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Welcome to CATCA 2025! We are excited to see you soon but here are a few reminders...

1. Adding a session to your schedule does not guarantee your attendance. Room capacities are in effect and sessions will be accessed on a physical first come, first served basis on the day of the event. Alternatively, If you are ’Waitlisted", this only means that there are a number of interested delegates beyond the capacity limits for this session - get there early to secure your seat!

2. As we attempt to make CATCA 2025 as amazing as possible, there may be changes made to the schedule up until the day before - Please check your schedule for any time or venue changes or possible cancellations.

3. Please check session description for possible fees associated with materials for some of the art sessions. These will be paid directly to the presenter.

4. Do remember that there might be sessions not at our main venue, do look carefully where the session is at.

A floor plan showing the rooms in RDP that we’re using for convention is available here.

All pre-recording videos will be up until May 31st.

or to bookmark your favorites and sync them to your phone or calendar.
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Friday, February 21
 

9:00am MST

Tell a Story with Masks
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
Storytelling can be a way to introduce students to telling their own story. And by creating masks, the story can be even more effective. Learn how to make masks including balloon masks and life masks and create inexpensive costumes so that stories can be individualized and performed. Students from all cultures can create masks and stories to express their culture.
Speakers
avatar for P Gail Whiteford

P Gail Whiteford

A drama teacher for 35 years, in Australia and Calgary Gail retired to teach Drama Education at U of C, while still teaching workshops at schools in Alberta and British Columbia. Gail has presented sessions at over 20 Teachers' Conventions in Alberta. She has written 2 books on the... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
RDP Room 1408

9:00am MST

Inspire and Create in Mixed Media
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
Join this exciting workshop designed specifically for elementary and junior high teachers, where you'll discover a captivating project your students will love! Dive into a creative adventure involving cutting, gluing, painting and collaging. You'll guide your students in creating a vibrant mixed-media representation of one of Alberta's beautiful cities, capturing its unique charm and history. Tailored to various grade levels, this workshop demonstrates integrating such projects across different subjects. Each participant will receive links to the YouTube instructional video and the PowerPoint presentation to use in their art classroom. All art materials are provided for a $10 fee. Come and ignite your classroom with creativity and cross-curricular magic! Send an email transfer to orzelski@ualberta.ca to book your spot.
Speakers
avatar for Izabella Orzelski

Izabella Orzelski

Teacher, Fine Arts Council
Izabella, an accomplished artist and educator, holds an MFA from the New York Academy of Art and a Ph.D. in education from the University of Alberta. Her contributions to art education have been recognized with the Winspear Fund Grant and the Dahesh Museum Award in New York. She is... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
RDP Room 2507(Art Studio)

9:00am MST

From play to learning: embracing fun and learning together
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
Join us for a captivating session, "From Play to Learning: Embracing Fun and Learning Together." Through hands-on activities and discussions, participants will explore how play can serve as a potent tool to teach academic concepts across various subjects. By effectively scaffolding play experiences, educators can ensure that they are not only enjoyable but also educational, aiding students in developing crucial cognitive, social, and emotional skills. Additionally, attendees will learn strategies to foster a positive attitude towards play among students and parents, emphasizing its significance in early childhood development. Don't miss this opportunity to blend fun and learning in your classroom!
Speakers
avatar for Andrea Mishio

Andrea Mishio

Teacher
With 17 years of invaluable experience in the education field, Andrea brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table. After spending 15 years teaching in a junior high school setting, she now finds herself in the world of early childhood education as a dedicated kindergarten... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
RDP Room AC147(Studio B)

9:00am MST

Leveraging Magic School AI for Enhanced Learning
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
In this dynamic session, educators will delve into the evolving landscape of educational technology with a focus on integrating Magic School into the classroom. Participants will gain hands-on experience with Magic School innovative digital tools designed to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes. This beginner to intermediate session will cover practical applications, including the integration of Magic School interactive platforms and digital resources into various curricula. We will also explore strategies for fostering digital literacy and critical thinking in students, ensuring ethical and effective use of technology in the classroom.
Speakers
avatar for Gilles Theriault

Gilles Theriault

Teacher, Red Deer Public School District
Gilles is teaching at École Lindsay Thurber Comp. H.S. in Red Deer. He provides workshops to educators. He has conducted professional development for over two decades. He's a Google Certified Trainer. He's also a recognized Adobe Train the Trainer and an Apple Teacher. Gilles is... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
RDP Room 2501

9:00am MST

Unlocking Motivation: How to Reach and Reignite Disengaged Teens in Learning
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
From the outside, it looks like they got in with a bad crowd and are hijacking their academic career to fit in. Threats and punishments do little to pull them up from their free fall and often yield the opposite result: pushing them toward even riskier behaviour.

Believe or not, even the so-called “lazy” kids secretly wish they were doing better in school. The problem is no amount of “shaming” them or their parents is going to get them care about school. So what then?

Parenting coach and teen advocate, Aly Pain talks about what’s going on behind the lack of motivation and why traditional intervention methods don’t work. She discusses how the developing teenaged brain influences their ability to cope with stressors and how focusing on emotional support is the key to success.

Key Take-Aways:

· The Bad Kid/Bad Parent Myth – Aly busts the belief that if you could just get the parents to engage with their student, everything would be fine. The reality is most parents are doing everything they can think of to get their student to perform.
· The Most Common Reasons WHY Good Students Go Bad – Aly shares what troubled teens and their parents tell her is behind the lack of motivation (and what teachers and parents can do about it). Spoiler alert: it’s not what you think.
· How to Support Students and Engage the Parents – Aly discusses concrete strategies to support struggling students in school and how to engage parents to do the same at home.
Speakers
avatar for Aly Pain

Aly Pain

Owner, Speaker, Coach, Aly Pain Global Inc.
Growing up, Aly was the smart, fun girl on the outside and a frantic, anxious mess on the inside, going from award winning student and athlete to detention and failing out. She spent years healing the pain of dysfunctional family relationships, including an eating disorder, suicide... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
RDP Room 2601

9:00am MST

Régulation et résilience: soutenir les élèves ayant un comportement difficile
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
Joignez-vous à nous pour un atelier interactif et stimulant où vous découvrirez plusieurs stratégies pour soutenir les élèves qui affichent des comportements difficiles. Cette séance cible en particulier les approches qui privilégient la résilience des élèves, ainsi que les stratégies visant à soutenir notre propre résilience lorsque nous réagissons face au comportement difficile de certains élèves. Par le biais d’activités, de discussions et de réflexions, nous explorerons différentes techniques qui peuvent à la fois aider les élèves qui affichent un comportement difficile, et nous aider à veiller à notre propre bienêtre.
Speakers
DD

Dorice de Champlain

Association Instructor, Alberta Teachers' Association
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
RDP Room 2205

9:00am MST

How to motivate EVERY student by doing less, not more!
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
If you’re tired of trying to find creative ways to answer “But when will I ever use this IRL,” this session is for you! We have been told that the only way to motivate students is through reward-based incentives but the truth is that the key to motivating every single student lies in connecting to what drives each and every one of us: love, meaning and a sense of purpose. No matter who you are or what your teaching style is, this session will equip you with three solid strategies to motivate your students that will require you to do less - not more - in your classroom. You will leave with concrete steps, resources and actions you can take into your classroom immediately on Monday that will transform your students’ relationship with learning. Ready to motivate your students in a way that matters? Let’s do this!
Speakers
avatar for Vanessa Vakharia

Vanessa Vakharia

Known as the Lady Gaga of math education, Vanessa is the founder and director of The Math Guru, a super cool boutique math & science tutoring studio in Toronto that's changing stereotypes about what math education looks like. She is also the host of the Math Therapy podcast, author... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
RDP Room 1400 (MP Theatre)

9:00am MST

The Power of Representation: Unpacking Implicit Biases and its Implications in Education
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
In today’s diverse classrooms, the importance of representation cannot be overstated. This presentation will delve into the critical role representation plays in shaping student identities and perceptions. We will explore how diverse role models influence student engagement, motivation, and academic success, particularly for underrepresented groups.

Furthermore, we’ll uncover the concept of implicit biases—subconscious attitudes or stereotypes that affect our understanding, actions, and decisions. As teachers and leaders, recognizing our hidden biases is essential for fostering an inclusive educational environment. Unpacking implicit bias is particularly important for school leaders because it directly impacts policies, practices, and the overall school culture. Leaders set the tone for their institutions and have the power to influence how diversity is valued and integrated into the curriculum and staff development.

Understanding and addressing implicit biases allows school leaders to make informed decisions that promote equity, effectively allocate resources, and build diverse teams that reflect the communities they serve. This session will discuss methods to identify and combat these biases, leading to equitable practices that benefit all students.

Participants will engage in reflective exercises aimed at revealing their implicit biases and understanding their implications on teaching and leadership styles. Through collaborative discussions, we will share strategies to create a more equitable and representative educational framework that champions diversity and fosters a culture of belonging.
Speakers
avatar for Shalynn Zakordonski

Shalynn Zakordonski

Shalynn Zakordonski is an accomplished educator with 22 years of experience, including a decade spent teaching and leading in Asia. Most recently, she has been shaping minds at an international school in Singapore, where her passion for fostering inclusive learning environments has... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
RDP Room 2503

9:00am MST

EdCamp-EAL/ESL
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
EdCamp - EAL/ESL

With the increased number of English Language Learners across central Alberta, more and more teachers are working with English Language Learners. This collaborative session will provide educators the opportunity to discuss best practices in supporting EAL/ESL students and to ask questions about this area. Here is the document you will work from: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1lGbYXhyt0rBrRRKdk3uZQqCXXYL9FMa9LxiYoi5LzI8/edit?usp=sharing
Speakers
avatar for Gaylene Mackay

Gaylene Mackay

Gaylene has been working in the field of EAL for the past 21 years. She currently works as EAL Lead Teacher for Red Deer Public Schools and has taught and supported English Language Learners at the high school and middle school level. Additionally, Gaylene serves as president of the... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
RDP Room AC142 (Arts Centre)

9:00am MST

Speed Chatting!
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
The default tendency of group (or class) is to socialize with familiar people, but what about those who are new or who don’t know anyone? Or, what if it's the first day of class and no one really knows anyone? How can conversations (and maybe friendships) start? Icebreakers abound, but Speed Chatting is a framework for getting any group of people to talk and learn about each other in a low-stress, structured way. Try it yourself, and take away the details to organize your own Speed Chatting.
Speakers
avatar for Yvonne Phillips

Yvonne Phillips

Librarian, Red Deer Polytechnic
Yvonne is an academic librarian at Red Deer Polytechnic Library. She became interested in library and information studies after related work experiences at both a city archives and the Saskatchewan Hansard. Her professional interests include fostering positive student experiences... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
RDP Room 1006R (Library Lab)

9:00am MST

Cultivating Compassion: Building a Safe and Supportive School Environment for All
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
In this session, we will explore how compassion can be intentionally embedded into the fabric of school culture, benefiting students, teachers, school leaders, and support staff alike. Attendees will share practical strategies to foster compassion in daily interactions and schoolwide practices. We'll discuss why compassion serves as a powerful lever for creating psychological safety, enhancing mental well-being, and building stronger, more resilient educational communities. Join us to discover how compassionate practices can lead to more inclusive, supportive, and psychologically safe environments where all members of the school community can thrive.
Speakers
avatar for Lisa Everitt

Lisa Everitt

Executive Staff Officer, Government
Dr. Lisa Everitt has dedicated her career to the field of education, commencing with working as a teacher in both the North West Territories and in Parkland School Division. Since 2006, she has served as an executive staff officer with the Alberta Teachers Association. Throughout... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
RDP Room AC159 (Arts Centre)

9:00am MST

Share the Gift of Body Awake Yoga® with your Students
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
Now more than ever, students need effective and simple ways to cultivate mental wellness, reduce anxiety and learn how to connect with themselves.

Body Awake Yoga®, created by Dr. Sue Morter, is more than just a strength-building and flexibility practice. It helps students learn how to calm their minds, relieve stress and get in touch with their inner power.

In this active session, you’ll learn how to help students:

>Access more energy and feel amazing in their bodies
>Learn how to quiet a busy mind
>Understand how to use the mind as an ally rather than a critic both on and off the mat
>Discover how to unite mind, body, breath and spirit so that they can awaken the healer within
>Be kinder to themselves
>Reduce stress
>Improve sleep
>Become more flexible, both in the body and in their attitudes
>Feel more comfortable with themselves and their bodies
>Take a break from social-media-induced comparison
>Feel happier more often

You'll discover how to share the true purpose of yoga so that it will make a significant difference in your students' lives. *Bring a yoga mat to the session.
Speakers
avatar for Christina Marlett

Christina Marlett

As the creator of Courageous Self-Care, Christina is passionate about helping stressed-out teachers learn to lead their students, families and themselves from a place of wholeness, overflowing energy and deep self-respect. She excels at helping overwhelmed leaders revitalize their... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
RDP Room 1000 (Small Gym-Kevin Sirois)

9:00am MST

Co-Authors of The Valley of the Birdtail
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
Why are outcomes for Indigenous students so unequal? Join authors Douglas Sanderson (Amo Binashii) and Andrew Stobo Sniderman for a discussion about their acclaimed book, Valley of the Birdtail: An Indian Reserve, a White Town, and the Road to Reconciliation. This book follows multiple generations of two families, one white and one Indigenous, and weaves their lives into the larger story of Canada. Valley of the Birdtail is about how two schools became separate and unequal—and what it means for the rest of us.
Speakers
avatar for Andrew Stobo Sniderman

Andrew Stobo Sniderman

ANDREW STOBO SNIDERMAN is a writer, lawyer and Rhodes Scholar from Montreal. He has written for the New York Times, the Globe and Mail and Maclean’s. He has also argued before the Supreme Court of Canada, served as the human rights policy advisor to the Canadian minister of foreign... Read More →
avatar for Douglas Sanderson (Amo Binashii)

Douglas Sanderson (Amo Binashii)

DOUGLAS SANDERSON (AMO BINASHII) is Beaver Clan, from the Opaskwayak Cree Nation. He holds the Prichard Wilson Chair in Law and Public Policy at the University of Toronto, Faculty of Law. Professor Sanderson has served as senior Advisor to the government of Ontario, in the offices... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
RDP MAIN STAGE/ AC117 (ARTS CENTRE)

9:00am MST

Novel Studies - How to do it well!
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
Do your students hate reading? Do they struggle to complete tasks/assignments due to lack of engagement? Please join us for engaging ways to teach novels that will have your students asking, “Are we going to read today?” We will be going through a variety of different novels for different grade levels/abilities, as well as different approaches to novels and reading, strategies to build literacy and comprehension skills, tasks to develop academic writing, the gathering of evidence, critical analysis of the text and creative hands on projects.
Speakers
avatar for Joanna Zakus

Joanna Zakus

Joanna has a BA History and a BEd Secondary Social Studies. She has been teaching primarily social studies and humanities for the last 20 years at the junior high level. Joanna currently is a teacher at a junior high school with the Calgary Board of Education. She focuses on interactive... Read More →
avatar for Nicholle  Morrison

Nicholle Morrison

Teacher, Calgary Board of Ed.
Nicholle has a BA in Sociology and a BEd Education. She has taught for 14 years. She began by primarily teaching elementary grades 5 and 6 and then 9 years teaching social studies and humanities at the junior high level. Nicholle currently is a high school Social Studies teacher with... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
RDP Room 2303

9:00am MST

Phonological and Morphological Awareness Using SWI
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
Structured Word Inquiry (SWI) investigates English spelling to find the logic of the spelling system. It is known for building morphological awareness, but it also embeds many phonological awareness activities. Come see how you can use spelling work to build phonological awareness in your students.
Speakers
avatar for Amber Cahill

Amber Cahill

Teacher, Edmonton Public Schools
Amber Cahill is a teacher with Edmonton Public Schools. She has 19 years experience as a classroom teacher and has completed a Master's Degree in Special Education with a focus on Reading, Writing, and Oral Language Disabilities. She has been incorporating Structured Word Inquiry... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
RDP Room 1600

9:00am MST

STEAM Read Alouds - Weaving Literacy Into Your STEAM Lessons
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
Come and see how you can enhance literacy skills in your STEAM (Science Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) classes. Teachers are storytellers, we weave together concepts with relatable stories to help make learning more exciting, but also more memorable. In this session, you will learn how to engage your students in active listening exercises while listening to a variety of stories about STEAM concepts. This will also include a focus on Indigenous Ways of Knowing and Being in STEAM as well as suggestions on a variety of authors and books to fit your curriculum. this session is for all grade levels, although more appropriate for Division 2-4.
Speakers
avatar for Amanda Green

Amanda Green

Teacher, Science Council
Amanda's spark for science ignited at an early age exploring nature with her family and grew into a flame for space exploration as she followed Canada's journey skyward. She teaches Junior High STEM classes in both English and French in Beaumont, Alberta. Alongside her colleague Julie... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
RDP Room 2301

9:00am MST

ASL - Introduction / Beginner
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
This is a "hands on," beginner ASL course geared toward educators with little or no experience in ASL. We will start with the ABC's and take you to asking and answering questions, playing games, numbers, and more. You will have the benefit of two instructors, one Deaf and one Hearing, who together will take you through accurate signing as well as explain clearly the logic behind the signs. You will leave excited to practice and show off your ASL!
Speakers
AD

Andy Davies

Andy Davies has been a teacher (U of L BFA/B.Ed '09) of languages and art in Southern Alberta for 15 years. Andy has studied, worked in, and been active with ASL and the Deaf community for many years. Originally self-taught, he studied ASL at Grant MacEwan from 2000-2001. He has worked... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
RDP Room 2602

9:00am MST

Math Vocabulary - What Exactly is the Correct Term in Our New Math Grades 7-10?
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
So many of the terms we use each day in mathematics classes are the very concepts we want our students to learn and make connections with. Using the appropriate terminology can provide clarity and consistency. Do your grade partners use the same language as you? Would students entering different math classrooms in your school hear the same language? Come and check out some of the math terminology we have for you to engage with.
Speakers
avatar for Chris Zarski

Chris Zarski

Designer of Professional Learning, ARPDC
Chris is an Educational Consultant supporting Alberta teachers as a Designer of Professional Learning with the Alberta Provincial Learning Consortium (APLC). She has served as a Teacher, Administrator, Curriculum Director of Curriculum, Examiner with Alberta Education, and Author... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
RDP Room 2302

9:00am MST

Numeracy bead strings and Cuisenaire rods
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
Join us for a hands-on session exploring two exceptional math tools: Numeracy bead strings and Cuisenaire rods. In this session, we will show you the many ways they can be used in your classroom from preschool to grade 6 including counting, part-part whole thinking, place value, basic facts, fractions, and more!
*This session can be split into early Elementary and later Elementary.
Speakers
avatar for Angela Hanson

Angela Hanson

Angela Hanson is an elementary school educator who believes that learning math concepts should be active and fun. She structures math classes that encourage students to move and engage in group activities. Her students are excited to discover new math strategies using manipulatives... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
RDP Room 2304

