclassification. She... Read More →

Dr. Lorena Luna Sanchez

Assistant Superintendent of K–12 Educational Services, Garden Grove Unified School District

Dr. Lorena Luna Sanchez is currently in her first year as Associate Superintendent, following eight years of service as Assistant Superintendent in the Office of K–12 Educational Services at Garden Grove Unified School District. Dr. Sanchez embodies a deep dedication to educational... Read More →

Thursday June 25, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am PDT
Honey Locust 1

Workshop

10:15am PDT

Rising Together: Leadership Lessons Earned Through a Principal–Superintendent CALSA Mentorship

Thursday June 25, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am PDT

Honey Locust 2

In this session we will share real-world leadership lessons from a first-year principal and her superintendent mentor. Each lesson highlights a critical leadership move, the mentor action that made it possible, and a practical artifact participants can take back to their sites. While grounded in the experience of a new principal, these lessons are applicable to leaders at any stage who are...
See More →

Speakers

Norma Martínez

Superintendent, Centralia School District

Ms. Norma E. Martinez has served the Centralia Elementary School District since 2010 and has been honored to lead as Superintendent since 2015. She oversees an award-winning district serving Anaheim, Buena Park, and La Palma, with schools recognized as National Blue Ribbon, California... Read More →

Jessica Salcedo

Principal, Santa Ana Unified School District

Jessica Salcedo is the proud Principal of Manuel Esqueda TK–8 School in the Santa Ana Unified School District, currently serving in her second year as principal. Her experience spans roles as a math and science teacher, district specialist, and innovative school builder, bringing... Read More →

Thursday June 25, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am PDT
Honey Locust 2

Workshop

10:15am PDT

The Principal Effect: Leading with Purpose, Impact, and Influence

Thursday June 25, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am PDT

Fern Pine 3

This powerful and reflective presentation centers on one essential truth: principals matter, deeply and measurably, in the success of schools. Designed for educational leaders, the session elevates the role of the principal from manager to transformative leader, highlighting how their actions shape school culture, teacher effectiveness, and ultimately, student outcomes.Grounded in research and...
See More →

Speakers

Marco A. Villegas, Ph.D.

Interim Superintendent, AESD

Dr. Marco A. Villegas is an award-winning educational leader with more than three decades of experience transforming schools and guiding systems toward lasting improvement. A former superintendent, associate superintendent, and long-serving principal, he has successfully led school... Read More →

Ursula Estrada Reveles

Executive Director of the School of Education, Riverside County Office of Education

Dr. Ursula Estrada-Reveles is a seasoned educational leader and Executive Director of the School of Education at the Riverside County Office of Education, where she leads a comprehensive educator preparation system, oversees a $15 million budget, and supports more than 5,500 teacher... Read More →

Thursday June 25, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am PDT
Fern Pine 3

Workshop

11:15am PDT

Transition & Networking

Thursday June 25, 2026 11:15am - 11:45am PDT

Take this time to connect with fellow attendees while transitioning to the mainstage session.

Thursday June 25, 2026 11:15am - 11:45am PDT

11:45am PDT

Opening Luncheon & Leadership Conversation (Meal Included)

Thursday June 25, 2026 11:45am - 1:45pm PDT

Chula Vista Ballrom 4-6

Join us for the Opening Luncheon & Leadership Conversation (Meal Included) of Summer Institute 2026 featuring Opening Remarks from Dr. Gloria E. Ciriza and Dr. Fabi Bagula, followed by a featured leadership panel discussion (details coming soon), the Mentoring Program Cohort #21 Commencement celebration, and recognition of the Mentoring Program scholarship recipients.

Speakers

Dr. Fabi Bagula

Superintendent, San Diego Unified School District

Dr. Fabi Bagula, Superintendent for the San Diego Unified School District, advances dynamic, large-scale change initiatives that improve outcomes for students and educators in public TK-12 systems. Her bicultural upbringing and experiences on the San Diego border have informed and... Read More →

Dr. Gloria E. Ciriza

San Diego County Superintendent of Schools, San Diego County Office of Education

Dr. Gloria E. Ciriza is the San Diego County Superintendent of Schools, where she has been instrumental in advancing the goal of the San Diego County Office of Education to building belonging through public education.

She has been a teacher, a principal, a central office le... Read More →

Thursday June 25, 2026 11:45am - 1:45pm PDT
Chula Vista Ballrom 4-6

General Session

2:00pm PDT

"From Pathways to Power: Building Leadership Pipelines that Last"

Thursday June 25, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT

Fern Pine 4

In this session, participants will explore the strategies and systems needed to develop strong, equitable leadership across every level of education. Attendees will gain actionable insights to strengthen their leadership impact and build sustainable pipelines that prepare the next generation of school leaders.Key Learning Objectives:Understand organizational dynamics and leverage formal and...
See More →

Speakers

Christina Hirales

Principal, Westminster School District

Christina Hirales – Veteran Title 1 Principal Equity & Leadership Advocate
Christina Hirales leads DeMille My Viet Language Academy, WSD, the state’s first Vietnamese Dual Language Immersion school. Under her leadership, the school has earned multiple honors, including the CABE Seal of Biliteracy, CABE Visionary & Legacy Board Award, OCDE IMPACT School... Read More →

Michelle Watkins

Chief Academic Officer, Westminster School District

Michelle Watkins is a K-12 educator with over 25 years experience. She currently serves the students in the Westminster School District as the Chief Academic Officer. She has served as teacher, Assistant Principal, Principal, Director, and Chief Academic Officer. She is passionate... Read More →

Thursday June 25, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Fern Pine 4

Workshop

2:00pm PDT

Co-Architecting the Bridge to Access: Transforming Special Education Through Family, Student, and Community Partnership

