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Thursday, February 20
 

8:50am MST

Welcome Message from President Schilling
Thursday February 20, 2025 8:50am - 9:00am MST
Click the link above to watch President Jason Schilling's welcome message to all CATCA teachers.
Speakers
avatar for Jason Schilling

Jason Schilling

President, ATA
Jason Schilling was re-elected president in 2023, following four years of service as president, two years of service as vice-president and more than eight years of service as district representative for South West. As vice-president, Schilling chaired the Central Table Bargaining... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 8:50am - 9:00am MST
Recording

9:00am MST

Depth, Light, and Texture in Acrylic Landscapes
Thursday February 20, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
Depth, Light, and Texture in Acrylic Landscapes

Explore the world of both two- and three-dimensional media, such as acrylic paint, oil pastels, colored pencils, watercolour pencils and stencils to add texture and dimension to create a few artworks. This session includes an image transfer project as well as an unique ground effect for a landscape painting. The techniques presented (creating textures, blending colours and overlapping) can be modified/ adapted for all grade levels and are suitable for all levels and abilities. Please email transfer $10 to Christina at candixon@telus.net to obtain all the supplies for this session and then email her to confirm the session you are attending.
Speakers
avatar for Christina Dixon

Christina Dixon

Art
Over the past few years I presented numerous sessions at various Teacher Conventions, Fine Arts Conferences, Professional Development Days, and private organizations/groups. As an art teacher, my main goal is to inspire others to love, appreciate, and explore the artistic paths using... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
RDP ROOM 2502 (On the 2nd floor)

9:00am MST

Assessment that Motivates, Informs and Connects
Thursday February 20, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
Provide your students, parents and colleagues with engaging, informative and motivating assessment practices that move beyond percentages and into an innovative way to share students engagement, formative progress and summative results. Communicate assessment practices that will be meaningful to students and motivate them to strive further into their content and learning. Successful assessment examples, rubrics and parent communications methods will be shared
Speakers
avatar for Paul Bohnert, Karly Lewis, & Janel Heth

Paul Bohnert, Karly Lewis, & Janel Heth

Lead Teachers -, The Faculty
The Faculty is a collection of practicing Alberta teachers that create professional learning opportunities for teachers across North America.Paul (Bohnert) is a practicing middle school teacher and researcher in Alberta. He has created an innovative learning environment that has transformed... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
RDP ROOM 2302 (On the 2nd floor)

9:00am MST

L'évaluation formative
Thursday February 20, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
La profession de l'enseignement exige que les enseignants soient dotés de nombreux outils dont un est l'évaluation formative. C'est une étape importante pour l'apprentissage avant de passer à l'évaluation sommative de l'apprentissage. Vous quitterez cet atelier avec de nombreuses idées de l'évaluation formative que vous pouvez utiliser tout de suite avec vos élèves.
Speakers
RE

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 French for over 15 years with ECSD. She has a bachelor of Secondary Education, and a master's degree both from University of Alberta. Rania... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
RDP ROOM AC160 (ARTS CENTRE)

9:00am MST

The Art of Assessing Mathematical Thinking - Instructional Leader Session
Thursday February 20, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
In this session, we will share an assessment planning process that is based on teaching for conceptual understanding with any curriculum. Instructional leaders will focus on the new Alberta Math curriculum and learn how to support teachers in creating an assessment plan that meets the needs of a differentiated classroom. Participants will also collaborate to make a shareable list of planning strategies that support a modified or accommodated diverse learner support plan, intervention plan, and EAL plan.
Speakers
avatar for AAC Facilitator

AAC Facilitator

Field Service Facilitator, Alberta Assessment Consortium
The Alberta Assessment Consortium is a not-for-profit education partner in the province, focused on everyday assessment to support student learning. Our facilitators combine their experience as Alberta teachers and teacher leaders with the expertise of the organization.Presenter Shelly... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
RDP ROOM 913A

9:00am MST

Teaching High School English in Small or Rural School
Thursday February 20, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
Teaching junior high or high school Language Arts/English in a small or rural school definitely has its own challenges. Regularly teaching multiple levels in one class (eg: English 10-1-2-4), Suzanne will share how she sets up her grades 9-12 English classes and the programs she uses at Bentley School in our high school redesign program. Carry on the conversation on this document: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1O_yjEm840X8F21eXp-n0wMeBQSmN57UcXmg46N5BHis/edit?usp=sharing
Speakers
avatar for Suzanne Annable

Suzanne Annable

High School Teacher, Wolf Creek School Division
I have been with Wolf Creek since 2007; I taught mainly grade 9 Language Arts and Social Studies in Lacombe for a number of years. However, five years ago I decided to transfer to Bentley School to teach high school, and it has been an amazing experience and a welcome change. At my... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
RDP ROOM 1437

9:00am MST

1st Annual CATCA GSA
Thursday February 20, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
A GSA (Gay-Straight Alliance) is an 2SLGBTQIA+ positive space for community members and their allies to gather and share fellowship. A place to share triumphs, and a place to find support to help and overcome hardships. Just like the GSA at your school, but this one's for the grown-ups! The Guidelines: Everyone who is supportive of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community is welcome. No attendance will be taken. No one will ask why you've come. This will be a Safe Space; Take the learning with you, leave the names behind. ****Please be advised this session WILL NOT be recorded**
Speakers
avatar for Renée LeClerc

Renée LeClerc

Renée LeClerc (she/her) has been the lead facilitator for the GSA at Paul Kane High School in St. Albert since 2013, is one of the co-chairs for the St. Albert Public Schools Rainbow Network Educators’ GSA and a founding member of the new Alberta Teachers’ Association Gender... Read More →
avatar for Nic Richard

Nic Richard

Teacher
Nic Richard (she/they) is a junior high English teacher and a co-organizer of the ATA GSA. They are currently in the final stages of an MEd in Educational Research through the University of Calgary, and are interested in anti-oppression education, mental health, and social justice... Read More →
avatar for Andrew Wiens

Andrew Wiens

Andrew (he/him) is currently the lead teacher for the GSA at W. D. Cuts Jr. High in St. Albert, a member of the SOGI group for St. Albert Public Schools,and has been running GSA's in one form or another since 2009. Andrew is one of the co-chairs for the St. Albert Local No. 73 Rainbow... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
RDP ROOM 1500 (Cornerstone)

9:00am MST

Courageous Conversations: Empowering Hearts and Minds for Change
Thursday February 20, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
How do we change the trajectory of issues that are plaguing our youth today? Bullying is rampant, mental health concerns are through the roof, social isolation is on the increase and suicide is the 2nd cause of death of youth? We need to step out of the idle chatter and into courageous conversations so that we can support our youth and each other. Come join me so we can be on this journey together. It's worth it!
Speakers
avatar for Elizabeth Bennett

Elizabeth Bennett

Author, speaker, ElizabethBennettGroup
Elizabeth Bennett helps parents navigate the world of teenager. Some call her the Teen Genie ~ who’s unlocked the secret of how to confidently connect with teenagers, gleaned from her 35-year career in schools as an educator, administrator, coach and Principal.Elizabeth offers a... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
RDP ROOM 2503 (On the 2nd floor)

9:00am MST

Think outside the Box - PBS
Thursday February 20, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
Why is this session Relevant to Teachers:
Teachers are always looking for practical, usable, easy to implement ideas for their toolboxes, especially behavior strategies to use in classrooms.

Session Description:
PBS is one support tool that Blackgold uses to create connections with home / student / classroom to gain insight into creating a meaningful solution to improving student behavior.
However, within the walls of the classroom, we have to adapt and tweak to make meaningful connections and usable solutions to get students to buy in. This presentation will give an example of a PBS strategy that one school in Blackgold utilizes, along with some classroom modifications that have proved successful.
We will walk teachers through all steps, from classroom observations, team meetings, collaborators and their roles... to how to roll out on day 1. The strategy being presented can be used as universal strategy or for individual students.
Speakers
avatar for Kayla Anderson

Kayla Anderson

I have been working with Blackgold School Division for six years as an elementary teacher. I have experience in many grade levels but have been teaching grade 3 for the past five years. I am an avid hiker, a wife, and a dog mom to two of the cutest golden retrievers you have ever... Read More →
avatar for Danielle Kirton

Danielle Kirton

Assistant Principal, Learning Support Teacher, Black Gold School Division
Danielle Kirton is the assistant principal and learning support teacher at Robina Baker Elementary School in Devon, Alberta.  Danielle has served as a learning support teacher in two different schools within Black Gold School Division. Collaborating with a variety of teachers and... Read More →
avatar for Jody Waechter

Jody Waechter

Student Services Coordinator, Blackgold School Division
Thursday February 20, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
RDP ROOM 1435

9:00am MST

ARTA and the ARTA Benefit Plans - Looking Ahead to New ADVENTURES "Presented by Alberta Retired Teachers’ Association
Thursday February 20, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
If you are considering retirement within the next five years, then you’ve got some big decisions just around the corner. Make sure you’re ready for them! This presentation will go over everything you need to know about the Alberta Retired Teachers’ Association (ARTA), including programs and perks available to members and, of course, the nationally acclaimed Health Benefit Plans, complete with information on all the health, travel, and dental benefits ARTA offers. A current retired teacher will provide important points to consider before making the leap into retirement and will touch on some retirement lessons they’ve learned from experience. Join us to discover how ARTA can give you the support you need to begin this new, exciting adventure.

Speakers
avatar for Lawrence Hrycan

Lawrence Hrycan

Lawrence has been an active member of ARTA’s Wolf Creek branch since 2014 and has served as his branch’s representative to ARTA for many years. He served on the Strategic Planning & Advocacy Committee for seven years. He is currently the ARTA representative for Public Interest... Read More →
avatar for ARTA Representatives

ARTA Representatives

Manager of Marketing and Promotions, Alberta Retired Teachers' Assocation
JENNIFER HOPE Manger of Marketing and Promotions, ARTA Jennifer holds a Bachelor of Management degree in marketing from the University of Lethbridge and recently earned her Group Benefits Associate designation. With years of ARTA experience under her belt, she is well-versed in the... Read More →
avatar for Amanda Shaw

Amanda Shaw

CMO, ARTA
Amanda Shaw holds a commerce degree with a focus in marketing from the University of Alberta, and a CAAP accreditation from the Institute of Communications Agencies. She has worked in a variety of industries, including marketing and operations for both private organizations and with... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
RDP ROOM 2501 (On the 2nd floor)

9:00am MST

Nurture Relationships and Transform Your Classroom Community
Thursday February 20, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
Are your students dysregulated or anxious? What about you? If you’re overwhelmed by how to support your classroom community, this session is for you! Learn the evidence behind why relationships are foundational to wellness, student learning, and cultivating a positive classroom environment. Through facilitated discussion and sharing, we will explore strategies that help nurture relationships, support regulation, and build resiliency for you and your students.
Let's get inspired to make a change!
Speakers
avatar for Christine Vokins

Christine Vokins

Health Promotion Facilitator, AHS
Christine Vokins is a Health Promotion Facilitator with the AHS Healthy Schools Team. She encourages school authorities to utilize Comprehensive School Health (CSH), an internationally recognized and effective approach for building healthy school communities. She has been in this... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
RDP ROOM 2906 (On the 2nd floor)

9:00am MST

Stop Vaping Before It Starts: What Teachers Need to Know
Thursday February 20, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
Alberta Health Services health professionals will discuss vaping use amongst youth.

Participants will learn:
• Trends in and prevalence rates of e-cigarette use for school aged youth in Canada and Alberta
• Effective strategies to help students
• Best Practices for e-cigarette use and vaping related school-based initiatives
• A summary of available on-line resources for students and teachers to prevent and reduce nicotine and electronic cigarette use by young people
Speakers
avatar for Aaron Ladd

Aaron Ladd

Health Promotion Facilitator 2, AHS
Aaron Ladd has been a Respiratory Therapist for over 20 years, currently working with Alberta Health Services, with the Tobacco Vaping and Cannabis Program as a Health Promotion Facilitator. Throughout his professional career, he has dedicated much of his time and energy to the field... Read More →
avatar for Joanne Marcotte

Joanne Marcotte

AHS
Joanne is an alumnus of both Red Deer College and the University of Lethbridge. She holds a Bachelor of Arts and Science with double majors in Psychology and Philosophy. She has over 25 years of experience in Human Services and is a Certified Tobacco Educator. Joanne joined Alberta... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
RDP ROOM 932

9:00am MST

Teach Nutrition: Integrating nutrition education into your busy classroom with free resources
Thursday February 20, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
Wondering how to find time to incorporate developmentally-appropriate nutrition education into your already packed curriculum? Look no further! In this session, we will introduce you to our inclusive, evidenced based resources that align with your health and wellness curriculum. We understand that you have limited time, so our plug-and-play resources require minimal preparation and meet cross-curricular outcomes in various subjects. The best part? Everything is FREE for teachers. Join our Teach Nutrition Registered Dietitians to discover how you can make food and nutrition education a seamless part of your teaching practice.

You will leave this session with 
- Ready-to-use classroom materials and teaching tools. 
- A refreshed understanding of how to approach nutrition education. 
- Strategies to promote inclusive conversations about food and eating.
- Opportunities for ongoing support from Registered Dietitians. 
Speakers
BI

Barbara Inglis

Registered Dietitian, Teach Nutrition
Barbara is a Registered Dietitian with Teach Nutrition at Dairy Farmers of Canada. She enjoys bringing curiosity and connection to her work with educators and learning from their experiences in the classroom. Her toddler reminds her that learning about food is meant to be fun and... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
RDP ROOM 2601 (On the 2nd floor)

9:00am MST

The key elements to Student AND Teacher Success!
Thursday February 20, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
Drawing on 25 years of experience as a Personal Trainer, Gym Owner and Ultra Distance Athlete, I will use a blend of experience and scientific study to share the best ways to create optimal conditions for Student AND Teacher health and wellness, both physical and mental.
Using several simple and easy to share systems to create awareness, plans and reasons why the lessons learned through my life can change yours!
Speakers
avatar for Scott McDermott

Scott McDermott

Owner, Warrior Code Training
His is the Bio most requested for introductions: After a 13 year career in Architecture had Scott overweight, sick and stressed, Scott made a change, got super fit and then built a 15,000 square foot gym in 2002; Best Body Fitness. Next, he wrote a book about health and fitness called... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
RDP ROOM 1503

9:00am MST

Depression, Anxiety of Bust
Thursday February 20, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
Schools across the world are seeing behaviours that are consistent with depression and anxiety. Let's take a deeper look at what these behaviours are, where they frequently pop up in our classes and how to help students manage them.
Speakers
avatar for Kathy Penner

Kathy Penner

Mental Health Teacher, Calgary Board of Education
Kathy Penner has been teaching with the CBE for 16 years. She has an extensive background in working with students with special needs including a specialized program for students with severe mental health diagnoses. She is currently teaching social sciences and Construction 10.
Thursday February 20, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
RDP ROOM 913B

9:00am MST

Nomad : Correcting the Narrative
Thursday February 20, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
NOMAD is a 60 minute multi media/speaking and singing presentation on the last several thousand years of Canadian Inuit history developed and presented by Inuk singer/songwriter, Susan Aglukark, O.C.
Through songs, stories, film, photos and music videos, NOMAD will take you on the journey of the Canadian Inuit over the last several thousand years shedding light on some of the psychological and cultural impacts of rapid change in the North. NOMAD also gives a glimpse of the resilience and determination of a people who have maintained a quiet dignity despite near annihilation by disease and rapid change, a glimpse of the strengths of the traditional culture.
While NOMAD helps us better understand the effects of colonization and generational trauma caused by the Canadian Governments Residential School/assimilation policy on Inuit, viewers also gain an understanding that we as Indigenous (artists) work with and from for our own respective healing and learning.
Incorporating images, film and video, you will get a glimpse of the resilience and determination of a people who have maintained a quiet dignity despite near annihilation by disease and rapid change.
NOMAD in its format(s) is a utilization of indigenous stories weaved from our respective collection of resources, “research”, bodies of work and methods of sharing, music videos, film clips, maps and facts, a process of discovery that has been a healing process in itself.
Speakers
avatar for Susan Aglukark

Susan Aglukark

Singer-Songwriter
Award-winning Inuk singer-songwriter Susan Aglukark is one of Canada’s most unique artists, who blends the Inuktitut and English languages with contemporary pop music arrangements to tell the stories of her people, the Inuit of Arctic Canada. Aglukark’s talks emphasize the same... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
RDP MAIN STAGE/ AC117 (ARTS CENTRE)

9:00am MST

The Life-Changing Power of Africentric Education for Students (and Teachers!)
Thursday February 20, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
Imagine a classroom in a school community flourishing through the celebration of its vibrant membership. Join us for a lively introduction to the life-changing power of Africentric Education. Experience an innovative, data-driven strategy for enhancing belonging and boosting achievement for students of all backgrounds. Emerge energized and empowered with practical tools you can use your very next class!

PLEASE NOTE: Release time request is for Omari Lewis, not for Malcolm Azania. There was no place in the form to indicate that.
Speakers
avatar for Malcolm Azania

Malcolm Azania

President, Project Saqqara
In addition to having English in Edmonton high schools and junior high schools for a decade, Malcolm Azania is an award-winning novelist, award-winning print journalist, radio host-producer, television host and associate producer, sketch comedy writer, video game writer, and community... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
RDP ROOM 2205 (On the 2nd floor)

9:00am MST

Critical Literacy through Childrens Picture Books
Thursday February 20, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
This session explores quality children’s picture books as a segue way to meaningful and critical discussion around social justice issues and diversity such as race, culture, gender, poverty, power, and ability. Even the youngest learners are capable of questioning, confronting and critiquing alternate perspectives and experiences through guided dialogue. Children’s picture books are widely accessible and highly visual, where students of all reading levels can co-discover and co-create new and transformational understandings and relationships. Numerous critical literacy picture book titles will be shared as well as questioning techniques to enhance discussion, critical thinking, and mean-making.
Speakers
LM

Lois Maplethorpe

Lois has been an early years educator for over 20 years, specializing in early language and literacy learning. Lois teaches preservice preschool and elementary teachers at Red Deer Polytechnic. She has also worked collaboratively with Indigenous nations in supporting culturally consistent... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
RDP ROOM 2602 (On the 2nd floor)

9:00am MST

Free Tools and Kits for Use with Students
Thursday February 20, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
Imagine your classroom with challenges to solve, opportunities to create and students who are engaged. In this session, participants will have HANDS ON experience with a number of engaging kits to promote interactive learning. Throughout the session, you will have an opportunity to EXPLORE, CREATE and PLAY! Any member can sign out all demonstrated kits and books FREE from the ATA library. Participants should come armed with a mobile device to navigate the Association library and begin requesting materials before they leave the workshop. Every teacher is guaranteed a take-away!
Speakers
avatar for Terra Kaliszuk

Terra Kaliszuk

Executive Staff Officer, Professional Development
Terra Kaliszuk is an Executive Staff Officer in the Professional Development program area of the Alberta Teachers' Association. She brings a passion for understanding and supporting the human journey of learning to all of her work. Terra has led professional learning work for the... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
RDP ROOM 1328

9:00am MST

ATRF Your Pension Essentials
Thursday February 20, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
This presentation is designed specifically for teachers that have recently joined the plan. It provides a general overview of the plan, including information about pension contributions, maintaining your pension partner/beneficiary information, the eligibility requirements for a pension, purchasing leaves of absences and substitute service, and transferring service with another pension plan.
Speakers
avatar for Pension Counsellor

Pension Counsellor

Pension Counsellor, Alberta Teachers' Retirement Fund (ATRF)
A Pension Counsellor with the Alberta Teachers' Retirement Fund.
Thursday February 20, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
RDP ROOM 2600 (On the 2nd floor)

9:00am MST

Heading overseas with ATA's international cooperation opportunities
Thursday February 20, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
Do you have an adventurous spirit? Do you like collaborating with people from different backgrounds? Would you like to challenge your professional skills in foreign environments? If you answered YES to the above, consider attending this session on the ATA's International Cooperative Initiatives to learn more about overseas volunteer opportunities and other international initiatives.
Speakers
avatar for Dr. Andrea Berg

Dr. Andrea Berg

Executive Staff Officer, Government, The Alberta Teachers' Association
Andrea Berg, EdD, is an Executive Staff Officer in the Association's Government program area. Among her chief responsibilities are supporting the ATA's Diversity, Equity and Human Rights (DEHR) work and helping to coordinate the ATA’s public relations campaigns. Prior to joining... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
RDP ROOM 2301 (On the 2nd floor)

9:00am MST

Where were you in ‘62, Part 1
Thursday February 20, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
This presentation explores the teaching of the Catholic Church since the Second Vatican Council from 1962-1965. The 21st Ecumenical Council is the final authoritative teaching of the Church . In three short years the 2,470 bishops who gathered with the reigning Popes produced 16 documents. David is using Dr. Edward Hannenberg's book, A Concise Guide to the Documents of Vatican II, as a primary resource. In this session you will find out the different levels of teaching that must be considered in our understanding of the Catholic faith. This session is very interactive and is offered in two parts. On Thursday morning participants will explore the Dogmatic and Pastoral Constitutions and on Friday morning we explore the Decrees and Declarations. The Catechism of the Catholic Church developed out of the documents of Vatican II and remains a guide to the faithful for living out the faith. If you are serving as a teacher of Religious Education, this session will help you deepen your understanding of your program of instruction. I look forward to a lively discussion with all the participants.
Speakers
avatar for David Bouchard

David Bouchard

David is a retired teacher who has enjoyed several opportunities to speak on issues of justice and spirituality. He is happily married for 43 years and has four children and eight grandchildren. David holds a Master of Theology Degree with a focus on ecumenical spirituality. In 2008-2010... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
RDP ROOM 1800

9:00am MST

Stop Wasting My Time!! Strategies for Effectively Facilitating Team Meetings
Thursday February 20, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
Are you frustrated with productivity and impact when meeting in teams? Our time is precious so how do we ensure time spent together is maximized, whether engaging in PLC's, collaborative team meetings, staff meetings or any other meetings at your school? In this session, Kurtis will share specific structures and processes essential when engaging in collaboration, with multiple samples and resources shared. He will also present strategies for facilitators responsible for leading team meetings. Plan on leaving the session with some resources and strategies to impact your next meeting!
Speakers
avatar for Kurtis Hewson

Kurtis Hewson

Lead Learner/Co-Founder, Jigsaw Learning
Kurtis Hewson has been an award-winning teacher, vice-principal, and principal, as well as taught at the post-secondary level. With over a decade of experience as an administrator, Kurtis has championed the call for collaborative structures in schools to ensure success for all students... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
RDP ROOM 2304 (On the 2nd floor)

9:00am MST

Explosions and Fire! Exciting and Dubiously Safe Stuff to do with Kids Monday!
Thursday February 20, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
Demonstrations are the best part of science for many students. In this session we will go through SIX different demonstration, and scaled down versions that you could do in your own class. Yes you'll get to use fire, and no I can't guarantee you'll leave with your eyebrows, but it will be a memorable sixty minutes!
Speakers
avatar for Jason Zackowski

Jason Zackowski

Zed Science
Jason Zackowski is a science/chemistry teacher with LTCHS and currently the curriculum leader for Science there. He has done “Extreme-Science” videos with a local radio station, delivers science shows (pre-COVID) and has been featured on The History Channel as a presenter on History... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
RDP ROOM 1602

9:00am MST

Gizmos: Building Understanding of Scientific Methods and Investigations Using Online Simulations
Thursday February 20, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
Inspire students to think like scientists! Encourage students to ask questions, make observations, and construct reasonable explanations using online simulations. Scientific methods and experimentation with online simulations will be modelled within a curricular context. 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, ExploreLearning
Karen has observed firsthand the power of online simulations for building inquiry skills and concept understanding. For fifteen years, she has used Gizmos to engage her science students in their learning and is excited to help teachers use Gizmos with their students too! Karen cherishes... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
RDP ROOM AC159 (ARTS CENTRE)

9:00am MST

EdCamp: Chemistry 20
Thursday February 20, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
Share chemistry 20 lessons, labs, quizzes, tests, best practices. Use the following Google Doc to share all your ideas: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Y7_YD1infknMzDNPc2bSgu85VMzpyyoNV0NmcoX1t0g/edit?usp=sharing
Speakers
avatar for Lindsay McNelly-Brown

Lindsay McNelly-Brown

I teach at Lacombe Composite High School, which is part of WolfCreek Public Schools. I started teaching in 2005 and have spent most of my career in high school. I currently teach Commercial Foods and Chemistry 20. I have also taught junior and senior high math and science as well... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
RDP ROOM 2902 (On the 2nd floor)

9:00am MST

Gr 7 - Our Greatest Hits: How to Make Canadian History interesting and engaging! Pre-Contact to mid 1700’s
Thursday February 20, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
Want to bring history to life in your classroom? Want your students to experience history? Want your students to think critically and build skills? We will start with an interactive simulation of the colony of New France. Students will take on a role in this society and interact with each other to understand individual roles as well as connections. This can be expanded to allow students to create a 3D model of their learning. Students then move on to our founding industry when they look at the fur trade across Canada. Students will take on various roles and complete a variety of engaging and interactive assignments to learn and demonstrate their understanding of 400 years of Canadian history. Finally we will look at the Deportation of the Acadians. This is done through the lens of the immigrant experience. Students get to explore and understand situations where individuals are forced from their homes and become refugees. There are many connections to be made to other times in world history to allow students to critically think about the movement of peoples. They will have opportunities to put themselves into history and become the characters that before they merely read about! Lots of humanities cross curricular opportunities! You will walk away with the complete simulation packages, 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 18 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 →
Thursday February 20, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
RDP ROOM 2303 (On the 2nd floor)

9:00am MST

AI in the classroom and helping teachers
Thursday February 20, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
Join me for an innovation as we delve into the exciting realm of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and explore how it can be seamlessly integrated into the classroom to enhance the teaching and learning experience. In today's rapidly evolving educational landscape, staying ahead of the curve is essential, and AI presents an incredible opportunity for educators to revolutionize their approach to teaching.