9:00am MST

POWER PLAY - GAMES AND STRATEGIES FOR TEACHING PLACE VALUE
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
Come prepared to play games and learn strategies that help teach the following concepts: base ten composing/decomposing numbers, comparing numbers to millions and decimals, rounding and expanding numbers, number line activities. Games integrate the use of cards, regular dice and shakers, place value dice, number lines and even red solo cups! These activities are easy to differentiate and can help rebuild and develop deep understanding of place value concepts before paper and pencil practice. Activities can be used in whole class, small group instruction or in centers. GRADE 3 Teachers would benefit greatly from this session with the increased curriculum expectations for this grade. Handout will contain gameboards, concept skill checklists for assessment. This is a fast paced hands-on session.
Speakers
avatar for John Felling

John Felling

presenter, Box Cars And One Eyed Jacks
The workshops and seminars John Felling presents are engaging, informative, fun, and hands-on. In his workshops, teachers learn a variety of games and activities (new ones every year), closely tied to provincial curriculum standards. The games and activities presented integrate easily... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
RDP Room 2305

9:00am MST

A year in the life of a music teacher. Let’s talk plans. (ATA Fine Arts Council)
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
Welcome to a workshop on year plans, unit plans and making them work together to make your year go smoothly. We will talk tips and tricks and look at a few examples. Along the way we will hit topics like assessment and technology. Let’s make those long-range plans and unit plans workable documents that you refer to all year long. Bring a device if possible.
Speakers
avatar for Amanda Clark

Amanda Clark

music representative, Fine Arts Council
Amanda Clark has been an elementary music teacher in Leduc for more than 10 years where she teaches in both French and English. She also teaches private lessons including the Music for Young Children program. She completed a Bachelor of Music at University of Alberta Augustana Campus... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
RDP Room AC222 (Arts Centre)

9:00am MST

Financial Literacy for Grade 4-6: Ready to go lesson plans that your students will love!
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
Welcome to Enriched Academy, where we make financial literacy fun and easy for teachers and students in grade 4-12! Join us as we explore the KickStart program designed to support the PE & Wellness Financial Literacy outcomes. The videos, activities and interactive tools make learning about finances a blast for students. Enriched Academy has taken the complicated language of money and transformed it into clear, relatable concepts that students in grades 4-6 can connect with. Teachers, you will find our resources comprehensive and user-friendly, enabling you to effortlessly integrate financial literacy into your classroom. At no cost to you or your school, get ready to empower your students with the knowledge and confidence they need to navigate their financial futures successfully!
Speakers
avatar for Sonya Fox

Sonya Fox

Enriched Academy
Sonya Fox is an experienced educator with over 20 years of teaching experience and has worked with students from grades one through twelve.  In her last four years, Sonya took her passion for business and finance into the classroom, teaching entrepreneurship and finance to high... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
RDP Room AC160 (Arts Centre)

9:00am MST

Coaching Athletes in School: Developing the Whole Athlete to Foster a United Team
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
A retrospective on coaching, not a how-to, there is no right or wrong way to lead. New perspectives for a new generation.
Our actions teach more than our words. Alternatives to traditional authoritarian coaching approaches
High-impact phrases to bring a team together around a common goal beyond the W
Powerful tools to mentor lesser-skilled athletes into the game (we don’t all have club players)
Full Athlete includes Sleep, Hydration, Nutrition, Relationships, Activity, Downtime, Stress Management, Academics, and Service.
Defining every athlete's role - Going deeper than positions
The HUGE opportunity to engage in empowering captains
Is game day for you or the players?
The Power of Team meetings and time outs
Dedicated to one of the greats: Kevin Pelehos
Speakers
avatar for Paul Marlett

Paul Marlett

Learning Leader, Calgary Board of Education
Paul is a purebred teacher and a maverick in education who focuses on innovation in the “art of teaching”. Having taught for over 2 decades in the classroom, the gym, and (approved) mountain tops from grades 1 to 12 in all subject matters, he has spent the last 10 years with the... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
RDP Room 1500 (Cornerstone Restaurant)

9:00am MST

ATRF Steps to Receiving Your Pension
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
This presentation is designed for teachers who are planning to retire during the current year or within the next few years. It provides detailed information about deciding to retire, the Steps to Retirement process and forms, the pension options, and post-retirement considerations.
Speakers
avatar for Linda Lau

Linda Lau

Pension Counsellor, Alberta Teachers' Retirement Fund (ATRF)
A Pension counsellor with the Alberta Teachers' Retirement Fund (ATRF).
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
RDP Room 2600

9:00am MST

Nurturing Happiness
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
Once you know the principles of lasting happiness you can apply these truths to everyday practices and teach them to your students. Discover how you and your students can nurture happiness when overwhelmed by the challenges of school and life. These happiness principles are based on anecdotal experiences and a plethora of positive psychology research. This session will illuminate helpful strategies for nurturing wellness, joy and lasting happiness. Come laugh, decompress, and learn some self-care.
Speakers
avatar for Danny Bateman

Danny Bateman

Instructor, Concordia University Edmonton
Danny is currently an instructor of pre-service teachers at Concordia University of Edmonton. As an experienced and esteemed public speaker, he delivers teaching strategies and inspiration using entertaining experiences and actionable content. He has delivered hundreds of successful... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
RDP Room 1503

9:00am MST

Counting Time
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
Adapting a process for collecting data on hours of work, both instructional and assignable, defining assignable time, and monitoring time assignments.
Speakers
avatar for ATA Staff Officer

ATA Staff Officer

Executive Staff Officer, Teacher Employment Services, The Alberta Teachers' Association
TBD
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
RDP Room 2505

9:00am MST

Effective Assessment in the Jr./Sr. High Science Classroom
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
This workshop explores a number classroom assessment strategies that have been utilized in the high school classroom to improve student learning. These include introducing students to the cognitive expectations framework, designing formative assessment questions and the active use of whiteboards. The session will culminate with introducing rubrics and their use with summative assessment questions.
Speakers
avatar for Kristian Basaraba

Kristian Basaraba

Kristian Basaraba (he/him) is a father of two, teacher, lead singer in the punk rock cover band Dad Religion, podcast host, semi-retired skateboarder and the founder of the community organization known as Rad Dads Edmonton. He is currently on a secondment from his school board working... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
RDP Room 1435

9:00am MST

Un livre 3 matières et plusieurs idées organisatrices 4-6
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
Rejoignez-nous pour une session ludique et pratique dédiée aux enseignants de la 4e à la 6e année, où vous découvrirez comment exploiter le potentiel d’un album jeunesse pour enseigner des concepts clés en français, en maths et en sciences. Join us for a fun, hands-on session dedicated to teachers of grades 4-6, where you'll discover how to harness the potential of a children's album to teach key concepts in French, math and science.
Speakers
EM

Elyse Morin

Learning Network, APLC et le Consortium Francophone de l'Alberta
Élyse est une enseignante dynamique et créative avec plus de 20 ans d’expérience en immersion française, en enseignement virtuel et en coaching pédagogique. Apprenante passionnée, elle reste à jour avec les dernières recherches et aime créer et partager des ressources... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
Recording

9:00am MST

Using Assessment to Improve Teaching
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
Assessments take many forms, from qualitative observations to assignments and tests. All of these are opportunities for feedback not just for students, but also for teachers. So how can you take advantage of that, and improve what you’re doing in your classroom, without adding a bunch more work to your life? This workshop will explore how you can use the results from all types of assessments to improve your teaching. The facilitators, Jason Cooper and Laura Pankratz, have decades of classroom and assessment experience. Participants in this workshop will engage in discussion and exploration of what is currently working in Alberta classrooms.
Speakers
avatar for Jason Cooper

Jason Cooper

Onsite contact: Jason Coooper
Jason Cooper is the creator and owner of SmarterMarks, a tool that helps teachers and students do more with paper and online assessments. Before making the switch to supporting and developing SmarterMarks full-time, he worked as a high school science teacher in Calgary for 9 year... Read More →
avatar for Laura Pankratz

Laura Pankratz

Western Canada Teacher Network Coordinator, Perimeter Institute
Laura Pankratz is an educator with more than 30 years of working with students and teachers. One of her principles of education is the learning is messy. Her passion is finding the nugget of value in that mess and then helping the learner to build around it. Laura’s career included... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
RDP Room 1437

9:00am MST

Computational Thinking 101: Foundations for Every Educator
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
Unlock the power of computational thinking for you and your students! Discover how computational thinking can enhance problem-solving skills while connecting with storytelling, nature, art, and more. This session provides a gentle introduction to core concepts found in the new curriculum such as decomposition, abstraction, and algorithms. Through exploring a variety of activities, both plugged-in and unplugged, you’ll learn how to seamlessly incorporate these principles into your classroom regardless of subject or grade level. No prior experience in teaching computer science needed!
Please bring a laptop, Chromebook or tablet to this session
Speakers
avatar for Whitney Horban

Whitney Horban

Northern Coding Academy, TELUS World of Science - Edmonton
TELUS World of Science – Edmonton is dedicated to fostering life-long learning by creating a vibrant science and technology culture in our region.  We offer a diverse array of in-person and virtual school programs. Our programs are connected to the Alberta curriculum and designed... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
RDP Room 1328

9:00am MST

Not your average pinch pot Session 1
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 11:00am MST
This session if for Art Specialists that have experience in art. We will explore a hand building technique in clay that provides endless possibilities in sculptural as well as functional ceramics. It is an adaptation of a technique that I learned from artist Thomas Kerrigan and is well suited to creating small or large organic shapes with very few tools.To reserve your spot and pay for supplies, do send an email transfer of $10 to info@fluxstudioreddeer.ca This session will occur at Flux Studio found at 4732 60 St #150, Red Deer, AB T4N 7C7
Speakers
JP

Jen Pankratz

I am the owner/operator of Flux Studio which is a Community Ceramics Studio in Red Deer that offers classes at all levels as well as memberships to more experienced artists. I earned a BFA in Ceramics from the Alberta College of Art and Design (now AUArts), I have taught classes for... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 11:00am MST
Flux Studio

9:00am MST

Crafting Connections: Make Your Own Tipi
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 11:20am MST
Immerse yourself in a hands-on cultural journey with Elder Phillip Campiou from Treaty 8, where you'll deepen your understanding of the traditional uses and teachings of the Tipi. Engage in a unique opportunity to create your own miniature Tipi while learning about its historical significance and cultural importance. Through interactive storytelling, we'll explore the profound narratives that shape these traditions, offering valuable perspectives that resonate in our lives today.
Speakers
avatar for Phillip Campiou

Phillip Campiou

Elder, Driftpile Cree Nation
Phillip Campiou, a member of the Traditional Woodland Cree from Driftpile Cree Nation, Alberta, has made his home in the Onoway area. Growing up, Phillip's father instilled in him the principles of self-sufficiency and profound respect for Mother Earth and spiritual teachings. As... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 11:20am MST
RDP Room 1303

9:00am MST

All Who are Weary and Heavy-Laden
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 11:20am MST
In Matthew 11:28, Jesus says: "Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest." These words continue to resonate today, as many of us are weary and carrying heavy burdens. The need for spiritual rest and renewal is a key part of the Christian faith, where we are invited to take time to rest each week on the Lord's Day and each year during the season of Lent. This session will be a chance to find that moment of rest during convention, as Evergreen Catholic Schools chaplain Mike Landry will lead you through a two-hour retreat that will include scripture, stories, music, discussions and a time of silent prayer.
Speakers
avatar for Mike Landry

Mike Landry

Although he went to church from the time he was very young, the launch of a parish youth ministry program in his teen years is what really awakened Mike Landry’s faith, making Jesus his dearest friend. For more than 27 years, Mike has sought to share the truth, beauty, and goodness... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 11:20am MST
Sacred Heart Catholic Parish

9:00am MST

Come Drape with Me! Fashion Draping for Beginners
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 3:20pm MST
Fashion Draping is a technique that involves the manipulation of fabric on a form to create clothing designs. Through a series of demonstrations and practice, this full day workshop will provide teachers with the basics for fashion draping with a focus on the curricular outcomes of the fashion course FAS3150 Draping. Teachers will be required to bring a body form, straight pins, fabric scissors, hand needle and thread, 2-3 meters light weight muslin, an erasable marking pen/pencil, fabric measuring tape and a couple packages of 1/4” twill tape. Come Drape with me, everyone Welcome! This session will be occurring at Lindsay Thurber High School
Speakers
avatar for Janette Nawton

Janette Nawton

A certified teacher and designer, I have been working as an instructor and seamstress in some sort of capacity since I was 19 yrs old. Out of high school I attended Yvonne Yuen School of Design in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, earned my diploma in Fashion Design and was invited to teach... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 3:20pm MST
Lindsay Thurber Sewing Room 1312

9:00am MST

Multi Faith Room Friday
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 3:20pm MST
This room is designed to allow any faith dimension to come and meditate on your faith. Do show respect to other religious groups so please be as quiet as possible in this Multi Faith Room. You can attend anytime during the open hours of RDP.
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 3:20pm MST
RDP Room 2400 (Multi Faith Room)

9:00am MST

In the International Kitchen with Jeff & Kimi
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 3:30pm MST
Come and join us in the kitchen for a day of international cooking. Join with a friend or be ready to make a new ones while we cook some international delights including:
- Homemade Ramen with handmade noodles and garnishes
- Authentic chicken curry with rice & samosas
- Parisian gnocchi with vodka sauce
- Pavlova and fresh berries
The class will run from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm at Notre Dame High School - 50- Lees Street, Red Deer AB.

The menu is subject to change without notice due to ingredient availability.
You are encouraged to bring take out containers for leftovers.
There will be breaks to eat and visit. You will not need to bring lunch!

There is a $25 non-refundable ingredient fee for the class and must be paid by etransfer to jeff.lerouge@rdcrs.ca to secure your spot.

Act quickly there are only 20 spots available!
Speakers
avatar for Jeff Lerouge

Jeff Lerouge

Career Pathways Teacher, Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools
I've taught high school culinary arts for over 15 years and have been fortunate to travel with my family as well as students on numerous tours and cultural exchanges. I love to taste and travel and would never pass up a great risotto! I truly believe in pushing students to try new... Read More →
avatar for Kimi Abreu

Kimi Abreu

Long time teacher with a love for cooking. Looking forward to working with Jeff again to deliver this international cooking class; I am happy to continue to share my cultural dishes.
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 3:30pm MST
Ecole Secondaire Notre Dame Food Lab 1515

10:20am MST

EdCamp-Film Studies
Friday February 21, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
EdCamp to discuss Film studies in the area and ways to grow and embrace the course/program. Here is the document to carry on conversations for future use:https://docs.google.com/document/d/1XEpXRn0qo1zpSHRMonW885405Mg0cX6gkY9hYy0uKUg/edit?usp=sharing
Speakers
DM

Daniel Mills

Dan is a high School teacher in Red Deer Public and has been teaching English and Film studies for the better part of the last 2 decades. He is currently teaching ELA, Esports, and Film Studies at LTCHS.
Friday February 21, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
RDP Room AC142 (Arts Centre)

10:20am MST

Transformative Teaching: Leveraging Digital Tools for Engaged Learning.
Friday February 21, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
In this dynamic session, educators will delve into the artificial intelligence and its potential to transform teaching and learning. Participants will gain hands-on experience with innovative digital tools designed to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes. This intermediate/advanced session will cover practical applications, including the integration of LLM and digital resources into various curricula. We will also explore strategies for fostering digital literacy and critical thinking in students, ensuring ethical and effective use of technology in the classroom.
Speakers
avatar for Gilles Theriault

Gilles Theriault

Teacher, Red Deer Public School District
Gilles is teaching at École Lindsay Thurber Comp. H.S. in Red Deer. He provides workshops to educators. He has conducted professional development for over two decades. He's a Google Certified Trainer. He's also a recognized Adobe Train the Trainer and an Apple Teacher. Gilles is... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
RDP Room 2501

10:20am MST

Bringing Financial Literacy to Life: Grade 10-12
Friday February 21, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
Welcome to Enriched Academy, where we make financial literacy fun and easy for teachers and students in grade 10-12! Join us as we explore the EnrichedStart program designed to support CALM, Math and CTS Finance Modules. The videos, activities and interactive tools make learning about finances a blast for students. Enriched Academy has taken the complicated language of money and transformed it into clear, relatable concepts that high school students can connect with. Teachers, you will find our resources comprehensive and user-friendly, enabling you to effortlessly integrate financial literacy into your classroom. At no cost to you or your school, get ready to empower your students with the knowledge and confidence they need to navigate their financial futures successfully!
Speakers
avatar for Sonya Fox

Sonya Fox

Enriched Academy
Sonya Fox is an experienced educator with over 20 years of teaching experience and has worked with students from grades one through twelve.  In her last four years, Sonya took her passion for business and finance into the classroom, teaching entrepreneurship and finance to high... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
RDP Room AC160 (Arts Centre)

10:20am MST

Hurried & Worried: Understanding Children’s Anxiety
Friday February 21, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
Anxiety is the most common mental health issue, and it “walks and talks” in various behaviors and ways. The average age of onset for anxiety is in childhood, and one of the most important things we can do four ourselves and our children is to understand the causes and symptoms of anxiety which helps to create safer, caring and more enjoyable experiences. Anxiety can take many forms and affects each of us uniquely, especially children! This session will give an overview of anxiety and what it is like for this age group, and will also provide some fun & effective strategies and ideas for supporting anxious children, & helping them be successful in your classrooms, playgrounds and communities.
Speakers
avatar for Ariel Haubrich

Ariel Haubrich

Consultant/ Trainer/ Private Practitioner, Learning Network
Ariel Haubrich works in school & community mental health as a counsellor and program manager, and also as a consultant, presenter and private practitioner with government, businesses, teams and individuals working toward personal and organizational development. She is a Certified... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
RDP Room 2503

10:20am MST

Respect and Boundaries: The Secret Behind Well-Behaved Classrooms with Cool Factor
Friday February 21, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
Why is it the “favourite” teachers have the best-behaved classes? Is it the secret candy stash in their desk, their silly mental health breaks, their ability to make a boring subject fun, or something else?

Chances are it’s their boundaries. Those teachers have mastered the ability to command the respect of their students and in doing so, their students understand and adhere to the rules of the classroom.

That doesn’t mean teachers need to tighten their rein. On the contrary, traditional views about power and authority only lead to more rebellion. The trouble is the concept of boundaries has become twisted to mean greater compliance using more controls.

Parenting coach and teen advocate, Aly Pain will share why teachers and parents need to model the respect they want from teens. She discusses the toxic cycle of resentment, retaliation, revenge and resignation that is triggered by teen defiance and how shifting your behaviour is the key to changing theirs.