Thursday June 25, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT

Honey Locust 1

This session centers on transforming special education systems into spaces of access, empowerment, and belonging by leveraging the collective power of families, educators, and community partners. Grounded in the belief that students and families are co-architects of their educational experiences, participants will explore actionable strategies to better support students with diverse learning...
See More →

Speakers

Dra. Brenda García Castro

Assistant Principal, Century Community Charter School

Dr. Brenda Garcia Castro is a dedicated educator, scholar and advocate. With over two decades of experience dedicated to fostering inclusive, equitable, and student-centered learning environments she has served her community in various capacities. As an assistant principal, she actively... Read More →

Thursday June 25, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Honey Locust 1

Workshop

2:00pm PDT

Empower, Inform, Protect: A Countywide Response to Immigration Policy Impacts in Schools

Thursday June 25, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT

Honey Locust 2

This session highlights how the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE) developed and implemented a countywide strategy to support school districts serving students and families impacted by changes in immigration policy. Central to this effort was the creation of a cross-division Immigration Taskforce, which brought together leaders from student services, mental health, legal counsel, and...
See More →

Speakers

Vibiana Andrade

General Counsel, Los Angeles County Office of Education

Vibiana M. Andrade previously served as a Los Angeles deputy city attorney. Prior to that, she was with the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund, serving as the attorney in charge of legal programs, public policy and community outreach. She also has worked as a lawyer... Read More →

Selena Barajas-Ledesma, MSW Ed.D.

Director II, Community Schools, Los Angeles County Office of Education

Dr. Selena Barajas-Ledesma has over 20 years of experience supporting the students and families of Los Angeles County. She started her career in public service at the Department of Public Social Services and supporting families experiencing homelessness in the community of Boyle Heights... Read More →

Fredy Ruiz

Immigrant Relations Coordinator, Los Angeles County Office of Education

With over 20 years of experience, I have had the privilege of working alongside families in Los Angeles County from underserved communities in various capacities. Currently, I serve as an advocate for immigrant communities in my role as the Immigrant Relations Coordinator at the Los... Read More →

Thursday June 25, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Honey Locust 2

Workshop

2:00pm PDT

Inclusion by Design: Building Coherent Systems That Bridge Access, Belonging, and Achievement

Thursday June 25, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT

Live Oak 1

This session explores how school systems can be intentionally designed to ensure that all students experience coherence, access, and belonging. In many districts, curriculum and instruction, special education, and student services operate in parallel, each addressing important aspects of the student experience but often without full alignment. This fragmentation can lead to inconsistent...
See More →

Speakers

Dr. Julie Aguirre-Jacinto

Director of Elementary Education, Morgan Hill Unified School District

Dr. Aguirre-Jacinto leads systemwide efforts to align curriculum, instruction, special education, and student services into a coherent approach that supports every student. She partners with district, site, and teacher leaders to strengthen Tier 1 instruction, integrate MTSS as a... Read More →

Thursday June 25, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Live Oak 1

Workshop

2:00pm PDT

Supporting School Staff to Counteract Immigration-Related Stress

Thursday June 25, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT

Fern Pine 3

This session, Supporting School Staff: A Multi-Tiered Guide to Immigration-Related Stress, equips school and district leaders with practical strategies to address the growing impact of immigration-related stress on educators and school communities. Grounded in a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework, the session highlights how immigration policy changes contribute to secondary trauma,...
See More →

Speakers

Selena Barajas-Ledesma, MSW Ed.D.

Director II, Community Schools, Los Angeles County Office of Education

Thursday June 25, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Fern Pine 3

Workshop

3:15pm PDT

Artificial Intelligence in Education – Navigating New Technologies in Schools

Thursday June 25, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm PDT

Fern Pine 3

Join us as we discuss current issues educational institutions face surrounding artificial intelligence, including: (1) The intersection of artificial intelligence with the California Public Records Act; (2) The use of AI-powered notetakers in meetings; and (3) Wearable AI (smart glasses). We will discuss how to prepare yourself to address these key developments in your agency.

Speakers

Dustin Stroeve

Senior Associate, Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud, & Romo

Dustin Stroeve represents school districts, community college districts, and county offices of education in labor and employment law and in general education matters. Mr. Stroeve provides representation, advice, and counsel on a wide variety of matters, including school board governance... Read More →

Thursday June 25, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm PDT
Fern Pine 3

Workshop

3:15pm PDT

Coherence Under Pressure: Leading Schools Through Fiscal Crisis with Transparency and Trust

Thursday June 25, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm PDT

Honey Locust 2

Vallejo City Unified School District (VCUSD) faced a compounding crisis marked by deep budget reductions, staff layoffs, school closures, and stagnant student achievement data. During this period of heightened anxiety for staff, students, and families, district leadership made a deliberate and consequential choice: to lead with radical transparency rather than minimize or obscure the challenges.In...
See More →

Speakers

Matt Chamberlain

Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources, Vallejo City Unified School District

Ruben Aurelio

Superintendent, Vallejo City Unified School District

On July 1, 2024, Ruben Aurelio took over as superintendent of the Vallejo City Unified School District, bringing with him a wealth of educational experience and a track record of success. Aurelio's commitment to education is evident in his diverse roles and responsibilities across... Read More →

Celina Baguiao

Director of Communications, Vallejo City Unified School District

Celina Baguiao is the Director of Communications for the Vallejo City Unified School District (VCUSD), where she leads districtwide strategy for internal communications, crisis response, community engagement, and storytelling. In a year marked by budget reductions, accountability... Read More →

Thursday June 25, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm PDT
Honey Locust 2

