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KHSD PD Summer Series (Group A)
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Tuesday, June 30
 

8:00am PDT

Superintendent’s Message
Tuesday June 30, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am PDT

Speakers
avatar for Michael Zulfa, Ed.D.

Michael Zulfa, Ed.D.

Superintendent, Kern High School District
Dr. Zulfa is a highly respected educational leader with more than 30 years of experience in public education. A proud alumnus of West High School, he began his career as a teacher at Garces Memorial High School before continuing his work at South High School in 1999.
Throughout his career in the Kern High School District, Dr. Zulfa has served in a variety of impactful leadership roles, including Dean of Instruction at South High School, Assistant Principal of Instruction at Foothill High School, and Principal of South High School beginning in... Read More →
Tuesday June 30, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am PDT
Gym [IHS] 8001 Old River Rd, Bakersfield, CA 93311, USA

9:10am PDT

Beyond the Lesson Plan: The Power of Performance in Teaching
FULL
Tuesday June 30, 2026 9:10am - 10:10am PDT
Limited Capacity full
“Good teaching is ¼ preparation and ¾ pure theatre.” — Gail Godwin

Teaching isn’t just planning—it’s performance. Join us for a high-energy session where we will explore the “theatre” of teaching: presence, engagement, and connection. You’ll experiment, collaborate, and push beyond your comfort zone while discovering new ways to bring your classroom to life.
Come ready to move, reflect, and have fun!
Speakers
avatar for Karen Bastain

Karen Bastain

KHTR TOSA, Kern High School District
For 23 years I taught various levels of high school English, including general, college preparatory, and Advanced Placement courses. Since 2024, I've been a TOSA with the Kern High Teacher Residency Program and an Adjunct Lecturer at California State University, Bakersfield's Teacher... Read More →
avatar for Rachel Harless

Rachel Harless

KHTR TOSA, Kern High School District
I am an experienced High School Math Teacher with over 18 years of classroom teaching.  Now, I am a Teacher on Special Assignment for the Kern High School District and a Lecturer in the Teacher Education Department at California State University, Bakersfield. I specialize in Classroom... Read More →
Tuesday June 30, 2026 9:10am - 10:10am PDT
Room 605 [IHS] 8001 Old River Rd, Bakersfield, CA 93311, USA

9:10am PDT

Building a Belonging Classroom through Restorative Practices
FULL
Tuesday June 30, 2026 9:10am - 10:10am PDT
Limited Capacity full
This professional development training helps teachers with simple, practical ways to build stronger relationships with students and create a more positive classroom environment while reviewing the ideology of Restorative Practices. It focuses on reflection of practice, giving students a voice, handling conflicts through open conversations, and helping students take responsibility for their actions. Teachers should leave with ready-to-use strategies they can apply right away, such as leading quick classroom circles, using simple conversation prompts to address both content and behavior, and building daily routines that strengthen trust and respect. The training includes real classroom examples and opportunities to practice these approaches, so teachers feel confident using them. By the end, teachers will have practical tools to improve classroom culture, respond to challenges more effectively, and support students in feeling heard, valued, and accountable.
Speakers
avatar for Kim Woolf

Kim Woolf

TOSA, Student Behavior & Supports
I am a 34 year veteran teacher and currently a TOSA (teacher on special assignment) overseeing the implementation of 15 student advocacy centers (SAC), 24 On Campus Intervention Programs (OCI), and 2 Restorative Practice Model school sites from our district office.  I began my career... Read More →
Tuesday June 30, 2026 9:10am - 10:10am PDT
Room 703 [IHS] 8001 Old River Rd, Bakersfield, CA 93311, USA

9:10am PDT

Building Research Skills 9-12
FILLING
Tuesday June 30, 2026 9:10am - 10:10am PDT
Limited Capacity filling up
The senior research project is daunting for students and teachers alike! East High has decided to vertically align to best support all learners and teachers for every student’s experience. Here is our vertically aligned plan to prepare students for research, starting freshman year and building skills each year. See how the librarian and teachers collaborate to scaffold research skills leading to the district senior writing project.
Speakers
avatar for Kasey Graves

Kasey Graves

Teacher, East Bakersfield High School

avatar for Rosalie Fuentes

Rosalie Fuentes

Teacher Librarian, East Bakersfield High School


Tuesday June 30, 2026 9:10am - 10:10am PDT
Room 710 [IHS] 8001 Old River Road, Bakersfield, CA 93311, USA

9:10am PDT

Building Thinking Classrooms
FULL
Tuesday June 30, 2026 9:10am - 10:10am PDT
Limited Capacity full
This session will introduce key ideas from Building Thinking Classrooms and explore what they can look like in secondary math settings. Teachers will leave with practical entry points for fostering student thinking, increasing participation, and creating more collaborative and cognitively engaging classrooms.
Speakers
avatar for Blaine Hawkins

Blaine Hawkins

District Math TOSA, Kern High School District
I've been teaching for a while now and still don't have it all figured out. One of my favorite pastimes is sharing best practices with other teachers.
My current focuses (foci?) are: Systems Change, Academic MTSS models, curriculum adoption, BTC, and new teacher support.
avatar for Germán Robledo

Germán Robledo

Instructional Services Math TOSA, Kern High School District
Germán Robledo is passionate about mathematics and education and feels fortunate to have built a career that connects both.

Tuesday June 30, 2026 9:10am - 10:10am PDT
Room 617 [IHS] 8001 Old River Rd, Bakersfield, CA 93311, USA

9:10am PDT

Campus Communication with Educational Partners
FILLING
Tuesday June 30, 2026 9:10am - 10:10am PDT
Limited Capacity filling up
This session will focus on effective communication strategies for all school stakeholders—students, families, teachers, and administrators—related to counselor services and updates. Participants will learn practical approaches for sharing timely information, strengthening collaboration, and ensuring everyone stays informed and supported throughout the school year.
Speakers
avatar for Katheryne Monge

Katheryne Monge

Counselor, West High School
avatar for Marci Pena

Marci Pena

Counselor, North High School

Tuesday June 30, 2026 9:10am - 10:10am PDT
Room 711 [IHS] 8001 Old River Road, Bakersfield, CA 93311, USA

9:10am PDT

Co-teaching: THE BEGINNING (0-2 years' experience)
LIMITED
Tuesday June 30, 2026 9:10am - 10:10am PDT
Limited Capacity seats available
Join us for an engaging session designed to help co-teaching partners start strong. Learn practical strategies for effective collaboration, establishing parity, building trust, and creating shared systems that support student success. Walk away with tools to strengthen communication and lay the foundation for a positive, productive partnership from day one.
Speakers
avatar for Adriana Vasquez

Adriana Vasquez

Instructional Services Co-teaching TOSA, Kern High School District
Dedicated educator with 16 years of experience, including 9 years with KHSD, currently serving as a second-year Co-Teaching TOSA. I hold Education Specialist credentials in Mild/Moderate and Moderate/Severe. I’m passionate about collaboration, supporting educators and students... Read More →
Tuesday June 30, 2026 9:10am - 10:10am PDT
Room 607 [IHS] 8001 Old River Rd, Bakersfield, CA 93311, USA

9:10am PDT

Community Schools Basics 101
FILLING
Tuesday June 30, 2026 9:10am - 10:10am PDT
Limited Capacity filling up
Discover how the Community Schools strategy creates the conditions for students to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. This introductory session is designed for certificated staff across all roles—including teachers, counselors, program advisors, and activity leaders—and will explore practical ways to strengthen relationships, remove barriers to learning, and connect students and families with meaningful supports. Learn how Community Schools is not “one more thing,” but a framework that helps schools work smarter together in service of student success.
Speakers
avatar for Karen O'Mullan

Karen O'Mullan

Student Family and Community Engagement Teacher on Special Assignment, Kern High School District
I have spent the past 20 years in education, teaching English to a diverse range of students—from Special Education and English Language Learners to Advanced Placement. Throughout my career, I have taken on a variety of roles, including serving on committees, advising clubs and... Read More →
Tuesday June 30, 2026 9:10am - 10:10am PDT
Room 613 [IHS] 8001 Old River Rd, Bakersfield, CA 93311, USA

9:10am PDT

Counseling Students with Support Services
LIMITED
Tuesday June 30, 2026 9:10am - 10:10am PDT
Limited Capacity seats available
This session will share best practices and practical tips for working with students, families, and staff to support learners with IEPs or 504 plans.
Speakers
LS

Lisa Schimnowski

Counselor, South High School

avatar for Alison Abrams

Alison Abrams

Counselor, West High School

My name is Alison Abrams, and I have been a counselor for the past four years. Before entering the counseling field, I spent 17 years as a Mild/Moderate Special Education teacher, an experience that deeply shaped my commitment to supporting diverse learners. I now serve as the Special... Read More →
Tuesday June 30, 2026 9:10am - 10:10am PDT
Room 708 [IHS] 8001 Old River Road, Bakersfield, CA 93311, USA

9:10am PDT

Cultivating Educator Wellness
FULL
Tuesday June 30, 2026 9:10am - 10:10am PDT
Limited Capacity full
This session focuses on understanding and supporting teacher well-being. When teachers feel supported and balanced internally, they are better equipped to create connected and thriving learning environments for all students. It will give an overview of mental health, emphasize the importance of educator wellness, and offer practical strategies for self-care.
Speakers
avatar for Rebecca Banke

Rebecca Banke

Student & Family Support Coordinator, Kern High School District
Rebecca Banke is a leader in school-based mental health and is passionate about breaking down barriers and building systems to ensure individuals have access to the resources they need to succeed.
As the first school social worker not only in the Kern High School District but Kern County; she helped lay the foundation for a now-growing workforce of over 120 school social workers across the county. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 10 years of mental health... Read More →
Tuesday June 30, 2026 9:10am - 10:10am PDT
Room 614 [IHS] 8001 Old River Road, Bakersfield, CA 93311, USA

9:10am PDT

From Passive to Powerful: Making Notes Work for Students
LIMITED
Tuesday June 30, 2026 9:10am - 10:10am PDT
Limited Capacity seats available
Most students have notes. Few know what to do with them.When teachers assign note-taking or have students copy notes in class, the assumption is often that the act of writing something down is enough; that students will review, internalize, and somehow arrive at deeper understanding on their own. But without structured guidance on what to do after the pen goes down, notes become a passive artifact rather than an active learning tool. In this hands-on professional development session, teachers will examine the AVID note-taking framework and rather than focus on teaching students merely how to format their notes, will investigate note-taking as  complete study cycle. You'll leave with practical, low-lift adjustments you can make immediately to transform note-taking from a compliance task into a genuine comprehension strategy. This session is for any subject and any level. No AVID experience needed..
Speakers
avatar for Kacie Martinez

Kacie Martinez

English & AVID Teacher
I'm an English and AVID teacher at Del Oro High School with 18 years in education.

My current obsessions: literacy across content areas, building cultures of wide reading, Universal Design for Learning, and helping students build college ready habits and skills.

