The CCBE 2021 Annual Conference provides both in-person and virtual options. Whether you’re ready to head to Monterey, or prefer the comfort of your own home, the conference organizing committee is planning an event that will inspire you and help you become a more knowledgeable and effective county board member. Held from Sept. 10–12 at the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel, this professional development opportunity is specifically designed to address the issues unique to county offices of education and the students they serve.

“While all attendees will have access to all the keynote addresses and workshops, in-person attendees will have the added benefit of the Friday evening president’s reception and the networking opportunities that an in-person event provides,” said Gina Cuclis, conference committee vice chair, CCBE Vice President and Sonoma County Board of Education trustee. “We are also working closely with Hyatt Regency Monterey staff on protocols to ensure a safe conference.”

Scheduled expert presentations include a panel on student mental health featuring Stanford University psychiatry and behavioral sciences professors, Dr. Shashank V. Joshi and Dr. Steven Adelsheim, and a keynote address on “How to Achieve Equitable Access to K-12 Computer Science Education,” by Dr. Allison Scott, CEO of the Kapor Center. The conference’s first day features the popular “Pure Politics: The Political Landscape Impacting Schools” panel with Kevin Gordon, Jack O’Connell and Barrett Snider of Capitol Advisors.

Twelve workshops will focus on the following topics: K-12 computer science education and learning in a digital world; advocacy, engagement and community relations; equity access and accountability; funding, finance and facilities; wellness and safety, including the whole child and school climate; leadership through governance and policy; and county office of education best practices. This year’s conference will also feature a few prerecorded workshops that all attendees can view at their leisure.