Road to Teaching Conference 2026
About this Event
On Saturday, November 14, 2026, Santa Ana College will host the 30th Annual Road to Teaching Conference presented by SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union. Tickets are available for $10 and include a light breakfast, lunch, a conference tote, and access to all scheduled conference activities. This year, we are pleased to offer a limited number of sponsored (no-cost) tickets (see below for more information).
This conference is open to all high school, community college, university, and credential students interested in a career in teaching. We are excited to announce that this year’s keynote speaker will be Jason Torres-Rangel, 2023 California Teacher of the Year, LA County Teacher of the Year, and LAUSD Teacher of the Year.
Below is his short bio:
Jason Torres-Rangel is the 2023 California Teacher of the Year and has been a proud educator for the past 23 years. He taught High School English for 19 years in LAUSD and is now a tenure-track English Professor at Riverside City College. He studies anti-racist assessment practices and is dedicated to creating classroom spaces that uplift diverse student voices and ways of languaging.
Jason’s passions also lie in union organizing; he served as chapter chair to his school and was featured on Democracy Now! during the 2023 joint UTLA-SEIU solidarity strike.
Jason loves to dance and has taught Ballet Folklorico at his school sites; he believes that helping students create spaces where they can physically express joy is just as important (if not more so) than mastering any academic standard.
After earning his BA in English from Pomona College, Jason went on to earn a Master's in Education from Harvard University, and later an MA in English from Cal State LA, and ultimately a PhD from Claremont Graduate University.
In 2023, when Jason was invited to the White House to meet President Biden and have a sit-down conversation with Vice President Kamala Harris, he asked the Vice President if they could FaceTime his parents (who are also educators), and he marks it as one of the most incredible moments of his life. Jason believes that we owe everything to our families – biological and chosen – and he is excited to honor them today.
This conference encourages students to enter and continue in the field of teaching. Students can attend several workshops and learn from experienced educators and current teachers in the field.
Below are some of the many workshop topics we are planning to offer during the conference:
- Pathways to Teaching for Students Interested in Early Childhood, Elementary, Secondary, and Special Education
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Classroom
- Student Engagement and Classroom Management
- New and Veteran Teacher Panel
- Landing a Teaching Job
For more information, visit our conference website: www.sac.edu/rttc
Sponsor Ticket Information
If cost is a factor for your participation in the Road to Teaching Conference, please complete this brief form to be considered for a sponsored (no cost) ticket prior to purchasing a ticket through this Eventbrite page.
RTTC Sponsor Ticket Request: https://form.jotform.com/222685405062049
Priority is given to Santa Ana College students.
Agenda
🕑: 08:00 AM - 08:30 AM
Registration & Light Breakfast
Info: Our staff will help you check in for our conference by scanning your Eventbrite ticket. We encourage you to arrive on time. Afterwards, mingle with other conference attendees as you enjoy coffee, tea, and pastries from Paradise Bakery (first come, first serve).
🕑: 08:30 AM - 08:45 AM
Welcome & Overview
Info: Dr. Steve Bautista of the Santa Ana College Center for Teacher Education will kick off our conference alongside a representative from SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union. Please join us for this warm welcome and important conference overview.
🕑: 08:45 AM - 10:15 AM
Keynote Address
Info: Dr. Jason Torres-Rangel will share his inspiring story with us all. The keynote address will be followed by a brief opportunity for Q&A.
🕑: 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Session 1 Workshops
Info: Choose from a number of amazing workshops presented by current teachers and educators. Space may be limited, so please arrive early.
🕑: 11:30 AM - 12:40 PM
Education Fair
Info: Visit tables representing various local universities, school districts, and organizations of interest to aspiring educators. Gain valuable information and get your questions answered!
🕑: 12:10 PM - 12:40 PM
Lunch
Info: Enjoy a delicious lunch from Paradise Bakery as you network and mingle with other conference attendees and aspiring educators!
🕑: 12:50 PM - 01:50 PM
Session 2 Workshops
Info: Choose from a number of amazing workshops presented by current teachers and educators. Space may be limited, so please arrive early.
🕑: 02:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Session 3 Workshops
Info: Choose from a number of amazing workshops presented by current teachers and educators. Space may be limited, so please arrive early.
🕑: 03:10 PM - 03:30 PM
Conference Wrap-Up
Info: All attendees will receive a Certificate of Participation upon completion of our conference evaluation. There's also a few surprises in store for some lucky participants!
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 12.51