Talk to me about: A... Read More →
Tuesday June 30, 2026 9:10am - 10:10am PDT
Room 712 [IHS] 8001 Old River Road, Bakersfield, CA 93311, USA

9:10am PDT

From Scores to Strategies: Navigating CERS with Purpose (Math, ELA, Sci)
LIMITED
Tuesday June 30, 2026 9:10am - 10:10am PDT
Limited Capacity seats available
In this session, teachers will learn the basics of accessing and navigating CERS in order to view student CAASPP results with confidence. Participants will be guided through the process of logging in, locating score reports, and exploring target descriptions to better understand what student performance data reveals. Together, we will discuss how this information can be used to identify strengths, address areas of need, and make purposeful instructional decisions. The goal is to help teachers move beyond simply viewing scores and toward using data strategically to support student learning.
Speakers
avatar for Courtney Villasenor

Courtney Villasenor

ELA Teacher and Testing Coordinator, Independence High School
Courtney Villaseñor is an English teacher, instructional coach, literacy advocate, and unapologetic nerd who believes students learn best when rigor, creativity, and connection all share the same table. She teaches eleventh-grade English at Independence High School, where she works... Read More →
Tuesday June 30, 2026 9:10am - 10:10am PDT
Room 619 [IHS] 8001 Old River Rd, Bakersfield, CA 93311, USA

9:10am PDT

Intro to Achieve 3000
LIMITED
Tuesday June 30, 2026 9:10am - 10:10am PDT
Limited Capacity seats available
Achieve 3000 is a tier 1 literacy intervention option in our district. In this session, you will learn more about it, how to use it, and most importantly, the why behind it. Participants will walk away with a working knowledge of how to use Achieve 3000, the research that supports it, and why it's worth the instructional time.
Speakers
EP

Eliza Pearsey

Teacher, West High School

avatar for Katrina Cramer

Katrina Cramer

Teacher Librarian, West High School

Tuesday June 30, 2026 9:10am - 10:10am PDT
Room 604 [IHS] 8001 Old River Rd, Bakersfield, CA 93311, USA

9:10am PDT

Math Language Routines Resources in KHSD
LIMITED
Tuesday June 30, 2026 9:10am - 10:10am PDT
Limited Capacity seats available
Learn about the Math Language Routine resources available through KHSD and how they can support access, discourse, and meaning-making in math classrooms. This session will highlight ready-to-use tools, examples, and implementation ideas to help teachers strengthen both mathematical understanding and academic language development.
Speakers
avatar for Blaine Hawkins

Blaine Hawkins

District Math TOSA, Kern High School District
I've been teaching for a while now and still don't have it all figured out. One of my favorite pastimes is sharing best practices with other teachers.
My current focuses (foci?) are: Systems Change, Academic MTSS models, curriculum adoption, BTC, and new teacher support.
avatar for Germán Robledo

Germán Robledo

Instructional Services Math TOSA, Kern High School District
Germán Robledo is passionate about mathematics and education and feels fortunate to have built a career that connects both.

Tuesday June 30, 2026 9:10am - 10:10am PDT
Room 603 [IHS] 8001 Old River Rd, Bakersfield, CA 93311, USA

9:10am PDT

New Evaluation Process - A System of Professional Growth
LIMITED
Tuesday June 30, 2026 9:10am - 10:10am PDT
Limited Capacity seats available
An educator may undergo evaluation at least ten times during a 30-year career. If you've ever questioned the purpose or sought to increase the meaning of these evaluations, this session is for you. For the past two school years, a collaborative group of KHSTA members and KHSD administrators has been dedicated to redesigning our educator evaluation system to ensure the process is more meaningful. Attendees will gain insight into the revised California Standards for the Teaching Profession and how new evaluation instruments and documents will improve feedback and dialogue with evaluators.
Speakers
avatar for Mindy Montanio

Mindy Montanio

Title 1/MLL Coordinator/English 9 Teacher/KHSTA Vice President, Highland High School
Tuesday June 30, 2026 9:10am - 10:10am PDT
Room 706 [IHS] 8001 Old River Road, Bakersfield, CA 93311, USA

9:10am PDT

One Team, One Standard: Defining Mastery and What We Grade
FULL
Tuesday June 30, 2026 9:10am - 10:10am PDT
Limited Capacity full
What does an "A" mean on your team - and does everyone agree? This session brings professional learning teams together to tackle two critical questions:
  1. What does success look like?
  2. What is the true purpose of our grades?

Through focused, hands-on collaboration, teams will leave with clear, co-created agreements that bring consistency and meaning to their assessment practices.




Speakers
avatar for Yvette Heasley

Yvette Heasley

English Language Arts TOSA, Kern High School District
Yvette Heasley is a 30+ year educator and an ELA TOSA with KHSD. She is an advocate for assessment literacy, the PLC process, an avid podcast listener, and lover of mountain biking and dogs. 

avatar for Preston Robison

Preston Robison

Teacher, Shafter High School


Tuesday June 30, 2026 9:10am - 10:10am PDT
Room 601 [IHS] 8001 Old River Rd, Bakersfield, CA 93311, USA

9:10am PDT

Parent University
LIMITED
Tuesday June 30, 2026 9:10am - 10:10am PDT
Limited Capacity seats available
This session will introduce the Parent University framework developed over the summer and show staff how to implement it at their school sites. Participants will explore the districtwide modules, resources, and strategies designed to help families navigate the high school experience and support student success.
Speakers
JJ

Jennifer Jenkins

Counselor, Bakersfield High School

avatar for Jasper King

Jasper King

Supervising Administrator of Student, Family, and Community Engagement, Kern High School District


Tuesday June 30, 2026 9:10am - 10:10am PDT
Room 615 [IHS] 8001 Old River Rd, Bakersfield, CA 93311, USA

9:10am PDT

Schoolinks 101 for Teachers
LIMITED
Tuesday June 30, 2026 9:10am - 10:10am PDT
Limited Capacity seats available
This session introduces teachers to the Schoolinks college and career platform, providing a quick overview of the tools they can use to support students with course planning and post‑secondary exploration.
Speakers
avatar for Theresa Rubio

Theresa Rubio

District Resource Counselor, Kern High School District


Tuesday June 30, 2026 9:10am - 10:10am PDT
Library [IHS] 8001 Old River Rd, Bakersfield, CA 93311, USA

9:10am PDT

SEL for Counselors
LIMITED
Tuesday June 30, 2026 9:10am - 10:10am PDT
Limited Capacity seats available
This session introduces counselors to the CASEL 5 SEL competencies and explores how each domain can be intentionally integrated into counseling practices. Participants will engage in practical strategies, reflection, and discussion to strengthen students' social-emotional development and enhance schoolwide SEL support.
Speakers
avatar for Jackie Lilly

Jackie Lilly

Intervention Counselor, South High School

Tuesday June 30, 2026 9:10am - 10:10am PDT
Room 713 [IHS] 8001 Old River Road, Bakersfield, CA 93311, USA

9:10am PDT

STEM for ALL: Not WHAT You Think…But HOW You Think
FULL
Tuesday June 30, 2026 9:10am - 10:10am PDT
Limited Capacity full
Participants will explore how STEM (skepticism, tinkering, ethics, and making) are developed through productive struggle, student questioning, and collaborative discourse—strengthening not only academic thinking, but students’ ability to persevere, communicate, reflect, and make thoughtful decisions.
Speakers
avatar for Tiffany Bledsoe

Tiffany Bledsoe

MTSS PBIS TOSA, Kern High School District
Tiffany Bledsoe is a dynamic and visionary educator committed to transforming learning experiences for students while empowering educators. With over 13 years of experience in the education sector, she has emerged as a leader in educational innovation, professional developments, and... Read More →
avatar for Patricia Santamaria

Patricia Santamaria

MTSS/PBIS TOSA, Kern High School District
Paty is a special education teacher with a Master’s Degree in Teaching and seven years of experience in the district. She currently serves as a Teacher on Special Assignment (TOSA), where she supports educators in strengthening instructional practice, building meaningful relationships... Read More →
Tuesday June 30, 2026 9:10am - 10:10am PDT
Room 701 [IHS] 8001 Old River Rd, Bakersfield, CA 93311, USA

9:10am PDT

Supporting Foster Youth and McKinney Vento Students
FULL
Tuesday June 30, 2026 9:10am - 10:10am PDT
Limited Capacity full
This session provides teachers simple and effective ways to support students in foster care or experiencing housing instability.
Speakers
avatar for Michelle Blalock

Michelle Blalock

McKinney-Vento/Foster Youth Liaison, Kern High School District

Tuesday June 30, 2026 9:10am - 10:10am PDT
Room 707 [IHS] 8001 Old River Rd, Bakersfield, CA 93311, USA

9:10am PDT

Synergy for Counselors
LIMITED
Tuesday June 30, 2026 9:10am - 10:10am PDT
Limited Capacity seats available
This session explores Common Reports in Synergy and shares practical tips and tricks to streamline your workflow, helping you access data quickly and support students more efficiently.
Speakers
JR

Jennifer Randel

Synergy Application Specialist, Kern High School District
I've worked for the Kern High School District since 2001 and I've been supporting Synergy since it came online in the District in 2012.
Tuesday June 30, 2026 9:10am - 10:10am PDT
Library Lab [IHS] 8001 Old River Road, Bakersfield, CA 93311, USA

9:10am PDT

Teaching in the NOW: Byte-Sized Moves, Super-Sized Impact
FULL
Tuesday June 30, 2026 9:10am - 10:10am PDT
Limited Capacity full
What if the small shifts you make tomorrow could give you hours back next week?
In this fast-paced, hands-on session, you’ll explore simple, high-impact strategies that streamline grading, simplify planning, and strengthen communication without adding more to your plate! Designed for real classrooms and real-time constraints, this session focuses on practical moves you can implement immediately.

We’ll also tackle one of today’s biggest classroom challenges—student cell phone use—and reframe it from a distraction into a tool for engagement, voice, and connection.

Expect quick wins, creative ideas, and time to collaborate with others as you design ready-to-use strategies for your own classroom.

Come for the ideas. Leave with a plan. We can't wait to see you!
Speakers
avatar for Alaine Amey

Alaine Amey

MTSS/PBIS TOSA, Kern High School District
Alaine Amey brings a dynamic and multifaceted perspective to the field of education, grounded in both academic expertise and real-world application. She holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA), a Master’s degree in Special Education, and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology... Read More →
avatar for Jenna Odlin

Jenna Odlin

Kern High School District
Tuesday June 30, 2026 9:10am - 10:10am PDT
Room 702 [IHS] 8001 Old River Rd, Bakersfield, CA 93311, USA

9:10am PDT

Tiered Supports to Success
FULL
Tuesday June 30, 2026 9:10am - 10:10am PDT
Limited Capacity full
Students often need additional support beyond Tier 1 universal practices. Even with strong Tier 1 structures in place, some students may require extra behavioral or social-emotional support. Tier 2 targeted interventions provide the next level of assistance for students who need more help, while Tier 3 offers individualized, intensive support for those with the greatest needs. This session provides a clear overview of Tier 2 and Tier 3 services within a PBIS–MTSS framework, focusing on how these supports are structured, implemented, and monitored to improve student outcomes
Speakers
avatar for Ben Amey

Ben Amey

School Social Worker Lead Substance Abuse Specialist, Kern High School District
About Me
I serve as the Lead Substance Abuse Specialist within the Student Behavior and Supports department at Kern High School District, one of the largest high school districts in California. I hold a Master of Social Work (MSW), a Master of Business Administration (MBA), and am a certified... Read More →
avatar for Ashly Latunde

Ashly Latunde

Lead Interventionist, Kern High School District
About Me
I bring over 17 years experience working with youth in a variety of impactful roles, including Mentor, Coach, Juvenile Corrections Officer, and Interventionist. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a minor in Sociology. Throughout my career, I maintained a strong... Read More →
avatar for Kimberly Reynolds

