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Back-to-School with OTAN 2026: Join the Adult Education Community (Pt 6)
Posted on 08/27/2026
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Part 6 of the Back-to-School with OTAN 2026 Series
Throughout this series, we've explored the many ways OTAN supports California adult educators through professional development, teaching resources, accessibility guidance, artificial intelligence training, and on-demand learning opportunities.
In this final article, we'll focus on one of OTAN's greatest strengths: bringing adult educators together to learn from one another, celebrate success, and shape the future of adult education in California.
You're Part of Something Bigger
Adult education is built on connection.
Every day, educators across California help learners improve their English skills, earn high school diplomas and equivalency certificates, prepare for careers, become more digitally literate, support their families, and achieve personal goals. While this work often happens in individual classrooms and local programs, it is strengthened through collaboration with colleagues across the state.
OTAN helps build and support this statewide community by creating opportunities for educators, administrators, and agencies to share ideas, learn from one another, and celebrate accomplishments. Through conferences, leadership initiatives, student recognition programs, and professional networks, OTAN helps connect the people who make adult education possible.
Technology and Distance Learning Symposium (TDLS)
One of OTAN's signature events is the Technology and Distance Learning Symposium (TDLS), California's premier conference focused on technology integration and distance learning in adult education.
Each year, TDLS brings together:
- Teachers
- Administrators
- Technology coordinators
- Support staff
- Consortium leaders
- Adult education partners
Participants have opportunities to:
- Learn from innovative practitioners
- Explore emerging technologies
- Discover new instructional strategies
- Network with colleagues from across California
- Share their own expertise and experiences
Whether you are new to educational technology or an experienced presenter, TDLS offers opportunities to learn, collaborate, and contribute to the adult education community.
📢 Look out for the call for proposals coming soon!
Digital Leadership Academy (DLAC)
🔗 https://dlac.otan.us
Technology implementation is not just about tools. It is about leadership, planning, and creating sustainable change.
OTAN's Digital Leadership Academy (DLAC) supports agencies as they work toward technology integration, digital learning, and organizational improvement goals. Through this multi-year leadership initiative, participating teams develop and implement projects that align with local priorities and support continuous improvement efforts.
DLAC provides participants with opportunities to:
- Develop technology leadership skills
- Create strategic implementation plans
- Collaborate with agency teams
- Learn from other adult education programs
- Share successes and lessons learned
The application for the 2026-2028 cohort closed on August 10th, but you can still follow the teams’ journey as they make progress toward their digital goals!
Celebrating Adult Learner Success
🔗 https://adultedlearners.org
One of the most inspiring programs supported by OTAN is California Adult Education Students Succeed.
Each year, adult education agencies nominate learners whose determination, perseverance, and achievements demonstrate the transformative impact of adult education. OTAN helps share these stories through written profiles, videos, and statewide recognition efforts.
These stories highlight learners who have:
- Overcome significant barriers
- Achieved educational goals
- Advanced in their careers
- Strengthened their families and communities
- Pursued new opportunities through education
By sharing these successes, we celebrate learners while also highlighting the important work happening every day in adult education classrooms across California.
Share Your Expertise
The adult education field grows stronger when educators share what works.
OTAN provides numerous opportunities for educators to contribute their knowledge and experiences, including:
- Presenting at conferences
- Leading workshops
- Participating in Tech Talks
- Sharing instructional resources
- Contributing lesson plans
- Showcasing innovative practices
You do not need to consider yourself a technology expert to contribute. Some of the most valuable ideas come from educators who have discovered practical solutions to common challenges and are willing to share them with others.
Stay Connected Throughout the Year
Community does not begin and end with a conference or a single event.
Throughout the year, OTAN helps educators stay connected through:
- Professional development opportunities
- News and announcements
- Social media channels
- Video presentations
- Resource sharing
- Statewide projects and initiatives
No matter your role, there are opportunities to participate, collaborate, and learn from others who share your commitment to adult learner success.
Your Community Engagement Checklist
As you begin the 2026-27 school year, consider:
- ✅ Attending TDLS
- ✅ Exploring Digital Leadership Academy projects
- ✅ Nominating a student for Students Succeed
- ✅ Sharing a success story from your agency
- ✅ Presenting at a conference or workshop
- ✅ Connecting with colleagues across California
- ✅ Following OTAN news and events throughout the year
Every connection helps strengthen California's adult education community!
Looking Ahead
As we conclude the Back-to-School with OTAN 2026 series, remember that OTAN is more than a collection of resources, trainings, or technology tools.
OTAN is a statewide leadership project dedicated to helping adult educators and learners succeed through the effective application of technology. From professional development and accessibility support to leadership opportunities and learner recognition, OTAN is here to support you throughout the year.
