Induction Mini Conference - October 28, 2026

I received both my bachelor's degree and teaching credential from CSULB, and am currently a Primary Music teacher in my 10th year with IUSD. In that time, I have taught at 18 of our Elementary schools and work with thousands of students each year. I am also in my 6th year as the Ed Tech Mentor for the K-6 ARTS department, and my third as an Induction Mentor. I'm excited to share what I've learned over the years about creating consistency and routine in an unconventional classroom setting.

Scott was the Orange County Teacher of the Year and a California Teacher of the Year Finalist. His classroom was featured in a Super Bowl Ad as well as in The Wall Street Journal, LA Times, O Magazine, on CNN and more. He is currently a 4th-Grade teacher.  Scott was a featured speaker at TEDx Bratislava, Slovakia. He is a founding member of Skype's Master Teachers, creator of Technology Applied Science Fair, founding member of Global School Play Day, past MIE Expert, & OC CUE Outstanding Educator. He was the co-host The Bedley Bros EdChat Podcast. His weekends mainly consist of going to cheer... Read more

Kristie has been a math educator in the Irvine Unified School District for 19 years, as a teacher at Woodbridge High School and as a Secondary Math Specialist (TOSA) at the district office. She has experience teaching every high school course and expertise in instruction and assessment to meet the needs of all learners. Kristie is a National Board Certified Teacher and Presidential Awardee for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching. She was named IUSD High School Teacher of the Year in 2024 and a semifinalist for Orange County Teacher of the Year in 2025. Kristie has been a frequent presenter... Read more

Kim Farag is an IUSD Elementary Literacy TOSA and classroom veteran, dedicated to helping teachers elevate their reading instruction with intention, creativity, and heart. A longtime literacy advocate, Kim blends research-backed strategies with classroom realities to make reading lessons more meaningful and more fun. Kim believes that great literacy instruction changes lives and she’s here to help teachers make that happen! In Kim’s world, every student is seen, heard, and celebrated, and every teacher is inspired to deliver literacy instruction that makes a difference. Beyond the classroom...

Nikkita Fox serves as the Elementary Literacy TOSA, leading Primary Literacy Project and K–2 Literacy League. A driving force behind the launch of IUSD’s first Science of Reading Institute, Nikkita is dedicated to the idea that evidence-based research only works if it's usable in a real classroom. Her work focuses on the practical application of literacy research; helping teachers implement sustainable routines that build student success without adding to the overwhelm. Her goal is to make high-impact instruction feel both manageable and joyful for every educator.  When she isn’t deep in...

Read more

IUSD Secondary Science TOSA with a background in teaching chemistry. She is passionate about creating a classroom environment where every student can find their voice and engage in meaningful science. She loves helping PLC teams make strides towards their goals.

I've been teaching PE in IUSD since 2011 and taught in Australia prior to this. I'm thoroughly enjoying my role as TOSA, supporting teachers as they engage students and provide opportunities for students to be active.

I am a dedicated math educator at Woodbridge High School, currently in my 11th year of teaching. My passion for learning extends beyond teaching—I value being both a learner myself and an advocate for students. Throughout my career, I have navigated the evolution of teaching practices, embracing both victories and areas for growth. I am committed to inspiring my fellow educators by sharing actionable insights and practical changes that can be applied in the classroom. My goal is to foster a culture of continuous learning and collaboration that benefits both teachers and students, while also learning... Read more

Originally from Scotland, Nicola Saltzman is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) with 28+ years experience supporting individuals with autism and related disabilities. Nicola is passionate about helping students shatter the glass ceiling, and supporting people (both students and staff) to achieve their potential. Nicola has a firm belief that everyone is capable of more than they know, and that with the right supports we can all grow and flourish. Currently, Nicola works as a Behavior Specialist for IUSD, in addition to being the CAPTAIN (California Autism Professional Training and Information... Read more

Preston Trebas is an educator, author, and creative learning designer who began his career in elementary education, where he developed a passion for curiosity-driven, student-centered learning. He created The Show Matters, a professional development series helping teachers infuse creativity and authentic connection into their classrooms, and authored books for both educators and children promoting growth mindset and meaningful learning. Now a Credential Integrity Strategist at Western Governors University, Preston designs systems that recognize real-world experience through Credit for Prior Learning... Read more

Having taught in Irvine for over 23 years, Erica has taught music to every grade level in IUSD.  She has previously taught, for 16 years, as a professor of voice and music at Cypress Community College and Soka University. She is author of a series of music theory workbooks, and is currently working on a new publication about Standards Based Grading in the ARTS.  Erica is a proud mom to an IUSD-educated son who is now a student at CSUF.

For the past 14 years, I've had the pleasure of teaching middle school, and I truly love what I do! In my classroom, I focus on Math, but I also have a passion for developing student leaders in our ASB program, which I've been teaching for nine years. I believe in supporting my colleagues just as much as my students, which is why I've spent time as an IUSD Math Mentor and an Induction guide for new teachers. This year, I've taken on a new role helping with student attendance. Whether I'm working with middle schoolers or adults, I find so much joy in my work. When I'm not at school, you can usually... Read more

Marla has been teaching Pre-Kindergarten since its inception in Irvine Unified and previously served as an Early Childhood Education Specialist in the School Readiness Program at ECLC. With over three decades of experience, she is deeply passionate about early childhood education and believes the earliest years of school offer a powerful opportunity to spark curiosity, build confidence, and set the foundation for lifelong learning.

Marla began her career in early childhood education at just 18 years old as a preschool teacher and has dedicated her entire professional journey to supporting young...

Read more