This conference is designed to provide educators with practical insights, hands-on experiences, and guidance on incorporating AI tools into their teaching methodologies. Participants will have the chance to engage and discover cutting-edge AI technologies, and learn how to leverage these tools to create dynamic, personalized, and adaptive learning environments.

Whether you're a tech-savvy educator or just starting to explore the possibilities of AI in education, this conference is your gateway to unlocking the potential of AI in the classroom. Join me and be part of the education revolution!
Speakers
avatar for Gilles Theriault

Gilles Theriault

Teacher, Red Deer Public School District
Gilles is presently teaching at École Lindsay Thurber Comp. H.S. in Red Deer. He has provided support to educators and has conducted professional development for over two decades. Passionate about photography, videography, and tech. Helping students to discover their own unique digital... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
RDP MARGARET PARSONS THEATRE / ROOM 1400

9:00am MST

Introduction to Artificial Intelligence for Educators
Thursday February 20, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
What do we mean by artificial intelligence, machine learning, and deep learning? What are the potential impacts on education and society, and how do we talk to students about all of this? In this (session or panel discussion) we will explore these topics, try out some examples, and talk about the potentials and pitfalls of AI and related technologies.
Speakers
avatar for Bobbi Belsek

Bobbi Belsek

Education Specialist, Callysto
Bobbi has a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Bachelor of Education After Degree from Concordia University of Edmonton. He is an Education Specialist on the Callysto team, and has spent much of his teaching career thus far in Grade 5. Bobbi enjoys helping students and educators to build... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
RDP ROOM 1408

9:00am MST

Wake Up (Insert School Name Here): Running a Media Production Option
Thursday February 20, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
What started as a joke during the pandemic quickly morphed into a popular option for students in grades 6 to 9. For this session, I will be sharing how I run my media option class, which produces two pre-recorded shows a week. I will share my initial intentions of the class and how the students have ran away with it, making it their own legacy.

Link for presentation: https://www.canva.com/design/DAF9XUxI5lY/v-AVVF1WYjm-iQKAYs0AOQ/view?utm_content=DAF9XUxI5lY&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=editor
Speakers
avatar for Michael Saretzky

Michael Saretzky

Teacher
I have been teaching since 2005, coming to Alberta from BC. During my time in teaching I have had stops in Fox Creek, Hinton and now Red Deer. Over the past, almost 20 years, I have taught a plethera of subjects and grades, from grade 3 to grade 11 math, science and English. Also... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
RDP ROOM AC222 (ARTS CENTRE - On the 2nd floor)

9:00am MST

Creative Mandalas For Relaxation
Thursday February 20, 2025 9:00am - 11:20am 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. PLEASE PRINT OFF ALL THE HANDOUTS, ATTACHED BELOW, FOR THIS SESSION AND BRING THEM TO THE CLASS! All art materials are provided for this session. The cost is $25. *****You must etransfer your attendance fee for this class in advance to secure your spot in the session to sally@sallytowerssybblis.com and indicate in an email to Sally what session you signed up for.
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”.Sally's life’s... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 9:00am - 11:20am MST
RDP ROOM 2507 (On the 2nd floor)

9:00am MST

Dancing Sentences: How to integrate kinaesthetic learning in your classroom. No prior dance experience necessary!
Thursday February 20, 2025 9:00am - 11:20am MST
In this experiential session participants will learn to facilitate the scalable, arts-integrated learning process, Dancing Sentences in the grade 3-6 classroom. Participants will leave the session with the skills to confidently facilitate this process with their students.

Dancing Sentences identifies and represents parts of a sentence through the creation of a codified movement structure. It can be as simple as identifying nouns and verbs, or more complex with adverbs, adjectives, and prepositions. It can be applied to all written work, including novels, creative writing, poetry and short stories.

Oscillating between lecture and kinesthetic learning, session participants will engage with the process from both the facilitator’s and students’ perspectives. Please be prepared to be physically active. Don’t forget your water bottle!
Speakers
avatar for Jennifer Mahood

Jennifer Mahood

Owner-Artist-Facilitator, Art in Motion Dance Education
Jennifer Mahood works with movement-based processes across artistic, educational and therapeutic settings. She teaches and facilitates classes for children, adults, and dance professionals in Calgary through her company Art in Motion Dance Education. Holding an MFA in Contemporary... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 9:00am - 11:20am MST
RDP ROOM 2305 (On the 2nd floor)

9:00am MST

Building Thinking Classrooms I - Elementary Focus (K-6)
Thursday February 20, 2025 9:00am - 11:20am MST
Session One: Just starting a Thinking Classroom? Want to overcome norms that have fostered a culture of teaching and learning often devoid of student thinking? In this session, I present some results of over 15 years of research into how teachers can transform their classrooms from a space where students mimic to where students think. The practices discussed come from Peter Liljedahl's best-selling book, Building Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics (Grades K-12): 14 Teaching Practices for Enhancing Learning. I will share strategies I’ve learned over the years that will help maintain the flow of a Thinking Classroom. Come and experience the joy of working in collaboration on rich tasks at vertical, non-permanent surfaces - a few of the necessary elements for building a Thinking Classroom.
Speakers
avatar for Annette Rouleau

Annette Rouleau

Consultant, Building Thinking Classrooms
Annette is proud to be the first-ever elementary teacher accepted into the Mathematics Education Doctoral program at Simon Fraser University. She was invited to study with Dr. Peter Liljedahl after completing her Masters degree under his tutelage. Her PhD thesis focused on tension... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 9:00am - 11:20am MST
RDP ROOM 2901A (On the 2nd floor)

9:00am MST

Building Thinking Classrooms I - Secondary Math Focus (Gr. 8-12)
Thursday February 20, 2025 9:00am - 11:20am MST
Much of how classrooms look and much of what happens in them today is guided by institutional norms laid down at the inception of an industrial-age model of public education. These norms have enabled a culture of teaching and learning that is often devoid of student thinking. In this session, I will share some of the results of over 15 years of research into how teachers can transform their classrooms from a space where students mimic to where students think. The practices discussed will intertwine with, and make extensive references to, the best-selling book, Building Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics (Grades K-12): 14 Teaching Practices for Enhancing Learning. This session is designed primarily for secondary (gr. 8-12) math teachers and will focus on introducing the key principles of the Building Thinking Classrooms framework through an experiential approach.
Speakers
avatar for Dr. Judy Larsen

Dr. Judy Larsen

Simon Fraser University
Dr. Judy Larsen is an Associate Professor at the University of the Fraser Valley, where she teaches mathematics courses at the secondary level as well as mathematics education courses for pre-service teachers. She also leads professional development workshops with in-service educators... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 9:00am - 11:20am MST
RDP ROOM 2901B (On the 2nd floor)

9:00am MST

Re−Energizing our Basketball Athletes
Thursday February 20, 2025 9:00am - 11:20am MST
Designed for teachers who are involved in coaching/reffing in their elementary, junior or senior high schools. With modified, delayed or even canceled basketball seasons in recent years, our athletes' fundamental skills are still developing at later stages than the past. This session will share coaching strategies and drills to prepare your team for the final stretch of your season. Whether you’re looking for new drills to add variety to your practices or a new way to teach an old skill; this session will provide you with plenty of ideas to use immediately at your next practice. Using a Canada Basketball model, you will learn the benefit of advantage drills such as 2v1, 3v2 and the random vs block practice model to create better decision making in your athletes. All participants are welcome to bring laptops, iPads, notebooks to record or take notes during the session. There will be athletes on the court demonstrating drills so there is no need for session participants to get on the court.
Speakers
avatar for Don Finlayson

Don Finlayson

Teacher/Coach, Black Gold School Division
20 years basketball coaching experience from kindergarten to post-secondary Sr. Girls Basketball coach and teacher at Leduc Composite High School 2016 & 2018 Alberta Summer Games head coach (Zone 5) 2016-2017 Concordia University Women’s Asst. Coach
Thursday February 20, 2025 9:00am - 11:20am MST
RDP MAIN GYM / ROOM 1002

9:00am MST

They Will Never Know Their Dancing - Creative and Improvisational Dance for K to 9
Thursday February 20, 2025 9:00am - 11:20am MST
Students and teachers often resist “dancing” because it is outside of their comfort zone. This session will guide you and your learners through creative and stimulating movement exercises that are so engaging, students won’t know they are dancing. All abilities are welcome. This is an active participatory session but movements are without choreography or specific steps, and include personal expression, spatial awareness, comfort levels, collaborative movement, and inviting students to participate at their level. Great music, laughter, lots of discussions on how to assess and encourage students, and the joy of movement. You will leave with a full resource to support your journey forward. Time permitting we will venture into some modern improvisations as well. Those just wanting to move… come join the dance.
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 the “art of teaching”. Having taught for over 2 decades outdoors, in the classroom, and in the gym, from grades 1 to 12 in all subject matters and 10 years with the Blended Homeschooling program, he brings unique... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 9:00am - 11:20am MST
RDP ROOM 2004 (On the 2nd floor)

9:00am MST

Dare to Lead™ in the Classroom
Thursday February 20, 2025 9:00am - 11:20am MST
Teachers are our most important leaders!Based on her research, Brené developed Dare to Lead™ – an empirically based courage-building program, and adapted it for schools. It’s a game-changer for teachers as leaders at all levels. Covering the four teachable, observable, and measurable courage skill sets, Dare to Lead™ in the Classroom (Daring Classrooms™) covers: 1. Rumbling with Vulnerability: The foundational skill of courage-building is the willingness and ability to step into the discomfort of being vulnerable. Without this core skill, the other three are impossible to put into practice. Our ability to be daring educators will never be greater than our capacity for vulnerability – leaning into risk, uncertainty, and emotional exposure. 2. Living Into Our Values: What’s our North Star? What do we stand for? Research participants who demonstrated the most willingness to be vulnerable and brave anchored their behavior to a couple of essential values, not 10 or 15. Our core values give us courage and strength, especially when things are difficult. 3. BRAVING Trust: It’s a must-have in our important professional and personal relationships, but trust tends to be a fuzzy concept. Understanding the seven evidence-based elements of BRAVING trust helps us to be specific and exchange feedback in meaningful ways that supports real change and enduring trust. 4. Learning to Rise: To push the reset button and be resilient, we must recognize emotion, look at the facts and truth of what really happened, discover the lessons to be learned, make changes, and go forward with more wisdom than before. Daring educators are self-aware, know how to have hard conversations, hold themselves and others accountable, build trust, lead with empathy and connection, take smart risks that lead to innovation, reset quickly after disappointments and setbacks, and give and receive feedback – especially when it’s tough.
Speakers
avatar for Kimberly Knull

Kimberly Knull

Owner, Courageous Leadership
Kimberly Knull is a Registered Psychologist, motivational speaker and trained by Brené Brown as a Dare to Lead™ facilitator. She’s the Co-Founder of Momentum Walk-In Counselling Society, a non-profit mental health counselling agency for those who would otherwise be unable to... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 9:00am - 11:20am MST
RDP ROOM 2505 (On the 2nd floor)

9:00am MST

Learning With Lego
Thursday February 20, 2025 9:00am - 11:20am MST
ALL students, in all subjects can benefit from using Lego to learn. Learn about some examples of how Lego is used for Math (elementary), Biology (Blood typing, photosynthesis, cellular respiration, sliding muscle filament theory, diffusion), social studies (historical re-enactments), English (mini-figure videos). So bring your own Lego and in this workshop you can work individually or in design teams, creating your own Lego lesson plans for your classes, and field testing them with the other participants.
Speakers
CC

Carter Cox

Carter started as an educator with Alberta Parks and Parks Canada developing and delivering natural and cultural history programs prior to running Science Education at the Royal Ontario Museum.   Carter started his own adventure learning company, as a trained Palaeontologist, as... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 9:00am - 11:20am MST
RDP ROOM 1600

9:00am MST

Hands-on Minds-on: The Intersection of Trades and STEM in K-12 Education
Thursday February 20, 2025 9:00am - 11:20am MST
Dive into an Alberta-based STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) initiative in partnership with Lethbridge College that enriches K-12 education with practical trades experience. The session features a 120-minute interactive opportunity for you to explore and engage with our free digital and hands-on resources. We'll start with a brief overview of the project and its connections to the mathematics and science curricula and industry. You will then spend the majority of the session interacting with the activities and resources that can be immediately implemented into your practice. We will provide real-world context through a trades-lens and seek your feedback on classroom application and potential resources. Join us for this collaborative effort to bring the trades into the classroom.
Speakers
MP

Matthew Prete

STEM Consultant, Lethbridge College
Thursday February 20, 2025 9:00am - 11:20am MST
RDP ROOM 1303

9:00am MST

From Programming to Performance: Preparation for Productive and Motivating Rehearsals
Thursday February 20, 2025 9:00am - 3:20pm MST
Through hands-on experiences, instrumental music educators will first review the knowledge, skills, and understanding needed for musicians to successfully engage in music making on woodwind, percussion, and brass instruments. Next, the workshop will dive into high-quality repertoire and efficient preparation to focus on what, when, and why of diverse and engaging rehearsal strategies. Participants will explore approaches that increase learner independence, develop critical thinking, and motivate every section in the ensemble! All registrants are strongly encouraged to bring along their primary instrument as well as secondary instruments - for example, a flute, clarinet, trumpet, and trombone - for hands on music making every hour in analysis of classroom materials (method book and scores), rehearsal strategies, and in an ensemble for participant conductors. Mistakes are always welcome and celebrated as we learn together from one another!
THIS SESSION WILL BE HELD AT LINDSAY THURBER HIGH SCHOOL.
Speakers
avatar for Dr. Wendy Zander

Dr. Wendy Zander

Brandon University
Dr. Wendy Zander is the Instrumental Music Education Specialist and director of the Symphonic Band at Brandon University where she teaches courses in music education and conducting.  Work as a solo and ensemble adjudicator and clinician for concert and jazz ensembles has taken her... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 9:00am - 3:20pm MST
Lindsay Thurber Band Room

9:00am MST

Mutli Faith Room
Thursday February 20, 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.
Thursday February 20, 2025 9:00am - 3:20pm MST
RDP ROOM 2400 (On the 2nd floor)

9:00am MST

3D Printing Workshop: From Complete Novice to Artist in One Day!
Thursday February 20, 2025 9:00am - 3:20pm MST
Have you seen incredible arrays of objects that can be printed by a 3D printer, but always found that getting started with 3D printing seemed intimidating? In this day-long session (with many needed breaks), we will go through all of the steps there are to learning how to be a proficient 3D designer/creator, and make sure that you are advancing through the workshop confident in all previous concepts. It is important to note that this is not a session created exclusively for people who teach CTF/CTS to bring it into their classes, but for teachers of all subject areas that want to learn how to make use of these devices that they have in their school or school division. People with all backgrounds, regardless of grade level or subject specialization, are invited to sign up and learn the fundamentals of how to design and print objects on a 3D printer.

Through a day that will be divided into three smaller sessions with breaks between, here are some of the key stages of this one-day workshop:
1. An introduction to the software and hardware of 3D printing.
2. A wide array of examples of how 3D printing can be integrated into various courses.
2. The fundamentals of creating 3D designs.
3. Websites that freely share 3D printing object files.
4. How to alter, align, and scale single objects; how to join and group multiple objects in a design.
5. How to import and alter 3D design files.
6. Exporting 3D design files.
7. Importing into 3D printing software.
8. Factors to manipulate and evaluate when creating a print file.
9. Other key factors to have in place to have a successful print.

It will be encouraged that all participants bring a laptop with a mouse to the workshop. To prevent too much downloading from taking place at the workshop, please download and install the most up-to-date version of UltiMaker Cura on your laptop prior to attending. If you are sitting on the fence about attending this session, and have any further questions, feel free to contact me at nate.siler@rdpsd.ab.ca.

Prepare to be amazed at just how much there is for you to print to supplement the learning of your students in your class, regardless of what you teach!
Speakers
avatar for Nate Siler

Nate Siler

Science Coordinator, Red Deer Public School Division
Nate Siler is the science coordinator for Red Deer Public School Division. He also teaches science education courses for the University of Alberta at Red Deer Polytechnic. There's nothing that he loves more than some people attending his sessions that have some great questions, especially... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 9:00am - 3:20pm MST
RDP LIBRARY COMPUTER LAB / ROOM 1006R

10:20am MST

A taste of Art- Oil Pastels Projects
Thursday February 20, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
A taste of Art- Oil Pastels Projects
Various techniques and strategies to effectively use the vibrant colours of the oil pastels are demonstrated in this session. Creating new colours, blending colours and achieving texture will be explored by step-by-step demonstration of each project. These projects can be modified for any grade level and abilities. Please email transfer $10 to Christina at candixon@telus.net to obtain all the supplies for this session and then email her to confirm the session you are attending.
Speakers
avatar for Christina Dixon

Christina Dixon

Art
Over the past few years I presented numerous sessions at various Teacher Conventions, Fine Arts Conferences, Professional Development Days, and private organizations/groups. As an art teacher, my main goal is to inspire others to love, appreciate, and explore the artistic paths using... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
RDP ROOM 2502 (On the 2nd floor)

10:20am MST

Designing Performance Tasks for Deeper Learning
Thursday February 20, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
Are you looking for ways to create meaningful learning experiences for your students that go beyond just rote memorization and recall? In this session we will share how to
- align performance tasks with learning outcomes and standards,
- create success criteria and design tools for gathering evidence and
- incorporate technology and multimedia resources to enhance student engagement and understanding.
Join us to discover how to create assessments that challenge and engage your students, and help them develop the critical thinking and problem-solving skills they need to succeed in the real world.
Please note we will use both elementary and secondary examples in this session.
Speakers
avatar for AAC Facilitator

AAC Facilitator

Field Service Facilitator, Alberta Assessment Consortium
The Alberta Assessment Consortium is a not-for-profit education partner in the province, focused on everyday assessment to support student learning. Our facilitators combine their experience as Alberta teachers and teacher leaders with the expertise of the organization.Presenter Shelly... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
RDP ROOM 913A

10:20am MST

How Aspirational Africentric English Teaching Can Change Lives
Thursday February 20, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
Fiction allows readers—especially young readers—to dream of the places they wish to go, the experiences they wish to have, the deeds they wish to accomplish, and the people they wish to become. But in the name of “diversity,” some publishers push fiction about African-descent characters who go nowhere, experience nothing but pain, do nothing, and wish for mere survival.

But what if we all could do better? What if we could teach exciting, thrilling short stories, novels, and films about aspirational African-descent characters chasing dreams, transforming themselves, changing worlds, and triumphing? Imagine the impact on students who—perhaps for the first time—experience literature in school that expands their dreams to aim at greatness?

Discover the life-changing power of aspirational Africentric English teaching with practical strategies and resources you can implement the day you’re back at school!
Speakers
avatar for Malcolm Azania

Malcolm Azania

President, Project Saqqara
In addition to having English in Edmonton high schools and junior high schools for a decade, Malcolm Azania is an award-winning novelist, award-winning print journalist, radio host-producer, television host and associate producer, sketch comedy writer, video game writer, and community... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
RDP ROOM 2205 (On the 2nd floor)

10:20am MST

How to Foster Effective Relationships?
Thursday February 20, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
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. Rania loves learning different languages, and sees the value in fostering effective relationships.
Speakers
RE

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 French for over 15 years with ECSD. She has a bachelor of Secondary Education, and a master's degree both from University of Alberta. Rania... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
RDP ROOM AC160 (ARTS CENTRE)

10:20am MST

EdCamp: Career Counsellors Unite!
Thursday February 20, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
This is an opportunity to share knowledge, ask questions and learn from fellow Career Counsellors. Carry on the conversation with this document: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1SYl0XAo8ckupvm0fRnyVsaPzlrxoMZRKeXuwswnEwv4/edit?usp=sharing
Some questions we will discuss include:
- What is the most common question from students or teachers?
- How are you reaching students with all your knowledge?
- What are your go-to tools?
- ....and whatever it is that you want to ask the group!
Speakers
avatar for Steff Zelmer

Steff Zelmer

Off Campus Coordinator, Ecole Secondaire Lacombe Composite High School
I graduated from U of A with BEd/BPE in 2010 and have taught in High Prairie, Valleyview and Lacombe. I teach a combination of Math and Science and Transitions. I also work as an Off Campus Coordinator looking after work experience and RAP students.
Thursday February 20, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
RDP ROOM AC142 (ARTS CENTRE)

10:20am MST

Classroom Management—What Works?
Thursday February 20, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
This workshop was developed with beginning and novice teachers in mind. Participants will review what classroom management is and why it is important, starting with the impact of positive and authentic relationships. From there, participants will move into looking at rules, routines, procedures and strategies. The goal is to help participants create classrooms in which both the students and the teachers can be successful.
Speakers
DD

Dorice Dechamplain

Association Instructor, Alberta Teachers' Association
Thursday February 20, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
RDP ROOM 2501 (On the 2nd floor)

10:20am MST

How to Host A Hackathon! Learning Design in Synchronous and Asynchronous Learning Spaces
Thursday February 20, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
Callysto has offered open and freely available online and in-person hackathon experiences to Grades 5-12 students. Come and learn about data science and computational thinking challenges, and how to inspire student and staff learning through hackathons.

Participants will get access to learning resources to host their own or have Callysto host a hackathon for their classroom or school. A hackathon is an event where people come together to solve problems over a specific period of time. Depending on the activity, hackathon participants work individually or in groups, take out their laptops , and dive into themed problems. Hackathon participants learn and integrate many interdisciplinary skills from different knowledge domains during a data science hackathon, including computational thinking, Python programming (coding), critical thinking, project management and prioritization.
Speakers
avatar for Bobbi Belsek

Bobbi Belsek

Education Specialist, Callysto
Bobbi has a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Bachelor of Education After Degree from Concordia University of Edmonton. He is an Education Specialist on the Callysto team, and has spent much of his teaching career thus far in Grade 5. Bobbi enjoys helping students and educators to build... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
RDP ROOM 1408

10:20am MST

Becoming an Emotional Ninja: Nurturing Well-being through Social and Emotional Learning
Thursday February 20, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
As educators, we play a pivotal role in shaping the social and emotional development of our students. The foundation we lay in their early years can have a profound impact on their mental health and resilience throughout their lives.

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) is a framework for mental health promotion and is the process through which students develop healthy identities, effectively manage emotions, set and achieve personal and collective goals, cultivate empathy, build supportive relationships, and make responsible and caring decisions.

Join us as we explore SEL's power to create a positive and nurturing learning environment, where every student can thrive emotionally, socially, and academically. Be part of this transformative experience, and together, let's shape resilient, emotionally intelligent “ninjas” who are prepared to face life's challenges with confidence!

