Quick look: OCDE’s Literacy and Language Services team will host the 2025 Write to Joy: K-12 Writing Conference on Oct. 11 in Costa Mesa, featuring sessions on writing instruction, collaboration and instructional equity. The event is open to teachers, coaches, specialists and pre-service educators.
Educators from across Orange County are invited to attend the Write to Joy: K-12 Writing Conference, a daylong professional learning event focused on strengthening writing instruction and inspiring a deeper appreciation for literacy.
Hosted by the Orange County Department of Education’s Literacy and Language Services team, the 2025 conference will take place on Saturday, Oct. 11, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at OCDE’s newly renovated Conference Center, located at 200 Kalmus Drive in Costa Mesa.
Designed for K-12 teachers, instructional coaches, curriculum specialists and literacy coordinators, the event will feature hands-on workshops, collaborative discussions and actionable strategies aligned with California’s English Language Arts/English Language Development Framework.
“This conference is about coming together as a community of educators to strengthen writing instruction across all grade levels,” said Dr. Laurie Virtusio, coordinator of literacy and language at OCDE. “By learning from experts and one another, we can create engaging and equitable writing experiences that help all students find their voices. The strategies shared here will not only enhance daily instruction but also foster a love of writing that extends beyond the classroom.”
The 2025 program will include a keynote presentation by Jen Roberts, a National Board Certified teacher from Point Loma High School in San Diego. A veteran high school English educator, Roberts specializes in digital literacy and instructional technology. Her session will explore the evolving role of generative AI in education and its potential to support student writing and engagement.
Reflecting the mission of OCDE’s Literacy and Language Services team to support districtwide implementation of research-based instruction in English language arts and English language development, the event is part of a broader effort to provide dynamic professional learning, technical assistance and instructional leadership to local schools.
Registration is $150 per person, with a reduced rate of $50 for pre-service teachers. Proposals for breakout sessions are currently being accepted at tinyurl.com/cn3thwz7, and additional information is available on the Write to Joy: K-12 Writing Conference webpage.
For questions related to content, contact Amber Fleming-Morales at afleming-morales@ocde.us or Virginia Reischl at vreischl@ocde.us. For registration support, contact Carey Arias at carias@ocde.us.