This conference will capture the essence in CTA’s Mission Statement: to ensure that the dignity and civil rights of all children, youth, and adults are protected and to secure a more equitable and democratic society. This year’s theme is Rooted in Resistance: Honoring Identity, Demanding Equity.

In 2026, this conference will take place in Costa Mesa, CA. CTA members will have access to dynamic speakers and interactive workshops that will provide them with a greater understanding of the issues of diversity, equity and social justice.

Our workshop sessions will cover this theme through the lens of the following categories:

• AWARENESS
  Sessions in this category are for members starting their personal social and racial justice journey, in the early stages of joining the collective journey toward liberation, or those interested in a refresher.

• CAPACITY BUILDING
  Sessions in this category are for members who regularly navigate the flow of traffic toward social justice and wish to do so with more precision. Attendees will sharpen and enhance their skills for maneuvering different lanes; avoiding accidents and pile-ups; knowing when to slow down, stop, or head forward; and pulling others bravely along.

• ACTION
  Sessions in this category are for members learning to organize, inspire collective action, and/or build skills to cultivate the power of the collective. Attendees are interested in filling their car with passengers and learning more about collaboration, allyship, and co-conspiring with other folks doing the work, but not as the only driver. These sessions are about working with others and applying the skills you’ve learned so far to take action.

• Agenda-At-A-Glance:  Click here for the Agenda
• Workshop Grid: Click here for the Workshop Grid
• Sessions Descriptions: Click here for the Session Descriptions – coming soon
• Sessions by Category: Click here for the Sessions by Category Grid – coming soon

*All program details and documents are subject to change.

Hilton Orange County/Costa Mesa
3050 Bristol Street
Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Group Rate: $175/night + tax
Booking Deadline: February 25, 2026 (or until hotel block sells out)
Parking:Overnight Self Parking – $18/night | Day of Event Parking: $10/day

Find out more about the hotel and things to do in the area.

The link to book your reservation will be provided during conference registration.

• CTA Member: $195
• Student CTA Member: $39
• Chapter Equity Team Members*: $97.50
• SCC Equity Team Members*: $0
• Exhibitors: $280 (subject to approval)

*Equity Team Member Contacts must be verified by their Chapter President

John Wayne Airport/Orange County (SNA): 3 miles

Hotel offers a complimentary airport shuttle that is available starting at 5:30 AM to and from John Wayne Airport/Orange County.

Long Beach Airport/Daugherty Field (LGB): 20 miles

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX): 36 miles

Please consider using public transportation to travel to the conference. Please visit https://go511.com/ for maps, schedules, fares and more information.

Airfare Discount: United Airlines offers reduced rates for CTA members up to 10%. Please visit www.united.com from a desktop computer and enter the code ZQCR594167 under Upgrades, certificates, and promotion codes. This can be found by clicking Advanced Search under “Book”. Please check with the other airlines to ensure that you are getting the best rate.

Deadline to register is Monday, March 2, 2026. Last minute registration requests will be reviewed based on provider availability.

You must register your child to reserve a spot at Camp CTA. Click here for more childcare information.

Children attending Camp CTA must adhere to the conference Health & Safety Policies.

Day/Dates/Times of program:

• Friday, March 13 – 5:45 PM – 9:15 PM
• Saturday, March 14 – 7:15 AM – 5:15 PM
• Sunday, March 15 – 7:00 AM – 12:30 PM

Session documents will be available in the conference app and attendee hub closer to the start of the conference. You must be logged in to view session documents. Provided documents can be found at the bottom of each session page within the conference app and attendee hub.

If you are feeling sick, have tested positive for COVID-19, or are showing COVID-19 symptoms, do not attend the event.

Your wellbeing at CTA conferences is important to us, click here to read the conference health and safety policies.

As part of registration, all attendees are expected to abide by the Code of Conduct for CTA Events found here.

The California Teachers Association (CTA) is committed to ensuring that all attendees of its conferences and meetings have equal access and opportunity to participate in these events. CTA recognizes that some attendees with disabilities may require the assistance of animals for various reasons. This document outlines the policy and procedures for reasonably accommodating disabled attendees who require the use of assistive animals at CTA conferences and other events. This policy also recognizes that for the health and safety of all attendees and to avoid disruptions at CTA conferences and meetings, pets are not permitted in conference and meeting spaces.

Please click here to view the full Animal Accommodation Policy.

Professional Growth Hours: By attending this conference, you will earn 15 hours of Professional Development which can be used to claim (1) University Credit through our partner, CSU Chico. Conference attendance from start to finish is required to receive the Professional Growth Hours. After the conference, attendees will be emailed a certificate of Professional Growth Hours.

University Credit: The CTA University Credit Program is a benefit available to members who attend CTA Conferences or watch recorded sessions through the CTA Virtual Pass to Online Learning. Please visit www.CTA.org/Credit for all timelines and information on how to claim the credit.

The CTA Board of Directors will award conference grants to upcoming CTA statewide conferences. These incentive grants are available to new members, BIPOC members, members from small chapters, and other categories based on the particular conference.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY FOR CONFERENCE GRANTS

• Application Deadline: January 5, 2026
  • Grant recipients will be notified via email. The registration fee discount will apply automatically upon registering.

Email: equityhumanrightsconf@cta.org
Phone: 650-552-5355