Home | CERA | California Educational Research Association

Bridging Research, Data, and Practice since 1921

Transforming Insight into Impact for California Students

CERA connects educators, researchers, and leaders across California to advance equity and improve outcomes for every learner through evidence-based practice.

Join Our Network

100+

Years bridging research and practice

K–16

Members across all education sectors

Nov

4–6

Annual Conference 2026

Equity by Design: Reimagining Research, Policy, and Practice

Omni Rancho Las Palmas · Palm Desert, CA

About CERA

A Professional Home for California's Education Community

The California Educational Research Association (CERA) bridges research, data, and educational practice in California for the purpose of transforming insight into impact.

Founded in 1921, CERA is a non-profit, professional association with members from K–12, higher education, research organizations, and community and business partners. By bridging these often-siloed domains, CERA empowers educators and leaders to translate evidence into meaningful action.

When you join CERA, you become part of a statewide network committed to advancing equity and improving outcomes for students across California. There is power in our collective when we come together with purpose.

Become a Member

Bridging Research & Practice

We connect the dots between academic research, policy, and real classroom outcomes — ensuring evidence reaches the people who need it most.

Advancing Equity

Equity is at the core of everything we do — from our conference themes to how we support members across California's diverse communities.

Statewide Collaboration

Our network spans K–12, higher education, research organizations, and community partners — united by a shared mission to serve California students.

Programs & Services

Everything You Need to Do Your Best Work

From annual conferences to data visualization awards, CERA provides the professional resources and community that California educators and researchers need to thrive.

Annual Conference

Three days of keynotes, research sessions, and networking with California's leading education researchers, practitioners, and policymakers.

Learn more →

Webinars

Virtual professional development sessions on timely topics in educational research, assessment, and data-driven decision making.

View upcoming →

Awards Program

Recognizing outstanding contributions through the Lifetime Achievement, Outstanding Paper, Research-Practice Partnership, and Leadership in Data awards.

Explore awards →

Data Visualization Awards

Celebrating the innovative use of data visualization to communicate educational insights and drive evidence-based action across California.

See winners →

Partnerships & Sponsorships

Connect your organization with California's education research community through CERA's corporate and institutional partnership opportunities.

Become a sponsor →

AERA Job Board

Access the American Educational Research Association job board — your gateway to career opportunities in educational research and practice.

Browse jobs →

CERA Annual Conference 2026

Equity by Design: Reimagining Research, Policy, and Practice

Building Systems Where Every Learner Has a Fair Chance to Succeed.

November 4 – 6, 2026

Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa, Palm Desert, CA

cera2026.sched.com

Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa

Palm Desert, California

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Membership

Join California's Education Research Community

Access to the annual CERA conference at member rates
Statewide network of researchers, practitioners, and education leaders
Professional development through webinars and events
Opportunities to present research and share your work
Eligibility for CERA awards and recognition programs
President's Letter communications and updates

Join CERA Today

K–12 Members

Teachers, administrators, and district researchers

Higher Education

Faculty, graduate students, and university researchers

Research Organizations & Community Partners

Nonprofits, think tanks, policy organizations, and business partners working to advance education in California

Recognition

Celebrating Excellence in Educational Research

CERA honors members and organizations who make outstanding contributions to educational research, practice, and leadership in California.

Lifetime Achievement Award

Honoring a lifetime of distinguished contributions to educational research in California.

Outstanding Paper Award

Recognizing exceptional research papers presented at the annual CERA conference.

Research-Practice Partnership Award

Celebrating successful collaborations that bridge the gap between research and classroom practice.

Leadership in Data or Assessment Award

Recognizing innovative leadership in the use of data and assessment to improve student outcomes.

Our Impact

A Century of Connecting Research to Classrooms

Since 1921, CERA has been the professional home for California's education research community — building the connections that transform evidence into action.

1921

Year CERA was founded

K–16

Across all education sectors

Annual

Conference bringing the community together

CA-wide

Network of colleagues and collaborators

"CERA is where research meets reality. The connections I've made through this network have directly shaped how I approach data and decision-making in my district."

CERA Member

K–12 District Research Director

"The annual conference is unlike any other education event in California. The quality of dialogue between researchers and practitioners is exceptional and always actionable."

CERA Member

University Faculty, Education Research

"Being part of CERA has opened doors to collaborations I never would have found otherwise. It's a community that genuinely invests in advancing equity for California's students."

CERA Member

Education Research Organization

Thank You to Our 2025 Sponsors