OCDE Newsroom

OCDE's Inside the Outdoors program and OC Waste & Recycling accept the Excellence in Recycling Public Education award at the National Waste & Recycling Industry Conference January 21. (Courtesy of OC Waste & Recycling)

Weekly roundup: Inside the Outdoors earns national recognition for recycling education curriculum, and more

Madeline Gray January 30, 2026

Troy High School Science Olympiad team takes first place at MIT Invitational

Ian Hanigan January 29, 2026

25th US Poet Laureate Arthur Sze will serve as keynote speaker at the 16th annual Creative Edge Lecture at the Irvine Barclay Theatre. (Photo by Shawn Miller/Library of Congress)

US Poet Laureate Arthur Sze will take the stage at 16th Creative Edge Lecture

Madeline Gray January 29, 2026

A student-created display at McAuliffe Middle School shows handwritten reflections on paper stars and astronaut cutouts under the message, “The legacy I want to leave at McAuliffe is …”

Forty years after Challenger, McAuliffe Middle School reflects on a lasting legacy

Ian Hanigan January 28, 2026

Kay Nakauchi being recognized at December 2025 HBUHSD Board Meeting.

After 68 years of service, Kay Nakauchi retires from HBUHSD

Nathaniel Martinez January 28, 2026

State leaders briefed on California MTSS gains, encouraged to sustain framework

Ian Hanigan May 8, 2025

Quick look: State leaders were briefed Thursday on the progress of the California MTSS framework, which has demonstrated success in...

Group photo of OCDE Superintendent Dr. Stefan Bean, Orange County Board of Education members Jorge Valdes, Mari Barke, Ken Williams, Lisa Sparks and Tim Shaw standing with student Rebecca Page and her teacher Mike Zanio.

‘A time to reflect, to honor’: Students participate in Jack R. Hammett Memorial Day Essay and Art Contest

Ian Hanigan May 8, 2025

Quick look: OCDE student Rebecca Page earned top honors in the Jack R. Hammett Memorial Day Essay and Art Contest,...

Students with their Civic Learning Pathway certificates

OCDE honors students and schools for civic learning achievements

Nathaniel Martinez May 7, 2025

The Orange County Department of Education recently celebrated local school districts and their students for championing civic learning at its annual OC Civic Learning Celebration. More than 100 people gathered at the OC Holocaust Education Center on April 24 to...

Dr. Bean: Celebrating Orange County’s 2026 Teachers of the Year

Stefan Bean May 6, 2025

Most of us can point to a teacher who changed our lives — someone who saw us clearly and believed...

Two high school students holding professional camera equipment

OC Supervisor Nguyen, County Superintendent Bean to host student career exploration event on May 22

Ian Hanigan May 5, 2025

Orange County Supervisor Janet Nguyen and County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Stefan Bean are teaming up to present a special...

Orange County School of the Arts dance program

Weekly roundup: OC Register names this year’s top student artists, CalKIDS offers college scholarships, and more

Madeline Gray May 2, 2025

More than 900 high school artists — the most in the program’s history — were nominated this year for their hard work and contributions made to their communities through the arts. Now, six have been named 2025 Artists of the...

Megan Lee, Loara Elementary School, Anaheim Elementary School District

OCDE announces 2026 Orange County Teachers of the Year with surprise visits

Staff reports May 1, 2025

Six outstanding educators received the surprise of a lifetime Wednesday as they were named 2026 Orange County Teachers of the...

OCDE students channel creativity to explore wellness and advocacy through TUPE Art Showcase

Ian Hanigan April 30, 2025

In a quiet hallway of a Mission Viejo community center, a gallery of student artwork lines the walls, each piece...

Performing drummers at the Orange County Arts and Disability Festival

WATCH: 49th annual Arts and Disability Festival showcases creativity and inclusion

Ian Hanigan April 30, 2025

Hundreds gathered at MainPlace Mall in Santa Ana this past Saturday to celebrate the talents of artists with disabilities during the 49th annual Orange County Arts and Disability Festival. Presented by the Orange County Department of Education and Orange County...

2025 California Classified School Employees of the Year

Three from Orange County named California Classified School Employees of the Year

Vicky Nguyen April 29, 2025

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond has announced nine California Classified School Employees of the Year for 2025 —...