Dear County and District Superintendents and Charter School Administrators:

California Black Educators Convening 2026

The California Department of Education (CDE) and I are proud to present the California Black Educators Convening to support Black teacher recruitment and retention on October 12, 2026, at the East End Complex, 1500 Capitol Ave. in Sacramento.

This event will bring together educators, policymakers, advocates, and community leaders focused on increasing the development and leadership of Black male educators while improving educational outcomes for Black students, which helps all students.

Through this event, we aim to support school districts throughout the state with ideas, recommendations, and evidence to support academic achievement and positive outcomes for students, and resources to support Black teacher recruitment and retention. Information gathered during the convening can influence the California Department of Education's priorities and help shape future state legislation, funding proposals, and education initiatives.

I encourage your county, district, and charter school leadership to join this important gathering of educators committed to supporting Black educators and the futures of nearly six million California students and those who help shape them.

For more information and to register, please visit the California Black Educators Convening 2026 web page at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/california-black-educators-convening-2026-tickets-1981024726284?aff=oddtdtcreator.

Sincerely,

Tony Thurmond
State Superintendent of Public Instruction