Speakers
avatar for Megan Brain

Megan Brain

Shana Fairbank (BPE, BEd, The Working Mind Facilitator -MHCC) My background is in physical and mental health. As a physical and wellness educator, I have spent years researching, teaching and developing curriculum for Alberta. As a mom of four boys, coach and active member in my community... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
RDP ROOM 2601 (On the 2nd floor)

10:20am MST

Admin Perspectives for LGBTQ+ Inclusion: A Path to Equity From Ally to Advocate
Thursday February 20, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
In today's diverse educational landscape, it is imperative for school administrators to foster inclusive environments where every student feels safe, respected, and valued. Our presentation is designed to empower school administrators with the knowledge and tools necessary to create supportive spaces for LGBTQ+ students, staff, and families. Through a no-nonsense, practical approach, we will explore topics of legal and ethical framework, allyship and support, building an inclusive community, and addressing challenges. By attending this session, administrators will be equipped with the knowledge and tools necessary to lead their schools towards becoming inclusive, affirming spaces where all students, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, can thrive academically and personally. This session will be a presentation and breakout workshops on the administrative side of running a 2SLGBTQ+ inclusive school. Elementary, Junior High and High School level breakouts run by admin with experience at each level.
Speakers
avatar for Cory Albrecht

Cory Albrecht

Cory Albrecht (he/him) is currently a principal at WD Cuts Junior High. He has spent 25 years with St. Albert Public Schools and has been an administrator at all levels of schooling K-12. He strives to create safe and welcoming schools where all students are celebrated.
avatar for Matthew Tripp

Matthew Tripp

Matt Tripp (he/him) is a seventeen-year educator and has been an administrator for the last seven years at both the elementary and junior high levels. Currently he is the Assistant Principal of WD Cuts Junior High School. Throughout his education career, Matt has been an advocate... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
RDP ROOM 1500 (Cornerstone)

10:20am MST

After Benchmarking - Next Steps for Beginning Language Learners
Thursday February 20, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
In this session we will discuss how to accomodate for beginning level language learners (Pre-Level 1 and Level 1). Explore BICS and CALP, Language Acquisition Stages and how to create language rich learning environments to support language development.
Speakers
AS

Angela Skene

Angela Skene completed her masters in English Language Learners from the University of North Dakota. She is passionate about sharing strategies to help culturally diverse students achieve success and equity in the classroom.
Thursday February 20, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
RDP ROOM 1503

10:20am MST

Aristotle, Happiness and Teaching
Thursday February 20, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
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 →
Thursday February 20, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
RDP ROOM 1435

10:20am MST

Reimagining Work: Considerations, Skills, Habits and Work Design
Thursday February 20, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
The way we work has fundamentally shifted. Questions we have been asking about the future of work are forced into our present. Companies, teams, and individuals have been offered an opportunity to reflect and redesign work. We will explore the questions and logistics you can be thinking through to make work more enjoyable, productive and meaningful. The last two years have emphasized that change is the only constant. As we approach, yet another large shift, Dr. Lisa Bélanger explores the behaviours we can implement to optimize our ability to think clearly, be productive and resilient, stay driven, and avoid being overwhelmed. Drawing on psychology, behavioural science, and neuroscience, she’ll walk you through how we can set up our environment, community, and teams to perform well in high-stress situations and when under long-term stress; and how we can use simple tools to increase our mental strength and performance in periods of change.
Speakers
avatar for Dr. Lisa Belanger

Dr. Lisa Belanger

An organization’s greatest asset is its people. Award-winning CEO Dr. Lisa Bélanger shows  leaders and teams how insights from psychology, neuroscience, and behavioural science can be  applied in the workplace to optimize performance, productivity, and innovation. She helps close... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
RDP MAIN STAGE/ AC117 (ARTS CENTRE)

10:20am MST

Consent: What it is and How to Teach it
Thursday February 20, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
Learn about consent as it relates to children and youth, learn definitions, laws and the reality of consent.
Understand the foundations of consent and healthy relationships, and learn its link to sexual assault, and sexting. The facilitators will share best practices for engaging students in Consent education content, and share helpful resources and tools for teaching consent conversations.
Educators will feel empowered and/or more comfortable with consent conversations and supporting students.
Speakers
avatar for Kailee Burkinshaw/CASASC

Kailee Burkinshaw/CASASC

Team Lead/Educator, CASASC
The Central Alberta Sexual Assault Support Centre (CASASC) is a voluntary, non-profit organization serving the Central Alberta region under the direction of a community-based Board of Directors.We specialize in healing sexual trauma so you can talk freely about the hard stuff with... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
RDP ROOM 2906 (On the 2nd floor)

10:20am MST

AI Tools to Amplify Your Professionalism and Save Time!
Thursday February 20, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
Artificial intelligence tools have emerged for teachers which can generate lesson plans, teaching content, assessment materials, and more! In this hands-on session, we'll explore some of these tools and their uses which can save you hours of valuable time so you can focus more deeply on your students' needs. We will share a process for generating, evaluating, applying, and reflecting on the materials generated which keeps you in the drivers' seat as the designer of incredible learning experiences as professionals while at the same time allowing you to be far more efficient in your daily work life. Bring a device if you can! Free digital resource will be provided. Participants are encouraged to bring a device.
Speakers
avatar for Dan Grassick

Dan Grassick

Executive Staff Officer, The Alberta Teachers' Association
Dan Grassick (they/them) is Executive Staff Officer in the Alberta Teachers’ Association Professional Development program area where their main responsibilities include supporting the Association's specialist councils and teachers’ conventions, and working with Alberta teacher... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
RDP MARGARET PARSONS THEATRE / ROOM 1400

10:20am MST

Growing My Roots: Supporting Early Language and Literacy through Indigenous Ways of Knowing
Thursday February 20, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
This session highlights unique Indigenous practices, beliefs, and perspectives around early language and literacy learning in the home, school, and community which can be different from Western, mainstream perspectives. In the spirit of Reconciliation, helpful recommendations for early years Educators will be shared to enhance the authentic incorporation of Indigenous ways of knowing in classroom interactions, activities, materials, and assessment.
Speakers
LM

Lois Maplethorpe

Lois has been an early years educator for over 20 years, specializing in early language and literacy learning. Lois teaches preservice preschool and elementary teachers at Red Deer Polytechnic. She has also worked collaboratively with Indigenous nations in supporting culturally consistent... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
RDP ROOM 2602 (On the 2nd floor)

10:20am MST

EdCamp: Film studies
Thursday February 20, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
Film studies Ed camp! Let's meet and discuss planning and strategies that are working well in your school context! Here is the document to expand on from previous years: https://docs.google.com/document/d/13cKtOXlbvyVOHu6AY8k1K7qbav_o7m1Kdb_oyt5Lbig/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 and Film Studies at LTCHS.
Thursday February 20, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
RDP ROOM 2902 (On the 2nd floor)

10:20am MST

Teaching out of YOUR comfort zone!
Thursday February 20, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
We often push students to "work outside of their comfort zone" but how often do we engage in the same advice? In this session we will explore the adventures of what can happen when you step out and explore beyond your own classroom doors. Insight and humorous tales will be shared from my recent engagement into the realm of Construction 10!
Speakers
avatar for Kathy Penner

Kathy Penner

Mental Health Teacher, Calgary Board of Education
Kathy Penner has been teaching with the CBE for 16 years. She has an extensive background in working with students with special needs including a specialized program for students with severe mental health diagnoses. She is currently teaching social sciences and Construction 10.
Thursday February 20, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
RDP ROOM 913B

10:20am MST

Every Child Deserves a Team: Layering Meeting Structures to Support the Whole Child
Thursday February 20, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
Does it feel like you're talking about the same students over and over? Are you wanting to take your PLC's and RTI efforts to the next level? Do your team meetings lack the clarity and purpose you're looking for as a leader? In this session, Kurtis will articulate, with multiple school samples and resources, the value of layering collaborative structures and processes within a school and how the introduction of a very intentional collaborative team meeting can work to respond to the needs of students collaboratively, while increasing the instructional capacity of everyone involved. In essence, schools reduce the number of meetings about students...by adding one more! By intentionally layering and connecting our PLC and RTI structures, we leverage and maximize the most powerful resource in any school for supporting the whole child - the teachers working within our building! Come learn what thousands of schools have learned about these purposeful collaborative structures and processes to ensure every student is supported by a team. Please ensure you have a device to access online materials through QR code or URL link.
Speakers
avatar for Kurtis Hewson

Kurtis Hewson

Lead Learner/Co-Founder, Jigsaw Learning
Kurtis Hewson has been an award-winning teacher, vice-principal, and principal, as well as taught at the post-secondary level. With over a decade of experience as an administrator, Kurtis has championed the call for collaborative structures in schools to ensure success for all students... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
RDP ROOM 2304 (On the 2nd floor)

10:20am MST

Learning is Contagious! Meaningful Practices in the Classroom
Thursday February 20, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
Ignite your students innate sense of learning and create a classroom of engaged, and motivated explorers, researchers and leaders. Innovative assessment tools, student lead projects and student celebrations will be shared to help you create a contagious learning environment.
Speakers
avatar for Paul Bohnert, Karly Lewis, & Janel Heth

Paul Bohnert, Karly Lewis, & Janel Heth

Lead Teachers -, The Faculty
The Faculty is a collection of practicing Alberta teachers that create professional learning opportunities for teachers across North America.Paul (Bohnert) is a practicing middle school teacher and researcher in Alberta. He has created an innovative learning environment that has transformed... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
RDP ROOM 2302 (On the 2nd floor)

10:20am MST

Bubbles and Slime
Thursday February 20, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
This session will go through a handful of science activities that can be used at any level of science and with products and supplies that won't break the bank. Each experiment or reaction will be a hit with your audience and a clear, step by step procedure will help you do it your own way!
All you need is a willingness to let kids build and experiment and a love for science!
Come build some stuff that you can use on Monday!
Speakers
avatar for Jason Zackowski

Jason Zackowski

Zed Science
Jason Zackowski is a science/chemistry teacher with LTCHS and currently the curriculum leader for Science there. He has done “Extreme-Science” videos with a local radio station, delivers science shows (pre-COVID) and has been featured on The History Channel as a presenter on History... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
RDP ROOM 1602

10:20am MST

Creating & Using Puzzles in the Science Classroom
Thursday February 20, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
Looking for some fun and easy puzzles to engage students in their learning? During this one hour session, participants will use previously created puzzles made from paper, magnets, laser cut and electronic/web-based activities. Topics include Science 10, Biology 20/30, Chemistry 20/30/AP but templates can be used to create puzzles for other topics. Participants are encouraged to sign up to attend the additional, two hour afternoon session (Play It To Remember It), where many more forms of activities will be presented. All materials in both sessions can be found at playeducateinspire.pbworks.com. There will be a door prize awarded at the end of the session.
Speakers
avatar for Peggy Au

Peggy Au

Teacher, Ernest Manning High School
Peggy has been teaching for more than 27 years in Lethbridge, Wetaskiwin, and Calgary, Alberta. In pursuit of professional learning, Peggy participates in science education through many local, provincial, and international conferences. Peggy contributes to test development, diploma... Read More →
avatar for Rachel Toews

Rachel Toews

Secondary Science Teacher, Calgary Board of Education
Rachel has been teaching secondary science in Calgary for 26 years. She is the former Biology Director for the Alberta Science Council and both presents and participates in many science conferences, teachers conventions, and professional development days. She is a member of the Alberta... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
RDP ROOM 2301 (On the 2nd floor)

10:20am MST

Gizmos - Explore How Online Science Simulations Support Scientific Literacy 7-12
Thursday February 20, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
ExploreLearning Gizmos are award-winning, interactive simulations that bring research-proven instructional strategies to life and make learning fun! This session introduces the pedagogical approach of CER, claim-evidence-reasoning, to promote scientific literacy. 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, ExploreLearning
Karen has observed firsthand the power of online simulations for building inquiry skills and concept understanding. For fifteen years, she has used Gizmos to engage her science students in their learning and is excited to help teachers use Gizmos with their students too! Karen cherishes... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
RDP ROOM AC159 (ARTS CENTRE)

10:20am MST

EdCamp: Science 10
Thursday February 20, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
This session is for Science 10 teachers who want to collaborate and create new resources, share and modify existing resources or research new ideas. The goal of this session is to collaborate to create new lab resources and activities to use in the classroom immediately! Carry on this conversation on the following Google Document: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1GG6cRtUFfcfj90C0PnS-IqemAsMEVnaOjzX4M3BHfYE/edit?usp=sharing
Speakers
Thursday February 20, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
RDP ROOM 2904 (On the 2nd floor)

10:20am MST

Social Studies Curriculum Engagement
Thursday February 20, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
Learn more about the development of new Kindergarten to Grade 12 Social Studies curriculum and provide feedback on key learnings within the K-12 social studies curriculum. You will also receive updates on the phased approach to classroom piloting and implementation.

Target Audience: K-12 Teachers, K-12 Administrators
Speakers
avatar for Terra Kaliszuk

Terra Kaliszuk

Executive Staff Officer, Professional Development
Terra Kaliszuk is an Executive Staff Officer in the Professional Development program area of the Alberta Teachers' Association. She brings a passion for understanding and supporting the human journey of learning to all of her work. Terra has led professional learning work for the... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
RDP ROOM 1328

10:20am MST

Gr 7 - Our Greatest Hits: How to Make Canadian History interesting and engaging! Mid 1700’s - 1900
Thursday February 20, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
Want to bring history to life in your classroom? Want your students to experience history? Want your students to think critically and build skills? We will start with an interactive simulation of the Loyalist Migration. Students will take on a role in this society representing one of four main groups of loyalists who migrated. They are able to explore the refugee experience. Other resources are also provided (poetry, short videos, The next series of activities will walk you through the Great Migration to Canada where students take on the roles of people and groups who came to Canada at this time. In this unit students are given the opportunity to experience what a migrant from Great Britain and Ireland would have gone through during their journey. This allows them to connect to and experience the struggles, frustrations, misunderstandings, prejudices, etc of this time. Finally looking at Louis Riel, there are two different graphic novels. that you could use (depending on the level of your students). These graphic novels visually represent the experiences of Louis Riel and the Metis. This allows students to continue to develop historical understanding alongside visual literacy. They will have opportunities to put themselves into history and become the characters that before they merely read about! Lots of humanities cross curricular opportunities! You will walk away with the complete simulation packages, activities, projects and resources.
Speakers
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 13 years. She began by primarily teaching elementary grades 5 and 6 but for the past 9 years has been teaching for social studies and humanities at the junior high level. Nicholle currently is a high school Social... Read More →
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 18 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 →
Thursday February 20, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
RDP ROOM 2303 (On the 2nd floor)

10:20am MST

Creating and editing video on your phone
Thursday February 20, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
Join me for an engaging and informative session tailored for educators who are eager to enhance their photography skills using just their smartphones. In this workshop, we will explore the art of phone photography with a focus on creating images that are not only visually stunning but also worthy of being printed and cherished. Whether you're a seasoned photographer or a novice, this session is designed to empower you with the knowledge and techniques to capture moments that tell compelling stories. By the end of this session, you will not only have a deeper understanding of the principles of phone photography but also gain practical skills to capture moments that are print-worthy. Join us on this visual journey, and discover how the power of your smartphone can transform ordinary scenes into extraordinary memories. Don't forget to bring your smartphones and be ready to unleash your creativity!
Speakers
avatar for Gilles Theriault

Gilles Theriault

Teacher, Red Deer Public School District
Gilles is presently teaching at École Lindsay Thurber Comp. H.S. in Red Deer. He has provided support to educators and has conducted professional development for over two decades. Passionate about photography, videography, and tech. Helping students to discover their own unique digital... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
RDP ROOM 2600 (On the 2nd floor)

10:20am MST

Using Games for ELA
Thursday February 20, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
During this session, I will share how I have used board games and video games in the language arts classroom. Students can learn about the elements of a story by playing John Madden or they can develop a story by playing Forbidden Desert. In addition this a slide show, there will be time to play and learn some of the games.

Link to slides: https://www.canva.com/design/DAF9b_-KfJ4/8cJ_ir9zgIJB-wype1Zlgw/view?utm_content=DAF9b_-KfJ4&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=editor
Speakers
avatar for Michael Saretzky

Michael Saretzky

Teacher
I have been teaching since 2005, coming to Alberta from BC. During my time in teaching I have had stops in Fox Creek, Hinton and now Red Deer. Over the past, almost 20 years, I have taught a plethera of subjects and grades, from grade 3 to grade 11 math, science and English. Also... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
RDP ROOM AC222 (ARTS CENTRE - On the 2nd floor)

10:20am MST

Hope Without Action Is Wishful Thinking
Thursday February 20, 2025 10:20am - 12:40pm MST
This interactive session seeks to frame "hope" as an action word. Sean presents an empathy-based model (HOPE Wheel) that can be used to establish impactful and supportive relationships with students.

The Hope Wheel presents four directions: respect, understanding, relationships, and responsibility. Where we fall on the Hope Wheel is a reflection of our developing personal identity and perspective. You will learn a practical and very efficient process to assess levels of student development in each of the four directions on the wheel.

The process is grounded in Adlerian psychology (Private Logic) and explores from what perspectives students answer the prompts, "I am... others are... the world is... therefore?" Their answers ultimately define their personal "learning story," the one you need to know to support them in purposeful, empathic ways.

This is an engaging, interactive session. Be prepared to explore your own bias as you learn how to frame resilient relationships that guide students in sharing their values and perspectives openly with you so you can essentially support them in purposeful and effective ways.
Speakers
avatar for Sean Grainger

Sean Grainger

Adminstrator/Mental Health & Wellness Coordinator, Red Deer Public Schools
Sean is a teacher, counselor, mental health/wellness coordinator, and administrator. He has been in the field of education since 1994 having begun his career teaching grades 1 and 2 at Tall Cree First Nation. Since then he continued to teach in First Nations communities for six more... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 10:20am - 12:40pm MST
RDP ROOM 1800

10:20am MST

Brain Breaks with Whacky Wizards: Magically Making Music with Boomwhackers™ percussion tubes.
Thursday February 20, 2025 10:20am - 12:40pm MST
Would you like to offer brain breaks that allow your students to get moving and have fun, all while playing and learning about music? This session will teach you how - using a magical new online program called Whacky Wizards and Boomwhackers™ percussion tubes.

In this hands-on, highly interactive workshop, Whacky Wizards inventor Leo Brooks will draw on his 20 years of experience teaching music with Boomwhackers to show you how to offer meaningful and engaging musical experiences to your students in as little as 20 minutes.

Not a music teacher? Fantastic! Whacky Wizards was actually designed with you in mind.
Regardless of your ability, this workshop will boost your confidence and competence for teaching music.
Speakers
avatar for Leo Brooks

Leo Brooks

Whacky Wizards Music Inc
Would you like to offer brain breaks that allow your students to get moving and have fun, all while playing and learning about music? This session will teach you how - using a magical new online program called Whacky Wizards and Boomwhackers™ percussion tubes.In this hands-on, highly... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 10:20am - 12:40pm MST
RDP ROOM 932

10:20am MST

Tropical Plants in the Classroom
Thursday February 20, 2025 10:20am - 12:40pm MST
The spaces we learn in don't have to be bland. Studies show that a room's atmosphere can have a huge impact on student engagement (yes, even at the high school level!). Bringing green into your space can both provide meaningful learning opportunities and help students focus by enhancing the calm of the classroom. Many public libraries and post-secondary institutions have plants, so why can't you?

In this two-part session, you will learn about basic plant care for classrooms, including tips for low-maintenance tropical plants and grow towers. You will then discuss the practical applications of plants in the context of a secondary science classroom (Science 9, Science 10, Biology 20 and Biology 30 in particular).

No green thumb necessary! This session is hands-on, so be ready to get dirty. You will leave with a small tropical plant propagation and plenty of resources.
Speakers
JS

Jackie Shukin

Teacher, Lindsay Thurber High School
Thursday February 20, 2025 10:20am - 12:40pm MST
RDP ROOM 1437

11:40am MST

Mixed Media- Projects for all seasons
Thursday February 20, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
Mixed Media- Projects for all seasons
Watercolours and oil pastels techniques are being explored and demonstrated in this session. The participants will use and apply these techniques to create a few art projects. Composition, design and color will be examined to guide the participants find their own inner artistic talents . The projects presented are being demonstrated step-by-step and can be adapted to any grade level to address a variety of learning styles. Please email transfer $10 to Christina at candixon@telus.net to obtain all the supplies for this session and then email her to confirm the session you are attending.
Speakers
avatar for Christina Dixon

Christina Dixon

Art
Over the past few years I presented numerous sessions at various Teacher Conventions, Fine Arts Conferences, Professional Development Days, and private organizations/groups. As an art teacher, my main goal is to inspire others to love, appreciate, and explore the artistic paths using... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
RDP ROOM 2502 (On the 2nd floor)

11:40am MST

Formative Assessment Techniques
Thursday February 20, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
Are you looking for strategies to use in your classroom that will enhance student learning and provide you valuable feedback about your teaching practice? Formative assessment provides information on what, how much and how well students are learning. This information can guide instructional practice and will benefit all students; however, it will particularly have a positive impact on low-achievers. This would be a valuable session for you because it will introduce you 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 your 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 →
Thursday February 20, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
RDP ROOM 1435

11:40am MST

Early Years: Assessing New Curriculum Through Play
Thursday February 20, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
Join us for an engaging professional learning session focused on assessing the new curriculum through play in the early years. As educators working with young learners, we understand the importance of play in their development and learning journey. This session will empower you with practical strategies and insights to effectively assess student progress and achievement of new curriculum outcomes while honouring the power of play.
Speakers
avatar for AAC Facilitator

AAC Facilitator

Field Service Facilitator, Alberta Assessment Consortium
The Alberta Assessment Consortium is a not-for-profit education partner in the province, focused on everyday assessment to support student learning. Our facilitators combine their experience as Alberta teachers and teacher leaders with the expertise of the organization.Presenter Shelly... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
RDP ROOM 2501 (On the 2nd floor)

11:40am MST

What does the journey from high school to becoming a Journeyperson working in industry look like?
Thursday February 20, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
Join our dynamic guest panel featuring Post-secondary Instructors, Journey people and Industry Members who will share their insights about becoming a Journeyperson, the advantages and opportunities of entering the Skilled Trades workforce.
Thursday February 20, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
RDP ROOM 811

11:40am MST

Let's Talk Text! Choosing and Using Great Resources (K-6)
Thursday February 20, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
Looking for fresh resources for your K-6 students? In this workshop, you will explore digital and print resources curated by teacher-librarians from the Alberta School Learning Commons (ASLC) specialist council – these resources are applicable to a variety of subject-areas and K-6 grade levels. Through activities and discussions, you will work with these resources to explore best practices for choosing and using resources for your classroom, including factors related to social, community, and academic fit.
Speakers
SH

Shelia Hendrickson

Associate Instructor, Alberta Teachers Association
Thursday February 20, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
RDP ROOM 1600

11:40am MST

Unlock the potential of new.LearnAlberta.ca
Thursday February 20, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
Did you know you can do 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 see how to view a scope and sequence, find sample lesson plans, explore professional learning supports, and learn how to use Boards, a teacher planning tool. Participants are invited to bring a digital device to this session.

Target Audience: K-6 Teachers, K-6 Administrators
Speakers
avatar for Terra Kaliszuk

Terra Kaliszuk

Executive Staff Officer, Professional Development
Terra Kaliszuk is an Executive Staff Officer in the Professional Development program area of the Alberta Teachers' Association. She brings a passion for understanding and supporting the human journey of learning to all of her work. Terra has led professional learning work for the... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
RDP ROOM 1328

11:40am MST

Running a School GSA: How-to Workshops
Thursday February 20, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
You're starting a GSA, so what do you do now? This session will bring together a panel of GSA lead teachers with multiple years of experience running GSA's to share what's worked for them (and what hasn't). Only have two kids in your group? No problem! Ready to try some whole school activities? We can help! Our session will include a panel discussion where we will share tested resources, as well as smaller breakout groups to help with the more specific issues that your individual GSA's are dealing with.

Breakout Workshops on how to run a GSA at the Elementary, Junior High, and High School levels will include additional facilitators with a variety of experience, including people who are part of the LGBTQ2+ community, teachers working in Public and Catholic school divisions, and a variety of other intersectional experience.
Speakers
avatar for Renée LeClerc

Renée LeClerc

Renée LeClerc (she/her) has been the lead facilitator for the GSA at Paul Kane High School in St. Albert since 2013, is one of the co-chairs for the St. Albert Public Schools Rainbow Network Educators’ GSA and a founding member of the new Alberta Teachers’ Association Gender... Read More →
avatar for Nic Richard

Nic Richard

Teacher
Nic Richard (she/they) is a junior high English teacher and a co-organizer of the ATA GSA. They are currently in the final stages of an MEd in Educational Research through the University of Calgary, and are interested in anti-oppression education, mental health, and social justice... Read More →
avatar for Andrew Wiens

Andrew Wiens

Andrew (he/him) is currently the lead teacher for the GSA at W. D. Cuts Jr. High in St. Albert, a member of the SOGI group for St. Albert Public Schools,and has been running GSA's in one form or another since 2009. Andrew is one of the co-chairs for the St. Albert Local No. 73 Rainbow... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
RDP ROOM 1500 (Cornerstone)

11:40am MST

Find Your People- Discovering your strengths, passions, and purpose for a fulfilling life
Thursday February 20, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
In a world filled with countless connections, it’s not about the quantity, but the quality of relationships that truly enrich our lives. Life is a journey that takes us through various seasons, each offering unique challenges and opportunities. Throughout this expedition, the importance of finding like-minded individuals to share the adventure becomes increasingly evident.

But, how well do you know yourself? Your strengths, passions, interests, and purpose? The more we start to reflect on these areas, the more we understand ourselves. And the more we understand ourselves, the more like-minded individuals we will encounter.

In this session, you will be provided with opportunities to self-reflect, discuss, share, and gain valuable insights on how finding your people might just be the “secret” to living a richer, more fulfilling life.
Speakers
avatar for Megan Brain

Megan Brain

Shana Fairbank (BPE, BEd, The Working Mind Facilitator -MHCC) My background is in physical and mental health. As a physical and wellness educator, I have spent years researching, teaching and developing curriculum for Alberta. As a mom of four boys, coach and active member in my community... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
RDP ROOM 2600 (On the 2nd floor)

11:40am MST

Help! My French Immersion Student Can't Read! Research Based Interventions for French Immersion Students.
Thursday February 20, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
Do you have students in your class who are struggling with reading in French Immersion? Join us to learn the latest research based practices to help improve reading outcomes for your struggling readers. We will look at assessments that can be used to help pinpoint what skills your struggling readers need support with the most. Next, we will look at resources to use to help these students succeed. Be prepared to leave with strategies to use on Monday to help your struggling readers!
Speakers
avatar for Catherine Loor

Catherine Loor

Catherine is currently a grade 1 and 2 French immersion teacher in Red Deer, AB. She has been a primary French Immersion teacher for most of her teaching career.  One of the things she loves most about teaching primary students is the progress and excitement they show as they learn... Read More →
avatar for Lauren Slywka

Lauren Slywka

Lauren has been teaching in EAL, FSL, and Early Childhood for most of her career. In 2014, she began teaching in French Immersion with the Red Deer Public School District. She found herself constantly looking for resources and professional development specifically for French Immersion... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
RDP ROOM 2505 (On the 2nd floor)

11:40am MST

Bringing Financial Literacy to Life: Grade 10-12
Thursday February 20, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
Are you in search of a financial literacy resource that is Canadian, unbiased (no bank affiliations), age-appropriate and easy to use in your classroom? Enriched Academy is an approved resource designed to connect with the needs and interests of high school students. It uses an engaging and entertaining video-based format complete with lesson plans, teacher guide, and student activities.....everything you need to get started today. The resource supports all the Resource Choices outcomes for CALM, Math (-3), and Finance modules (including FIN1010 and 20-30 level FIN project modules).
Speakers
avatar for Sonya Fox

Sonya Fox

Enriched Academy
Sonya Fox is the Director of Education for the Alberta Region with Enriched Academy. Enriched Academy is a financial literacy resource available for all Alberta teachers at no cost. The resource is fully funded by the Alberta government for the next three years. Sonya has over 19... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
RDP ROOM 2304 (On the 2nd floor)

11:40am MST

Let's Talk About Bullying and Other Concerns
Thursday February 20, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
How do we move our youth from FEAR to FREEDOM when the silence is as deafening as the yelling? Come on a story-telling journey with me to understand what's going on behind the scenes with our kids. No wonder mental health concerns are through the roof and suicide has become a permanent solution to a temporary problem. We can do something different, together. It's worth it!
Speakers
avatar for Elizabeth Bennett

Elizabeth Bennett

Author, speaker, ElizabethBennettGroup
Elizabeth Bennett helps parents navigate the world of teenager. Some call her the Teen Genie ~ who’s unlocked the secret of how to confidently connect with teenagers, gleaned from her 35-year career in schools as an educator, administrator, coach and Principal.Elizabeth offers a... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
RDP ROOM 2301 (On the 2nd floor)

11:40am MST

Tools to build your Financial Wellness
Thursday February 20, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
This session is built to give you tools to take control of your financial life. How to start saving. Easy steps on where and when to put your money. Easy budgeting tips. On the flip side, what if things go horribly wrong? We also look at the biggest financial risks that can happen to you and how to lessen their impact.