Key Take-Aways:

· Why Students Don’t Respect You (and How to Change that Dynamic) – Aly explains how teachers lose their students’ respect and what they can do to turn that toxic dynamic around.
· How to Earn Their Respect Without Losing Yours – Aly discusses how teachers don’t have to give up control or become the fun teacher in order to earn their respect.
· The Secret to Winning Over the “Problem” Kids – Aly shares what’s really going in with the problem kids and the simple way to win them over.
Speakers
avatar for Aly Pain

Aly Pain

Owner, Speaker, Coach, Aly Pain Global Inc.
Growing up, Aly was the smart, fun girl on the outside and a frantic, anxious mess on the inside, going from award winning student and athlete to detention and failing out. She spent years healing the pain of dysfunctional family relationships, including an eating disorder, suicide... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
RDP Room 2601

10:20am MST

Personal Retiree Plan education session
Friday February 21, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
Your retirement, your way. If you're starting to think about retirement, you might be wondering what your benefit options will look like. Our flexible solutions will meet your needs for the next stage in your life, so you can:

BE FLEXIBLE.
Choose the coverage that suits your needs for extended health benefits, prescription drugs and dental care.
FEEL CONFIDENT.
Enjoy your retirement with peace of mind that your coverage is secure with a brand you know and trust.
TRAVEL FAR.
Enjoy worry-free vacations with our emergency travel coverage and up to 90 days per trip.
LIVE WELL.
Stay happy and healthy by taking advantage of personal, nutritional and financial counseling through our wellness programs

Learn what to expect and plan for in retirement; from the government sponsored programs to personal options. This is a great opportunity to plan for early for retirement and get information.
Speakers
avatar for Candice Hartwell

Candice Hartwell

Personal Benefits Specialist, Alberta Blue Cross
Personal Benefits Specialists with Alberta Blue Cross. Helping to educate Albertans about their benefit options. From Government sponsored health programs to personal coverage options. Supporting individuals as they transition from group benefits to personal coverage upon retirement... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
RDP Room 2600

10:20am MST

OH THE MATH THAT THEY NEED TO KNOW - KINDERGARTEN/GRADE 1 EARLY PRIMARY MATH GAMES
Friday February 21, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
This math games workshop is for Kindergarten - through First Grade teachers, but would be of great benefit to primary and special ed teachers working with ELL and students that have learning gaps. Games will focus on the following concepts: counting, subitizing, comparing numbers, developing the foundation for early operations including doubles, make 5 make 10, counting forward and back from a given number, skip counting and patterns. Games will integrate the use of cards, math shakers, number lines and rulers, multi-sided dice, whole body movement for brain breaks and more. The games and strategies can be used whole group, small group or in centers. Handout will contain gameboards, concept skill checklists for assessment. COME PREPARED TO PLAY in this fast paced workshop and oh the math that they'll know!
Speakers
avatar for John Felling

John Felling

presenter, Box Cars And One Eyed Jacks
The workshops and seminars John Felling presents are engaging, informative, fun, and hands-on. In his workshops, teachers learn a variety of games and activities (new ones every year), closely tied to provincial curriculum standards. The games and activities presented integrate easily... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
RDP Room 2305

10:20am MST

Allyship in STEM
Friday February 21, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
Are you interested in authentically weaving Indigenous Ways of Knowing and Being into your STEM lessons but don’t know where to start? Are you mindful of avoiding tokenism and teaching reconciliation with respect and authenticity? If so, then this is the session for you! Amanda Green will share her journey in learning from Indigenous people and appropriately implementing a variety of lessons that you can then use either on your own, or with guidance of a community member. Please remember that this is from the point of view of an ally, who sometimes makes mistakes, but ultimately wants to help others learn from them and do better. Amanda primarily focuses on Junior High (both in English and French), but has many ideas you can use with students of all ages.
Speakers
avatar for Amanda Green

Amanda Green

Teacher, Science Council
Amanda's spark for science ignited at an early age exploring nature with her family and grew into a flame for space exploration as she followed Canada's journey skyward. She teaches Junior High STEM classes in both English and French in Beaumont, Alberta. Alongside her colleague Julie... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
RDP Room 2301

10:20am MST

Optimism and Opportunity
Friday February 21, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
Inspiring, humorous and applicable to all in attendance. Choosing optimism—even in the face of tough challenges—helps restore the healthy interactions and positive relationships necessary for enacting real school change. Hear how teachers and school leaders can rekindle their individual and collective enthusiasm for a profession that has been progressively inundated with negativity. Be prepared to learn, to laugh, and to leave with a renewed sense of purpose. This is a fact-based, positive approach to “taking back our profession.” Research-based strategies, practical examples, and thought-provoking scenarios will be included.
Speakers
avatar for Jack Berckemeyer

Jack Berckemeyer

Owner, Berckemeyer Consulting Group
A nationally recognized presenter, author, and humorist, Jack Berckemeyer began his career as a middle school teacher in Denver, Colorado. After only two years, he was recognized as the outstanding educator at his school and in his district. Then in 2003, Jack received the Outstanding... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
RDP MAIN STAGE/ AC117 (ARTS CENTRE)

10:20am MST

Math Trauma 101: Why Math Scares Students (And How to Change That)
Friday February 21, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
This session is all about the F-word that’s likely holding your students back in math: F-E-A-R. If you’re ready to stop talking about bandaid solutions to manage math anxiety in the moment, and start learning how to help students overcome it for good – this session is for YOU! Get ready to learn about the dynamics of fear, understand the exact way it manifests into math anxiety and triggers math trauma in the classroom, and gain impactful strategies you can use RIGHT away to break the cycle of fear, anxiety, and avoidance. This session will totally transform your understanding of math anxiety and empower you to help ALL students build healthier relationships with math!
Speakers
avatar for Vanessa Vakharia

Vanessa Vakharia

Known as the Lady Gaga of math education, Vanessa is the founder and director of The Math Guru, a super cool boutique math & science tutoring studio in Toronto that's changing stereotypes about what math education looks like. She is also the host of the Math Therapy podcast, author... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
RDP Room 1400 (MP Theatre)

10:20am MST

Introduction to Structured Word Inquiry
Friday February 21, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
Why is there a w in "two"? Why don't we spell "does" like "duz"? How can we expect correct spelling from students when English is so full of crazy exceptions? Or is it possible that the English spelling system actually makes perfect sense? This session will introduce Structured Word Inquiry (SWI) and show how we can use it to find logic in spelling by teaching morphology, etymology, orthography, and phonology. These all work together to prove that our spelling system makes sense. Leave with lesson ideas for incorporating these concepts with your students.
Speakers
avatar for Amber Cahill

Amber Cahill

Teacher, Edmonton Public Schools
Amber Cahill is a teacher with Edmonton Public Schools. She has 19 years experience as a classroom teacher and has completed a Master's Degree in Special Education with a focus on Reading, Writing, and Oral Language Disabilities. She has been incorporating Structured Word Inquiry... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
RDP Room 1600

10:20am MST

A Teenage Songwriter’s Journey: Helping people write songs as a means of personal expression
Friday February 21, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
In 2021, Oakley set a goal to release an album before turning 16. He wrote songs and busked to fund the project. Over the next three years, he learned many lessons that he’s excited to share. His album, Auburn, was released in May 2024. Attend this session to learn how to use songwriting as a means of expression and language exploration with a young singer-songwriter. With simple frameworks, you’ll create a hook and start to craft a new song. No musical experience or talent is necessary. Oakley will complete some songs during the session. Through story, live music and collaborative writing, you’ll leave this session with an appreciation for the power of song and a process to start the journey with your students.

Oakley’s Bio:
Oakley is a 16 year old, Calgary-born and raised singer-songwriter. He is a Grade 11 student who juggles school athletics, training for his black belt in mixed martial arts, his passion for the mountains, and his singing career. He recently released his first Album (Auburn) on all streaming platforms. His musical influences include Ella Fitzgerald, John Mayer, Ziggy Alberts, numerous world musicians, and everything in between. One of his goals is to inspire people to pick up a real instrument and start playing. He advocates doing something that takes courage over what is comfortable. He is also a connoisseur of grilled cheese and mac and cheese.
Speakers
avatar for Paul Marlett

Paul Marlett

Learning Leader, Calgary Board of Education
Paul is a purebred teacher and a maverick in education who focuses on innovation in the “art of teaching”. Having taught for over 2 decades in the classroom, the gym, and (approved) mountain tops from grades 1 to 12 in all subject matters, he has spent the last 10 years with the... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
RDP Room 1500 (Cornerstone Restaurant)

10:20am MST

Writing for Social Studies (Div 3 and 4)
Friday February 21, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
Are you struggling to develop your student’s academic social studies writing skills? This is the session for you! We will be focusing on paragraph structure building towards essay writing and interpreting sources and developing critical written responses leading to the source analysis. The scope and sequence from grade 7 to high school written tasks will be examined. We will be providing PowerPoint lessons, tasks, templates and exemplars for a variety of different grades and abilities.
Speakers
avatar for Joanna Zakus

Joanna Zakus

Joanna has a BA History and a BEd Secondary Social Studies. She has been teaching primarily social studies and humanities for the last 20 years at the junior high level. Joanna currently is a teacher at a junior high school with the Calgary Board of Education. She focuses on interactive... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
RDP Room 2303

10:20am MST

ASL - Intermediate
Friday February 21, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
This course is geared toward educators with some familiarity with ASL who would like to take it to the next level. After reviewing the basics, we will go deeper into the grammatical and syntactical structure of ASL, directional verbs, locational/spatial organization and narrative organization. Participants will leave this session able to tell a joke or story in ASL.
Speakers
AD

Andy Davies

Andy Davies has been a teacher (U of L BFA/B.Ed '09) of languages and art in Southern Alberta for 15 years. Andy has studied, worked in, and been active with ASL and the Deaf community for many years. Originally self-taught, he studied ASL at Grant MacEwan from 2000-2001. He has worked... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
RDP Room 2602

10:20am MST

Math Vocabulary - What Exactly is the Correct Term in Our New Math Grades 4-6?
Friday February 21, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
So many of the terms we use each day in mathematics classes are the very concepts we want our students to learn and make connections with. Using the appropriate terminology can provide clarity and consistency. Do your grade partners use the same language as you? Would students entering different math classrooms in your school hear the same language? Come and check out some of the math terminology we have for you to engage with.
Speakers
avatar for Chris Zarski

Chris Zarski

Designer of Professional Learning, ARPDC
Chris is an Educational Consultant supporting Alberta teachers as a Designer of Professional Learning with the Alberta Provincial Learning Consortium (APLC). She has served as a Teacher, Administrator, Curriculum Director of Curriculum, Examiner with Alberta Education, and Author... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
RDP Room 2302

10:20am MST

Getting Students to Welcome Assessments
Friday February 21, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
We expect students to show up in our classes ready to learn, ready to incorporate new ideas into their canon of knowledge, skills and attitudes. But often students show up having been trained to perform on assignments, quizzes and tests for marks. There is a disconnect between these two expectations that can often lead to frustration for both teachers and students. This workshop will explore building a classroom culture that will have students valuing assessments as a measure of their learning rather than as a hoop to hop through. The facilitators, Jason Cooper and Laura Pankratz, have decades of classroom and assessment experience. Participants in this workshop will engage in discussion and exploration of what is currently working in Alberta classrooms.
Speakers
avatar for Jason Cooper

Jason Cooper

Onsite contact: Jason Coooper
Jason Cooper is the creator and owner of SmarterMarks, a tool that helps teachers and students do more with paper and online assessments. Before making the switch to supporting and developing SmarterMarks full-time, he worked as a high school science teacher in Calgary for 9 year... Read More →
avatar for Laura Pankratz

Laura Pankratz

Western Canada Teacher Network Coordinator, Perimeter Institute
Laura Pankratz is an educator with more than 30 years of working with students and teachers. One of her principles of education is the learning is messy. Her passion is finding the nugget of value in that mess and then helping the learner to build around it. Laura’s career included... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
RDP Room 1437

10:20am MST

French music resources (ATA Fine Arts Council)
Friday February 21, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
Looking for some new music in French! We’ll have a general overview of a few French music resources and look at a couple specific examples from each. Including: Amuse-bouche and Par Choeur music series.
Speakers
avatar for Amanda Clark

Amanda Clark

music representative, Fine Arts Council
Amanda Clark has been an elementary music teacher in Leduc for more than 10 years where she teaches in both French and English. She also teaches private lessons including the Music for Young Children program. She completed a Bachelor of Music at University of Alberta Augustana Campus... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
RDP Room AC222 (Arts Centre)

10:20am MST

(K-12) Developing Physical Literacy through Dance
Friday February 21, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
Bring your PEW program to life with dances that foster physical literacy and develop fundamental movements skills (FMS)! Learn an engaging and interACTIVE teaching style that uses simple moves from a variety of music styles (Hip-Hop, Urban, Ballroom, Bollywood, Jazz/Funk) and sports themes (basketball, volleyball, baseball) to address all four Elements of Physical Literacy (physical, affective, cognitive & behavioral) and use a simple formula to create your own dances that will keep students ACTIVE while they develop FMS!
Speakers
avatar for Danielle Fraser

Danielle Fraser

Teacher and Consultant, PL3Y Education Edmonton & Red Deer
Danielle Fraser is a K-12 teacher who specializes in Physical Education and Inclusion Support. She graduated from the University of British Columbia with a Bachelor of Kinesiology and a Bachelor of Education. Over the years, she has taught in BC and Alberta, and has present in Canada... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
RDP Room AC147(Studio B)

10:20am MST

Amplify your students’ fitness, stamina and endurance with nose breathing
Friday February 21, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
Have you noticed a decrease in your students’ stamina and endurance? Nose breathing may be just the thing you’re looking for. In this session you’ll learn:

*How nose breathing works
*Why it’s the fast track to increased overall fitness
*How it helps prevent injury and even heal current issues
*The best warm-up for enhanced performance
*A versatile 12-minute workout you can use in every class

This is an active session.
Speakers
avatar for Christina Marlett

Christina Marlett

As the creator of Courageous Self-Care, Christina is passionate about helping stressed-out teachers learn to lead their students, families and themselves from a place of wholeness, overflowing energy and deep self-respect. She excels at helping overwhelmed leaders revitalize their... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
RDP Room 1000 (Small Gym-Kevin Sirois)

10:20am MST

Survival Tips for New Teachers
Friday February 21, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
Do you feel overwhelmed? How does a teacher keep up with lesson preparation, engaging and managing students, grading, progress reports, parent conferencing, meeting diverse learning needs, not to mention evaluations and dealing with school administration? How can one remain enthusiastic, happy, and well-balanced when overwhelmed by these responsibilities? This hopeful session introduces principles of survival in the classroom and a medley of practical strategies for coping with challenges. Come laugh, decompress, and learn some self-care. These tried-and-true, evidence-based tips will provide hope and make your job easier.
Speakers
avatar for Danny Bateman

Danny Bateman

Instructor, Concordia University Edmonton
Danny is currently an instructor of pre-service teachers at Concordia University of Edmonton. As an experienced and esteemed public speaker, he delivers teaching strategies and inspiration using entertaining experiences and actionable content. He has delivered hundreds of successful... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
RDP Room 1503

10:20am MST

Teacher Safety Net
Friday February 21, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
Over many years the Association has been able to construct a safety net for teachers and their families. This presentation provides an overview of what teachers have in regard to sick leave and other leaves through the collective agreement, extended disability, life insurance, other benefit plan provisions, as well as pension and death benefits. This is a light-hearted presentation that is intended to be presented to local teachers in order to provide very relevant and necessary information on existing entitlements.
Speakers
avatar for ATA Staff Officer

ATA Staff Officer

Executive Staff Officer, Teacher Employment Services, The Alberta Teachers' Association
TBD
Friday February 21, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
RDP Room 2505

10:20am MST

Your Questions About Questions Answered
Friday February 21, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
For this highly interactive program, participants set the agenda. Bring your questions about how to interview and hire the right people. They will be answered. The first minutes of this AMA session (Ask Me Anything) will be devoted to hearing your questions. What to ask during interviews? How to write questions that will yield high-quality information on which to base your hiring decisions? How to assess candidates’ responses? Who should be on your interview panel? What is their role? What to do on Day One to ensure new staff commit to your organization?

BONUS: Participants will receive access to 25 high-quality interview questions.
Speakers
avatar for Nelson Scott

Nelson Scott

Nelson Scott is a former teacher, principal, and assistant superintendent. Today, he works with managers, supervisors and administrators who are committed to hiring the right people and engaging them using high-value, low-cost staff recognition. He is the author of Thanks! GREAT Job... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
RDP Room 2205

10:20am MST

Leading for Equity: Unpacking Leadership Models, Gendered Expectations, and Bias in Alberta Schools
Friday February 21, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
This session explores diverse leadership models and the traits that define effective school leaders, with a focus on how gendered expectations shape leadership roles and responsibilities. Participants will delve into the ways in which bias and gendered assumptions influence school leadership dynamics, particularly in the context of Alberta's education system. Through critical reflection and discussion, attendees will gain insights into how these factors impact not only leaders but the broader teaching profession. The session aims to provide actionable strategies for fostering a more equitable environment for all and promote leadership that is inclusive, supportive, and fair.
Speakers
avatar for Lisa Everitt

Lisa Everitt

Executive Staff Officer, Government
Dr. Lisa Everitt has dedicated her career to the field of education, commencing with working as a teacher in both the North West Territories and in Parkland School Division. Since 2006, she has served as an executive staff officer with the Alberta Teachers Association. Throughout... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
RDP Room AC159 (Arts Centre)

10:20am MST

Foundations of Coding and AI for Early Learners: Games, Stories, and Exploration
Friday February 21, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
Bring coding and AI to life for early learners through games, stories, and creative play! We’ll explore foundational coding concepts and introduce basic ideas in AI, showing how computer science themes naturally fit into activities that kids love. Discover how low-tech and no-tech games like Simon Says can help illustrate how AI works alongside digital tools that teach a computer to recognize patterns or make simple choices. Attendees will leave with practical ideas for integrating these topics confidently in early education, sparking curiosity and understanding about how technology shapes the world around us.
Speakers
avatar for Whitney Horban

Whitney Horban

Northern Coding Academy, TELUS World of Science - Edmonton
TELUS World of Science – Edmonton is dedicated to fostering life-long learning by creating a vibrant science and technology culture in our region.  We offer a diverse array of in-person and virtual school programs. Our programs are connected to the Alberta curriculum and designed... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
RDP Room 1328

10:20am MST

Phantastic Physics Phun with PhET
Friday February 21, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
Computer simulations provide an interactive and visual environment that promotes and supports conceptual change in physics education. They are tools that enable students to become actively engaged in their learning, encourage concept exploration and assist in developing their inquiry skills. Participants will be provided resources for an assortment of labs and activities outlined in the Physics 20-30 Program of Studies, 2007 and the physics unit of the Science 10 Program of Studies, 2005 that can be completed using the University of Colorado PhET site. Participants are strongly encouraged to bring an electronic device to explore the simulations introduced in the session.
Speakers
avatar for Kristian Basaraba

Kristian Basaraba

Kristian Basaraba (he/him) is a father of two, teacher, lead singer in the punk rock cover band Dad Religion, podcast host, semi-retired skateboarder and the founder of the community organization known as Rad Dads Edmonton. He is currently on a secondment from his school board working... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
RDP Room 1435

10:20am MST

Learning Canadian History through Playwrighting
Friday February 21, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
Whether it is for a Remembrance Day presentation or a class presentation, playwrighting can be a way to inspire students to learn more about Canadian history. Focusing on research of individuals or groups, plays show a side of Canadian history that is sometimes overlooked: the individuals and the true stories. Combined with playwrighting or speechwriting this unit will inspire students to learn more about their own history. Students can work individually or in collective writing groups
Speakers
avatar for P Gail Whiteford

P Gail Whiteford

A drama teacher for 35 years, in Australia and Calgary Gail retired to teach Drama Education at U of C, while still teaching workshops at schools in Alberta and British Columbia. Gail has presented sessions at over 20 Teachers' Conventions in Alberta. She has written 2 books on the... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
RDP Room 1408

10:20am MST

Exploring Van Gogh Painting Technique
Friday February 21, 2025 10:20am - 12:40pm MST
Are you a teacher who's always wanted to learn how to paint like Van Gogh? Well, you're in luck! Join and learn how to paint landscapes in the style of Van Gogh using acrylics, brushes, and palette knives. You will be provided with step-by-step instructions to guide you through the process, ensuring you complete a stunning painting by the end of the session. You will walk away with a beautiful piece of art and gain the skills to implement this technique in your art classroom. Your students are sure to love it! All materials are provided for a fee of $15. You'll also receive a link to a YouTube instructional video and a PowerPoint presentation to use in your art classroom. Take advantage of this opportunity to bring new creative skills to your teaching! Send an email transfer to orzelski@ualberta.ca to book your spot.
Speakers
avatar for Izabella Orzelski

Izabella Orzelski

Teacher, Fine Arts Council
Izabella, an accomplished artist and educator, holds an MFA from the New York Academy of Art and a Ph.D. in education from the University of Alberta. Her contributions to art education have been recognized with the Winspear Fund Grant and the Dahesh Museum Award in New York. She is... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 10:20am - 12:40pm MST
RDP Room 2507(Art Studio)

11:40am MST

Sal's Skate Shop - Skateboarding in the CTS Classroom
Friday February 21, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
Welcome to Sal'S Skate Shop - the CTS classroom that has a goal of melding entrepreneurial and business skills with skateboard culture to engage students through project-based learning. Participants will be introduced to project and program ideas on how to start your own skateboard business course in your school.