Kimberly Reynolds

Lead School Social Worker, Kern High School District
About Me

I currently serve as the Lead School Social Worker for the Kern High School District, supporting a dedicated team of 29 school social workers through case consultation, Tier 3 systems development, and improving how we support students navigating social, emotional, and behavioral challenges... Read More →
Tuesday June 30, 2026 9:10am - 10:10am PDT
Room 618 [IHS] 8001 Old River Rd, Bakersfield, CA 93311, USA

10:20am PDT

A-G 101: Understanding CA University Requirements
FULL
Tuesday June 30, 2026 10:20am - 11:20am PDT
Limited Capacity full
This session provides an overview of A–G requirements, helping counselors and teachers understand the coursework, criteria, and monitoring practices needed to keep students on track for college eligibility.
Speakers
WP

Whitney Pascual

Counselor, Frontier High School

Tuesday June 30, 2026 10:20am - 11:20am PDT
Room 711 [IHS] 8001 Old River Road, Bakersfield, CA 93311, USA

10:20am PDT

Achieve 3000 in Your Classroom
LIMITED
Tuesday June 30, 2026 10:20am - 11:20am PDT
Limited Capacity seats available
You have heard of Achieve 3000 and what it does, but how does it look in your classroom? In this session, you will see a model lesson and learn how you can implement it in your classroom. You will leave this session with ideas for fitting this Tier 1 literacy intervention into your pacing and resources for integrating it into your classroom.
Speakers
EP

Eliza Pearsey

Teacher, West High School

avatar for Katrina Cramer

Katrina Cramer

Teacher Librarian, West High School

Tuesday June 30, 2026 10:20am - 11:20am PDT
Room 604 [IHS] 8001 Old River Rd, Bakersfield, CA 93311, USA

10:20am PDT

Alternative Ed/Credit Recovery
FULL
Tuesday June 30, 2026 10:20am - 11:20am PDT
Limited Capacity full
This session will outline the various credit recovery options available to students and provide an overview of the programs and supports offered at our alternative education sites.
Speakers
avatar for Marcela Gamino

Marcela Gamino

School Counselor, South High School, Workforce Academy
avatar for Irene Ramey

Irene Ramey

Counselor/Workforce Coordinator, South High School/Workforce
Tuesday June 30, 2026 10:20am - 11:20am PDT
Room 708 [IHS] 8001 Old River Road, Bakersfield, CA 93311, USA

10:20am PDT

Building a Belonging Classroom through Restorative Practices
FULL
Tuesday June 30, 2026 10:20am - 11:20am PDT
Limited Capacity full
This professional development training helps teachers with simple, practical ways to build stronger relationships with students and create a more positive classroom environment while reviewing the ideology of Restorative Practices. It focuses on reflection of practice, giving students a voice, handling conflicts through open conversations, and helping students take responsibility for their actions. Teachers should leave with ready-to-use strategies they can apply right away, such as leading quick classroom circles, using simple conversation prompts to address both content and behavior, and building daily routines that strengthen trust and respect. The training includes real classroom examples and opportunities to practice these approaches, so teachers feel confident using them. By the end, teachers will have practical tools to improve classroom culture, respond to challenges more effectively, and support students in feeling heard, valued, and accountable.
Speakers
avatar for Kim Woolf

Kim Woolf

TOSA, Student Behavior & Supports
I am a 34 year veteran teacher and currently a TOSA (teacher on special assignment) overseeing the implementation of 15 student advocacy centers (SAC), 24 On Campus Intervention Programs (OCI), and 2 Restorative Practice Model school sites from our district office.  I began my career... Read More →
Tuesday June 30, 2026 10:20am - 11:20am PDT
Room 703 [IHS] 8001 Old River Rd, Bakersfield, CA 93311, USA

10:20am PDT

Building Thinking Classrooms
LIMITED
Tuesday June 30, 2026 10:20am - 11:20am PDT
Limited Capacity seats available
This session will introduce key ideas from Building Thinking Classrooms and explore what they can look like in secondary math settings. Teachers will leave with practical entry points for fostering student thinking, increasing participation, and creating more collaborative and cognitively engaging classrooms.
Speakers
avatar for Blaine Hawkins

Blaine Hawkins

District Math TOSA, Kern High School District
I've been teaching for a while now and still don't have it all figured out. One of my favorite pastimes is sharing best practices with other teachers.
My current focuses (foci?) are: Systems Change, Academic MTSS models, curriculum adoption, BTC, and new teacher support.
avatar for Germán Robledo

Germán Robledo

Instructional Services Math TOSA, Kern High School District
Germán Robledo is passionate about mathematics and education and feels fortunate to have built a career that connects both.

Tuesday June 30, 2026 10:20am - 11:20am PDT
Room 617 [IHS] 8001 Old River Rd, Bakersfield, CA 93311, USA

10:20am PDT

Co-Teaching: Advanced (2 years+ experience)
FILLING
Tuesday June 30, 2026 10:20am - 11:20am PDT
Limited Capacity filling up
Join us for an interactive session designed to help experienced co-teaching teams elevate their practice. Explore advanced instructional strategies, strengthen collaborative planning, and refine approaches that maximize student engagement and achievement. Learn practical tools for navigating common hurdles, problem-solving challenges, and sustaining a strong, effective partnership.
Speakers
avatar for Adriana Vasquez

Adriana Vasquez

Instructional Services Co-teaching TOSA, Kern High School District
Dedicated educator with 16 years of experience, including 9 years with KHSD, currently serving as a second-year Co-Teaching TOSA. I hold Education Specialist credentials in Mild/Moderate and Moderate/Severe. I’m passionate about collaboration, supporting educators and students... Read More →
Tuesday June 30, 2026 10:20am - 11:20am PDT
Room 607 [IHS] 8001 Old River Rd, Bakersfield, CA 93311, USA

10:20am PDT

Cultivating Educator Wellness
FULL
Tuesday June 30, 2026 10:20am - 11:20am PDT
Limited Capacity full
This session focuses on understanding and supporting teacher well-being. When teachers feel supported and balanced internally, they are better equipped to create connected and thriving learning environments for all students. It will give an overview of mental health, emphasize the importance of educator wellness, and offer practical strategies for self-care.
Speakers
avatar for Rebecca Banke

Rebecca Banke

Student & Family Support Coordinator, Kern High School District
Rebecca Banke is a leader in school-based mental health and is passionate about breaking down barriers and building systems to ensure individuals have access to the resources they need to succeed.
As the first school social worker not only in the Kern High School District but Kern County; she helped lay the foundation for a now-growing workforce of over 120 school social workers across the county. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 10 years of mental health... Read More →
Tuesday June 30, 2026 10:20am - 11:20am PDT
Room 614 [IHS] 8001 Old River Road, Bakersfield, CA 93311, USA

10:20am PDT

Culture of Reading in the Secondary Setting
FILLING
Tuesday June 30, 2026 10:20am - 11:20am PDT
Limited Capacity filling up
Students love reading! Just Kidding. How do we build a culture of reading and make reading time valuable? How do we get kids to pick up books on their own? Our session will provide strategies that have worked for us at East High, including working hand in hand with the librarian and teacher, book tasting activities, First Chapter Friday, and reading for the fun of it.
Speakers
avatar for Hana Ayoub

Hana Ayoub

Teacher, East Bakersfield High School

avatar for Rosalie Fuentes

Rosalie Fuentes

Teacher Librarian, East Bakersfield High School


Tuesday June 30, 2026 10:20am - 11:20am PDT
Room 710 [IHS] 8001 Old River Road, Bakersfield, CA 93311, USA

10:20am PDT

Dual Enrollment Counseling
LIMITED
Tuesday June 30, 2026 10:20am - 11:20am PDT
Limited Capacity seats available
This session will highlight how counselors support dual‑enrollment students and families with enrollment, eligibility, college coursework, academic planning, and outreach to expand early college participation.
Speakers
avatar for Tiffani Alvidrez

Tiffani Alvidrez

Counselor, Bakersfield High School

avatar for Kelley Beauchamp

Kelley Beauchamp

School Counselor, Kern High School District
I  L🤎VE my role as a high school counselor! It integrates academics, social/emotional topics, college- & career-readiness, problem-solving, credits and data tracking, and so much more varieties...let's just say, it's never a dull moment in Viking office 5.
I also enjoy decorat... Read More →
Tuesday June 30, 2026 10:20am - 11:20am PDT
Room 707 [IHS] 8001 Old River Rd, Bakersfield, CA 93311, USA

10:20am PDT

Feedback That Hits: Say Less, Mean More
FULL
Tuesday June 30, 2026 10:20am - 11:20am PDT
Limited Capacity full
Designed to strengthen educator practice around effective, high-impact feedback. The session uses a balanced model of direct instruction and interactive application to ensure both meaningful seat time and active engagement.
Grounded in best practices from instructional research, the PD focuses on shifting feedback from general comments and grading toward specific, actionable, and student-centered communication that promotes growth. Educators will explore practical strategies such as using strengths-based feedback, providing clear next steps, and creating opportunities for students to respond, revise, and reflect.

Participants will engage in collaborative activities, analyze examples of effective and ineffective feedback, and develop a ready-to-use feedback approach tailored to their classroom context. The overall goal is to enhance student learning, increase engagement, and support consistent, effective instructional practices across classrooms.
Speakers
avatar for Nicole Cameron

Nicole Cameron

TOSA, Kern High School District
Nicole Cameron brings over 30 years of experience in education, serving in both classified and certificated roles across K–12 and adult education. She began her career as a classified employee before becoming a Special Education teacher, with an emphasis in behavior modification... Read More →
avatar for Nicole Powell

Nicole Powell

MTSS PBIS TOSA, Kern High School District
Nicole Powell is an educator with eight years of experience in the Kern High School District, where she has built a strong background in student leadership, engagement, and school culture. Throughout her career, she has coached multiple sports with success, helping student-athletes... Read More →
Tuesday June 30, 2026 10:20am - 11:20am PDT
Room 701 [IHS] 8001 Old River Rd, Bakersfield, CA 93311, USA

10:20am PDT

From Passive to Powerful: Making Notes Work for Students
LIMITED
Tuesday June 30, 2026 10:20am - 11:20am PDT
Limited Capacity seats available
Most students have notes. Few know what to do with them.When teachers assign note-taking or have students copy notes in class, the assumption is often that the act of writing something down is enough; that students will review, internalize, and somehow arrive at deeper understanding on their own. But without structured guidance on what to do after the pen goes down, notes become a passive artifact rather than an active learning tool. In this hands-on professional development session, teachers will examine the AVID note-taking framework and rather than focus on teaching students merely how to format their notes, will investigate note-taking as  complete study cycle. You'll leave with practical, low-lift adjustments you can make immediately to transform note-taking from a compliance task into a genuine comprehension strategy. This session is for any subject and any level. No AVID experience needed..
Speakers
avatar for Kacie Martinez

Kacie Martinez

English & AVID Teacher
I'm an English and AVID teacher at Del Oro High School with 18 years in education.

My current obsessions: literacy across content areas, building cultures of wide reading, Universal Design for Learning, and helping students build college ready habits and skills.