Teachers can get so busy taking care of the needs of others that they often don’t have time to focus on their own wellness – but it’s crucial. Financial wellness is a big part of that. 40% of Canadians in a recent study who say they’re “financially unwell” are more likely to report stress associated with their money troubles. 88% of those say they’re “often” or “sometimes” worried about their finances, 49% say it distracts them at work.

What if there was a way to easily learn tools – things you can set up in just a few minutes – to help alleviate that stress? The first step is knowing what some of these are – and that’s why this session was developed.
Speakers
avatar for Elizabeth Walton

Elizabeth Walton

Marketing and Communications Manager, Capital Planning
Capital Planning is the preferred financial planner for the Alberta Teachers' Association and the providers of the ATA Voluntary Benefits Program which includes the ATA Group Savings Plans. We have been proudly helping teachers and their families for over 40 years! At conventions... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
RDP ROOM 2503 (On the 2nd floor)

11:40am MST

Planning the ULTIMATE staff social event!
Thursday February 20, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
Want to plan the ultimate staff social outing? Do you feel that your staff need an event to blow off steam or to help create a stronger more cohesive community? Teachers are often left to work alone and it can feel isolating at times. I'll share with you the tips and tricks to successfully organize a staff event as an ice-breaker, year-end wrap up event or even a mid semester catch-up. Creating a fun and supportive environment for staff directly impacts the learning environment for our students. Let me help you find that perfect balance.
Speakers
avatar for Kathy Penner

Kathy Penner

Mental Health Teacher, Calgary Board of Education
Kathy Penner has been teaching with the CBE for 16 years. She has an extensive background in working with students with special needs including a specialized program for students with severe mental health diagnoses. She is currently teaching social sciences and Construction 10.
Thursday February 20, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
RDP ROOM 913B

11:40am MST

Developing Physical Literacy Through Large Omnikin Ball Games
Thursday February 20, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
Using large and light balls makes passing and receiving easier, and a little zanier, as participants develop physical literacy skills involving sending, receiving, and retaining. This is a physically active session which invites participants to engage in the activities. Session will attempt to complete at least 30 different activities
Speakers
avatar for John Byl

John Byl

Canadian Gopher Sport Educational Consultant, Canadian Gopher Educational Consultant
John Byl, PhD, is the Canadian Gopher Educational Consultant, was president of CIRA Ontario (2003-2018), and a retired professor of Physical Education at Redeemer University College in Ancaster, Ontario (1986-2014). Dr. Byl has authored or coauthored over 30 books. He is the winner... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
RDP MAIN GYM / ROOM 1002

11:40am MST

When a Child Receives a Diagnosis: building relationships between school and home
Thursday February 20, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
When a child receives a diagnosis, it can have lifelong implications for both the child and the family. In moving forward, creating a relationship between the school team and the family is a valuable and essential process for building a collaborative team to support the student. "When a Child Receives a Diagnosis: building relationships between school and home" presentation will provide educators with a parent's perspective of what happens behind the scenes when a family is presented with a diagnosis of their child and the implications this experience can have within the home. The important role that school teams can have during this time will also be discussed. The presentation will furthermore provide real-life examples of co-creating a communication plan, how to navigate Individualized Program Plans (IPPs) alongside families, and strategies to engage with families during tensions and difficult conversations. It is important to acknowledge that creating relationships with families is a process that unfolds over time. This relational work connects the mind and heart in supporting students with their schooling and education experiences alongside the family as key partners.
Speakers
avatar for Brittany Ouellette

Brittany Ouellette

School Administrator
Brittany is a certified K-12 Educator and School Administrator in Alberta. She obtained a Master’s degree from the University of Alberta in Educational Psychology and is now a Ph.D. student. During her career, Brittany has worked collaboratively with educators as both a Learning... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
RDP ROOM 1503

11:40am MST

ADHD Teachers Unite
Thursday February 20, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
Are you a teacher with Attention Deficit Disorder? Do you know a teacher with Attention Deficit Disorder? Then this is the session for you! We will explore the good, the bad, and the beautiful of being an educator with ADHD. Together we can be part of the change needed in our present-day school systems. To support students and families we need to understand how to use the amazing parts of the neurodivergent brain and put things in place to ensure teacher success in the classroom.

We will look at planning and organization, classroom management, communication, meaningful development, time and task management, prioritizing, boundaries, tools and tricks, regulated teaching, and more.

I hope to see you there!

Presentation: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/114Svspz8XDEH1GlsU9jQ3lfmXdsdLkY0S8BMCFP3G0o/edit?usp=sharing
Speakers
avatar for Jennifer Smith

Jennifer Smith

Teacher
Jennifer Smith may be one of the most common names you ever hear, however, this Jennifer is anything but common. Jennifer enjoys sewing quilts without using math, uncomfortable situations, and half an hour in the morning before anyone is up. Always up for a challenge, Jennifer moved... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
RDP ROOM 2602 (On the 2nd floor)

11:40am MST

mâmawikiskiyihta Building your Métis Foundational Knowledge: Métis History and Identity
Thursday February 20, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
Visit and learn about the Métis Nation’s history, stories and perspective in an introductory journey through the Métis Foundational Knowledge Themes:

Languages of Métis
Métis Culture & Traditions
Métis in Alberta
Homeland History
Métis Nation Governance
Speakers
avatar for Holly Brandsma

Holly Brandsma

Metis Education Consultant, Rupertsland Institute
Rupertsland Centre for Teaching and Learning develops comprehensive foundational knowledge resources, engaging lesson plans, meaningful professional development opportunities and authentic classroom learning tools that speak accurately and meaningfully to topics in Métis educati... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
RDP ROOM 2905 (On the 2nd floor)

11:40am MST

Smudging Circle
Thursday February 20, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
Participants will be introduced to a smudging circle. They will learn about the different smudges that are utilized in the different nations of Turtle Island. Each smudge utilized is also a medicine. Participants will learn more about these plants as medicines. To smudge is to bring balance of mind, body and spirit and to make a connection to the Creator. Smudging circles are a way to start a talking/sharing circle.
Speakers
avatar for Phillip Campiou

Phillip Campiou

Elder, Driftpile Cree Nation
Phillip Campiou is a Traditional Woodland Cree who is originally from Driftpile Cree Nation, Alberta. He now resides in the Onoway area. As a young man, his father taught Phillip how to be self-sufficient and live off the land. Inherent in these teachings was an unwavering respect... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
RDP ROOM 1303

11:40am MST

The Orange Shirt Story
Thursday February 20, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
Please join Phyllis Webstad, the founder of Orange Shirt Day, as she speaks about her life before residential school, what it was like to lose her orange shirt and the complex work of healing. Phyllis is well respected for her work as an ambassador for the Orange Shirt Day, her courage and for striving to heal communities and Nations through speaking her truth.
Speakers
avatar for Phyllis Webstad

Phyllis Webstad

Phyllis Webstad (née Jack) is Northern Secwépemc (Shuswap) from the Stswecem’c Xget’tem First Nation (Canoe Creek Indian Band). She comes from mixed Secwépemc and Irish/French heritage. She was born in Dog Creek and lives in Williams Lake, BC, Canada. In 2018 Phyllis Webstad... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
RDP MAIN STAGE/ AC117 (ARTS CENTRE)

11:40am MST

Indigenous War Veterans and Their Story
Thursday February 20, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
Information on the war efforts of Indigenous soldiers and their treatment upon their return to Canada will be presented. The session will also include my Cree father,Cpl Alphonse St.Germain's, WWII experience and his time as a POW in Germany. The session will highlight the story of my Cree father's WWII experience and his time spent as a Prisoner of War in Italy and Germany.
Speakers
avatar for Brian St Germain

Brian St Germain

Retired teacher
My name is Brian St. Germain. I recently retired from Red Deer Public School District after forty years of teaching. The last ten years spent with the First Nations, Metis and Inuit Program in Learning Services. I am Cree First Nations and Cree Metis.
Thursday February 20, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
RDP ROOM 2601 (On the 2nd floor)

11:40am MST

You Are Enough: Using Literacy to Remember Our Gifts
Thursday February 20, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
Using literacy to remind us of our worthiness and enoughness...

Laurie will seamlessly infuse this workshop with 5 picture books that acknowledge our challneges as teachers and offer reminders about our worthiness and humanness. She will offer books that relate to social emotional learning and to discovering our own why and passion within our school communities. Laurie will hold a discussion and reflection around what we have been taught is a "good" teacher. We will examine in depth the stories we have been told about what makes a successful teacher, what elements within our teacher culture need to change and spend time discussing safe places to land in these trying times.

This session is all about the connection. Teachers can expect to leave with strategies especially surrounding connection to themselves, their school community, their learners and the families they serve. What people will remember most about you, your legacy, will have so much more to do with a felt sense than it ever will with words or numbers. It will remind our teachers that their job is to shine the incredible light that brought them into this profession in the first place. It will remind them that whatever you got on any given day is (more than) enough which is something all teachers deserve to hear right now.
Speakers
avatar for Laurie McIntosh

Laurie McIntosh

Teacher, @mrsmacskinders
Some of the best lessons are taught in the moments between literacy and numeracy. These golden moments based on kindness, connection, and community are the moments Laurie lives for. With compassion and thoughtfulness, Laurie has an incredible way of acknowledging the accomplishments... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
RDP MARGARET PARSONS THEATRE / ROOM 1400

11:40am MST

Japanese Canadian culture and experiences in Alberta's curriculum
Thursday February 20, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
In response to anti-Asian sentiments during the COVID pandemic, a committee was struck in the Japanese community to explore how to promote racial equality. Through education, of course! Bring your electronic device and learn about a new resource that shows how to integrate content about Japanese Canadian culture, experiences and contributions into various subject areas in your classroom. We shall use this Directory: https://ejca.org/directory-of-japanese-canadian-resources
Speakers
OB

Olenka Bilash

Dr Bilash is an award winning instructor and researcher. She serves on international boards and has just completed an anti-racist trainer program.
Thursday February 20, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
RDP ROOM 2305 (On the 2nd floor)

11:40am MST

Gizmos: Build Conceptual Understanding Using Online Math Simulations
Thursday February 20, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
Gizmos online simulations can inspire your students to think like mathematicians. Explore how using online math simulations can deepen conceptual understanding in students through modelling and inquiry. Engage in a modelled mathematics lesson using online simulations to experience how Gizmos can support your lessons. Investigate Gizmos resources that you can incorporate immediately into your classroom! 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, ExploreLearning
Karen has observed firsthand the power of online simulations for building inquiry skills and concept understanding. For fifteen years, she has used Gizmos to engage her science students in their learning and is excited to help teachers use Gizmos with their students too! Karen cherishes... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
RDP ROOM AC159 (ARTS CENTRE)

11:40am MST

Les simulations Gizmos disponibles en ligne : pour développer une compréhension conceptuelle en mathématiques
Thursday February 20, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
Les simulations en ligne Gizmos peuvent inciter vos élèves à penser comme des mathématiciens. Découvrez comment l'utilisation de ces simulations peut favoriser la compréhension conceptuelle des mathématiques chez les apprenants grâce à la modélisation et à l'enquête. Vous participerez à une leçon de mathématiques durant laquelle un Gizmo sera utilisé. Vous découvrirez ainsi comment les insérer dans vos leçons. Nous visiterons les ressources qui accompagnent les Gizmos afin que vous puissiez les utiliser immédiatement en classe ! Les enseignants de M à 6e année ont accès à plusieurs Gizmos grâce à Alberta Education. Si possible, les participants à cet atelier devraient apporter un appareil numérique.
Speakers
avatar for Josee Desmeules

Josee Desmeules

Implementation Coordinator, ExploreLearning
Josée Desmeules has over 25 years of experience in education.  She began her career in Montreal as a special education teacher, then as an educational consultant, before moving to Alberta in 2005.  She taught math and science for a few years and became the Educational Technology... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
RDP ROOM 1408

11:40am MST

EdCamp: Foods
Thursday February 20, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
Share recipes, best practices or theory with whomever shows up. Do reflect and include new information on the following Google Doc: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1rC_lq5ufZTUNlpxkj1pGViPOK-rij_vDBWgOw6UDp4A/edit?usp=sharing
Speakers
avatar for Lindsay McNelly-Brown

Lindsay McNelly-Brown

I teach at Lacombe Composite High School, which is part of WolfCreek Public Schools. I started teaching in 2005 and have spent most of my career in high school. I currently teach Commercial Foods and Chemistry 20. I have also taught junior and senior high math and science as well... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
RDP ROOM AC142 (ARTS CENTRE)

11:40am MST

EdCamp: Online Teachers
Thursday February 20, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
We will share and discuss strategies, apps, and tools that increase students' engagement in online learning, especially in a Schoology Platform. Of course if you are using a different LMS do still come as it always helps to collaborate. Continue the discussion on the following document: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1sRbC-LVB8agOk6_tim_ilOwu0vboPuQlcfGUVGXOUCE/edit?usp=sharing
Speakers
Thursday February 20, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
RDP ROOM 2205 (On the 2nd floor)

11:40am MST

School Councils: What Every Principal Needs to Know
Thursday February 20, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
Principals occasionally struggle with identifying the activities and work they should encourage their school council to engage in, aligning with provincial legislation (Section 55 Education Act and School Council Regulation), and the Leadership Quality Standards (LQS). A school council is most effective when it is guided by a knowledgeable and supportive principal who can confidently answer these key questions:
1) What is the intended purpose of a school council?
2) How does a school council differ from a fundraising association?
3) What is the work of a school council
4) What is the principal’s role with a school council?
ASCA invites new, seasoned, and aspiring principals to explore these questions, their answers, and their applicability to the expectations of the Assurance Framework and LQS through this high-level introduction to the often-complex world of parent engagement in school communities.
Speakers
avatar for Heather Boonstra

Heather Boonstra

Instructor, Alberta School Councils' Association
Hello!My name is Heather, and I am so happy to be connecting with you today from my home in Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta. Fort Saskatchewan is on Treaty 6 Territory and has been cared for and called home since time immemorial by generations of Cree, Nakota, Dene, Blackfoot, Salteaux... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
RDP ROOM 2302 (On the 2nd floor)

11:40am MST

EdCamp: Congregated Programming
Thursday February 20, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
An opportunity for staff working with students with complex needs in a congregated program setting to collaborate. Topics will include programming, community involvement, and inclusion in mainstream classes and events. You can carry on with the conversations on this document: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xEsMjPZ3qYAcSh5lzRF8YKBU_raEfCG-_Wvr4i6n4Kc/edit?usp=sharing
Speakers
avatar for Hayley Goring

Hayley Goring

Hayley Goring is a Specialized Program teacher at LTCHS.
Thursday February 20, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
RDP ROOM 2902 (On the 2nd floor)

11:40am MST

Having an Esports Option Class
Thursday February 20, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
During this session I will discuss some of the reasons why an esports option class can be beneficial. I will also share some of the activities that I have done in the past with my class.     Presentation Link: https://www.canva.com/design/DAF73Gkwf7U/f1i-_imOEQByAkmu_-nTKw/view?utm_content=DAF73Gkwf7U&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=editor
Speakers
avatar for Michael Saretzky

Michael Saretzky

Teacher
I have been teaching since 2005, coming to Alberta from BC. During my time in teaching I have had stops in Fox Creek, Hinton and now Red Deer. Over the past, almost 20 years, I have taught a plethera of subjects and grades, from grade 3 to grade 11 math, science and English. Also... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
RDP ROOM AC222 (ARTS CENTRE - On the 2nd floor)

11:40am MST

EdCamp: Secondary Art
Thursday February 20, 2025 11:40am - 2:00pm MST
Join other Studio Arts Specialist teachers to connect and share best practices! We can decide, when we meet, to split into Junior high/middle school and High School or connect as a Secondary Art group. Bring best practices, your newest good idea, and an openness to positive collegial discussion and sharing! Let's keep building on the foundation we established last year - we want to hear from you! Carry on the conversation on this document:https://docs.google.com/document/d/1N-GDWGA9Kp59uO9saIhSgKNQ5eMu-eEux10Pvh8sPQI/edit?usp=sharing
Speakers
avatar for Sheena McNiff-Wolfe

Sheena McNiff-Wolfe

Sheena, a Masters of Art Education graduate from the University of Victoria, teaches Art, Ceramics and Drawing at LTCHS and coordinates Lindsay Thurber's Healing Through the Arts program which runs October through May at the Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre. Previously, Sheena has... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 11:40am - 2:00pm MST
RDP ROOM 1605

11:40am MST

How Does a Film Mean?
Thursday February 20, 2025 11:40am - 2:00pm MST
Film studies are often accompanied by a list of frames and angles, but often students fail to connect these technical aspects to the filmmakers intentions for the audience. This session will help to bridge that gap, drawing clear connections between how a film is constructed, and how that construction creates meaning and emotion for the audience.
Speakers
avatar for Shane Lawrence

Shane Lawrence

Shane has been teaching for 18 years. In that time, he's taught everything from English to Photography, Drama to Computers. Through it all, he's developed a passion for creativity and creation which he now explores through teaching Art, Film, Drama, and Technology.
Thursday February 20, 2025 11:40am - 2:00pm MST
RDP ROOM 2904 (On the 2nd floor)

1:00pm MST

Hope: Resilience and Recovery
Thursday February 20, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
Speakers
avatar for Lisa Everitt

Lisa Everitt

Executive Staff Officer, Government
Dr Lisa Everitt has worked as an executive staff officer with the Alberta Teachers Association since 2006. Lisa has held several roles at the Association and has developed expertise in labour relations, employee benefits plans, educational research, and women in leadership. Prior... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
RDP ROOM AC160 (ARTS CENTRE)

1:00pm MST

Monoprinting Beyond Realism
Thursday February 20, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
Monoprinting Beyond Realism
Create beautiful projects and learn techniques and methods that give your artwork movement, life, and dimension! In this session, the participants will work with a limited palette of colours to focus on specific monoprinting methods using a variety of tools and materials. A few projects will be demonstrated step-by-step and can be modified for any grade level and abilities. Please email transfer $10 to Christina at candixon@telus.net to obtain all the supplies for this session and then email her to confirm the session you are attending.
Speakers
avatar for Christina Dixon

Christina Dixon

Art
Over the past few years I presented numerous sessions at various Teacher Conventions, Fine Arts Conferences, Professional Development Days, and private organizations/groups. As an art teacher, my main goal is to inspire others to love, appreciate, and explore the artistic paths using... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
RDP ROOM 2502 (On the 2nd floor)

1:00pm MST

Teach Essay-Writing and Stop Chat GPT from Destroying the World
Thursday February 20, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
Some people talk as if essays are nothing but awful drudgery, and that creating them is no better than rolling a boulder up a hill. But they’re all wrong. Because when we learn to write essays well, we’re learning to think. The craft of writing helps us learn to make logical arguments using facts and testable theories… meaning that essays teach us reason and persuasion, and a systematic method for overcoming bias. Students need the craft of essay-writing to help them develop such rationality to advance in their education, so they can be innovative in their careers, responsible in their relationships, and upstanding in their civic duties—all of which our society needs now more than ever.So why on earth would we let ChatGPT and other large language models steal our students’ opportunities for intellectual growth?How can we teach students to edit “work” that ChatGPT generates if they don’t even know how to write yet? How can you choreograph dancing without knowing how to dance? How can you be a head chef without knowing how to cook? How can “experts” teach teachers to teach if they’ve never taught? Join us for an engaging session on how to pivot to coaching writing, bypassing digital plagiarism altogether and helping students grow their minds and their skills to achieve their best! Learn the approach you can use the very next day you’re in class!
Speakers
avatar for Malcolm Azania

Malcolm Azania

President, Project Saqqara
In addition to having English in Edmonton high schools and junior high schools for a decade, Malcolm Azania is an award-winning novelist, award-winning print journalist, radio host-producer, television host and associate producer, sketch comedy writer, video game writer, and community... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
RDP ROOM 2205 (On the 2nd floor)

1:00pm MST

Lab Skills Performance Assessments in Chemistry
Thursday February 20, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
The use of performance assessments in the chemistry laboratory present unique opportunities for formative assessment. They 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. The lab skills that will be discussed are measuring mass using an electronic balance, measuring volume using a graduated cylinder, lighting a Bunsen burner, measuring volume using a pipet, and completing one trial of a titration. Although this session focuses on high school chemistry, the ideas discussed could easily be adapted to the physics, biology or general science 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 →
Thursday February 20, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
RDP ROOM 1435

1:00pm MST

Gender Identity
Thursday February 20, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
Asking questions about gender and gender identity can seem daunting. However, the only way to learn is to ask! This session is built around the most commonly asked questions about gender identity. What it means to be transgender, non-binary, cisgender, and/or gender diverse? How are gender expression and gender identity connected and different? Why are there so many terms? What are pronouns and how do I use them properly? What does it mean to live a gender diverse life? Most importantly, what does it all mean for me in my classroom? This is a safe space for all to come and have questions answered.

All teachers and staff are required to uphold any Division Sexual Orientation & Gender Identity Policies as well as legislation (Bill 10 & Bill 8) around inclusion and GSAs in classrooms and schools. This session provides knowledge, inclusion practices, best practices, and a place to ask questions to better your understanding of inclusion of gender diversity within teaching practices. Session specifics include terminology, conceptual understanding of gender diversity, English and French pronoun use, statistical information, classroom specific behaviors, classroom specific inclusion strategies, legislation, policy, literature, and resources.
Speakers
avatar for Rin Lawrence

Rin Lawrence

ATAGSA Coordinator, Edmonton Public Teachers Local 37
Rin Lawrence (he/him) has a long history with Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Expression (SOGIE) and has been a teacher since 2013 in two Alberta school districts. Rin is the chair of the Edmonton Public Teachers Local 37 Diversity, Equity, and Human Rights Committee (DEHR... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
RDP ROOM 1500 (Cornerstone)

1:00pm MST

EdCamp: Middle School International Languages Teachers Collaboration Session
Thursday February 20, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
A gathering of middle school international language teachers where we share strategies for making language learning fun and engaging for our students. Resource sharing amongst the international language teachers group will also take place. Discussions of important topics around teaching international languages will also occur. Possible topics include international trips, growth of program/student retention, use of technology, etc... Use the following document to help gear direction of your discussions: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1C2unhDOIZG2hkneF5eI1yuWKiL2ATIQ4zeC4vhbL-hk/edit?usp=sharing
Speakers
avatar for Tony Jia

Tony Jia

Chinese/Social Studies Teacher, Red Deer Public School Division
Tony Jia is currently teaching Mandarin Chinese and Social Studies at Hunting Hills High School. He has been teaching with the Red Deer Public School Division for the last 6 years as a second language teacher. He has extensive experience teaching second languages as he was an ESL... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
RDP ROOM 2902 (On the 2nd floor)

1:00pm MST

Bringing Financial Literacy to Life: Grade 7-9
Thursday February 20, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
We know financial literacy is a critical life skill for students and we know this education is being taught in our elementary and high school classrooms but what about the grade 7-9 students? Enriched Academy is an approved resource that brings financial education into the classroom while supporting Health curricular outcomes through a financial lens. The SmartStart program uses an engaging and entertaining video-based format complete with lesson plans, teacher guide, and student activities.....everything you need to get started today.
Speakers
avatar for Sonya Fox

Sonya Fox

Enriched Academy
Sonya Fox is the Director of Education for the Alberta Region with Enriched Academy. Enriched Academy is a financial literacy resource available for all Alberta teachers at no cost. The resource is fully funded by the Alberta government for the next three years. Sonya has over 19... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
RDP ROOM 2304 (On the 2nd floor)

1:00pm MST

“First, Do No Harm”: What Every Educator Needs to Know about Children Experiencing Post-Viral Illnesses and Long Covid
Thursday February 20, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
“First, Do No Harm”: What Every Educator Needs to Know about Children Experiencing Post-Viral Illnesses and Long Covid

Many of us have had children in our classes tell us they have a headache, stomachache, or feel tired. Some children may return to school from having an illness and just don’t seem like themselves anymore. We would like to believe these symptoms are transitory and will pass. But what if they don’t? What if a child has a chronic illness? What do we, as educators, need to know about the lingering and long-term effects of post-viral illnesses (most recently Long Covid) to truly understand and help children who are experiencing long-term impacts? Most of all, what do we as educators need to know in order to “First, Do No Harm”?