Participants will be introduced to how the skateboard business model can be incorporated to many facets of the CTS modular stream such as ENT, MAM, COMM, FAS and many more. Participants interested in learning how to start a skateboard focused CTS class will be provided with many different ideas and projects on how to get this started.
Speakers
avatar for Kristian Basaraba

Kristian Basaraba

Kristian Basaraba (he/him) is a father of two, teacher, lead singer in the punk rock cover band Dad Religion, podcast host, semi-retired skateboarder and the founder of the community organization known as Rad Dads Edmonton. He is currently on a secondment from his school board working... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
RDP Room 1435

11:40am MST

Mapping your Nervous System and Behaviors
Friday February 21, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
This session introduces the science of Polyvagal Theory and how the application of this theory relates to our own well being as teachers and its relation to how it will support social and emotional well-being in our students and into our schools. The goal is to understand how our nervous system drives all behaviors and learning.
Speakers
TD

Tania Diletzoy

Tania Diletzoy is a Canadian Certified Counsellor with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. She has Masters in Counselling and has counselled children, youth, adults and families from a variety of backgrounds for over 20 years as a school counsellor, learning assistance... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
RDP Room AC160 (Arts Centre)

11:40am MST

The Truth About Supporting ADHD Students and Why Outdated Methods Aren’t Working
Friday February 21, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
ADHD is not what you’ve been told: an inability to pay attention and sit still. The common misconception is if the student would only try harder, do the work, and focus like they do on video games, they could overcome their academic struggles.

This only serves to reinforce the belief that ADHD is purposeful defiance, failure to comply with your requests, or meet basic standards. This causes the ADHD student to lose confidence in their own abilities, triggering a lifetime of underachievement and struggle.

There is no one-size-fits-all solution for managing ADHD. Supporting ADHD students starts with understanding how the ADHD brain processes information (yes, they’re all unique) and helping them tap into their strengths.

Parenting coach and teen advocate, Aly Pain, herself an ADHD adult and parent to an ADHD child, will talk about what it’s like to be able to excel at one thing and be utterly stumped by another, and how understanding her own brain has helped her unlock her own potential.

Key Take-Aways:

· What Having ADHD Feels Like in a School Environment – Aly shares how ADHD brains process information and how that leads to frustration in structured environments like school.
· How to Help Your ADHD Students Succeed in a Neuro-Normal World – Aly talks about why the typical “try harder” advice isn’t helpful and actually does more harm than good. She shares how teachers can play a key role in their success in a neuro-normal world.
· The Key to Creating Effective Adaptions that Work – Aly explains how to identify the unique ADHD characteristics and match them to effective adaptations.
Speakers
avatar for Aly Pain

Aly Pain

Owner, Speaker, Coach, Aly Pain Global Inc.
Growing up, Aly was the smart, fun girl on the outside and a frantic, anxious mess on the inside, going from award winning student and athlete to detention and failing out. She spent years healing the pain of dysfunctional family relationships, including an eating disorder, suicide... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
RDP Room 2601

11:40am MST

Two Sides to The Story: Trauma Informed Schools
Friday February 21, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
How can we integrate the goals and activities of education, while understanding the ways people’s stories (traumas)impact their learning and behaviours? We become “Trauma Informed.” Learn the 5 key principles of Trauma Informed Schools and how to create safe spaces for learning and growing. This Session will help us to become aware of the dynamics of trauma, shift perspectives in how best to support these dynamics, and identify ways to respond with compassion to students and/ or colleagues in crisis.
Speakers
avatar for Ariel Haubrich

Ariel Haubrich

Consultant/ Trainer/ Private Practitioner, Learning Network
Ariel Haubrich works in school & community mental health as a counsellor and program manager, and also as a consultant, presenter and private practitioner with government, businesses, teams and individuals working toward personal and organizational development. She is a Certified... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
RDP Room 2503

11:40am MST

Making new.LearnAlberta.ca work for you
Friday February 21, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
Did you know you can do so much more than just view curriculum on new.LearnAlberta.ca? This session will explore how you can make new.LearnAlberta.ca work for you. You’ll be guided through new.LearnAlberta.ca where you can view new curriculum implementation supports and find available resources for students, parents and for teachers.
Speakers
avatar for Alberta Education

Alberta Education

Manager, Implementation Unit of Curriculum Division, Alberta Education
Curriculum division staff will facilitate the session. Additional information can be provided upon acceptance of proposal.
Friday February 21, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
RDP Room 2602

11:40am MST

Embracing the Powerful Role of Failure in ALL classrooms!
Friday February 21, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
What do Lizzo, Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga, Steven King, Michael Jordan....and Albert Einstein have in common? They all faced massive amounts of failure before getting to where they are today! Let's be real. Fear of failure is one of the biggest reasons that so many students have math anxiety. It prevents students from asking questions, speaking up in class, and even supporting their peers. But one thing no one talks about is this: most mathematicians and scientists in real life get paid to fail! ln this workshop we will explore the powerful role of failure in math class and how you can harness it to inspire your students to embrace failure in math class - and in real life!
Speakers
avatar for Vanessa Vakharia

Vanessa Vakharia

Known as the Lady Gaga of math education, Vanessa is the founder and director of The Math Guru, a super cool boutique math & science tutoring studio in Toronto that's changing stereotypes about what math education looks like. She is also the host of the Math Therapy podcast, author... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
RDP MAIN STAGE/ AC117 (ARTS CENTRE)

11:40am MST

Autism 101
Friday February 21, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
Autism 101 gives the opportunity to gain a basic overview of autism and neurodiversity. It is an introduction to what autism is and gives information on how autistic individuals may interact with others and the world around them. More specifically, the presentation covers the following topics:
• Overview of Autism
• Characteristics of Autism
• How Sensory Processing Works
• Sensory toolbox
• Language to Use
• Introduction to Visual Supports
Speakers
DP

Douglas Parsons

Douglas Parsons is the Training and Resource Manager for Autism Edmonton. He lends his expertise in providing learning opportunities for the Autistic community (and those wanting to learn about Autism) around the world. Under his management umbrella is the Housing portfolio where... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
RDP Room 2501

11:40am MST

Make 'Em Laugh:Clowning for Class Clowns
Friday February 21, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
So many have begun to fear clowns, through the advent of Scary Clowns. Dispel this fear. This session covers movement, makeup, costume and scene creation though the use of classic clowning. It is a physical unit that has students up and moving, yet is appropriate for those with disabilities as well. The unit gives a physical outlet for energy while learning about the history of clowning. Also, it teaches students planning, group communication and presentation giving them the chance to improve their confidence and communication skills. As the unit does not involve verbal communication, students of all languages and abilities will be able to participate.
Speakers
avatar for P Gail Whiteford

P Gail Whiteford

A drama teacher for 35 years, in Australia and Calgary Gail retired to teach Drama Education at U of C, while still teaching workshops at schools in Alberta and British Columbia. Gail has presented sessions at over 20 Teachers' Conventions in Alberta. She has written 2 books on the... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
RDP Room 1408

11:40am MST

I Can’t Believe They Said That… 10 Keys to Help Students Feel Safe in Your Classroom
Friday February 21, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
Often, it is through the lens of teachers that we learn what is best practice for helping students feel safe in our classrooms. In this honest and lighthearted session, Zoe, who graduated from high school in 2023, brings to light the highs and lows of her school experience. Through storytelling and providing alternatives to what she experienced, you will get a first-hand account of how Teachers can impact students firsthand. From the subtle to the obvious, this is a rare opportunity to get a student perspective from the seats in the classroom.
Speakers
ZM

Zoe Marlett

Zoe is a true Renaissance individual. At age nineteen, a year and a half out of high school, she is finally realizing that she is, above all, a lover of stories and their telling. Amongst being a professional actor in the Netflix series Black Summer and various other movies, she loves... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
RDP Room 2304

11:40am MST

(K-12) Dance and Mental Health
Friday February 21, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
Positive mental health requires students to have a positive sense of self, spirit and belonging. Movement is a powerful tool to help prevent and alleviate stress as well as boost our bodies and our moods! In this interACTIVE workshop, you’ll gain a better understanding of mental health and the factors that affect it. Get ready to experience practical dances that use purposefully designed movement to promote and foster positive mental health, by addressing the cognitive, social, physical and emotional domains of wellbeing.
Speakers
avatar for Danielle Fraser

Danielle Fraser

Teacher and Consultant, PL3Y Education Edmonton & Red Deer
Danielle Fraser is a K-12 teacher who specializes in Physical Education and Inclusion Support. She graduated from the University of British Columbia with a Bachelor of Kinesiology and a Bachelor of Education. Over the years, she has taught in BC and Alberta, and has present in Canada... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
RDP Room AC147(Studio B)

11:40am MST

La langue du Michif
Friday February 21, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
Michif is a mixed language, derived mainly from Cree and French. This workshop is an educational approach that allows teachers to integrate Métis languages, knowledge and perspectives into their teaching. This workshop is intended for teachers who wish to develop and apply basic knowledge about First Peoples for the benefit of all students (EQS 5), but who have difficulty navigating the range of resources available. By exploring the web resources of the Michif Awakening Kit, participants will discover the mechanisms of this language, but above all they will see how the use of Michif educational resources can make it possible to achieve a multitude of learning outcomes
in the program (in French, arts, social studies, science, well-being), while working towards reconciliation. Specifically, teachers will explore the various resources available on the website. On the practical side, participants will work to adapt the available resources to their needs, in line with recommended good practices for making authentic and respectful use of the knowledge shared by Elders. Participants will leave the workshop with access to multiple lesson plans and corresponding resources.
Speakers
avatar for Rania Eshak

Rania Eshak

Rania is an award winning High School Teacher, she received the excellence in teaching award 2016. Rania is a passionate educator who taught for over 15 years with ECSD. She has a bachelor of Secondary Education, and a master's degree both from University of Alberta.
Friday February 21, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
RDP Room 1303

11:40am MST

"Look Teacher... Come See My Amazing Wintercount!"
Friday February 21, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
Developing and applying foundational knowledge about First Nations, Metis, and Inuit for the benefit of students has been a new task challenging teachers in the classroom. In this session, Erin reviews a simple, effective and interesting project that makes these FNMI Connections for students, yet isn’t too complicated or time consuming and can be used across any subject area or grade level. Participants will have the opportunity to learn about what Wintercounts are, their value in the classroom and will engage in the Wintercount process first hand. Exemplars will be shared along with templates that are ready to use in classrooms on Monday morning. If you are a teacher that values inclusion, creativity and literacy, then this session is for you!
Speakers
EM

Erin Montgomery

Erin is an experienced Secondary Science Educator with 20 years of teaching experience within Elk Island Catholic Schools. She is currently on leave from EICS, and now serves as the Curriculum and Assessment Learning Coach for St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Schools, where she provides... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
RDP Room 1503

11:40am MST

180 Days of Structured Word Inquiry
Friday February 21, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
Are you interested in trying Structured Word Inquiry (SWI) with your class, but not sure where to start? I'll share the daily lessons and games that I used with a Grade 2 class to help us learn about word families and the logic of spelling.
Speakers
avatar for Amber Cahill

Amber Cahill

Teacher, Edmonton Public Schools
Amber Cahill is a teacher with Edmonton Public Schools. She has 19 years experience as a classroom teacher and has completed a Master's Degree in Special Education with a focus on Reading, Writing, and Oral Language Disabilities. She has been incorporating Structured Word Inquiry... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
RDP Room 1600

11:40am MST

Using Data to Build Better Assessments
Friday February 21, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
So, you have just finished scoring your students’ tests. You have a bunch of data! What do you do with that data? This workshop will explore some key tools for interpreting assessment data and discuss how they can be used to build assessments that are fair, reflect a range of student understanding, and provide meaningful feedback to students. The facilitators, Jason Cooper and Laura Pankratz, have decades of classroom and assessment experience. Participants in this workshop will engage in discussion and exploration of what is currently working in Alberta classrooms.
Speakers
avatar for Jason Cooper

Jason Cooper

Onsite contact: Jason Coooper
Jason Cooper is the creator and owner of SmarterMarks, a tool that helps teachers and students do more with paper and online assessments. Before making the switch to supporting and developing SmarterMarks full-time, he worked as a high school science teacher in Calgary for 9 year... Read More →
avatar for Laura Pankratz

Laura Pankratz

Western Canada Teacher Network Coordinator, Perimeter Institute
Laura Pankratz is an educator with more than 30 years of working with students and teachers. One of her principles of education is the learning is messy. Her passion is finding the nugget of value in that mess and then helping the learner to build around it. Laura’s career included... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
RDP Room 1437

11:40am MST

BLAST: A Targeted Literacy Intervention
Friday February 21, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
With so many of our students needing intervention to bridge the gaps created by learning interruptions, how do we meet each student’s specific needs? This session will highlight how implementing a large-scale intervention can be an effective way to improve literacy levels for all students. Phonemic awareness and phonics skills are assessed and students are placed in small, flexible groups to receive instruction on a specific reading or pre-reading skill (such as rhyming, letter sounds, blends, long vowels, etc.). Whether you start with just a couple of classes, a couple of grades, or the whole school, this approach can be beneficial for all students- performing below, at, or above grade level. Join me to learn about this locally developed program, with numerous samples and resources shared.
Speakers
avatar for Nancy MacLellan

Nancy MacLellan

owner, Nancy Mac Consulting
Nancy has been an educator for more than 30 years, with experience teaching classes from Kindergarten to High School. Before her retirement in 2022, she taught in a JK to Grade 3 school in Alberta for 15 years, supporting staff and students as the Inclusive Education Facilitator and... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
RDP Room 2305

11:40am MST

Success with Basic Multiplication and Division Facts
Friday February 21, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
This interactive session will first explore the commutative property and fact families that are integral to learning multiplication and division facts and then cover our Thinking Strategies series approach: “chunking” facts into groups, developing efficient thinking strategies for each chunk, and the importance of drill/practice. You will leave this session with important insights on how best to teach basic multiplication and division and we will provide activities from the MathImagine Foundation resources.

Why is this session relevant to teachers?
Why this is an important session: It provides an effective and straightforward approach to teaching basic multiplication and division facts.
What will be the learning: Number relationships, chunking facts, commutative or turnaround property of basic facts, thinking strategies for basic facts, and John Van de Walle’s theory of building mastery.
Focus: Basic multiplication and addition facts.
Takeaway: Teachers will be able to improve on their current approach of teaching student multiplication and division facts. Teachers will also take away activities to use in the classroom.
Speakers
avatar for Angela Hanson

Angela Hanson

Angela Hanson is an elementary school educator who believes that learning math concepts should be active and fun. She structures math classes that encourage students to move and engage in group activities. Her students are excited to discover new math strategies using manipulatives... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
RDP Room 2600

11:40am MST

All Aboard for Algebra!
Friday February 21, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
Many of the Algebraic concepts that lived in junior high are now seen by and are engaging Division 2 students. Roll up your sleeves, one more time and dive into the manipulatives that can help us engage our learners in these algebraic concepts. Knowing ‘why’ we do what we do in algebra is very important to students making those valuable connections.
Speakers
avatar for Chris Zarski

Chris Zarski

Designer of Professional Learning, ARPDC
Chris is an Educational Consultant supporting Alberta teachers as a Designer of Professional Learning with the Alberta Provincial Learning Consortium (APLC). She has served as a Teacher, Administrator, Curriculum Director of Curriculum, Examiner with Alberta Education, and Author... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
RDP Room 2302

11:40am MST

Sound and lighting equipment 101 (ATA Fine Arts Council)
Friday February 21, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
Geared towards the music teacher, this session will discuss basic sound and lighting equipment for performances. We will touch on what to rent, how to set it up and hook everything up and how to run it.
Speakers
avatar for Amanda Clark

Amanda Clark

music representative, Fine Arts Council
Amanda Clark has been an elementary music teacher in Leduc for more than 10 years where she teaches in both French and English. She also teaches private lessons including the Music for Young Children program. She completed a Bachelor of Music at University of Alberta Augustana Campus... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
RDP Room AC222 (Arts Centre)

11:40am MST

Develop and Trust Your intuition
Friday February 21, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
Have you ever ignored that little voice, or gut feeling, that tells you to grab an item on your way out the door, then wished you’d listened, because, “Darn! That would’ve been handy to have right now!” That inner guidance was your intuition. Intuition is like a muscle – exercising it makes it stronger. The practical exercises presented in this session build the ability to trust intuition to assess children’s situations, or best course of action, bring greater ease into life and the classroom.
Speakers
avatar for Tina Thrussell

Tina Thrussell

Facilitator, Best U Can B Inc
Tina Thrussell has been facilitating impactful, interactive, personal expansion experiences for 20 years. Tina is well known for her light-hearted energy and contagious enthusiasm. By effectively combining powerful tools with her strong intuition, she has inspired thousands of people... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
RDP Room AC142 (Arts Centre)

11:40am MST

Extended Disability
Friday February 21, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
Understanding extended disability and long-term disability benefits can be challenging. The session provides an overview of this benefit and its eligibility, a review of best practices on applying for the benefit and outlines supports the Association offers to members during the application and, potentially, the appeal process.
Speakers
avatar for ATA Staff Officer

ATA Staff Officer

Executive Staff Officer, Teacher Employment Services, The Alberta Teachers' Association
TBD
Friday February 21, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
RDP Room 2505

11:40am MST

Engaging the Staff Recognition Underground
Friday February 21, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
Sure, administrators and other leaders should be recognizing staff for their contributions and achievements, but that shouldn’t be the end of it. Peer recognition can become a powerful way to create a workplace where people feel valued as individuals and appreciated for what they do. This session will include suggestions on what leaders can do to encourage and support peer recognition and on how staff members can recognize their colleagues.

