Accessibility (12 - 1:45)

We’ll take the “1,000-Foot Home Tour”, an in depth walk through the structure of digital accessibility. We’ll start at the foundation, the core principles that guide WCAG. From there we’ll visit each “room” of the house (the WCAG framework) and explore what makes it distinct, how it functions, and where common issues tend to appear.

Once the framework is clear we’ll move on to practical focus areas that will train your eye and build confidence in your accessibility practice. We’ll explore common compliance issues alongside realistic, manageable solutions.

This session is not about perfection, it's about noticing the accessibility barriers more, preventing them and correcting them. You don’t need to be technically inclined, this is about strengthening observation, not mastering code.

Adobe Photoshop for Beginners: A Hands-On Introduction to Confident Design (2 - 3:45)

Photoshop doesn’t have to feel intimidating. This beginner-friendly, hands-on session is designed for educators, communicators, and creatives who want to confidently navigate Adobe Photoshop without feeling overwhelmed. Whether you’ve opened Photoshop once and closed it immediately—or you’ve been “clicking around and hoping for the best”—this workshop will give you a clear foundation and practical skills you can use right away. Participants will learn how to:

• Navigate the Photoshop workspace with confidence
• Use essential tools for editing and creating graphics
• Understand and manage layers without confusion
• Make basic photo adjustments the right way
• Create a simple, polished graphic for print or social media
• Save and export files correctly for different uses

Public Records Act and Schools: What You Need to Know Before a Request and How to Respond (2 - 3:45)

In an era of increased scrutiny and high-volume data, the Public Records Act (PRA) is more than a legal obligation—it is a significant communications challenge. This session brings together legal experts and veteran school communicators to demystify the "how" and "why" of public records. We will move beyond the basic 10-day rule to explore the complexities of "text-message-as-record," the nuances of student and personnel privacy, and the art of managing serial requesters without damaging district trust. Attendees will leave with a toolkit for streamlining their internal workflows, drafting defensible determination letters, and maintaining a proactive narrative even when the records themselves are difficult.

Media Mastery (12 - 3:45)

In today’s fast-moving media environment, school leaders and communications professionals can’t afford to be reactive. Yet many feel like media coverage is something happening to them rather than something they can help shape. This hands-on pre-conference workshop will help change that. Led by a veteran journalist-turned school communications leader, this session will give you the tools, mindset, and real-world strategies to navigate media interactions with confidence and clarity, whether you’re responding to breaking news, pitching a story, or serving as a spokesperson during a high-stakes moment.

You’ll learn how to:

• Understand how newsrooms and journalists operate — and what they actually need from you
• Get your message out even without traditional media coverage
• Take control by developing a proactive media strategy and response plan
• Master the 4 P’s before any interview: Poise, Professionalism, Place, and Process
• Apply what you learn in real-world scenarios, including crafting statements and practicing as a spokesperson

If you’ve ever wished you had clearer strategies, stronger messaging, or more confidence when the cameras show up, this workshop is for you!

Professionalism (12 -1:30)

Starting out in school PR can feel like everyone else knows the secret handshake and you are still figuring out what the acronyms mean. One minute you are drafting a cute social post, the next you are at a Board meeting trying to look calm while internally spiraling just a little. If you have ever thought, “Wait… am I actually qualified for this?” you are not alone. This 90-minute session is for new CalSPRA pros who want to feel polished, confident, and fully in their lane in public education. We will talk real world professionalism, navigating big organizations without losing your mind, and how to quiet imposter syndrome without pretending to be someone you are not. Think practical tools, honest conversation, and a reminder that yes, you absolutely belong in the room.

The Strategic Hub: The Mindset of a Comms-Focused Executive Assistant (12 - 1:45)

In this session, you will learn to:

• Move from Reactive to Strategic: Shift from just "executing" tasks to becoming a strategic thought partner who anticipates needs and advises on audience impact.
• Combat Imposter Syndrome: Own your expertise and your seat at the table, even if you don't have a formal communications title.
• Provide Strategic Upward Feedback: Learn the "Affirm → Raise Risk → Offer Solution" framework to diplomatically influence leadership decisions.

You are more than "just an assistant"—you are the filter, the tone-checker, and the risk radar for your district. Don't miss this opportunity to connect with your peers, share challenges, and build the confidence to own your role as a communications professional.

Unlocking Your CalSPRA Experience: A Newcomer’s Guide (2 - 3:45)

If this is your first CalSPRA conference, this session is designed to help you begin your experience with confidence. Created especially for those new to the conference, we will guide you through the essential locations, helpful tools and practical tips that will allow you to fully engage in everything the conference offers.

During this session, you will learn how to navigate the conference with ease, take advantage of key resources and connect with colleagues from across the state. We will share insights to help you maximize your time, build your professional network and feel comfortable navigating sessions and events.

Our goal is for you to leave not only informed but also connected — with a clear understanding of how to make the most of your first CalSPRA conference and a strong start to building professional relationships within the school communications community.  We look forward to meeting you!