KHSD PD Summer Series (Group A): Full Schedule

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12:40pm PDT

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

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

12:40-1:40pm

12:40pm PDT

Accessibility Resources for State Testing: Accommodations, Designated Supports and Domain Exemptions

LIMITED

Tuesday June 30, 2026 12:40pm - 1:40pm PDT

Room 706 [IHS]

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

Libia Le

ELD Teacher on Special Assignment, Kern High School District

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

12:40-1:40pm

12:40pm PDT

Beyond the Lesson Plan: The Power of Performance in Teaching

FULL

Tuesday June 30, 2026 12:40pm - 1:40pm PDT

Room 605 [IHS]

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

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 →

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

12:40-1:40pm

12:40pm PDT

Building a Belonging Classroom through Restorative Practices

FILLING

Tuesday June 30, 2026 12:40pm - 1:40pm PDT

Room 703 [IHS]

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

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

12:40-1:40pm

12:40pm PDT

Building Research Skills 9-12

LIMITED

Tuesday June 30, 2026 12:40pm - 1:40pm PDT

Room 710 [IHS]

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

Kasey Graves

Teacher, East Bakersfield High School

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

12:40-1:40pm

12:40pm PDT

Building Thinking Classrooms

FULL

Tuesday June 30, 2026 12:40pm - 1:40pm PDT

Room 617 [IHS]

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

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.

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

12:40-1:40pm

12:40pm PDT

Co-teaching: THE BEGINNING (0-2 years' experience)

LIMITED

Tuesday June 30, 2026 12:40pm - 1:40pm PDT

Room 607 [IHS]

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

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

12:40-1:40pm

12:40pm PDT

Community Schools Basics 101

LIMITED

Tuesday June 30, 2026 12:40pm - 1:40pm PDT

Room 613 [IHS]

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

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

12:40-1:40pm

12:40pm PDT

Cultivating Educator Wellness

FULL

Tuesday June 30, 2026 12:40pm - 1:40pm PDT

Room 614 [IHS]

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

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

12:40-1:40pm

12:40pm PDT

ELA Interim Assessment and Data

LIMITED

Tuesday June 30, 2026 12:40pm - 1:40pm PDT

Room 602 [IHS]

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.

Speakers

ELA Interim Assessment Summer Team

Tuesday June 30, 2026 12:40pm - 1:40pm PDT
Room 602 [IHS] 8001 Old River Rd, Bakersfield, CA 93311, USA

12:40-1:40pm

12:40pm PDT

Family Engagement: Partnering with Families for Student Success

FILLING

Tuesday June 30, 2026 12:40pm - 1:40pm PDT

Room 711 [IHS]

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

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

12:40-1:40pm

12:40pm PDT

Intro to Achieve 3000

LIMITED

Tuesday June 30, 2026 12:40pm - 1:40pm PDT

Room 604 [IHS]

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

Eliza Pearsey

Teacher, West High School

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

12:40-1:40pm

12:40pm PDT

Math Lesson Design

LIMITED

Tuesday June 30, 2026 12:40pm - 1:40pm PDT

Room 603 [IHS]

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

Blaine Hawkins

District Math TOSA, Kern High School District

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

12:40-1:40pm

12:40pm PDT

New Evaluation Process - A System of Professional Growth

FULL

Tuesday June 30, 2026 12:40pm - 1:40pm PDT

Room 706 [IHS]

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

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

12:40-1:40pm

12:40pm PDT

One Team, One Standard: Defining Mastery and What We Grade

FULL

Tuesday June 30, 2026 12:40pm - 1:40pm PDT

Room 601 [IHS]

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:

What does success look like?
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

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.

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

12:40-1:40pm

12:40pm PDT

Parent University

LIMITED

Tuesday June 30, 2026 12:40pm - 1:40pm PDT

Room 615 [IHS]

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

Jennifer Jenkins

Counselor, Bakersfield High School

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

12:40-1:40pm

12:40pm PDT

Schoolinks 101 for Counselors (Part 1/2)

FILLING

Tuesday June 30, 2026 12:40pm - 1:40pm PDT

Library [IHS]

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

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

12:40-1:40pm

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

Room 619 [IHS]

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

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

12:40-1:40pm

12:40pm PDT

Tiered Supports to Success

LIMITED

Tuesday June 30, 2026 12:40pm - 1:40pm PDT

Room 618 [IHS]

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

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 →

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 →

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

12:40-1:40pm

12:40pm PDT

Time to Thrive (PART 1/2)

LIMITED

Tuesday June 30, 2026 12:40pm - 1:40pm PDT

Cafeteria [IHS]

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

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 →

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 →

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 →

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 →

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 →

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

12:40-1:40pm

12:40pm PDT

WICOR in Action: Elevating Student Engagement with Socratic Seminars

FULL

Tuesday June 30, 2026 12:40pm - 1:40pm PDT

Room 705 [IHS]

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