BONUS: Participants will receive a sample Peer Recognition Card with more than 15 tips on how staff members can recognize their colleagues.
Friday February 21, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
RDP Room 2205

11:40am MST

Exploring the New Curriculum Through MakeCode Arcade Games
Friday February 21, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
Strengthen your students’ problem-solving skills and engage creatively with the curriculum by cre-ating games in Microsoft MakeCode Arcade! This session will provide you with the foundational knowledge to help your students design their own video games, then bring those games to life through block-based coding. Learn how computational thinking skills such as pattern recognition, algorithm design, and debugging are necessary when coding and how to connect games to cur-ricular concepts in any subject. This session explores connections to the Computer Science curricu-lum for grades 4 and up.

A laptop, Chromebook, or tablet is required for this session.
Some devices will be available for loan on a first come, first served basis.
Speakers
avatar for Whitney Horban

Whitney Horban

Northern Coding Academy, TELUS World of Science - Edmonton
TELUS World of Science – Edmonton is dedicated to fostering life-long learning by creating a vibrant science and technology culture in our region.  We offer a diverse array of in-person and virtual school programs. Our programs are connected to the Alberta curriculum and designed... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
RDP Room 1328

11:40am MST

Gr 9 - Engaging Projects
Friday February 21, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
Do you struggle engaging your students with the topics of government and economics? Want your students to think critically and build skills? This session will walk you through a variety of different tasks that can be interactive, develop critical thinking skills, work to apply knowledge and interpret a variety of sources. Tasks range from government simulations, YCJA scenarios and trials, cross curricular ELA texts/resources, economic simulations, videos to support learning, propaganda, etc.
Speakers
avatar for Joanna Zakus

Joanna Zakus

Joanna has a BA History and a BEd Secondary Social Studies. She has been teaching primarily social studies and humanities for the last 20 years at the junior high level. Joanna currently is a teacher at a junior high school with the Calgary Board of Education. She focuses on interactive... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
RDP Room 2303

11:40am MST

Engage to Empower: Motivational Strategies Beyond Rewards
Friday February 21, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
Are you hoping to reignite your students’ curiosity and empower them to take ownership of their own learning journey? In this session, we'll dive into strategies to move beyond ineffective, traditional motivators like guilt-driven pressures and external rewards. Instead, we’ll equip you with fun and practical ways to spark authentic engagement and enthusiasm for learning through creative, hands-on activities and dynamic classroom experiences.
Speakers
avatar for Sara Kovick

Sara Kovick

Sara Kovick is a dedicated Elementary Educator and certified Forest & Nature School Practitioner. She has completed graduate coursework in Inclusive Education, assessment, and educating diverse learners. She applies her professional knowledge to integrate innovative, strengths-based... Read More →
avatar for Christine Gonkowicz

Christine Gonkowicz

Gonkowicz, Christine
Christine has dedicated most of her career to teaching in early education, with a focus on intervention. She has completed graduate studies in Early Childhood Education and is Forest-School certified, applying effective strategies such as play-based learning, inquiry-based learning... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
RDP Room 1500 (Cornerstone Restaurant)

11:40am MST

Artemis Generation - Using Space Exploration to Inspire ANY Classroom!
Friday February 21, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
CSA Astronaut, Jeremy Hansen, is part of the Artemis II mission and will be the first Canadian to travel around the moon! Come and learn about a variety of Canadian contributions to space exploration and how you can inspire future Artemis astronauts to help us get a maple leaf on the Moon! Amanda Green is a CSA Canadian Space Ambassador and will share all of the resources already out there and can show you how to connect space exploration to a variety of STEM subjects like; environmental science, plants, energy and electricity, coding and technology, Indigenous Ways of Knowing and Being, & so much more! Amanda primarily focuses on Junior High (both in English and French), but has many ideas you can use with students of all ages.
Speakers
avatar for Amanda Green

Amanda Green

Teacher, Science Council
Amanda's spark for science ignited at an early age exploring nature with her family and grew into a flame for space exploration as she followed Canada's journey skyward. She teaches Junior High STEM classes in both English and French in Beaumont, Alberta. Alongside her colleague Julie... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
RDP Room 2301

11:40am MST

Energize Fractions with Online Simulations
Friday February 21, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
Dive into the world of interactive math simulations, where conceptual understanding and student confidence grows. Gizmos online simulations can inspire your students to think like mathematicians. Participants will engage in an interactive lesson with scaffolding fraction Gizmos. Explore Gizmos resources that you can incorporate immediately into your classroom! Access to Gizmos for K-6 teachers has been provided by Alberta Education. Please bring an electronic device to get the most out of this session.
Speakers
avatar for Karen Blumhagen

Karen Blumhagen

Implementation Coordinator, Alberta, Explore Learning
Karen Blumhagen is an Implementation Coordinator with ExploreLearning. She has over thirty years of experience in education as a classroom teacher, learning facilitator, and administrator. Karen has observed firsthand the positive impacts of online simulations on student understanding... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
RDP Room AC159 (Arts Centre)

11:40am MST

Exploring the New Physical Education and Wellness Curriculum: Experience and Understand the KUSPs for the Gym.
Friday February 21, 2025 11:40am - 2:00pm MST
½ day active participation session for Teachers leading Physical Education
The first 30: exploring specifics of the new curriculum to understand and simplify the KUSPs
Explore activities to meet the Spatial Awareness/Tactical KUSPs (you will be moving and playing) and physical dimensions (tasks to build skills vs. games)
Experiment with embedding character, safety, teamwork, and relationship KUSPs into activities while tracking progress
Set yourself up for success in the gym for Generalists and new teachers
Ways to start and end classes to enforce and deepen the KUSPs
List of resources to help you with the new curriculum and leave with the relief that it is in your grasp to deliver
Questions and answers will be a constant part of this active session
Speakers
avatar for Paul Marlett

Paul Marlett

Learning Leader, Calgary Board of Education
Paul is a purebred teacher and a maverick in education who focuses on innovation in the “art of teaching”. Having taught for over 2 decades in the classroom, the gym, and (approved) mountain tops from grades 1 to 12 in all subject matters, he has spent the last 10 years with the... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 11:40am - 2:00pm MST
RDP Room 1000 (Small Gym-Kevin Sirois)

12:15pm MST

Leadership through Horses
Friday February 21, 2025 12:15pm - 3:20pm MST
Participants will begin with an introduction to the horses, how to calm our nervous system with them in our presence, with focus and mindfulness through breathing exercises. We will break into small groups and build our leadership through grooming, groundwork, and fun cooperative games with the horses. We will then look at personal struggles we can relate to with our students, staff and self and work through them together to create success through building obstacles. Discussion around horse hierarchy, personalities, prey animal behaviours, creating a connection and lasting bond with these magnificent animals. Come join the herd, as we delve into a day in their lives and how they can make significant shifts in our mindset to bring out our best authentic self! Send $20.00 to brucoll@outlook.com to reserve your spot BEFORE FEBURARY 1ST. Wearing boots that you are able to walk in deeper sand is a requirement for horse safety and function (hiking boots, riding boots, lighter winter boots), light gloves for handling lead ropes and grooming horses, and if participants want to wear a bike helmet to bring it along. THE SESSION WILL BE HELD AT KASPIAN EQUESTRIAN (Box 26 Site 7 RR3, Olds, AB T4H 1P4)
Speakers
CH

Colleen Herzog

Horizon Equine- Equine Facilitated Wellness/Learning, partnering with horses to gain personal insight and improve our social-emotional skills. We offer leadership and core skill personal development through groundwork interactions and cooperative games/activities with horses. These... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 12:15pm - 3:20pm MST
Kaspian Equestrian

1:00pm MST

A Year in the Life of Junior High Art
Friday February 21, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
From oil pastel to soapstone sculpture, various successful grade 7, 8 and 9 art projects with be explored. Session participants will discuss student exemplars, project extensions and formal assessment rubrics that connect with the Alberta Art Curriculum. Participants will be able to create a project exemplar to take with them during this session. Art is a vehicle to engage students of any academic or physical ability. Students can utilize art as a tool to gain a better sense of wellness, creativity and self-confidence through the exploration of the arts.
Speakers
avatar for Christa Chapman

Christa Chapman

Visual Art, Social Emotional Learning & Mindfulness
Christa Chapman has been practicing mindfulness, meditation and yoga for over 20 years, and has completed a 500hr Modo/Moksha yoga teacher training, is a certified yin yoga (80hr), meditation instructor (200hr) and enrolled in a Social Emotional Learning/Mindfulness for Educators... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
RDP Room 2505

1:00pm MST

Coding for Climate - Using Microbits to Teach about Energy and Sustainability
Friday February 21, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
Micro:bits are little pocket-sized computers packed with infinite possibilities! Come and see how to use this powerful tool to build engaging lessons around sustainability and energy conservation. Amanda Green will show you a variety of projects that focus on energy sources, environmental monitoring and coding for climate change. She will introduce you to InkSmith Climate Action kits and connect you with local energy organizations like Inside Education and the Alberta Emerald Foundation for free resources and potential funding. Amanda primarily focuses on Junior High (both in English and French), but has many ideas you can use with students of all ages. If you would like to try a Microbit please make sure to bring your own laptop or Chromebook.
Speakers
avatar for Amanda Green

Amanda Green

Teacher, Science Council
Amanda's spark for science ignited at an early age exploring nature with her family and grew into a flame for space exploration as she followed Canada's journey skyward. She teaches Junior High STEM classes in both English and French in Beaumont, Alberta. Alongside her colleague Julie... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
RDP Room 2301

1:00pm MST

Beat the Disconnect Effect: Creating Powerful Presentations
Friday February 21, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
If your audience is snoring, does it mean the presentation is boring? Any presenter can advance their ability to connect with diverse audiences by building accessible slide presentations. Learn how to leverage visual story telling, audience engagement and AI to your advantage in your next presentation.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
Build understanding of effective presentation design principles.
Learn practical tips & tools for building inclusive presentations.
Discuss how AI can be used to help create compelling content.
Speakers
TN

Tammy Nischuk

Tammy Nischuk is a presentation design expert that is on a mission to turn ordinary slides into vibrant visuals that captivate audiences with your ideas. With a background in adult education, graphic design and training as a broadcaster, Tammy knows how to make messages stick. They... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
RDP Room 2501

1:00pm MST

Tailoring Lessons for Success: Adapting Curriculum to Meet the Needs of Language Learners
Friday February 21, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
Join us for a collaborative working session focused on adapting lessons to better support additional language learners. This session will provide a structured yet flexible environment where educators can work together, guided by the facilitator, to develop strategies and lesson modifications tailored to their unique classroom needs. Bring your computer, materials and anything you need to work.

Learning Outcomes: By the end of this session, participants will:
Gain hands-on experience in adapting lesson plans to meet the needs of EAL students.
Walk away with a lesson plan tailored to their classroom needs.
Develop practical skills in modifying lessons to enhance accessibility and engagement for language learners.
Benefit from collaborative problem-solving and peer feedback to refine their approach.
Speakers
AS

Angela Skene

I am an educator based in Alberta with a Master's degree in English Language Learners, which I earned in 2019 from the University of North Dakota. My goal is to make learning exciting and to tailor my teaching methods to meet the unique needs of each student. I am deeply passionate... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
RDP Room 1400 (MP Theatre)

1:00pm MST

Vocabulary Development Across Disciplines
Friday February 21, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
This session will focus on the essential need for academic vocabulary development to build a strong foundation for academic success for EAL (and all) students. During this session, we will look at key terminology, theories, and frameworks that underpin vocabulary acquisition. Additionally, we will examine practical strategies to enhance vocabulary development in all subject areas.
Speakers
avatar for Gaylene Mackay

Gaylene Mackay

Gaylene has been working in the field of EAL for the past 21 years. She currently works as EAL Lead Teacher for Red Deer Public Schools and has taught and supported English Language Learners at the high school and middle school level. Additionally, Gaylene serves as president of the... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
RDP Room 1408

1:00pm MST

Gestion de classe—ce qui fonctionne
Friday February 21, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
Cet atelier a été conçu pour les enseignants débutants ou nouveaux dans la profession. Les participants revisiteront le thème de la gestion de classe et son importance, à commencer par l’importance de privilégier des relations positives et authentiques avec les élèves. De là, ils examineront les règles, routines, procédures et stratégies liées à la gestion de classe. L’objectif de cet atelier est d’aider les participants à créer des salles de classe dans lesquelles le travail des élèves et des enseignants pourra porter ses fruits.
Speakers
avatar for Andrea Mishio

Andrea Mishio

Teacher
With 17 years of invaluable experience in the education field, Andrea brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table. After spending 15 years teaching in a junior high school setting, she now finds herself in the world of early childhood education as a dedicated kindergarten... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
RDP Room 2602

1:00pm MST

Counter Exploitation and Child Trafficking Initiative - Central Alberta Child Advocacy Centre
Friday February 21, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
Our mission is to raise awareness and empower communities to combat exploitation in all its forms, particularly human trafficking. Our presentations aim to dispel myths about online safety and highlight the alarming rise in reported exploitation cases, especially among vulnerable populations like youth and marginalized groups. Understanding exploitation is vital, as it can lead to human trafficking, with many individuals manipulated online. By educating attendees on recognizing grooming signs and identifying at-risk individuals, we empower proactive intervention. Our engaging sessions feature videos, scenarios, role-playing, and interactive tools to enhance learning.
Speakers
CM

Cindy Matheson

Cindy Matheson and Cam Pizzey are experienced educators with over three decades of combined teaching and leadership experience. Cam, an accomplished educational leader, brings over 30 years of experience, including 15 years in administrative roles, most recently as Principal at Don... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
RDP Room 1600

1:00pm MST

Double Trouble: The Online Side of Sex Ed
Friday February 21, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
Social media is a staple in teenage lives, and many kids have their own cell phones as young as grade 5. This means not only do youth need support learning skills for face-to-face life, but also online life. When it comes to sexual health, social media makes for double duty on skills to stay safe, protect their privacy, make healthy decisions and foster happy relationships. This session will empower teachers to tackle social media and online aspects in their sexual health units such as sexting, sextortion, pornography, gender stereotypes, online dating, privacy, and more! We will cover how these topics relate to curriculum objectives, what youth need to know, and how much detail to provide.
Participants will leave with a pocket full of evidence-based resources to support their unit design, and the confidence to tackle this topic and meet best practice standards.
Speakers
CM

Carlie McPhee

Meet Carlie (she/they) - your go-to authority on all things sexual health education.Carlie has been working in the Sexual & Reproductive Health field as a specialized sexual health educator for over a decade across western Canada. She has a Bachelor of Kinesiology in Leadership in... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
RDP Room 1328

1:00pm MST

The Joy of Movement
Friday February 21, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
Moving the body is important for health, (physical, mental, and emotional) and also enhances learning. Interactive session offers great tools for your personal well-being, as well as for improving student performance and attitudes. Experience creative, expressive movement that’s safe, easy to do, and simple to incorporate into the classroom. Learn The BrainDance (a technique to help students improve performance, focus and co-ordination), the principles of Nia, and more in this fun session, which includes dance-based movement. Dress comfortably and bring a water bottle.
Speakers
avatar for Tina Thrussell

Tina Thrussell

Facilitator, Best U Can B Inc
Tina Thrussell has been facilitating impactful, interactive, personal expansion experiences for 20 years. Tina is well known for her light-hearted energy and contagious enthusiasm. By effectively combining powerful tools with her strong intuition, she has inspired thousands of people... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
RDP Room AC147(Studio B)

1:00pm MST

EdCamp-K&E
Friday February 21, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
Are you looking to connect with other educators in the Knowledge and Employability (K&E) programs? Join us for a session where we’ll create a space for you to collaborate, share stories, and find solutions to the unique challenges of K&E programs.

K&E programs are often smaller in scale, which can make it difficult to find peers to collaborate with. This session is designed specifically for you to connect with like-minded professionals, share your stories of success, and discuss the challenges you face in the classroom. Whether you're navigating student engagement, individualized learning, or program development, you'll leave with new strategies and a stronger sense of community.

Don’t miss out on this chance to build a collaborative community that will support you throughout the year. Bring your experiences, questions, and ideas—we can't wait to see how we can help each other thrive!



Edcamp for high school teachers who teach K&E courses or students.

Do collaborate by using this document
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1bb-LbObhmNYTdnRbdshWB-glPXckYJJNzZ0gOZnp6sQ/edit?usp=sharing
Speakers
avatar for Larkin Joevenazzo

Larkin Joevenazzo

Larkin is a high school science teacher at Notre Dame High School in Red Deer, where she teaches both K&E and mainstream science. A passionate advocate for hands-on learning, Larkin incorporates labs and interactive activities into the classroom on a weekly basis, ensuring students... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
RDP Room AC142 (Arts Centre)

1:00pm MST

Rethinking Challenging Behaviour - An Introduction to Collaborative Problem Solving®
Friday February 21, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
Working with children and teens who demonstrate challenging behaviours can be difficult, stressful and complex. Collaborative Problem Solving® (CPS) is a compassionate, evidence-based, trauma-informed approach that provides a philosophy and tools to address challenging behaviour. This approach is used in schools across North America and has been demonstrated to build skills and relationships with students while reducing teacher burnout.

This is an introduction to CPS. This session helps educators reflect on their understanding of challenging behaviour and effective and ineffective interventions to address these behaviours. Participants will learn about how the Collaborative Problem Solving (CPS) approach describes why people demonstrate challenging behaviour and how CPS can address these behaviours. This session will help educators decide if CPS would be an effective approach to include in their practice and provide the information and resources to learn more.

