Program
Pre-Conference Schedule
Thursday, October 16, 2025, 1:00pm-7:30 pm
| Time | UC Davis C-STEM Conference Center | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1:00pm | Check-In | ||
| 1:15pm-1:25pm | Welcome - Ballroom ABC | ||
| Ballroom A | Ballroom B | Ballroom C | |
| Introductory C-STEM Professional Development for Teachers & Administrators | College and Career Readiness | Advanced C-STEM Professional Development for Teachers & Administrators | |
| 1:30pm-2:00pm | A1. Hands-on Workshop: Introduction to C-STEM | B1a. Essential Info & Tips from UCD Undergraduate Admissions | C1. Hands-on C-STEM Workshop (Intermediate/Advanced Level)
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| 2:00pm-2:30pm | B1b. UCD Early Academic Outreach Program (EAOP): Outreach & Resources for K12 Students & Schools Insights on K12 Preparation, College Majors, and Career Success from UCD Undergraduate Students | ||
| 2:30pm-3:30pm | A2. Hands-on Workshop: Introduction to C-STEM
| B2. Mathebotics & the Era of the New California Math Framework
| C2. Hands-on C-STEM Workshop (Intermediate/Advanced Level) |
| 3:30pm-5:00pm | A3. UCD Research Lab Tours: Theories in Action, Application & as Drivers of Innovation
| B3. UCD Research Lab Tours: Theories in Action, Application & as Drivers of Innovation (Off-Campus Tours)
| C3. UCD Research Lab Tours: Theories in Action, Application & as Drivers of Innovation
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| 5:00pm-5:30pm | Optional: UC Davis Campus Tour | ||
| 5:30pm-7:30pm | Evening Networking Reception (Appetizers and Drinks Served) | ||
Conference Schedule
Friday, October 17, 2025, 8:00am-4:00pm
| Time | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 8:00am-8:30am | Registration and Coffee | UC Davis Conference Center Lobby |
| 8:30am-8:35am | Welcome & Introduction Harry Cheng, Ph.D., Professor and Director of UC Davis Center for Integrated Computing and STEM Education (C-STEM) | Ballroom A, B, C |
| 8:35am-8:45am | C-STEM Updates Harry Cheng, Ph.D., Professor and Director of UC Davis Center for Integrated Computing and STEM Education (C-STEM) | Ballroom A, B, C |
| 8:45am-9:00am | Keynote Speech: "The Future of Learning: Innovative, Immersive & Aligned to the Real World" Caryn Lewis, Ed.D., Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services, Monterey County Office of Education (MCOE). Moderator: Tiffany Benson, Superintendent, Travis Unified School District | Ballroom A, B, C |
| 9:00am-9:15am | CDE Address: State of Education in California: 2025 and Beyond Ingrid Roberson, Ed.D., Chief Deputy Superintendent of Public Instruction, California Department of Education Moderator: Tiffany Benson, Superintendent, Travis Unified School District | |
| 9:15am-9:35am | Plenary Panel Session: "Empowering Math Learners through C-STEM and Robotics" Mikey McKelvey, Director of K-12 Instruction; Stella Castillo, Principal, Hillview Crest Elementary School; Brittany Casey, C-STEM TOSA; Starr Wong, Teacher, Hillview Crest Elementary School Moderator: Ingrid Roberson, Ed.D., Chief Deputy Superintendent of Public Instruction, California Department of Education | Ballroom A, B, C |
| 9:35am-10:40am | Awards Presentation
| Ballroom A, B, C |
| 10:40am-10:50am | Coffee Break | Conference Center Lobby |
| 10:50am-12:00pm | 1A. Hands-on: For Absolute Beginners - Getting Started with RoboBlocky to Teach Math and CS with Robotics into Elementary School Curriculum (Bring-Your-Own-Computer) 1B. Best Practices: Advancing Math/CS Achievement for All with County Office of Education (COE) Leadership & Cal-MSCS Grant 1C. Hands-on Arduino: Introduction to Basic Electronics and Creative Problem Solving for Physical Computing (Bring-Your-Own-Computer) 1D. Competition & Programs: RoboPlay Challenge Competition to Showcase Student Learning, Perseverance, Creativity, Problem-Solving, and Teamwork Skills 1E. Leadership & PD: School and District-wide Integration of C-STEM Math/CS/Engineering Design with Robotics into K-12 Math Classroom Teaching | 1A-Ballroom A 1B-Conf Rm B 1C-Ballroom C 1D-Conf. Rm A 1E-Ballroom B
