From Curiosity to Connection

Join us for the 2026 St. Margaret’s Summer Institute, a two-day professional learning experience designed for Early Childhood educators and leaders (Preschool–Early Elementary). This year, we are excited to partner with the California Teacher Development Collaborative (CATDC), welcoming two expert facilitators who will guide participants through a cohesive, immersive day and a half of learning focused on belonging, literacy, identity, and joyful early learning.
The early years are critical for building the foundational reading and writing skills that set students up for long-term academic success. Facilitated by Rebecca Bellingham and Veronica Scott, authors of The Artful Approach to Exploring Identity and Fostering Belonging, and The Artful Read Aloud, this interactive experience highlights how purposeful play activities, storytelling, community poems, expressive movement, and “artful read-alouds” can bring early literacy to life—honoring children’s identities, amplifying their voices, and fostering the belonging that underpins joyful learning and academic excellence.

In this workshop, participants will: 

• Explore the power of picture books to teach about identity, help children think critically, and learn for our own self-growth as adults.
• Try out methods for leading “artful read alouds” that expose children to complex vocabulary + ideas, help them build background knowledge, and foster bookjoy and belonging all at once! 
• Learn how to curate a “windows and mirrors” library for young children with tips for choosing texts that support community conversations.
• Develop fresh, joyful methods for exploring identity at the beginning of the year using original poems that help children express themselves and learn about each other.

Held on the vibrant campus of St. Margaret’s Episcopal School, this immersive experience blends theory, practice, and reflection, celebrating the art and heart of early childhood education. Educators will leave with practical strategies, renewed inspiration, and a deeper understanding of how literacy, belonging, and joyful learning are inextricably linked.
By registering for this workshop, you will also be added to our mailing list to receive updates about future programs, resources, and events. You can unsubscribe at any time.
We capture photos at our workshops to share the joy and impact of CATDC programs. By attending, you consent to being photographed for use in our communications. If you’d prefer not to be photographed or would like a photo removed, please let us know.

SCHEDULE AND DATES

SESSION 1: August 3, 2026 | 9:00am - 3:00pm

SESSION 2: August 4, 2026 | 9:00am - 3:00pm

CANCELLATION POLICY

Life happens.

We understand that there will be times when you cannot attend a workshop that you have registered and paid for.Registration may be transferred to a different person up to 7 days before a session. However refunds will not be given, and a session missed for any reason will not be refunded.Below we have outlined our cancellation and refund policy, which we have in place to ensure the most accurate numbers when we secure well in advance locations, catering, and facilitators. Thank you for understanding.For our ongoing programs or one-day intensives, refunds are available (less a $50 processing fee) up to 22 days before the scheduled starting date. We are unable to provide refunds for cancellations made 21 days or less prior to the first day of a workshop. A missed session that is part of an ongoing program is non-refundable and non-transferrable. For our summer institutes refunds are available (less a $50 processing fee) up to 30 days before the scheduled starting date. We are unable to provide refunds for cancellations made 29 days or less prior to the first day of a summer institute.

Please contact us by email as soon as you know you cannot attend a workshop. This will allow us time to contact our waitlist and hopefully fill your spot.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

Get App

Host or Publisher California Teacher Development Collaborative