Toronto Skyline
JTA Logo
JDTAN Logo
Jamaica Coat of Arms

The Jamaica Diaspora Taskforce Action Network (JDTAN) Presents

The 11th Annual Advancement in Education Summit

A 4-Day professional development conference for Jamaican & Caribbean teachers.

2026 Summit Theme

Resilience: The Imperative

July 6 - 9 | July 10 Gala
York University | Toronto, Canada
Register for Summit Purchase Gala Tickets

Empowering Caribbean Educators for a Transformative Tomorrow

For more than a decade, the Advancement in Education Summit has brought together some of the brightest minds in education from Jamaica and across the global diaspora. Hosted by the Jamaica Diaspora Taskforce Action Network (JDTAN), this premier professional learning experience inspires educators to think differently, lead boldly, and embrace innovative approaches that prepare students for a rapidly changing world.

Through dynamic workshops, engaging discussions, and international collaboration, participants gain practical strategies, fresh perspectives, and meaningful professional connections that extend far beyond the Summit itself. By connecting global expertise with local realities, the Summit helps strengthen teaching practice, improve student outcomes, and build more resilient educational systems.

Aligned with Jamaica’s Vision 2030 National Development Plan and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education), the Summit advances the shared commitment to ensuring inclusive, equitable, and high-quality education while promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all.

Together, we are not simply improving education, we are helping to transform it.

Innovative Pedagogy

Mastering new tools for remote, hybrid, and inclusive learning.

Diaspora Networking

Connecting Jamaican and Caribbean educators with global experts.

Ready to join your colleagues?

Free tickets are available for all sessions, workshop tracks, and events.

Register for Summit Purchase Gala Tickets
Educators collaborating in a classroom

Resilience: The Imperative

In an era characterized by rapid technological shifts, socio-economic challenges, and the lasting impacts of global disruptions, the mandate for educational systems has evolved. True pedagogical excellence now requires more than academic rigor; it demands structural and individual resilience.

This year's theme asserts that resilience is no longer optional—it is an imperative. The 2026 Summit will equip educators with robust strategies to cultivate adaptability in their students, maintain institutional integrity in under-resourced environments, and pioneer sustainable solutions for the future of Caribbean education.

Register for Summit Purchase Gala Tickets

Summit Leadership

Guided by distinguished leaders who have dedicated their lives to public service, education, and the advancement of the Caribbean diaspora.

Dr. Leo Gilling, PhD

Executive Chairman

Dr. Leo Gilling, PhD

Dr. Leo Gilling, PhD is a criminologist, educator, researcher, and community leader with over 30 years of experience in education, public policy, and diaspora engagement. As Executive Chairman of JDTAN, he has championed initiatives that connect global expertise with local impact to advance education and national development. He is the author of the EBSIF™, J-BAEF™, and ReBond™ frameworks and is committed to promoting evidence-based solutions that strengthen educational systems and improve outcomes for learners and communities.

Honourable Jean Augustine

Patron

Honourable Jean Augustine

PC, CM, OOnt, CBE

A trailblazing politician, educator, and social advocate. As the first Black female Member of Parliament and Cabinet Minister in Canada, her legacy of resilience and community empowerment perfectly embodies the spirit of our summit.

Dr. Pamela Appelt

Honorary Chair

Dr. Pamela Appelt

O.C., O.D.

The first Black Canadian female judge of the Court of Canadian Citizenship. Dr. Appelt is a relentless advocate for education, child welfare, and diaspora engagement, providing invaluable strategic guidance to our educational initiatives.

Dr. Sherian Demetrius

Co-Chair

Dr. Sherian Demetrius

Dr. Sherian Demetrius serves as Co-Chair for this year's summit. She is a dedicated leader within the Jamaica Diaspora Action Network, chairing the Early Childhood Sector Taskforce and guiding the Education Summit program development for three consecutive years. An accomplished educator, Dr. Demetrius has received numerous honors, including the Channel 4 Golden Apple Award, North Glades Elementary Teacher of the Year, multiple Education Fund Grant Writer awards, and the 2024 Ambassador Audrey Marks Outstanding Service Award. Her unwavering commitment to youth development and educational excellence continues to positively impact learners locally and internationally.

Donovan Wilson

Co-Chair

Donovan Wilson

UJAA President

Donovan continues to lead education and diaspora initiatives as UJAA President. As President of the Union of Jamaican Alumni Associations USA Inc. (UJAA), he plays a pivotal leadership role within the Jamaican Diaspora, advancing educational access and youth development initiatives across Jamaica and the United States. He also serves as Immediate Past President of the St. Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS) Alumni Association USA Inc.

Join the Movement

Reserve
Your
Seat.

Join over 500 educators shaping the future of Caribbean learning. Secure your spot at the largest professional development event of the year.

Early bird registration ends soon.

Secure Your Tickets

We use Zeffy, a 100% free ticketing platform, to process our event registrations securely and without passing on fees to you.

Summit Registration
Register for Summit July 6 - 9, 2026
Gala Registration
Purchase Gala Tickets July 10, 2026

Secure registration portal

In Collaboration With

JTA Logo Jamaica Teachers'
Association (JTA)
Union of Jamaican
Alumni Associations
education | YORK
Jean Augustine Chair
in Education
Register for Summit