OTAN Digest - December 2025
Digest #58
December 2025
Spotlight On...
Students Succeed Honorees Recognized at ACSA
Two of the 2025 California Adult Education Students Succeed (CAESS) honorees were celebrated at the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) Leadership Summit in November. Alexander Clemente, a San Mateo Adult and Career Education (SMACE) graduate, and Ana Rico-Sanchez, a Merced County Office of Education (MCOE) graduate, were recognized on stage alongside school staff and family.
Ana Rico-Sanchez: Building a Future in Healthcare
Ana Rico-Sanchez (center) with her family (left) and MCOE Instructor Kristine Lindsey (right)
Ana Rico-Sanchez began her Medical Assisting training at MCOE in August 2022 with a clear goal: to create a stable future for her family. As a new mother and English language learner, she balanced multiple responsibilities and later paused her studies to work at Amazon.
A year later, Ana returned to her program with renewed determination. While caring for her child and working night shifts, she completed both the Medical Assisting and Phlebotomy programs. Her persistence led to a full-time position as a phlebotomist with Quest Diagnostics, and she now plans to continue her education in nursing.
Read more about Ana on the CAESS website.
Alexander Clemente: A Journey of Resilience and Academic Achievement
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Alexander Clemente (left) with SMACE Student Success Coordinator Marina Kravtsova, SMACE Director Angela Taylor, and ACCEL San Mateo County Consortium Executive Director Ka’Ryn Holder-Jackson
Alexander Clemente’s journey from Guatemala to California highlights the transformative impact of adult education. After arriving in the U.S. in 2017 and navigating difficult working conditions, he enrolled at SMACE to learn English and earn his GED.
He continued his education at UC Santa Cruz, completing two bachelor’s degrees (one in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology and another in Cognitive Science) along with a minor in Spanish Studies. During this time, he also became a Clinical Medical Assistant, tutored GED and ESL students, volunteered with the Red Cross, served as a student ambassador, and launched his own painting business to support his education.
Now studying at Skyline College, Alexander is taking the next steps toward his long-term goal of becoming a doctor.
About the California Adult Education Students Succeed Program
The California Adult Education Students Succeed (CAESS) program recognizes adult learners whose achievements highlight the power of adult education across the state. Adult education in California equips learners with the skills needed for work, civic participation, family engagement, and improved quality of life, serving students through school districts, community colleges, nonprofit organizations, libraries, correctional facilities, and other public agencies. Each year, OTAN invites adult education providers to nominate outstanding learners whose success reflects the impact of their programs. Learn more and read about past honorees at the CAESS website.
Featured PD Resource: Crash Course – Teaching with Generative AI
Resource Spotlight: Bridges EdTech Integration Action Plan
Digital Equity Resource Survey
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Call for Presenters!
The Technology and Digital Learning Symposium, hosted by OTAN, is an annual hybrid conference featuring engaging, interactive presentations and vibrant discussions. This event is designed to demonstrate effective ways of incorporating technology to enrich the learning experience, expand educational reach through a combination of in-person and online learning, and improve the overall efficiency and effectiveness of adult education programs. Read more on the TDLS 2026 website.
We invite you to submit a presentation proposal for this exciting event! Share your expertise, best practices, and engaging strategies, or facilitate discussions within one of our Category Strands. TDLS is all about collaboration and capacity building within the adult educator community. The deadline for TDLS Call for Presenters is Monday, December 15th. Submit your proposal here: Call for Presenters
Image from TDLS 2025 at Long Beach School for Adults
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OTAN Satisfaction Survey 📋
OTAN would like to invite you to participate in our new Satisfaction Survey to help us improve our services in the following areas:
- Trainings and Presentations
- Website Resources
- Curriculum Offers
- Digital Learning Guidance
- Canvas
- and additional OTAN services
Take some time to complete this survey as soon as you have a chance. This survey should not take more than 20-30 minutes of your time.
As with all OTAN surveys, the results will be kept completely anonymous. OTAN has no way to trace individual results back to specific participants and has no interest in doing so.
You can find the survey here: 👉 Survey Link
Thank you for your time and your feedback!
Monthly, SMEs write an article about technology and how it correlates with teaching and learning. These articles become companions of each OTAN Tech Talk. While OTAN welcomes an article or Tech Talk from any adult educator in California, our SMEs without fail consistently write about the most innovative ideas for adult education classrooms.
December
Using Available Models to Approach an AI Policy in Your Classroom
By Maricel Manglicmot, OTAN Subject Matter Expert
Artificial intelligence is becoming as commonplace as a computer or calculator in the classroom, however policies vary from school to school, classroom to classroom. There might not yet be a school-wide AI policy at your site, or your site’s policy can be further tailored to your curriculum. The purpose of this article is to begin creating an AI policy that works for you and your class.
