Premier educational event is designed to empower and equip school districts, sites, and community partners with evidence-based practices to address imbalances within systems, structures, and practices.
PALM SPRINGS – A former foster youth turned NFL player, bestselling authors, inspiring educational speakers, hands-on innovation labs, and dozens of breakout sessions will highlight the 2025 Excellence Through Education (ETE) Conference that is expected to draw nearly 1,000 educators to the Palm Springs Convention Center on September 24-25, 2025.
“The 2025 ETE Conference promises to be one of our most impactful yet. This year’s event features a wider array of educational topics and sessions, yet our focus remains the same—to equip and empower educators to elevate their impact for students, families, and communities,” said Riverside County Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Edwin Gomez. "We have a responsibility to future generations, and the Riverside County Office of Education is dedicated to ensuring our students receive the competitive edge they need to thrive."
Additional elements of the two-day conference include interactive innovation labs, student performances, dedicated district team time, announcements connected to the Superintendent’s Initiatives, wellness activities, a scavenger hunt, and networking/social activities.
Educators from 22 districts, six counties, and multiple charter schools, colleges, and universities have already registered for the two-day conference that typically reaches facility capacity every year. Registration and conference details are available at www.rcoe.us/excellence-through-education.
The 2025 Excellence Through Education Conference theme is “Elevate Our Impact” and will feature presenters and sessions on the following topics:
- Asset Framing: Embrace a narrative that highlights individuals’ strengths and aspirations, fostering a positive and empowering environment.
- Administrative Leadership: Explore leadership strategies that strengthen all systems, structures, and practices to promote increased performance outcomes.
- MTSS Support (Multi-Tiered System of Supports): Learn about comprehensive support systems tailored to meet the unique needs of all students.
- Integrated Educational Framework: Discover how to create cohesive and aligned educational environments that support every learner.
- Family and Community Engagement: Engage with innovative strategies to build strong partnerships with families and communities, enhancing student success.
The 2025 ETE conference schedule will feature dozens of breakout sessions and keynote presentations highlighted by:
Dr. Robyn R. Jackson is a former teacher and administrator turned bestselling author of 13 books, host of the School Leadership Reimagined podcast, and CEO of Mindsteps, where she mentors K-12 leaders through her Buildership framework to create high-performing schools and achieve 100% student success.
Brandon Farbstein is a 25-year-old speaker and author who has transformed personal adversity into global impact, helping pass state laws that address bullying prevention, empathy, and emotional intelligence to be taught in all K-12 classrooms in Virginia. Brandon continues to inspire millions through his books Ten Feet Tall and A Kids Book About Self-Love.
Alex Sheen, founder of because I said I would, a global movement dedicated to the power of keeping promises. Alex has sent over 9.8 million “promise cards” to 153 countries and walked 240 miles across Ohio to keep his word. His message has made headlines worldwide and continues to inspire commitment and change.
Anthony Trucks is a former foster child, NFL football player, competitor on American Ninja Warrior, author, and identity shift coach. From foster care to the NFL to a successful business owner, Anthony Trucks has accomplished what statistics would say is impossible. Anthony teaches people how to access the power of their identity and tap into their full potential to Make Shift Happen!
Previous keynote speakers have included: Alberto Carvalho, Tavis Smiley, Gregory Boyle, Ron Clark, Remi Adeleke, Steve Perry, Jeff Duncan-Andrade, Pedro Noguera, Alan Blankenstein, Chris Emdin, Shaun Harper, Bernard Kinsey, Kati Haycock, Michael Bonner, Consuelo Castillo Kickbusch, Talithia Williams, Jeremy Anderson, and Merlyna Valentine.
The exclusive Diamond Sponsor for the 12th Annual ETE Conference is Schoolbeat (formerly moozoom).
Gold sponsors include:
Alta Vista Innovation High School, Imagine Learning, Instructure, LEGO Education, Paradigm Math, and Silver Creek Modular.
Silver sponsors include:
Curriculum Associates, Erickson-Hall Construction Company, Molina Healthcare of California, PowerSchool, and SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union.
Bronze sponsors include:
Alliant International University, Association of California School Administrators, Benchmark Education, California Service Corps, Center for the Collaborative Classroom, Class Solver, Disney Imagination Campus, Elevo Learning, Grand Canyon University, IXL Learning, Lexia Learning, OneLegacy, SameGoal, San Diego County Office of Education, ScholarShare Investment Board, Summit K-12, and Western Governors University.
Partnerships include:
CharacterStrong, Core Collaborative, Corwin, Footsteps2Brilliance, Garner Holt Education Through Imagination, Orenda, and Unified Sports.
