Attendees check out resources offered by CTA vetted sponsors at the Good Teaching Conference South

Each year CTA pays homage to outstanding educational practices and encourages their expansion by inviting scores of master educators to train fellow teachers and support professionals in a whole host of education and educator related practices. By inviting educators who practice their craft in the classroom daily, each year the conference continues to be the most popular offering on CTA’s calendar. This authentic member training is classroom tested by fellow educators which ensures the material is relevant to practicing professionals.  

Over 600 attendees built personal schedules and chapters used crowdsourcing to make sure they optimized coverage of the many topics available at the conference. 

Carlsbad Unified Teachers Association members Cindy Kramer, Melanie Lupica, Corrine Sanger and Suzanne Hughes

On Saturday morning, middle school educator Terri Sery’s training on “Creating Digital Escape Rooms” was filled to overflow as attendees learned the efficacy of building structures across academic disciplines that challenge students critical thinking and collaboration skills. 

“Our steering committee’s understanding of and appreciation for the needs of California’s diverse student population was built into our conference curriculum by intention.” 

– Conference Chair Craig Hardesty  

In another session illustrating how diversity education can be integrated into math/science curriculum, trainers Danielle Letts and Sandy Raman asked the question “What does social justice mean to you?“ Their training, entitled on “Mathematics for Social Justice- Lessons From Within a Mile Range Radius.” 

The conference also provides chapters and school districts with a unique opportunity for collaboration on improving teaching practices. By working with supportive partners, teachers and districts are assured quality professional development that can be counted toward university credit and salary enhancement. Riverside County Office Teachers Association (RCOTA) President Angela Tenneriello and Riverside County Superintendent Dr. Edwin Gomez arranged for over 30 members to attend the weekend conference. 

As CTA plans its next Good Teaching Conference South in December, the importance of human interaction as educators worked to improve their professional practice was highlighted by our keynote speaker;

“Our educators have been tested by this pandemic by elements outside our control. It’s great to be able to see all these dedicated professionals, see your smiling faces and give you the hugs each one of you deserves.”   

– CTA President E. Toby Boyd