Workshop

3:15pm PDT

Restoring Comunidad: Where Belonging, Safety, and Care Drive Latino Student Success

Thursday June 25, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm PDT

Live Oak 1

The era of "punish and push out" is over. To meet the needs of today’s Latino students, schools must pivot from reactive exclusion to responsive restoration, positioning discipline as a vital component of wellness, academic identity, and student joy. This community schools approach is grounded in a healing-centered lens that moves beyond "managing behavior" to intentionally setting the...
See More →

Speakers

Vanessa Fortney

Principal, Pittsburg Unified School District

Anthony Molina

Assistant Superintendent, Pittsburg

Anthony Molina has dedicated 28 years to serving the Pittsburg community in a variety of educational roles, rooted in a steadfast commitment to equity, restorative practices, and student success. A lifelong resident and proud product of Pittsburg Unified School District, Anthony... Read More →

Thursday June 25, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm PDT
Live Oak 1

Workshop

3:15pm PDT

SEEDS of Transformation: Advancing Equity Through the Community Schools Blueprint

Thursday June 25, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm PDT

Fern Pine 4

What does it take to move from fragmented initiatives to a coherent, equity-centered system that truly responds to students, families, and communities? This session introduces the Community Schools Blueprint through the SEEDS framework, Sustainable Transformation, Equity in Action, Empowerment & Roots, and Co-Created Innovation, as a living, adaptive approach to systems alignment and...
See More →

Speakers

Natalie Nunez

Assistant Director of Learning, Engagement, Advocacy, and Development (LEAD), California Association for Bilingual Education

Natalie Núñez grew up in Lynwood, California, and is the daughter of Mexican Immigrants. Natalie is bilingual and biliterate as a result of her family’s efforts to retain their native language and culture. She believes in the power of creating intentional spaces within formal... Read More →

Thursday June 25, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm PDT
Fern Pine 4

Workshop

3:15pm PDT

The Power of Alisal: Families + Students + Community = Transformation

Thursday June 25, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm PDT

Honey Locust 1

What if families were not just participants, but powerful partners? What if students were not just learners, but leaders shaping the future of our schools?In today’s evolving educational landscape, schools must move beyond traditional family engagement models to cultivate authentic, intergenerational ecosystems of leadership. This session highlights the transformative work of the Community...
See More →

Speakers

Julio Castro

Director of Family and Community Engagement, Alisal Union School District

Julio Castro is the Director of Family and Community Engagement for the Alisal Union School District in Salinas, California. In this role, he leads the implementation of the district-wide Community Schools strategy and oversees critical support initiatives, including the Family Resource... Read More →

Sylvia Perez

Community School Coordinator, Alisal Union School District

Sylvia Perez is a dedicated Community School Coordinator serving the Alisal Union School District, where she works to build meaningful bridges between schools, families, and the broader community. As a mother of four, Sylvia brings both professional expertise and lived experience... Read More →

Thursday June 25, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm PDT
Honey Locust 1

Workshop

6:00pm PDT

Evening Partner & Sponsor Networking

Thursday June 25, 2026 6:00pm - 8:00pm PDT

TBA

Details coming soon. Join us for an evening of connection at the hotel, bringing together attendees, partners, and sponsors to build relationships and strengthen our collective impact.

Thursday June 25, 2026 6:00pm - 8:00pm PDT
TBA

Evening Celebration

7:00pm PDT

Evening Dinner On Your Own

Thursday June 25, 2026 7:00pm - 9:00pm PDT

Dinner on Your Own
Take the evening to explore nearby dining and connect with colleagues.

Thursday June 25, 2026 7:00pm - 9:00pm PDT

7:30am PDT

Registration/Member Services Opens

Friday June 26, 2026 7:30am - 2:30pm PDT

8:00am PDT

Complimentary Coffee + Tea

Friday June 26, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am PDT

Join us as SI2026 kicks off with a light morning welcome featuring coffee, tea, and connection.

Friday June 26, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am PDT

8:00am PDT

Professional Headshots (By Appointment Only)

Friday June 26, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am PDT

TBA

Friday June 26, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am PDT
TBA

8:00am PDT

All-Day Meet & Mingle: CALSA Exhibitor Showcase (8:00 AM – 4:00 PM)

Friday June 26, 2026 8:00am - 4:00pm PDT

Networking

9:00am PDT

"Non-Traditional Pathways to CBO: A Generational Leadership Journey"

Friday June 26, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am PDT

Honey Locust 1

Join seasoned leaders Dr. Rafael Gaeta and Dr. Ruben L. Fernandez as they map out their non-traditional pathways to becoming Chief Business Officials (CBOs), showcasing the full arc of their professional journeys. This session will provide actionable strategies for navigating career transitions and building the confidence and tools needed to thrive. Attendees will gain valuable perspectives on how...
See More →

Speakers

Dr. Rafael Gaeta

Chief Business Officer (CBO), Rio Elementary School District

Dr. Rafael Gaeta currently serves as the Chief Business Officer (CBO) at Rio School District. He holds a Doctorate from Loyola Marymount University and proudly identifies as a UCLA Bruin. Dr. Gaeta's commitment to education is evident through his diverse professional experiences... Read More →

Dr. Rubén L Fernández

Assistant Superintendent, Business and Operations, Vallejo City Unified School District

Dr. Ruben L. Fernandez currently serves as the Assistant Superintendent of Business Services at Vallejo City Unified School District. He earned a BA in Political Science from UC Riverside, an M.Ed. in Educational Leadership from Grand Canyon University, and a Doctoral degree in... Read More →

Friday June 26, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am PDT
Honey Locust 1

