Spark Teaching Symposium

Spark Teaching Symposium

April 29th and 30th, 2026

Spark is a symposium dedicated to teaching in higher education that provides a platform for educators to exchange insights, discuss successes, address challenges, and showcase current teaching initiatives.

Both days boast a diverse array of presentations, panels, roundtables, and workshops covering topics such as AI, collaboration, retention, wellness, assessment, experiential learning, and more.

 

Are you interested in presenting at the Spark Teaching Symposium? We are now taking in proposals for 2026!

Proposal Deadline is February 27, 2026

 

Submit a proposal here!

2026 Spark Teaching Symposium Keynote Speaker

Details coming soon! 

 

Guiding ideas, tips and tricks for submitting a SPARK Proposal

The Teaching Centre and the Teaching and Innovation Advisory Council encourage anyone involved in teaching at the U of L to submit a proposal. We believe every instructor at the U of L, from tenured faculty to graduate teaching assistants, has something valuable to contribute to this symposium.    

     

Guiding Ideas   

Wondering how to get started? You will find suggestions below, but you are welcome to propose any teaching-related topic.     

  • Politics and teaching   

  • Indigenization and decolonization of education    

  • The scholarship of teaching and learning in higher education     

  • Experiential learning    

  • Mentorship experiences  

  • Digital teaching and learning   

  • Meaningful collaboration in the classroom   

  • Artificial intelligence in relation to teaching and learning   

These topics are only suggestions. Please do not feel required to adhere to them. 

 

Presentation Formats 

All presentation formats will have a 45-minute (including Q&A) total time limit.   We encourage you to choose the format the best suits your topic: 

  • Individual Presentation: An individual presentation, followed by a very brief Q&A session.   

  • Panel Discussion: A group of two or more discussing a topic, with the possibility of a brief Q&A.   

  • Round-Table Session: Facilitate a discussion on a chosen topic, either individually or with other presenters.   

 

Once the submission deadline has passed, a committee composed of academic staff, Teaching Centre members, and the Teaching and Innovation Advisory Council will review all proposals. Once the review process is complete, you will be contacted and notified about whether your proposal has been accepted. We sincerely thank all participants for their time and contributions.