SF State to co-host second annual Better Together: California Teachers Summit

San Francisco, July 5, 2016 — Bay Area teachers will gather at San Francisco State University on July 29 for the second annual 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, San Francisco State University invites Bay Area 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 at 1 North State Drive in San Francisco.

"The California Teachers Summit is not only a unique opportunity for teachers to exchange ideas and learn, it is also a powerful reminder of the positive impact that they can have on the lives of their students and in the community," said Judith Munter, dean of SF State's Graduate College of Education. "Our campus has long been a hub for outstanding teacher preparation, and we are excited to welcome Bay Area teachers back for this wonderful event."

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 San Francisco State, Summit locations in the Bay Area include:

• Brandman University, Walnut Creek
• CSU East Bay
• CSU Monterey Bay
• Sonoma State University
• St. Mary's College of California

"One of the best things during last year's Summit was the opportunity to talk to other teachers about what they were doing in their classrooms," said Eric Lewis, secondary science content specialist with the San Francisco Unified School District. "We are in the midst of major changes with Common Core and the Next Generation Science Standards, and no one has all of the answers. The more we talk to each other the more we will be prepared to take on the challenges."

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.

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About AICCU

The Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities represents 75 private nonprofit colleges and universities in California who collectively enroll 320,000 students and is the largest preparer of California's advanced workforce. The core mission of AICCU institutions is to improve lives through higher education. AICCU institutions are committed to the public good and are incredibly diverse — ranging from large to small traditional liberal arts institutions, including nationally ranked research universities; colleges offering faith-based, performing and visual arts, and "non-traditional" programs of study; as well as professional schools that specialize in business, law, medicine, and more. In addition to providing creative and intellectual higher education resources to assure California's future societal and economic vitality, AICCU institutions are major contributors to the economies of the regions they serve.

About CSU

The California State University is the largest comprehensive university in the country, serving 474,600 students at 23 campuses. For more than 100 years, the university has been the vortex of teacher training. The CSU is known as the "people's university," serving the most academically, ethnically and economically diverse students in the nation. The university is known for providing quality degree programs and preparing job-ready graduates for success. With 1 in 10 employees in California, and 1 in 20 Americans who hold a university degree in the United States as a CSU alumnus, the university has the largest alumni base of any public university in the country with 3 million living alumni. 

About NTC
New Teacher Center is a national non-profit organization dedicated to improving student learning by guiding a new generation of educators. Founded by teachers in 1998, NTC works in conjunction with school districts, state policy makers and educators across the country to increase the effectiveness of teachers and school leaders at all levels. These programs are built upon research-based principles for teacher onboarding, mentoring and ongoing coaching, and proven to accelerate teacher effectiveness, reduce teacher churn and improve student achievement. NTC has made it their mission to overcome challenges students and teachers face by providing all educators with the support and resources necessary to succeed from their first day to their last. NTC now supports over 8,500 mentors or coaches and 31,600 teachers, and is improving the learning of over 2.2 million students across the country.