Professional Learning
As a union member, you have access to a variety of opportunities to help you grow as an educator. See a variety of professional learning opportunities for SDEA members below.
SDEA Members have access to opportunities through the California Teachers Association, our statewide affiliate. These include both in person conferences and virtual trainings, with the opportunity to earn university credits for salary advancement. CTA offers Incentive Grants for some conferences, including BIPOC Grants, Small Chapter Incentive Grants, and New Member Grants.
Check out our Know Your Rights flyer on Salary Advancement to see how credits can help you advance your salary!
CTA Links:
- All CTA Conference information
- 2025-26 University Credit: Get university credit paid for by CTA, to apply for salary advancement
- CTA Grants
- CTA Calendar
- CTA 2025 Virtual Pass – Access free virtual trainings!
Seeking National Board Certification?
You have resources available through your membership in our State and National affiliates, whether you’re just starting the process or renewing!
Upcoming CTA Conferences with grants available:
The following CTA conferences have Incentive Grants available to attend, including BIPOC Grants and New Member Grants! See grant information and application instructions here, and CTA Conference information here!
- Issues Conference
Conference Date: January 16-18, 2026
Location: Planet Hollywood, Las Vegas, NV
Application Deadline: November 10, 2025
- Good Teaching Conference – North
Conference Date: January 30 – February 1, 2026
Location: Hyatt SFO, Burlingame, CA
Application Deadline: November 10, 2025
- Good Teaching Conference – South
Conference Date: March 20-22, 2026
Location: Hyatt OC, Garden Grove, CA
Application Deadline: January 5, 2026
- Equity & Human Rights Conference
Conference Date: March 13-15, 2026
Location: Hilton OC, Costa Mesa, CA
Application Deadline: January 5, 2026
- Women’s Leadership Conference – NEW conference!
Conference Date: April 10-12, 2026
Location: Marriott Hotel – Gas Lamp District, San Diego, CA
Application Deadline: January 5, 2026

Our National affiliate is the National Education Association, which provides further resources:
News
August 24, 2026
Sept 19 Candidates’ Community Forum: CA State Superintendent of Public Instruction
This forum will bring together students, families, educators, and community members to engage directly with the two leading candidates for California State…
August 17, 2026
SDEA endorsement: Yes on Measure M!
This November, voters living in the San Diego Unified School District will have the opportunity to support Measure M, a bond measure that will continue ongoing…
August 17, 2026
Are you taking advantage of your member benefits?
Are you taking advantage of your member benefits? SDEA members are also members of our state and national affiliates, which gives us access to a wide variety…
August 17, 2026
Community Forum: Who’s Watching Us?
Who's watching us? Flock, workplace surveillance, AI & the fight for our rights Join educators, students, & community partners at a forum this Thursday…
August 13, 2026
Special Education: Reminders & Rights
Special Education: Rights to keep on your radar Our union contract includes rights to help ensure that students and educators get the support they need! That…
August 13, 2026
Protect Our Schools & Healthcare: YES on 3!
Last Spring, SDEA members and union educators statewide gathered signatures to get Prop 3 on the ballot this November. This proposition would make permanent…
August 12, 2026
You’re invited to a book swap!
Calling all CTA educators! As you begin the school year, are you reorganizing your bookshelves? Looking to build a diverse classroom library? Come to a book…
July 10, 2026
Raise Implementation
Your 5% Raise is Official This afternoon, the District notified SDEA Leaders that while the recently adopted state budget still illegally withholds $3.9…
July 1, 2026
Movie Night & Filmmaker Q&A: WTO/99
Go to the movies this summer to learn about the Seattle WTO protests in 1999: A "watershed moment in modern history" with connections to how communities &…

