Breaking Borders in Language Learning: A Day of Innovation, AI, and Connection

Bonjour! Hola! Ni hao!

On Friday, April 10, 2026, Bayview Glen welcomed 65 educators from 26 CIS Ontario member schools for the Language Teachers Network Meet & Greet: Language Learning without Borders—AI, Interculturality, and Global Citizenship.

We co-founded this annual event in 2019 to provide dedicated time for cultivating professional community and sharing effective practices among language educators.

The day opened with a keynote address by Lincoln Smith, Technology and Innovation Coach at Upper Canada College, titled “Moving from ‘Efficient’ to ‘Effective’: How We Can Use Technology to Expand What Is Possible in Assessment, Learning, and Feedback.” His remarks set the tone for a day focused on innovation, reflection, and pedagogical growth.

Participants then engaged in two rounds of breakout sessions led by CISO educators. Topics included interdisciplinary learning, neuroscience-informed practice, leveraging AI for differentiation, an exchange programme in Spain, gamification strategies, and the integration of drama in the language classroom.

Lunch provided valuable time for networking and collegial exchange, as well as opportunities to connect with exhibitors representing leading publishers and educational organizations.

Feedback from participants highlighted the day as both inspiring and practical, with particular appreciation for the targeted resources shared in workshops and the meaningful professional connections fostered throughout the event.

We extend our sincere thanks to Sarah Craig and Laryssa Tyson Lebar from CIS Ontario (the Conference of Independent Schools of Ontario) for their continued support of the conference, and to our new organizing committee: Melody Barclay and Michaela Prendergast (Montcrest School), Heidi Dienesch and Anna Spota (Greenwood College), Julia Balke (Kempenfelt Bay School), Antheia Cadette-Blasse (Hillfield Strathallan College), and Zulay Rodriguez (Upper Canada College).

CIS Ontario Language Teachers' Network Leads

Paola Barron
Modern Languages Teacher, Bayview Glen

Vivienne Kraus
French Teacher, Bayview Glen