By Kaitlyn Midgely
LCOE Communications Specialist
Lassen County Office of Education’s SAFE Collaborative (Supporting All Fellow Educators) kicked off the 2025–26 academic year with an engaging and impactful workshop titled “Kicking the School Year Off Right.”
Led by SAFE Collaborative coordinators Bobbie Kirkpatrick and Jodi Neuenschwander, the full-day workshop welcomed twenty-five new and returning educators from across Lassen County.
Designed to help teachers start with essential practices, the session blended evidence-based strategies, hands-on collaboration, and supportive guidance to help educators create thriving classrooms from day one.
“Our goal is to ensure every educator starts the year feeling confident, connected, and prepared to make a difference,” said Jodi Neuenschwander.
“It’s about building a safe, collaborative community that supports one another, just like we want our students to feel in their classrooms,” added Bobbie Kirkpatrick.
Throughout the day, participants explored three core characteristics of effective educators:
- Planning for Student Learning
- Creating the Climate for Learning
- Implementing Proactive Classroom Management
The workshop incorporated regulation breaks, jigsaw readings, and real-world scenario discussions, all carefully designed to promote engagement and reflection.
The facilitators emphasized that effective teaching extends beyond delivering curriculum, it requires intentional planning, strong relationships, and proactive systems that support both teachers and students.
Participants received aligned resources, including a Welcome to Teaching book, ready-to-use templates, student interest surveys, and classroom procedure checklist to implement immediately in their classrooms.
With a shared commitment to connection, professional growth, and student-centered practice, SAFE Collaborative fosters a culture where educators feel seen, supported, and empowered. At the heart of this work is the belief that everyone learns, everyone teaches, and no one is alone.
SAFE Collaborative will continue to offer professional learning opportunities throughout the school year. Educators and school staff can request support anytime by visiting www.lcoe.org and clicking the Educator Request for Support button.
