The countdown is on! The 2026 TESL Ontario Annual Conference is coming up November 4 through 6, and registration is now open.
This year’s theme, Resilient. Relevant. Ready., reflects the realities of working in English language education today. Our field continues to evolve, and educators are navigating new technologies, changing policies, shifting learner needs and an ever-changing professional landscape.
That’s why this year’s conference is designed to give you opportunities to learn, connect, grow, and get ready for what’s next.
Still deciding whether to attend? Here are five great reasons to join us this November — plus a fun bonus reason!
1. Three days. More than 70 sessions. So many opportunities to learn!
With more than 70 expert-led sessions across three days, there’s something for everyone at the 2026 conference.
Whether you’re looking for practical classroom strategies, exploring new approaches to language teaching, interested in exploring technology and innovation, engaged in research, or thinking about the future of our profession, you’ll find sessions designed to support, educate and inspire.
And because the conference is virtual, you can build your schedule around the sessions that matter most to you – without the travel time or expense.
In other words: three days of professional learning, all from wherever you are.
2. Hear from two outstanding keynote speakers
We’re thrilled to welcome two inspiring voices from the international ELT and education community to this year’s conference.
On Thursday, November 5, 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, Dr. Fagan will explore how educators and organizations can respond effectively to change while fostering collaboration and continuous improvement.
On Friday, November 6, Lindsay Clandfield will deliver The Limits of Wonder: A Critical Look at Technological Enthusiasm in Education. His keynote will take a thoughtful look at the opportunities and challenges presented by educational technologies — and encourage us to think critically about what innovation really means for teaching and learning.
Two keynotes. Two very different perspectives. One great opportunity to step back, think differently and consider where our profession is headed.
3. Get the latest insights at our 21st Annual Panel Discussion
For more than two decades, TESL Ontario’s annual panel discussion has provided an important opportunity for professionals in the field to hear directly from government and ministry representatives.
This year’s 21st Annual Panel Discussion: Charting a Sustainable Future for Language Education continues that tradition.
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 Ontario.
If you want to better understand the forces shaping our sector and have a voice in the conversation, this is a session you won’t want to miss.
4. Give your career a boost
Whether you’re looking for your first position in the field, considering a career change, hoping to move into a leadership role or simply thinking about what comes next, the conference has opportunities to help you move forward.
The Career Booster Forum, with this year’s theme Resilient, Relevant, Ready: Empowering Educators for What’s Next, will offer practical advice and strategies to help educators adapt, grow and prepare for the future of the profession.
And our popular Career Conversations session, Leading Through Innovation: Entrepreneurial Mindsets and Everyday Leadership in ELT, will bring together experienced professionals to explore leadership, innovation and the many ways educators can contribute both within and beyond the classroom.
Whether you’re actively job hunting or simply thinking about your next professional step, these sessions can help you move your career forward.
5. Connect with colleagues from across the profession
Professional learning is important … but so are the people you meet along the way.
Our virtual conference platform makes it easy to connect with colleagues, exchange ideas and take part in conversations with educators and professionals from across Ontario and beyond.
And there are even more opportunities to connect through networking activities and TESL Ontario Connect, our live, in-person networking event taking place Wednesday, November 4 at Toronto Metropolitan University. TESL Ontario Connect will feature a fireside-chat-style discussion, interactive roundtables and plenty of opportunities to meet and reconnect with colleagues.
Because sometimes the most valuable takeaway from a conference isn’t a presentation — it’s a conversation.
BONUS: Put your knowledge to the test with the Code Quest Challenge!
Who says professional development can’t be fun?
Throughout the conference, you’ll have the chance to take part in our annual Code Quest Challenge, with prizes and giveaways up for grabs each day!
It’s a fun way to explore the conference platform, test your skills, compete with your colleagues and maybe even take home a prize while you’re at it.
Ready to be Resilient. Relevant. Ready?
Three days… More than 70 sessions… Two inspiring keynotes… Government and ministry insights… Career development… Networking… And a little friendly competition thrown in for good measure.
The 2026 TESL Ontario Annual Conference has something for every English language educator and professional — whether you’re new to the field or an experienced professional.
Join us virtually November 4–6 and be part of the conversation about where English language education is headed next.
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