Talk to me about: A... Read More →
Tuesday June 30, 2026 10:20am - 11:20am PDT
Room 712 [IHS] 8001 Old River Road, Bakersfield, CA 93311, USA

10:20am PDT

From Prompt to Proficient: Navigating ELA CAT Responses
LIMITED
Tuesday June 30, 2026 10:20am - 11:20am PDT
Limited Capacity seats available
In this session, teachers will unpack the expectations of the ELA Computer Adaptive Test (CAT) with a focused look at free-response questions. Participants will explore scoring rubrics, analyze sample student responses, and identify what distinguishes developing work from proficient performance. Through collaborative discussion and practical strategies, teachers will learn how to clearly communicate expectations, scaffold student thinking, and support students in crafting strong, evidence-based responses. The goal is to equip educators with tools to help students move confidently from understanding the prompt to producing proficient, standards-aligned writing.
Speakers
avatar for Courtney Villasenor

Courtney Villasenor

ELA Teacher and Testing Coordinator, Independence High School
Courtney Villaseñor is an English teacher, instructional coach, literacy advocate, and unapologetic nerd who believes students learn best when rigor, creativity, and connection all share the same table. She teaches eleventh-grade English at Independence High School, where she works... Read More →
Tuesday June 30, 2026 10:20am - 11:20am PDT
Room 619 [IHS] 8001 Old River Rd, Bakersfield, CA 93311, USA

10:20am PDT

Lesson Planning: Design with Intention
FULL
Tuesday June 30, 2026 10:20am - 11:20am PDT
Limited Capacity full
In this session, participants will move beyond the "daily agenda" to master the art of backwards design, ensuring every instructional choice serves a clear end goal. By focusing on intentional planning, we will explore how to balance academic rigor with cultural relevance to create lessons that do more than just deliver content. Participants will walk away with a framework for designing experiences that empower students to move toward deep meaning-making and the long-term transfer of skills to new contexts.
Speakers
avatar for Karen Bastain

Karen Bastain

KHTR TOSA, Kern High School District
For 23 years I taught various levels of high school English, including general, college preparatory, and Advanced Placement courses. Since 2024, I've been a TOSA with the Kern High Teacher Residency Program and an Adjunct Lecturer at California State University, Bakersfield's Teacher... Read More →
avatar for Rachel Harless

Rachel Harless

KHTR TOSA, Kern High School District
I am an experienced High School Math Teacher with over 18 years of classroom teaching.  Now, I am a Teacher on Special Assignment for the Kern High School District and a Lecturer in the Teacher Education Department at California State University, Bakersfield. I specialize in Classroom... Read More →
Tuesday June 30, 2026 10:20am - 11:20am PDT
Room 605 [IHS] 8001 Old River Rd, Bakersfield, CA 93311, USA

10:20am PDT

Math Language Routines Resources in KHSD
LIMITED
Tuesday June 30, 2026 10:20am - 11:20am PDT
Limited Capacity seats available
Learn about the Math Language Routine resources available through KHSD and how they can support access, discourse, and meaning-making in math classrooms. This session will highlight ready-to-use tools, examples, and implementation ideas to help teachers strengthen both mathematical understanding and academic language development.
Speakers
avatar for Blaine Hawkins

Blaine Hawkins

District Math TOSA, Kern High School District
I've been teaching for a while now and still don't have it all figured out. One of my favorite pastimes is sharing best practices with other teachers.
My current focuses (foci?) are: Systems Change, Academic MTSS models, curriculum adoption, BTC, and new teacher support.
avatar for Germán Robledo

Germán Robledo

Instructional Services Math TOSA, Kern High School District
Germán Robledo is passionate about mathematics and education and feels fortunate to have built a career that connects both.

Tuesday June 30, 2026 10:20am - 11:20am PDT
Room 603 [IHS] 8001 Old River Rd, Bakersfield, CA 93311, USA

10:20am PDT

New Evaluation Process - A System of Professional Growth
FILLING
Tuesday June 30, 2026 10:20am - 11:20am PDT
Limited Capacity filling up
An educator may undergo evaluation at least ten times during a 30-year career. If you've ever questioned the purpose or sought to increase the meaning of these evaluations, this session is for you. For the past two school years, a collaborative group of KHSTA members and KHSD administrators has been dedicated to redesigning our educator evaluation system to ensure the process is more meaningful. Attendees will gain insight into the revised California Standards for the Teaching Profession and how new evaluation instruments and documents will improve feedback and dialogue with evaluators.
Speakers
avatar for Mindy Montanio

Mindy Montanio

Title 1/MLL Coordinator/English 9 Teacher/KHSTA Vice President, Highland High School
Tuesday June 30, 2026 10:20am - 11:20am PDT
Room 706 [IHS] 8001 Old River Road, Bakersfield, CA 93311, USA

10:20am PDT

Parent University
LIMITED
Tuesday June 30, 2026 10:20am - 11:20am PDT
Limited Capacity seats available
This session will introduce the Parent University framework developed over the summer and show staff how to implement it at their school sites. Participants will explore the districtwide modules, resources, and strategies designed to help families navigate the high school experience and support student success.
Speakers
JJ

Jennifer Jenkins

Counselor, Bakersfield High School

avatar for Jasper King

Jasper King

Supervising Administrator of Student, Family, and Community Engagement, Kern High School District


Tuesday June 30, 2026 10:20am - 11:20am PDT
Room 615 [IHS] 8001 Old River Rd, Bakersfield, CA 93311, USA

10:20am PDT

Safe Space Training
LIMITED
Tuesday June 30, 2026 10:20am - 11:20am PDT
Limited Capacity seats available
This training is designed to empower educators to identify and assess the level of inclusivity in their classrooms and schools. Participants will leave with tools and resources to provide safe and inclusive spaces in their classrooms. Whether you’re beginning to explore what a safe space entails or looking to advance your existing inclusivity practices, all levels of knowledge are welcome.
Speakers
avatar for Olive Garrison

Olive Garrison

Teacher, Del Oro High School
Dr. Olive Garrison is currently teaching DE US History, PLUS, and Ethnic Studies at Del Oro High School. They co-advise the PRIDE Club and works along other educators in the PRISM program for the KHSD. Olive also serves as a co-chair of the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Issues... Read More →
avatar for Elise Sotello

Elise Sotello

Teacher, Kern Learn

Elise has been teaching English in the Kern High School District since 2000. She has been an LGBTQ+ advocate at the local, state, and national levels since 2016 and is the outgoing two-term President of the Kern County Historical Society. (Profile photo is by Jake Tovar)
Tuesday June 30, 2026 10:20am - 11:20am PDT
Room 613 [IHS] 8001 Old River Rd, Bakersfield, CA 93311, USA

10:20am PDT

School Counseling Leadership and Identity
LIMITED
Tuesday June 30, 2026 10:20am - 11:20am PDT
Limited Capacity seats available
This interactive session invites counselors to engage in guided self‑reflection to identify and celebrate their personal strengths. Through hands‑on activities and meaningful discussion, participants will gain deeper insight into their counseling style and how to leverage their unique strengths to better support students and school communities.
Speakers
avatar for Lydia Caceres

Lydia Caceres

Counselor, Arvin High School
An Academic and Intervention Counselor at KHSD since 2008, Lydia previously served as a Spanish Teacher and holds a Master's degree along with a Pupil Personnel Services Credential in School Counseling. She is an alumna of The University of Texas at Austin, CSUB, and Point Loma University... Read More →
avatar for Kim Hobbs

Kim Hobbs

Head Counselor, North High School
Kim is a school counselor with a Masters and Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) Credential in School Counseling.  As an educator in the California public high school system since 1999, she enjoys partnering with parents and connecting with students.  Her Bachelor of Arts and Secondary... Read More →
Tuesday June 30, 2026 10:20am - 11:20am PDT
Room 713 [IHS] 8001 Old River Road, Bakersfield, CA 93311, USA

10:20am PDT

Schoolinks 101 for Teachers
LIMITED
Tuesday June 30, 2026 10:20am - 11:20am PDT
Limited Capacity seats available
This session introduces teachers to the Schoolinks college and career platform, providing a quick overview of the tools they can use to support students with course planning and post‑secondary exploration.
Speakers
avatar for Theresa Rubio

Theresa Rubio

District Resource Counselor, Kern High School District


Tuesday June 30, 2026 10:20am - 11:20am PDT
Library [IHS] 8001 Old River Rd, Bakersfield, CA 93311, USA

10:20am PDT

Synergy for Counselors
LIMITED
Tuesday June 30, 2026 10:20am - 11:20am PDT
Limited Capacity seats available
This session explores Common Reports in Synergy and shares practical tips and tricks to streamline your workflow, helping you access data quickly and support students more efficiently.
Speakers
JR

Jennifer Randel

Synergy Application Specialist, Kern High School District
I've worked for the Kern High School District since 2001 and I've been supporting Synergy since it came online in the District in 2012.
Tuesday June 30, 2026 10:20am - 11:20am PDT
Library Lab [IHS] 8001 Old River Road, Bakersfield, CA 93311, USA

10:20am PDT

Teaching in the NOW: Byte-Sized Moves, Super-Sized Impact
FULL
Tuesday June 30, 2026 10:20am - 11:20am PDT
Limited Capacity full
What if the small shifts you make tomorrow could give you hours back next week?
In this fast-paced, hands-on session, you’ll explore simple, high-impact strategies that streamline grading, simplify planning, and strengthen communication without adding more to your plate! Designed for real classrooms and real-time constraints, this session focuses on practical moves you can implement immediately.

We’ll also tackle one of today’s biggest classroom challenges—student cell phone use—and reframe it from a distraction into a tool for engagement, voice, and connection.

Expect quick wins, creative ideas, and time to collaborate with others as you design ready-to-use strategies for your own classroom.

Come for the ideas. Leave with a plan. We can't wait to see you!
Speakers
avatar for Alaine Amey

Alaine Amey

MTSS/PBIS TOSA, Kern High School District
Alaine Amey brings a dynamic and multifaceted perspective to the field of education, grounded in both academic expertise and real-world application. She holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA), a Master’s degree in Special Education, and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology... Read More →
avatar for Jenna Odlin

Jenna Odlin

Kern High School District
Tuesday June 30, 2026 10:20am - 11:20am PDT
Room 702 [IHS] 8001 Old River Rd, Bakersfield, CA 93311, USA

10:20am PDT

Tiered Supports to Success
LIMITED
Tuesday June 30, 2026 10:20am - 11:20am PDT
Limited Capacity seats available
Students often need additional support beyond Tier 1 universal practices. Even with strong Tier 1 structures in place, some students may require extra behavioral or social-emotional support. Tier 2 targeted interventions provide the next level of assistance for students who need more help, while Tier 3 offers individualized, intensive support for those with the greatest needs. This session provides a clear overview of Tier 2 and Tier 3 services within a PBIS–MTSS framework, focusing on how these supports are structured, implemented, and monitored to improve student outcomes
Speakers
avatar for Ben Amey

Ben Amey

School Social Worker Lead Substance Abuse Specialist, Kern High School District
About Me
I serve as the Lead Substance Abuse Specialist within the Student Behavior and Supports department at Kern High School District, one of the largest high school districts in California. I hold a Master of Social Work (MSW), a Master of Business Administration (MBA), and am a certified... Read More →
avatar for Ashly Latunde

Ashly Latunde

Lead Interventionist, Kern High School District
About Me
I bring over 17 years experience working with youth in a variety of impactful roles, including Mentor, Coach, Juvenile Corrections Officer, and Interventionist. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a minor in Sociology. Throughout my career, I maintained a strong... Read More →
avatar for Kimberly Reynolds

