CLMS Annual Conference
CLMS 2026 Annual Conference - Long Beach, CA
Featured Speakers | Schedule | Location & Travel | Registration | Call for Presenters | Schools to Watch Celebration
District Leadership Celebration | Exhibit & Sponsorship Opportunities
March 6-7, 2026, Long Beach, CA
Advancing Excellence in the Middle Grades
Join Us at the Premier Gathering for Middle-Grades Education!
The California League of Middle Schools (CLMS) Annual Conference is where passionate educators, forward-thinking administrators, and dedicated advocates come together to reimagine what's possible for middle school students.
This year’s event will energize and empower you with fresh ideas, meaningful connections, and proven strategies to elevate your practice and impact. We'll also be honoring the 2026 California Schools to Watch. Consider applying today!
Early bird registration is now open—don’t miss your chance to be part of this dynamic community driving change in California’s middle schools. Register today!
Featured Speakers
Jonathan Alsheimer
March 6, 2026
Jonathan is a dynamic middle school teacher, bestselling author, and international keynote speaker whose electrifying energy and innovative style inspire both educators and students. Author of the Amazon #1 new releases NEXT LEVEL TEACHING and School of Engagement, he empowers schools and communities through partnerships with UFC fighters, celebrities, and brands, while also leading the national “A Rae of Hope” movement in over 15 states. His initiatives—from anti-bullying campaigns to student leadership programs—reflect his belief that “game-changing is not a cliché—it’s a way of life.”
Erin Gruwell
March 7, 2026
The real-life subject of the movie Freedom Writers, starring Hilary Swank, Erin Gruwell and her students wrote The Freedom Writers Diary, a New York Times bestseller that chronicles Erin’s extraordinary journey with 150 high school students who dubbed themselves the “Freedom Writers” in homage to the Freedom Riders of the Civil Rights Movement.
Don't miss this chance to learn from an educator whose commitment turned her classroom into a place of hope and growth, bringing valuable insights to everyone passionate about teaching and learning.
Conference Schedule
Pre-conference - Thursday, March 5
1:00 - 4:00 pm
Sponsor Showcase
2:00 - 4:00 pm
District Leadership Celebration
4:00 - 6:00 pm
District Leadership Reception
4:00 - 7:00 pm
Conference Registration
Friday, March 6
8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Sponsor Showcase
8:30 - 10:00 am
General Session/Keynote Speaker
10:00 am - 12:15 pm
STW Celebration
12:15 - 1:30 pm
Lunch on your own
1:30 - 4:15 pm
Educator-led Breakout Sessions
4:30 - 6:30 pm
EOY Celebration & Reception
Saturday, March 7
8:00 am - 12:00 pm
Sponsor Showcase
8:30 - 9:45 am
General Session/Keynote Speaker
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Educator-led Breakout Sessions
Schedule is subject to change
Location, Travel, & Hotel
All conference activities take place at the Marriott Long Beach Downtown, 111 E Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90802
Registration Rates
CLMS/STW Members
Through January 31, 2026:
$499 per person
After January 31, 2026:
$559 per person
All members of California League of Middle Schools and current Schools to Watch members receive $60 off of conference registration per person.
Not a member? Join CLMS Today!
Non-Members
Through January 31, 2026:
$559 per person
After January 31, 2026:
$619 per person
All members of California League of Middle Schools and current Schools to Watch members receive $60 off of conference registration per person.
Not a member? Join CLMS Today!
Schools to Watch Celebration
At the 2026 CLMS Annual Conference on March 6, Schools to Watch honorees will be recognized during a special celebration from 10:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. New STW schools must be registered for the conference to participate in the ceremony. Attendees should dress for the occasion, as each school will be photographed onstage with their award. District superintendents are encouraged to join their school for the celebration and do not need to register for the conference to attend.
10:00 am - 12:15 pm | Awards Ceremony
District Leadership Celebration
The District Leadership Celebration honors leadership teams whose schools have earned California Schools to Watch recognition for excellence in middle-grades education. Held on March 5, 2026, in Long Beach, CA, this event brings together superintendents and district leaders from across the state to celebrate their achievements. After the formal recognition, honorees are invited to a reception with opportunities to connect with peers and colleagues.
2:00 - 4:00 pm | Awards Ceremony
4:00 - 6:00 pm | Reception
You can register for the celebration as part of your conference registration. District leaders who plan to attend only the celebration can register separately.
CALL FOR PRESENTERS
California League of Middle Schools is seeking principals and classroom practitioners to showcase innovative and impactful practices making a difference in California's middle-level* classrooms and schools.
The selection process is competitive, so early proposal submission is encouraged. Selected primary presenters will receive $100 off conference registration. First round of proposals are due December 15, 2025.
*This is a middle-level specific event. However, we accept presentations from all levels and our corporate partners. All presentations must be applicable to the middle grades.
Conference Sponsors
Annual Conference Sponsor
The ultimate career exploration to engage students in authentic problem-based learning experiences as they discover their interests and aptitudes. Whether you are looking to build a program with exposure to a broad range of Career Clusters, or define a more focused pathway - like STEM, College & Career Readiness, or elementary Career Discovery - Paxton/Patterson provides the curriculum, equipment, and industry-designed activities that will engage your students.
STW District Leadership Reception Sponsor
digiCOACH is an easy-to-use mobile platform for school leaders to provide teachers with positive, actionable feedback that will increase their confidence and competence. Reports provide real-time data that show if research-based strategies are being implemented frequently and with fidelity. This data provides the information leaders need to make informed decisions leading to positive student outcomes.
Showcase Sponsor
US-patented multi-tiered lockable phone pouches help schools regulate or ban phones safely, with flexibility, and sustainability.
Friday Keynote Speaker Sponsor
NextGenMath.com is an innovative, standards-aligned K-12 math online supplemental platform that accelerates math mastery and drives SBAC growth.
Showcase Sponsor
Thriving YOUniversity is an innovative and cutting-edge company that partners with PreK-12 educational agencies, non-profits, and businesses nationwide to empower individuals and organizations to thrive through in-person and online experiential learning sessions, coaching, keynotes, consulting, and products.