Dress code: Business casual
Location: Ballroom
A look at how inquiry is intentionally embedded and supported within the new Maple Bear curriculum, guided by Martine’s global expert perspective. Teachers will gain clarity on curriculum structures, expectations, and classroom practice shifts that enable inquiry-based learning to be both rigorous and purposeful.
Collaborative session which explores the global, research-based shift toward the Science of Reading and what it means for literacy instruction in bilingual Maple Bear classrooms. Educators will leave with a clear understanding of the research foundations, instructional implications, and practical shifts needed to support all students in becoming skilled readers.
This session shows teachers how to seamlessly integrate Scholastic and BookFlix into daily lessons to enhance literacy instruction and student engagement. Teachers will focus on assigning targeted resources, differentiating reading experiences, and extending learning beyond the classroom to support home-school connections.
This interactive conference session explores how activity-based learning builds deep conceptual understanding, strengthens problem-solving skills, and fosters a love for mathematics in learners.
Through a dynamic “Show and Share” led by schools member , participants will explore real examples of cross-school projects, cultural exchanges, and innovative teaching initiatives that strengthen our community and enrich student learning. Come ready to be inspired, connect with peers, and discover new ways to partner across our network.
This session explores the latest Kinderpedia features designed to simplify school operations and strengthen the connection between teachers, families, and school leaders. From AI tools that support clearer communication and more personalised learning, to new modules that bring transparency and shared motivation, Incidents & Accidents and Rewards & Sanctions, participants will discover practical ways to enhance daily workflows.
The session will also introduce the new Admissions Module, designed to seamlessly integrate the family journey into Kinderpedia. The final part of the session is dedicated to an open “Ask Me Anything” with Daniel Rogoz, co-founder and CEO of Kinderpedia.
Collaborative session during which participants will focus on how to structure lessons, integrate cross-curricular connections, and design activities that promote critical thinking, creativity, and student engagement. Leave with actionable insights and a step-by-step approach to crafting units that inspire both teachers and learners.
This interactive session emphasizes practical, classroom-ready strategies that middle school teachers can implement immediately. Attendees will leave with tools and protocols for turning raw numbers into actionable steps that support student growth, engagement, and achievement.
Dr. Martine Lewis is a distinguished education leader with over 30 years of experience in the field. She holds a PhD in Educational Leadership from the University of Toronto, OISE College and has dedicated her career to improving educational outcomes for students of all backgrounds. Dr. Lewis was a teacher, principal and most recently a Superintendent of Education for a large school board in Ontario, before joining Maple Bear Global Schools in 2023. She holds certificates from Harvard University’s Creating Cultures of Thinking program, Educating Global Citizens and from John Hattie’s Visible Learning.
Her expertise lies in curriculum design and implementation, educational policy, systems thinking and collaboration. She has published numerous articles in educational publications and continues to research best practice around the globe. As an educational leader, she is recognized for her skills in building trust, developing relationships and fostering a culture of collaboration while upholding equitable and inclusive values.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Dr. Lewis is passionate about mentoring the next generation of educators and leaders. She is committed to fostering a culture of continuous improvement and lifelong learning at Maple Bear Global Schools.
Tammy-Lynne Peel is a leader and educator with over 30 years of experience in Ontario schools. She earned a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Concordia University with a focus on mentoring and training, and holds certificates from Harvard University’s Creating Cultures of Thinking program, and from John Hattie’s Visible Learning Institute.
Tammy-Lynne has led professional development initiatives in classroom management, literacy instruction, mathematics, and equitable education. As a Superintendent of Education, she directed professional learning communities focused on Teaching and Learning Critical Pathways and chaired system-level improvement teams. Her responsibilities included developing mentoring and professional development opportunities for educators and leaders and establishing performance appraisal criteria.
Justin Nichols is an experienced school leader specialising in startups, accreditation, compliance and change management.
Overseen expansion of schools, building construction and project management, management of EU funding.
As an active classroompractitioner, I lead from the front.Experienced with Cambridge and Pearson IGCSE/A-Levels, and the IB.Sucessfully led schools through BSO accredidation and COBIS Patreon Awards
Trisha Pospisil is an experienced international K–12 school leader with over 23 years’ experience in accreditation, teacher development, and secondary leadership.
Skilled in designing coherent instructional programmes, aligning admissions and advancement with compelling communications, and building high-performing teams. Evidence-informed and data-driven, I strengthen school culture, improve outcomes, and promote student agency.
Experienced in boarding leadership, safeguarding, and pastoral systems, and adept at leading cross-school initiatives and accreditation, including IB, BSO, and Cognia.
Known for collaborative leadership, strong community partnerships, and a commitment to ensuring every student and colleague is seen, valued, and thriving.
Originally from the heart of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, Marissa found herself in the role of educator. She spent her formative years in Canadian public schools before pursuing higher education. At university, Marissa earned dual degrees in English and Early Childhood Education.