Kimberly Reynolds

Lead School Social Worker, Kern High School District
About Me

I currently serve as the Lead School Social Worker for the Kern High School District, supporting a dedicated team of 29 school social workers through case consultation, Tier 3 systems development, and improving how we support students navigating social, emotional, and behavioral challenges... Read More →
Tuesday June 30, 2026 10:20am - 11:20am PDT
Room 618 [IHS] 8001 Old River Rd, Bakersfield, CA 93311, USA

10:20am PDT

What's Next in the PLT Process? Data Protocols, Interventions, Enrichments
FULL
Tuesday June 30, 2026 10:20am - 11:20am PDT
Limited Capacity full
You built the assessment. Now use it. This session is about closing the loop. In this session, you will dig into real CFA data as a team, moving through a structured data protocol that pushes past "most kids got it" to the specific learning targets where students are stuck and why. Content-alike teachers will:
  • Use a data protocol to analyze CFA results at the learning target level, identifying patterns across classrooms and student groups.
  • Distinguish between students who need additional time and support and those who are ready to go deeper.
  • Practice the team conversation that turns data into action, moving from what does this tell us to what do we do about it and how ill we know it worked
Speakers
avatar for Yvette Heasley

Yvette Heasley

English Language Arts TOSA, Kern High School District
Yvette Heasley is a 30+ year educator and an ELA TOSA with KHSD. She is an advocate for assessment literacy, the PLC process, an avid podcast listener, and lover of mountain biking and dogs. 

avatar for Preston Robison

Preston Robison

Teacher, Shafter High School


Tuesday June 30, 2026 10:20am - 11:20am PDT
Room 601 [IHS] 8001 Old River Rd, Bakersfield, CA 93311, USA

11:30am PDT

Lunch
Tuesday June 30, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm PDT

Tuesday June 30, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm PDT
TBA

12:40pm PDT

Academic Independent Reading
FULL
Tuesday June 30, 2026 12:40pm - 1:40pm PDT
Limited Capacity full
What happens when students are given time, choice, and purpose to read independently? Powerful academic and personal growth. Academic Independent Reading explores why sustained, intentional reading experiences are essential in today’s classrooms—and how they directly impact student success across content areas. In this session, participants will examine the why behind independent reading, connect literacy habits to academic outcomes, and leave with renewed insight into how daily reading and writing empower students to grow as thinkers, learners, and humans. Whether you’re refining an existing program or just getting started, this session makes the case for putting meaningful reading and writing at the center of learning
Speakers
avatar for Tanya Whitehouse

Tanya Whitehouse

Teacher, Independence High School

Tuesday June 30, 2026 12:40pm - 1:40pm PDT
Room 712 [IHS] 8001 Old River Road, Bakersfield, CA 93311, USA

12:40pm PDT

Accessibility Resources for State Testing: Accommodations, Designated Supports and Domain Exemptions
LIMITED
Tuesday June 30, 2026 12:40pm - 1:40pm PDT
Limited Capacity seats available
Are you confident that your students are receiving the support they need during state testing? Join us for an informative, practical professional development session focused on designated supports and accessibility tools and domain exemptions available to students taking the CAST, CAASPP, Summative ELPAC, and Alternate state assessments. In this session, teachers will learn how to identify appropriate supports, understand eligibility guidelines, and explore available tools that promote equitable access for all learners—especially English learners, students with disabilities, and other students who may benefit from additional support.
Speakers
avatar for Libia Le

Libia Le

ELD Teacher on Special Assignment, Kern High School District


avatar for Jadene Watson

Jadene Watson

ELD Teacher on Special Assignment, Kern High School District


Tuesday June 30, 2026 12:40pm - 1:40pm PDT
Room 706 [IHS] 8001 Old River Road, Bakersfield, CA 93311, USA

12:40pm PDT

Beyond the Lesson Plan: The Power of Performance in Teaching
FULL
Tuesday June 30, 2026 12:40pm - 1:40pm PDT
Limited Capacity full
“Good teaching is ¼ preparation and ¾ pure theatre.” — Gail Godwin

Teaching isn’t just planning—it’s performance. Join us for a high-energy session where we will explore the “theatre” of teaching: presence, engagement, and connection. You’ll experiment, collaborate, and push beyond your comfort zone while discovering new ways to bring your classroom to life.
Come ready to move, reflect, and have fun!
Speakers
avatar for Karen Bastain

Karen Bastain

KHTR TOSA, Kern High School District
For 23 years I taught various levels of high school English, including general, college preparatory, and Advanced Placement courses. Since 2024, I've been a TOSA with the Kern High Teacher Residency Program and an Adjunct Lecturer at California State University, Bakersfield's Teacher... Read More →
avatar for Rachel Harless

Rachel Harless

KHTR TOSA, Kern High School District
I am an experienced High School Math Teacher with over 18 years of classroom teaching.  Now, I am a Teacher on Special Assignment for the Kern High School District and a Lecturer in the Teacher Education Department at California State University, Bakersfield. I specialize in Classroom... Read More →
Tuesday June 30, 2026 12:40pm - 1:40pm PDT
Room 605 [IHS] 8001 Old River Rd, Bakersfield, CA 93311, USA

12:40pm PDT

Building a Belonging Classroom through Restorative Practices
FILLING
Tuesday June 30, 2026 12:40pm - 1:40pm PDT
Limited Capacity filling up
This professional development training helps teachers with simple, practical ways to build stronger relationships with students and create a more positive classroom environment while reviewing the ideology of Restorative Practices. It focuses on reflection of practice, giving students a voice, handling conflicts through open conversations, and helping students take responsibility for their actions. Teachers should leave with ready-to-use strategies they can apply right away, such as leading quick classroom circles, using simple conversation prompts to address both content and behavior, and building daily routines that strengthen trust and respect. The training includes real classroom examples and opportunities to practice these approaches, so teachers feel confident using them. By the end, teachers will have practical tools to improve classroom culture, respond to challenges more effectively, and support students in feeling heard, valued, and accountable.
Speakers
avatar for Kim Woolf

Kim Woolf

TOSA, Student Behavior & Supports
I am a 34 year veteran teacher and currently a TOSA (teacher on special assignment) overseeing the implementation of 15 student advocacy centers (SAC), 24 On Campus Intervention Programs (OCI), and 2 Restorative Practice Model school sites from our district office.  I began my career... Read More →
Tuesday June 30, 2026 12:40pm - 1:40pm PDT
Room 703 [IHS] 8001 Old River Rd, Bakersfield, CA 93311, USA

12:40pm PDT

Building Research Skills 9-12
LIMITED
Tuesday June 30, 2026 12:40pm - 1:40pm PDT
Limited Capacity seats available
The senior research project is daunting for students and teachers alike! East High has decided to vertically align to best support all learners and teachers for every student’s experience. Here is our vertically aligned plan to prepare students for research, starting freshman year and building skills each year. See how the librarian and teachers collaborate to scaffold research skills leading to the district senior writing project.
Speakers
avatar for Kasey Graves

Kasey Graves

Teacher, East Bakersfield High School

avatar for Rosalie Fuentes

Rosalie Fuentes

Teacher Librarian, East Bakersfield High School


Tuesday June 30, 2026 12:40pm - 1:40pm PDT
Room 710 [IHS] 8001 Old River Road, Bakersfield, CA 93311, USA

12:40pm PDT

Building Thinking Classrooms
FULL
Tuesday June 30, 2026 12:40pm - 1:40pm PDT
Limited Capacity full
This session will introduce key ideas from Building Thinking Classrooms and explore what they can look like in secondary math settings. Teachers will leave with practical entry points for fostering student thinking, increasing participation, and creating more collaborative and cognitively engaging classrooms.
Speakers
avatar for Blaine Hawkins

Blaine Hawkins

District Math TOSA, Kern High School District
I've been teaching for a while now and still don't have it all figured out. One of my favorite pastimes is sharing best practices with other teachers.
My current focuses (foci?) are: Systems Change, Academic MTSS models, curriculum adoption, BTC, and new teacher support.
avatar for Germán Robledo

Germán Robledo

Instructional Services Math TOSA, Kern High School District
Germán Robledo is passionate about mathematics and education and feels fortunate to have built a career that connects both.

Tuesday June 30, 2026 12:40pm - 1:40pm PDT
Room 617 [IHS] 8001 Old River Rd, Bakersfield, CA 93311, USA

12:40pm PDT

Co-teaching: THE BEGINNING (0-2 years' experience)
LIMITED
Tuesday June 30, 2026 12:40pm - 1:40pm PDT
Limited Capacity seats available
Join us for an engaging session designed to help co-teaching partners start strong. Learn practical strategies for effective collaboration, establishing parity, building trust, and creating shared systems that support student success. Walk away with tools to strengthen communication and lay the foundation for a positive, productive partnership from day one.
Speakers
avatar for Adriana Vasquez

Adriana Vasquez

Instructional Services Co-teaching TOSA, Kern High School District
Dedicated educator with 16 years of experience, including 9 years with KHSD, currently serving as a second-year Co-Teaching TOSA. I hold Education Specialist credentials in Mild/Moderate and Moderate/Severe. I’m passionate about collaboration, supporting educators and students... Read More →
Tuesday June 30, 2026 12:40pm - 1:40pm PDT
Room 607 [IHS] 8001 Old River Rd, Bakersfield, CA 93311, USA

12:40pm PDT

Community Schools Basics 101
LIMITED
Tuesday June 30, 2026 12:40pm - 1:40pm PDT
Limited Capacity seats available
Discover how the Community Schools strategy creates the conditions for students to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. This introductory session is designed for certificated staff across all roles—including teachers, counselors, program advisors, and activity leaders—and will explore practical ways to strengthen relationships, remove barriers to learning, and connect students and families with meaningful supports. Learn how Community Schools is not “one more thing,” but a framework that helps schools work smarter together in service of student success.
Speakers
avatar for Karen O'Mullan

Karen O'Mullan

Student Family and Community Engagement Teacher on Special Assignment, Kern High School District
I have spent the past 20 years in education, teaching English to a diverse range of students—from Special Education and English Language Learners to Advanced Placement. Throughout my career, I have taken on a variety of roles, including serving on committees, advising clubs and... Read More →
Tuesday June 30, 2026 12:40pm - 1:40pm PDT
Room 613 [IHS] 8001 Old River Rd, Bakersfield, CA 93311, USA

12:40pm PDT

Cultivating Educator Wellness
FULL
Tuesday June 30, 2026 12:40pm - 1:40pm PDT
Limited Capacity full
This session focuses on understanding and supporting teacher well-being. When teachers feel supported and balanced internally, they are better equipped to create connected and thriving learning environments for all students. It will give an overview of mental health, emphasize the importance of educator wellness, and offer practical strategies for self-care.
Speakers
avatar for Rebecca Banke

Rebecca Banke

Student & Family Support Coordinator, Kern High School District
Rebecca Banke is a leader in school-based mental health and is passionate about breaking down barriers and building systems to ensure individuals have access to the resources they need to succeed.
As the first school social worker not only in the Kern High School District but Kern County; she helped lay the foundation for a now-growing workforce of over 120 school social workers across the county. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 10 years of mental health... Read More →
Tuesday June 30, 2026 12:40pm - 1:40pm PDT
Room 614 [IHS] 8001 Old River Road, Bakersfield, CA 93311, USA

12:40pm PDT

ELA Interim Assessment and Data
LIMITED
Tuesday June 30, 2026 12:40pm - 1:40pm PDT
Limited Capacity seats available
This session is designed for ELA teachers 9-10. In this session teachers will use a protocol to analyze interim assessment data to better understand how this information can help teachers identify gaps in their curriculum and instruction.
Tuesday June 30, 2026 12:40pm - 1:40pm PDT
Room 602 [IHS] 8001 Old River Rd, Bakersfield, CA 93311, USA

