ELMLE Prague - The Cabinet of Curiosities
Join us for our 40th annual conference from January 22-24, 2026, for ELMLE Prague - The Cabinet of Curiosities!
During the enlightenment, Prague was a hub of science, discovery and philosophy, and ‘The Cabinet of Curiosities’, housing wondrous objects, was a symbol of the era’s thirst for knowledge, inquiry and connection-making. This year, we’re using it as a metaphor for the middle school experience as we strive to create the conditions that foster positive, motivated, and engaged adolescents; design innovative pedagogies that cultivate inquiring minds; and support the development of active citizens who seek to make a positive impact both locally and globally. Think about all the competences young adolescents need, like creativity, critical thinking, collaboration - and curiosity! Join us to explore the many ways we can support our middle schoolers, so that they can continue to grow to be the kind of humans and change makers the world needs.
Let’s continue our professional learning around supporting our students and fostering the ultimate middle school experience!
Check out the ELMLE Blog
The ELMLE Blog, Bridge in the Middle, contains articles from our featured presenters and from educators in the classroom.
What Our Teachers Say
"Great energy and clear purpose to this conference. Treated attendees like professionals and balanced hard thinking with play, community and friendship building."
"The featured speakers and panelists were truly outstanding. Each brought a unique perspective, deep expertise, and engaging energy to the discussions. Their insights were thought-provoking and highly relevant, sparking meaningful conversations and providing actional takeaways. It was clear they were passionate about their topics, which made their presentations even more impactful. The diversity of experiences and viewpoints amongst the speakers added tremendous value to the event. Exceptional job all around!"
“I am still beaming from the incredible experience I had in Porto. You and the committee should be commended on a fantastic agenda, venue, hospitality, and planning. No detail was missed. And the Gala…..just wow, wow, wow. I am thoroughly impressed with the quality of the speakers as well.”
"Thank you for making the registration so easy and for organising such interesting and helpful online learning events."
"It's such a welcoming, supportive community of MS educators, and I appreciated being able to make connections to other people who work in middle school...A perfect size to interact and work with fellow educators."
"I left feeling inspired with renewed determination. I enjoyed the entire conference, from lectures to networking...the amazing culture of friendliness, collaboration, great humour, fabulous people."
"It was lovely to have reflection and planning time to set goals...great balance in terms of topics between well-being, multilingualism, leadership, and sexuality education."
"I really value the ability to resync my thinking back to what is best for my students. We, as teachers, always get caught up in all of the clutter and noise of educational expectations. It is always good to go to a conference with your colleagues and your principals to have our lens refocused back to really what is best for our kids."
"The speakers and the variety of teacher presenters provided easy, useable tools for immediate implementation in the classroom."
The European League for Middle Level Education
ELMLE is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting middle level education. Founded in 1986, ELMLE is an international affiliate of the United States’ Association for Middle Level Education (AMLE).
ELMLE’s global membership comprises schools and individuals in Europe, and includes members from such countries as the United States, South Africa, India and China. A ten-member steering committee, elected by its diverse membership, organizes its annual European educational conference.
Mission Statement
ELMLE connects, supports, and inspires educators by fostering a thriving community that values the Middle School experience.
Association for Middle Level Education
AMLE is our parent organization. If your school is an ELMLE member school, you are also an AMLE member, and you have access to all of their resources and benefits. Check out www.amle.org to access these resources.
Schools of Distinction
Learn more about the research-based traits and practices of a Successful Middle School and how your school can earn the AMLE Schools of Distinction honor.