Date: 7 November 2026

Location: LR Wilson Hall, McMaster University

This year’s conference focuses on bridging curriculum design with effective classroom practice and is centered around 3 pillars.  

Innovative and effective strategies that meet the challenges of current classroom climatesInclusive narratives that reflect the new curriculum revisions and the students in our classroomsPractical approaches that emphasize the development of critical skills
Including:
uncheckedEvidence-based strategies (UDL) 
uncheckedStudent voice and engagement
uncheckedOptions for differentiation and IEP accommodations
uncheckedWhole class, small group and individual strategies in online and in-person classrooms
Including:
uncheckedContent that supports new expectations in grades 8 and 10 history
uncheckedEmphasis on primary sources and historical perspective
uncheckedNarratives that encompass Canadian diversity or that which include historically marginalized voices
Including:
uncheckedAI and media literacy
uncheckedClaim Testing
uncheckedPrimary Source Analysis
uncheckedHow to encourage healthy discussion & debate
uncheckedSimulations & Experiential Learning
uncheckedCross-curricular approaches
uncheckedTeaching Current events

What you can expect:

The conference will feature exhibitors and presenters who have developed Ontario curriculum-aligned classroom resources, programs and strategies that educators can use immediately in their classes.   There will be a focus on new expectations in the grade 8 and 10 Canadian History curriculum and an emphasis on current pedagogical approaches to meet the needs of all our learners.  Teachers can expect to walk away from the conference with ideas and materials they can use when they return to their classrooms as well as membership in a collegial and robust community of educators. 

What is included:  

Keynote and Plenary Addresses, 3 workshops, networking opportunities, catered lunch, coffee, tea, free resources from a variety of exhibitors and presenters.

Special Guests: 

The Hon. Chief Justice Michael Tulloch, Ontario Superior Court.

Plenary Speaker: Dr. Natasha Henry-Dixon, Professor of African-Canadian History, York University

Registration will open on August 25th with a special discount for attendees at OJEN’s Summer Law Institute.

Christina Iorio
ciorio@ohassta-aesho.education
Christina Iorio is a teacher with the York Catholic District School Board and is a regular contributor to social media platforms regarding all things history and social science. Follow her on Instagram @therealmsiorio