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| 12:05pm-12:25pm | Luncheon Keynote: "The Quantum Mechanics of College and Career Success" Sarah Peach, Ph.D., Senior Director, Product Mangement, Samsung Semiconductor US | Ballrooms ABC |
| 12:25pm- 1:05pm | Lunch | Ballrooms ABC |
| 1:15pm-2:25pm | 2A. Hands-on (MS/HS): The Art of Project Making in Math with CS/Robotics (Bring-Your-Own-Computer) 2B. Teacher-to-Teacher Sharing (ES): Best Practices, Strategies, Lessons, and Projects in Integrating C-STEM Coding and Robotics into Elementary School Math (for Teachers with C-STEM Teaching Experience) 2C. Teacher-to-Teacher Sharing (MS/HS): Best Practices, Strategies, Lessons, and Projects in Integrating C-STEM K-12 Math with Robotics/CS in Middle/High Schools (for Teachers with C-STEM Teaching Experience) 2D. Competition & Programs: Expanded Learning - Afterschool and Summer Math/Robotics Camps & Student Clubs 2E. Leadership & PD: Successful C-STEM Implementation - TOSAs, Principals, Coordinators, and Directors - Pillars of Student and Teacher Success | 2A-Ballroom A 2B-Conf Rm B 2C-Ballroom C 2D-Conf. Rm A 2E-Ballroom B
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| 2:25pm-2:35pm | Coffee Break | Conference Center Lobby |
| 2:35pm-3:45pm | 3A. Hands-on (ES/MS/HS): Integrating AI into C-STEM Classrooms & Lesson Planning (Bring-Your-Own-Computer) 3B. Best Practices (ES/MS/HS): Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) & C-STEM: Math Support for At-Promise, Multilingual & IEP Students at the District, School, and Classroom Levels 3C. Teacher-to-Teacher Sharing (ES, MS, HS): Best Practices, Strategies, Lessons, and Projects to Increase Student Engagement & Achievement in CS/CTE, Sciences, APCSP, and Other Disciplines with C-STEM (for Teachers with C-STEM Teaching Experience) 3D. Competition & Programs: Advancing Integrated STEM Education at Valley Robotics Academy: Vision, Goals, Strategies and Story 3E. Leadership & PD: C-STEM Unconference | 3A-Ballroom A 3B-Ballroom B 3C-Ballroom C 3D-Conf. Rm A 3E-Conf. RM B
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| 3:45pm-4:00pm | Networking and Raffle 5 Arduino Basic Kits 3 Arduino Starter Kits 2 Linkbot Super Kit All attendees will be entered in the raffle! *Must be present to win.* | Ballroom A, B, C |
Breakout Sessions
SESSION TITLES AND DESCRIPTIONS | PARTICIPANT FOCUS |
SESSION 1 | |
1A. Hands-on: For Absolute Beginners - Getting Started with RoboBlocky to Teach Math and CS with Robotics in Elementary School Curriculum (Bring-Your-Own-Computer) New to C-STEM? Learn how C-STEM is bringing coding and robotics into classrooms and afterschool programs in ways that are engaging all students through hands-on activities and opportunities for personalized learning. RoboBlocky is a web-based drag-and-drop development environment for programming virtual and hardware robots. It is designed to guide absolute beginners through an introduction to solving real-world problems with math, coding, robotics, and logic. Explore thousands of pre-built activities including CCSS-aligned math activities, coding and robotics activities, and detailed projects to bring classroom learning to life. RoboBlocky also prepares students to program in C/C++, the most widely used conventional text-based programming language in industry and college, and it can run in any modern web-browser without installing additional software. Attendees will experience a hands-on introduction to free block-based programming and robotics. Attendees must bring their own personal computer. Windows and MacOSX users must download and pre-install Linkbot Labs software from https://roboblocky.com/download/ (free RoboBlocky account required). Chromebook users do not need to install any additional software in order to control hardware Linkbot robots and/or Arduino Uno boards. Requirements: Windows 10 or above, MacOSX 10.13 or above, Chromebook with Chrome OS v. 89 or above. Linkbots will be provided by the C-STEM Center.
