Educational Leadership Summit focuses on workforce development, partnerships

Cal State San Bernardino will host the 2026 Educational Leadership Summit on Nov. 17, bringing together educators, education leaders, policymakers, advocates and community partners to discuss how collaboration can strengthen California’s education workforce.

Presented by the James R. Watson and Judy Rodriguez Watson College of Education and sponsored by SchoolsFirst Credit Union, the free, in-person summit will take place from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the Santos Manuel Student Union North. Check-in and a buffet breakfast will begin at 8 a.m. Space is limited; register on the event website.

This year’s theme, “Education Workforce Development: Building Partnerships for California’s Future,” will guide conversations about preparing students and education professionals for an increasingly digital, artificial intelligence-driven world.

The summit will examine workforce pathways, academic and professional skills, and the partnerships needed to prepare teachers, counselors and other education professionals for changing educational environments. Discussions will connect PK-12 schools, higher education institutions, government and community organizations.

Morning sessions will address the federal government’s role in advancing education workforce pathways, PK-12 and higher education partnerships, public policy, and opportunities to leverage public and private resources. Breakout sessions will focus on regional partnership opportunities and education workforce development.

Featured speakers are:

• Ida Hermosillo, senior director of External Engagement and Strategic Partnerships, Growing Inland Achievement. She will speak on “Preparing the Future Education Workforce: IHE and PK-12 Partnerships.”
• Reggie Thompkins, superintendent of Alvord Unified School District. His presentation will focus on “Public Policy and the Future of California's Education Workforce.”
• Travis Allen, co-president of the Human Intelligence Movement and CEO of ProSolve – The Human Skills Company. He will speak on “AI and the Future of Education and Workforce Development.”

The afternoon program also will feature an award presentation recognizing outstanding leadership and a panel discussion, “From Preparation to Employment — Building Pathways Through University-District Clinical Practice Partnerships.” Panelists will include Marcus Funchess, superintendent of Palm Springs Unified School District; Rhea McIver Gibbs, deputy superintendent of Rialto Unified School District; and Matt Rauch, resident program facilitator for Morongo Unified School District.