Teaching Foundations (Northern California)
Jul 28, 2026 9:00AM—Jul 31, 2026 3:00PM
Location
Head-Royce School | Oakland, CA
Cost Early Bird Pricing for Members (Available until June 23): $3,380 members; $2,855 group-rate 3+; $5,260 non-members
Categories Curriculum & Pedagogy, In-Person, Summer Institute
Teaching Foundations (Northern California)
SESSION 1: July 28, 2026 | 9:00am - 3:00pm | Head-Royce School
SESSION 2: July 29, 2026 | 9:00am - 3:00pm | Head-Royce School
SESSION 3: July 30, 2026 | 9:00am - 3:00pm | Head-Royce School
SESSION 4: July 31, 2026 | 9:00am - 3:00pm | Head-Royce School
OPTIONAL HAPPY HOUR: July 31, 2026 | 3:00pm - 4:30pm
ABOUT THIS IN-PERSON SUMMER INSTITUTE
The Teaching Foundations program is designed to support the growth and success of all teachers—particularly those in their early years at independent schools—by focusing on foundational areas of teaching. Teachers must be ready for new forms of learning, adopting and refining their curriculum and practice to respond to the ever changing demands while simultaneously developing a steadiness that promotes their own well-being and safeguards the social-emotional needs of their students.
Sessions are organized around the following topics: identity and culture (self, school, and learning environment); lesson design and pedagogy; building successful professional relationships; communication and feedback; and sustaining a career in teaching.
Led by master teachers, administrators, and guest presenters, this respected program provides participants with personalized attention and specific instruction that is adaptable for all grade levels. Emphasis is placed on modeling and using inclusive practices for lesson planning, classroom management, and assessment, as well as on developing time management and communication skills, cultural humility, and confidence as an advisor and leader.
AUDIENCE
Early career educators, educators new to independent schools, educators looking to reinvigorate and reinspire their teaching practices
SCHOLARSHIPS
Thank you for your interest in participating in CATDC’s Teaching Foundations Program or sending an educator from your school. Thanks to the Janet McGarvey Fund, CATDC will be offering a limited number of need-based scholarships to individuals who are attending from member schools.
Eligibility:
CATDC’s Teaching Foundations Scholarships are intended for individuals who otherwise would not be able to participate in the program due to limitations in professional development funds at their school sites. In addition to demonstrated financial need on the part of their school, we will prioritize scholarships for individuals who bring diversity to the program in terms of experience and regional representation. We are also asking schools to make some contribution to the registration costs. See more details below.
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Please apply for a scholarship if your school does not have the resources to pay a full registration fee, and that you (or the educator you are applying for) will be able to attend if granted funding.
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Scholarships will be given to offset registration costs.
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In order for your application to be considered, this statement of finance form must be completed by your Head of School or Business Office.
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Scholarship applications and statements of finance will be due June 20, and recipients will be notified by July 1.
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EARN GRADUATE LEVEL CREDITS
CATDC is partnering with Courses4Teachers to offer University of the Pacific graduate-level professional development semester units/credits for your participation in Teaching Foundations!
ABOUT THE FACILITATORS
Amanda Raynor (she/her) is a 1st grade teacher at St. Paul's Episcopal School in Oakland. Previously, she worked as the Program Manager and Northern California Associate Director of Programs for CATDC. Before that, she spent 9 years at The Hamlin School in San Francisco and has worked in education for roughly 15 years. Next year, Amanda will be returning to the classroom at St. Paul's Episcopal School in Oakland. After receiving a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from California State University, Chico, Amanda went on to pursue her Multiple Subject Credential, along with a Masters in Education that emphasized recruiting and retaining teachers of color. In addition to working as a first and second grade teacher at Hamlin, she has served as an Associate Teacher Coach, Lower School Affinity Groups Coordinator, and a resident teacher supervisor for the BATTI program.
Lizzie Rogal is a dedicated leader and passionate educator with two decades of experience in adolescent education. She is recognized for her positive energy, spirit for innovation, and proven track record of building inclusive communities grounded in awareness and compassion. Lizzie currently serves as Head of School at Millennium School, having previously held roles in other Bay Area independent schools as a middle school division head, dean of students, and grade level dean. Earlier in her career, she taught middle school humanities and founded BOCA Farm, a community-based agricultural hub in Napa that blended education with sustainability and place-based learning. Lizzie holds a Master of Education from Harvard Graduate School of Education, with a focus on nonprofit management, school design, and leadership for social justice, and a Bachelor of Arts from Colorado College.
Steven Spangenberg is an educator and instructional leader with over a decade of experience teaching high school science in both public and independent schools. He currently serves as a Science Teacher and Class Dean at Marin Academy, where he is known for his collaborative leadership, commitment to authentic learning, and dedication to building inclusive classroom communities grounded in curiosity, reflection, and empathy. Originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, Steven earned a B.S. in Chemistry from The Ohio State University and later pursued an M.S. in Chemistry at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. Through his experiences as both a chemistry student and teaching assistant, he discovered a passion for education and the relational work of supporting young people in their growth as learners and community members. His work centers on designing meaningful, inquiry-driven learning experiences that challenge students to think critically, solve complex problems, and connect scientific concepts to the broader world around them. In addition to his classroom teaching, Steven is deeply interested in instructional innovation, teacher development, and cultivating spaces where students and educators alike can engage thoughtfully with evolving pedagogical practices.
HOST AND PARTNER SCHOOL
CATDC partners with member schools to host our in-person programs, providing educators the opportunity to learn with peers in diverse settings. We are thrilled to partner with Head-Royce School on this Summer Institute, welcoming the larger independent school community on their campus for four days of learning and collaboration.
Cancellation Policy
Life happens. We understand that there will be times when you cannot attend a workshop that you have registered and paid for. We strive to be as helpful and flexible as possible when things out of your control happen. Please visit our FAQ page for detailed information about our cancellation policy and answers to frequently asked questions about enrollment and membership.