OCDE Newsroom

Sam Darnold posing with his retired jersey alongside Head Coach Jaime Ortiz at the Triton Hall of Fame Golf Tournament at the Talega Golf Course in San Clemente.

San Clemente High School alumnus Sam Darnold has jersey retired and is inducted into school’s Hall of Fame

Nathaniel Martinez July 16, 2026

Recipients of the 2025 Outstanding STEM Educator Awards gather for a group photo following last year's awards celebration at the Orange County Department of Education Conference Center in Costa Mesa.

OCDE announces 2026 Outstanding STEM Educators

Vicky Nguyen July 15, 2026

Natalia Abarca, coordinator of OCDE’s Language Services unit, welcomes guests to the 2025 Interpreters and Translators Conference.

Language access professionals to celebrate 10 years of growth at OCDE conference

Vicky Nguyen July 14, 2026

Students in the inaugural Certified Nursing Assistant cohort celebrate completing the tuition-free program offered through a partnership between Orange Unified School District and Santiago Canyon College. Participants completed coursework and hands-on clinical training while still enrolled in high school.

Weekly roundup: Orange Unified, Santiago Canyon College celebrates first certified nursing assistant cohort, and more

Vicky Nguyen July 10, 2026

Dr. Stefan Bean raises his right hand while his four children administer the oath of office during an Orange County Board of Education meeting.

Orange County superintendent, board members sworn in at organizational meeting

Ian Hanigan July 9, 2026

group photo of Outstanding STEM educators

OC STEM Initiative honors local educators for excellence in STEM education

Nathaniel Martinez December 5, 2024

The OC STEM Initiative, a longtime partner of OCDE, recently recognized 12 educators through its Cox Communications-sponsored Outstanding STEM Educators...

2024 Counselor of the Year Brandon Irvine Gernux presents at the 10th OC Counselor Symposium earlier this year.

OCDE recognizes 10 of the top school counselors and counseling advocates in Orange County

Madeline Gray December 4, 2024

Ten dedicated education professionals have been named the 2025 Orange County Counselors and Counseling Advocates of the Year for their...

Students at Brea Canyon High School collect items from food drive

A glance at some of the Thanksgiving food drives hosted by schools across the county

Nathaniel Martinez December 3, 2024

Schools throughout Orange County once again hosted food drives to give back to their communities, collecting a variety of items to ensure no one goes hungry this holiday season. These food drives have become a cherished tradition, providing students and...

Alicia Parker, the 2024 OCMAA Award recipient for Elementary Visual Art from the Irvine Unified School District, is pictured with award presenter Victoria Gerard, deputy director of the Laguna Art Museum, during last year’s Orange County Music and Arts Administrators Awards Ceremony.

Educators and advocates to be honored at 2025 Orange County Music and Arts Administrator Awards

Vicky Nguyen December 2, 2024

Teachers and administrators who empower students to be creative and work toward unlocking their potential through arts education will be...

High school students in red T-shirts sitting on stone steps, engaged in conversation during a leadership program event, with trees in the background

Bank of America’s Student Leaders program now accepting applications

Ian Hanigan November 27, 2024

Summer may feel like a long ways away, but now is the time for Orange County high school students to...

WATCH: Dr. Bean shares what he’s thankful for this holiday season

Ian Hanigan November 26, 2024

Orange County Superintendent Dr. Stefan Bean shared his thoughts on gratitude in a holiday message to OCDE staff and the community on Tuesday. In a brief video, Dr. Bean expressed his appreciation for local educators, support staff, families and the...

A 2024 Orange High School graduate holds up her diploma at graduation. (Orange Unified School District)

OC graduation rates, chronic absenteeism trends show positive momentum

Ian Hanigan November 25, 2024

Last week, state education officials rolled out the 2024 California School Dashboard, featuring color-coded gauges and other visuals to show...

Weekly roundup: 20 Orange County school districts named to 2024 Honor Roll, Gilbert High School celebrates peace through art, and more

Vicky Nguyen November 22, 2024

Twenty school districts in Orange County have earned a spot on the 2024 Honor Roll — a prestigious list released...

Students interact with an industry professional at a Future Leaders Conference exhibit, featuring a keyboard, microphone, and other tools for hands-on learning and career exploration.

WATCH: Future Leaders Conference inspires OC students with AI innovation and career workshops

Ian Hanigan November 21, 2024

Hundreds of students gathered at the JW Marriott in Anaheim on Wednesday for the Future Leaders Conference, an event designed to help young participants explore career opportunities, build essential skills and connect with industry professionals. Previously known as the Student...

How did your school perform? State unveils updated California School Dashboard

Ian Hanigan November 21, 2024

The 2024 California School Dashboard is up and running, offering both big-picture and detailed views of how public schools and...