PUBLIC EDUCATION SYMPOSIUM 2026
“What Matters Most: Supporting Students”
January 23 and 24
Sheraton Centre, Toronto
The Ontario Public School Boards’ Association (OPSBA) invites all public education stakeholders to join us for a future-focused conversation on the issues that matter most in K–12 education.
The 2026 Public Education Symposium (PES) marks an exciting first — we’re opening registration to all school board staff across Ontario and beyond. The Symposium will be of particular interest to school board trustees, directors of education, superintendents, board staff, principals, teachers, and sector change-makers.
Why Attend PES?
- Connect and network with Ontario’s public education community
- Support local democracy
- Gain practical insights from expert-led workshops and keynotes
- Inspire collaboration and action on what matters most: supporting students
Symposium Highlights:
- 15+ Unique Professional Development Workshops Workshops offer rich opportunities for learning and reflection across multiple streams, with a special focus on Best Practices in Special Education, Truth and Reconciliation, and Student Well-Being. From exploring pathways for Indigenous teachers, to examining ableism in schools, universal screening for literacy and innovative approaches to student safety and inclusion, these sessions shine a light on what it means to truly support every student. Attendees can also participate in workshops on school food programs, digital well-being, youth vaping and the evolving legal landscape in education.
- Keynote Speaker: The Hon. Catherine McKenna Former federal minister and global climate leader Catherine McKenna shares an unfiltered look at what it takes to stand up to bullies, drive real change and lead with courage. Through lessons from her own experience — including her “Climate Barbie” moment — she explores leadership, resilience and the future of democracy.
- Keynote Speaker: Regional Chief Abram Benedict, Chiefs of Ontario Hear about education priorities and gain a broad view of First Nations education in Ontario and beyond.
- Keynote Speaker: Ontario Ombudsman Paul Dubé Highlights from the first 10 years of oversight of school boards and our joint efforts to bolster this important part of local democracy.
- Panel Discussion: Where Are We Now? Where Are We Headed? A candid debrief on protecting local democracy, the future of publicly-funded education and lessons learned from outside Ontario.
Please direct any questions to our Professional Development Events Team, at pdevents@opsba.org.