Photo courtesy of California Teaching Fellows Foundation (CTFF).

The California Teaching Fellows Foundation (CTFF) launched its first Teaching Fellow Academy (TFA) of the year on Feb. 7. The academies are specialized professional development conferences designed to help staff succeed in expanded learning programs serving K-12 students.

TFA operates in 11 locations across Fresno, Kings, Tulare, Madera, Merced and Sacramento counties. CTFF hosts six academies every year and draws over 4,200 participants.

The Central Valley-based nonprofit supports expanding learning programs that reach 50,000 students on a daily basis. Its academies align with California’s Quality Standards for Expanded Learning, the California Standards for the Teaching Profession and the National AfterSchool Association’s core competencies for youth development professionals.

Each semester focuses on a theme such as classroom management.

“CTFF sets the standard for providing our community with a pipeline of well-equipped, passionate, kid-friendly tutors, many of whom want to become teachers,” said Mike Snell, CTFF CEO. “By investing 40 hours of paid professional development into each Teaching Fellow annually, we are ensuring our staff are not just prepared, but truly empowered.”

CTFF also offers specialty tracks in leadership, teacher preparation and special education. Participants earn certificates after completing three sessions.

During the 2024-25 academic year, CTFF delivered 40,464 hours of paid professional development and awarded 3,000 certificates. Over 100 academic leaders facilitate academy sessions.

CTFF operates at over 600 school sites across 70 school districts and employs 4,500 Teaching Fellows. The organization is recruiting new candidates and encouraging community support for its scholarship program.