Inspiring and Empowering New Teachers With Day of Learning

School may be out for summer, but educators across Kern County are already looking ahead to the next school year to get a jump start on their students’ education. The Kern County Superintendent of Schools (KCSOS) Educator Development program is getting ready to host the annual New Educator Summit Day of Learning, and local teachers still have an opportunity to sign up.

The summit is designed with new teachers in mind, giving educators who are early in their careers the tools they need to succeed in the classroom. Celia York, a coordinator with the Educator Development program says they offer teachers several opportunities throughout the year for professional development and educators have asked specifically for introductory workshops right before they enter the classroom.

“That way they have essential tools that they can utilize right away from the start, from day one,” York said.

Participants will listen to two engaging keynote speakers, attend breakout sessions, have access to resources and information, and use the time to network with educators from other districts.

Kevin Bracy, AKA Coach Greatness, will give one of the motivational addresses. He is an entertainer, author, and for the past 10 years, has been touring California school campuses with his R.E.A.C.H. One Alliance program.

The second keynote speaker, Alex Kajitani, is the 2009 California Teacher of the Year. He is also an author and has been honored at The White House.

Coordinator Janeth Barajas said the two speakers were chosen to represent the motto for this year’s event: “Inspire, Ignite, Impact.”

“Bracy was invited to ignite their passion of teaching, to ignite their excitement, and Kajitani is more the inspirational piece,” she said. “We hope that combination of the speakers and the sessions they attend will positively impact students.”

Workshops include lessons on AI use in classrooms, Career Technical Education (CTE), classroom equity, trauma-informed care, and back by popular demand: classroom management.

“That’s one that’s always top on the list,” York said. “Classroom management is foundational for student learning. If you can’t get the students to be engaged, it doesn’t matter what strategies you’re using.”

Barajas says the ultimate goal of the summit is to support educators the best way they can by giving them all a head start so they’re prepared and rejuvenated when classes begin.

“Our stance is support. How can we support you and how can we help you so that you bring your best self for the students that you meet every single day in your classrooms,” she said.  

York agrees saying at the end of the day it all comes back to what’s best for the kids.

“This is an opportunity to change the trajectory for students and to do that through helping and supporting their teachers who are going to be in the classrooms in the fall,” she said.

The New Educator Summit Day of Learning will be held August 3, 2024 at the Bakersfield Marriott at the Mechanics Bank Convention Center. The event is free for all educators and space is still available for those who want to sign up. For more information and to register click here.