We Bet You Have Questions!
We know you have lots of questions about the upcoming year. We can’t help you with all of them but can provide some clarity on your experience hatching fish with your students.
Will I be able to hatch fish this year?
Absolutely. Eggs will be available to all qualified teachers who submit an application for eggs. The process for applying for eggs is the same as in the past.
Should I choose a release site near my school or near my home?
We suggest you request a site near your school and one near your home. This will allow you more flexibility in the Spring when you go to release. If school is in session, you can release nearby so students can join you. If you are on all remote teaching and have the tank at home, you can release closer to home. Here is a list of all approved sites (click on the tab for rainbow or steelhead)
Can I hatch at home if my school is closed?
Yes – if your school is in a hybrid model or all online, you will have the option to hatch from your house and share the lessons with your students online.
When do I need to decide?
You should apply for eggs by the December 15 deadline. You can cancel your eggs days before the delivery date if needed. If you think you may want to hatch this year, then apply for eggs.
What can I expect from my coach?
I do not have an answer to this question at this time. While coaches are highly committed to helping you, they are also concerned for their own well being. It is unknown if visitors will be allowed or welcome on campus. We will not encourage coaches to enter teachers homes.
All of our sponsor organizations are on board and interested in helping teachers this year in what ever manner is safe and possible.
I suggest you make a decision to hatch on the assumption you will receive limited in-person support.
Will my eggs be delivered?
It is our intention to deliver eggs in a safe, contactless manner to all teachers to your school or your home. We have not worked out the details but will do our best! The exception to this is in Sonoma and Mendocino Counties where we will have a contactless pick up system.
Will there be training workshops this year?
YES! We are busy creating virtual training for teachers new to the program and a series of short webinars for all teachers to discuss the new tools, resources, and to answer questions. Details and info to follow!
Are there online resources to help me with distance learning?
YES! We have been working all summer and more to create tons of new toys/tools for you.
- FlipGrid (www.flipgrid.com – Discovery Library, California State Parks, Search “CAEP”)
- Oppia
- YouTube
- Steelhead in the Classroom LIVE!
- Kahoot quizes by grade level
- And more
- And even more being coming this fall
If I sit this year out, will I be eligible for eggs next year?
Yes you will. If you have received eggs and complied with all aspects of your permit within the past 3 years, you remain eligible to receive more eggs.
Last year there was a series of videos following the development of eggs/fish to release – will this be offered again this year?
Yes! We will again offer the weekly broadcasts of Steelhead in the Classroom LIVE!
Lots of virtual content on a variety of topics posted on the CDFW website.
How can I live-stream the egg hatching/fish development to my students?
This depends on if you want to use the live stream we create or if you want to live stream from your own tank. We will send you links for our stream this winter. We are writing up instructions to assist teachers in live streaming from their own tank.
What type of support can teachers in San Jose expect?
The San Jose Fly Casters has committed to sponsor all classes in the San Jose area. This means that for the first time in 6 years you will have a coach and enjoy all the additional support you need. You will be invited to a special Zoom event to meet your new sponsors.
I was not able to return my permit last year – will I be able to receive eggs this year
Teachers who fail to return their permits are not eligible to receive more eggs unless they go through a training workshop. Last year was unusual and we did make accommodations by extending deadlines and sending multiple reminders to teachers. You should contact Ethan Rotman (ethan.rotman@wildlife.ca.gov)
What type of support will be offered to coaches who need help with the new technology?
Coaches will be invited to an interactive webinar where you will be introduced to many of the new tools and apps available to teachers.
I have some cool tools I developed last year – is there a. way for me to share them?
Please send an email and copy (or link) to the materials if you can to Ethan.
I have a question you did not address.
Please drop us an email and we will get right back to you!
CDFW Bay Area Trout in the Classroom Blog 