The theme of WestCAST 2027 is “A Century of Connection - Preparing Future Educators for an Evolving World”. In 2027, the University of Saskatchewan’s College of Education will host WestCAST during our centennial year, a milestone that invites us to celebrate a century of educational history while thoughtfully considering the complexities of our past and the possibilities of our future.

At the heart of the WestCAST 2027 theme is the idea of connection: connection to one another, to communities and place, to research and practice, and to the histories, traditions, and possibilities that shape education. Celebrating 100 years also means grappling honestly with the difficult histories and legacies of education, acknowledging the ways educational systems have contributed to inequity and harm, while recognizing the ongoing work of reconciliation, renewal, and change.

Four Guiding Questions

Our conference theme “A Century of Connection - Preparing Future Educators for an Evolving World” invites us to consider how relationships, place, experience, and reflection shape who we are as educators and how we imagine the future of education. As we bring this theme to life across the conference, we are also framing our conversations around four broad guiding questions.

These questions are intended to open possibilities for reflection, dialogue, and connection across presentations and conference programming. They are inspired by the ideas and suggestions shared by our USask College of Education community. We invite proposed presentations to consider one or more of these questions.

The four guiding questions are:

This question invites us to explore the relational dimensions of education and the ways our relationships with students, colleagues, communities, and ourselves shape educational experiences. Possible areas of exploration include flourishing, belonging, human-centered education, wâhkôhtowin, relationality, educator well-being, and classroom and community relationships.

2. How do we connect learning, research, and teaching practice as we prepare to become educators?

This question considers how educators bring together what they learn, what research tells us, and what they experience in practice. Possible areas of exploration include field experiences and practicums, theory and practice, trauma-informed education, research-informed teaching, teacher identity, pedagogical decision-making, and bridging research with community action.

3. How do place and community shape how and what we teach?

This question invites consideration of the ways our physical, cultural, social, and educational contexts influence teaching and learning. Possible areas of exploration include place-based and land-based education, Indigenous perspectives, responsibility and reciprocity, rural, urban, and northern contexts, Western Canadian perspectives, local knowledge, and global challenges.

4. What can we learn from the past as we imagine and shape the future of education?

This question encourages us to reflect on the histories, experiences, and ideas that have shaped education while considering what we carry forward and what we might reimagine. Possible areas of exploration include educational memory, difficult and contested histories, anti-racist and anti-oppressive education, tradition and innovation, imagining the future, technology and change, and re-energizing education.

These questions are intended to open possibilities, not limit them. Presentations may speak to more than one question, and presenters can choose the question that best reflects the central focus of their proposal.

1838 College Drive, Building #2 Saskatoon, SK S1N 2Z8
How to Book Your Stay
• Hotel Direct:  1-(306) 952-4888
• Or simply click the special booking link: Group Booking Link

 Group Name: WestCAST 2027
Group Code: WCT
Event Dates: Feb 17–19, 2027
Cut-Off Date: Jan 17, 2027   

                                     
 This Stay Includes
• Comfortable room accommodations
• Full American Breakfast Buffet every morning
• Complimentary Parking

Room Rate: $174.00 per night
Below is the QR code for group booking

1838 College Drive, Building #2 Saskatoon, SK S1N 2Z8
How to Book Your Stay
• Hotel Direct:  1-(306) 9541250
• Or simply click the special booking link: Group Booking Link

Group Details
Group Name: WestCAST 2027
Group Code: WCT
Event Dates: Feb 17–19, 2027
Cut-Off Date: Jan 17, 2027           

                               
 This Stay Includes
• Comfortable room accommodations
• Full American Breakfast Buffet every morning
• Complimentary Parking

Room Rate: $174.00 per night
Below is the QR code for group booking