We are pleased to welcome Dr. Cris Mayo this year as our keynote speaker. Dr. Mayo serves as professor and co-ordinator of the Master of Interdisciplinary Studies Program in the Department of Education at the University of Vermont (UVM). Their publications include a number of books, book chapters and journal articles in Educational Theory, Studies in Philosophy of Education, Sexuality Research and Social Policy, and Educational Policy and Theory, among others. In addition, they co-edited two collections and they are currently the editor-in-chief of the Oxford Encyclopedia on Gender and Sexuality in Education, and currently serves as associate editor of Educational Theory. Prior to joining UVM, they served as Professor and Director of the LGBTQ+ Center and in Women's and Gender Studies at West Virginia University. For more information on the keynote speaker, click here.

Routines That Matter: Building Confident, Thinking Mathematicians in Grades 3–9 (Intermediate)

Come and explore routines that truly matter for developing mathematical thinkers in the intermediate and middle years! This session will invite you to experience routines that surface student thinking, spark meaningful discussion, and create space for all learners to engage deeply in the math. Together, we will try practices that build agency, strengthen flexible thinking, and help students see themselves as confident and capable mathematicians across the strands. You’ll leave with practical approaches that deepen understanding and strengthen math learning in Grades 3–9.

Aller au-delà des bases : l’IA au service d’une pédagogie réfléchie et inclusive (French) (K–12)

Participants will explore:

• AI as a Reflective Partner in Teaching Practice—Participants will discover how AI can be used not just for generating lesson plans or resources, but as a reflective partner to support professional growth, problem-solving, and decision-making in the classroom.
• Strategies for Differentiation and Equity with AI—Participants will learn how AI can help them design differentiated activities, adapt materials for diverse learners, and create inclusive classroom supports that go beyond surface-level assistance.
• Sustainable Workflows and Unexpected Generosity—Participants will leave with practical workflows and advanced prompts that show how AI can reduce workload, save time, and contribute to teacher well-being—illustrating the “unexpected generosity” of supporting the daily realities of teaching.

Strategies for Discussing Controversial Issues (K–12)

Discussing controversial issues with students is an important part of social justice, the inquiry process, and building the skills for students to become active, engaged and critically minded democratic citizens. This workshop provides practical classroom strategies to discuss controversial issues in a respectful manner.

Making Reading Instruction Work for Every Learner (Elementary)

This interactive workshop equips educators with practical tools and strategies to deliver structured literacy instruction aligned with the Science of Reading. Participants will learn how to use assessment data to decide when to teach whole-class lessons and when to target instruction in small groups. The session will explore a range of literacy activities that support explicit teaching in phonemic awareness, orthographic mapping, vocabulary development, and comprehension of passages. Educators will leave with a clear framework for getting started, ideas for differentiating lessons, and where to find tools for ongoing progress monitoring and formative assessment. Whether you’re new to structured literacy or refining your practice, this workshop provides actionable strategies to ensure all students become confident, capable readers.

New Teachers: Learning about the BCTF and Your Local (K–12)

This workshop introduces new members to collective agreements and highlights sections most relevant to them. It also educates new members on BCTF services and their health and safety rights.

ANTS in your PANTS: A Trauma-Informed Teacher Resource (Elementary)

Note: This workshop is from 1:00–3:45 p.m. and occurs over two session times, with a break in between.

The ANTS in your PANTS framework was developed by an occupational therapist and an inclusive education teacher. It is grounded in the principles of trauma-informed care and integrates key concepts from attachment theory, self-regulation, and social-emotional learning. Designed to support educators in understanding and responding to challenging behavior, the framework offers practical, trauma-informed strategies that can be applied directly in the classroom. This model is introduced in-depth through professional development workshops and can be used to enhance everyday classroom practices and student support planning.

Antiracist Strategies for Educators (English) (K–12)

This interactive workshop equips teachers with a better understanding of antiracism and how it can be incorporated into their daily teaching practice. Participants will consider key skills students and teachers need to discuss and implement antiracism and will have the opportunity to explore teaching strategies and resources to integrate this approach into their classrooms.

A Generous Gift for the New Teacher (K–12)

What is an open ceiling activity? Differentiation using open ceiling activities—what is good for the gifted learner is good for all. We will share open ceiling activities that we have built and teach you how to create your own.

Exploring Mathematical Routines in the Early Years: Fostering Our Youngest Learners as Confident, Capable Mathematicians (Primary)

Come and join in a conversation about exploring mathematics in the early years! In this interactive session, we will dig into a variety of intentional routines that bring joy, curiosity, and meaningful thinking into primary math spaces. Together, we will try out accessible, low-floor/high-ceiling practices that support number sense, encourage student voice, and help our youngest learners develop confidence as mathematicians. This session is designed to leave you with practical ideas you can use right away to build community, spark discourse, and nurture capable, joyful K–3 mathematicians.

Classroom Management (K–12)

Participants will explore:

• a personalized classroom management framework grounded in positive behaviour support and adaptable to individual teaching styles and classroom contexts.
• strategies for prevention and intervention that use practical tools for preventing disruptions, responding effectively when challenges arise, and supporting individual students with care and respect.
• renewed perspectives on professional practice that involve opportunities to reflect on personal beliefs, explore respectful discipline approaches, and strengthen relationships that foster a positive and inclusive learning environment.

Unexpected Generosity of AI: Going Beyond the Basics for Teachers (English) (K–12)

Participants will explore:

• AI as a Reflective Partner in Teaching Practice—Participants will discover how AI can be used not just for generating lesson plans or resources, but as a reflective partner to support professional growth, problem-solving, and decision-making in the classroom.
• Strategies for Differentiation and Equity with AI—Participants will learn how AI can help them design differentiated activities, adapt materials for diverse learners, and create inclusive classroom supports that go beyond surface-level assistance.
• Sustainable Workflows and Unexpected Generosity—Participants will leave with practical workflows and advanced prompts that show how AI can reduce workload, save time, and contribute to teacher well-being—illustrating the “unexpected generosity” of supporting the daily realities of teaching.

Comment être antiraciste dans nos écoles, nos syndicats et nos communautés (French) (K–12)

This interactive workshop equips teachers with a better understanding of antiracism and how it can be incorporated into their daily teaching practice. Participants will consider key skills students and teachers need to discuss and implement antiracism and will have the opportunity to explore teaching strategies and resources to integrate this approach into their classrooms.

Creating a Gender-Inclusive School Culture (K–12)

This workshop will help develop an understanding of the risks facing trans, non-binary and gender diverse students, as well as the protective factors, gain increased familiarity with terminology used by the trans, non-binary and gender diverse communities, and increased awareness of gender identity and gender expression. Best practices for supporting a student through gender transition within the school system will be covered. Although the focus is on trans, non-binary and gender diverse students, gender-inclusive schools help all students to feel safe at school.