12:40pm PDT

Family Engagement: Partnering with Families for Student Success
FILLING
Tuesday June 30, 2026 12:40pm - 1:40pm PDT
Limited Capacity filling up
Strong family partnerships are one of the most powerful drivers of student success. In this introductory session, certificated staff will explore research-based family engagement practices grounded in the work of Dr. Karen Mapp. Learn how to move beyond involvement to meaningful engagement by building trusting relationships, honoring family strengths, and creating authentic partnerships that support student learning, attendance, and well-being. Walk away with practical strategies you can use in any role or classroom.
Speakers
avatar for Martha Flores

Martha Flores

Parent Education Liaison, Kern High School District


Tuesday June 30, 2026 12:40pm - 1:40pm PDT
Room 711 [IHS] 8001 Old River Road, Bakersfield, CA 93311, USA

12:40pm PDT

Intro to Achieve 3000
LIMITED
Tuesday June 30, 2026 12:40pm - 1:40pm PDT
Limited Capacity seats available
Achieve 3000 is a tier 1 literacy intervention option in our district. In this session you will learn more about it, how to use it, and most importantly the why behind it. Participants will walk away with a working knowledge of how to use Achieve 3000, the research that supports it, and why it's worth the instructional time.
Speakers
EP

Eliza Pearsey

Teacher, West High School

avatar for Katrina Cramer

Katrina Cramer

Teacher Librarian, West High School

Tuesday June 30, 2026 12:40pm - 1:40pm PDT
Room 604 [IHS] 8001 Old River Rd, Bakersfield, CA 93311, USA

12:40pm PDT

Math Lesson Design
LIMITED
Tuesday June 30, 2026 12:40pm - 1:40pm PDT
Limited Capacity seats available
What makes a strong math lesson? In this session, we will examine core principles of effective lesson design, including clarity of purpose, task selection, opportunities for discourse, and alignment to learning goals, with an emphasis on creating lessons that promote both rigor and accessibility.
Speakers
avatar for Blaine Hawkins

Blaine Hawkins

District Math TOSA, Kern High School District
I've been teaching for a while now and still don't have it all figured out. One of my favorite pastimes is sharing best practices with other teachers.
My current focuses (foci?) are: Systems Change, Academic MTSS models, curriculum adoption, BTC, and new teacher support.
avatar for Germán Robledo

Germán Robledo

Instructional Services Math TOSA, Kern High School District
Germán Robledo is passionate about mathematics and education and feels fortunate to have built a career that connects both.

Tuesday June 30, 2026 12:40pm - 1:40pm PDT
Room 603 [IHS] 8001 Old River Rd, Bakersfield, CA 93311, USA

12:40pm PDT

New Evaluation Process - A System of Professional Growth
FULL
Tuesday June 30, 2026 12:40pm - 1:40pm PDT
Limited Capacity full
An educator may undergo evaluation at least ten times during a 30-year career. If you've ever questioned the purpose or sought to increase the meaning of these evaluations, this session is for you. For the past two school years, a collaborative group of KHSTA members and KHSD administrators has been dedicated to redesigning our educator evaluation system to ensure the process is more meaningful. Attendees will gain insight into the revised California Standards for the Teaching Profession and how new evaluation instruments and documents will improve feedback and dialogue with evaluators.
Speakers
avatar for Mindy Montanio

Mindy Montanio

Title 1/MLL Coordinator/English 9 Teacher/KHSTA Vice President, Highland High School
Tuesday June 30, 2026 12:40pm - 1:40pm PDT
Room 706 [IHS] 8001 Old River Road, Bakersfield, CA 93311, USA

12:40pm PDT

One Team, One Standard: Defining Mastery and What We Grade
FULL
Tuesday June 30, 2026 12:40pm - 1:40pm PDT
Limited Capacity full
What does an "A" mean on your team - and does everyone agree? This session brings professional learning teams together to tackle two critical questions:
  1. What does success look like?
  2. What is the true purpose of our grades?

Through focused, hands-on collaboration, teams will leave with clear, co-created agreements that bring consistency and meaning to their assessment practices.




Speakers
avatar for Yvette Heasley

Yvette Heasley

English Language Arts TOSA, Kern High School District
Yvette Heasley is a 30+ year educator and an ELA TOSA with KHSD. She is an advocate for assessment literacy, the PLC process, an avid podcast listener, and lover of mountain biking and dogs. 

avatar for Preston Robison

Preston Robison

Teacher, Shafter High School


Tuesday June 30, 2026 12:40pm - 1:40pm PDT
Room 601 [IHS] 8001 Old River Rd, Bakersfield, CA 93311, USA

12:40pm PDT

Parent University
LIMITED
Tuesday June 30, 2026 12:40pm - 1:40pm PDT
Limited Capacity seats available
This session will introduce the Parent University framework developed over the summer and show staff how to implement it at their school sites. Participants will explore the districtwide modules, resources, and strategies designed to help families navigate the high school experience and support student success.
Speakers
JJ

Jennifer Jenkins

Counselor, Bakersfield High School

avatar for Jasper King

Jasper King

Supervising Administrator of Student, Family, and Community Engagement, Kern High School District


Tuesday June 30, 2026 12:40pm - 1:40pm PDT
Room 615 [IHS] 8001 Old River Rd, Bakersfield, CA 93311, USA

12:40pm PDT

Schoolinks 101 for Counselors (Part 1/2)
FILLING
Tuesday June 30, 2026 12:40pm - 1:40pm PDT
Limited Capacity filling up
SPECIAL SESSION-This two-hour session will introduce counselors to the Schoolinks platform and the skills to confidently use the platform for course planning, college exploration, and student support.
Speakers
avatar for Theresa Rubio

Theresa Rubio

District Resource Counselor, Kern High School District


Tuesday June 30, 2026 12:40pm - 1:40pm PDT
Library [IHS] 8001 Old River Rd, Bakersfield, CA 93311, USA

12:40pm PDT

Seeing the Story in the Scores: Exploring Schoolwide Target Data (Math & ELA)
LIMITED
Tuesday June 30, 2026 12:40pm - 1:40pm PDT
Limited Capacity seats available
In this session, teachers will examine schoolwide target data in CERS and compare their individual class results to the broader school average. Through this process, participants will identify patterns that may point to instructional strengths as well as opportunities for growth. The session will center on using data to generate meaningful questions, spark collaborative discussion, and help PLTs determine a focused area for growth in the coming school year. The goal is to move beyond simply reviewing scores and toward using target data to guide reflection, planning, and collective action.

Speakers
avatar for Courtney Villasenor

Courtney Villasenor

ELA Teacher and Testing Coordinator, Independence High School
Courtney Villaseñor is an English teacher, instructional coach, literacy advocate, and unapologetic nerd who believes students learn best when rigor, creativity, and connection all share the same table. She teaches eleventh-grade English at Independence High School, where she works... Read More →
Tuesday June 30, 2026 12:40pm - 1:40pm PDT
Room 619 [IHS] 8001 Old River Rd, Bakersfield, CA 93311, USA

12:40pm PDT

Tiered Supports to Success
LIMITED
Tuesday June 30, 2026 12:40pm - 1:40pm PDT
Limited Capacity seats available
Students often need additional support beyond Tier 1 universal practices. Even with strong Tier 1 structures in place, some students may require extra behavioral or social-emotional support. Tier 2 targeted interventions provide the next level of assistance for students who need more help, while Tier 3 offers individualized, intensive support for those with the greatest needs. This session provides a clear overview of Tier 2 and Tier 3 services within a PBIS–MTSS framework, focusing on how these supports are structured, implemented, and monitored to improve student outcomes
Speakers
avatar for Ben Amey

Ben Amey

School Social Worker Lead Substance Abuse Specialist, Kern High School District
About Me
I serve as the Lead Substance Abuse Specialist within the Student Behavior and Supports department at Kern High School District, one of the largest high school districts in California. I hold a Master of Social Work (MSW), a Master of Business Administration (MBA), and am a certified... Read More →
avatar for Ashly Latunde

Ashly Latunde

Lead Interventionist, Kern High School District
About Me
I bring over 17 years experience working with youth in a variety of impactful roles, including Mentor, Coach, Juvenile Corrections Officer, and Interventionist. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a minor in Sociology. Throughout my career, I maintained a strong... Read More →
avatar for Kimberly Reynolds

Kimberly Reynolds

Lead School Social Worker, Kern High School District
About Me

I currently serve as the Lead School Social Worker for the Kern High School District, supporting a dedicated team of 29 school social workers through case consultation, Tier 3 systems development, and improving how we support students navigating social, emotional, and behavioral challenges... Read More →
Tuesday June 30, 2026 12:40pm - 1:40pm PDT
Room 618 [IHS] 8001 Old River Rd, Bakersfield, CA 93311, USA

12:40pm PDT

Time to Thrive (PART 1/2)
LIMITED
Tuesday June 30, 2026 12:40pm - 1:40pm PDT
Limited Capacity seats available
SPECIAL SESSION-Time to Thrive is an interactive professional development session designed to help educators rethink how we support, motivate, and connect with learners through intentional, inclusive design that anticipates learner variability.

Please sign up for Time to Thrive (PART 2/2) as well.
Speakers
avatar for Tiffany Bledsoe

Tiffany Bledsoe

MTSS PBIS TOSA, Kern High School District
Tiffany Bledsoe is a dynamic and visionary educator committed to transforming learning experiences for students while empowering educators. With over 13 years of experience in the education sector, she has emerged as a leader in educational innovation, professional developments, and... Read More →
avatar for Patricia Santamaria

Patricia Santamaria

MTSS/PBIS TOSA, Kern High School District
Paty is a special education teacher with a Master’s Degree in Teaching and seven years of experience in the district. She currently serves as a Teacher on Special Assignment (TOSA), where she supports educators in strengthening instructional practice, building meaningful relationships... Read More →
avatar for Nicole Cameron

Nicole Cameron

TOSA, Kern High School District
Nicole Cameron brings over 30 years of experience in education, serving in both classified and certificated roles across K–12 and adult education. She began her career as a classified employee before becoming a Special Education teacher, with an emphasis in behavior modification... Read More →
avatar for Nicole Powell

Nicole Powell

MTSS PBIS TOSA, Kern High School District
Nicole Powell is an educator with eight years of experience in the Kern High School District, where she has built a strong background in student leadership, engagement, and school culture. Throughout her career, she has coached multiple sports with success, helping student-athletes... Read More →
avatar for Alaine Amey

Alaine Amey

MTSS/PBIS TOSA, Kern High School District
Alaine Amey brings a dynamic and multifaceted perspective to the field of education, grounded in both academic expertise and real-world application. She holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA), a Master’s degree in Special Education, and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology... Read More →
avatar for Jenna Odlin

Jenna Odlin

Kern High School District
Tuesday June 30, 2026 12:40pm - 1:40pm PDT
Cafeteria [IHS] 8001 Old River Rd, Bakersfield, CA 93311, USA

12:40pm PDT

WICOR in Action: Elevating Student Engagement with Socratic Seminars
FULL
Tuesday June 30, 2026 12:40pm - 1:40pm PDT
Limited Capacity full
Elevating Student Engagement with Socratic Seminars
Discover how to integrate AVID’s WICOR strategies—Writing, Inquiry, Collaboration, Organization, and Reading—through the Socratic Seminar process. This session will provide practical tools, discussion protocols, and classroom-ready examples to foster critical thinking, student voice, and deeper learning. Leave with actionable takeaways to energize your instruction and empower all learners.
Speakers
TT

