Teaching and Learning Conference

Save the Date!

Tuesday, May 19, 2026
8:15 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Virtual and In-person | Zoom & Memorial Union

The conference theme for 2026 has not been selected yet.

Join hundreds of instructors who attend this conference each year to pick up quick teaching ideas and tips.

This annual conference is FREE and open to ANY faculty, instructor, staff, or graduate student interested in attending. Individuals from other colleges and universities are encouraged to attend, network, and present at this conference. We also welcome K-12 educators!

Future Conference Dates:

  • Tuesday, May 18, 2027

2025 Keynote Speakers

Opening Keynote

Learning by Design: Harnessing Games for Engagement and Growth

Chris Gamrat, Ph.D.
Penn State University

This interactive session dives into the art and science of using games to create dynamic, engaging learning environments. Gamrat will share a rich toolbox of game-based strategies, including warm-up techniques, community-building activities, and accelerators to energize lessons. Through demonstrations and hands-on participation, attendees will learn not only how these activities work but also how to adapt them to their own teaching contexts.

Prepare to laugh, connect, and be inspired as you explore creative ways to integrate these strategies into your curriculum to foster deeper student engagement and growth.

Chris Gamrat

Closing Keynote

The Psychological & Educational Impacts of Historical Trauma on Indigenous Children & Families

Emily Sargent, Ph.D
Sanford Health

Provides educators and other child serving professionals information and a deeper understanding of how historical trauma has impacted Native American families and how those impacts are still relevant in current times, specifically in the education setting. Further, participants will learn about indigenous cultural knowledge and practices (specifically related to Anishinaabe people in the Northern Plains Region) and its connection to fostering resiliency to youth and future generations.

There has been a long standing history of genocide, violence, forced removal and assimilation toward Native American people. These events have resulted in significant traumatic stress, adverse health outcomes, and mistrust with government systems, including the education sector. Gain an understanding, perspective, and empathy related to historical trauma and its impact on Native American students and their families, to better support them.

Dr. Sargent will share cultural knowledge and practices (specifically related to Anishinaabe people in the Northern Plains Region) to demonstrate the unique resilient factors Indigenous communities have, and how it has helped them continue to live life in a Good Way “Mino Bimaadiziwin” for future generations to come.

Emily Sargent

Propose a Breakout Session

Proposals Due: Saturday, January 10, 2026

The sixth annual Teaching and Learning Conference sponsored by North Dakota State University’s Office of Teaching and Learning invites you to propose a breakout session.

Share your expertise in teaching with other faculty, instructors, and graduate assistants from NDSU, NDUS schools, and other regional higher education institutions. Individual or group-led session proposals may be submitted by anyone who serves in a teaching role at a regional institution of higher education.

Propose a session today!

Proposal Submission Instructions:

Complete the proposal template(You can save and return to your work.)

The proposal template will require the following:

  • Platform (Zoom or in-person)
  • Presenter information, short bio, and photograph (For each presenter)
  • Session title
  • Session short description for the program schedule
  • Extended session description
  • Intended attendee outcomes

If you are presenting with others, only one member of the group should submit a proposal. Submit your proposal by Saturday, January 10. You will be notified about acceptance of your breakout session by February 1. Please note: We are planning for both in-person and online participation so your presentation materials and style should consider both audiences.

Selection Process:

Proposals will be reviewed by peer reviewers using the following criteria.

Relevance of Topic

Is the topic of relevance, importance, value, and/or interest to higher education and aligned to the overall theme?

Session Outcomes Achievability

Is there alignment between the stated session outcomes and the proposal description?

Presenter Knowledge

Does the presenter or presenters have sufficient knowledge, expertise, and authority to address this topic based on evidence provided in the proposal and/or prior experience with or knowledge of the presenter?

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Does the proposal show how the session will reflect or address diversity, equity, and inclusion (including subject matter, individuals of all identities, and demographic characteristics)?

Teaching Tips Booklet

Get tips from all of our past Teaching and Learning Conference speakers as well as tips and tricks from other learning events.

Cover of North Dakota State University Office of Teaching & Learning Teaching Tips Booklet