Diana Lambert
Diana Lambert covers teachers and teaching. Before coming to EdSource, Diana was an education reporter for The Sacramento Bee for more than a decade. She has won numerous awards, including the 2017 James Madison Freedom of Information Award from the Society of Professional Journalism, and both a first-place honor for investigative reporting from The Inland Press Association and the McClatchy President’s Award in 2016. Before becoming an education reporter Diana was a bureau chief for the Sacramento Bee. She began her career at age 17 as a part-time proofreader for the Lodi News-Sentinel. Diana earned a bachelor’s degree from California State University, Sacramento.
All articles by Diana Lambert
Wildfires delay beginning of school year for some rural California schools, some for the second year
Raging wildfires have become an annual threat to school districts in California's rural regions, and this year they are disrupting reopening plans.
Diana Lambert
August 12, 2021
Confusion over mask mandate for California schools sparks tension between districts and parents
Gov. Gavin Newsom's decision to allow school districts to enforce the state mask mandate has parents demanding they drop the requirement.
Diana Lambert
July 30, 2021
California cuts the number of tests teachers must take to earn credential
California teacher candidates no longer have to take two of the four tests usually required to earn a teaching credential.
Diana Lambert
July 16, 2021
Pandemic drives sharp rise in California families opening their own home schools
Almost 35,000 California families filed a private school affidavit to home-school their children during the 2020-21 school year — more than double the number filed before the pandemic.
Diana Lambert
July 1, 2021
California school districts receive unprecedented windfall but lack teachers to help students catch up
A longstanding teacher shortage grew worse during the pandemic, and districts will have to decide which programs to staff and those they won't.
Diana Lambert
June 22, 2021
Most California schools offering summer school, planning to reopen fully in fall
California school districts are planning for summer school and for a full return to campuses in the fall, according to data released by the state.
Diana Lambert
June 7, 2021
Budget proposal would ease testing requirements for California teachers
California's legislators recommend approving a budget proposal that would reduce the number of tests required to earn a teaching credential.
Diana Lambert
June 3, 2021
Why summer school in California will prioritize fun and reconnecting students
California school districts are offering robust summer school programs with an emphasis on fun to help reconnect students to their schools.
Diana Lambert
May 26, 2021
Summer school plans hinge on teacher energy
California school districts have plenty of money for robust summer school programs this year, but teachers may just be too tired to sign up.
Diana Lambert
May 17, 2021
California teachers, school staff receive bumps in pay as campuses reopen
Districts signed agreements before reopening campuses that included everything from retroactive raises and bonuses to ongoing salary increases.
Diana Lambert
April 28, 2021
Parent group sues Los Angeles Unified asking for full reopening of schools
A Los Angeles parent group filed a lawsuit Wednesday against Los Angeles Unified calling for a return to full-time, in-person instruction.
Diana Lambert
April 7, 2021
Vaccines on tap for California’s children, but what do parents say?
Children may soon be eligible for Covid-19 vaccinations, potentially helping California schools to fully reopen for in-person instruction.
Diana Lambert
April 7, 2021
What 3-foot social distance means for reopening of California schools
Some districts will pivot quickly and return to full in-person instruction now; others say they can now start planning for the fall.
Diana Lambert And John Fensterwald
March 26, 2021
Schools chief uses influence to shape policy during pandemic, but lacks power to make big decisions
Thurmond felt pressured by county school superintendents to decree all campuses be closed after Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency.
Diana Lambert
March 18, 2021
California teacher shortages could make reopening schools for in-person instruction difficult
A growing teacher shortage could make it difficult to reopen school campuses, which are required to have smaller class sizes.