Tyus Thompson

Teacher, Stockdale High School

Tuesday June 30, 2026 12:40pm - 1:40pm PDT
Room 705 [IHS] 8001 Old River Road, Bakersfield, CA 93311, USA

1:50pm PDT

Academic Independent Reading
FILLING
Tuesday June 30, 2026 1:50pm - 2:50pm PDT
Limited Capacity filling up
What happens when students are given time, choice, and purpose to read independently? Powerful academic and personal growth. Academic Independent Reading explores why sustained, intentional reading experiences are essential in today’s classrooms—and how they directly impact student success across content areas. In this session, participants will examine the why behind independent reading, connect literacy habits to academic outcomes, and leave with renewed insight into how daily reading and writing empower students to grow as thinkers, learners, and humans. Whether you’re refining an existing program or just getting started, this session makes the case for putting meaningful reading and writing at the center of learning
Speakers
avatar for Tanya Whitehouse

Tanya Whitehouse

Teacher, Independence High School

Tuesday June 30, 2026 1:50pm - 2:50pm PDT
Room 712 [IHS] 8001 Old River Road, Bakersfield, CA 93311, USA

1:50pm PDT

Accessibility Resources for State Testing: Accommodations, Designated Supports and Domain Exemptions
LIMITED
Tuesday June 30, 2026 1:50pm - 2:50pm PDT
Limited Capacity seats available
Are you confident that your students are receiving the support they need during state testing? Join us for an informative, practical professional development session focused on designated supports and accessibility tools and domain exemptions available to students taking the CAST, CAASPP, Summative ELPAC, and Alternate state assessments. In this session, teachers will learn how to identify appropriate supports, understand eligibility guidelines, and explore available tools that promote equitable access for all learners—especially English learners, students with disabilities, and other students who may benefit from additional support.
Speakers
avatar for Libia Le

Libia Le

ELD Teacher on Special Assignment, Kern High School District


avatar for Jadene Watson

Jadene Watson

ELD Teacher on Special Assignment, Kern High School District


Tuesday June 30, 2026 1:50pm - 2:50pm PDT
Room 706 [IHS] 8001 Old River Road, Bakersfield, CA 93311, USA

1:50pm PDT

Achieve 3000 in Your Classroom
LIMITED
Tuesday June 30, 2026 1:50pm - 2:50pm PDT
Limited Capacity seats available
You have heard of Achieve 3000 and what it does, but how does it look in your classroom? In this session, you will see a model lesson and learn how you can implement it in your classroom. You will leave this session with ideas for fitting this Tier 1 literacy intervention into your pacing and resources for integrating it into your classroom.
Speakers
EP

Eliza Pearsey

Teacher, West High School

avatar for Katrina Cramer

Katrina Cramer

Teacher Librarian, West High School

Tuesday June 30, 2026 1:50pm - 2:50pm PDT
Room 604 [IHS] 8001 Old River Rd, Bakersfield, CA 93311, USA

1:50pm PDT

Building a Belonging Classroom through Restorative Practices
FULL
Tuesday June 30, 2026 1:50pm - 2:50pm PDT
Limited Capacity full
This professional development training helps teachers with simple, practical ways to build stronger relationships with students and create a more positive classroom environment while reviewing the ideology of Restorative Practices. It focuses on reflection of practice, giving students a voice, handling conflicts through open conversations, and helping students take responsibility for their actions. Teachers should leave with ready-to-use strategies they can apply right away, such as leading quick classroom circles, using simple conversation prompts to address both content and behavior, and building daily routines that strengthen trust and respect. The training includes real classroom examples and opportunities to practice these approaches, so teachers feel confident using them. By the end, teachers will have practical tools to improve classroom culture, respond to challenges more effectively, and support students in feeling heard, valued, and accountable.
Speakers
avatar for Kim Woolf

Kim Woolf

TOSA, Student Behavior & Supports
I am a 34 year veteran teacher and currently a TOSA (teacher on special assignment) overseeing the implementation of 15 student advocacy centers (SAC), 24 On Campus Intervention Programs (OCI), and 2 Restorative Practice Model school sites from our district office.  I began my career... Read More →
Tuesday June 30, 2026 1:50pm - 2:50pm PDT
Room 703 [IHS] 8001 Old River Rd, Bakersfield, CA 93311, USA

1:50pm PDT

Building Thinking Classrooms
LIMITED
Tuesday June 30, 2026 1:50pm - 2:50pm PDT
Limited Capacity seats available
This session will introduce key ideas from Building Thinking Classrooms and explore what they can look like in secondary math settings. Teachers will leave with practical entry points for fostering student thinking, increasing participation, and creating more collaborative and cognitively engaging classrooms.
Speakers
avatar for Blaine Hawkins

Blaine Hawkins

District Math TOSA, Kern High School District
I've been teaching for a while now and still don't have it all figured out. One of my favorite pastimes is sharing best practices with other teachers.
My current focuses (foci?) are: Systems Change, Academic MTSS models, curriculum adoption, BTC, and new teacher support.
avatar for Germán Robledo

Germán Robledo

Instructional Services Math TOSA, Kern High School District
Germán Robledo is passionate about mathematics and education and feels fortunate to have built a career that connects both.

Tuesday June 30, 2026 1:50pm - 2:50pm PDT
Room 617 [IHS] 8001 Old River Rd, Bakersfield, CA 93311, USA

1:50pm PDT

Co-Teaching: Advanced (2 years+ experience)
LIMITED
Tuesday June 30, 2026 1:50pm - 2:50pm PDT
Limited Capacity seats available
Join us for an interactive session designed to help experienced co-teaching teams elevate their practice. Explore advanced instructional strategies, strengthen collaborative planning, and refine approaches that maximize student engagement and achievement. Learn practical tools for navigating common hurdles, problem-solving challenges, and sustaining a strong, effective partnership.
Speakers
avatar for Adriana Vasquez

Adriana Vasquez

Instructional Services Co-teaching TOSA, Kern High School District
Dedicated educator with 16 years of experience, including 9 years with KHSD, currently serving as a second-year Co-Teaching TOSA. I hold Education Specialist credentials in Mild/Moderate and Moderate/Severe. I’m passionate about collaboration, supporting educators and students... Read More →
Tuesday June 30, 2026 1:50pm - 2:50pm PDT
Room 607 [IHS] 8001 Old River Rd, Bakersfield, CA 93311, USA

1:50pm PDT

Cultivating Educator Wellness
FULL
Tuesday June 30, 2026 1:50pm - 2:50pm PDT
Limited Capacity full
This session focuses on understanding and supporting teacher well-being. When teachers feel supported and balanced internally, they are better equipped to create connected and thriving learning environments for all students. It will give an overview of mental health, emphasize the importance of educator wellness, and offer practical strategies for self-care.
Speakers
avatar for Rebecca Banke

Rebecca Banke

Student & Family Support Coordinator, Kern High School District
Rebecca Banke is a leader in school-based mental health and is passionate about breaking down barriers and building systems to ensure individuals have access to the resources they need to succeed.
As the first school social worker not only in the Kern High School District but Kern County; she helped lay the foundation for a now-growing workforce of over 120 school social workers across the county. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 10 years of mental health... Read More →
Tuesday June 30, 2026 1:50pm - 2:50pm PDT
Room 614 [IHS] 8001 Old River Road, Bakersfield, CA 93311, USA

1:50pm PDT

Culture of Reading in the Secondary Setting
LIMITED
Tuesday June 30, 2026 1:50pm - 2:50pm PDT
Limited Capacity seats available
Students love reading! Just Kidding. How do we build a culture of reading and make reading time valuable? How do we get kids to pick up books on their own? Our session will provide strategies that have worked for us at East High, including working hand in hand with the librarian and teacher, book tasting activities, First Chapter Friday, and reading for the fun of it.
Speakers
avatar for Hana Ayoub

Hana Ayoub

Teacher, East Bakersfield High School

avatar for Rosalie Fuentes

Rosalie Fuentes

Teacher Librarian, East Bakersfield High School


Tuesday June 30, 2026 1:50pm - 2:50pm PDT
Room 710 [IHS] 8001 Old River Road, Bakersfield, CA 93311, USA

1:50pm PDT

ELA Interim Assessment and Data
LIMITED
Tuesday June 30, 2026 1:50pm - 2:50pm PDT
Limited Capacity seats available
This session is designed for ELA teachers 9-10. In this session teachers will use a protocol to analyze interim assessment data to better understand how this information can help teachers identify gaps in their curriculum and instruction.
Tuesday June 30, 2026 1:50pm - 2:50pm PDT
Room 602 [IHS] 8001 Old River Rd, Bakersfield, CA 93311, USA

1:50pm PDT

Family Engagement: Partnering with Families for Student Success
FULL
Tuesday June 30, 2026 1:50pm - 2:50pm PDT
Limited Capacity full
Strong family partnerships are one of the most powerful drivers of student success. In this introductory session, certificated staff will explore research-based family engagement practices grounded in the work of Dr. Karen Mapp. Learn how to move beyond involvement to meaningful engagement by building trusting relationships, honoring family strengths, and creating authentic partnerships that support student learning, attendance, and well-being. Walk away with practical strategies you can use in any role or classroom.
Speakers
avatar for Martha Flores

Martha Flores

Parent Education Liaison, Kern High School District


Tuesday June 30, 2026 1:50pm - 2:50pm PDT
Room 711 [IHS] 8001 Old River Road, Bakersfield, CA 93311, USA

1:50pm PDT

Lesson Planning: Design with Intention
FULL
Tuesday June 30, 2026 1:50pm - 2:50pm PDT
Limited Capacity full
In this session, participants will move beyond the "daily agenda" to master the art of backwards design, ensuring every instructional choice serves a clear end goal. By focusing on intentional planning, we will explore how to balance academic rigor with cultural relevance to create lessons that do more than just deliver content. Participants will walk away with a framework for designing experiences that empower students to move toward deep meaning-making and the long-term transfer of skills to new contexts.
Speakers
avatar for Karen Bastain

Karen Bastain

KHTR TOSA, Kern High School District
For 23 years I taught various levels of high school English, including general, college preparatory, and Advanced Placement courses. Since 2024, I've been a TOSA with the Kern High Teacher Residency Program and an Adjunct Lecturer at California State University, Bakersfield's Teacher... Read More →
avatar for Rachel Harless

Rachel Harless

KHTR TOSA, Kern High School District
I am an experienced High School Math Teacher with over 18 years of classroom teaching.  Now, I am a Teacher on Special Assignment for the Kern High School District and a Lecturer in the Teacher Education Department at California State University, Bakersfield. I specialize in Classroom... Read More →
Tuesday June 30, 2026 1:50pm - 2:50pm PDT
Room 605 [IHS] 8001 Old River Rd, Bakersfield, CA 93311, USA

1:50pm PDT

Math Lesson Design
FILLING
Tuesday June 30, 2026 1:50pm - 2:50pm PDT
Limited Capacity filling up
What makes a strong math lesson? In this session, we will examine core principles of effective lesson design, including clarity of purpose, task selection, opportunities for discourse, and alignment to learning goals, with an emphasis on creating lessons that promote both rigor and accessibility.
Speakers
avatar for Blaine Hawkins

Blaine Hawkins

District Math TOSA, Kern High School District
I've been teaching for a while now and still don't have it all figured out. One of my favorite pastimes is sharing best practices with other teachers.
My current focuses (foci?) are: Systems Change, Academic MTSS models, curriculum adoption, BTC, and new teacher support.
avatar for Germán Robledo

Germán Robledo

Instructional Services Math TOSA, Kern High School District
Germán Robledo is passionate about mathematics and education and feels fortunate to have built a career that connects both.