Workshop

9:00am PDT

Bridges, Not Barriers: Master Scheduling As An Equity Imperative

Friday June 26, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am PDT

Fern Pine 4

Equity does not live in mission statements—it lives in systems.Each year, schools make critical decisions about course offerings, placement, staffing, and instructional time. Too often, these decisions are treated as operational rather than instructional. In reality, the master schedule is one of the most powerful systems determining who has access to rigorous learning—and who does not.Aligned...
See More →

Speakers

Roxanna B. Villaseñor

Director of School Leadership, South San Francisco Unified School District

Roxanna Bautista Villaseñor is a veteran educational leader with 25 years of public education experience and a reputation for turning beliefs into operational reality. She holds that a school system’s true values are not found in posters or promises, but in its master schedule, sta... Read More →

Friday June 26, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am PDT
Fern Pine 4

Workshop

9:00am PDT

Bridging the Next Step: Advancing Leadership Across Generations

Friday June 26, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am PDT

Fern Pine 3

As educational leaders, we are called to be the bridge between generations—honoring the legacy of those before us while preparing to lead the future. This interactive workshop is designed for aspiring and current leaders ready to take the next step in their professional journey, whether transitioning from Principal to Director, Director to Assistant Superintendent, or Assistant Superintendent to...
See More →

Speakers

Dr. Gudiel Crosthwaite

Superintendent, Sunnyvale School District

Dr. Gudiel R. Crosthwaite has dedicated over 30 years to public education, championing equity, mentorship, and student success. He began his career in 1994 as a classroom teacher and has since served in leadership roles at every level—elementary, middle, and high school.In 2025... Read More →

Dr. Alfonso Jiménez

Superintendent, Culver City Unified School District

Dr. Alfonso Jiménez is the Superintendent of the Culver City Unified School District (ADA 6550) since July 1, 2025. With 30 years of education experience, he leads with innovation, excellence, and equity-driven practices to provide engaging learning environments for all students... Read More →

Friday June 26, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am PDT
Fern Pine 3

Workshop

9:00am PDT

From Insight to Action: Leveraging Student Well-Being Data in Community Schools

Friday June 26, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am PDT

Live Oak 1

In this session, participants will explore how leveraging student well-being data can support school districts in increasing attendance and promoting positive behavior in elementary (K–5) settings. By integrating gamification strategies with neuroscience-informed practices, this approach delivers targeted psychoeducation, equips students with practical self-regulation tools, and generates...
See More →

Speakers

Julie Johnston

VP Growth & Partnerships, MEandMine

Julie Johnston is the VP of Growth and Partnerships at MEandMine, where she leads strategic collaborations to expand access to mental health and social-emotional learning (SEL) supports for schools and communities. With a focus on early intervention, Julie works at the intersection of... Read More →

Alejandra Limon

Director of Community Schools, Calexico Unified School District

Alejandra Limon serves as the Director of Community Schools for Calexico Unified School District, where she brings over 32 years of experience as an educator and administrator. She currently serves a unified TK–12 district of approximately 7,750 students in a unique binational... Read More →

Friday June 26, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am PDT
Live Oak 1

Workshop

9:00am PDT

What Works: Inside a Golden Bell Award-Winning Attendance Transformation Grounded in Harvard’s Dual Capacity-Building Framework for Family-School Partnerships

Friday June 26, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am PDT

Honey Locust 2

This session highlights Centralia Elementary School District (CESD)'s CSBA Golden Bell Award-winning program, Student Attendance Support Re-imagined: A Restorative SARB to Re-engage Students, which reduced chronic absenteeism by nearly 50% in just one year.Chronic absenteeism is often treated as a compliance issue, but at CESD, it became an opportunity to redesign systems around...
See More →

Speakers

Dr. Stacy Chang

Assistant Superintendent, Education Services, Centralia Elementary School District

Dr. Stacy Chang serves as the Assistant Superintendent of Education Services at Centralia Elementary School District, where she oversees Curriculum & Innovation, Special Education, Student Services, Expanded Learning and Preschool programs.  Her multifaceted career trajectory... Read More →

Norma Martínez

Superintendent, Centralia School District

Friday June 26, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am PDT
Honey Locust 2

Workshop

10:15am PDT

Advancing Equity, Innovation, and Community Engagement through Expanded Learning Programs (ELO-P)

Friday June 26, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am PDT

Honey Locust 2

This session invites school administrators and their educational partners to explore how policy, governance, and system-level decision-making shape powerful Expanded Learning Opportunities Programs (ELO-P). Grounded in a whole-child approach, participants will examine how ELO-P can be strategically aligned with Early Learning, Multilingual Learners (MLL), Social-Emotional Learning (SEL), Community...
See More →

Speakers

Monica Dennis

Program Director for S.T.E.A.M. & Expanded Learning Programs, Alameda County Office of Education, Whole Child Programs Department

Monica Dennis is the Program Director for S.T.E.A.M. & Expanded Learning Programs at the Alameda County Office of Education, providing regional technical assistance to Expanded Learning Opportunities Programs (ELO-P) through coaching, mentoring, and professional learning. Her work... Read More →

Lorena Morales-Ellis

Program Director, Region 4 Expanded Learning Programs, Alameda County Office of Education, Whole Child Programs Department

Friday June 26, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am PDT
Honey Locust 2

Workshop

10:15am PDT

Bridging Generations: Leading with Connection, Clarity and Emotional Intelligence

Friday June 26, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am PDT

Fern Pine 3

Educational leadership today spans multiple generations of educators, each bringing different perspectives on stress, work-life balance, communication, and self-care. For Latino leaders in particular, these dynamics are often layered with cultural expectations around service, sacrifice, and community responsibility. These differences often surface in workplace conflict, leadership challenges, and...
See More →

Speakers

Kathleen Baca Leanos, LCSW

Mental Health Supervisor, Santa Paula Unified School District

Kathleen (Kat) Baca Leaños is a licensed clinical social worker with 10 years of experience in public child welfare, community behavioral health, and school-based mental health services. Currently, she is the Mental Health Supervisor for Santa Paula Unified School District and emphasizes... Read More →

Josue Diaz Jr.

Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources, Alisal Union School District

Josue Diaz is an educational leader with more than 25 years of experience in public education, spanning roles as a paraprofessional, classroom teacher, site administrator, and district leader. His career has included leadership across multiple educational systems in California, including... Read More →

Friday June 26, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am PDT
Fern Pine 3

Workshop

10:15am PDT

El Puente entre Generaciones: Activating Student Agency to Close the Equity Gap

Friday June 26, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am PDT

Fern Pine 4

If previous generations fought for access to the classroom and to be represented in the classroom, this work is about equipping the next generation of students with the agency to lead their classrooms and campuses in ways that best meet their needs. In the traditional school model, interventions are often things that are "assigned to" students, rather than "developed with" them. For students...
See More →

Speakers

Marcela Valadez, Ed.D

Assistant Principal, Pasadena Unified School District

Friday June 26, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am PDT
Fern Pine 4

Workshop

10:15am PDT

Juntas Hacia la Luz - Part 2: The Courage to Grow — CAREfrontation, Confidence, and Collective Uplift

Friday June 26, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am PDT

Live Oak 2

As Latina leaders, we often carry the weight of expectations, cultural narratives, and internalized beliefs that shape how we show up in leadership spaces. While mentorship opens doors, true transformation requires the courage to confront growth edges with compassion, clarity, and intention.In this powerful continuation of Juntas Hacia la Luz- Part 1, Dr. Sonia Rodarte Llamas and Dr....
See More →

Speakers

Dr. Teresa López Alonzo

Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services, Salinas Union High School District

Dr. Sonia Rodarte Llamas

Superintendent, Riverside Unified School District

Dr. Sonia Llamas is Superintendent of Riverside Unified School District and has dedicated more than 30 years to advancing equality, well-being, and excellence across California’s public education system. A licensed clinical social worker and seasoned educational leader, she is a... Read More →

Dr. Monica Luther

Administrator of Secondary Curriculum, Instruction and Career Readiness, Orange Unified School District

Cecilia Story

High School Assistant Principal, Brea Olinda Unified School District

With nearly twenty years in education, Cecilia Story is dedicated to building capacity and enhancing social-emotional learning in our school communities. She holds Master’s degrees in Educational Counseling and in Leadership and Administration, enabling her to meet the diverse needs... Read More →

Dr. Alma Ulloa

Assistant Superintendent, School Support Services, Bellflower Unified School District

Dr. Alma Ulloa brings 25 years of experience in education and currently serves as Assistant Superintendent of School Support Services at Bellflower Unified School District. Over the course of her career, she has provided strong leadership in special education, student support services... Read More →

Friday June 26, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am PDT
Live Oak 2

Workshop

10:15am PDT

Latina Leadership at the Intersections: The Path to the Superintendency-Real Talk. Real Barriers. Real Power.

Friday June 26, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am PDT

Live Oak 1

Latinas are highly represented across the educational workforce, yet remain strikingly underrepresented in the superintendency. This gap is often framed as a pipeline issue. This session challenges that narrative and invites a deeper examination of how leadership pathways are actually experienced.Grounded in a narrative inquiry study of Latina superintendents in California, this session centers...
See More →

Speakers

Jessica Gomez

Director of Continuous Improvement and Accountability, Menifee Union School District

Dr. Jessica Gomez is an award-winning educational leader and national speaker, with over 26 years of experience in K–12 education. She currently serves as the Director of Continuous Improvement and Accountability at Menifee Union School District and previously spent 14 years as... Read More →

Friday June 26, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am PDT
Live Oak 1

Workshop

10:15am PDT

Strategic Attendance Recovery: Data-Driven Solutions for Chronic Absenteeism Reduction

Friday June 26, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am PDT

Honey Locust 1

This session will describe a strategic framework for reducing chronic absenteeism, which resulted in a 31% reduction in chronic absenteeism at the elementary level of a Central Valley school district within 18 months. Utilized in a second Central Valley School district, chronic absenteeism was reduced in the 2025-26 school year to 7%. These districts implemented a proactive,...
See More →

Speakers

David Diehl, Ed.D.

CWA Program Administrator, Sanger Unified School District

Dr. David Diehl is a CWA Program Administrator for the Sanger Unified School District. He was previously a Director of Student Services for the Selma Unified School District, a Coordinator of MTSS, an Assistant Principal for the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District, and an alternative... Read More →

Aaron Magnan

Senior Director of Leadership and Learning, Chula Vista Elementary School District

With over two decades of experience in educational leadership, I currently serve as Senior Director of Leadership and Learning at Chula Vista Elementary School District, where I focus on leveraging organizational leadership and edtech to enhance K-12 education. My background as a... Read More →

Friday June 26, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am PDT
Honey Locust 1

Workshop

11:15am PDT

Transition & Networking

Friday June 26, 2026 11:15am - 11:45am PDT

Take this time to connect with fellow attendees while transitioning to the mainstage session.