Her unwavering passion and dedication to literature at an early age is evident in her work as an educator, where she works tirelessly to instill a love of reading and writing in young people. Marissa is a firm believer in the power of interactive, hands-on learning that allows children to explore and build knowledge together.
For Marissa, education goes far beyond academics. She is an advocate for holistic development and emphasizes the importance of paying attention to children’s social, emotional, and physical well-being alongside their intellectual growth.
Marissa brings her enthusiasm for Canadian curriculum and teaching methods to the Maple Bear team, where she aims to continue to foster a love of learning in young minds.
InterContinental Sofia is located at the heart of Sofia, adjacent to the country’s primary government buildings and cultural highlights with convenient access to the business district.
Conference hall: Ballroom
InterContinental Hotels & Resorts is the world’s first luxury international hotel brand and provides access to the most fascinating places around the globe for over 70 years. Now, you can experience the InterContinental Life in Sofia.
The hotel offers the advantage of staying at the conference venue itself – ideal for participants who prefer maximum convenience and easy access to all conference activities.
130 EUR
140 EUR
4 Narodno Sabranie Sq Sofia 1000 Sofia
* Rates are per room per night, including InterContinental buffet breakfast. Prices include 9% VAT and €1.67 city tax per person per night.
Please complete your registration by March 20. Bookings after this date will be subject to availability.
Hotel Rila Sofia is a great alternative for participants looking for a more budget-friendly option.
Located in the very heart of the city, the hotel offers special preferential rates for Maple Bear conference guests.
It is within walking distance (aprox.13 min) of the InterContinental Sofia, allowing easy access to the conference venue while enjoying central Sofia’s vibrant atmosphere.
https://hotelrila.bg
Send an email to reservations@hotelrila.bg, mentioning the Maple Bear Teachers Conference 2026.
6 Kaloyan Str. Sofia 1000 Sofia
*The rates are per room, per day and include accommodation, buffet breakfast, Wi-Fi internet, tourist tax and 9% VAT
Please complete your registration by March 10. Bookings after this date will be subject to availability.
Sofia is a well-connected destination, offering easy access from Central Europe and beyond. The Sofia International Airport serves as a major hub, with direct flights from numerous European cities and convenient connections to the rest of the world. Located just 10 kilometers from the city center, the airport ensures quick and hassle-free access to Sofia’s vibrant heart.
For assistance with visa arrangements, please don’t hesitate to contact the Maple Bear CEE team. We are here to support you in making your journey smooth and enjoyable.
We look forward to welcoming you to Sofia!
Sofia is well-connected by road, making it a convenient destination for travelers driving from Serbia, Albania, Romania, and Turkey. The journey offers breathtaking scenery and well-maintained highways to ensure a pleasant trip.
The journey from Kyiv to Sofia is approximately 1,100 km, and the fastest route goes through Romania.
Driving Time: ~16–20 hours (split over 2–3 days).
Border Crossings: Ukraine → Romania → Bulgaria. Carry a valid passport, vehicle documents, and Green Card insurance.
Sofia, the captivating capital of Bulgaria, is a city where history whispers from every corner, seamlessly blending with modern vibrancy.
Nestled at the foot of Vitosha Mountain, Sofia is one of Europe’s oldest cities, with origins dating back more than 7,000 years.
This rich heritage makes it a living museum, filled with remarkable landmarks, ancient ruins, and stories of civilizations past.
Sofia’s streets are a tapestry of culture and history.
From the grandeur of the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, one of the largest Eastern Orthodox churches in the world, to the serene remnants of the Roman Serdica complex, the city offers a glimpse into its diverse past.
The bustling cultural scene includes art galleries, museums like the National Archaeological Museum, and an ever-growing community of theaters and live performances.
Food enthusiasts will revel in Sofia’s culinary delights, where traditional Bulgarian recipes meet modern European cuisine.
The city boasts a vibrant dining scene with everything from cozy taverns serving hearty shopska salad and banitsa, to fine dining restaurants offering fusion dishes.
Local wines and rakia, the national spirit, add an authentic touch to any meal.
Modern Sofia complements its ancient heart with lively boulevards, contemporary architecture, and an array of shopping options.
Its green spaces, such as Borisova Gradina Park, provide tranquil escapes, while Vitosha Boulevard buzzes with energy, offering chic cafes and boutiques.
Sofia is more than a city—it’s a gateway to adventure. With the Vitosha Mountain just a short drive away, visitors can enjoy skiing, hiking, or simply soaking in breathtaking views.
Whether you’re drawn by its history, intrigued by its culture, or tempted by its food, Sofia is a destination that promises to enchant, inspire, and leave you yearning to return.
Your registration fee for the Maple Bear CEE Teachers Conference covers a truly enriching and memorable experience, including:
* Fees may be subject to VAT and other applicable taxes.
During the conference you can ask questions in our Slido.