Facilitator: Caitlin Arakawa, STEAM Program Specialist, San Bernardino City USD | 
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1B. Advancing Math/CS Achievement for All with County Office of Education (COE) Leadership & Cal-MSCS Grant What is Cal-MSCS (California Mathematics, Science, and Computer Science) Grant? What resources and professional development opportunities does it provide for teachers, administrators, schools, and districts? How have Monterey County Office Education and Trinity County Office of Education collaborated with C-STEM to provide professional development opportunities for their teachers? Come join us and find out! 
Chair: Christina Goennier, Superintendent, Esparto USD Speakers: Caryn Lewis, Ed.D., Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services, Monterey COE Rod Garcia, Program Coordinator II - Computer Science & Digital Learning, Monterey COE Judianne Ganschow, Educational Administrator, Math Science & CS, Monterey COE Amy Raschein, Science Teacher, Southern Trinity Joint USD |
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1C. Hands-on Arduino: Introduction to Basic Electronics and Creative Problem Solving for Physical Computing (Bring-Your-Own-Computer) Join this hands-on session to get started using Arduino microcontrollers with RoboBlocky. This session will explore an introduction to Physical Computing with Arduino by combining the hands-on projects of physical computing with the simplicity of block-based programming. Discover the endless possibilities of physical computing and how to incorporate modern do-it-yourself electronics into your classroom teaching. Arduino can be integrated into Math, Computer Science, Engineering, and Robotics Courses, as well as afterschool programs and summer camps to facilitate a technologically advanced learning environment. Attendees must bring their own personal computer. Windows and MacOSX users must download and pre-install Linkbot Labs software from https://roboblocky.com/download/ (free RoboBlocky account required). Chromebook users do not need to install any additional software in order to control hardware Linkbot robots and/or Arduino Uno boards. Requirements: Windows 10 or above, MacOSX 10.13 or above, Chromebook with Chrome OS v. 89 or above. Arduino Uno Starter Kit will be provided by the C-STEM Center.
Facilitator: Vitaliy Orlov, Teacher, Redlands USD |
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1D. Competition & Programs: RoboPlay Challenge Competition to Showcase Student Learning, Perseverance, Creativity, Problem-Solving, and Teamwork Skills The RoboPlay Challenge Competition is a theme-based level playing field robotics competition for K-12 students. It is designed for students to showcase their real-world math problem solving skills in a competitive environment. Join this session to learn how you can organize your own RoboPlay Challenge Competition in your class, school or district with the support and guidance of UCD C-STEM Center. Find out why students, teachers, administrators, and community love RoboPlay Challenge Competitions! 
Chair: Ashley Higuera-Oakes, Coordinator, Career Technical Education Speakers: Greg Miller, C-STEM Resource Teacher, Orange USD Tiffany Lam, Assistant Principal, Orange USD Bruce Tuttle, Teacher, Orange USD Michele Romero, Teacher on Special Assignment, Fontana USD Brittany Casey, Teacher on Special Assignment: C-STEM/Math, New Haven USD Hayley Christopher, Teacher, Center USD Kayla Toft, Teacher, Center USD |
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1E. Leadership & PD: School and District Wide Integration of C-STEM Math/CS/Engineering Design with Robotics Curriculum into K-12 Math Classroom Teaching Join this session and learn how educational leaders implemented the C-STEM K-12 Math and CS Curriculum in their schools and districts for accelerated and deeper learning of math and exploration of CS/Robotics. They will share administrative perspectives on getting started, including funding, recruitment of teachers, professional development, teacher support, and student progress and achievement in Math/CS/Robotics. In addition, best practices learned through experiences and success stories will be shared. 