November
Writing SMART Technology Goals for the Continuous Improvement Plan (CIP) Using the Digital Skills Library
By Francisca Wentworth, OTAN Subject Matter Expert
Is your agency struggling to develop a strong technology goal for your Continuous Improvement Plan (CIP)? When thinking about a technology goal, consider how it can support learners’ digital literacy skills at your agency.
October
Don’t Be unCommon and Start Using Canvas Commons!
By Francisco X. Pinedo, OTAN Subject Matter Expert
Are you an Adult Education instructor struggling to create digital courses for your students? If you answered yes, then this article will help you create digital content that you and your students will enjoy!
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📢 OTAN is Hiring! Join our Team
Are you passionate about educational technology and supporting adult educators across California? OTAN (Outreach and Technical Assistance Network) is hiring! We’re looking for talented professionals to join our team at the Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE) in Sacramento, CA.
Open Positions
Coordinator, OTAN Technology Projects
The Coordinator will plan, coordinate, and manage statewide projects that advance OTAN’s mission and contract objectives. This position provides professional development, technical assistance, and leadership in the effective use of digital learning and instructional technology for California adult education providers. Key responsibilities include coordinating the Digital Leadership Academy (DLAC) and overseeing the work of Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), among other projects.
- Application deadline: Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at 3:00pm
- View the full job description and apply on EdJoin
Project Specialist II, Technology Projects
The Project Specialist II will plan, coordinate, and implement projects that support OTAN’s contract objectives and advance the effective use of instructional technology across California adult education programs. A key responsibility of this position is supporting and helping manage the OTAN Canvas project, along with additional technology-related projects as assigned.
- Application deadline: December 16, 2025
- View the full job description and apply on EdJoin
Message from the Director
In this season of gratitude, I want to share my hope that you continue to feel supported, empowered, and equipped to do the important work that transforms the lives of your adult learners every day. Your commitment continues to inspire everything we do at OTAN.
This is why we’re growing our team and are actively recruiting a Coordinator and a Project Specialist II, OTAN, Technology Projects. If you are passionate about adult education, digital learning, delivering professional development, and supporting educators across California, I encourage you to apply on Ed Join.
At OTAN, you’ll enjoy:
- A culture that values creativity, respectful collaboration, and a growth mindset
- Opportunities to work on statewide projects that truly impact adult learners
- A team that celebrates diverse perspectives and encourages initiative
- A workplace where your ideas are welcome and your contributions are valued
Our current job openings are an opportunity to bring on staff who share your commitment to adult education and can help us enhance the training, resources, and digital learning services you rely on. If you or someone you know is ready to make a statewide impact, please take a look at our open positions and share them within your networks.
Thank you for your support in recruitment. As you celebrate this season, also find time for rest, balance, and restoration. Your well-being matters!
-Renee Collins
Director, Adult Education
OTAN December and January Events
| Date/Time | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Thursday, December 4 02:00 PM - 03:30 PM |
Canvas Admin Management: Tools and Strategies for Confident Administration | OTAN Online |
| Thursday, December 11 02:30 PM - 03:30 PM |
Northstar Digital Literacy User Group | OTAN Online |
| Saturday, December 13 09:00 AM - 10:30 AM |
Outcomes: Tracking Mastery in Canvas | OTAN Online |
| Thursday, December 18 12:00 PM - 01:00 PM |
Continuous Improvement Plan (CIP) Check In: 2025-26 CIP Journey | OTAN Online |
| Saturday, January 10 09:00 AM - 10:30 AM |
Updating & Creating Course Content for the new Semester | OTAN Online |
| Saturday, January 24 09:00 AM - 10:30 AM |
What’s New in Canvas LMS? | OTAN Online |
OTAN training events are OPEN to Adult Education staff.
★ = CLOSED, In-Service Training
Professional Development - Plan Ahead!
Did you know OTAN provides FREE professional development workshops to help Adult Educators integrate technology?
Think about scheduling OTAN Professional Development in the 2025-2026 school year. With a wide variety of technology topics from which to choose, OTAN training staff can provide in-person workshops or presentations at any approved California adult education agency or professional development event, either online or face-to-face with a computer lab or devices connected to the Internet.
All OTAN's workshops are provided at no cost!
Each session is hands-on - everyone will learn new skills related to technology or using technology that they can use in their adult education class or program. And all OTAN online or face-to-face workshops can be tailored to fit the needs of the requesting program. Select the links to see a list of the current online or face-to-face workshops and descriptions. If you don't see a workshop that is exactly what you need, contact OTAN - we'll work together to create a training that's best for you and your staff!
Need more information? Contact OTAN training staff anytime by phone at (916) 228-2580, or by email at support@otan.us.
To view workshops already scheduled, visit the California Adult Education Professional Development Calendar and search for workshops sponsored by OTAN. Don't miss out!