The Institute for the Study of Knowledge Management in Education  is hosting the 3rd annual Big Ideas Fest.  This three-day gathering of the nation's most creative makers and doers in education brings together champions across K-12, higher education, and informal learning, to participate in a truly unique interactive experience.  You'll hear from inspiring speakers and take part in action collaboratives designed to incubate solutions to address education's most pressing challenges.

Date and location: December 4-7; Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay

For info: Contact via  email or visit their  website

Fee: $695 covers registration and meals

A webinar series, produced in partnership by the CCCOE, AT&T, Region IV CTAP, and East Bay Computer Using Educators, will be covering the issues surrounding digital citizenship.  These presentations are directed to school-district or school-site administrators, teacher leaders, and technology managers.  The one-hour sessions are presented by nationally recognized guest speakers, representing such services as NetSmartz and Common Sense Media.  Each webinar will leave time for questions from the participants.

Dates: Multiple sessions, November-February

For info: Visit their website

Fee: Free

This seminar series provides a broad range of opportunities for professional educators to learn research-based techniques and strategies from local and national professionals.  Keynote and breakout sessions cover a variety of topics and grade levels, and provide practical and purposeful tools for both general and special educators to improve teaching practice.  Networking opportunities with educators from other schools and districts are another key benefit.  The program meets BTSA Induction professional development requirement. Graduate academic credit or continuing education units may also be earned. 

Dates and location: November 19, January 28, February 25, March 24, and May 5; Saint Mary's College, Moraga

For info: Contact Lydia Wiley at 925-631-8124, or visit their website

Fee: $60 for individual sessions

The California Association for the Gifted (CAG) is presenting an affordable day-long Northern California Symposium for educators and parents entitled Maximizing Student Potential: Cultivating Creativity and Critical Thinking. The keynote address will be delivered by Sandra Kaplan, Ed.D., an internationally known expert in differentiated education.  More than 24 workshops will be offered throughout the day.  Teachers will come away with concrete cost-effective tools for keeping students at all levels engaged and challenged.
Date and location: November 12, 8:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m.; American Canyon High School, American Canyon

For info: Contact Karen Littell at (707) 539-5046 or visit the program's website

ConocoPhillips and the National Energy Education Development (NEED) Project have partnered for the 4th year to provide teachers in 26 cities, across 19 states with curriculum and training opportunities.  They believe it is important to provide professional development opportunities for classroom teachers and to introduce exciting and engaging energy curriculum to students in today's classrooms. The one-day energy classroom workshop will feature plenty of lesson plans, curriculum materials, and a set of Energy Infobooks for student research. Along with meals, parking, and materials, all attendees' substitute reimbursements will be covered.

For info: Contact W. Moss at (800) 875-5029 or visit the program's website