Tuesday June 30, 2026 1:50pm - 2:50pm PDT
Room 603 [IHS] 8001 Old River Rd, Bakersfield, CA 93311, USA

1:50pm PDT

New Evaluation Process - A System of Professional Growth
LIMITED
Tuesday June 30, 2026 1:50pm - 2:50pm PDT
Limited Capacity seats available
An educator may undergo evaluation at least ten times during a 30-year career. If you've ever questioned the purpose or sought to increase the meaning of these evaluations, this session is for you. For the past two school years, a collaborative group of KHSTA members and KHSD administrators has been dedicated to redesigning our educator evaluation system to ensure the process is more meaningful. Attendees will gain insight into the revised California Standards for the Teaching Profession and how new evaluation instruments and documents will improve feedback and dialogue with evaluators.
Speakers
avatar for Mindy Montanio

Mindy Montanio

Title 1/MLL Coordinator/English 9 Teacher/KHSTA Vice President, Highland High School
Tuesday June 30, 2026 1:50pm - 2:50pm PDT
Room 706 [IHS] 8001 Old River Road, Bakersfield, CA 93311, USA

1:50pm PDT

Parent University
LIMITED
Tuesday June 30, 2026 1:50pm - 2:50pm PDT
Limited Capacity seats available
This session will introduce the Parent University framework developed over the summer and show staff how to implement it at their school sites. Participants will explore the districtwide modules, resources, and strategies designed to help families navigate the high school experience and support student success.
Speakers
JJ

Jennifer Jenkins

Counselor, Bakersfield High School

avatar for Jasper King

Jasper King

Supervising Administrator of Student, Family, and Community Engagement, Kern High School District


Tuesday June 30, 2026 1:50pm - 2:50pm PDT
Room 615 [IHS] 8001 Old River Rd, Bakersfield, CA 93311, USA

1:50pm PDT

Safe Space Training
FILLING
Tuesday June 30, 2026 1:50pm - 2:50pm PDT
Limited Capacity filling up
This training is designed to empower educators to identify and assess the level of inclusivity in their classrooms and schools. Participants will leave with tools and resources to provide safe and inclusive spaces in their classrooms. Whether you’re beginning to explore what a safe space entails or looking to advance your existing inclusivity practices, all levels of knowledge are welcome.
Speakers
avatar for Olive Garrison

Olive Garrison

Teacher, Del Oro High School
Dr. Olive Garrison is currently teaching DE US History, PLUS, and Ethnic Studies at Del Oro High School. They co-advise the PRIDE Club and works along other educators in the PRISM program for the KHSD. Olive also serves as a co-chair of the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Issues... Read More →
avatar for Elise Sotello

Elise Sotello

Teacher, Kern Learn

Elise has been teaching English in the Kern High School District since 2000. She has been an LGBTQ+ advocate at the local, state, and national levels since 2016 and is the outgoing two-term President of the Kern County Historical Society. (Profile photo is by Jake Tovar)
Tuesday June 30, 2026 1:50pm - 2:50pm PDT
Room 613 [IHS] 8001 Old River Rd, Bakersfield, CA 93311, USA

1:50pm PDT

Schoolinks 101 for Counselors (Part 2/2)
FILLING
Tuesday June 30, 2026 1:50pm - 2:50pm PDT
Limited Capacity filling up
SPECIAL SESSION-This two-hour session will introduce counselors to the Schoolinks platform and the skills to confidently use the platform for course planning, college exploration, and student support.
Speakers
avatar for Theresa Rubio

Theresa Rubio

District Resource Counselor, Kern High School District


Tuesday June 30, 2026 1:50pm - 2:50pm PDT
Library [IHS] 8001 Old River Rd, Bakersfield, CA 93311, USA

1:50pm PDT

Tiered Supports to Success
LIMITED
Tuesday June 30, 2026 1:50pm - 2:50pm PDT
Limited Capacity seats available
Students often need additional support beyond Tier 1 universal practices. Even with strong Tier 1 structures in place, some students may require extra behavioral or social-emotional support. Tier 2 targeted interventions provide the next level of assistance for students who need more help, while Tier 3 offers individualized, intensive support for those with the greatest needs. This session provides a clear overview of Tier 2 and Tier 3 services within a PBIS–MTSS framework, focusing on how these supports are structured, implemented, and monitored to improve student outcomes
Speakers
avatar for Ben Amey

Ben Amey

School Social Worker Lead Substance Abuse Specialist, Kern High School District
About Me
I serve as the Lead Substance Abuse Specialist within the Student Behavior and Supports department at Kern High School District, one of the largest high school districts in California. I hold a Master of Social Work (MSW), a Master of Business Administration (MBA), and am a certified... Read More →
avatar for Ashly Latunde

Ashly Latunde

Lead Interventionist, Kern High School District
About Me
I bring over 17 years experience working with youth in a variety of impactful roles, including Mentor, Coach, Juvenile Corrections Officer, and Interventionist. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a minor in Sociology. Throughout my career, I maintained a strong... Read More →
avatar for Kimberly Reynolds

Kimberly Reynolds

Lead School Social Worker, Kern High School District
About Me

I currently serve as the Lead School Social Worker for the Kern High School District, supporting a dedicated team of 29 school social workers through case consultation, Tier 3 systems development, and improving how we support students navigating social, emotional, and behavioral challenges... Read More →
Tuesday June 30, 2026 1:50pm - 2:50pm PDT
Room 618 [IHS] 8001 Old River Rd, Bakersfield, CA 93311, USA

1:50pm PDT

Time to Thrive (PART 2/2)
LIMITED
Tuesday June 30, 2026 1:50pm - 2:50pm PDT
Limited Capacity seats available
SPECIAL SESSION-Time to Thrive is an interactive professional development session designed to help educators rethink how we support, motivate, and connect with learners through intentional, inclusive design that anticipates learner variability.

Please sign up for Time to Thrive (PART 1/2) as well.
Speakers
avatar for Tiffany Bledsoe

Tiffany Bledsoe

MTSS PBIS TOSA, Kern High School District
Tiffany Bledsoe is a dynamic and visionary educator committed to transforming learning experiences for students while empowering educators. With over 13 years of experience in the education sector, she has emerged as a leader in educational innovation, professional developments, and... Read More →
avatar for Patricia Santamaria

Patricia Santamaria

MTSS/PBIS TOSA, Kern High School District
Paty is a special education teacher with a Master’s Degree in Teaching and seven years of experience in the district. She currently serves as a Teacher on Special Assignment (TOSA), where she supports educators in strengthening instructional practice, building meaningful relationships... Read More →
avatar for Nicole Cameron

Nicole Cameron

TOSA, Kern High School District
Nicole Cameron brings over 30 years of experience in education, serving in both classified and certificated roles across K–12 and adult education. She began her career as a classified employee before becoming a Special Education teacher, with an emphasis in behavior modification... Read More →
avatar for Nicole Powell

Nicole Powell

MTSS PBIS TOSA, Kern High School District
Nicole Powell is an educator with eight years of experience in the Kern High School District, where she has built a strong background in student leadership, engagement, and school culture. Throughout her career, she has coached multiple sports with success, helping student-athletes... Read More →
avatar for Alaine Amey

Alaine Amey

MTSS/PBIS TOSA, Kern High School District
Alaine Amey brings a dynamic and multifaceted perspective to the field of education, grounded in both academic expertise and real-world application. She holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA), a Master’s degree in Special Education, and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology... Read More →
avatar for Jenna Odlin

Jenna Odlin

Kern High School District
Tuesday June 30, 2026 1:50pm - 2:50pm PDT
Cafeteria [IHS] 8001 Old River Rd, Bakersfield, CA 93311, USA

1:50pm PDT

Tune In to Success: Strengthening CAASPP Listening Skills (All Subjects)
LIMITED
Tuesday June 30, 2026 1:50pm - 2:50pm PDT
Limited Capacity seats available
In this session, teachers will explore ways to strengthen students’ listening skills that directly support success on the CAASPP. Participants will examine the CAASPP blueprint to better understand the types of listening tasks and questions students encounter, while also considering the skills students need to listen with purpose, process information, and respond effectively. Using tools such as Listenwise and TED Talks, teachers will discuss practical strategies to build active listening habits, increase student engagement, and create opportunities for meaningful practice. The goal is to help teachers connect everyday classroom instruction to the assessment's listening demands in clear, intentional ways.
Speakers
avatar for Courtney Villasenor

Courtney Villasenor

ELA Teacher and Testing Coordinator, Independence High School
Courtney Villaseñor is an English teacher, instructional coach, literacy advocate, and unapologetic nerd who believes students learn best when rigor, creativity, and connection all share the same table. She teaches eleventh-grade English at Independence High School, where she works... Read More →
Tuesday June 30, 2026 1:50pm - 2:50pm PDT
Room 619 [IHS] 8001 Old River Rd, Bakersfield, CA 93311, USA

1:50pm PDT

What's Next in the PLT Process? Data Protocols, Interventions, Enrichments
FULL
Tuesday June 30, 2026 1:50pm - 2:50pm PDT
Limited Capacity full
You built the assessment. Now use it. This session is about closing the loop. In this session, you will dig into real CFA data as a team, moving through a structured data protocol that pushes past "most kids got it" to the specific learning targets where students are stuck and why. Content-alike teachers will:
  • Use a data protocol to analyze CFA results at the learning target level, identifying patterns across classrooms and student groups.
  • Distinguish between students who need additional time and support and those who are ready to go deeper.
  • Practice the team conversation that turns data into action, moving from what does this tell us to what do we do about it and how ill we know it worked
Speakers
avatar for Yvette Heasley

Yvette Heasley

English Language Arts TOSA, Kern High School District
Yvette Heasley is a 30+ year educator and an ELA TOSA with KHSD. She is an advocate for assessment literacy, the PLC process, an avid podcast listener, and lover of mountain biking and dogs. 

avatar for Preston Robison

Preston Robison

Teacher, Shafter High School


Tuesday June 30, 2026 1:50pm - 2:50pm PDT
Room 601 [IHS] 8001 Old River Rd, Bakersfield, CA 93311, USA

1:50pm PDT

WICOR in Action: Elevating Student Engagement with Socratic Seminars
FILLING
Tuesday June 30, 2026 1:50pm - 2:50pm PDT
Limited Capacity filling up
Elevating Student Engagement with Socratic Seminars
Discover how to integrate AVID’s WICOR strategies—Writing, Inquiry, Collaboration, Organization, and Reading—through the Socratic Seminar process. This session will provide practical tools, discussion protocols, and classroom-ready examples to foster critical thinking, student voice, and deeper learning. Leave with actionable takeaways to energize your instruction and empower all learners.
Speakers
TT

Tyus Thompson

Teacher, Stockdale High School

Tuesday June 30, 2026 1:50pm - 2:50pm PDT
Room 705 [IHS] 8001 Old River Road, Bakersfield, CA 93311, USA
 
KHSD PD Summer Series (Group A)
Register to attend
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