Conference Theme 2026
The theme for the Spring 2026 is “Teaching & Learning Amid Shifting Landscapes.” Teaching and Learning are consistently being challenged with changing regulations, laws, and technologies. These changes are reshaping how courses are designed, how content is delivered, and how students engage in learning. These shifting landscapes can be both challenging and opportunistic. Educators are continually adapting their teaching methods to respond to changes in the political climate, legislation, and evolving technologies to ultimately meet the needs of students. This flexibility ensures that teaching remains relevant and effective, to both serve and prepare students to thrive in our rapidly changing world. Our work in education is not just about keeping pace with the array of changes we face, but about excelling through what may be uncharted territory to enhance our mission—and to improve outcomes for our learners and ourselves.
Conference Logistics
The conference is hosted by the Academy of Teaching (AoT) along with the Drake Institute at Ohio State. The conference is open to all Ohio State teaching community members and is a venue for members of The Ohio State University community to share innovative and interesting, evidence-based ideas for the improvement of teaching effectiveness and student learning outcomes.
Monday, May 11th 2026 8:30 am – 3:00 pm, lite breakfast and lunch provided
The Blackwell Inn & Conference Center, 2110 Tuttle Park Place
Presentation Types
- Break out session talk: A 15-minute talk, with 3 additional minutes for questions
- Large group afternoon share: A shorter “Take My Teaching Tip, Please!” presentation
- Host a lunch table: Lead a table in a casual teaching & learning conversation over lunch
- Poster presentation: Display and discuss a poster during the second half of lunch
Abstract Submission due Friday Jan 23rd 11:59pm.
This is a firm deadline, and no late submissions can be considered.
Invitation
All educators at the Ohio State University are invited to submit an abstract for consideration for the 2026 AoT conference. Proposals might consider the following possible topics for inspiration (other topics related to the theme are welcome!)
Course designs that exemplify response to shifting landscapes: Courses that integrate the latest educational technologies and evolving support structures to enhance learning experiences.
Evolving teaching practices: Approaches that address the needs of a changing landscape and/or changing student population.
Adaptive approaches to assessment and evaluation: Creative methods for assessing and grading that leverage new technologies and pedagogical strategies.
Preferences
Preference will be given for presenters that are (1) able to attend for the day, (2) share a plan of interactive and engaging presentation format, (3) fit well into the conference theme, and (4) bring a renewed voice to the conference.
Requirements for Submission
Submission will be conducted via OSU Qualtrics form. For folks in need of an alternatively-more-accessible format please contact academy@osu.edu. Field forms will include:
- Presentation title
- Primary presenter contact
- Preferred presentation format
- All presenters / coauthors information
- Abstract (limit 300 words)
- Two or three specific outcomes or take-aways for the audience
- Brief plan for an engaging presentation (for 15-minute talks only)
- Additional information invited
How to submit
To access the Qualtrics form to submit your proposal abstract, visit go.osu.edu/AoT2026conference
About the Academy of Teaching
The Academy of Teaching at OSU has a mission to effect excellence in teaching at Ohio State. In his April 4, 1992 speech to the University Senate, “A Dream Deserved,” President E. Gordon Gee announced his intent to form an academy of faculty who are past recipients of the Alumni Award for Distinguished Teaching (AADT). In 2013, the Provost’s Award for Distinguished Teaching by a Lecturer was established. The annual winners of this award are also inducted into the Academy of Teaching. Each spring, the current year’s recipients of the AADT and Provost’s Award, are inducted into the Academy. There are currently approximately 500 members of the Academy of Teaching. The Academy is headed by an Executive Council with an elected chair. Ex officio members include the Vice-Provost for Strategic Enrollment Management and Dean for Undergraduate Education, the head of the Ohio State Alumni Association, and the director of the Michael V. Drake Institute for Teaching and Learning at Ohio State
Executive co-chairs
Rebecca Ricciardo (ricciardo.10@osu.edu)
Alex Grieco (carmine.grieco@osumc.edu)