Friday June 26, 2026 11:15am - 11:45am PDT

12:00pm PDT

Keynote Address with Pedro Antonio Noguera, Ph.D. & Honoring Our Own Celebration (Meal Included)

Friday June 26, 2026 12:00pm - 1:45pm PDT

Chula Vista Ballrom 4-6

Join us for a featured Mainstage Session with keynote remarks from Pedro Antonio Noguera, Ph.D., Dean of the USC Rossier School of Education, followed by CALSA’s 2025–2026 Honoring Our Own Awards recognizing leaders whose work reflects the heart of our CALSA familia through service, equity, advocacy, and community. This year’s honorees include: Rubén Aurelio, Superintendent, Vallejo City...
See More →

Speakers

Pedro Antonio Noguera, Ph.D.

Dean, USC Rossier School of Education

Pedro Noguera is the Dean of the Rossier School of Education, and a Distinguished Professor of Education at USC. He is one of the nation’s leading scholars on issues related inequality and public policy in education. Prior to coming to USC, he held endowed chairs at UCLA, NYU, Harvard... Read More →

Friday June 26, 2026 12:00pm - 1:45pm PDT
Chula Vista Ballrom 4-6

General Session

2:00pm PDT

CALSA Women's Leadership Network - Bridging the Gap: Diverse Pathways to Leadership and Impact

Friday June 26, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT

Live Oak 2

This dynamic panel, presented on behalf of the Women Leadership Network, highlights the diverse and inspiring journeys of women leaders across the educational landscape. Through personal narratives and professional insights, panelists will explore the full arc of leadership—from early influences to executive roles—demonstrating how resilience, mentorship, and opportunity shape leadership...
See More →

Speakers

Dr. Elizabeth Blanco

Superintendent, Pasadena Unified School District

Dr. Leticia Bhatia

Superintendent, John Swett Unified School District

Educational Leader | Advocate for Equity | Systems Strategist
Dr. Leticia Bhatia is a distinguished educational leader dedicated to transforming school systems through a lens of equity, innovation, and linguistic empowerment. With a career rooted in the belief that every student deserves a high-quality, inclusive education, Dr. Bhatia has c... Read More →

Velma Veith

Director of State & Federal Program, Adelanto Elementary School District

come back and add bio

Dr. Saida Valdez

Assistant Superintendent, Educational Services, Adelanto Elementary School District

Dr. Saida Valdez is currently serving as the Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services in the Adelanto Elementary School District. Dr. Valdez brings more than 30 years of experience in public education and has served as a teacher, principal, district administrator, and... Read More →

Friday June 26, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Live Oak 2

Workshop

2:00pm PDT

Community Schools Impact on Student Outcomes: Evidence From California

Friday June 26, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT

Honey Locust 1

At a time when schools nationwide are grappling with unprecedented challenges, including intensified chronic absence and widening achievement gaps, many states are looking to community schools as an approach to improve student learning and well-being. California has responded with an historic $4.1 billion investment to transform schools into community hubs that support students and families...
See More →

Speakers

Francisco Escobedo

CEO, Think Transcend

Dr. Francisco Escobedo has been an educator the better part of 30 years. He was the Superintendent of the Chula Vista Elementary School District (CVESD) for over a decade. Located in southern San Diego County, the District's 46 schools serve over 29,400 students. In 2019, the Learning... Read More →

Efrain Mercado

Director of CA Policy, Learning Policy Institute

Efrain Mercado Jr. is the Director of California Policy at the Learning Policy Institute. In this role, he leads LPI’s work related to policy issues in California and supports work on assessment and accountability issues at the federal level.Before joining LPI, Mercado was the Legislative Advocate... Read More →

Friday June 26, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Honey Locust 1

Workshop

2:00pm PDT

From Compliance to Coherence: Leveraging AI to Transform Federal Program Monitoring Systems

Friday June 26, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT

Honey Locust 2

Federal Program Monitoring (FPM) is often experienced as a high-stakes, compliance-driven process that can overwhelm systems, fragment ownership across departments, and pull leaders away from instructional priorities. This session shares how one district reimagined its FPM approach by integrating artificial intelligence (AI) within a broader system of distributed leadership, clear structures, and...
See More →

Speakers

Aleyda Barrera-Cruz

Executive Director of Multilingual Learner Services, San Mateo-Foster City School District

Aleyda is the Executive Director of Multilingual Learner Services in a diverse K–8 public school district leads systemwide efforts to improve outcomes for multilingual learners through instructional coherence, leadership development, and cross-department collaboration. Her work... Read More →

Friday June 26, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Honey Locust 2

Workshop

2:00pm PDT

Making Equity Observable: Building Bridges Through Instructional Rounds and Equity Walkthroughs to Align Policy, Practice, and Access

Friday June 26, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT

Fern Pine 3

What does equity look like when it is truly embedded in classroom practice? For one district, it meant moving beyond policy statements and compliance to co-create a district Equity Walkthrough Tool for leaders that makes equity visible in every classroom. This tool aligns instructional practices with a shared language of culturally responsive and sustaining pedagogy. It provides a...
See More →

Speakers

Vanessa Fortney

Principal, Pittsburg Unified School District

Anthony Molina

Assistant Superintendent, Pittsburg

Catherine Borquez

Principal, Willow Cove Elementary, Pittsburg Unified School District

Catherine Borquez is an experienced elementary school leader committed to advancing academic excellence and expanding opportunities for multilingual learners. She currently serves as principal of Willow Cove Elementary School in Pittsburg Unified School District, where she leads... Read More →

Friday June 26, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Fern Pine 3

Workshop

2:00pm PDT

Pa’ Nuestra Gente: Building Latine/x Affinity, Belonging, and Leadership

Friday June 26, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT

Fern Pine 4

Affinity spaces play a meaningful role in helping Latine/x staff feel connected, seen, and supported within educational institutions. Grounded in the theme Somos el Puente entre Generaciones, presenters will reflect on the origins of ACOE’s Latine/x affinity group, lessons learned, challenges, ongoing growth and impact on participants and agency culture. This session will explore how...
See More →

