TESL Ontario is pleased to announce that our 2026 Annual Conference will take place virtually from November 4–6, 2026, bringing together English language educators, researchers, program administrators, policymakers, and sector leaders from across Ontario and beyond.
This year’s conference will offer a dynamic program of keynote presentations, panel discussions, career-focused sessions, research presentations, networking opportunities, and professional learning designed to support educators as they navigate an evolving language education landscape.
Inspiring Keynote Speakers
We are delighted to welcome two outstanding keynote speakers to this year’s conference.
On Thursday, November 5 at 10:30 a.m., Dr. Drew Fagan will present Navigating Change in English Language Teaching: Transformation, Collaborative Engagement, and Reflective Practice.
Drawing on his extensive experience in leadership, public policy, and higher education, Drew will explore how educators and organizations can effectively respond to change while fostering collaboration and continuous improvement.
On Friday, November 6 at 12:00 p.m., Lindsay Clandfield will deliver The Limits of Wonder: A Critical Look at Technological Enthusiasm in Education.
This thought-provoking keynote will examine the opportunities and challenges presented by educational technologies and encourage participants to engage critically with innovation in teaching and learning.
Career-Focused Learning Opportunities
This year’s conference will feature two special sessions designed to support professional growth and career development.
The Career Booster Forum will explore the theme Resilient, Relevant, Ready: Empowering Educators for What’s Next.
Featuring three expert speakers, this session will provide practical insights and strategies to help educators adapt, thrive, and prepare for the future of the profession.
Our Career Conversations session, titled Leading Through Innovation, Entrepreneurial Mindsets and Everyday Leadership in ELT, will bring together three experienced speakers to discuss leadership, innovation, and the many ways educators can make meaningful contributions within and beyond the classroom.
TESL Ontario Connect Returns
Our live, in-person networking event, TESL Ontario Connect, returns on Wednesday, November 4 at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) in downtown Toronto.
This special event will feature an introductory presentation followed by a fireside-chat-style panel discussion with three sector experts and our returning moderator. TESL Ontario Connect offers attendees an opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations, expand their professional networks, and kick off the conference experience together.
Research Symposium
Research continues to play a vital role in informing effective practice across the language education sector.
This year’s Research Symposium will focus on the theme Expanding the Impact of TESL Research: Connecting Classrooms and Communities.
Three experts from diverse areas of the field will explore how research can strengthen teaching practice, inform policy, and build stronger connections between educational institutions and the communities they serve.
21st Annual Government Panel Discussion
A longstanding conference tradition, the 21st Annual Panel Discussion: Charting a Sustainable Future for Language Education will once again bring together government representatives and sector professionals for an important conversation about the future of language education in Ontario.
During this session, ministry representatives will provide updates on current initiatives, share recommendations, identify emerging trends, and respond to questions and feedback from professionals working in English language training across the province.
More to Come
These featured sessions are just a preview of what attendees can expect at this year’s conference. The full conference program will be revealed in the coming weeks, with registration opening in mid-August.
Whether you are an experienced educator, an emerging professional, a researcher, or a program leader, the TESL Ontario Annual Conference offers valuable opportunities to learn, connect, and engage with colleagues from across the sector.
For inquiries about the conference or program, please contact conference@teslontario.org.
We look forward to welcoming you virtually this November!
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