• 2025 Conference Presentations

    Updated July 14, 2025

    July 4th Keynote Address:


    8:40 AM - 10:10 AM

    Re-Balancing the Scales: Strengthening Educator Well-Being for Sustainable Schools

    Dr. Lesley Eblie Trudel and Dr. Laura Sokal

    Students are at the heart of our schools but their success depends on the well-being of the educators who support them.  As workforce shortages intensify and workplace demands grow, the balance between educator well-being and sustainable school environments is shifting - often at a cost.

    Lesley and Laura examine the critical issue of educator mental health, exploring how workplace demands and available resources shape professional commitment.  Grounded in research conducted during the pandemic and informed by global trends, they highlight how system-wide decisions influence educators' support and well-being. This keynote offers actionable strategies to ensure that schools create healthier, more sustainable environments where both educators and student can thrive.  

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    July 4th Sessions

     

    10:40 AM - 11:55 AM
     

    Re-Balancing Educator Well-Being in Practice

    Dr. Lesley Eblie Trudel and Dr. Laura Sokal

    Building on the keynote, this session takes a deeper dive into practical strategies for strengthening educator well-being and commitment in the face of growing workplace demands.  Participants will explore examples of system-wide supports, discuss actionable steps to create healthy work environments and reflect on ways to develop resilience among teachers, educational assistants, and school administrators. This interactive session will provide concrete tools to help systems leaders create more balanced, supportive, and sustainable school environments. 

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    1:45 PM - 3:15 PM
     

    Sea Change: Creating an Aligned Educational System

    Bryan Davies and Michele McGrath

    Workshop attendees will be immersed in the world of thriving learning-community schoolenvironments highlighting how board alignment can transform learning across a district. Using activities and ALCDSB examples, attendees will explore the system-level efforts required to inspire change in instructional practice, maximizing the effectiveness of student-centred learning. 

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    July 5th Sessions

    9:00 AM - 10:15 AM
     

    Hopeful Leadership: System Leadership through the Lens of Ted Lasso

    Ryan Kelley and Stephen Perchard

    What if we reframed obstacles as opportunities? This session explores Hopeful Leadership, a systems approach to fostering resilience and transformation in schools. Inspired by Ted Lasso, we’ll examine optimism, belief, and team culture through engaging discussions and show clips—leaving you with strategies to lead with confidence and inspire change.

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    July 5th Closing Keynote

    10:45 AM - 11:45 AM
     

    Beyond the Hype: Navigating AI Education Transformation

    Thomas D'Amico

    This closing keynote will go beyond the Hype of Artificial Intelligence to focus on how AI is impacting schools and districts today. 

    Tired of the hype?  Dr. Tom D’Amico provides actionable insights into leveraging AI to drive real change in your schools. Explore practical applications, innovative strategies, and the essential role of critical thinking in shaping today’s education. Leave inspired and equipped to lead your school community towards a new era of educational excellence.

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