If you would like more information about CPS prior to the session, please visit https://thinkkids.org/.
Speakers
avatar for Matt Sticksl

Matt Sticksl

Teacher
Matt Sticksl is a teacher, parent and Think:Kids CPS Certified Trainer in Collaborative Problem Solving®. For the past two years he has been teaching in a Student Services role in a K-9 school with the Calgary Board of Education. Prior to this, he taught for eight years in adolescent... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
RDP Room 2305

1:00pm MST

If dodos could fly: The impact of creativity on mental health and tolerance of ambiguity
Friday February 21, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
Going through the motions isn't working for anyone. The secret to living and working in technicolour is right under your nose. Creativity isn't just for artists, it's the key that will help you reconnect to your passion for teaching, and unearth the unique strengths in each student. If you want things to be different, you need to think differently.Everyday creativity is a spark that, once rekindled, transforms how you approach everything. It brings more joy, confidence in uncertainty, and the courage to share your unique perspective. Tackle new challenges with gusto and find new opportunities hiding in plain sight.Creative shifts start with daily, simple acts like making a meal, building a pivot table, or sneaking vegetables in smoothies. Studies show that these small creative acts impact your well-being, leadership skills, adaptability, and problem-solving prowess. Feel like you’ve heard it all before? Try this unconventional and evidence-based approach that links the dots between creativity, tolerance of ambiguity, and well being, to boost your mood and find new solutions to old problems. In this “light delivery, deep message” keynote, discover the DANCE method: 5 simple habits to light a creative fire in every teacher and student. No arts and crafts required.Attendees will charge away with renewed enthusiasm to contribute, because they will be able to:Describe the evidence of every person’s creative potential (no arts & crafts required).Implement one simple secret to divergent and convergent thinking that will instantly ignite creative solutions.Engage 5 effortless habits (DANCE) every day to build a creative mindset. Describe how teachers can help students to embrace ambiguity in order to be more confident in shades of grey.
Speakers
avatar for Caroline Brookfield

Caroline Brookfield

Artful Science
Dr. Caroline Brookfield is an author, speaker, entrepreneur, veterinarian, and award-winning innovator. She specializes in building capacity for more tolerance in change, to buffer against burnout, and to increase organizational adoption of creative solutions. Caroline holds a DVM... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
RDP MAIN STAGE/ AC117 (ARTS CENTRE)

1:00pm MST

ELA and SS - Engaging Tasks Connected to Conflict
Friday February 21, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
Want to bring conflict and military history to life in your classroom? Want your students to connect to different challenges associated with people's experiences with conflict? Want your students to think critically and build skills? We will be looking at a variety of different conflicts connected to the curriculum (EG: War of 1812, Conquest of the Americas, Remembrance Day, etc.) in social studies as well as a variety of different ELA texts that have conflict as a theme (EG: The Sniper, War Poetry, songs connected to war and peace, etc.). Students get to explore and understand situations where individuals are interacting with conflict and war and the consequences individually and for society. There are many connections to be made to other times in world history to allow students to critically think about the movement of peoples. You will walk away with the complete lessons, activities, projects and resources.
Speakers
avatar for Joanna Zakus

Joanna Zakus

Joanna has a BA History and a BEd Secondary Social Studies. She has been teaching primarily social studies and humanities for the last 20 years at the junior high level. Joanna currently is a teacher at a junior high school with the Calgary Board of Education. She focuses on interactive... Read More →
avatar for Nicholle  Morrison

Nicholle Morrison

Teacher, Calgary Board of Ed.
Nicholle has a BA in Sociology and a BEd Education. She has taught for 14 years. She began by primarily teaching elementary grades 5 and 6 and then 9 years teaching social studies and humanities at the junior high level. Nicholle currently is a high school Social Studies teacher with... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
RDP Room 2303

1:00pm MST

Top 10 Numeracy Activities for Preschool/Kindergarten
Friday February 21, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
Join our interactive session of our top 10 numeracy activities for the preschool and kindergarten classroom. These activities are easy to implement, cross-curricular, low-cost, and fun! And you will be able to use them in the classroom the next day.

Why is this session relevant to teachers?
Why this is an important session: It provides teachers with activities to facilitate numeracy in their classroom.
What will be the learning: Easy, low cost, fun, cross-curricular numeracy activities.
Focus: Numeracy concepts.
Takeaway: Numeracy activities to use in the classroom.
Speakers
avatar for Angela Hanson

Angela Hanson

Angela Hanson is an elementary school educator who believes that learning math concepts should be active and fun. She structures math classes that encourage students to move and engage in group activities. Her students are excited to discover new math strategies using manipulatives... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
RDP Room 2600

1:00pm MST

Making the Most of Outcomes in Assessment
Friday February 21, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
You are a great teacher! You engage your students in rich learning tasks, and your students are successfully learning. How do you make sure your assessments reflect the breadth of student learning, and that feedback to students, parents and school administration helps them make informed choices moving forward? Blueprinting assessments (and class time) can help you. This workshop will explore the ideas of intentionally addressing mandated curriculum outcomes and cognitive load through blueprinting. The facilitators, Jason Cooper and Laura Pankratz, have decades of classroom and assessment experience. Participants in this workshop will engage in discussion and exploration of what is currently working in Alberta classrooms.
Speakers
avatar for Jason Cooper

Jason Cooper

Onsite contact: Jason Coooper
Jason Cooper is the creator and owner of SmarterMarks, a tool that helps teachers and students do more with paper and online assessments. Before making the switch to supporting and developing SmarterMarks full-time, he worked as a high school science teacher in Calgary for 9 year... Read More →
avatar for Laura Pankratz

Laura Pankratz

Western Canada Teacher Network Coordinator, Perimeter Institute
Laura Pankratz is an educator with more than 30 years of working with students and teachers. One of her principles of education is the learning is messy. Her passion is finding the nugget of value in that mess and then helping the learner to build around it. Laura’s career included... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
RDP Room 1437

1:00pm MST

Dungeons, Dragons, and Desks: Bringing Adventure to the Classroom
Friday February 21, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
Session Overview: This interactive session will explore how educators can use Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) and popular pop culture fan interests to create a dynamic, inclusive learning environment. Attendees will gain insights into how D&D fosters critical thinking, empathy, resiliency, and creativity in students while building a community around shared interests. We’ll also provide practical tools, live demonstrations, engaging activity ideas that can be implemented quickly, and a Q&A section to ensure attendees leave with actionable ideas.
Speakers
avatar for Haly Engel

Haly Engel

AP Biology teacher at Hunting Hills
SM

Sean McWade

Grade 7 Math / Social / Woodworking Teacher
Friday February 21, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
RDP Room 2601

1:00pm MST

Hands-On Physics 20/30 - Labs, Demos and More
Friday February 21, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
There are many lab experiences mandated in the Alberta Physics 20-30 Program of Studies, 2007. These experiences do not need to use expensive equipment and do not need to involve intricate procedures. The goal of this session is to provide teachers with ideas for over 20 hands-on experiences spanning Physics 20 and 30, have participants engage in a discussion of program expectations regarding these experiences and how implementing a guided inquiry or open-ended approach enhances student learning. Teachers will also be introduced to various evaluation methods and scoring guides for lab skills that can be implemented in the classroom.

Speakers
avatar for Kristian Basaraba

Kristian Basaraba

Kristian Basaraba (he/him) is a father of two, teacher, lead singer in the punk rock cover band Dad Religion, podcast host, semi-retired skateboarder and the founder of the community organization known as Rad Dads Edmonton. He is currently on a secondment from his school board working... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
RDP Room 1435

1:00pm MST

"Look Mum... Come See My Awesome Science Journal!"
Friday February 21, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
In this session, teachers will learn about the structure, function and application of science journals that can be used in the Secondary Science classroom. Including resources that support Assessment For Learning practices and FNMI connections, these journals serve 2 large purposes. They are a "guided home study program" to supplement student classroom learning (especially useful for chronically absent students or student athletes), and they serve the larger purpose of becoming evidence of a student's learning for parents/guardians to be displayed during parent meetings or conferences. Exemplars of these journals will be shown as well as tips, ideas and templates for teachers to start to use them in their own classroom immediately with their own diverse learners. Science 9 and 10 journals will be specifically shown during this session but Science Journals can be implemented in any 7-12 classroom with the templates and resources shared in this session. If you are a teacher that values student hard work, dedication, organization, pride in work and good study habits, then this session is for you!
Speakers
EM

Erin Montgomery

Erin is an experienced Secondary Science Educator with 20 years of teaching experience within Elk Island Catholic Schools. She is currently on leave from EICS, and now serves as the Curriculum and Assessment Learning Coach for St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Schools, where she provides... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
RDP Room 1503

1:00pm MST

Case Studies and More! Unpacking Concepts in the New Science Curriculum
Friday February 21, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
How do we engage students in learning all the new concepts in their science curriculum? Learning e terms and their definitions is always a starting point but it's just surface level learning. This session will look at ways that we can ask our students to become independent thinkers and start to draw connections between what they know and where we need them to go. Participants will take part in several interactive activities that they can adapt to their own student levels and use within the classroom. Yup, another roll up your sleeve event!
Speakers
avatar for Chris Zarski

Chris Zarski

Designer of Professional Learning, ARPDC
Chris is an Educational Consultant supporting Alberta teachers as a Designer of Professional Learning with the Alberta Provincial Learning Consortium (APLC). She has served as a Teacher, Administrator, Curriculum Director of Curriculum, Examiner with Alberta Education, and Author... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
RDP Room 2302

1:00pm MST

I Don't Know What To Do and I Don't Know Where To Start TQS 5 (Implementing First Nations, Metis and Inuit perspectives)
Friday February 21, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
Like a lot of teachers in Science I had no idea what to do when The TQS was updated to include teaching about First Nations, Metis and Inuit perspectives. This session will focus on my beginning of and still continuing journey to develop the competencies listed in TQS 5. The goal of this session is to help teachers find a place to start in their journey understanding First Nations, Metis and Inuit perspectives, especially in a science classroom.
Many teachers, especially in math and science really struggle to include First Nations, Metis and Inuit knowledge into their classes. Because this is a difficult task and teachers are afraid to do something wrong, it is often simply ignored. I want to help teachers understand that we don’t have to be perfect right off the bat, we are going to make mistakes and that is ok! By talking about my journey and the things that I’ve tried and learned about that I can help other teachers find a place where they fit and are willing to try something new. Being willing to try is an important part of reconciliation and being able to create schools that are safer for all students, particularly those who are affected by the legacy of residential schools.
Speakers
avatar for Clarke Dyer

Clarke Dyer

Winner of the 2022 Earth Steward Teaching Award, Clarke started his teaching career in 2008 after graduating from the University of Alberta with a major in Biology and majorly awesome wife. While teaching at Victoria School, Clarke has worked to develop the school landscape into a... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
RDP Room 1500 (Cornerstone Restaurant)

1:00pm MST

Build Conceptual Understanding Using Online Math Simulations - Grades 1 and 2
Friday February 21, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
Discover how Gizmos online simulations can encourage young students to think like mathematicians. Explore the use of online simulations to enhance conceptual understanding, fostering student confidence in mathematics. Engage in a structured lesson aligned with the new Division 1 math curriculum, and access ready-to-use Gizmos classroom resources. Access to Gizmos for K-6 teachers has been provided by Alberta Education. Teachers are encouraged to bring a device.
Speakers
avatar for Karen Blumhagen

Karen Blumhagen

Implementation Coordinator, Alberta, Explore Learning
Karen Blumhagen is an Implementation Coordinator with ExploreLearning. She has over thirty years of experience in education as a classroom teacher, learning facilitator, and administrator. Karen has observed firsthand the positive impacts of online simulations on student understanding... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
RDP Room AC159 (Arts Centre)

1:00pm MST

Not your average pinch pot Session 2
Friday February 21, 2025 1:00pm - 3:00pm MST
This session if for Art Specialists that have experience in art. We will explore a hand building technique in clay that provides endless possibilities in sculptural as well as functional ceramics. It is an adaptation of a technique that I learned from artist Thomas Kerrigan and is well suited to creating small or large organic shapes with very few tools.To reserve your spot and pay for supplies, do send an email transfer of $10 to info@fluxstudioreddeer.ca This session will occur at Flux Studio found at 4732 60 St #150, Red Deer, AB T4N 7C7
Speakers
JP

Jen Pankratz

I am the owner/operator of Flux Studio which is a Community Ceramics Studio in Red Deer that offers classes at all levels as well as memberships to more experienced artists. I earned a BFA in Ceramics from the Alberta College of Art and Design (now AUArts), I have taught classes for... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 1:00pm - 3:00pm MST
Flux Studio

1:00pm MST

Creative Mandalas for Relaxation FULL
Friday February 21, 2025 1:00pm - 3:20pm MST
Create therapeutic art while relaxing! Using concentric patterns and designs, create amazing decorative mandalas on paper. Learn how to add watercolour, ink and markers to decorate your patterns. The process of creating mandalas can be very meditative giving one an escape from the stress of daily life. SUPPLIES ARE PROVIDED FOR THIS CLASS. Send a $25 email transfer to sally@sallytowerssybblis.com FOR YOUR SUPPLIES and reservations for this session.
Speakers
avatar for Sally Towers-Sybblis

Sally Towers-Sybblis

artist/instructor
Sally Towers-Sybblis is a full time mixed media artist from Red Deer, Alberta. Her whimsical style of art often incorporates a combination of lettering, watercolor or acrylic. Her work has been featured in various publications including “The Lettering Arts Review”.Her journey... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 1:00pm - 3:20pm MST
RDP Room 2507(Art Studio)

1:00pm MST

Viewpoint Gallery Visit of current exhibition FULL
Friday February 21, 2025 1:00pm - 3:20pm MST
Many people pause, reflect and consider the directions their lives have taken. Opportunities for reflection come from our daily activities and travels, journeys or adventures of which we may take part - either in solitude or that we share with others. This exhibition is a celebration of the lived experience of women in a range of ages and life stages, in their mid-twenties through to their seventies. The work featured has been created specifically for this exhibition and is meant to share each person's stage and place of life she currently inhabits; celebrating these journeys through life while sharing the depth of these experiences through painting, drawing and mixed media, ceramics and sculpture. Join us at the Viewpoint Gallery, located at 5205 48 Avenue (old Central Intermediate School), Red Deer, Alberta as we share this current exhibition AND join the conversation, if you wish.
Speakers
avatar for Sheena McNiff-Wolfe

Sheena McNiff-Wolfe

Sheena teaches Art, Drawing and Ceramics at Ecole Lindsay Thurber Comprehensive HS in Red Deer and is looking forward to connecting with other Art people during Convention.
Friday February 21, 2025 1:00pm - 3:20pm MST
Old Central Intermediate School

1:00pm MST

The Science of Language Learning
Friday February 21, 2025 1:00pm - 3:20pm MST
This presentation will outline how successful language learning happens throughout a child's development. The structure will be to answer the following questions by outlining the latest research and then providing examples from in-school experience.
1) What is unique about child language learning, and how is it different from animal communication, and AI-based language?
2) When does child language learning begin and what are the critical periods for language learning?
3) Who are the people that an ideal language development community requires?
4) Where are the spaces that language learning occurs most successfully?
5) How can home and school contexts be transformed into language-rich environments?
6) Why is language development so vital to a child's social, academic, and future vocational success?
7) Which changes can be made immediately and which changes take time?
Each of these questions will be answered in a way that attendees can understand the findings, as well as the implications and opportunities for the classroom.
Speakers
MW

Michael Witten

Since becoming a Speech-Language Pathologist in 2015, Michael Witten has worked as a school-based SLP, run a private practice, and taught First Language Acquisition at TWU. He has shared about the Science of Language Learning in numerous school district Pro-D events and for school... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 1:00pm - 3:20pm MST
RDP Room AC160 (Arts Centre)

1:00pm MST

Tipi Traditions and Balanced Living: Wisdom for Today's World
Friday February 21, 2025 1:00pm - 3:20pm MST
Embark on a transformative cultural journey with Elder Phillip Campiou from Treaty 8, as we delve into the sacred teachings and traditional practices centered around the Tipi. Experience the profound connection to the land as we participate in the hands-on process of setting up a full-size Tipi. Through immersive storytelling, we'll uncover the timeless wisdom embedded in these teachings, offering invaluable insights that resonate deeply in our contemporary lives.
Speakers
avatar for Phillip Campiou

Phillip Campiou

Elder, Driftpile Cree Nation
Phillip Campiou, a member of the Traditional Woodland Cree from Driftpile Cree Nation, Alberta, has made his home in the Onoway area. Growing up, Phillip's father instilled in him the principles of self-sufficiency and profound respect for Mother Earth and spiritual teachings. As... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 1:00pm - 3:20pm MST
RDP Room 1303

1:00pm MST

Vocabulary: How can I enhance the words my students know and use?
Friday February 21, 2025 1:00pm - 3:20pm MST
In this session, we will discuss the importance of vocabulary instruction, as well as strategies for integrating vocabulary instruction into lessons throughout the day. Attendees will be shown several different activities that are classroom ready and can be implemented immediately.
Speakers
SK

Shauna Koopmans

With a combined total of over 40 years of experience in K-12 education, we have experience teaching literacy to students in grades K-12. Laura is currently teaching grade 2 in Red Deer and Shauna is an instructor in the Bachelor of Education program at RDP.
Friday February 21, 2025 1:00pm - 3:20pm MST
RDP Room AC222 (Arts Centre)

1:00pm MST

Unlocking the Vault: Secrets of Exemplary Football Programs in Alberta
Friday February 21, 2025 1:00pm - 3:20pm MST

While researching for a book, McIntyre discovered 5 concepts that resonated through the exceptional football programs of the Raymond Comets, St. Francis Browns of Calgary, Calgary Dinosaurs (80s) , Edmonton Huskies (60s) and Edmonton Eskimos (50s). These programs had a profound impact on the individuals and the communities they served. After interviewing close to one hundred people, Ron acquired an appreciation for the nuances of these highly successful teams. Through storytelling and examples, Ron will unlock the vault and reveal the practices of men such as Gary Deman, Peter Connellan, Dennis Kadatz and Normie Kwong. It is McIntyre’s belief that the best practices of these exemplar programs are timeless and have implications for the classroom as coaching and teaching are intricately intertwined.
Speakers
avatar for Ron McIntyre

Ron McIntyre

Ron McIntyre is a veteran high school educator of 33 years and has played and coached football at the minor, high school, and university levels in Alberta for nearly 40 years. He earned a History Degree from York University and an Education Degree from the University of Alberta. He... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 1:00pm - 3:20pm MST
RDP Room 2205

1:00pm MST

Stress, Drugs & Rock 'n' Roll: Managing Stress
Friday February 21, 2025 1:00pm - 3:20pm MST
Stress looks and feels different for everyone, but we all know what it’s like to be overwhelmed, burnt out and ready to throw the stapler! Come learn about your brain on stress and how this affects our thoughts, behaviours and interactions with each other. We will explore the dynamics of how to manage our stress so that we can be our best selves as we take on the challenges of work and life and understand ourselves and each other a bit better. Information, humor and some practical “life-hacks” for coping make this session just what the doctor ordered!
Speakers
avatar for Ariel Haubrich

Ariel Haubrich

Consultant/ Trainer/ Private Practitioner, Learning Network
Ariel Haubrich works in school & community mental health as a counsellor and program manager, and also as a consultant, presenter and private practitioner with government, businesses, teams and individuals working toward personal and organizational development. She is a Certified... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 1:00pm - 3:20pm MST
RDP Room 2503

1:00pm MST

Digital Escape Room
Friday February 21, 2025 1:00pm - 3:20pm MST
Join me for this captivating half-day session where we’ll create our very own digital escape room. This engaging escape room is perfect for concept reviews and exciting holiday activities. Students will be presented with a video hook (as seen in the example below) and then asked to solve a series of clues to "escape" or find a location from the video.

