Thursday, April 23 & Friday, April 24, 2026
In-Person at the Memorial Union, Madison
We are living in challenging times with several external forces pressuring us to change and comply, sometimes in ways that contradict our core values as educators. Higher education, including here in Wisconsin, continues to be disrupted with distractions that attempt to shift us away from our purpose of teaching and learning. Speaking of distractions in the context of racism, Toni Morrison in 1975 said: “It keeps you from doing your work. It keeps you explaining over and over again, your reason for being… None of that is necessary. There will always be one more thing.” Our teaching and learning context may be different, but Morrison’s explanation of distractions strikes a chord.
Building on Mariame Kaba’s (2024) idea that “hope is a discipline,” we embrace “active hope” as a practice that does not require our optimism but rather challenges us to focus on our intentions. How are you reclaiming hope in this current moment of change? What new teaching approaches are you trying and how do you know they are working? In what ways are you sustaining yourself and nurturing relationships? How can we co-create spaces for moments of grief and hope that foster resilience?
We invite you to join our systemwide conversation about The Joys of Teaching & Learning: Reclaiming Hope by presenting at OPID’s 2026 Spring Conference. Please share your experiences, ideas, insights, questions, failures, and accomplishments so we can collaborate and learn together to explore possibilities for strengthening our teaching and learning for all students – even in times of uncertainty and change, especially in times of uncertainty and change.
Proposal Information and Submission Form
Due Monday, January 5, 2026
Submissions will be accepted for review through the online form
Opening Plenary
Dr. José Antonio Bowen
Thursday, April 23, 2026
“Thriving in an Age of Uncertainty: Relationships, Resilience, Reflection”
Higher education is in a unique position to understand and combat the current uncertainty and threats to human, academic, environmental and psychological well-being. The power of relationships, resiliency, and reflection have never mattered more – especially in this age of AI. The 3 Rs support our mission to help students ask critical questions that generate meaningful answers, and to help us thrive in these times of constant change, distractions, and uncertainty.
José Antonio Bowen has won teaching awards at Stanford and Georgetown, served as dean and president, has written over 100 scholarly articles and appeared as a musician with Stan Getz, Bobby McFerrin and others. He is the author of Teaching Naked (2012, awarded Best Book on Higher Education), Teaching Change (2021) and Teaching with AI with C. Edward Watson (2024; 2nd edn 2026). Stanford honored him as a Distinguished Alumni Scholar (2010) and he has presented keynotes and workshops in 22 countries. In 2018, he was awarded the Ernest L. Boyer Award (for significant contributions to American higher education). He is a senior fellow for the American Association of Colleges and Universities and does consulting for a wide variety of Fortune 500 companies.
Anchor Plenary
Heather Pelzel and Valerie Barske
Dr. Valerie Barske (UW-Stevens Point) &
Dr. Heather Pelzel (UW-Whitewater)
Co-Directors, Wisconsin Teaching Fellows & Scholars
Friday, April 11, 2025
“Navigating the Labyrinth of Hope: Intentions, Practice, and Freedom”
Conference Lodging
Lodging is available near the Memorial Union. Room blocks will offer discounted rates to all UW conference guests. A limited number of rooms are available at each hotel. FIND MORE INFORMATION HERE.
Venue Information
The 2025 OPID Spring Conference on Teaching & Learning will be held at the Memorial Union located on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus with scenic views of Lake Mendota.
Memorial Union
800 Langdon St.
Madison, WI 53706
Complimentary wireless internet is provided in all meeting spaces.
Questions?
Programmatic inquiries may be directed to:
Fay Akindes, Director of Systemwide Professional and Instructional Development, UW system, fay.akindes@wisconsin.edu, (608) 263-2684.
For technical support contact:
Erin McGroarty, Program Associate, Office of Academic Affairs, UW system, OPID@lists.wisconsin.edu, (608) 262-8778.