
CLMS Annual Conference
March 7-8, 2025
Advancing Excellence in the Middle Grades
The California League of Middle Schools (CLMS) Annual Conference is the premier event for middle school educators, administrators, and advocates dedicated to shaping the future of education. This year’s conference promises to be an inspiring gathering of professionals committed to fostering excellence in middle school education across the state.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to grow, learn, and connect with fellow educators. Early bird registration is now open! Secure your spot today and be part of the movement to transform middle school education in California.
Featured Speakers
March 7, 2025
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Erin Gruwell
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.
Today, Gruwell leads the Freedom Writers Foundation, teaching educators around the world to use her impactful methods to reach students of all backgrounds. Her approach—centered on empathy, engagement, and empowerment—has redefined what's possible in education.
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.
March 8, 2025
Leading the Change:
The Power of Student Voice in Education
Join us for an inspiring keynote led by March Middle School students who are reshaping the future of education! These passionate young leaders will share their perspectives on the power of student voice and how it can spark meaningful change in teaching practices.

Through their unique insights and experiences, they will highlight why listening to students is key to creating inclusive, innovative, and engaging classrooms. Don’t miss this opportunity to witness the impact of student-driven dialogue and discover ways to elevate youth perspectives in education. Together, let’s reimagine learning!
Conference Schedule
Pre-conference - Thursday, March 6
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 7
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 8
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
Hotel
Rooms may still be available at the Monterey Marriott. Please call the hotel directly at 831-649-4234.
See Below

Additional Hotel Options
All activities take place at the Monterey Marriott:
350 Calle Principal, Monterey, CA 93940
The Monterey Marriott will sell out of the CLMS Conference rate. Due to increasing prices, CLMS is unable to secure more rooms at a discounted rate.
You may call the hotel to check on availability at the standard rate: (831) 649-4234
There may be rooms available at nearby hotels. We recommend using Expedia or something similar. Here is a list of some local hotels.
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Hotel Pacific, (831) 373-5700
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Hyatt Regency, (831) 372-1234
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Hotel Abrego, (831) 372-7551
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Monterey Hotel, (800) 966-6490
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Casa Munras, (831) 375-2411
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Best Western, (831) 373-5345
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Please note: The conference ends on Saturday, March 8th.
Conference Sponsors
Conference Sponsor

The National Energy Education Development (NEED) Project is a national non-profit organization that provides free STEM-focused energy curriculum to schools nationwide. NEED works with schools, school districts, energy companies, agencies, and organizations to design and deliver high-quality teacher professional development, timely and relevant curriculum materials and hands-on kits, and student engagement and leadership opportunities.
Friday Keynote Sponsor

nXu partners with schools and youth organizations through a flexible 6-part model focused on purpose, durable skills, and wellness. Our offerings align with the key steps schools follow when adopting new programs, ensuring seamless integration and impact.
STW District Reception Sponsor

National University is the top provider of teacher and administrative credentials in California, offering over 190 degrees, credentials, and certificates with flexible online or in-person classes. With scholarships available, year-round enrollment, and monthly course starts, it has focused on adult education for 50 years and allows transfer credits at any time.
Showcase Sponsor

The Association of California School Administrators is the largest umbrella organization for school leaders in the United States, serving more than 17,000 California educators.ACSA’s top priority is advocating for public school students in kindergarten through grade 12, as well as adult learners. Our mission is to be the driving force of education in California and beyond.
Showcase Sponsor

H2O for Life is a nonprofit that provides free resources to youth and educators to learn more about and take action on the global water crisis.
Showcase Sponsor

The Origins Program offers a robust collection of teaching and learning resources to support students, educators, schools, and districts in achieving cultural equity, social and emotional competencies and academic excellence.
Conference Sponsor

Paxton/Patterson is your ideal curriculum partner, offering innovative College and Career Ready Labs that deliver dynamic, hands-on learning experiences. These engaging programs empower students to explore career pathways and equip them with the skills needed for their next steps in education and beyond.
STW District Reception Sponsor

The Strategic Adolescent Reading Intervention (STARI) is designed to accelerate the reading skills of middle students who read two or more years below grade level. Using research-based practices and highly engaging texts, STARI addresses gaps in fluency, decoding, reading stamina, and reading comprehension and has the highest ESSA rating for evidence of effectiveness.
Educator of the Year Sponsor

Lexia’s curriculum and professional learning solutions are designed to equitably meet the needs of all California students and the educators who support them. Built on the science of reading, our research-proven solutions provide explicit, systematic, personalized learning on critical reading and language skills to accelerate development and provide data-driven plans to differentiate instruction for each student.
Showcase Sponsor

Our Greenfield team would love to introduce Symphony Math and School21 to your educators and students. School21 provides Algebra 1 and middle school mathematics students with adaptive, mastery-based learning. Symphony Math is a digital platform with a visual, highly intuitive interface designed for K–8.
Showcase Sponsor

Saddleback is the leader in High Interest, Low Reading Level
(HI-LO) curriculum solutions and quality readers for striving readers and English Learners in grades 4-12.
Registration Rates
CLMS/STW Members
Through January 31, 2025:
$489 per person
After January 31, 2025:
$549 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, 2025:
$549 per person
After January 31, 2025:
$609 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!
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 6, 2025, in Monterey, 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 featuring breathtaking views of Monterey Bay and 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. Proposals are due January 17th.
*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.
Sessions
The CLMS 2025 Annual Conference features a wide variety of workshop sessions for educators, by educators. These sessions offer practical strategies and innovative ideas that attendees can immediately apply in their classrooms. Explore the session descriptions below for a sneak peek at the exciting learning opportunities available.
Sessions are subject to change.