This experiential presentation will first provide teachers and administrators with an overview of post-viral illness symptoms that children may experience and may not recover from. The primary symptoms include severe fatigue, post-exertional malaise, dysautonomia, headaches, cognitive dysfunction, lack of appetite, and mental health issues like PANS, anxiety, depression, and anorexia. We need to be mindful that traditional approaches to gradually increase endurance and exercise are contraindicated for these children, and know how to prevent harm.

Second, this presentation will focus on a compassionate approach to helping teachers integrate evidence-based best practice recommendations into all classes to support these children as they navigate through the challenges of recovery. Lived experience and case studies will be included to give you a sense of what these children are experiencing and what you may observe as a teacher. Recommendations to partner with parents and utilize internationally recommended best practice resources will be included. This workshop is aligned with a Comprehensive School Health approach and will benefit teachers and administrators of all grades.

Note: All administrators, grade levels and subject areas welcome
Speakers
avatar for Dr Angela Grace

Dr Angela Grace

Ph.D. Registered Psychologist
Dr. Angela Grace is a Registered Psychologist in Calgary. She completed her Ph.D. in Counselling Psychology at the University of Calgary, with a focus on Comprehensive School Health, primarily collaborative approaches to prevention and health promotion. She has lived experience with... Read More →
CK

Cara Kaup

Cara Kaup, Pediatric Physical Therapist Cara Kaup is a pediatric physical therapist from Edmonton. She has worked with children with disabilities and chronic illness for the last 30 years. Cara contracted COVID-19 in March 2020 and has been unable to return to work, due to her Long... Read More →
JT

Jennifer Thompson

Jennifer Thompson, Parent Advocate Jennifer Thompson is a parent of two children, one recovered from Long Covid and one still recovering from Long Covid. She has been advocating for infection prevention in schools with a focus on improved air quality since 2021. She believes all children... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
RDP ROOM AC159 (ARTS CENTRE)

1:00pm MST

Wahkohtowin
Thursday February 20, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
Exploring the idea of Wahkohtowin. Wahkohtowin is a Cree word which denotes the interconnected nature of relationships, communities, and natural systems. Its literal meaning is "kinship", but it is often used to refer to Cree law, or Cree codes of conduct. Participants will explore this idea of wahkohtowin in a sharing circle format and have the opportunity to discuss and ask questions. Learn how this Indigenous world view can be reflected in your classroom and supports your foundational knowledge.
Speakers
avatar for Phillip Campiou

Phillip Campiou

Elder, Driftpile Cree Nation
Phillip Campiou is a Traditional Woodland Cree who is originally from Driftpile Cree Nation, Alberta. He now resides in the Onoway area. As a young man, his father taught Phillip how to be self-sufficient and live off the land. Inherent in these teachings was an unwavering respect... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
RDP ROOM 1303

1:00pm MST

Building Bright Futures: Empowering Students through Financial Literacy
Thursday February 20, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
Join Money Mentors in this interactive, hands-on session focused on financial literacy education. We'll delve into the latest research, showcase the FREE resources and services our organization provides, and share practical teaching strategies designed to empower both students and educators alike. All are welcome!
Speakers
avatar for Mitchell Duram

Mitchell Duram

Youth and Adult Education Specialist, Money Mentors
Money Mentors is an Alberta-based non-profit credit counselling, debt consolidation, and financial education agency. Mitchell Duram is their Youth and Adult Education Specialist! He is a passionate educator and a lifelong learner. Prior to joining Money Mentors last year, he worked... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
RDP ROOM 1600

1:00pm MST

Physical Education & Wellness Tips for Teachers that Teach Everything
Thursday February 20, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
In addition to enhancing active living and movement skill development, physical education and wellness improves students' knowledge, understanding, skills and procedures in the areas of safety, character development, financial literacy, growth and development, healthy eating, and healthy relationships. Discover ways to intentionally target learning outcomes, examine cross-curricular learning and enhance student engagement. Together, we will explore ways to bring physical education outcomes into the classroom and wellness outcomes into the gymnasium.
Speakers
avatar for Everactive Schools

Everactive Schools

Health & Wellness Consultant, Everactive Schools
Ever Active Schools is a registered national charity designed to create and support healthy school communities. We engage and support schools through a Comprehensive School Health framework, which addresses health and education goals to improve the social outcomes of children and... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
RDP ROOM 913B

1:00pm MST

Code of Professional Conduct for Teachers and Teacher Leaders
Thursday February 20, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
The new Code of Professional Conduct outlines minimum expectations for teaching certificate holders, including teachers, teacher leaders and superintendents. The code applies to the conduct of teachers in both on-duty and off-duty contexts. Drawing on scenarios from various typical employment matters, this presentation describes the standards of professional conduct expected of teachers and teacher leaders and explains the complaint process.
Speakers
avatar for Dan Coles

Dan Coles

Executive Staff Officer, Teacher Employment Services, Alberta Teachers' Association
Hello! My name is Dan Coles. I am an Executive Staff Officer at the Alberta Teachers' Association (ATA) and have worked at the ATA since August of 2018. I currently work in the Teacher Employment Services (TES) program area. Prior to rejoining TES in September 2023, I spent 4 years... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
RDP ROOM 2601 (On the 2nd floor)

1:00pm MST

Self Care Strategies that WORK
Thursday February 20, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
Teachers are done with being told to just get more sleep or have a bubble bath. In this session, teachers will leave with 4 key tools for their own self care and emotional regulation that go beyond what we typically hear. They will leave with real-life strategies to overcome burnout and overwhelm.
Speakers
avatar for Connie Jakab

Connie Jakab

CEO, Bring Them Closer
Connie Jakab is the author of Bring Them Closer, where she helps educators and parents figure out how to bring hard-to-reach students closer. She has been working in mental health and resilience for 25 years, studying the impacts of how belonging creates resilience. She created a... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
RDP ROOM 2602 (On the 2nd floor)

1:00pm MST

Are we breaking up? School Transitions: partnerships between school and home
Thursday February 20, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
For parents of a child living with a disability, school transitions can almost feel like you are going through a break-up! What will the next team be like? What will they think of me or my child? Will we get along? I just started to figure out this relationship! Will they understand who my child is? School transitions for children living with disabilities can be a very complex and challenging experience. For parents, it can be just as challenging and uncertain because they are themselves transitioning to new relationships and saying goodbye to old ones. There may be one staff member (or two) that continue with the student but this is not always the case. Hence, why effective school transition practices are essential for building relationships between school and home. "Are we breaking up? School Transitions: partnerships between school and home" presentation will provide educators with a parent's perspective of school transitions for children living with disabilities. The presentation will cover the following topics: types of school transitions, beginning conversations, and understanding parent autobiographical narratives within transitions (Lawrence-Lightfoot, 2004). Further, real-life examples of effective school transition practices will be shared. This is relational work and beginning new relationships in a way that is meaningful will not only benefit the parents and staff members but importantly, the student.
Speakers
avatar for Brittany Ouellette

Brittany Ouellette

School Administrator
Brittany is a certified K-12 Educator and School Administrator in Alberta. She obtained a Master’s degree from the University of Alberta in Educational Psychology and is now a Ph.D. student. During her career, Brittany has worked collaboratively with educators as both a Learning... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
RDP ROOM 1503

1:00pm MST

pîmastîhwâkiskiyihta How to weave Rupertsland Institute’s Métis Education Resources in your Classroom
Thursday February 20, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
This session is designed for participants to explore several authentic, recommended Métis educational materials that help to create teachable moments and provide foundational learning opportunities through-out the school year. Building your foundational knowledge about Métis will empower you to select authentic, accurate resources that honour distinct Métis perspectives to weave into your current teaching practice. Together we will explore resources designed by Métis educators that weave Métis voices into your learning.
Speakers
avatar for Holly Brandsma

Holly Brandsma

Metis Education Consultant, Rupertsland Institute
Rupertsland Centre for Teaching and Learning develops comprehensive foundational knowledge resources, engaging lesson plans, meaningful professional development opportunities and authentic classroom learning tools that speak accurately and meaningfully to topics in Métis educati... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
RDP ROOM 2905 (On the 2nd floor)

1:00pm MST

Teachers These Days Are Incredible: Let Me Remind You Why
Thursday February 20, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST

Taking a closer look at the strategies, stories and definitions of "success" that inspire and connect us in our community as 'Teachers These Days'.

Based on the bestselling book 'Teachers These Days' by Laurie McIntosh and Dr. Jody Carrington, Laurie will hold conversations around all 6 chapters of her co-authored book highlighting the research, stories and strategies in each section that make a difference in our school communities. Whether you have already read the book or have it in your “to be read” pile, Laurie is able to guide educators through the vocabulary and impact of lid flips, light ups, emotional regulation, trauma and grief.

We will gently invite participants to examine their own practice and reflect on what it means to be a teacher these days as well as share stories and strategies along the way as highlighted in the book. By acknowledging the challenges of education, allowing participants to reflect and celebrating the joys already occurring within our buildings and classrooms, Teachers These Days will no doubt leave your audience feeling affirmed and valued in all they bring to the table. Teachers can expect to leave with strategies especially surrounding lid flips, light ups and emotional regulation of ourselves and our learners.

Speakers
avatar for Laurie McIntosh

Laurie McIntosh

Teacher, @mrsmacskinders
Some of the best lessons are taught in the moments between literacy and numeracy. These golden moments based on kindness, connection, and community are the moments Laurie lives for. With compassion and thoughtfulness, Laurie has an incredible way of acknowledging the accomplishments... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
RDP MAIN STAGE/ AC117 (ARTS CENTRE)

1:00pm MST

How to engage "Board" students?
Thursday February 20, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
Are you a teacher looking to expand on your practices? Are you hoping to bring some hands on activities into your classroom? Come learn about how to incorporate board games into your lessons and tie them to curriculum.

This session is focused on how to engage students through games, primarily Board Games. We believe that many lessons and concepts can be reinforced through games. Through games students can develop many skills like social and emotional, as well as literacy and numeracy. We will have demos for centres, full classes, on-line and small groups.
Speakers
avatar for Evelyn Chan

Evelyn Chan

Middle School Teacher, Red Deer Public School
I have been teaching for over 14 years with Red Deer Public School. I started teaching Medical Studies, Sports Medicine and Biology at Hunting Hills, then moved to North Cottage and the Alternative Programs teaching Math and Science. Currently, I am teaching Health and Science at... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
RDP ROOM 913A

1:00pm MST

Développer le sens du nombre de manière ludique!
Thursday February 20, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
Compter, subitiser, estimer et développer une ligne numérique mentale sont des habiletés de base et les premiers apprentissages en mathématiques. Il est important que nos élèves soient en mesure de bien développer ces habiletés pour pouvoir ensuite faire des opérations numériques et des résolutions de problèmes. Ainsi, cet atelier permettra aux enseignants d'enrichir leurs connaissances et compréhension des compétences mathématiques chez leurs élèves en ce qui a trait au sens du nombre. Une banque d’activités ludiques et engageantes sera également présentée et partagée.

Counting, subitizing, estimating and developing a mental number line are basic skills and early learning in mathematics. It's important for our students to be able to develop these skills to be able to carry out numerical operations and problem solving. This workshop will help teachers expand their knowledge and understanding of their students' mathematical skills as they relate to number sense. A variety of fun and engaging activities will also be presented and shared.
Speakers
EM

Elyse Morin

Elyse is a dynamic and creative teacher with over 15 years' experience in French immersion, virtual teaching and coaching. She is an educational consultant in French Immersion and French as a first language as well as in mathematics K-6 for ARPDC. A passionate learner, she likes to... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
RDP ROOM AC222 (ARTS CENTRE - On the 2nd floor)

1:00pm MST

Teaching Alberta’s New Human Sexuality Curriculum
Thursday February 20, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
Whether this is your first or twentieth year of teaching, this session will increase your confidence and ease some of your anxiety around teaching the new human sexuality outcomes for grades 4-6. Come to this interactive session and discuss innovative activities, strategies to engage students in the classroom, and best practices in teaching sexual health. Test drive updated Grade 4-6 lesson plans that align with the new PE&W curriculum and see how they relate to what students are learning in grade 7 and beyond. Expand your knowledge of the free resources available at TeachingSexualHealth.ca, an authorized Alberta Education resource.
Speakers
avatar for Nicole Inglis

Nicole Inglis

Health Promotion Facilitator, Alberta Health Services: Teaching Sexual Health
Nicole Inglis (she/her) has taught everything from grade 1 PE to Bio 30 and has taught in both public and Catholic Schools. She has an MEd in Adult Education and works on the Sexual and Reproductive Health Promotion team at Alberta Health Services. Nicole lives in Calgary with her... Read More →
avatar for Claire O'Gorman

Claire O'Gorman

Claire O’Gorman (she/her) is a Registered Nurse with a Master of Public Health and over a decade of experience working in sexual health. She has worked in clinical settings, on program development, and in health promotion to improve the health and well-being of patients, families... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
RDP ROOM 1437

1:00pm MST

Bottle the Sauce: High School Re-Design Flavours in Middle School
Thursday February 20, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
In this session, administrators will examine key learnings from high school re-design that can be applied to middle school and/or junior high environments based on one administrator's experience in two schools. Administrator's can examine how they might make their own learning environment more student centred to engage more students concretely.
Speakers
avatar for Jordan Robinson

Jordan Robinson

Principal, Ecole Mother D'Youville School
Originally from Calgary,AB., Jordan is currently a principal at a grade 5-9 school in Beaumont, AB. In addition to his K-12 work, Jordan is a sessional instructor at the University of Alberta at St. Joseph's College. Jordan resides in Beaumont, AB with his wife and five kids.
Thursday February 20, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
RDP ROOM AC142 (ARTS CENTRE)

1:00pm MST

A Principal’s Guide to a Functional Fundraising Association
Thursday February 20, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
Well-meaning parents in school communities are often eager to contribute to the success of students through much-appreciated fundraising initiatives providing funds intended to enhance students’ educational experiences. Principals and those well-meaning parents are sometimes not aware of their legal responsibilities, and potential liabilities that may result from their efforts. Join ASCA to discover more about the parent’s, and the principal’s, roles, responsibilities, and authority with a registered, incorporated fundraising association. This interactive session will also introduce how to identify, and mitigate, financial, functional, and relational, risks.
Speakers
avatar for Heather Boonstra

Heather Boonstra

Instructor, Alberta School Councils' Association
Hello!My name is Heather, and I am so happy to be connecting with you today from my home in Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta. Fort Saskatchewan is on Treaty 6 Territory and has been cared for and called home since time immemorial by generations of Cree, Nakota, Dene, Blackfoot, Salteaux... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
RDP ROOM 2302 (On the 2nd floor)

1:00pm MST

Teaching Humanities with Data Science
Thursday February 20, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
Come explore the exciting intersection of Social Studies and English through the power of artificial intelligence and natural language processing. Discover how these cutting-edge technologies are transforming the analysis of texts and enhancing knowledge sources, providing intriguing insights into real-world content. Join us as we delve into captivating resources that apply natural language processing to literature analysis, and gain a deeper understanding of how artificial intelligence and data science can enrich your humanities class.
Speakers
avatar for Bobbi Belsek

Bobbi Belsek

Education Specialist, Callysto
Bobbi has a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Bachelor of Education After Degree from Concordia University of Edmonton. He is an Education Specialist on the Callysto team, and has spent much of his teaching career thus far in Grade 5. Bobbi enjoys helping students and educators to build... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
RDP ROOM 1408

1:00pm MST

Gr 8 - Our Greatest Hits: How to Make the Renaissance interesting and engaging!
Thursday February 20, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
Want to bring history to life in your classroom? Want your students to experience history? Want your students to think critically and build skills? This session will walk you through a variety of interactive and engaging tasks. We will start with the Middle Ages and a Black Death simulation as well as activities connecting to medieval medicine, food, and society. Moving into a Silk Road Simulation and a simulation for the Italian City-States. Students will progress to an invention/art and architecture/science research project where students have the opportunity to create a 3D model. A film study on Martin Luther will also be introduced. In addition to these larger activities, short videos, songs, primary source analysis, etc. will also be explored in this session.They will have opportunities to put themselves into history and become the characters that before they merely read about! Lots of humanities cross curricular opportunities! You will walk away with the complete simulation packages, activities, projects and resources.
Speakers
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 13 years. She began by primarily teaching elementary grades 5 and 6 but for the past 9 years has been teaching for social studies and humanities at the junior high level. Nicholle currently is a high school Social... Read More →
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 18 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 →
Thursday February 20, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
RDP ROOM 2303 (On the 2nd floor)

1:00pm MST

Phone photography worth printing!
Thursday February 20, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
Join me for an engaging and informative session tailored for educators who are eager to enhance their photography skills using just their smartphones. In this workshop, we will explore the art of phone photography with a focus on creating images that are not only visually stunning but also worthy of being printed and cherished. So we will learn how to capture those stunning photos and then process them. Meaning, editing the photos. Whether you're a seasoned photographer or a novice, this session is designed to empower you with the knowledge and techniques to capture moments that tell compelling stories. By the end of this session, you will not only have a deeper understanding of the principles of phone photography but also gain practical skills to capture moments that are print-worthy. Join us on this visual journey, and discover how the power of your smartphone can transform ordinary scenes into extraordinary memories. Don't forget to bring your smartphones and be ready to unleash your creativity!
Speakers
avatar for Gilles Theriault

Gilles Theriault

Teacher, Red Deer Public School District
Gilles is presently teaching at École Lindsay Thurber Comp. H.S. in Red Deer. He has provided support to educators and has conducted professional development for over two decades. Passionate about photography, videography, and tech. Helping students to discover their own unique digital... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
RDP ROOM 2600 (On the 2nd floor)

1:00pm MST

Bringing AI Into the Classroom
Thursday February 20, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
Artificial Intelligence is out of the box and it is not going back, while AI can be scary, especially for teachers, there are a lot of opportunities for teachers to use it. For this session, I will be sharing some of the activities I have used and others I have seen. Please note, this is not a session on how to catch students using AI, but on how to utilize it in the classroom setting. Presentation Link: https://www.canva.com/design/DAF5mT4hx-A/ffwWAf2VxuQmzqMQGrPjBg/view?utm_content=DAF5mT4hx-A&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=editor
Speakers
avatar for Michael Saretzky

Michael Saretzky

Teacher
I have been teaching since 2005, coming to Alberta from BC. During my time in teaching I have had stops in Fox Creek, Hinton and now Red Deer. Over the past, almost 20 years, I have taught a plethera of subjects and grades, from grade 3 to grade 11 math, science and English. Also... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
RDP MARGARET PARSONS THEATRE / ROOM 1400

1:00pm MST

Sharpie Lettered Art Cards
Thursday February 20, 2025 1:00pm - 3:20pm MST
Do you love beautiful lettering? Learn to letter your own cards with a whimsical alphabet using assorted sizes of Sharpie markers. Then combine your new skills with the delightful medium of watercolour to create 3 lovely whimsical greeting cards. No previous watercolour or lettering experience is required for this class. Basic watercolour skills are discussed in the class if you have never done any painting prior to this. The art supplies for this class are provided at a cost of $25. *****Please email your fee in advance to sally@sallytowerssybblis.com to secure your spot in the session and indicate in an email to Sally what session you signed up for.  PLEASE PRINT OFF THE HANDOUTS ATTACHED BELOW, FOR THIS SESSION AND BRING THEM WITH YOU TO THE CLASS!
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”.Sally's life’s... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 1:00pm - 3:20pm MST
RDP ROOM 2507 (On the 2nd floor)

1:00pm MST

Bringing the Skilled Trades to the Kindergarten to Grade 6 Classroom
Thursday February 20, 2025 1:00pm - 3:20pm MST
Are you a kindergarten to grade six teacher looking to integrate real-world, multidisciplinary, and multisensory skilled trades activities into your lessons to support curricular expectations?

Would you like to:
•    find out why the coming decades will require a growing skilled trades workforce?
•    learn about the research which supports introducing and exposing elementary students to varied careers?
•    discover why skilled trades careers are STEAM careers?
•    complete curriculum-based hands-on activities?
•    explore beautiful skilled trades picture books?
•    be presented with free on-line resources to use with your students?

If so, this interactive session is for you! Please bring your laptop as we will end the session by exploring useful on-line resources which you can use with your class on Monday morning.
Speakers
avatar for Angela Coldwell

Angela Coldwell

Teacher and Founder, Honour The Work
Honour the Work has created curricular, hands-on activity kits to promote the skilled trades in grades 1-6. Currently piloting in Ontario, an Alberta version is being created to match the new curriculum.Visit our booth on Thursday to learn about beautiful and diverse picture books... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 1:00pm - 3:20pm MST
RDP ROOM 811

1:00pm MST

The Ultimate Multi-grade Classroom
Thursday February 20, 2025 1:00pm - 3:20pm MST
Attention all colony teachers! Come join us as we unpack pedagogy, assessment practices, & curriculum planning for the multi-grade ELL environment. If you have something to share, please bring it along as we will have time to collaborate with our peers!
Speakers
LT

Laura-Lee Toews

Teacher, Rocky View School Division
Thursday February 20, 2025 1:00pm - 3:20pm MST
RDP ROOM 1800

1:00pm MST

Play It To Remember It; Effective Games in the Science Classroom
Thursday February 20, 2025 1:00pm - 3:20pm MST
In this workshop, participants will try activities which focus on concepts which students have more difficulty. For the teacher, without the stress of summative assessment, they are able to use the hands-on activities which specifically address curriculum outcomes in a different way. When students use these assessments, they are not judged by errors they make but students are encouraged to discuss their ideas with their peers and the teacher. In this way, students are able to address and clarify their understanding of concepts and build their knowledge and confidence in what they know. The games described can be played independently or in small groups or with the entire class. Templates, specific games, and their rules are available at playeducateinspire@pbworks.com. Teachers can request access to the site to download materials such as game cards, overviews, 3-D printing files, labs and demos, and more.
Speakers
avatar for Peggy Au

Peggy Au

Teacher, Ernest Manning High School
Peggy has been teaching for more than 27 years in Lethbridge, Wetaskiwin, and Calgary, Alberta. In pursuit of professional learning, Peggy participates in science education through many local, provincial, and international conferences. Peggy contributes to test development, diploma... Read More →
avatar for Rachel Toews

Rachel Toews

Secondary Science Teacher, Calgary Board of Education
Rachel has been teaching secondary science in Calgary for 26 years. She is the former Biology Director for the Alberta Science Council and both presents and participates in many science conferences, teachers conventions, and professional development days. She is a member of the Alberta... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 1:00pm - 3:20pm MST
RDP ROOM 2301 (On the 2nd floor)

1:00pm MST

ARTA Café - Join the Alberta Retired Teachers' Association for some coffee and conversation!
Thursday February 20, 2025 1:00pm - 3:20pm MST
Teachers’ Convention can be exhausting - fuel up with coffee and a snack, provided by the Alberta Retired Teachers’ Association! Volunteers from our local branches will be waiting to greet you and answer any questions you may have about retirement, social opportunities, and what to do when you aren't governed by the bell anymore. Join us for a sweet treat, a cup of coffee, and a minute to recharge before heading to your next session.
___

Not a full session, this will be an important opportunity for teachers to engage in social and professional networking, learn about retirement and what awaits them, and enjoy a cup of coffee courtesy of the Alberta Retired Teachers’ Association.
Speakers
AR

Alberta Retired Teachers' Association

Volunteers from our local branches will be waiting to greet you and answer any questions you may have about retirement, social opportunities, and what to do when you aren't governed by the bell anymore.
Thursday February 20, 2025 1:00pm - 3:20pm MST
RDP Room 942 (The Patch)

1:00pm MST

Teaching empathy and building belonging in your classroom through four movement-based activities
Thursday February 20, 2025 1:00pm - 3:20pm MST
This experiential session will dive into teaching empathy and fostering belonging through movement-based activities, appropriate for K-6 classrooms. Participants will leave the session with the skills to confidently facilitate the activities with their students.

Empathy is the capacity for understanding and the vicarious experience of another person’s experience with respect to their perspective, rather than your own. It is a learned behaviour and is a foundational aspect of building belonging amongst a group. This session provides tangible tools for teaching empathy through movement and dance in partner and group activities.

Participants will oscillate between moving activities and lecture throughout the session. Please be prepared to be physically active. Don’t forget your water bottle!
Speakers
avatar for Jennifer Mahood

Jennifer Mahood

Owner-Artist-Facilitator, Art in Motion Dance Education
Jennifer Mahood works with movement-based processes across artistic, educational and therapeutic settings. She teaches and facilitates classes for children, adults, and dance professionals in Calgary through her company Art in Motion Dance Education. Holding an MFA in Contemporary... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 1:00pm - 3:20pm MST
RDP ROOM 2305 (On the 2nd floor)

1:00pm MST

Stress, Trauma & Our Wellness
Thursday February 20, 2025 1:00pm - 3:20pm MST
Join Christine Laval, Health Promotion Facilitator with AHS – Addiction and Mental Health to learn about various aspects of trauma, including but not limited to: compassion fatigue, vicarious trauma, and how experiencing trauma can impact our overall well-being. Having an understanding of the different aspects of trauma not only helps us in navigating our own wellness, but in understanding how to approach individuals we interact with from a trauma informed lens. We will also explore ways to create space for self-care in a meaningful way as well as resources and supports available to staff for navigating ongoing wellness. Addtional resources are found here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ttoCGV6N6hiuCYIb1pQv0j2u19BVtmsO?usp=sharing

Speakers
avatar for Christine Laval

Christine Laval

Health Promotion Facilitator, Alberta Health Services - Addiction & Mental Health
Christine Laval, Health Promotion Facilitator with AHS – Addiction and Mental HealthI have worked with AHS - Addiction & Mental Health for 12 years, approximately 5.5 years as an Addiction Counsellor under the Protection of Abusing Drugs Program, and the remainder of that time in... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 1:00pm - 3:20pm MST
RDP ROOM 2505 (On the 2nd floor)

1:00pm MST

Art, Stories and Music
Thursday February 20, 2025 1:00pm - 3:20pm MST
Bring fun art projects, songs and stories into your classroom! Join me in this hands-on, interdisciplinary session as we create art connected to the themes in songs and stories. No music experience necessary!