Please bring your laptops so we can create clues tailored to your subject and classroom needs. To get a sneak peek of what we'll be working on, check out this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Wa1YhEtLik. I'm eagerly looking forward to our time together, please note that this session will be very similar to last year’s.
Speakers
avatar for Jennifer Mahal

Jennifer Mahal

My name is Jennifer Mahal. As a teacher, I’ve had experience substituting across different schools in Calgary. I also spent time teaching Science at an academy in Hastings, UK. After my time abroad, I continued to teach in Calgary. With 11 years of teaching experience, I believe... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 1:00pm - 3:20pm MST
RDP Room 2304

2:20pm MST

Parlons-en! Compétences conversationnelles pour l'apprentissage
Friday February 21, 2025 2:20pm - 3:20pm MST
La conversation est un élément important du processus d’apprentissage. Cependant, il peut être frustrant pour l’enseignant comme pour les élèves de constater que ces derniers sont réticents à participer aux discussions ou que les conversations en petits groupes dérapent. En participant à cet atelier interactif, vous découvrirez des stratégies qui renforcent et développent les aptitudes à la conversation des élèves (et leur apprentissage) dans n’importe quelle matière! Nous explorerons des stratégies permettant de créer un environnement sûr, favorable aux discussions productives et à l’acquisition de compétences conversationnelles selon l’âge ou le niveau des élèves (sans oublier les élèves qui apprennent l’anglais comme langue additionnelle). Des activités où les élèves engagent des conversations centrées sur l’apprentissage seront également présentées.  Cet atelier aidera les directions d’école à comprendre les besoins uniques des enseignants débutants et le rôle décisif que joue la communauté scolaire pour faciliter leur insertion professionnelle. Deux thèmes majeurs seront abordés : les recherches menées sur les tendances démographiques actuelles dans l’enseignement, et les stratégies pratiques gagnantes pouvant être mises en œuvre par les enseignants débutants.
Speakers
Friday February 21, 2025 2:20pm - 3:20pm MST
RDP Room 2602

2:20pm MST

Axe Throwing at Final Axe
Friday February 21, 2025 2:20pm - 3:20pm MST
Come learn how to axe throw with your colleagues and during this time you will get a chance to experience the fun this activity is all about. There is a $20 charge to book your registration fee which you can send an email transfer to info@finalaxe.ca Please register no later than Friday, Feb 14 for staffing reasons.This session will occur at Final Axe: 4622 61 St #8, Red Deer, AB T4N 2R2
Friday February 21, 2025 2:20pm - 3:20pm MST
Final Axe

2:20pm MST

Board Game Cafe at Wizard Loft LIMITED
Friday February 21, 2025 2:20pm - 3:20pm MST
Come learn to play board games that you can use to supplement content and curriculum in your classroom or have some fun socializing and mingling with fellow gamers of all levels at Wizard's Loft (5201 54 Ave). A $15 entry per person will reserve your spot which includes your player fee as well as 2 drinks or snacks.

Check-in will begin at 1:30 and close at 3:00 pm, however, you are welcome to stay past the 3:20 "end" time.

ENTRY FEE:Send an email transfer of $15 to ericarlegh@gmail.com. In the message please include:
your first and last name, and your email address.

As there is a capacity limit, please ensure you are paid early! If you pay and we have reached capacity, you will be refunded.

PARKING:Carpooling is highly encouraged. The parking lot is not large but there is street parking and extra parking available at the GrowShop next door (owner has given permission).

Looking forward to a magical afternoon with you!
Speakers
EL

Erica Legh

Wizard Loft
Friday February 21, 2025 2:20pm - 3:20pm MST
Wizard's Loft Session 1

2:20pm MST

CATCA GOT TALENT LIMITED
Friday February 21, 2025 2:20pm - 3:20pm MST
Is there talent among our teachers in Central Alberta? You bet there is. Come on down and cheer on your colleague/friend.
If you want to be on stage for any reason, please fill out the following form (https://forms.gle/FnssNApaNJyHFgfv8) to get your name on the talent roster.

Friday February 21, 2025 2:20pm - 3:20pm MST
RDP Room 2501

2:20pm MST

Charge Your Battery by Incorporating Mindfulness and SEL into the Classroom
Friday February 21, 2025 2:20pm - 3:20pm MST
Find out ways to charge your own battery as an educator by incorporating mindfulness and social emotional learning into the classroom environment! We will explore the proven scientific evidence, anecdotes and testimonials about how and why bringing mindfulness and SEL into your daily routines/classroom environments are beneficial to you and your students mental, emotional and physical health. Simple and easy to use tips, techniques and methods will be explored, and a hand out will be provided, where you will then be able to practice them in the session, and conveniently incorporate Mindfulness and Social Emotional Learning strategies into your daily life, and classroom! We will end the session with a longer relaxing group mindfulness session/reflection, to send you blissfully on your way! All experiences are welcome!
Speakers
avatar for Christa Chapman

Christa Chapman

Visual Art, Social Emotional Learning & Mindfulness
Christa Chapman has been practicing mindfulness, meditation and yoga for over 20 years, and has completed a 500hr Modo/Moksha yoga teacher training, is a certified yin yoga (80hr), meditation instructor (200hr) and enrolled in a Social Emotional Learning/Mindfulness for Educators... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 2:20pm - 3:20pm MST
RDP Room 2505

2:20pm MST

Vinyasa Flow Yoga Session
Friday February 21, 2025 2:20pm - 3:20pm MST
This vinyasa flow class allows beginners, intermediate, and advanced students to be challenged in the same class. The room is heated to help cleanse the body and warm the muscles. The dynamic mix of sweat and spirit that is cultivated in any vinyasa style class will challenge clients to step up to their edge and unlock hidden potential for achieving authentic personal power. It is encouraged to bring your Yoga mat.
Speakers
avatar for Candice Blum

Candice Blum

YogaNation
Offering an all levels yoga experience at YogaNation Red Deer
Friday February 21, 2025 2:20pm - 3:20pm MST
Yoga Nation Session 1

2:20pm MST

Shift Happens: Turning Pain into Purpose LIMITED
Friday February 21, 2025 2:20pm - 3:20pm MST
In life, we all face challenges that test our strength, resilience, and resolve in unique ways. For Claire Masikewich, that moment came in May 2023, when her five-year-old daughter was diagnosed with stage 4 neuroblastoma, an aggressive form of pediatric cancer.

In this heart-wrenching and transformative keynote, Claire shares her deeply personal journey of turning pain into purpose. Drawing from her professional expertise and advocacy work, she will guide you through how she reframed one of the darkest times of her life into a mission for change. With $160,000 raised for pediatric cancer research and the establishment of the Strong Like Sloane Foundation all while her daughter was going through intense cancer treatment, Claire demonstrates how even in the most overwhelming circumstances, we have the power to shift our perspective, reframe challenges, and rise with resilience.

This keynote is not only a story of personal triumph but a call to action for anyone facing difficult times. Claire’s message is one of courage, hope, and the untapped potential that lies within all of us to turn life's most difficult moments into something greater.

Key Takeaways:
Reframe your perspective on life's hardest moments.
Learn how shifting your mindset can turn obstacles into opportunities.
Discover how to turn pain into purpose and create meaningful change.

“You don’t know what you’re capable of until you’re asked to be capable.”

Join Claire as she explores how moments of hardship can lead to personal growth, powerful transformation, and a purpose that drives you forward.
Speakers
avatar for Claire Masikewich

Claire Masikewich

Claire Masikewich is a seasoned marketing and communications professional with a passion for advocacy that transcends the boundaries of her corporate career. She has a proven track record of successfully developing and implementing innovative marketing strategies that have driven... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 2:20pm - 3:20pm MST
RDP MAIN STAGE/ AC117 (ARTS CENTRE)

2:20pm MST

Math Games Galore: Having Fun with Math for Lower Elementary!
Friday February 21, 2025 2:20pm - 3:20pm MST
Need some fresh, new ideas for games and activities that kids LOVE to play? A multitude of engaging games supporting numeracy and basic facts will be introduced and played during the session. These games, from The MathImagine Foundation resources, are ideal for individual learning, group learning, learning centres, and whole-class instruction in lower Elementary. Be ready to participate, have fun, and win fantastic prizes!

Why is this session relevant to teachers?
Why this is an important session: This session provides well-designed games to help make learning math engaging and effective.
What will be the learning: Lower Elementary games supporting mastery of basic math facts and games that support numeracy development.
Focus: Basic facts and basic numeracy concepts.
Takeaway: New games to use in the classroom.
*This session can be combined with the Upper Elementary session to provide games from K-6.
Speakers
avatar for Angela Hanson

Angela Hanson

Angela Hanson is an elementary school educator who believes that learning math concepts should be active and fun. She structures math classes that encourage students to move and engage in group activities. Her students are excited to discover new math strategies using manipulatives... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 2:20pm - 3:20pm MST
RDP Room 2600

2:20pm MST

Handball in a day (Hour)
Friday February 21, 2025 2:20pm - 3:20pm MST
WHY HANDBALL you may ask... it is a great invasion game that has the potential to build teamwork quickly among all skill levels, and introduce new motor patterns to challenge your top athletes and complex strategies while playing. This is an active session and you will be playing the game with a full progression of skills, accompanying games (like handball dodgeball... so much fun), and the gameplay progression to supercharge the speed and teamwork of your class. One of my favourite accelerated scope and sequences I have been using for years. Get to the games and teach from there is the name of this progression. Once you know the 1/10th scan, the fun begins! Full progression and video resources shared at the session.
Speakers
avatar for Paul Marlett

Paul Marlett

Learning Leader, Calgary Board of Education
Paul is a purebred teacher and a maverick in education who focuses on innovation in the “art of teaching”. Having taught for over 2 decades in the classroom, the gym, and (approved) mountain tops from grades 1 to 12 in all subject matters, he has spent the last 10 years with the... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 2:20pm - 3:20pm MST
RDP Room 1000 (Small Gym-Kevin Sirois)

2:20pm MST

President Schilling: Unplugged
Friday February 21, 2025 2:20pm - 3:20pm MST
This session will offer the opportunity to meet with President Schilling in a group setting to discuss matters and issues that are of importance to you and your colleagues. The session will open with a few focus questions from President Schilling followed by an opportunity to have open dialogue on topics generated by the discussion.
Speakers
avatar for Jason Schilling

Jason Schilling

President, ATA
Friday February 21, 2025 2:20pm - 3:20pm MST
RDP Room 1400 (MP Theatre)

2:20pm MST

Explore How Online Science Simulations Support Scientific Literacy 7-12
Friday February 21, 2025 2:20pm - 3:20pm MST
Enhance scientific literacy using the CER approach and ExploreLearning Gizmos, the 2024 CODiE Award Winner for Best STEM Instructional Solution for Grades K-12! This session introduces the pedagogical approach of CER, claim-evidence-reasoning, to promote scientific understanding and discourse. Participate in a modelled lesson using online science simulations to experience firsthand the strengths of a CER approach. Teachers are encouraged to bring a device.
Speakers
avatar for Karen Blumhagen

Karen Blumhagen

Implementation Coordinator, Alberta, Explore Learning
Karen Blumhagen is an Implementation Coordinator with ExploreLearning. She has over thirty years of experience in education as a classroom teacher, learning facilitator, and administrator. Karen has observed firsthand the positive impacts of online simulations on student understanding... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 2:20pm - 3:20pm MST
RDP Room AC159 (Arts Centre)

3:20pm MST

Classroom Assessment Techniques
Friday February 21, 2025 3:20pm - Saturday May 31, 2025 11:30pm MDT
This session will demonstrate formative assessment strategies that will enhance student learning and provide teachers with valuable feedback about their teaching practice. This information can guide instruction and will benefit all students; however, it will particularly have a positive impact on low-achievers. This is a valuable session because it will introduce teachers to a range of formative classroom assessment techniques, how to use them, how to analyze the data that they gather, and how to share that data with students. The takeaways from this session are very practical and could be smoothly incorporated into any classroom regardless of teaching situation or teaching style.
Speakers
avatar for Tyler Buchan

Tyler Buchan

Tyler Buchan is a teacher at Salisbury Composite High School in Sherwood Park, Alberta. He has taught science for over 15 years at schools in Alberta, Burkina Faso and Jamaica. He has degrees in Education and Arts from the University of Alberta, and a Master’s of Science in Science... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 3:20pm - Saturday May 31, 2025 11:30pm MDT
Recording

3:20pm MST

Outcomes, Triangulation and Gradebooks - OH MY!
Friday February 21, 2025 3:20pm - Saturday May 31, 2025 11:30pm MDT
We know that tests and traditional grading are not necessarily the most effective for assessing and reporting student learning, but how to make the transition from what we’ve always done to what we want to do? This session will share ideas and resources for tracking student progress, setting up an outcome based gradebook and reporting achievements in a way that meaningfully describes what students know and can do.
Speakers
avatar for Julie Arsenault

Julie Arsenault

Science Lead Teacher, Science Council
After receiving her Bachelors and Masters degrees in Microbiology and Biotechnology, Julie entered the Faculty of Education at the University of Alberta to pursue her teaching career. She has been teaching with Edmonton Public Schools since 2002 and has developed a passion for incorporating... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 3:20pm - Saturday May 31, 2025 11:30pm MDT
Recording

3:20pm MST

Student Self-Marking as Formative Assessment
Friday February 21, 2025 3:20pm - Saturday May 31, 2025 11:30pm MDT
This presentation is an overview of an action research project on the effects of having students mark their own formative quizzes upon their level of metacognition, attitude and academic achievement. In addition, the reliability of student self-grading, and the potential benefits upon the instructor’s time were also evaluated. Come to this session to hear about how this action research was conducted and the takeaways from this project.
Speakers
avatar for Tyler Buchan

Tyler Buchan

Tyler Buchan is a teacher at Salisbury Composite High School in Sherwood Park, Alberta. He has taught science for over 15 years at schools in Alberta, Burkina Faso and Jamaica. He has degrees in Education and Arts from the University of Alberta, and a Master’s of Science in Science... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 3:20pm - Saturday May 31, 2025 11:30pm MDT
Recording

3:20pm MST

XP Boost: Establishing Esports in Middle and High Schools
Friday February 21, 2025 3:20pm - Saturday May 31, 2025 11:30pm MDT
Discover the transformative power of esports in education through my firsthand experience of launching and scaling esports programs in middle and high schools across our division. Learn how Esports can foster student engagement, enhance social-emotional learning, and create a dynamic, inclusive school community. Join me in exploring strategies for implementing a thriving esports program that prepares students for future success both in and out of the game.
Speakers
avatar for Scott Blenkhorne

Scott Blenkhorne

Scott Blenkhorne is currently a Specialist with the Teaching and Learning with Technology team at the Calgary Board of Education and has been an educator for the past 17 years, teaching Math, Science, and Computer Science to students from grades 6 - 12. He learned how to code websites... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 3:20pm - Saturday May 31, 2025 11:30pm MDT
Recording

3:20pm MST

How Big Movies Help Students Understand Big Transferable Concepts
Friday February 21, 2025 3:20pm - Saturday May 31, 2025 11:30pm MDT
Finding Nemo. How to Train Your Dragon. Apollo 13. There are big ideas and big moments in big movies: ideas that can pinpoint key instances of learning and transfer. We’ll examine these moments (and more) and bridge them into classroom learning. Teachers will learn about transfer theory and ways to use movies to explicitly teach for transfer of understanding. This session includes a support package of takeaways, teaching tips, and graphic organizers teachers can use in their classrooms.
Speakers
avatar for Karena Hartson

Karena Hartson

Karena is a secondary literacy consultant who delivers high-level, high-energy professional learning sessions that help teachers leverage their own experiences to support student learning. Teachers attending her sessions will come away with tools and strategies that they can use immediately... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 3:20pm - Saturday May 31, 2025 11:30pm MDT
Recording

3:20pm MST

Teach Across the Curriculum Like a B.O.S.S. with Computational Thinking & Scratch
Friday February 21, 2025 3:20pm - Saturday May 31, 2025 11:30pm MDT
Up all night worrying about how you are going to create amazing instructional activities for the new Alberta curriculum? Feeling overwhelmed by outcomes and objectives? Put those bothersome worries to bed for good by exploring the power of Computational Thinking (CT) and Scratch! Come see why the Scratch visual block coding language is a PERFECT FIT for cross-curricular instruction infused with Computational Thinking and Computer Science (CS). This session will walk you through simple activities that operationalize CS objectives with cross-curricular outcomes from the NEW Alberta Programs of Study. Use a CT (B.O.S.S.) framework to add a new layer of community building, engagement and fun to your cross-curricular instructional design with Computational Thinking and coding in Scratch!
Speakers
TI

Trevor Iampen

Trevor has over 20 years of experience as an elementary school teacher (EPSB), university course developer/instructor (The King's University & University of Alberta), app/web developer and consultant for a variety of organizations and institutions across North America.
Friday February 21, 2025 3:20pm - Saturday May 31, 2025 11:30pm MDT
Recording

3:20pm MST

Using Riddles and Unsolvable Problems to Encourage Oral Language and Higher Order Thinking Skills
Friday February 21, 2025 3:20pm - Saturday May 31, 2025 11:30pm MDT
Here’s a great entry point for thinking, speaking and problem solving! Riddles and unsolvable problems contain clues, mysteries, and thought-provoking opportunities seen as ‘play’, but in reality they encourage complex cognitive investment. Along with developing valuable language-manipulation skills, riddles and unsolvable puzzles support higher level thinking, literacy and numeracy competencies, and promote subject-specific skills. Teachers will walk away with a number of riddles and puzzles that encourage students to engage in oral language, problem solving, and critical thinking. Join us for a puzzlingly good time!
Speakers
avatar for Karena Hartson

Karena Hartson

Karena is a secondary literacy consultant who delivers high-level, high-energy professional learning sessions that help teachers leverage their own experiences to support student learning. Teachers attending her sessions will come away with tools and strategies that they can use immediately... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 3:20pm - Saturday May 31, 2025 11:30pm MDT
Recording

3:20pm MST

Sex Ed Made Simple: Learn to deliver sexual health education with confidence!
Friday February 21, 2025 3:20pm - Saturday May 31, 2025 11:30pm MDT
Comprehensive Sexual Health Education (CSHE) has been deemed a human right by the U.N. According to Action Canada, most Canadian youth do not currently receive best practice CSHE. Many teachers receive little to no support in how to implement CSHE effectively. In this interactive online session, teachers will learn what makes sexuality education comprehensive and why it's so important. We will cover creating safe environments, navigating different beliefs and values systems, meeting Alberta curriculum and best practice benchmarks and how to answer student questions.
Teachers will leave with a pocket full of evidence-based resources to support their unit design, and the confidence to tackle this topic and meet best practice standards.
Speakers
CM

Carlie McPhee

Meet Carlie (she/they) - your go-to authority on all things sexual health education.Carlie has been working in the Sexual & Reproductive Health field as a specialized sexual health educator for over a decade across western Canada. She has a Bachelor of Kinesiology in Leadership in... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 3:20pm - Saturday May 31, 2025 11:30pm MDT
Recording

3:20pm MST

An Introduction to Forest Bathing In the Classroom: More than a Walk in The Woods
Friday February 21, 2025 3:20pm - Saturday May 31, 2025 11:30pm MDT
Forest bathing, or Shinrin-yoku, began in Japan in the 1980s as a government initiative to help reduce stress among citizens. There was even had a name for it - Karoshi, or “death by overwork”. Since then, research has demonstrated the benefits of being in nature on physical and mental health and forest bathing (or forest therapy) has become more mainstream.