Chair: Christina E. Murdoch, Ed.D, Executive Director, Center for Applied Policy in Education (CAP-Ed), UC Davis Speakers: Tammy Fleming, Director, MTSS - Academic, Fontana USD Rebeca Nelson, Principal, Orange USD Jason Farrel, Principal, Center Joint USD Randy Clyde, Ed.D, Director of STEAM & Innovation, San Bernardino City USD | |
SESSION 2 | |
2A. Hands-on (MS/HS): Focusing on Math & Student Engagement with Coding and Robotics (Bring-Your-Own-Computer) Join this session for a hands-on exploration of C-STEM Math with Robotics curriculum for middle and high schools, with an emphasis on Algebra 1, Algebra 2, and Geometry. The C-STEM Mathematics with Robotics curriculum employs hands-on computing and robotics activities to boost students’ interest and engagement in learning math (they learn while having fun!). Students make meaningful connections between abstract math concepts and real-life applications, develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The curriculum allows for personalized learning and exploration as well as collaborative learning and teamwork. Attendees must bring their own personal computer. Windows and MacOSX users must download and pre-install Linkbot Labs software from https://roboblocky.com/download/ (free RoboBlocky account required). Chromebook users do not need to install any additional software in order to control hardware Linkbot robots and/or Arduino Uno boards. Requirements: Windows 10 or above, MacOSX 10.13 or above, Chromebook with Chrome OS v. 89 or above. 
Facilitator: Holden Hix, Teacher, Travis USD |
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2B. Teacher-to-Teacher Sharing (ES): Best Practices, Strategies, Lessons, and Projects in Integrating C-STEM Coding and Robotics into Elementary School Math (for Teachers with C-STEM Teaching Experience) The C-STEM Mathematics with Robotics curriculum has had proven success in increasing student engagement and learning at the elementary level. Hear how a panel of Elementary School teachers have incorporated C-STEM curriculum in their Elementary Math classes. They will share their favorite C-STEM lessons, projects and tips. C-STEM supports early learners in building confidence and understanding of abstract math concepts through applied hands-on robotics and programming activities. By incorporating coding and robotics into early education, students gain valuable exposure to modern technologies, develop logic-based problem solving skills, and apply creativity throughout their learning. In addition, the curriculum provides opportunities for integration with English Language Arts subjects, and text-to-speech and language translation features provide support for ELL students. Join this session to learn more about how the C-STEM Program can transform math education at the elementary level and infuse fun into math learning.
Chair: Krysta Bradley, Coordinator of Innovation, Salinas City Elementary School District Speakers: Shannon White, Teacher, Hacienda La Puente USD Catherine Becker, Teacher, San Bernardino City USD Jessica Acosta Johnson, San Bernardino City USD Shelbi Terry, Teacher, San Bernardino City USD Elizabeth Girvan, Hacienda La Puente USD Roland Hosch, Teacher, Redlands USD |
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2C. Teacher-to-Teacher Sharing (MS/HS): Best Practices, Strategies, Lessons, and Projects in Integrating C-STEM K-12 Math with Robotics/CS in Middle/High Schools (for Teachers and Administrators with no C-STEM Experience) C-STEM Teachers will show how math, CS, and robotics are integrated at the middle and high school levels, sharing their most popular C-STEM lessons, projects and activities. C-STEM supports early learners in building confidence and understanding of abstract math concepts through applied hands-on robotics and programming activities. By incorporating coding and robotics into math education, students gain valuable exposure to modern technologies, develop logic-based problem-solving skills, and apply creativity throughout their learning. Don't miss this exciting opportunity to learn from experienced educators and walk away with inspirations and new ideas for your C-STEM classrooms. 
