Welcome! The EdTech & Innovation team at the Santa Cruz County Office of Education is here to support educators, school leaders, and districts across Santa Cruz County with professional learning, coaching, and strategic planning — so every school can navigate the future of teaching and learning with confidence.
Whether you're just getting started with AI, looking to sharpen your tech skills, or ready to lead innovation at your site, there's something here for you. Most offerings are free and flexible — attend one session or join the whole series. And if something more personal feels like the right fit, many of these offerings can be brought directly to your school or district — just reach out and we'll make it happen.
We can't wait to learn alongside you this year.
AI Literacy Series
A guided journey from AI basics to agentic tools. Five sessions build on each other — what AI is, how to prompt effectively, wrappers & gems (NotebookLM, Brisk, etc.), vibe coding, and AI agents. Attend one or attend them all.
- Oct 22, 2026 — What is AI?
- Dec 3, 2026 — Prompting
- Feb 4, 2027 — Gems & Wrappers
- Mar 4, 2027 — Vibe Coding
- Apr 15, 2027 — Agents
AI Tools Series
Hands-on exploration of AI tools with direct classroom applications. Each session spotlights 1–2 tools — think NotebookLM, Gamma, and more. Attend one or attend them all.
- Oct 29, 2026
- Nov 19, 2026
- Jan 21, 2027
- Feb 18, 2027
AI Meet Ups
Casual community conversations about what's new, what's coming, and what's working in AI for education. A relaxed space to share, ask questions, and stay connected. Attend one or attend them all.
- Sept 28, 2026
- Oct 26, 2026
- Nov 30, 2026
- Jan 25, 2027
- Feb 22, 2027
- Mar 29, 2027
- Apr 26, 2027
AI Explorers
A community of practice for 4th–12th grade educators exploring AI in classroom instruction. Test tools, build an AI-enhanced teaching portfolio, and share your insights with schools across the county. No prior AI experience required. Spots are limited — application opening soon.
- Oct 8, 2026
- Nov 12, 2026
- Jan 28, 2027
- Mar 11, 2027
- Apr 29, 2027
Tech Tuesdays
Your monthly tech upgrade, built from your feedback. Each session runs twice — pick the time that works for you. Midday sessions are in person at Santa Cruz COE; PM sessions are virtual. Topics TBD.
- Sept 15, 2026
- Oct 6, 2026
- Nov 3, 2026
- Dec 1, 2026
- Jan 26, 2027
- Feb 23, 2027
- Mar 30, 2027
- Apr 27, 2027
- May 11, 2027
Just in Time Tech Support
Drop-in office hours with the Tech+ team. Bring your tech questions — Google, Zoom, Canva, AV, and anything else. No registration needed, no agenda. Just answers.
- Sept 1, 2026
- Oct 27, 2026
- Nov 17, 2026
- Dec 15, 2026
- Jan 12, 2027
- Feb 9, 2027
- Mar 9, 2027
- Apr 13, 2027
- May 18, 2027
EdTech Playgrounds
Fantastic speakers, innovative resources, and fun times — virtual and free. A joint offering with Shasta, Sacramento, and Santa Clara County Offices of Education. 4:00–5:00 PM. Dates coming soon!
- Dates TBD — check back soon!
Computer Science Lending Library
Borrow hands-on computer science tools for your classroom — no purchase required. Santa Cruz COE is pleased to offer lending kits with Beebots, Micro:bits, and Piper Computer Kits. Request a kit using the link below.
- Complete the request form →
- Questions? Email [email protected]
AI Explorers
A community of practice for 4th–12th grade educators exploring AI in classroom instruction. Test tools, build an AI-enhanced teaching portfolio, and share your insights with schools across the county. No prior AI experience required. Spots are limited — application opening soon.
- Oct 8, 2026
- Nov 12, 2026
- Jan 28, 2027
- Mar 11, 2027
- Apr 29, 2027
Makerspace & Design Leadership Team
Shape the future of hands-on learning in Santa Cruz County. Design cutting-edge makerspaces, lead colleagues in STEM and CTE innovation, and expand opportunities in engineering, robotics, and mechatronics. No prior makerspace experience required.
- Application Deadline: May 28, 2026
- Summer Institute: June 10–11 & July 30–31, 2026
- Quarterly day-long training sessions throughout the year
Padcasters: Student Video Production
Bring student filmmaking into your classroom in partnership with Community Television Santa Cruz. Teachers receive Padcaster Kits — iPad, microphone, tripod, headphones, and carrying case — for use with students throughout the year. Space is limited.
- Sept 10, 2026 — In Person
- Sept 24, 2026 — Virtual
- Oct 15, 2026 — Virtual
Back to School Reboot
The annual summer kickoff for educators countywide. A half-day of learning with a mix of sessions and keynote speakers — a great way to connect with fellow educators and start the year energized.
- August 29, 2026 · 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Share these with students and families in your school community.
YETI — Youth Empowerment Through Technology & Innovation
High school students across Santa Cruz County come together to explore AI, develop leadership skills, and make their voices heard. Using MIT curriculum, students research how AI is used in schools and develop a Student AI Bill of Rights to present to the Santa Cruz County Board of Education.
- Weekly virtual meetings, Wednesdays 4:00–5:00 PM
- Monthly in-person Saturday Leadership Workshops
- Board Presentation: May 2027
AI App Academy
Build with AI. Code for your community. Students earn a Google AI Certificate, use AI as a creative partner, and participate in the Congressional App Challenge. No coding experience needed. Held at Cabrillo College.
- June 16 – July 2, 2026
- sccoe.link/aiappacademy
AI Literacy Week
A countywide week of classroom activities exploring what AI is, how it works, and how to think critically about technology. Families are invited to continue the conversations at home.
- March 22–26, 2027
- sccoe.link/ailiteracyweek
Computer Science Playgrounds
An evening of hands-on computer science — live demos, interactive activities, and opportunities to meet industry professionals and passionate computer scientists. Free and open to learners of all ages.
- December 7–11, 2026 · Locations TBD