All Aboard!!!
Call for Presenters - Full steAm Ahead!
The Council of Ontario Drama and Dance Educators is calling for workshop presenters for our 2025 conference - “Full steAm Ahead - Drama and Dance for the Future” taking place in Kitchener October 17th to 19th. We are looking for workshops, presentations, discussions and proposals that put the Arts (specifically Drama and Dance) squarely into this discussion around education for the future.
At a time in our history when we see increasing calls for critical and creative thinkers, problem solvers and innovators, all of which are created through strong Drama and Dance education, we also see a persistence of the promotion of STEM education in and across our systems of education, often excluding the subjects that develop these skills. To realize these goals, we must embrace a full switch from STEM to STEAM. The current model leaves out the Arts and ignores the benefits and important contributions that Drama and Dance have already been making in this creative and innovative future we all want to see.
“Using STEAM education results in students who take thoughtful risks, engage in experiential learning, persist in problem-solving, embrace collaboration, and work through the creative process. These are the innovators, educators, leaders, and learners of the 21st century!”
- The Institute for Arts Integration
Potential presenters can propose workshops, paper presentations, round table discussions, panel discussions, etc.
Here are some examples of themes we would like potential presenters/speakers to explore in their proposal:
- Drama and Dance integration into and for the exploration of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math.
- Exploring themes/stories/skills for the future in drama and dance (e.g., a Story Drama incorporating a Children’s book exploring the future).
- Drama and Dance that engages with STEAM and explores or enhances our understanding of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math.
- Exploring themes to dismantle and decolonize our practice.
- Innovative approaches to Drama and Dance Education.
- Technology in the Drama and Dance classroom and program
- Innovative assessment and evaluation in the Drama and Dance classroom.
- Drama and Dance exploring futurisms - What is the future we want to create together? We want to ensure everyone is on the train and not excluded. How can Drama/Dance explore and help develop the future we want to see?
- New approaches to developing critical thinking, problem-solving and analytical skills in the Drama/Dance space.
- Practices that help students understand the world and meet their needs in a holistic manner.
Workshop presenters will be compensated for their work - $150 for educators and $300 for artists (NOTE: this is per workshop, not per presenter).
NOTE: If workshop presenters are to attend the conference as a delegate, they can select the “CODE Board/Conference Committee” discounted rate.
Please complete the attached Google Form to apply for “Full steAm Ahead” by Sunday, February 23rd at 8pm.
Click here to apply to present.
If you have any questions, please contact Co-chair and Past President, Matthew Sheahan, at matthew.sheahan@code.on.ca.