Learning, Leading, and Growing: My Experience at the Niagara University Teacher Conference
Being part of the teacher conference at Niagara University was exciting, enriching, and nerve racking for me. Not only could I learn from others, but also the chance to present along with my amazing team about Indigenous Studies. To be able to present our passion and ideas to peers, professors, and professionals in our field was overwhelming but great practice as we move forward into the field of teaching. It was a full-circle moment—one where I was not just a learner, but a leader as well.
The conference was packed with informative seminars given by a wide range of people—professors, colleagues, and even people from outside organizations who specialize in all things education. I had the opportunity to learn about art, outdoor and indoor education experiences, AI tools, Trauma Informed Teaching and practices that can benefit students, and Educational Law. There was such an obvious sense of camaraderie and excitement in the air, and I left feeling motivated and inspired to bring new things into my own practice.
Two seminars that stick in my memory are CurricuMate: Leveraging AI in Teaching and Taking Indoor Learning Outdoors.
CurricuMate: Integrating AI in Education
In this seminar, I was introduced to CurricuMate, an AI classroom application that facilitates lesson planning, differentiation, and resource curating.
As an individual who is constantly searching for new methods of saving time and catering to different learners, I think that this tool is revolutionary. I loved how the seminar didn't simply demonstrate what the tool could do—it also ignited critical discussions on how AI can augment (not supplant!) the creativity and human connection that we teachers bring to the classroom. I can see myself using CurricuMate in the future, particularly during hectic weeks when time is of the essence, and differentiation is paramount.
Bringing Learning Outdoors
The second seminar, Bringing Indoor Activities & Learning Outdoors, specifically spoke to my Early Childhood background and my enthusiasm for active experiential learning. This workshop gave such creative and practical ideas for taking what we are currently doing in the classroom out to outdoor environments.
I particularly enjoyed how it urged us to picture nature as anything but a background, but rather as an ever-changing learning community. From literacy walks to math scavenger hunts, there were just so many great takeaways. I left the session feeling reminded that learning doesn't have to be confined to four walls—and often, our most effective moments with students happen when we take learning outside.
Overall, the conference was such a rich experience that combined professional learning with community building. It made me appreciate why I love this line of work and how powerful it can be when teachers come together and share, support, and learn from one another. I'm excited to implement in my own classroom one day what I've learned, and I'm so grateful to have had the opportunity to be a part of something so collaborative and inspiring.
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