Speakers

Yosaira Espinoza

Program Manager of District & School Support, Alameda County Office of Education

Yosaira Espinoza is a Program Manager of District and School Support at the Alameda County Office of Education and co-facilitator of the agency’s Latinx Affinity Group, where she helps foster community, belonging, and culturally affirming spaces for staff. She supports districts... Read More →

Erik Martinez

Director of Behavioral/Mental Health Pathways, Alameda County Office of Education

Erik Martinez is the Director of Behavioral/Mental Health Pathways at the Alameda County Office of Education, where he leads countywide efforts to strengthen the school-based behavioral and mental health workforce, with a particular focus on supporting Certified Wellness Coaches and... Read More →

Marcelo Quiñones

General Counsel, Alameda County Office of Education

Marcelo Quiñones currently serves as the General Counsel for the Alameda County Office of Education. Marcelo advises ACOE on its operation of schools for the county’s most vulnerable student populations and its support for the 18 Alameda County public school districts.
Prior to joining ACOE, Marcelo led the Education Law Team and served as a member of the Social Justice and Impact Litigation Team in the Santa Clara County Counsel’s office. He specializes in solving complex problems for K-14 local educational agencies by demystifying complex... Read More →

Friday June 26, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Fern Pine 4

Workshop

2:00pm PDT

The Time is Now: Building the Conditions for Multilingual Education for All

Friday June 26, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT

Live Oak 1

Multilingual Education for All is a statewide campaign designed to build the conditions, policy commitments, and public will needed to make multilingualism a defining feature of California’s P–12 education system. Rooted in a decade of progress and a growing body of research, this campaign calls for a systems shift: one where multilingualism is affirmed, developed, and integrated into the...
See More →

Speakers

Rubi Flores

Director of Learning, Engagement, Advocacy, and Development (LEAD), California Association for Bilingual Education

Rubí Flores M.A. has worked in schools as an ELD and Dual language educator and trainer across Texas, Oklahoma, El Salvador, California, and México. Her current work focuses on developing educator capacity, coaching, implementing authentic methods for biliteracy instruction... Read More →

Xilonin Cruz-Gonzalez

Deputy Director, Californians Together

A native Californian, Xilonin Cruz-Gonzalez is very proud to be both a fifth-generation Azusa, CA resident and the daughter of a Mexican immigrant. Understanding the similarities and differences between the life experiences of her parents in California schools has driven her passion... Read More →

Friday June 26, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Live Oak 1

Workshop

3:15pm PDT

Anatomy of Achievement How Cabinet Leaders Use Data, Systems, and Assessments to Drive Districtwide Success

Friday June 26, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm PDT

Live Oak 2

District success is not driven by one department alone. It is the result of a cabinet that operates with shared purpose, disciplined systems, and a collective commitment to using data in ways that strengthen organizational performance and student outcomes. Anatomy of Achievement offers a rare inside look at how leaders across multiple divisions rely on data, assessments, and analytic...
See More →

Speakers

Norma Martínez

Superintendent, Centralia School District

Janet Woo

Account Executive Director, Renaissance Learning

Janet Woo is a powerhouse leader in the world of educational innovation and strategic partnership. As Account Executive Director at Renaissance Learning>, she is known for her exceptional ability to build lasting relationships, identify meaningful solutions, and drive transformative growth across K 12 and higher education.A top performing sales executive with expertise in consultative strategy, business development, negotiation... Read More →

Dr. Rafael Gaeta

Chief Business Officer (CBO), Rio Elementary School District

Carlos Zaragoza

Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources, Lynwood Unified School District

Buenos días. Here is a bio: Carlos Zaragoza is the Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources for Lynwood Unified School District. He began serving the Lynwood community in 2010 as Principal of Lynwood High School. During his tenure, he led transformative initiatives, including... Read More →

Dr. Marilyn Lopez

Assistant Superintendent of Student and Family Services, Central Unified School District

Friday June 26, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm PDT
Live Oak 2

Workshop

3:15pm PDT

BEACONS for Biliteracy: Designing Coherent, Equity-Centered Literacy Systems for Multilingual Learners

Friday June 26, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm PDT

Fern Pine 4

This session introduces the BEACONS Comprehensive Biliteracy and English Literacy Professional Learning Model, a research-based framework designed to strengthen literacy outcomes for multilingual learners through coherence, equity, and instructional precision. Grounded in the California ELA/ELD Framework, the English Learner Roadmap, and the California Dyslexia Guidelines, BEACONS supports...
See More →

Speakers

Rubi Flores

Director of Learning, Engagement, Advocacy, and Development (LEAD), California Association for Bilingual Education

Friday June 26, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm PDT
Fern Pine 4

Workshop

3:15pm PDT

From Awareness to Action: Empowering Youth to Lead, Educate, and Protect Their Rights

Friday June 26, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm PDT

Honey Locust 2

This session highlights a powerful student-centered approach to advancing awareness of educational rights through youth leadership and advocacy. Led by Fredy Ruiz, Immigrant Relations Coordinator, this initiative equips students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to understand their rights and educate their peers—particularly in the context of changing immigration policies and their...
See More →

Speakers

Selena Barajas-Ledesma, MSW Ed.D.

Director II, Community Schools, Los Angeles County Office of Education

Fredy Ruiz

Immigrant Relations Coordinator, Los Angeles County Office of Education

Friday June 26, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm PDT
Honey Locust 2

Workshop

3:15pm PDT

My Name. My Identity.

