Proposals

This year's theme is: The Spark: Reclaiming the Joy of Teaching

Teaching is more than delivering content, it is curiosity, connection, courage, and sometimes joy.

This year’s CCCAT theme, The Spark: Reclaiming the Joy of Teaching, invites us to reflect on what energizes us, what sustains us, and what brings our classroomms to life. The planning committee is excited to solicit session proposals. 

All breakout sessions will be 45 minutes long and delivered in person at Onondaga Community College on April 25, 2026.

You are not bound to these ideas, but here are some suggested categories to "spark" your imagination:

1. The Classroom Spark

What makes a classroom come alive?: sessions that highlight strategies that ignite curiosity, deepen engagement, and create meaningful learning moments.

2. Joy Through Innovation

How can creative approaches renew energy in teaching?: AI as a partner, experiential learning, creative assessment, interdisciplinary design, new technologies.

3. Connection as Catalyst

Teaching is human work: building community, inclusive practices, mentorship, belonging, trauma-informed approaches.

4. Sustaining the Spark

How do we prevent burnout and protect our passion for teaching?: faculty well-being, resilience, boundaries, purpose-driven work.

5. Why We Teach

What reminds us that this work matters?: transformational moments, teaching philosophies, student success stories, high-impact practices.