Students today are spending less and less time outdoors and forest bathing is a way to help bring them into the natural environment they so desperately need. This session will describe the practice of forest bathing and its benefits. It will also include easy-to-implement strategies for the classroom, including ways to enjoy the benefits of forest bathing when getting outdoors isn’t practical or possible. Come prepared to participate and learn about this wellness practice for yourself and your students!

Here is a link to follow along with the resources: https://tinyurl.com/fbathinghandouts
Speakers
avatar for Joni Turville

Joni Turville

Founder and CEO, Wild Transformation Coaching and Consulting
Dr. Joni Turville's career has included various roles, from teaching multiple grades and subjects to serving as an administrator, consultant, university instructor, most recently, Deputy CEO of the Alberta Teachers' Association. She is the author of books, articles, and chapters with... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 3:20pm - Saturday May 31, 2025 11:30pm MDT
Recording

3:20pm MST

Aristotle, Happiness and Teaching
Friday February 21, 2025 3:20pm - Saturday May 31, 2025 11:30pm MDT
Aristotle is one of the most pre-eminent thinkers of all time. Come to this session to learn about his biography and his compelling ideas about happiness! This session will also link Aristotle’s account of happiness to teaching to show how it can be a source of hope in a time of increasing demands and stresses both inside and outside of the classroom.
Speakers
avatar for Tyler Buchan

Tyler Buchan

Tyler Buchan is a teacher at Salisbury Composite High School in Sherwood Park, Alberta. He has taught science for over 15 years at schools in Alberta, Burkina Faso and Jamaica. He has degrees in Education and Arts from the University of Alberta, and a Master’s of Science in Science... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 3:20pm - Saturday May 31, 2025 11:30pm MDT
Recording

3:20pm MST

ASEBP Benefit Overview Presentation
Friday February 21, 2025 3:20pm - Saturday May 31, 2025 11:30pm MDT
Whether you are a new covered member or not, this session can help you learn about the wide range of benefits, programs and services we offer.
In this presentation you will discover how to get the most from your coverage, our different tools and platforms, the benefits of spending accounts and more!
Speakers
avatar for Megan Jones-Ponce

Megan Jones-Ponce

Benefit Specialist, ASEBP
The Alberta School Employee Benefit Plan (ASEBP) is more than health insurance—we’re health champions. We provide sustainable, holistic health benefits, programs and services and are there to support you and your employer throughout your personal and workplace wellness journeys.We... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 3:20pm - Saturday May 31, 2025 11:30pm MDT
Recording

3:20pm MST

Mind your Mindfulness : Skills to develop Emotional Intelligence
Friday February 21, 2025 3:20pm - Saturday May 31, 2025 11:30pm MDT
Educators face the challenge of maintaining classroom calm amidst constant distractions—busy students, loud bells, and tight schedules.

By developing mindful skills, teachers can achieve internal balance, fostering a more peaceful classroom environment.

Participants will gain:

The ability to distinguish between being distracted and staying present with themselves and their students.
Five steps to clear mental clutter, even in chaotic settings.
A powerful technique for cultivating inner peace.
Skills to quickly regain calm after disruptions.
Practical tools to model emotional regulation, promoting a supportive learning atmosphere.
These skills will enhance classroom dynamics and contribute to a more effective teaching and learning experience.
Speakers
AK

Amritha Kailas

As a Jay Shetty Certified life coach, expert in the Bhagavad Gita, and a Sanskrit instructor, Amritha inspires her audiences to bring calm to the workplace and home. She offers her audiences practical methods to cultivate self-discipline, emotional intelligence, and a life of confidence... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 3:20pm - Saturday May 31, 2025 11:30pm MDT
Recording

3:20pm MST

My Retiree Plan Presentation
Friday February 21, 2025 3:20pm - Saturday May 31, 2025 11:30pm MDT
Retirement can no doubt be both exciting and daunting. Between all the paperwork and planning, let us make one of the items on your checklist a little easier!
During this presentation, you will learn the ins and outs of your health benefits during retirement. From eligibility requirements to different types of coverage, ASEBP has got you covered—literally
Speakers
avatar for Megan Jones-Ponce

Megan Jones-Ponce

Benefit Specialist, ASEBP
The Alberta School Employee Benefit Plan (ASEBP) is more than health insurance—we’re health champions. We provide sustainable, holistic health benefits, programs and services and are there to support you and your employer throughout your personal and workplace wellness journeys.We... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 3:20pm - Saturday May 31, 2025 11:30pm MDT
Recording

3:20pm MST

The Weekend Reset: 7 Keys to Teacher Wellness
Friday February 21, 2025 3:20pm - Saturday May 31, 2025 11:30pm MDT
Do you lose sleep on Sunday nights because your to-do list is running through your head? Do you start the week feeling exhausted? This session will highlight 7 research-based practices to help you start every week feeling more calm, connected, and confident. This all may sound easier said than done since teachers often carry their work and their care for students into their personal time, but fear not! We will explore a framework that is easy to implement and includes strategies for days when you only have a small amount of time for self-care. Many of the ideas will also translate into activities you can incorporate into wellness activities for students. Don't just survive...thrive!
Speakers
avatar for Joni Turville

Joni Turville

Founder and CEO, Wild Transformation Coaching and Consulting
Dr. Joni Turville's career has included various roles, from teaching multiple grades and subjects to serving as an administrator, consultant, university instructor, most recently, Deputy CEO of the Alberta Teachers' Association. She is the author of books, articles, and chapters with... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 3:20pm - Saturday May 31, 2025 11:30pm MDT
Recording

3:20pm MST

Transforming the Culture of Drugs
Friday February 21, 2025 3:20pm - Saturday May 31, 2025 11:30pm MDT
A look at how students can be brought to an awareness of the dangers involved in using drugs both legal and illegal without telling them not to do them. Through first hand experience and the knowledge of and a presenter that is an Addictions Specialist that was  a drug user and trafficker for 22 years of his life. Mike Ryan brings 58 years of experience to classrooms and auditoriums where he has spoken to more than half a million students and adults and continues the work that is badly needed to prevent more wasted lives.
Speakers
MR

Mike Ryan

Clean Scene Network
Mike Ryan is Executive Director of Clean Scene Network for Youth (22 years) and an Addictions Specialist with 58 years of experience with Substance Use and Abuse. Mike has been a presenter to CATCA on multiple ocassions prior to COVID and brings an understanding of drug culture and... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 3:20pm - Saturday May 31, 2025 11:30pm MDT
Recording

3:20pm MST

Beyond Superwomen: Embracing Imperfection and Prioritizing Yourself
Friday February 21, 2025 3:20pm - Saturday May 31, 2025 11:30pm MDT
Are you a high-performing teacher feeling overwhelmed by the relentless demands of your professional and personal life? As a parent, teacher, and multitasker extraordinaire, it's easy to find yourself at the bottom of your own priority list, constantly striving to meet the needs of others while neglecting your own well-being.

In this transformative presentation, we address the all-too-common experience of high-performing teachers who feel stretched thin, anxious, and perpetually behind. Drawing from real-world experiences and expert insights, we unveil the 5 essential keys to reclaiming ownership of your needs and your life, granting yourself guilt-free permission to rise to the top of your own to-do list.
Speakers
avatar for Andrea Mishio

Andrea Mishio

Teacher
With 17 years of invaluable experience in the education field, Andrea brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table. After spending 15 years teaching in a junior high school setting, she now finds herself in the world of early childhood education as a dedicated kindergarten... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 3:20pm - Saturday May 31, 2025 11:30pm MDT
Recording

3:20pm MST

Helping Students Navigate Academic Vocabulary Across Subject Areas
Friday February 21, 2025 3:20pm - Saturday May 31, 2025 11:30pm MDT
Students require specialized skills to be able to cope with the demands of disciplinary text. As students move up in secondary grades, the language of the texts they engage with becomes more specialized and precise, and the language more academic. Academic vocabulary (often referred to as Tier 2 Academic Words) is problematic for students to master, as academic vocabulary can take on dramatically different meanings depending on the usage. As the knowledge students engage with becomes more formalized and complex, so too do the patterns of language that construct that knowledge. This session will take a look at patterns of language and some of the problems with academic vocabulary. Teachers will come away with practical and useful tools that students can use to visualize, organize and structure their thinking to improve their reading, writing and communicating across all subject areas.
Speakers
avatar for Karena Hartson

Karena Hartson

Karena is a secondary literacy consultant who delivers high-level, high-energy professional learning sessions that help teachers leverage their own experiences to support student learning. Teachers attending her sessions will come away with tools and strategies that they can use immediately... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 3:20pm - Saturday May 31, 2025 11:30pm MDT
Recording

3:20pm MST

My Students Can’t Summarize! Please Help!
Friday February 21, 2025 3:20pm - Saturday May 31, 2025 11:30pm MDT
The ability to read and summarize a text is an essential skill. A good summary needs to do more than pick out the big ideas and simplify the text. A good summary helps students to identify and analyze key points in the text and then relate those points to the overall structure of the text. Teaching summarization that is linked to text-structure improves both the quality of the written summaries and students’ overall comprehension of the text. Join Dr. Hartson to explore this powerful method of summarizing text. You’ll walk away with examples, graphic organizers, and materials you can use in your class tomorrow.
Speakers
avatar for Karena Hartson

Karena Hartson

Karena is a secondary literacy consultant who delivers high-level, high-energy professional learning sessions that help teachers leverage their own experiences to support student learning. Teachers attending her sessions will come away with tools and strategies that they can use immediately... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 3:20pm - Saturday May 31, 2025 11:30pm MDT
Recording

3:20pm MST

Collaborative Learning Strategies for Student Success
Friday February 21, 2025 3:20pm - Saturday May 31, 2025 11:30pm MDT
In this engaging and practical session, we will delve into a variety of collaborative learning strategies that enhance student engagement and foster a safe, productive learning environment. The session will focus on Jigsaw Learning, educational games, and whiteboard activities, to empower students to work together, improve critical thinking, and take ownership of their learning.
Speakers
avatar for Jennifer Mahal

Jennifer Mahal

My name is Jennifer Mahal. As a teacher, I’ve had experience substituting across different schools in Calgary. I also spent time teaching Science at an academy in Hastings, UK. After my time abroad, I continued to teach in Calgary. With 11 years of teaching experience, I believe... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 3:20pm - Saturday May 31, 2025 11:30pm MDT
Recording

3:20pm MST

"Be Positive is the worst thing to Hear"
Friday February 21, 2025 3:20pm - Saturday May 31, 2025 11:30pm MDT
"Be Positive is the worst thing to Hear"

The statement challenges traditional wisdom by highlighting the limitations of simplistic positivity in fostering genuine growth and resilience among students. While positivity has its place, it often overlooks the complexities of learning and personal development. Instead, we propose "Progress Over Perfection," a nuanced approach that combines neutral thinking, the green light mentality, and the "just one more" philosophy to empower students effectively.

Neutral Thinking: Rather than simply urging students to be positive, we encourage them to adopt neutral thinking. This involves staying present and assessing situations objectively, which helps them make informed decisions and manage emotions effectively.

Green Light Mentality: Students learn to identify and capitalize on opportunities in every challenge instead of merely seeking positivity. This proactive mindset encourages resilience and turns setbacks into stepping stones for growth.

Just One More Philosophy: We advocate for perseverance through incremental progress rather than just promoting positivity. Encouraging students to push themselves further—whether it's one more attempt, revision, or effort—builds resilience and cultivates a strong work ethic.

By embracing "Progress Over Perfection," educators equip students with practical strategies to navigate challenges, embrace growth, and develop a resilient mindset beyond superficial positivity. Let's empower students to thrive in a supportive learning environment where progress is celebrated and setbacks are seen as personal and academic growth opportunities.

Speakers
HT

Harriet Tinka

Prepare to be inspired by the remarkable life of Harriet Tinka, an extraordinary individual whose passion, achievements, and dedication make her an invaluable asset to any educational community. Harriet's biography highlights her unwavering commitment to positive change and empowerment... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 3:20pm - Saturday May 31, 2025 11:30pm MDT
Recording

3:20pm MST

"Boosting Confidence through Presentations: The TINKA Framework for Students"
Friday February 21, 2025 3:20pm - Saturday May 31, 2025 11:30pm MDT
Objective: Our primary goal is to equip students with the tools and strategies to conquer presentation anxiety. By applying the TINKA Framework, students will learn to confidently navigate presentations, engage their audience, and unlock their full potential.
The TINKA Framework Approach:

1. Target Your Fear (T - Towards Language):
Toward Language: Encourage students to shift from "away from" Language (focusing on what they don't want) to "towards" Language (focusing on what they want to achieve).
Identify the Fear: Help students pinpoint their specific fears about presenting. Is it the fear of judgment, forgetting their content, or something else?
Set Positive Goals: Guide students in setting positive, achievable presentation goals. What do they want to achieve and convey to their audience?

2. Investigate the Fear (I - Insight):
Open Questions: Teach students to ask open questions about their fear. What triggers it? When does it happen? What thoughts and feelings are associated with it?
Analyze Past Experiences: Encourage students to reflect on previous presentation experiences. What went well, and what didn't? What can they learn from those experiences?

3. Navigate the Fear (N - Normalize):
Normalize Anxiety: Help students understand that presentation anxiety is common, even among experienced speakers. Normalize their feelings and remind them that it's okay to be nervous.
Preparation Is Key: Emphasize the importance of thorough preparation. The more students know their material, the more confident they'll feel.

4. Know Your Audience (K - Knowledge Transfer):
Audience Analysis: Teach students the significance of understanding their audience; knowing who they're presenting to can reduce anxiety.
Audience Engagement: Show students how engaging with their audience can ease nerves. Encourage them to make eye contact and gauge audience reactions.

5. Act Confidently (A - Action):
Visualization: Guide students in using visualization techniques to imagine successful presentations. Visualizing a positive outcome can boost confidence.
Practice: Encourage frequent practice sessions in front of friends, family, or a mirror. The more students practice, the more confident they become.
Seek Support: Emphasize the importance of seeking support from teachers, peers, or counsellors. Knowing they have a support system can alleviate anxiety.
Conclusion: Overcoming presentation anxiety is a journey that requires dedication and practice. By applying the TINKA Framework, students will conquer their fears and develop lifelong skills in effective communication. These skills will serve them well in academia and beyond.

We invite educators to boost their students in this transformative journey. The impact will empower your students to confidently step onto the stage, share their ideas, and overcome presentation anxiety. The result will empower them to thrive in all their academic endeavours.
Speakers
HT

Harriet Tinka

Prepare to be inspired by the remarkable life of Harriet Tinka, an extraordinary individual whose passion, achievements, and dedication make her an invaluable asset to any educational community. Harriet's biography highlights her unwavering commitment to positive change and empowerment... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 3:20pm - Saturday May 31, 2025 11:30pm MDT
Recording

3:20pm MST

Level Up! A Coach Approach to School And District Leadership
Friday February 21, 2025 3:20pm - Saturday May 31, 2025 11:30pm MDT
Coaching is an essential tool for the development of strong schools and districts. It focuses on supporting teacher growth to drive school improvement and support student learning. At the heart of a coach approach is the unwavering belief that each person is capable, that presence and listening are key, and that powerful questions can spark insight and growth. Find out how coaching conversations can level up your leadership and create environments where open communication, inquiry, and risk-taking can thrive.

You will find the resources for this session at the following link: https://tinyurl.com/acoachapproach
Speakers
avatar for Joni Turville

Joni Turville

Founder and CEO, Wild Transformation Coaching and Consulting
Dr. Joni Turville's career has included various roles, from teaching multiple grades and subjects to serving as an administrator, consultant, university instructor, most recently, Deputy CEO of the Alberta Teachers' Association. She is the author of books, articles, and chapters with... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 3:20pm - Saturday May 31, 2025 11:30pm MDT
Recording

3:20pm MST

Chemistry Games
Friday February 21, 2025 3:20pm - Saturday May 31, 2025 11:30pm MDT
Come and see how you can teach students about the periodic table of elements and chemistry concepts using games! Make your chemistry class fun and interactive and trick your students into learning their elements with gamification. Although this session is primarily for grade 9 science, there will be ideas that transcend many levels. You will get to try out games like periodic table Battleship & Jenga, atomic Uno and check out a variety of other commercial science board games. Amanda will share her resources to make some of the games as well as a plethora of other Chemistry ideas and tools you can use in your classroom Monday morning!
Speakers
avatar for Amanda Green

Amanda Green

Teacher, Science Council
Amanda's spark for science ignited at an early age exploring nature with her family and grew into a flame for space exploration as she followed Canada's journey skyward. She teaches Junior High STEM classes in both English and French in Beaumont, Alberta. Alongside her colleague Julie... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 3:20pm - Saturday May 31, 2025 11:30pm MDT
Recording

3:20pm MST

Lab Skills Performance Assessments in Chemistry
Friday February 21, 2025 3:20pm - Saturday May 31, 2025 11:30pm MDT
Performance assessments are authentic ways for students to demonstrate their abilities and can positively affect students’ attitudes toward the lab, their academic achievement, and upon the overall environment of the classroom. When used in conjunction with student self-assessment checklists performance assessments can also promote metacognitive activity. This session will present how to administer performance assessments of five basic lab skills and the benefits to the classroom that result.
Speakers
avatar for Tyler Buchan

Tyler Buchan

Tyler Buchan is a teacher at Salisbury Composite High School in Sherwood Park, Alberta. He has taught science for over 15 years at schools in Alberta, Burkina Faso and Jamaica. He has degrees in Education and Arts from the University of Alberta, and a Master’s of Science in Science... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 3:20pm - Saturday May 31, 2025 11:30pm MDT
Recording

3:20pm MST

PBL basics - how to develop a project based mindset
Friday February 21, 2025 3:20pm - Saturday May 31, 2025 11:30pm MDT
The real world doesn’t exist in silos so why do we expect our students to learn in them? Project Based Learning provides an opportunity to blur the lines between subject disciplines and allow students and teachers to collaborate on meaningful tasks, but how do we even begin? This session will provide guidance for different planning methods used to develop cross-curricular project based learning initiatives at the secondary level with science at their core.
Speakers
avatar for Julie Arsenault

Julie Arsenault

Science Lead Teacher, Science Council
After receiving her Bachelors and Masters degrees in Microbiology and Biotechnology, Julie entered the Faculty of Education at the University of Alberta to pursue her teaching career. She has been teaching with Edmonton Public Schools since 2002 and has developed a passion for incorporating... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 3:20pm - Saturday May 31, 2025 11:30pm MDT
Recording
 

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