The art projects will consist of a variety of mediums, with opportunities to express your creativity. Art projects will have connections to children’s literature, music, science and social, an artist study of a local indigenous artist, and learning to critique art with Feldman’s Art Critique. Project ideas and resources will be shared to bring into your class right away!
Please send your $10 Email Transfer to cblenkhorne@gmail.com to pay for the supplies.
Speakers
avatar for Coreen Blenkhorne

Coreen Blenkhorne

Coreen has taught with the Calgary Board of Education for over 18 years, is a mother of three wonderful boys, and married to an amazing husband who is also a teacher. Her teaching career has brought her experience teaching a variety of grades from grade K-6, literacy specialist, and... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 1:00pm - 3:20pm MST
RDP ROOM 932

1:00pm MST

Building Thinking Classrooms II - Elementary Focus (K-6)
Thursday February 20, 2025 1:00pm - 3:20pm MST
Session Two: Are you trying to implement a Thinking Classroom? If you need a refresher or just some encouragement, join me in this workshop as I push deeper into the practices that allow us to transform our classrooms from spaces where students mimic to spaces where students think. The practices discussed will intertwine with, and make extensive references to Peter Liljedahl's Building Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics (Grades K-12): 14 Teaching Practices for Enhancing Learning.
Speakers
avatar for Annette Rouleau

Annette Rouleau

Consultant, Building Thinking Classrooms
Annette is proud to be the first-ever elementary teacher accepted into the Mathematics Education Doctoral program at Simon Fraser University. She was invited to study with Dr. Peter Liljedahl after completing her Masters degree under his tutelage. Her PhD thesis focused on tension... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 1:00pm - 3:20pm MST
RDP ROOM 2901A (On the 2nd floor)

1:00pm MST

Building Thinking Classrooms II - Secondary Math Focus (Gr. 8-12)
Thursday February 20, 2025 1:00pm - 3:20pm MST
In this workshop, I continue to push deeper into the practices that allow us to transform our classrooms from spaces where students mimic to spaces where students think. The practices discussed will intertwine with, and make extensive references to, the recently published book, Building Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics (Grades K-12): 14 Teaching Practices for Enhancing Learning. This session is designed primarily for secondary (gr. 8-12) math teachers and will focus on exploring the fine-tuning practices in the Building Thinking Classrooms framework through an experiential approach.
Speakers
avatar for Dr. Judy Larsen

Dr. Judy Larsen

Simon Fraser University
Dr. Judy Larsen is an Associate Professor at the University of the Fraser Valley, where she teaches mathematics courses at the secondary level as well as mathematics education courses for pre-service teachers. She also leads professional development workshops with in-service educators... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 1:00pm - 3:20pm MST
RDP ROOM 2901B (On the 2nd floor)

1:00pm MST

Building Effective & Engaging Practice Plans to Maximize Your Team's Potential
Thursday February 20, 2025 1:00pm - 3:20pm MST
This session is accessible for coaches of all team sports but will specifically utilize the drills and concepts demonstrated in the morning “Re-Energizing our Basketball Athletes” session. Use this time to build a practice plan that meets the needs of your athletes based on age, skill level and current level of competition. An Emergency Action Plan (EAP) will also be explained and its importance to develop one at the start of the season. Templates will be provided for both practice planning and the EAP. We will access the most recent best practices from Canada Basketball and the Coaching Association of Canada to build a practice plan you can take back to your team tomorrow!
Speakers
avatar for Don Finlayson

Don Finlayson

Teacher/Coach, Black Gold School Division
20 years basketball coaching experience from kindergarten to post-secondary Sr. Girls Basketball coach and teacher at Leduc Composite High School 2016 & 2018 Alberta Summer Games head coach (Zone 5) 2016-2017 Concordia University Women’s Asst. Coach
Thursday February 20, 2025 1:00pm - 3:20pm MST
RDP MAIN GYM / ROOM 1002

1:00pm MST

Infusing World and Cultural Games into your PE program
Thursday February 20, 2025 1:00pm - 3:20pm MST
Quince, Bete Umbro, Kabadi, Cungi, Kho Kho, Oonch Neech… these are but a few of the games we discovered in a student lead project that brought street games from around the world to our little gym. We are going to look at a wide range of cultural games and get involved in playing and discussing how to use them to assess student skills, modify to build skill and differentiate for different skill levels, and to build a more global view of active living. Some games require hand made equipment and use recycled or free material. A full handout with rules and supplies will be provided so come to play and be open to some new ways of playing. You will leave with skills to run your own unit.
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 the “art of teaching”. Having taught for over 2 decades outdoors, in the classroom, and in the gym, from grades 1 to 12 in all subject matters and 10 years with the Blended Homeschooling program, he brings unique... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 1:00pm - 3:20pm MST
RDP ROOM 2004 (On the 2nd floor)

1:00pm MST

Rising Strong™ After Setbacks
Thursday February 20, 2025 1:00pm - 3:20pm MST
Representing Dr. Brené Brown’s latest research on vulnerability and shame, the Rising Strong™ workshop, will provide insights into: • Rising after failure, disappointment, and loss, and the process for moving through them • The physics of vulnerability and guidelines for rising after a fall • How stories have power in your life to drive emotions, thoughts, and behaviours • What it means to rumble with emotions like shame, guilt, anxiety, blame, accountability, resentment, grief, forgiveness, and perfectionism • Emotional offloading strategies and how they move us away from our values • Recognizing and capturing the stories we make up when faced with struggle • Writing your own daring endings to tough stories • Daring people fall. Own your story of falling to write your own bold ending. This session is for anyone looking to rise from setbacks, losses and disappointments with greater courage in any area of their professional and personal life, and tips for helping students do the same.
Speakers
avatar for Kimberly Knull

Kimberly Knull

Owner, Courageous Leadership
Kimberly Knull is a Registered Psychologist, motivational speaker and trained by Brené Brown as a Dare to Lead™ facilitator. She’s the Co-Founder of Momentum Walk-In Counselling Society, a non-profit mental health counselling agency for those who would otherwise be unable to... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 1:00pm - 3:20pm MST
RDP ROOM 2503 (On the 2nd floor)

1:00pm MST

High School Student Preparedness Issues
Thursday February 20, 2025 1:00pm - 3:20pm MST
Presented in the form of an informal, interactive workshop, this session with deal with what skills students are lacking when the begin their studies at RDP as determined by RDP chemistry instructors. Secondary teachers and RDP chemistry instructors can engage in discussions about how best to integrate some or all of these skills/knowledge gaps within the Alberta curriculum.
Speakers
BR

Bryan Rowsell

Bryan has been a chemistry instructor at RDP since 2006.  Currently he teaches first- and second-year chemistry and first-year astronomy, as well as being Coordinator of the Engineering Transfer Program and co-Chairperson of the Science Department.  In 2023, he was a co-winner of... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 1:00pm - 3:20pm MST
RDP ROOM 1328

1:00pm MST

Infusing Your Curricular Outcomes with the New Science Curriculum, Computational Thinking & Scratch
Thursday February 20, 2025 1:00pm - 3:20pm MST
Are you up all night worrying about how you are going to create amazing instructional activities for the new Science curriculum? Are you feeling the crunch with all the curricular objectives you have to teach? Put that bothersome worry to bed for good by exploring the power of Computational Thinking and Scratch! Come see why the Scratch visual block coding language that is a PERFECT FIT for cross curricular instructional activities infused with Computational Thinking and Computer Science concepts. This session will introduce you to the Scratch programming language as we walk you through simple activities that integrate the Computer Science Science objectives with cross curricular outcomes from the NEW Alberta Programs of Study. Add a new layer of community building, engagement and fun to your instructional design with Computational Thinking and coding in Scratch!
Speakers
avatar for Trevor Iampen

Trevor Iampen

Instructor, Consultant, Developer, University of Alberta, EPS, ATLE, ERLC
Trevor has 20 years of experience as an elementary school teacher, university course developer/ instructor, app/web developer and consultant for a variety of organizations and institutions across North America. P.S. Computational thinking is where it’s at…
Thursday February 20, 2025 1:00pm - 3:20pm MST
RDP ROOM 2906 (On the 2nd floor)

2:20pm MST

Self-Marking in Chemistry
Thursday February 20, 2025 2:20pm - 3:20pm MST
Having students mark their own work presents unique opportunities for learning. Specifically, it can promote metacognitive activity and critical thinking. 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. The reliability of student self-grading, and the potential benefits upon the instructor’s time were also evaluated.
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 →
Thursday February 20, 2025 2:20pm - 3:20pm MST
RDP ROOM 1435

2:20pm MST

Empowering the Transition: Insights from a U of A Student to Ease High Schoolers' University Anxiety
Thursday February 20, 2025 2:20pm - 3:20pm MST
The transition from high school to university can be daunting and feel like a monumental decision for students. A multitude of questions regarding degree selection and their implications on career decisions arise along with feelings of fear and anxiety about inadequacy. In this presentation, the UA-WiSE Directors of High School Outreach (HSO), two STEM students from the University of Alberta, discuss general concerns they have heard from high school students in their HSO program, their personal experiences during the transition, and reflections on what would have helped ease their journey into post-secondary. The directors will also discuss resources available for teachers to help their students with the transition, including the UA-WiSE High School Outreach Program.
Speakers
avatar for Suyenna Huang

Suyenna Huang

Director of High School Outreach (HSO), University of Alberta - Women in Science and Engineering (UA-WiSE)
Hi! My name is Suyenna Huang and I'm currently a 5th-year biological sciences student at the University of Alberta. I first joined UA-WiSE in 2020 and have been with this organization in various roles, working to promote a culture of diversity and inclusivity in STEM. Currently, I'm... Read More →
avatar for Kyla Lim

Kyla Lim

Director of High School Outreach (HSO), University of Alberta - Women in Science and Engineering (UA-WiSE)
Kyla Lim is a 5th-year civil-environmental engineering student at the University of Alberta. She has been involved with UA-WiSE since 2021, working to empower students underrepresented in STEM fields. She is currently working on reaching the next generation of students as the UA-WiSE... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 2:20pm - 3:20pm MST
RDP ROOM 2302 (On the 2nd floor)

2:20pm MST

EdCamp: Hands on Activities for the new K-3 Science Curriculum
Thursday February 20, 2025 2:20pm - 3:20pm MST
EdCamp - Hands on Activities for the new K-3 Science Curriculum

Join us as we collaborate to discuss discuss all things hands-on science for the new K-3 Science curriculum. What has been working? What areas could we improve? Do you have any fantastic hands-on activities that you loved that you're willing to share? Want to learn more about what you could be using to get your students DOING science in the classroom?

This will be a participant driven session where you will have an opportunity to engage in conversation, collaboration and learning from one another.

Continue the conversation on this document:https://docs.google.com/document/d/1y2m_rb-BV5Rqxh2n4cIvuwD7u34AUSDXe3qWzwpVDEQ/edit?usp=sharing
Speakers
avatar for Lindsay Unland

Lindsay Unland

After teaching high school sciences (physics, biology AND chemistry) for 15 years Lindsay took on a new role last year as the lead Science and Technology teacher at Glendale Sciences and Technology School, a Kindergarten to Grade 8 school, in Red Deer, AB.  She is passionate about... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 2:20pm - 3:20pm MST
RDP ROOM 2601 (On the 2nd floor)

2:20pm MST

Effective Strategies for EAL Learners
Thursday February 20, 2025 2:20pm - 3:20pm MST
This session will explore essential strategies to support EAL students inside the classroom. (Benchmark Level 2+). The goal is to have all students, including EAL students feel empowered in the classroom by using EAL instructional practices, that are also Universal Strategies for all learners.

Gaylene has worked with Red Deer Public Schools in the area of EAL/Second Languages since 2000. She currently teaches ESL at Lindsay Thurber Comprehensive High School and is President of the English as a Second Language Specialist Council. Through her work with Red Deer Public and ESL-C, Gaylene continues to advocate for the diverse learning needs of English Language Learners.
Speakers
AS

Angela Skene

Angela Skene completed her masters in English Language Learners from the University of North Dakota. She is passionate about sharing strategies to help culturally diverse students achieve success and equity in the classroom.
Thursday February 20, 2025 2:20pm - 3:20pm MST
RDP ROOM 2501 (On the 2nd floor)

2:20pm MST

The LQS from the Field of Play
Thursday February 20, 2025 2:20pm - 3:20pm MST
"Quality leadership occurs when the leader’s ongoing analysis of the context, and decisions about what leadership knowledge and abilities to apply, result in quality teaching and optimum learning for all school students." Alberta Education 2018. Utilizing the LQS, we will examine ten key points to better ourselves as leaders, seeking continuous improvement, as instruments of change. Focussing on student centered learning from the context of play and sports, Jordan will highlight ways to reach attainable goals and help all students succeed--to become the best versions of themselves and for schools to become the best version of themselves too.
Speakers
avatar for Jordan Robinson

Jordan Robinson

Principal, Ecole Mother D'Youville School
Originally from Calgary,AB., Jordan is currently a principal at a grade 5-9 school in Beaumont, AB. In addition to his K-12 work, Jordan is a sessional instructor at the University of Alberta at St. Joseph's College. Jordan resides in Beaumont, AB with his wife and five kids.
Thursday February 20, 2025 2:20pm - 3:20pm MST
RDP ROOM AC142 (ARTS CENTRE)

2:20pm MST

Communication skills to disarm angry parents
Thursday February 20, 2025 2:20pm - 3:20pm MST
Working with parents can be tricky. In this session, teachers and admin will learn 4 key communication skills that can disarm heated discussions, come to a resolution, and be able to create a collaborative approach to the student's academic success.
Speakers
avatar for Connie Jakab

Connie Jakab

CEO, Bring Them Closer
Connie Jakab is the author of Bring Them Closer, where she helps educators and parents figure out how to bring hard-to-reach students closer. She has been working in mental health and resilience for 25 years, studying the impacts of how belonging creates resilience. She created a... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 2:20pm - 3:20pm MST
RDP ROOM 2602 (On the 2nd floor)

2:20pm MST

Planning for Retirement
Thursday February 20, 2025 2:20pm - 3:20pm MST
This retirement information session offers general information about the Alberta teachers’ pension plan, planning for personal savings, and briefly reviews Federal benefits and other retirement income sources . The session also briefly reviews requirements to maintain a benefit plan. Planning for retirement is vital for a smooth transition.
Speakers
avatar for Dan Coles

Dan Coles

Executive Staff Officer, Teacher Employment Services, Alberta Teachers' Association
Hello! My name is Dan Coles. I am an Executive Staff Officer at the Alberta Teachers' Association (ATA) and have worked at the ATA since August of 2018. I currently work in the Teacher Employment Services (TES) program area. Prior to rejoining TES in September 2023, I spent 4 years... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 2:20pm - 3:20pm MST
RDP MARGARET PARSONS THEATRE / ROOM 1400

2:20pm MST

'Educa-shunned’ - Observations from the hallway
Thursday February 20, 2025 2:20pm - 3:20pm MST
As a student Tazz was bullied incessantly by teachers and students alike for his weight, thick glasses, home life and inability to pay attention. His report cards tell the story: “easily distracted, disrupts the class and perhaps he should be tested to be placed in the ‘proper’ classroom environment”. His school experience was one of constant bruising to his body, emotions and self-esteem, from both student and adult bullies. Eventually Tazz realized that it wasn’t his fault for the way he was being treated by peers and those who were supposed to educate and protect him. It wasn’t a flaw in his character but theirs.

Once being told by a principal “this is life, better smarten and toughen up” Tazz knew in his heart that other students, like himself, were going to be treated the same way.

He openly talks about the path he stumbled through as a student from the “classroom shenanigans that must stop” to what drove him to his first suicide attempt, to seeking and finally creating help and hope for himself and others akin to him. He vowed that no student shall be undermined because of what they can’t control. He promotes more understanding with educators for their students and themselves. Everyone has a unique struggle, but they also have a unique talent that must be polished so it may shine through.

Tazz speaks to the pressures of being a caring educator, often understaffed and underfunded. Championing those school staff where student development isn’t a job but a passion.
Speakers
avatar for Big Daddy Tazz

Big Daddy Tazz

A comedian and mental health speaker, Big Daddy Tazz has been delighting crowds at fundraisers, corporate events, festivals and on television for more than a decade and a half. Known as the Bi-Polar Buddha, Tazz endeavours to enlighten, educate and inspire audiences across North America... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 2:20pm - 3:20pm MST
RDP MAIN STAGE/ AC117 (ARTS CENTRE)

2:20pm MST

Financial Literacy for Grade 4-6: Ready to go, real-world money lessons that your students will love!
Thursday February 20, 2025 2:20pm - 3:20pm MST
Are you struggling to find age-appropriate resources that connect with younger students for the personal finance requirements of the PE & Wellness curriculum? KickStart from Enriched Academy is an approved program specifically designed to connect with the needs and interests of grade 4-6 students. The fully supported resource has everything you need to bring financial learning into your classrooms with virtually no prep. It uses an engaging and entertaining video-based format complete with lesson plans, teacher guide, and student activities — everything you need to get started today!
Speakers
avatar for Sonya Fox

Sonya Fox

Enriched Academy
Sonya Fox is the Director of Education for the Alberta Region with Enriched Academy. Enriched Academy is a financial literacy resource available for all Alberta teachers at no cost. The resource is fully funded by the Alberta government for the next three years. Sonya has over 19... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 2:20pm - 3:20pm MST
RDP ROOM 2304 (On the 2nd floor)

2:20pm MST

Gentle Vinyasa Flow with Yoga Nation
Thursday February 20, 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 own Yoga mat. 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. Bring in your yoga mat to enjoy this session.
Speakers
avatar for Candice Blum

Candice Blum

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

2:20pm MST

Grade 8 and 9 Sex Ed: The Good, the Bad, and the Oily
Thursday February 20, 2025 2:20pm - 3:20pm MST
Grade 8 and 9 sex ed has lots to cover: birth control, STIs, relationships, consent, sexual abuse and assault, responsibilities and consequences of sex, and puberty. All while coping with the raging hormones of teenage students! How do you teach it well, meet the needs of your students, and have a little fun? We can show you how! This session will cover all of the human sexuality outcomes for Grade 8 and 9, along with lesson plans and activities to support your teaching. Get Kahoot quizzes, diagrams, group activities, videos, handouts, and all the background material you need to feel confident about teaching Grade 8 and 9 sex ed this year.
Speakers
avatar for Nicole Inglis

Nicole Inglis

Health Promotion Facilitator, Alberta Health Services: Teaching Sexual Health
Nicole Inglis (she/her) has taught everything from grade 1 PE to Bio 30 and has taught in both public and Catholic Schools. She has an MEd in Adult Education and works on the Sexual and Reproductive Health Promotion team at Alberta Health Services. Nicole lives in Calgary with her... Read More →
avatar for Claire O'Gorman

Claire O'Gorman

Claire O’Gorman (she/her) is a Registered Nurse with a Master of Public Health and over a decade of experience working in sexual health. She has worked in clinical settings, on program development, and in health promotion to improve the health and well-being of patients, families... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 2:20pm - 3:20pm MST
RDP ROOM 1437

2:20pm MST

Seeing Queerly: Supporting Queer Joy in K-12 Schools
Thursday February 20, 2025 2:20pm - 3:20pm MST
In this session, participants will learn about barriers and solutions to supporting queer joy in public schools. The presentation is grounded in current research from a Canadian context. Participants will have the opportunity to make connections with one another, have time for dialogue, and have the most up to date resources that they can use in their schools to support 2SLGBTQQIA+ teaching and learning. Opportunites to look at the importance of legislation, GSAs, staff professional learning, and other inclusive practices will be presented.
Speakers
avatar for Sarah Beech

Sarah Beech

Sarah (she/her, they/them) is a teacher and GSA advisor at William D Pratt School in Calgary. Sarah is asexual, agender and aromantic and somehow ended up teaching in the same classroom as her colleague and co-presenter, Darren Vaast, who is gay! Sarah holds an M Ed degree from the... Read More →
avatar for Darren Vaast

Darren Vaast

Darren (he/him) is a teacher and GSA advisor at William D Pratt School in Calgary. Darren is gay, and somehow ended up teaching in the same classroom as his colleague and co-presenter, Sarah Beech, who is asexual, agender and aromantic! Darren holds an MEd degree from the U of C... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 2:20pm - 3:20pm MST
RDP ROOM 1500 (Cornerstone)

2:20pm MST

The Spirit and History of the Métis
Thursday February 20, 2025 2:20pm - 3:20pm MST
The Métis are a people of mixed European and Indigenous ancestry with a distinct and rich culture unique and different from other Indigenous peoples. Participants will learn about the historical impact of the Métis and their contribution towards the development of Canada. An understanding and definition of the Métis identity will be defined and the importance and significance of traditional Métis cultural items will be shared. Alberta is home to a considerable Métis population.
Speakers
avatar for Brian St Germain

Brian St Germain

Retired teacher
My name is Brian St. Germain. I recently retired from Red Deer Public School District after forty years of teaching. The last ten years spent with the First Nations, Metis and Inuit Program in Learning Services. I am Cree First Nations and Cree Metis.
Thursday February 20, 2025 2:20pm - 3:20pm MST
RDP ROOM 2600 (On the 2nd floor)

2:20pm MST

Winter is a Time for Stories
Thursday February 20, 2025 2:20pm - 3:20pm MST
When the snow covers the ground it is a time for stories. Why is it important to tell stories while the snow is on the ground? Learn about all the ways we can tell stories. Think about how you can bring the power of storytelling into your classroom.
Join in this session as we learn about traditional oral storytelling, exploring the use of Indigenous literature in elementary and secondary, stories of resilience, and information that supports foundational knowledge.
Speakers
avatar for Phillip Campiou

Phillip Campiou

Elder, Driftpile Cree Nation
Phillip Campiou is a Traditional Woodland Cree who is originally from Driftpile Cree Nation, Alberta. He now resides in the Onoway area. As a young man, his father taught Phillip how to be self-sufficient and live off the land. Inherent in these teachings was an unwavering respect... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 2:20pm - 3:20pm MST
RDP ROOM 1303

2:20pm MST

Screenwriting for Fun & Profit!
Thursday February 20, 2025 2:20pm - 3:20pm MST
In Hollywood, story is king - or so the saying goes. The fact is, when we think about writing with our students we usually default to short stories or longer narratives. Using screenwriting as a format helps students to engage with movies more closely, find new ways to express their ideas, and also allows them to explore a very practical career option within the growing Albertan film industry. This session will be an introduction to the screenwriting format. We will learn about tools, best practices, and also spend some time analyzing existing scripts. Come with your laptop, and be ready to do some writing of your own!
Speakers
avatar for Shane Lawrence

Shane Lawrence

Shane has been teaching for 18 years. In that time, he's taught everything from English to Photography, Drama to Computers. Through it all, he's developed a passion for creativity and creation which he now explores through teaching Art, Film, Drama, and Technology.
Thursday February 20, 2025 2:20pm - 3:20pm MST
RDP ROOM 2904 (On the 2nd floor)

2:20pm MST

How to engage "Board" Students - Part 2
Thursday February 20, 2025 2:20pm - 3:20pm MST
How to engage the "Board" students - Board Games in the Classroom - Part 2 This session continues from the first session with detailed explanation and demonstrations of the games described in the first session. Attending Session Part 1 is highly recommended but it is not a must.
Speakers
avatar for Evelyn Chan

Evelyn Chan

Middle School Teacher, Red Deer Public School
I have been teaching for over 14 years with Red Deer Public School. I started teaching Medical Studies, Sports Medicine and Biology at Hunting Hills, then moved to North Cottage and the Alternative Programs teaching Math and Science. Currently, I am teaching Health and Science at... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 2:20pm - 3:20pm MST
RDP ROOM 913A

2:20pm MST

Monomyth: What Joseph Campbell Got Wrong, and How You Can Get it Right
Thursday February 20, 2025 2:20pm - 3:20pm MST
All societies produce mythology and stories, and thanks to the massive success of Star Wars, countless teachers learned about a key source of its inspiration: Joseph Campbell’s “monomyth” or “Hero’s Journey.”
The monomyth is allegedly a template—embedded in our collective unconscious, driven by our psychological developmental stages—that has been directing the plots and characters of stories from ancient campfires to modern novels, blockbuster movies, and high-fidelity video games. The Hero’s Journey is such a provocative and valuable model that teachers across North America been guiding literature students with it for decades. It’s so enticing that Hollywood screenwriters have been studying it for nearly 50 years (since Star Wars debuted) to create their own blockbusters, as the recent success of the Marvel Cinematic Universe demonstrates. But what if it’s wrong? Not completely wrong, of course--but containing significant shortcomings and oversights that fail female characters and readers, while overstating the universality of key concepts and plot points? Join English teacher and award-winning novelist Malcolm Azania (pen name Minister Faust) to explore the Hero’s Journey, analyze its errors, and discover how to help students keep the best, throw out the rest, and innovate upon it with clearer understandings of literature and society.
Speakers
avatar for Malcolm Azania

Malcolm Azania

President, Project Saqqara
In addition to having English in Edmonton high schools and junior high schools for a decade, Malcolm Azania is an award-winning novelist, award-winning print journalist, radio host-producer, television host and associate producer, sketch comedy writer, video game writer, and community... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 2:20pm - 3:20pm MST
RDP ROOM 2205 (On the 2nd floor)

2:20pm MST

Gr 8 - Our Greatest Hits: How to Make the Spanish Conquest of the Aztec interesting and engaging!
Thursday February 20, 2025 2:20pm - 3:20pm MST
Want to bring history to life in your classroom? Want your students to experience history? Want your students to think critically and build skills? We will start looking at an Aztec society simulation. This activity can be extended to allow for students to create their own class model of Tenochtitlan, which allows a deeper understanding of the connections in Aztec society as well as the historical growth of the city. Moving into a Spanish Conquest game where the students explore and teach themselves both sides of the conflict. DIfferent assignment suggestions will be provided throughout. Students will progress to a film study of The Road to El Dorado where they create a critical response to the accuracy of the film. Students will also explore part of the documentary Guns Germs and Steel to allow them to apply their knowledge of the conquest in Mexico to what happened to the Incan Empire in Peru. In addition to these larger activities, short videos, songs, primary source analysis, etc. will also be explored in this session. They will have opportunities to put themselves into history and become the characters that before they merely read about! Lots of humanities cross curricular opportunities! You will walk away with the complete simulation packages, activities, projects and resources.
Speakers
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 13 years. She began by primarily teaching elementary grades 5 and 6 but for the past 9 years has been teaching for social studies and humanities at the junior high level. Nicholle currently is a high school Social... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 2:20pm - 3:20pm MST
RDP ROOM 2303 (On the 2nd floor)

2:20pm MST

Jeux de maths pour développer la compétence et la compréhension de la 4e à la 6e année
Thursday February 20, 2025 2:20pm - 3:20pm MST
Cet atelier est conçu pour aider les élèves de la 4e à la 6e année en immersion française à développer leur compétence mathématique de manière amusante et engageante. Cette session encourage l'interaction entre les participants, l'apprentissage actif et la consolidation des compétences mathématiques de manière ludique. Elle est adaptée au nouveau curriculum et contribue à l'acquisition de compétences essentielles en mathématiques tout en favorisant l'usage de la langue française. Venez apprendre tout en vous amusant!

