Ignite Your Passion for Science: Register for STAO Ignites 2024!

Calling all STEM teachers! The Science Teachers’ Association of Ontario (STAO) is back with their highly anticipated conference, STAO Ignites 2024: Sparking Innovative and Inclusive Science Teaching on Wednesday, November 13. Educators won’t want to miss this one-day conference that aims to enhance professional development and help teachers stay updated on the latest trends and innovations in science education. Teachers on Call in-person and online tutoring is proud to support the STAO conference aiming to build inclusive, engaging, and effective learning opportunities for all students. Keep reading to see our interview with STAO Executive Director, Nathalie Rudner. Also, don’t miss our exclusive Teachers on Call discount code to save $25 on your registration.

WHEN: Wednesday, November 13, 2024 from 8 AM - 4:30 PM.

WHERE: Brock University, Burlington Campus, 1433 Headon Rd, Burlington, ON, L7M 1V7

This conference is in partnership with Brock University in Burlington and offers a unique opportunity to engage with fellow educators, participate in hands-on workshops, and explore new teaching strategies that can invigorate classroom learning. Attendees will benefit from expert speakers who share cutting-edge research and practical resources that can be directly applied in their teaching. Additionally, networking with peers can foster collaboration and support, creating a community dedicated to improving science education for all students. By participating in STAO Ignites 2024, teachers can inspire their students with fresh ideas and a renewed passion for science. Whether your focus is STEM, science, biology, chemistry, physics, or beyond, this is an essential conference to attend.

Can’t-Miss Keynote: Shaping Tomorrow: The Power of Educators

STAO Ignites 2024’s keynote speaker is Dr. Bonnie Schmidt, founder and president of Let’s Talk Science, from London, Ontario. In this engaging session, Dr. Schmidt will delve into the vital role that Science, Technology, and Innovation (ST&I) play in building a sustainable, digital, and inclusive future. She will address the concerning trend of students losing interest in STEM subjects before graduating high school, identify the barriers to youth engagement in these fields, and showcase free bilingual programming and resources available for teachers across all grades. Dr. Schmidt will guide attendees through navigating the post-pandemic education landscape and empowers educators to inspire the next generation of STEM leaders.

For a full list of workshops and exhibitors in attendance, please view the STAO Ignites 2024 program.

We talked to Nathalie Rudner, Executive Director, Science Teachers’ Association of Ontario (STAO) to get the inside scoop on this year’s conference!

 1. What are the main objectives for this year's conference, and what key themes will be highlighted?

This year's STAO Ignites 2024 conference is focused on sparking innovative and inclusive science teaching.  Our focus is on 5 key areas: Culturally Responsive and Relevant Pedagogy (CRRP), teaching Grade 9 destreamed science, exploring alternative approaches to engage learners (e.g., design thinking, thinking classrooms, inquiry, project-based learning), integrating coding and AI in the science curriculum, and ensuring safe laboratory practices in the classroom.  We have over 50 sessions covering these topics, all delivered by experienced STEM teachers and STEM partners from across Ontario and Canada. 

2.  What opportunities will there be for attendees to connect with one another and share ideas?

A key component of attending a STAO conference is the opportunity to network and build connections with other STEM teachers. Our day is designed to promote these connections by offering multiple breaks throughout the day where teachers can explore opportunities with our exhibitors and get to know their colleagues from around the province. Our presenters also encourage attendees to contribute to discussions and share their own experiences and ideas.  

3. Why might a teacher in a different discipline find this conference valuable? 

Many skills and strategies used in the STEM Classroom can be applied in other disciplines. While some topics are specific to science disciplines, topics such as AI, Coding, Culturally Responsive and Relevant Pedagogy, and alternative approaches to engage learners (e.g, design thinking, thinking classrooms, etc) are applicable across disciplines. 

4. How has feedback from past conferences influenced the planning for STAO Ignites 2024?

Feedback from past conferences informs the topics and sessions that we offer.  STAO values the input of our members to be able to bring meaningful and relevant PD for teachers.. 

5. What kind of teachers would benefit the most? Is there a certain grade level or subject this conference is targeting?

While our focus is on encouraging teachers in their first 5 years of teaching Grade 9-12 science to attend their first STAO conference, we welcome experienced teachers as well. With so many sessions, there is something for everyone. Of special note, is that is there is a large focus on teaching the new destreamed Grade 9 science course, as that is the most recent curriculum release.   

6. What kind of professional development resources can educators expect to bring back to their classrooms?

The best part of a STAO conference is that teachers get to learn about activities and lessons that work in classrooms. They will walk away with lesson plan ideas, new activities to try in their classrooms, new resources to enrich their own lessons, and plenty of new inspirational and innovative ideas. They will learn about the fantastic offerings our STEM partners have to enhance their program. Not to mention the connections they will make with other teachers teaching their subject matter.

Explore Cutting-Edge Strategies and Resources for Effective Science Education

STAO is proud to unite a diverse array of resources from organizations across the province. This year’s program features presentations from the vibrant STEM community, including Let’s Talk Science, Perimeter Institute, Ontario Science Centre, Science North, and Actua. Topics will range from the integration of AI in the classroom and coding strategies to teaching destreamed science, addressing climate change, and incorporating Indigenous perspectives into the science curriculum.

Additionally, STAO Ignites 2024 will host a variety of exhibitors showcasing products and services designed to support educators in delivering the Grade 9-12 science curriculum effectively. It’s not too late to register! Sign up now for an inspiring event that highlights the latest innovations in science education! Act fast and take advantage of our exclusive Teachers on Call discount code to save $25 on registration. 

To register for STAO Ignites 2024 please click here.


STAO is pleased to partner with Teachers On Call to offer a $25.00 discount off of regular registration. Please use code: TOC25 to register and receive your discount. 

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About STAO 

Founded in 1890, the Science Teachers’ Association of Ontario (STAO) is a non-profit, province-wide professional organization focused on promoting excellence and leadership in science and STEM education in the province of Ontario. STAO services over 1500 members, including science educators at the elementary, secondary, and post-secondary panels.

For over 130 years, STAO has been a leader and advocate for professional development opportunities for its members, which include annual conferences, workshops, webinars, and certificate programs. STAO is also active in collaborating with stakeholders to develop resources to support the implementation of the Ontario curriculum from K-12 and ensure safety in the science classroom.

For more information about STAO, please visit stao.ca.