Chair: Nancy J. McTygue, Executive Director, Center for Public Service & Education, UCD Speakers: Nikki Greminger, Teacher, Marysville Joint USD Mark Kirk, Teacher, San Bernardino City USD Alexis Glenn, Elite Public Schools Josh Furtado, Teacher, Marysville Joint USD Caitlin Kilroy-McNany, Teacher, Orange USD | |
2D. Competition & Programs: Expanded Learning - Afterschool and Summer Math/Robotics Camps & Student Clubs Learn how to promote fun, hands-on on, and project-based learning through the C-STEM Expanded Learning Programs. Take advantage of the existing C-STEM computing resources and robotics infrastructure. C-STEM Afterschool and Summer Robotics Camps for Accelerated Math Learning are designed for schools and districts to host for their students locally. The camps focus on the cognitive and socio-emotional aspects of learning and bring fun back to learning. They empower K-12 students for accelerated and deeper math learning through robotics projects and the solution of real-world problems using math concepts, and at the same time provide students with recreational and teamwork opportunities with peer-mentoring. Join this session to learn how to bring these C-STEM Expanded Learning Programs to your schools, districts, and communities.
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2E. Leadership & PD: Successful C-STEM Implementation: TOSAs, Principals, Coordinators, and Directors - the Pillars of Student & Teacher Success Successful implementation of C-STEM Program, like all else, requires a strong structure of support. TOSAs, Principals and Directors provide the administrative and instructional support that Teachers need to launch a new and innovative program in their classes. A panel of educators will share their roles and how they support their Teacher and Student for success in College and Career Readiness through the adoption of C-STEM Program. 
Chair: Barbara Nemko, Superintendent (retired), Napa Valley COE Speakers: Joe Erven, Principal, Newport-Mesa USD Kathleen Harmon, Teacher- Science Specialist, Newport-Mesa USD Gilbert Barraza, Executive Director of TK-12, Hacienda La Puente USD Caitlin Arakawa, STEAM Program Specialist, San Bernardino City USD | |
SESSION 3 | |
3A. Hands-on: Integrating AI into C-STEM Classroom and Lesson Planning (Bring-You-Own-Computer) This session shows how AI is integrated into C-STEM classrooms and lesson planning. How can AI help you create C-STEM lessons in 5 minutes or less? Come and find out! The RoboBlocky Integrated Learning Environment offers even more than its innovative robotics-based math and CS curriculum. The curriculum provides opportunities for students to enhance their reading skills and express their creativity in music, art, and makerspace activities. Explore how quickly and easily reconfigurable and modular Linkbot systems can be assembled by easily snapping parts together to accomplish various tasks and solve challenges. With a robotics-based STEAM makerspace, students will discover new ways to solve problems by designing, building, and testing their own robotics systems. Attendees must bring their own personal computer. Windows and MacOSX users must download and pre-install Linkbot Labs software from https://roboblocky.com/download/ (free RoboBlocky account required). Chromebook users do not need to install any additional software in order to control hardware Linkbot robots and/or Arduino Uno boards. Requirements: Windows 10 or above, MacOSX 10.13 or above, Chromebook with Chrome OS v. 89 or above. Linkbots and accessories will be provided by the C-STEM Center.
Facilitator: Vitaliy Orlov, Teacher, Redlands USD |
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3B. Best Practices (ES/MS/HS): Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) & C-STEM: Math Support for At-Promise, Multilingual & IEP Students at the District, School, and Classroom Levels Join us and learn about how C-STEM program is successfully utilized to provide multi-tiered system of support in math/CS/robotics for at-promise, multilingual and IEP students at the district, school, and classroom levels. 
