NorCal Educator's Digest
October 2025
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Building School Leadership Capacity for Transformational Change
NorCal ELC launches year 6 with over 200 people present at the virtual orientation, a full cohort of 47 teams, along with 25 teacher leaders and administrators who will receive 1-1 coaching. The teams and coaches are joining from counties all over the North State inclusive of most of the 11 northern counties. The theme for this year is “Lead the Change. Shape the System”; highlighting this year’s emphasis on leadership and systems change. Dr. Michael Kotar, Director of the project, shared,
“We looked at last year's teams and what folks asked for and what changes we can make. These are things we can provide: learning opportunities, guidance, support, and coaching to transform outcomes for your students, but also for your professional life …to bring you inspiration, agency, and joy.”
A Principal’s Collaborative Support Network and support for Universal Transitional Kindergarten (TK) Leadership are also continuing for 25-26. Learn more about NorCal ELC in this new brief and see our website here.
Professional Learning Opportunities
NorCal ELC’s UTK Module Spring 2026 Offerings are Now Accepting Registrants!
Learn more about universal transitional kindergarten (UTK) and essentials of TK programming. You can also join the UTK Community of Practice that’s held on the first Thursday of each month. Access 2025-26 UTK Module Schedule to view module specific flyers and their respective registration links.
Ever Considered Getting your Doctorate in Educational Leadership? The Shasta County Office of Education has made it feasible!
In partnership with the University of Arkansas, the Shasta County Office of Education is offering a Northern California cohort for educators pursuing their Ed.D. This affordable, fully online synchronous program is tailored for working professionals and can be completed in 3–4 years for $21,000. Find out more about the program on October 14th from 4-5 pm during a virtual information session. Access this flyer for information and registration. You may also contact Ryan Miller at Shasta County Office of Education at rkmiller@shastacoe.org.
CA MTSS Training of Trainers Coming to Tehama County Dept. Of Education
A free, 3-day CA MTSS Training of Trainers event to build capacity to support LEAs & their sites in Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS).This special offering by Orange County, Butte County, CDE & CA ISP will be held for Region 2 (Northern California counties) at Tehama County Department of Education. Register soon! It begins mid-to-late October 2025.
Looking to Expand Instructional Practices to Support All Learners?
Join this free two-day Universal Design for Learning (UDL) training designed for all educators. There will be two opportunities to join a cohort, one being offered in October and one in March. This course can also count as 12 hours of continuing professional learning (1.2 CEUs).
Got Behavior? Want Belonging?
Check out this free, virtual four-part behavior series from Supporting Innovative Practices (SIP) that begins on October 29th. All sessions from 3:45-5:00pm. Covering behavior charts, belonging, executive function and more! Access the SIP one pager with more information and registration information.
Implementing STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) to Strengthen P-3 Alignment
The California Department of Education (CDE) is pleased to announce the next installment of its P-3 webinar series, “Implementing STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) Initiatives to Strengthen P-3 Alignment.” This webinar opportunity will be held on Thursday, October 23, 2025, 3:30 to 5 p.m. Register for the webinar using this link. For CDE news on their P-3 initiative and to ensure you receive updates about future webinars, email "subscribe” to subscribe-cdep3updates@mlist.cde.ca.gov.
Connecting California Virtual Conference
Want to learn more about how educational initiatives and projects in CA can support schools and LEAs with resources and technical assistance?
The California State System of Support (SSOS) is hosting a virtual conference on November 12th, 2025, from 9:30am to 12:30pm for educators to connect, collaborate, and explore how our system is working to ensure every student has access to a high-quality education. Registration information is available here.
Funding Opportunities
Do You Know a Classified School Employee Who Has Considered Earning a Teaching Credential?
$12.9 million remains from the funds appropriated for the California Classified School Employee Teacher Credentialing Program (Classified Grant). Grant awards of up to $4,800 per participant per year over the life of the grant, through June 30, 2026, may be made to funded applicants by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing. Eligible applicants are Local Education Agencies—school districts, county offices of education, or charter schools interested in securing grant funding to recruit and support classified staff who already hold an associate or higher degree to complete a bachelor’s degree and earn a California teaching credential. The Classified Grant RFA is now available and completed applications are due to the Commission by 5:00 pm, on Friday, November 14, 2025.
Receive $10,000 for Your School! Funded by the GENIUS Initiative!
Join an impactful and supportive educational community focused on changing outcomes for Black and other marginalized student groups for your school. The GENIUS (Genuine Empathy & Nurturing Intellect of Underserved Students) Initiative was established in 2023 as a part of the California Statewide System of Support. This initiative will be comprised of 30 schools working as a Professional Learning Community over the next three years. For more information see the recruitment flyer here.
Article Spotlights
The74 Newsletter Reports on a High Poverty District that is Consistently Exceptional at Teaching Reading
The Steubenville district in Ohio stands out nationally due to its consistently high reading proficiency rates, with 95% to 99% of third graders achieving proficiency. This success is attributed to the long-term implementation of the Success for All reading program and low teacher turnover. Read the full article here.
Can Cognitive Science Boost Student Learning?
An article in Educational Leadership magazine highlights new research on how educators can harness insights from cognitive science -- like sparking curiosity and using visuals -- to improve student focus and retention. View the article here.
Ending Chronic Absence Starts with Early Action and Strong Partnerships
In this article Cecelia Leong of Attendance Works and Rebeca Cerna of WestEd share strategies for tackling chronic absenteeism, highlighting California’s progress and practical steps to improve student attendance and engagement. Read the article here. Take advantage of WestEd resources by subscribing to their newsletter.
Resource Spotlights
Looking for Reading Resources and Expertise to Support Struggling Learners?
The Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE) is the project lead on the California Dyslexia Initiative (CDI) and is working in partnership with the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) Dyslexia Center to build capacity and resources across California’s educational systems to address the needs of struggling readers and students with dyslexia.
Review their site to find “educator resources developed include videos, articles, webinars, and professional development modules to foster a deeper understanding of dyslexia and support students with learning difficulties.” Find expert webinar recordings and videos here.
Greater Good in Education
A free resource hub for educators from UC Berkeley's Greater Good Science Center. Learn how to build happier, kinder schools and classrooms where everyone belongs—browse our collection of over 400 free, research-based practices for educators and students.
Curious About the Future of Education?
“This forecast on the future of education in the U.S. was created by KnowledgeWorks’ team of professional futurists using strategic foresight methods”. KnowledgeWorks is a “national non-profit advancing a future of learning that ensures each student graduates ready for what happens next.” Read more on KnowledgeWorks and how it engages “a diverse cohort of futurists, educators, education changemakers, youth and community members to share their perspectives and experiences during this forecast’s research and writing.”