Pepperdine Faculty and Students Advance Teacher Education at Statewide CCTE Conference

Faculty and students from Pepperdine University’s Seaver College and Graduate School of Education and Psychology (GSEP) participated in the California Council on Teacher Education (CCTE) Fall 2026 Conference, held October 8–10 at the University of San Diego and online.

The conference brought together teacher educators, researchers, students, and policymakers committed to strengthening the preparation and professional development of California educators. This year’s theme, “Multilingualism for All, Really for All: Cultivating Inclusive Pedagogies in a Time of Contending Ideologies,” invited participants to explore approaches that recognize California’s linguistic diversity and foster inclusive learning environments.

The Pepperdine delegation’s participation was particularly meaningful because Terrelle Sales, associate professor of teacher education at Seaver College, led the gathering as CCTE president. Sales moderated the conference’s opening session, which included presentations and conversations addressing multilingual education, state policy, educator preparation, and equitable teaching practices.

“I always appreciate attending the CCTE conference because I get to reconnect with colleagues and friends at other institutions, hear directly from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing on new initiatives, and be rejuvenated in the important work of equipping future teachers,” said Carrie Wall, professor of teacher education and undergraduate coordinator of Seaver’s Teacher Preparation Program. “This year was especially meaningful in that our own Dr. Terrelle Sales led the conference as the new CCTE president. Nicely done, Terrelle!”

For Pepperdine participants, the conference also offered an opportunity to strengthen collaboration between the University’s undergraduate and graduate teacher preparation communities.

“CCTE 2026 was an amazing time to connect with our GSEP, Seaver, and institution of higher education teacher preparation colleagues from across the state,” said Jennaca Cotton, assistant clinical professor and co-director of clinical experience at GSEP. “We connected on the great joys and challenges of preparing future educators and shared wonderful tools and advice with each other. I always leave CCTE invigorated and proud of the work that we do, especially as Pepperdine faculty preparing educators for lives of purpose, service, and leadership.”

The conference theme resonated especially strongly with Kevin Wong, GSEP associate professor of education and chair of the MA in TESOL program.

“I always feel so rejuvenated at CCTE to be among other teacher educators and policymakers dedicated to teacher education,” Wong said. “I was especially encouraged to see that the conference focused on multilingualism this year, calling for inclusive pedagogies in a time of contending ideologies.”

CCTE also provided opportunities to renew relationships across different stages of the teacher education profession.

Ricardo Vigil, GSEP co-director of clinical experience, reflected, “It was great to reconnect with former students and new adjuncts and see their growth!”

Pepperdine’s participation reflects the University’s continued commitment to preparing thoughtful, service-minded educators and contributing to statewide conversations that shape teacher education policy, research, and practice.

Learn more about the CCTE Fall 2026 Conference and Terrelle Sales’ work at Pepperdine.