More than 170 educators gather in Toronto for major Caribbean professional learning summit

More than 170 educators from Jamaica, Canada, and across the Caribbean have gathered in Toronto for one of the Jamaican Diaspora's largest international professional learning initiatives.

The 11th Annual Jamaica Diaspora Taskforce Action Network (JDTAN) Advancement in Education Summit is being hosted in partnership with the Jamaica Teachers' Association, York University, the Jean Augustine Chair in Education, and the Union of Jamaican Alumni Associations.

Held under the theme, Resilience: The Imperative, the week-long summit is focused on strengthening educational leadership, classroom practice, artificial intelligence integration, teacher well-being, and international institutional partnerships.

Now in its eleventh year, the summit has become one of the most enduring examples of educational collaboration between Jamaica, Canada, and the Jamaican Diaspora, providing educators with access to global expertise, innovative practices, and lasting institutional partnerships.

Participants began the event with a welcome experience at Niagara Falls on July 5, giving visiting educators from Jamaica an opportunity to experience one of Canada's most iconic landmarks while building professional relationships and networks ahead of the intensive learning programme.

The official opening ceremony takes place on July 6 at York University, where educational leaders, university partners, representatives of the Jamaican Diaspora, and other distinguished guests will celebrate more than a decade of collaboration aimed at advancing education through international partnerships, research, and innovation.

From July 7 to July 10, educators will participate in four days of workshops, keynote presentations, panel discussions, and collaborative learning sessions led by experts from Jamaica and Canada. Topics will include educational leadership, student resilience, teacher well-being, classroom innovation, human development, restorative practices, technology integration, and evidence-informed teaching and learning.

A key feature of the programme is the Education Innovation and Artificial Intelligence Experience on July 10, which includes visits to George Brown Polytechnic and Toronto Metropolitan University. Delegates will explore innovative teaching practices, applied learning environments, and emerging technologies, including practical strategies for responsibly integrating artificial intelligence into teaching, learning, assessment, and professional practice.

The summit will conclude with the 3rd Annual Education Gala on July 10, recognizing outstanding contributions to education and celebrating the partnerships that have sustained eleven years of international collaboration.

"For eleven years, this Summit has demonstrated what is possible when educators, universities, and the Jamaican Diaspora work together with a shared commitment to strengthening education. Every partnership we build ultimately benefits students, teachers, and schools across Jamaica," said Dr. Leo Gilling, Executive Chairman of JDTAN.

Dr. Sherian Demetrius, chair of the 2026 JDTAN Advancement in Education Summit, said the gathering provides educators with an opportunity to share experiences and renew their sense of purpose.

"Every educator who joins us brings a story of dedication, hope, and resilience. This Summit creates a space where those stories become shared knowledge, lasting partnerships, and renewed purpose. Together, we are building bridges across borders that strengthen our schools, empower our teachers, and create brighter futures for the students we serve," she said.

JDTAN said the success of this year's summit reflects the collective commitment of organizations that believe in the transformative power of education, with support from Jamaica National, Black Creek Community Health Centre, the Jamaica Canadian Association, and several sponsors and community partners.