Chair: Suzie Dollesin, Education Programs Consultant, California Department of Education Speakers: Tammy Flemming, Director, MTSS - Academic, Fontana USD Michele Romero, Teacher on Special Assignment, Fontana USD Veronica Gutierrez, Teacher, Fontana USD Kellie Johnson, Teacher, San Bernardino City USD Tim Keys, Teacher, Twin River USD | |
3C. Teacher-to-Teacher Sharing (ES/MS/HS): Best Practices, Strategies, Lessons, and Projects to Increase Student Engagement & Achievement in CS/CTE, Sciences, APCSP, and Other Disciplines with C-STEM C-STEM Teachers will show how math, CS, and robotics are integrated at the elementary, middle and high school levels, sharing their most popular C-STEM lessons, projects and activities. Come join us and gain insights, inspirations, and walk away with ready-to-implement lessons in multiple subjects. The C-STEM Mathematics with Robotics curriculum - including 20 UCOP A-G Approved C-STEM courses - has had proven success in increasing student engagement and learning at the secondary level. Learn how the presenters have incorporated the C-STEM curriculum in their math classes, and how it maps to the big ideas in the upcoming new state math framework - as well as providing students with opportunities to explore CS Standards Compliant C-STEM K-12 CS/STEAM with Robotics curriculum. Learn how experienced C-STEM Teachers integrate Math, CS, CTE/Robotics/Engineering, and science courses.
Chair: Joe Nguyen, Director of Curriculum & Instruction, Travis USD Speakers: Monica Puente-Lara, Teacher, San Bernardino City USD Alexandria Ramirez , Teacher, San Bernardino City USD Javier Alba, Elementary School Teacher, San Bernardino City USD Tammy Lee, Teacher, Napa Valley USD |
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3D. Advancing Integrated STEM Education at Valley Robotics Academy: Vision, Goals, Strategies and Story Valley Robotics Academy has committed itself to lead in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) to prepare all students for college and careers. Join the session and learn about VRA's journey, their strategies, plans and lessons learned. What is the impact on students? This session features Principal Dave Vujovich and , providing a comprehensive and multi-faceted perspectives on their implementation of C-STEM program school-wide.
Chair: Marianne Harris, Director of Education Programs, UC Merced Speakers: Dave Vujovich, Principal, Lodi USD Christina Colburn, STEAM Coordinator, Lodi USD | |
3E. Leadership & PD: C-STEM Unconference In this unconference session, you set the agenda. Participants will propose C-STEM topics and engage in open conversation and idea-sharing. This participant-driven format creates a personalized learning experience, tailored to your interests, questions, and goals. Come ready to listen, share, and spark new possibilities together.
Facilitator: Caitlin Arakawa, STEAM Program Specialist, San Bernardino City USD | 
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Keynote and Plenary Speaker Biographies
Keynote
The Future of Learning: Innovative, Immersive & Aligned to the Real World
Moderator: Tiffany Benson, Superintendent, Travis Unified School District
Dr. Caryn Lewis currently serves as the Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services for the Monterey County Office of Education (MCOE). She has spent more than 24 years in service to California’s public schools, working as a master teacher, instructional coach, school principal, director of K-12 learning, and as an assistant superintendent of educational services. Caryn is dedicated to the growth of innovative school programs and has successfully led school and district teams in a vision for empowering future-ready students. At the school and district level, Caryn’s schools were among the first in California to be recognized for Title I Academic Achievement and as National 21st Century Exemplar Schools, awarded by the Partnership for 21st Century Learning. She has received numerous state and national awards for closing equity gaps for underserved school communities, including Administrator of the Year from the California Association for Bilingual Education, and the Association for California School Administrators. Through her work at MCOE, Caryn continues to advocate for equitable access to learner-centered programs and opportunities to grow dynamic college and career pathways for all students.
Keynote
The Quantum Mechanics of College and Career Success
Moderator: Tiffany Benson, Superintendent, Travis Unified School District
Dr. Sarah Peach is the Senior Director, Product Management, Samsung Semiconductor, Inc. She is responsible for new product introduction in Samsung’s semiconductor business, with focus on developing new business models for memory and storage. She has also managed go-to-market for computational storage and Samsung’s IoT hardware and cloud platform. Previously, while at Siemens, she was responsible for turning early-stage innovations from startups into viable business opportunities for Siemens’ industrial business units. Sarah has also directed business development at startups. She started her career in Germany at BASF. Sarah holds a bachelor’s degree from Oxford University and a Ph.D. from Cornell, both in physics.
