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Celebrating 16 years of Investigating Our Practices 
More than 150 graduate students and education professionals convened at UBC’s Faculty of Education for the Investigating Our Practices (IOP) conference on May 11. What began as a graduate student conference 16 years ago has evolved into an annual collaboration with the BC Teachers’ Federation.

This year’s event attracted participants from around the province to co-create upwards of 70 interactive sessions in a single day.Education professionals and researchers formed working groups to share their insights on topics ranging from Indigenous education, to issues of equity for at-risk learners, and the value of technology in transforming educational practice. Many of the researchers are enrolled in graduate programs at UBC’s Faculty of Education.


Behind the scenes, fifteen volunteers and conference committee members clad in yellow T-shirts joined longtime conference organizer Judy Paley in running the show. Returning to her alma mater to lend a hand on Mother’s Day weekend was Judy’s daughter, Niki Paley – a three-time UBC alumna, and counsellor at Magee Secondary School in Vancouver.

The value of relationship- and community-building is central to the IOP experience. Beyond fostering the critical and co-operative examination of pedagogical practices, this conference has become an essential forum for promoting a culture of excellence and innovation in learner-centered education.

IOP Conference Committee

Natasha Boskic, Tony Clarke, David Coulter, Mark Edwards, Gaalen Erickson, Bob Hapke, Sharon Hu, Harry Hubball, Heather McGregor, Charlie Naylor, Cynthia Nicol, Judy Paley and Anne Phelan

Delivered by Professional Development & Community Engagement (PDCE)