This workshop is designed to help French immersion students in grades 4 to 6 develop their mathematical skills in a fun and engaging way. This session encourages interaction between participants, active learning and the consolidation of mathematical skills in a fun way. It is adapted to the new curriculum and contributes to the acquisition of essential mathematical skills while promoting the use of the French language. Come and learn while having fun!
Speakers
EM

Elyse Morin

Elyse is a dynamic and creative teacher with over 15 years' experience in French immersion, virtual teaching and coaching. She is an educational consultant in French Immersion and French as a first language as well as in mathematics K-6 for ARPDC. A passionate learner, she likes to... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 2:20pm - 3:20pm MST
RDP ROOM 2905 (On the 2nd floor)

2:20pm MST

EdCamp: Elementary Music
Thursday February 20, 2025 2:20pm - 3:20pm MST
This session will provide elementary music teachers with an opportunity to network and collaborate on classroom lessons, best practices, performances, etc. Do use the following Google Doc to share all your ideas: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ZejjIrLgXZjfcNzaWVuzA4uOYZ1gLN5DB5kCEKPpWjo/edit?usp=sharing
Speakers
avatar for Alison Veldkamp

Alison Veldkamp

Music Specialist, RDPSD
Thursday February 20, 2025 2:20pm - 3:20pm MST
RDP ROOM AC159 (ARTS CENTRE)

2:20pm MST

Exploring Assessment & Year Planning with the K-6 Physical Education & Wellness Curriculum
Thursday February 20, 2025 2:20pm - 3:20pm MST
Through outcome-first planning, you will explore practical ways to organize physical education and wellness lessons into meaningful and intentional themes. The themes you create will allow for flexible and responsive student-centered programming, while directly targeting the outcomes from the organizing ideas featured in the Alberta K-6 Physical Education & Wellness Curriculum. We will also discover ways that you can streamline assessment while maintaining authenticity. This session is sure to inspire creativity within and help you refine your practice.
Speakers
avatar for Everactive Schools

Everactive Schools

Health & Wellness Consultant, Everactive Schools
Ever Active Schools is a registered national charity designed to create and support healthy school communities. We engage and support schools through a Comprehensive School Health framework, which addresses health and education goals to improve the social outcomes of children and... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 2:20pm - 3:20pm MST
RDP ROOM 913B

2:20pm MST

EdCamp: Let's talk Off Campus!
Thursday February 20, 2025 2:20pm - 3:20pm MST
This session is meant to bring together anyone who deals with Work Experience, RAP, and Green Certificate. It will be structured as a round table event so bring your best practices, your resources, and your questions, and let's make the most of all being in the same room!Carry on with the conversation with this document: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Hqp_4To-9q4_ezgoJ0B4_YUShjuwMXJNKIfDqzJ2YwQ/edit?usp=sharing
Speakers
avatar for Steff Zelmer

Steff Zelmer

Off Campus Coordinator, Ecole Secondaire Lacombe Composite High School
I graduated from U of A with BEd/BPE in 2010 and have taught in High Prairie, Valleyview and Lacombe. I teach a combination of Math and Science and Transitions. I also work as an Off Campus Coordinator looking after work experience and RAP students.
Thursday February 20, 2025 2:20pm - 3:20pm MST
RDP ROOM 2902 (On the 2nd floor)

2:20pm MST

Unchartered Lessons: My Unexpected Journey through Education
Thursday February 20, 2025 2:20pm - 3:20pm MST
This session is aimed at teachers who are just beginning in the field, however seasoned teachers are more than welcome to attend and to maybe share some of their experiences. During this session I will share my experiences within education over the past 20 years. I will discuss my experiences with going through evaluations and contracts and share some of the wisdom that has been passed onto me. I have had the oppurtunity to teach within three different school divisions and have had the oppurtunity to learn from many different teachers.
Speakers
avatar for Michael Saretzky

Michael Saretzky

Teacher
I have been teaching since 2005, coming to Alberta from BC. During my time in teaching I have had stops in Fox Creek, Hinton and now Red Deer. Over the past, almost 20 years, I have taught a plethera of subjects and grades, from grade 3 to grade 11 math, science and English. Also... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 2:20pm - 3:20pm MST
RDP ROOM AC222 (ARTS CENTRE - On the 2nd floor)

2:20pm MST

Les simulations Gizmos disponibles en ligne : pour explorer des concepts de sciences
Thursday February 20, 2025 2:20pm - 3:20pm MST
Les concepts de science peuvent devenir une plus grande source de curiosité et d'émerveillement grâce à l’usage de simulations en ligne. Cet atelier vous permettra de découvrir comment l'approche « explorer avant d'expliquer » mène à une compréhension conceptuelle approfondie. Vous verrez comment l'utilisation des Gizmos démontrant des phénomènes naturels peut susciter l'intérêt et l'engagement de vos élèves. La démonstration d'une leçon de sciences, prévue dans cet atelier, vous permettra de voir en action les meilleures pratiques d'enseignement. Les enseignants de M à 6e année ont accès à plusieurs Gizmos grâce à Alberta Education. Alors, du temps sera accordé pour chercher et explorer les Gizmos qui peuvent appuyer le nouveau programme de sciences. Si possible, les participants à cet atelier devraient apporter un appareil numérique.
Speakers
avatar for Josee Desmeules

Josee Desmeules

Implementation Coordinator, ExploreLearning
Josée Desmeules has over 25 years of experience in education.  She began her career in Montreal as a special education teacher, then as an educational consultant, before moving to Alberta in 2005.  She taught math and science for a few years and became the Educational Technology... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 2:20pm - 3:20pm MST
RDP ROOM 1408

2:20pm MST

EdCamp: Biology 20
Thursday February 20, 2025 2:20pm - 3:20pm MST
This session is for Biology 20 teachers who want to collaborate and create new resources, share and modify existing resources or research new ideas. The goal of this session is to collaborate to create new lab resources and activities to use in the classroom immediately! Here is the Google Doc to share ideas: https://docs.google.com/document/d/13J5IpRZGMT4HvlebUAboxoLjDFNjtrbJYuZ6wAiFat0/edit?usp=sharing
Speakers
Thursday February 20, 2025 2:20pm - 3:20pm MST
RDP ROOM 1503

2:20pm MST

The Pawsitivity of Pets
Thursday February 20, 2025 2:20pm - 3:20pm MST
As the host of The Science Pawdcast, I've spent the last five years researching and presenting topical science news, but also the research that is going on with our pets. Over and over again the stories, and studies I find on the cutting edge of research is how impactful dogs, and other pets are for the majority of kids.

These are measurable outcomes that show just how important pets in the classroom can be.

This session will go through the research in a wholesome, and emotional way, providing resources and highlight an amazing organization that gets pets into the classroom .

Not only that, but in REAL time we will do experiments with the help of Bunsen and Beaker on the power of pets.

The session will also have time for people to do a meet and greet with these famous dogs!
Speakers
avatar for Kris Zackowski

Kris Zackowski

Kris Zackowski is a passionate, dedicated, and tech savvy math and science teacher in Red Deer Catholic. Currently, she is teaching at St. Joseph’s High School and delivers dynamic, accessible, and engaging lessons to her students. Lastly, she is Dogmom to Bunsen and Beaker, The... Read More →
avatar for Jason Zackowski

Jason Zackowski

Zed Science
Jason Zackowski is a science/chemistry teacher with LTCHS and currently the curriculum leader for Science there. He has done “Extreme-Science” videos with a local radio station, delivers science shows (pre-COVID) and has been featured on The History Channel as a presenter on History... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 2:20pm - 3:20pm MST
RDP ROOM AC149 / STUDIO D (ARTS CENTRE)

3:20pm MST

CATCA SOCIAL
Thursday February 20, 2025 3:20pm - 5:30pm MST
Enjoy complimentary drinks and some pizza while catching up with your colleagues! Drink choices include a variety of locally produced canned craft beer, hard teas and sodas, as well as alcohol-free Craft Sodas. A variety of pizza toppings will be available, along with veggie trays, with plates and napkins provided for the more "civilized" among us
Thursday February 20, 2025 3:20pm - 5:30pm MST
RDP MAIN STAGE LOBBY / AC104 (ARTS CENTRE)
 
Friday, February 21
 

8:30am MST

Introducing the New Education Degree at RDP
Friday February 21, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am MST
Do join the Associate Dean of Education of RDP as she will highlight the unique features of the new Bachelor of Education degree at RDP that has Early Years, Middle Years, and Secondary pathways. Come meet the faculty, hear about the courses that are offered, and explore mentoring possibilities. Also there will be free coffee and muffins to enjoy this session.

Speakers
avatar for Julia Rheaume

Julia Rheaume

Assoc. Dean of Education, Red Deer Polytechnic University
Dr. Julia Rheaume is passionate about middle level education. She predominantly taught middle school math and science for 15 years before becoming a preservice teacher educator in the U of A Middle Years program at Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP). Julia has held a variety of leadership... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am MST
RDP ROOM 2602 (On the 2nd floor)

9:00am MST

CASA Classrooms 101
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
In this session we will share an overview of of CASA Classrooms, what the referral process is like for teachers/schools and the transition back to students' home classrooms.
We will also share some universal strategies with educators that they can utilize in their classrooms not just to support students with specific mental health disorders, to benefit all students in the classroom milieu. 

Speakers
KE

Kim Edwards

Professional Practise Lead, Teaching, CASA Mental Health Classrooms
CL

Candice Larson

Professional Practice Lead, Teaching, CASA Mental Health Classrooms, Edmonton, CASA
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
RDP ROOM 1437

9:00am MST

Making Learning Meaningful: Hands-on Activities to Spark Creativity, Ignite Conversations and Promote Problem Solving
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
Join us for this engaging session as we delve into the world of meaningful, hands-on activities that will spark creativity, ignite conversations, and promote problem-solving skills. Be prepared to embark on a cross-curricular journey of discovery, armed with a wide array of practical resources and innovative ideas. Participants are guaranteed to leave the workshop with a collection of carefully curated activities and lessons that you can seamlessly integrate into your classroom, starting as early as Monday morning.
Speakers
SH

Shelia Hendrickson

Associate Instructor, Alberta Teachers Association
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
RDP ROOM 2501 (On the 2nd floor)

9:00am MST

EdCamp: Middle School English Language Arts
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
EDCAMP SESSION - Here is an opportunity to converse with other English teachers in a Division III setting
Carry on the conversation on this document: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1O_yjEm840X8F21eXp-n0wMeBQSmN57UcXmg46N5BHis/edit?usp=sharing
Speakers
avatar for Suzanne Annable

Suzanne Annable

High School Teacher, Wolf Creek School Division
I have been with Wolf Creek since 2007; I taught mainly grade 9 Language Arts and Social Studies in Lacombe for a number of years. However, five years ago I decided to transfer to Bentley School to teach high school, and it has been an amazing experience and a welcome change. At my... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
RDP ROOM 2304 (On the 2nd floor)

9:00am MST

But What About Play?
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
We can hardly find the time needed to get through all of our outcomes, how on earth are we supposed to find time in our day for our students to play? Join me as we explore the importance of play for early learners and ways to include high quality, authentic play while still having adequate time to cover our outcomes. We will explore how to foster quality play opportunities through researched based practices to ensure the wellness and learning of the whole child.
Speakers
avatar for Suzanne Bergeron

Suzanne Bergeron

Director of Education, Gathered and Grown Family Farm
Suzanne is a wife, mom of four, and teacher of many. Passionate about finding balance between mental health, a joyful homelife, and successful teaching career she is constantly seeking to learn and grow. Suzanne is deeply dedicated to play and including nature in the daily routines... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
RDP ROOM 2601 (On the 2nd floor)

9:00am MST

Racially Marginalized Experiences on the Indigenization of Education
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
Have you ever wondered how newcomers to Canada are responding to the Indigenization of schools? Where do racially marginalized Canadians fit into reconciliation? How can immigrant students understand the importance of reconciliation with the Indigenous peoples?
Based on a capstone research project for the Master of Education program at the University of Alberta, this presentation reports the findings specific to Alberta classroom teachers and explores implications for the complexities in today's cultural pluralities in education.
Speakers
avatar for Jin Mcrae (aka James Hwang)

Jin Mcrae (aka James Hwang)

Jin McRae (he/him) is a lifelong learner and educator based in Treaty 6 Territory, in Edmonton. As an English department lead teacher, Jin has taught Grades 5 and 6 English Language Arts and Social Studies since 2017. Being a Korean-Canadian immigrant settler, Jin is passionate about... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
RDP ROOM AC159 (ARTS CENTRE)

9:00am MST

Practical and Fun activities to promote Oral Language in French Immersion
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
Oral French plays a major role in Literacy. Are your students having trouble understanding what they are reading? How is their oral language and comprehension? As teachers, we are always asking ourselves what type of activities will get students speaking and understanding in French Immersion? Where do we begin? Our interactive session will offer the intentional games, songs, and activities based on current research that we use in our classroom to promote oral language and comprehension among our students. In addition, we will include an overview of Manie Musicale, a world wide competition of popular French music. We will show you how to use this free resource that is prepared for a new competition each year. Come and join us as we share practical and easy to use ideas for improving the oral language and comprehension of your French Immersion students!!
Speakers
avatar for Catherine Loor

Catherine Loor

Catherine is currently a grade 1 and 2 French immersion teacher in Red Deer, AB. She has been a primary French Immersion teacher for most of her teaching career.  One of the things she loves most about teaching primary students is the progress and excitement they show as they learn... Read More →
avatar for Lauren Slywka

Lauren Slywka

Lauren has been teaching in EAL, FSL, and Early Childhood for most of her career. In 2014, she began teaching in French Immersion with the Red Deer Public School District. She found herself constantly looking for resources and professional development specifically for French Immersion... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
RDP ROOM 2901A (On the 2nd floor)

9:00am MST

Students with Scars: Understanding Self Injury
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
The reality of the pain and struggles that many of our students experience is becoming more apparent, and unfortunately the coping strategy of "self-harm" is becoming more common. There is a lot of fear, misunderstanding, myth, judgement and confusion surrounding why and how students self-injure and we are left wondering how best to react (or not?) and support them as they cope. This session will provide some insight into the reasons students self-harm, the various forms this behavior can take, and the best strategies for prevention and support through both their physical and emotional healing.
Speakers
avatar for Ariel Haubrich

Ariel Haubrich

Consultant/ Trainer/ Private Practitioner, Learning Network
Ariel Haubrich works in school
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
RDP ROOM AC222 (ARTS CENTRE - On the 2nd floor)

9:00am MST

Child Abuse and the Trauma Informed Environment
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
This session will briefly discuss what a child advocacy centre is, the role it plays in a case of abuse and the support it offers to a child and their family during this difficult time. Additionally: the types of child abuse, the signs of child abuse, reporting disclosure and child abuse suspicion and the processes our kids go through once child abuse is reported. As well, this session will provide an overview of the Four Pillars and Seven Principles of Trauma. Trauma plays a key role as an obstacle in the ability for a student to learn. Dean and Lee will help you understand how the 4 and 7 can be implemented in your organization. They believe that every organization needs to understand the pillars and principles before implementing a process in order to effectively support children and youth who are experiencing trauma.
Speakers
avatar for Lee Caine

Lee Caine

Education Program Coordinator, Child Advocacy Centre
Dean Pasiuk and Lee Caine have over 60 years educational experience working in Central Alberta Schools. During Dean’s 30 years as an educator, he has gone from classroom teacher to administrator with the Chinooks Edge School Division and the Red Deer Public School Division. Dean... Read More →
DP

Dean Pasiuk

Central Alberta Child Advocacy Centre
Director of Education
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
RDP ROOM 2302 (On the 2nd floor)

9:00am MST

Shameless: How to talk about sexting, pornography, consent and more in today’s sex ed classroom
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
Scary pictures, silence, fear and loathing are the sex-ed of the past! Bring your classroom into the modern era through effective, inclusive, and comprehensive sexual health education. In today's digital age, students have unprecedented access to information at their fingertips, anytime and anywhere, so it’s crucial to be prepared to talk about sexting, pornography, and consent. We’ll showcase practical teaching strategies, valuable conversation tips, and curated resources to support today’s sex ed classroom. By the end of this session, you will feel more confident and prepared to meet students where they are and foster meaningful and inclusive discussions about sexual health.
Speakers
avatar for Nicole Inglis

Nicole Inglis

Health Promotion Facilitator, Alberta Health Services: Teaching Sexual Health
Nicole Inglis (she/her) has taught everything from grade 1 PE to Bio 30 and has taught in both public and Catholic Schools. She has an MEd in Adult Education and works on the Sexual and Reproductive Health Promotion team at Alberta Health Services. Nicole lives in Calgary with her... Read More →
avatar for Claire O'Gorman

Claire O'Gorman

Claire O’Gorman (she/her) is a Registered Nurse with a Master of Public Health and over a decade of experience working in sexual health. She has worked in clinical settings, on program development, and in health promotion to improve the health and well-being of patients, families... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
RDP ROOM 913B

9:00am MST

My Life as a Student with ADHD
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
When I was a child in elementary school there wasn't such a thing as ADHD, but I definitely struggled with it. I was officially diagnosed in my fifties. I always thought I was dumb until I ended up in education. As a teacher for the past 34 years, I’ve always tried to teach the way I like to learn: with lessons that are high interest, fun, active and engaging. Come learn tips and strategies for engaging kinesthetic learners with poor executive functioning. Actually, these ideas help all learners.
Speakers
avatar for Danny Bateman

Danny Bateman

Dan is currently an instructor at Concordia University of Edmonton in the Faculty of Education. 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

Perspectives after Trauma
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
Join us to hear Tyler Smith share about his experiences navigating mental health and grief in the face of tragedy. He’ll share details about his life over the last five years, the experiences he’s gone through, and the lessons he’s learned along the way. Public speaking has become one of Tyler’s greatest passions and he hopes that attendees will leave the session feeling hopeful and inspired.


Along with the public speaking space, Tyler has found two other major passions in his life which both happen to be in the world of mental health.


Tyler co-hosts a podcast with NHL veteran Riley Sheahan of the Buffalo Sabres called ‘Speak Your Mind.’ With Speak Your Mind, Riley and Tyler hope to continue to normalize conversations around mental health with a wide variety of guests starting with the sports world, entertainment space and many more.


Lastly, Tyler has founded his mental health awareness clothing line called ‘Not Alone Co.’ Not Alone is all about helping facilitate meaningful conversations around mental health with the messaging that is presented on Not Alone’s variety of apparel. Not Alone donates portions of the proceeds to different charities and foundations across Canada including Jack.org. Tyler hopes to build a lasting community with Not Alone that focuses on vulnerability and conversation.
Speakers
avatar for Tyler Smith

Tyler Smith

Founder & Public Speaker, Not Alone Co.
My name is Tyler Smith. I am a survivor of the 2018 Humboldt Broncos Bus Crash. For the weeks and months following the accident I chose to suffer in silence and neglect what was going on inside my mind. Now I am using my struggles and experience through speaking and sharing my story... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
RDP MAIN STAGE/ AC117 (ARTS CENTRE)

9:00am MST

BLAST: A Targeted Literacy Intervention
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am 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 one K-3 school implemented a school-wide intervention block to improve literacy levels for all students. In our BLAST (Building Literacy and Supporting Teamwork) intervention time, each student’s 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.). 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 9:00am - 10:00am MST
RDP ROOM 2505 (On the 2nd floor)

9:00am MST

It’s All Greek to Me
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
The platform is FREE and provides the software, videos, 360 VR Tours of the Bow River Watershed and Alberta’s Natural Regions, challenges and lesson plans linked to the Alberta Programs of Study Grades 3-12 in Science, Social Studies and CTS. Works on tablets or computers (phones work but are a bit small).Check it out at www.albertatomorrow.ca
Speakers
avatar for P Gail Whiteford

P Gail Whiteford

A drama teacher for 35 years, in Australia, Korea and Calgary. Gail retired to teach Drama Education at U of C, and continues to teach workshops at schools in Alberta and British Columbia. Gail has presented sessions at over 20 Teachers' Conventions in Alberta. She has written 2 books... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
RDP ROOM AC160 (ARTS CENTRE)

9:00am MST

Math Games Galore: Having Fun with Math for Upper Elementary!
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am 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, designed by a Winnipeg math teacher, are ideal for individual learning, group learning, learning centres, and whole-class instruction in division 2. Be ready to participate, have fun, and win fantastic prizes!

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: Division 2 games supporting mastery of basic math facts and games supporting numeracy development.
Focus: Basic facts and basic numeracy concepts.
Takeaway: New games to use in the classroom.
Speakers
avatar for Sheri Christoffersen

Sheri Christoffersen

Sheri Christoffersen has been a teacher for 19 years, teaching grades K-8. She believes in approaching math with passion, excitement and creativity. Sheri loves to inspire other educators and students to love math as much as she does.
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
RDP ROOM 2503 (On the 2nd floor)

9:00am MST

Math Talks
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
Why is engaging in mathematical discussions crucial? It helps students recognize various problem-solving approaches, encouraging them to observe strategies used by others and work towards more efficient methods. Math Talks aim to prompt the use of diverse strategies, allowing students to contemplate the relationships within numbers and establish connections in the realm of mathematics.
During this session, I will share with you a variety of resources, as well as some tips and tricks, to help guide you with creating your Math Talk routine.
Speakers
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
RDP ROOM 2305 (On the 2nd floor)

9:00am MST

Money, Money and More Money - What's All the Hype?
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
Money is not new for us but how we use it in our math classes as a manipulative might be a missed opportunity to deepen students' understanding. If you teach math from K-9, and maybe have students who struggling to regroup, add decimals, don't know their number facts, come play with money! This is an interactive session so be ready to go!
Speakers
avatar for Chris Zarski

Chris Zarski

Designer of Professional Learning (Teacher PD), CARC
Chris is supporting Alberta teachers as a Designer of Professional Learning with the Central Alberta Regional Learning Consortium. She has served as a Teacher, Administrator, Curriculum Director and Staff Development, Examiner with Alberta Education, and Author and Assessment & Pedagogical... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
RDP ROOM 1435

9:00am MST

EdCamp: Physics 20
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
Sharing resources and ideas to make Physics 20 more engaging. Include all your comments on the following Google Doc: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Lb3b4suXGide929xIdpckCaQxJw74UOsB0aTHjwA820/edit?usp=sharing
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
RDP ROOM AC142 (ARTS CENTRE)

9:00am MST

Help! I have to teach K-3 Music
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
Not a music specialist but teaching music? Need some new ideas for music classes that you're currently teaching? Then this session is for you! Joyce will arm you with songs, games, activities and strategies to turn you from terrified to terrifically confident. You'll leave with a handout filled with tips for teaching, reinforcing, and assessing music concepts and skills. If you’ve never taught music or are a reluctant singer, you will learn strategies to have you and your students loving music time!!
Speakers
avatar for Joyce Holoboff

Joyce Holoboff

Music
Joyce Holoboff has taught elementary music and junior high band with Wolf Creek School Division for 31 years. She uses a hybrid approach combining elements of Kodaly, Orff, and world music in her elementary instruction, and she loves teaching beginning recorder. She has also directed... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
RDP ROOM 913A

9:00am MST

K-6 Physical Education & Wellness Tips, Tricks and Activities for Generalist Teachers
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
Join us for an energizing session packed with practical tips, clever tricks, and engaging activities specifically designed for K-6 generalist teachers teaching Physical Education and Wellness. Prepare to move, learn, and leave inspired with a variety of strategies to revitalize your program. But it doesn't end there! In this interactive session, you will delve into innovative warm-up, skill development and cool-down activities that you can implement immediately.
Speakers
avatar for Tracy Lockwood

Tracy Lockwood

PLAY Education/PHE Canada
Tracy is a highly accomplished PHE Consultant and K-12 Physical Education Specialist with over 25 years of experience in the field. She received her Bachelor of Education from the University of Alberta and a Master's Degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Portland... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
RDP ROOM AC147 / STUDIO B (ARTS CENTRE)

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 Pension Counsellor

Pension Counsellor

Pension Counsellor, Alberta Teachers' Retirement Fund (ATRF)
A Pension Counsellor with the Alberta Teachers' Retirement Fund.
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
RDP MARGARET PARSONS THEATRE / ROOM 1400

9:00am MST

Thanks! GREAT Job!
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
Improve retention, boost morale and increase engagement with high-value, low-cost staff recognition. Your resources— time and money—may be limited, but that doesn’t have to prevent you from recognizing staff in ways that they will value. There are simple, easy-to-use tools and techniques that you can use to provide meaningful staff recognition.
Speakers
avatar for Nelson Scott

Nelson Scott

Nelson Scott is committed to providing frontline leaders with the tools and techniques they require to hire, engage and retain the right people. A full-time consultant, speaker and trainer since 1995, Nelson sees his programs and writing as opportunities to remind audiences and readers... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
RDP ROOM 2902 (On the 2nd floor)

9:00am MST

Addressing Bias as Part of Nature of Science
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
Do your students think science is all about truth? Do your students say that science is "just another theory"? Science is intrinsically different than other subjects because of its self-correcting paradigm. In this session participants will complete several activities that explore the nature of science, scientific thinking, and sources of bias. This classroom ready resource is available for free in English and in French from the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics. Although the resource is targeted at the grade 7-9 group, it can easily be adapted to the high school context.
Speakers
avatar for Laura Pankratz

Laura Pankratz

Western Canada Teacher Network Coordinator, Perimeter Institute
Laura Pankratz has been actively interested in helping students be successful for many years. She has been working with the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics for the last 8 years to develop classroom-ready resources that teachers can use for general science and for high... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
RDP ROOM 1800

9:00am MST

Non-Permanent Learning Surfaces in the Science Classroom
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
Whiteboarding can be defined by some as an effective classroom strategy that uses non-permanent learning surfaces to actively engage students in the learning process. This strategy provides students with ongoing evaluation and quick feedback that guides understanding and comprehension of subject matter. It also allows students to engage in a collaborative learning process with their peers enabling them to learn from each other. This session will introduce you to multiple methods on how you can use whiteboarding in your science classroom.

