Fresno teachers will gather at Fresno State on July 29 for the second annual “Better Together: California Teachers Summit,” a free, statewide day of learning and networking that is open to all California pre-K-12 teachers, teacher candidates, school administrators and other educators.

One of 38 locations across the state, Fresno State invites Central Valley teachers to share ideas, join a teacher network and learn strategies for implementing the new California Standards in their classrooms. Running from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., the summit will take place at the Student Satellite Union on campus.

“Last year, teachers described the summit as a powerful day of learning that made them proud of what they do, and reminded them what an important difference they make in the lives of their students,” said Anne Murphy, project director for the Kremen School of Education and Human Development and campus host for the event. “We’re thrilled to invite Fresno teachers to our campus again to join this growing network of teachers.”

The summit will feature keynote addresses by education leaders, TED-style education talks by local teachers sharing strategies for implementing the California Standards and “EdCamp” discussions on topics such as the California Standards in English/language arts and math and the Next Generation Science Standards. The event is designed to provide teachers with access to new resources and concrete tools that are already working in classrooms across the state. In addition to Fresno State, summit locations in the Valley include Brandman University in Visalia and Fresno Pacific University.

A unique partnership between the Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities, the California State University and the New Teacher Center formed to host the event.

“As California embraces new ways of teaching and learning, teachers want more opportunities to connect with and learn from their peers,” said Ellen Moir, founder and CEO of the New Teacher Center. “New Teacher Center supports new and veteran teachers. We’re thrilled summit attendees will join a growing network of teachers teaching teachers.”

During EdCamp sessions teachers will choose topics and exchange ideas with colleagues throughout their region.

“The CSU is pleased to be an organizing partner of Better Together. Led by teachers for teachers, the summit recognizes the expertise of thousands of outstanding classroom teachers. It enhances the prestige of the profession and contributes to retaining excellent teachers, helping to address teacher shortages,” said Dr. Loren Blanchard, CSU executive vice chancellor for academic and student affairs.

The TED-style EdTalks will feature local teachers sharing strategies and classroom victories in implementing the California Standards.

“In light of California’s teacher shortage, we must do more to celebrate and support teachers,” said Kristen Soares, president of the Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities. “Teaching is a uniquely challenging yet rewarding profession that requires teachers to be lifelong learners. The association’s innovative and leading Teacher Education Programs are proud to continue to serve our teachers. The summit is a unique opportunity for teachers to come together to collaborate and re-energize ahead of the new school year.”

More information, a list of event locations, and online registration is available at CATeachersSummit.com. Follow #CATeachersSummit for up-to-date information.