Luncheon Address
State of Education in California: 2025 and Beyond
Moderator: Dr. Harry Cheng, Director of C-STEM, UC Davis
Dr. Ingrid Roberson is the Chief Deputy Superintendent of Public Instruction at the California Department of Education. Dr. Roberson leads 14 divisions that provide foundational statewide support for curriculum, instruction, assessment, and accountability from early childhood development to college and career readiness for approximately 5.8 million TK-12 students in 10,000 schools across the state. She also supports CDE’s State Special Schools, including the California School for the Deaf (Fremont and Riverside) and the California School for the Blind. Ingrid firmly believes in a whole child approach to education that begins with building a student’s sense of safety and belonging, a right for every student in a California public school and continues with fostering a student’s lifelong joy of learning that includes the arts, sciences, and languages.
Dr. Roberson has nearly 25 years of experience in California public education, starting as a special education preschool teacher assistant and then becoming an elementary classroom teacher. Most recently, she was a Senior Advisor at the California Collaborative for Educational Excellence and an Associate Superintendent of Academic Services at the Alameda County Office of Education. At the national level, she conducted research on creative learning communities at UCLA’s Center for Research, Standards and Student Testing, and she led the innovation research agenda for the Stupski Foundation’s Learning Lab Network.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of California, Berkeley, a Master of Arts from Stanford University, and a Doctor of Education from UC Berkeley.
Plenary Panel
Empowering Math Learners through C-STEM and Robotics
Moderator: Dr. Ingrid Roberson, Chief Deputy Superintendent, California Department of Education
Mikey McKelvey, Director of K-12 Instruction, has been with New Haven Unified School District for over 30 years. She is an experienced educational leader with a wide range of experiences. She has held positions of Literacy and Assessment Program Specialist, Literacy Coach and Coordinator of EL Services, elementary school assistant principal, and principal. She is a strong advocate of professional development for teachers and implementing innovative and academically rigorous programs to support student learning. Ms. McKelvey has been instrumental in leading the implementation of C-STEM Program at her district to address the needs of all students, with a special focus on at-promise and EL students. The concerted effort at the district and school level has resulted in strong growth in students’ math assessment scores at Hillview Crest Elementary School.
Stella Castillo is the Principal of Hillview Crest Elementary School in New Haven Unified School District. A proud graduate of New Haven USD, she is deeply committed to creating high-quality learning opportunities for Hillview Crest’s linguistically and culturally diverse students. Her vision centers on building strong foundations in mathematics and computer science to prepare students for future college and career success. Under her inspiring leadership, teachers at Hillview Crest collaborate as a team to engage students in hands-on learning through coding and robotics, contributing to significant growth in math achievement.
Brittany Casey has over thirteen years of teaching experience in New Haven Unified School District. As a member of the original teacher cohort that piloted the C-STEM program at Hillview Crest Elementary School, she taught C-STEM the first year. In her current role as a Math and C-STEM Teacher on Special Assignment, she plays a leading role in the district-wide implementation of the UC Davis C-STEM program with students from TK to Algebra 1, equipping young learners to apply coding and robotics as tools for problem-solving, collaboration, and real-world mathematical thinking. Ms. Casey was recognized at the UC Davis C-STEM Conference 2024 for her leadership and the meaningful contributions she has made to the success of the program at NHUSD. Throughout her career, she has prioritized building strong relationships and empowering all learners to explore the possibilities of STEM. Ms. Casey holds a B.S. in Education with a minor in Special Education from the University of Oregon and a master's degree in Educational Technology Leadership from CSU East Bay.
Starr Wong is a 3rd Grade teacher at Hillview Crest Elementary School in New Haven Unified School District. She plays a key role in supporting the school’s new C-STEM program. She brings enthusiasm and creativity to her classroom, designing engaging RoboBlocky activities that spark curiosity and problem-solving in her students. In addition to her work with C-STEM, she serves in multiple leadership roles across the school, helping to foster collaboration and innovation among colleagues.