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Back-to-School with OTAN 2026: Start Your Year Connected (Pt. 1)

Posted on 08/11/2026

Part 1 of the Back-to-School with OTAN 2026 Series

As a new school year begins, adult educators across California are preparing lessons and setting goals for the months ahead. With so many demands competing for attention, it’s a good idea to make a plan for staying informed about resources, professional development opportunities, and emerging technology trends.

Back-to-School with OTAN 2026 is a six-part series highlighting the tools, resources, and opportunities available to California adult educators throughout the school year. Whether you're a classroom teacher, support staff member, administrator, or consortium leader, OTAN is here to help you learn, connect, innovate, and succeed.

The OTAN Mission

For more than three decades, OTAN has worked to support California adult education through the effective integration of technology. OTAN's vision is:

“Leading adult education through support for and the effective application of technology.”

This mission guides everything we do, from professional development and technical assistance to accessibility support, digital learning resources, and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence. OTAN's goal is to help educators and agencies use technology in ways that improve teaching, expand learner access, and support student success.

Why Staying Connected Matters

OTAN is more than a website. It is California's hub for technology integration, digital learning, accessibility, artificial intelligence, professional development, and innovation in adult education.

Each year, OTAN provides:

• Professional development workshops and webinars
• OTAN Tech Talks
• Technology and AI updates
• Accessibility guidance and support
• Digital learning and distance education resources
• Conference presentations and recordings
• Information about statewide initiatives and opportunities
• News and updates relevant to adult education

The easiest way to stay informed about these opportunities is to maintain an active connection with OTAN.

Create or Update Your OTAN Account

An OTAN account helps ensure that you receive information tailored to your role and interests. If you haven't created an account yet, now is the perfect time. If you already have one, take a few minutes to review and update your information.

🔗 Click here to create a free account

Subscribe to OTAN News

OTAN regularly publishes news items featuring:

• Upcoming events and registration opportunities
• Technology tips and instructional strategies
• AI and accessibility updates
• Success stories from the field
• Important announcements for California adult education

These updates provide a simple way to stay informed without having to search for information on your own.

Follow OTAN on Social Media

Another easy way to stay connected is to follow OTAN on social media for event reminders, professional development webinars, new resources and tools, technology news and trends, highlights from adult education programs across California

• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Instagram
• YouTube

Following OTAN helps bring timely information directly into your daily feed and allows you to connect with educators across the state.

Your OTAN Connection Checklist

• ✅ Create or update your OTAN account
• ✅ Review your notification preferences
• ✅ Subscribe to the OTAN weekly newsletter
• ✅ Follow OTAN on social media (LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram)
• ✅ Share OTAN resources with a colleague

Getting Started

Ready to take advantage of this resource? Visit the OTAN website and explore the opportunities available to support your work this year. If you have questions, the OTAN team is always ready to help and you can contact us at support@otan.us

➡️ Coming Up Next: Professional Development That Fits Your Schedule

In our next Back-to-School with OTAN 2026 article, we'll explore how OTAN's professional development opportunities can help you build new skills, discover effective practices, and stay ahead of emerging technology trends. We'll highlight workshops, webinars, Tech Talks, and on-demand learning options designed specifically for busy adult educators.