Friday June 26, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm PDT

Honey Locust 1

This interactive session, My Name. My Identity, empowers educators to recognize, honor, and celebrate the significance of each student’s name and identity as a cornerstone of an inclusive classroom. A student’s name is deeply connected to culture, family, history, and personal identity. When educators intentionally create space to honor this, they foster a learning environment where students...
See More →

Speakers

Arnie Ayala

Principal, Ontario-Montclair School District

Arnie Ayala and his family emigrated to the United States in 1976 from Michoacán, Mexico. He discovered his “why” at the early age of six, inspired by the lasting impact of his kindergarten and first-grade teacher, Mrs. Murphy.
Arnie is a recognized leader in promoting family and community engagement and advancing equitable practices in education. He has presented at national and state conferences, including CALSA, CAAASA, NABE, and CABE, and has served as a featured speaker at the National Family Leadership... Read More →

Friday June 26, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm PDT
Honey Locust 1

Workshop

3:15pm PDT

Somos el Puente entre Generaciones: Bridging Access for Multilingual Learners with Diverse Needs

Friday June 26, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm PDT

Live Oak 1

As Dual Language Immersion (DLI) programs continue to expand across California, ensuring equitable access for multilingual learners with disabilities remains both an urgent challenge and a critical leadership responsibility. Too often, students are excluded from DLI due to misconceptions about disability, language development, or program design - limiting access to bilingualism, identity...
See More →

Speakers

Eric Barrientos

Principal, Brea Olinda Unified School District

Eric Barrientos is an equity-driven principal and dynamic educational leader with over 20 years of experience transforming school communities. As principal of Arovista Elementary in the Brea Olinda Unified School District, he is known for creating cultures where students feel valued, empowered... Read More →

Dr. Alejandra Velez

Administrative Director, Special Education & Student Services, Brea Olinda Unified School District

Dr. Alejandra Velez is an educational leader with over 20 years of experience dedicated to advancing equity, inclusion, and access within the TK–12 landscape. A first-generation immigrant from Colombia, Dr. Velez’s personal journey deeply informs her professional mission of ensuring... Read More →

Friday June 26, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm PDT
Live Oak 1

Workshop

3:15pm PDT

Stay Ahead of the Charge: Preventing Unfair Labor Practice Claims

Friday June 26, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm PDT

Fern Pine 3

This session aligns with Policy, Advocacy, and the Bridges That Shape the Future of Public Education by examining how labor relations practices directly reflect and influence district policy, governance, and organizational coherence. Preventing unfair labor practice claims is not only a legal responsibility but a leadership and systems-level function that impacts workplace culture, employee trust,...
See More →

Speakers

Mellissa Gallegos

Partner, Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo

Friday June 26, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm PDT
Fern Pine 3

Workshop

6:00pm PDT

Evening Partner & Sponsor Networking

Friday June 26, 2026 6:00pm - 8:00pm PDT

TBA

Details coming soon. Join us for an evening of connection at the hotel, bringing together attendees, partners, and sponsors to build relationships and strengthen our collective impact.

Friday June 26, 2026 6:00pm - 8:00pm PDT
TBA

Evening Celebration

7:00pm PDT

Evening Dinner on Your Own

Friday June 26, 2026 7:00pm - 9:00pm PDT

Dinner on Your Own
Take the evening to explore nearby dining and connect with colleagues.

Friday June 26, 2026 7:00pm - 9:00pm PDT

8:30am PDT

CALSA Classified Leadership Academy — Registered Participants Only

Saturday June 27, 2026 8:30am - 1:00pm PDT

TBA

The CALSA Classified Leadership Academy is a year-long leadership development experience designed to support classified staff in building leadership habits, strengthening skills, and growing into expanded roles. Grounded in the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, the program combines in-person and virtual learning to build confidence, capacity, and connection. If you’re interested in joining...
See More →

CALSA Classified Leadership Academy 2026 pdf

Saturday June 27, 2026 8:30am - 1:00pm PDT
TBA

8:30am PDT

CALSA Mentoring Program — Registered Participants Only

Saturday June 27, 2026 8:30am - 1:00pm PDT

TBA

This year, CALSA Mentoring Program brings together Cohort 22 and Cohort 23 for a two-year leadership journey rooted in comunidad, mentorship, and purposeful growth. Designed to strengthen the Latino/a leadership pipeline, the program connects mentors and protégés to build capacity, navigate career pathways, and lead with impact.

Learn more about the program: calsa.org/mentoring-program

Saturday June 27, 2026 8:30am - 1:00pm PDT
TBA

7:30am PDT

8:00am PDT

8:00am PDT

8:00am PDT

9:00am PDT

9:00am PDT

9:00am PDT

9:00am PDT

9:00am PDT

9:00am PDT

10:15am PDT

10:15am PDT

10:15am PDT

10:15am PDT

10:15am PDT

11:15am PDT

11:45am PDT

2:00pm PDT

2:00pm PDT

2:00pm PDT

2:00pm PDT

2:00pm PDT

3:15pm PDT

3:15pm PDT

3:15pm PDT

3:15pm PDT

3:15pm PDT

6:00pm PDT

7:00pm PDT

7:30am PDT

8:00am PDT

8:00am PDT

8:00am PDT

9:00am PDT

9:00am PDT

9:00am PDT

9:00am PDT

9:00am PDT

10:15am PDT

10:15am PDT

10:15am PDT

10:15am PDT

10:15am PDT

10:15am PDT

11:15am PDT

12:00pm PDT

2:00pm PDT

2:00pm PDT

2:00pm PDT

2:00pm PDT

2:00pm PDT

2:00pm PDT

3:15pm PDT

3:15pm PDT

3:15pm PDT

3:15pm PDT

3:15pm PDT

3:15pm PDT

6:00pm PDT

7:00pm PDT

8:30am PDT

8:30am PDT

Get help with the event