Participants will experience how to use non-permanent learning surfaces in their science classrooms in a variety of ways. They will learn that whiteboarding is an effective student engagement activity that fosters student dialogue, engages students in a collaborative learning environment, models problem solving strategies and helps students achieve a deeper conceptual understanding of scientific concepts.
Speakers
KB

Kristian Basaraba

Next Step High School
Kristian Basaraba is presently a high school science teacher at Next Step High school in Sherwood Park. He has a Master’s of Science in Science Education from Montana State University and has taught all levels of high school science, including International Baccalaureate and non-academic... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
RDP ROOM 1328

9:00am MST

The Cell Game: Build, Divide, Win.
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
Over the course of the last five years I have developed an engaging resource based card game to teach the cell. I grew disillusioned the projects and activities that we were currently doing as it didn't get to the heart of the parts of the cell. The Cell Game fixed that. In one class students compete to build different organelles that require resource cards. By having more organelles, your cell becomes more complex. The students LOVE the cell game and clamor to play it at lunch after being exposed to it. I'd love to share it with other teachers.
Speakers
avatar for Jason Zackowski

Jason Zackowski

Zed Science
Jason Zackowski is a science/chemistry teacher with LTCHS and currently the curriculum leader for Science there. He has done “Extreme-Science” videos with a local radio station, delivers science shows (pre-COVID) and has been featured on The History Channel as a presenter on History... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
RDP ROOM 2600 (On the 2nd floor)

9:00am MST

EdCamp: Biology 30
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
This session is for Biology 30 teachers who want to collaborate and create new resources, share and modify existing resources or research new ideas. The goal of this session is to collaborate to create new lab resources and activities to use in the classroom immediately! Here is the Google Doc you can share ideas with: https://docs.google.com/document/d/13YNN_M11eGJOK6iO79TjSVwVc8KkOIH4lmyRuKPzASQ/edit?usp=sharing
Speakers
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
RDP ROOM 2906 (On the 2nd floor)

9:00am MST

Teaching in Tomorrow's World: Harnessing AI in Education
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
Embark on a journey into the future of education as we explore innovative ways to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) technologies into the classroom. During this session, we'll take a look at a variety of tools and strategies to leverage AI for personalized learning, student engagement, and instructional efficiency. We will also delve into some of the ethical considerations surrounding the use of AI in education, discussing best practices for maintaining privacy, ensuring equity, and fostering responsible AI use in the classroom.
Speakers
avatar for Tracy Wirtanen

Tracy Wirtanen

Educational Technology Coordinator, Red Deer Public School District
With more than 20 years in teaching and school administration, Tracy brings a wealth of experience to her current role as the Educational Technology Coordinator for RDPSD. She has a passion for helping educators bridge the gap between teaching and the ever-evolving landscape of technology... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
RDP ROOM 1500 (Cornerstone)

9:00am MST

Sequencing and Debugging in the Elementary Classroom (K-Gr.2)
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
Explore foundational coding concepts in your elementary classroom with the new Alberta curriculum! This presentation will discuss storytelling and writing as it relates to computational thinking, explore how coding and computer science themes can exist in nature and art, and delve into a variety of activities – both plugged in and unplugged. Attendees will leave with newfound confidence in teaching computer science topics and integrating computer science across curriculums.
Speakers
CA

Charlee Amason

NCA Outreach Education Specialist, TELUS World of Science - Edmonton
Charlee (he/him) is an educator working as part of TELUS World of Science - Edmonton's digital outreach team, Northern Coding Academy (NCA). He is the lead designer of 8 virtual student programs and 5 teacher webinars through NCA. He holds a M.Sc. in Physics from the University of... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
RDP ROOM 2303 (On the 2nd floor)

9:00am MST

Observation 101: Bird Watching
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 11:20am MST
Observing is fundamental for drawing. Participants will learn how to look and then learn how to draw. In our world of fast paced media, we all need to improve our observation skills. We will observe artworks in a variety of art styles to learn to ‘look’ at the artistic process and the fundamentals of design. The artist will demonstrate ‘how to draw’ and deconstruct the proportions, lines, shapes, and textures of a bird from images. Creative problem-solving exercises will be explored as well as innovative ways to learn observational skills and develop your own ‘mark making’ style. Each participant will create their own ‘stylized’ drawing of a bird. Drawing can be finished in a variety of drawing materials. We will explore a variety of drawing tools and techniques for mark making. This session will occur at the Red Deer Musuem at no cost.

Note - to be hosted at Red Deer Museum + Art Gallery in Stewart Discovery Studio
Speakers
EB

Erin Boake

Red Deer Museum (MAG)
Erin Boake grew up in the small prairie city of Red Deer, Alberta. Pursuing art as a career was a natural progression from a childhood filled with various artistic explorations. Erin attended the Red Deer College Fine Art program, and completed her Bachelor of Fine Art at Alberta... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 11:20am MST
Red Deer Museum (MAG)

9:00am MST

The necessity of failure in a Visual Arts Classroom
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 11:20am MST
In this session participants will not just discuss but practice a range of approaches that foster collaboration, process over outcome methodology and individual creativity skills within the visual arts classroom. The ability to play and see failure as a form of gathering information are at the root of creativity. Often it can feel hard to give space for these vital characteristics of creativity within a contemporary society that favours progress and productivity. We will use drawing and sculpture materials to explore the benefits of built in failure within a project as well as the necessity to practice self reflection and self awareness when creating. These approaches can be used with grade one through grade twelve students.
Speakers
AB

Alysse Bowd

In this session participants will not just discuss but practice a range of approaches that foster collaboration, process over outcome methodology and individual creativity skills within the visual arts classroom. The ability to play and see failure as a form of gathering information... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 11:20am MST
RDP ROOM 2926A (On the 2nd floor)

9:00am MST

Promoting Metacognition and Learning Through Visual Journaling
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 11:20am MST
Students learn best by regularly utilizing metacognitive strategies to help process their thinking. When students use words, pictures, and symbols to represent their understanding and to help reflect on the hefty concepts that they are presented within their daily classroom spaces, they are more likely to retain ideas and apply their learning later. While the focus of this session will be on showing how fine arts teachers can apply metacognitive journal writing strategies in the courses they teach, all attendees will be able to develop skills for utilizing metacognitive strategies in their respective classrooms, regardless of the subject area they teach. Send a $3.00 email transfer to darwilson@cbe.ab.ca for supply fees.
Speakers
avatar for Darrin Wilson

Darrin Wilson

Teacher, MidSun School
Darrin Wilson has worked within the CBE since 2008, focusing mostly on teaching English language arts, visual arts, and a smattering of CTF to middle school students. He was the Art Representative and is currently President-elect for the ATA’s Fine Arts Council. He has a Diplôme... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 11:20am MST
RDP ROOM 932

9:00am MST

Ethics in AI
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 11:20am MST
In recent years we have seen a rise in the use of artificial intelligence in our everyday lives: from machine learning algorithms that screen resumes for job postings, to bots that can converse with one another. In this workshop, participants will explore the pitfalls of artificial intelligence when it comes to algorithms responsible for making decisions impacting lives, and what our responsibilities are to ensure our models are ethical.
Speakers
avatar for Bobbi Belsek

Bobbi Belsek

Education Specialist, Callysto
Bobbi has a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Bachelor of Education After Degree from Concordia University of Edmonton. He is an Education Specialist on the Callysto team, and has spent much of his teaching career thus far in Grade 5. Bobbi enjoys helping students and educators to build... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 11:20am MST
RDP ROOM 1408

9:00am MST

Embracing First People's Principles to engage all students in the love of learning
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 11:20am MST
We will reference the nine First Peoples Principles of Learning and focus on the following three as guideposts for the well-being of everyone involved to create engagement through connection:
1. “Learning requires exploration of one’s identity.” – We would explore how to embody the principles of “living in our gifts.”
2. “Learning is holistic, reflexive, reflective, experiential and relational.” – We would explore methods to empower students by teaching them HOW to learn.
3. “Learning ultimately supports the well-being of the self, the family, the community, the land, the spirits and the ancestors.” – We would explore how to elevate communication systems and partnerships with families.
Speakers
avatar for Tina Kennedy

Tina Kennedy

Sole Proprietor, Coil Educational Consulting
I am an educational consultant and lifelong learner based on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada, in the traditional lands of the Liǧʷiɫdaxʷ people. As a former special/inclusive education teacher (B.Ed., M.Ed.) with 25 years of experience in both Alberta and BC, I guide... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 11:20am MST
RDP ROOM 2905 (On the 2nd floor)

9:00am MST

Share the Gift of Body Awake Yoga® with your Students
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 11:20am 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

Courageous Self-Care
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 - 11:20am MST
RDP MAIN GYM / ROOM 1002

9:00am MST

Tree Meditation & Art
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 11:20am MST
Angela Hall will share many of her Trauma Informed & Indigenous Ways of Knowing Art lessons that she has developed and used to support students and educational staff in self expression, feeling safe, emotional regulation and more. These include: My Safe Place Landscape Art, Tree Meditation & Art, Star Blanket Art Renewal, Sacred Circle Meditation & Art, Medicine Wheel & Art Reflection, Flower Garden Meditation & Art, and Rites of Passage Mandala & Art. Teachers will be able to participate in the Tree Meditation & Art workshop to understand the significance and effectiveness of these art lessons. A maximum of 40 people can attend.

$10 Fee for art materials are required. Each participant will receive a large size water coloured art paper, 12 water coloured pencils, and two paint brushes. Send a $10 email transfer to aguenus@gmail.com to book your slot and pay for materials.
Speakers
avatar for Angela Hall

Angela Hall

Teacher, Artist, AguenusArt
Angela Hall is a Métis Albertan, retired school teacher, poet, artist, and mother. She has completed graduate level courses and certificates in Trauma Recovery, Grief and Loss, Art Therapy, Drama Therapy, Expressive Art Therapy, and Psychotherapy with Kutenai Art Therapy Institute... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 11:20am MST
RDP ROOM 2301 (On the 2nd floor)

9:00am MST

Literacy Lessons using Children's Books
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 11:20am MST
Stories have great teaching potential and connect to many of the curriculum outcomes.

During this interactive workshop, you will develop lesson plans around children’s books which have cross-curricular connections. You will have the opportunity to co-create lesson plans with other teachers to meet your grade level and curriculum outcomes.

Carman will have several books to choose from to create lesson plans. However, feel free to bring your favourites as well. If possible bring 3-4 copies to share with others.

Teacher Take Aways: Ready to use lesson plans for their upcoming year including assessment and accommodations. Inspiration to create other lesson plans, and connect with other teachers for possible future co-creation.
Speakers
avatar for Carman Murray

Carman Murray

Spherical Healing
Carman's mission is to help teachers and educators fuel their minds, body, and spirit so they can live life unapologetically, both in and out of the classroom.She has spent the last 20 years learning to shift her own life priorities into alignment with the gifts she has to offer others... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 11:20am MST
RDP ROOM 1600

9:00am MST

Make Your Own (mini) Tipi
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 11:20am MST
Join an interactive cultural learning experience that will support your understanding of the traditional use and teachings of the Tipi. Join Elder Phillip Campiou, from Treaty 8, as we share in learning about the tipi and creating your own miniature tipi. We will share stories of the past and understand how these stories provide insight for us in the present moment. Learn some history of the tipi, both Cree and Blackfoot, and how you can incorporate this learning into your classroom and your daily life.
Speakers
avatar for Phillip Campiou

Phillip Campiou

Elder, Driftpile Cree Nation
Phillip Campiou is a Traditional Woodland Cree who is originally from Driftpile Cree Nation, Alberta. He now resides in the Onoway area. As a young man, his father taught Phillip how to be self-sufficient and live off the land. Inherent in these teachings was an unwavering respect... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 11:20am MST
RDP ROOM 1303

9:00am MST

Understanding the basics of Cricut
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 11:20am MST
In this session, participants will delve into the essential aspects of using Cricut machines for various creative projects. It is essential to have a laptop and to download Circut Design Space before the session.
The session will cover the following key topics:
1) Introduction to Cricut Machines: -Overview of Cricut's product line, including the latest models and features.-Understanding the capabilities and versatility of Cricut machines in crafting and design.
2)Getting Started with Cricut Design Space: -A hands-on walkthrough of the Cricut Design Space app. -Basic navigation, tools, and functionalities to kickstart creative projects.
3)Fundamental Techniques: -Exploring the basics of cutting, scoring, and drawing with Cricut machines.-Tips and tricks for successful and precise crafting.
4)Project Showcase: -A showcase of simple beginner-level projects to inspire and motivate attendees. -Real-life examples demonstrating the application of Cricut in various creative endeavors.
Speakers
avatar for Lydie Delli Santi

Lydie Delli Santi

Born and raised in the captivating city of Paris, France, Lydie embarked on a journey marked by a profound passion for culture and history. These formative years served as the foundation for countless adventures across Europe, from the vibrant shores of Spain to the artistic treasures... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 11:20am MST
RDP ROOM 2904 (On the 2nd floor)

9:00am MST

"Come and Rest Awhile"
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 11:20am MST
In Mark 6:31, Jesus invites the Twelve to "Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while.” Jesus did this because He knew His Apostles needed the quiet time with Him... and so do we. 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. Spend the morning with Evergreen Catholic Schools chaplain Mike Landry, who will guide you through a two hour retreat that will include scripture, reflections, music, discussions, and silent prayer.
Speakers
avatar for Mike Landry

Mike Landry

Growing up, Mike Landry was a geeky, awkward teenager whose faith was awakened thanks to a parish youth ministry program that was launched during his high school years. Now, he’s a geeky, awkward adult who has spent more than twenty-six years trying to share the truth, beauty, and... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 11:20am MST
Sacred Heart Parish in Red Deer

9:00am MST

Whimsical Folk Art Villages
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 11:20am MST
Become your own city planner and architect by learning how to draw quaint buildings, rolling hills, trees, streets and sidewalks to create an entire whimsical village scene. This could be a great lesson for Social Studies. Learn how to use water soluble markers to infuse bold bright colours into your village painting. Discover your own innate ability to create and experience a sense of joy and relaxation while engaging in this unique project! PLEASE PRINT OFF THE HANDOUTS, ATTACHED BELOW, FOR THIS SESSION AND BRING THEM WITH YOU TO THE CLASS! Art materials for this session are provided for a fee of $25. *****Please etransfer your fee in advance of the session to secure your spot to sally@sallytowerssybblis.com and indicate in an email to Sally what session you signed up for.
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”.Sally's life’s... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 11:20am MST
RDP ROOM 2507 (On the 2nd floor)

9:00am MST

Foundations in Pattern Making and Fashion Design
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 3:20pm MST
Pattern making is a foundational step in the creation of Fashion. It allows the maker to bring concept to reality, to customize their design and to personalize the fit. This full day practical workshop is designed to provide Fashion Studies Teachers with the essential principles and techniques required to offer the courses FAS2060 Pattern Drafting 1 and FAS3030 Pattern Drafting 2. Teachers will have a choice of learning how to draft either a skirt, pant, or torso block. We will be reviewing proper measurement techniques, pattern adjustments based on design and investigating fit by sewing a muslin. There will be ample opportunity for resource sharing, collaborating, and exploring this vital design skill. Everyone is welcome at the drafting table; however basic sewing skills are necessary to complete the fitting process.This session will be occurring at Lindsay Thurber High School.
Here is the supply list you will need to bring:
Pencil
Eraser
Two colours of highlighters
Grid Ruler - imperial units preferred (inches)
Paper scissors
Tape
Measuring Tape
1 meter muslin or woven cotton fabric for testing.
Thread
Speakers
avatar for Janette Nawton

Janette Nawton

I am an experienced CTS/CTF teacher who has the mind of an innovator and the heart of a creator.  Blessed to have grown up on a farm in Saskatchewan, with parents who fostered curiosity, ingenuity, and self-sufficiency, I love to make things, and even more so, I love teaching others... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 3:20pm MST
Lindsay Thurber Room 1312

9:00am MST

Winter Activity Day
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 3:20pm MST
Welcome to Kuriakos! We’re thrilled to host you for our Outdoor Education Day. This session is a great way to get out of the city and share some of our passion for the outdoors and for guiding youth. Topics to be covered include classroom initiatives and theories of facilitation in Experiential Education. Activities for the day will be interactive and mostly outdoors, making the most of our beautiful site on Sylvan Lake. Participants will be provided with session notes and assorted lesson plans for Outdoor Education. Please dress for the weather. We’ll provide all the equipment, plus coffee and lunch! Just a reminder there is limited cellular service at this location. We are only accepting 20 delegates to this session.

Kuriakos is a year-round Camp, Retreat and Outdoor Education Centre on Sylvan Lake. We are 30 minutes west of Red Deer, north of Hwy 11A on Range Road 24 (5-39317, Range Rd 24, AB T4E 2R7). For more information about Kuriakos Outdoor School, visit https://kuriakos.ab.ca/outdoor-school
Speakers
avatar for Kendra Freeland

Kendra Freeland

Program Director, Kuriakos Outdoor School
Hi there! I'm the Program Director at Kuriakos, a camp and retreat centre on Sylvan Lake. Since 2010, Kuriakos has been offering Outdoor Education programs through Kuriakos Outdoor School (KOS). I've been in my role since 2016. Facilitating programs for teams and youth has been a... Read More →
avatar for Paul Kopjar

Paul Kopjar

Assistant Director, Kuriakos
Hi folks! Our team is excited to host you here. I've been at Kuriakos for 10 years in this role, plus a few years and summers before that. I love seeing the difference a camp/experiential experience can make for students (and adults), and I think you'll learn lots from the group that... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 3:20pm MST
Camp Kuriakos

9:00am MST

The Untethered Teacher- Cultivating Self Compassion through Practice.
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 3:20pm MST
Shelly Prosko’s offering is to help teachers gain insight into, reflect on and perhaps even redefine this popular term 'self-care' and what it may mean within the context of being a teacher and within the context of current systems that may or not be supportive to professional longevity, human connection and flourishing. She will speak about the concept of compassion and how if it does not include yourself, it is incomplete.
Alongside Shelly, Taryn Pelletier will provide opportunities to have space and time for educators to reflect on their job, their life and what matters most. What barriers does our system provide in order to practice self care? With love and care, how do we bring these issues to the surface in order to look at them, inspect them and shift them.

Can we empower an education system that provides room for both teachers and students to have space to flourish?

Please Note:
Shelly’s session will include an engaging lecture followed by an experiential component that includes a series of accessible and gentle awareness, movement, breathing and mindfulness practices to give you an opportunity to apply concepts learned and experience and enjoy some well-deserved care.There will be a 30 minute lunch break so please pack accordingly to make sure you are nourished for the day. Bring a journal or notepad, pen, something to lie on (yoga type mat) and wear comfortable clothing.
Speakers
avatar for Taryn Pelletier

Taryn Pelletier

Taryn Pelletier BEdTaryn is a mother, friend, poet and educator.  She has taught in elementary classrooms for eight years and is deeply curious about the needs of teachers, students and parents. There is a complex nature we have with being humans ourselves while caring for other... Read More →
avatar for Shelly Prosko

Shelly Prosko

Physical Therapist, Yoga Therapist, Prosko PhysioYoga Therapy
Shelly Prosko, PT, C-IAYT, PCAYTShelly has been helping people heal and flourish for over 25 years as a physiotherapist, yoga therapist, educator and author, blending yoga into physiotherapy with a focus on compassion and chronic pain.She is on faculty at several therapy programs... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 3:20pm MST
RDP ROOM 2004 (On the 2nd floor)

9:00am MST

Musical Learning through Repertoire Rehearsal: Preparing and Expanding Rehearsal Techniques
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 3:20pm MST
Whether preparing musicians to learn a new concept or perform at a concert or festival, educators want to provide meaningful instruction as strong rehearsal technicians and communicative conductors. This session includes strategies on how to successfully negotiate productive music making from the podium despite the administrative and managerial demands of our positions. The afternoon will include “lab ensemble” participation with hands-on opportunities to employ workshop strategies. All participants are strongly encouraged to bring along their primary instrument as well as secondary instruments - for example, a flute, clarinet, trumpet, and trombone - for music making every hour in analysis of rehearsal strategies and in the lab ensemble. Mistakes are always welcome and celebrated as we learn together from one another! THIS SESSION WILL BE HELD AT LINDSAY THURBER HIGH SCHOOL.
Speakers
avatar for Dr. Wendy Zander

Dr. Wendy Zander

Brandon University
Dr. Wendy Zander is the Instrumental Music Education Specialist and director of the Symphonic Band at Brandon University where she teaches courses in music education and conducting.  Work as a solo and ensemble adjudicator and clinician for concert and jazz ensembles has taken her... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 3:20pm MST
Lindsay Thurber Band Room

9:00am MST

Mutli Faith Room
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 (On the 2nd floor)

10:20am MST

Supporting Disclosures
Friday February 21, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
This session will help to enhance your skills and knowledge around supporting disclosures of harm, and disclosures of sexual or relationship violence. An overview of the fundamentals of responding to and supporting disclosures when received from children, youth and/or adults. Learn some key messages and legal reporting obligations and feel more empowered to respond to disclosures in your school and community.
Speakers
avatar for Kailee Burkinshaw/CASASC

Kailee Burkinshaw/CASASC

Team Lead/Educator, CASASC
The Central Alberta Sexual Assault Support Centre (CASASC) is a voluntary, non-profit organization serving the Central Alberta region under the direction of a community-based Board of Directors.We specialize in healing sexual trauma so you can talk freely about the hard stuff with... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
RDP ROOM 2303 (On the 2nd floor)

10:20am MST

20 Strategies You Can Use on Monday!
Friday February 21, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
Are you looking for no-prep and low-prep ways to engage your students? Join us for a dynamic session where we will explore 20 versatile no-prep and low-prep activities you can implement in any subject and grade level. Be ready to engage with interactive activities and explore practical applications for these strategies in your teaching context.
Speakers
avatar for Dan Grassick

Dan Grassick

Executive Staff Officer, The Alberta Teachers' Association
Dan Grassick (they/them) is Executive Staff Officer in the Alberta Teachers’ Association Professional Development program area where their main responsibilities include supporting the Association's specialist councils and teachers’ conventions, and working with Alberta teacher... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
RDP ROOM 2503 (On the 2nd floor)

10:20am MST

Graphic novels and poetry: Building connections to strengthen readers’ creative, interpretive capacities
Friday February 21, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
This session will facilitate a conversation between comics and poetry, demonstrating how teaching these literary forms as interconnected may strengthen readers' creative and interpretive capacities across the language arts curriculum.
Speakers
avatar for David Lewkowich

David Lewkowich

Comics and Language Arts, University of Alberta
David Lewkowich is an Associate Professor in the Department of Secondary Education at the University of Alberta, with a research background in literacy education, reading experience, psychoanalytic theory, and comics literature.
Friday February 21, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
RDP ROOM 2901A (On the 2nd floor)