CATCA 2025: Full Schedule

COMPLETE THE CATCA 2025 SURVEY TO IMPROVE FUTURE CONVENTION

CLOSURE REMARKS FROM CATCA 2025!

THANK YOU FOR ATTENDING THE CONVENTION AND FOR CATCA 2026 WILL HAPPEN ON FEBRUARY 19 AND 20, 2026 AT RDP.

STAY TUNED FOR MORE INFORMATION FROM YOUR ATA LOCALS.

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

9:00am MST

Empowering Educators: Navigating Grading Reform Through Incremental Changes for Student Success

Thursday February 20, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST

RDP Room 2305

In the midst of numerous demands on educators' time, adapting teaching practices can be a daunting task. However, we invite educators to embark on a journey toward grading reform success, emphasizing incremental changes and practical strategies. Recognizing the pivotal role grading practices play in shaping student learning experiences, this session is crafted to equip educators with the necessary tools and insights for implementing impactful reforms in their classrooms. Join us as we empower educators to navigate the path toward effective grading practices and enhance student learning outcomes.

Speakers

Shannon Ireland

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.

Thursday February 20, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
RDP Room 2305

Assessment (TQS 3), Division 1 (Gr 1-3), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Early Childhood Education (Pre K-K), All Divisions | Curriculum & Pedagogy (TQS 3), Division 1 (Gr 1-3), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Early Childhood Education (Pre K-K), All Divisions

9:00am MST

AI Prompting for Teacher Success

Thursday February 20, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST

RDP Room 1400 (MP Theatre)

Discover how to harness the power of AI chatbots like ChatGPT to enhance your teaching practice! In this hands-on professional development session, you’ll learn how to craft effective prompts to get tailored, high-quality results including generating engaging lesson plans, creating differentiated instructional materials, or brainstorming new pedagogical strategies. Perfect for beginners and seasoned tech users alike, this session will equip you with practical skills to use AI as a creative collaborator and thinking partner. Leave with ready-to-use examples, prompt templates, and confidence to make AI work for you in the classroom.

Speakers

Terra Kaliszuk

Executive Staff Officer, Professional Development, The Alberta Teachers' Association

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 1400 (MP Theatre)

Curriculum & Pedagogy (TQS 3), Division 1 (Gr 1-3), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Early Childhood Education (Pre K-K), All Divisions | Technology (TQS/LQS 2), Division 1 (Gr 1-3), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Early Childhood Education (Pre K-K), All Divisions

9:00am MST

EcoSchools in Alberta: A Curriculum Linked Framework for Environmental and Climate Action

Thursday February 20, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST

RDP Room AC160 (Arts Centre)

Are you an educator in Alberta passionate about integrating environmental, climate, and sustainability action into your school curriculum? Join the Alberta Council for Environmental Education for a workshop that focuses on the EcoSchools Canada certification program—a curriculum-linked framework designed to empower students, educators, and schools to take meaningful environmental and climate action. Discover practical strategies, resources, and best practices for implementing EcoSchools in your educational setting and fostering a culture of environmental stewardship and sustainability.

Learning Outcomes:
- Understand the curriculum connections that the EcoSchools program provides
- Understand the interdisciplinary potential of the ecoSchools program
- Sign up on the ECA platform and create and EcoAction Plan

Speakers

Alberta Council for Environmental Education

Environmental Education and Engagement Coordinator, Alberta Council for Environmental Education

Our mission at ACEE is to work collaboratively to advance environmental education in Alberta, with a focus on empowering young people to become environmental stewards. We believe that educating today’s youth is the key to creating a sustainable future for Alberta and beyond.As Northern... Read More →

Thursday February 20, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
RDP Room AC160 (Arts Centre)

9:00am MST

Multiple Representations of Energy

Thursday February 20, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST

RDP Room 1435

Energy is a foundational concept in science. However, many students struggle to understand what energy is, and to correctly analyze situations using the concept of energy. Join us as we explore how using energy representations, such as energy-flow diagrams and work-energy bar charts, allow our students to describe the storage and transfer of energy in various familiar contexts. The visualizations described in this session work for multiple subjects and for students at various levels. A Deeper Understanding of Energy is the product of collaboration between classroom teachers and Perimeter Institute researchers. The resource is available in English and in French. Target audience: grades 7-12 general science, chemistry, biology and physics

Speakers

Laura Pankratz

Western Canada Teacher Network Coordinator, Perimeter Institute

Laura Pankratz is an educator with more than 30 years of working with students and teachers. One of her principles of education is the learning is messy. Her passion is finding the nugget of value in that mess and then helping the learner to build around it. Laura’s career included... Read More →

Meaghan Sylvester

Meaghan Sylvester has nearly two decades of experience as a high school physics teacher. As a continuous learner, Meaghan has worked with Alberta Education for over ten years, and is currently the Alberta Regional Coordinator for the Perimeter Institute of Theoretical Physics. In... Read More →

Thursday February 20, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
RDP Room 1435

Science (TQS 3), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 4 (Gr 10-12) | Curriculum & Pedagogy (TQS 3), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 4 (Gr 10-12)

10:20am MST

Leveling Up Learning: Using Games as a Formative Assessment Technique

Thursday February 20, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST

RDP Room 2602

Join us for an interactive session that explores the innovative use of games as a formative assessment tool. Participants will discover how to design and implement game-based assessments that not only gauge student learning but also foster collaboration, critical thinking, and motivation. We will discuss how to create engaging assessments that align with diverse learning objectives across subjects and grade levels.Three Learning Goals for the Session:1.Refine existing assessment practices by incorporating game elements that promote active learning and provide real-time feedback on student progress. 2.Design collaborative and interactive game-based assessments that align with diverse learning objectives across various subjects and grade levels. 3.Implement strategies for integrating game mechanics into formative assessments to foster critical thinking and teamwork among students.

Speakers

Shannon Ireland

Field Service Facilitator, Alberta Assessment Consortium

Thursday February 20, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
RDP Room 2602

10:20am MST

Equitable Climate Justice in the Classroom

Thursday February 20, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST

RDP Room AC160 (Arts Centre)

As educators, it is critical to consider how diversity, inclusion, and equitable our practices are. But how can we ensure that a curricular focus lives alongside a social-justice approach? Join ACEE staff to learn about climate justice, and how to include multiple perspectives when teaching about the climate and environment. Questions covered include: What is intersectionality? What is the role of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in understanding climate impacts, resilience, and solutions? What is the role of environmental education in reconciliation? Why are two-eyed seeing and social justice vital climate solutions?

Learning Outcomes:
- Understand that climate change is a human rights issue, not just a global and scientific one
- Understand how positionality impacts how we view and understand global issues
- Gain tools on how to approach topics with students from a justice perspective

Speakers

Alberta Council for Environmental Education

Environmental Education and Engagement Coordinator, Alberta Council for Environmental Education

Thursday February 20, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
RDP Room AC160 (Arts Centre)

10:20am MST

Using AI to Enhance Human-Centered Work

Thursday February 20, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST

RDP Room 2501

Join this workshop to explore strategies that leverage AI to enhance communication and connection. We will explore the intersection of AI and our social and emotional world, professional considerations for leveraging AI tools for human-centered work, and versatile strategies that work with a variety of AI tools. Participants are encouraged to bring a device, such as a laptop or tablet, for the hands-on activities included in this workshop.

Speakers

Terra Kaliszuk

Executive Staff Officer, Professional Development, The Alberta Teachers' Association

Thursday February 20, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
RDP Room 2501

11:40am MST

Using AI to Generate Effective and Personalized Assessments that are Aligned to Curriculum

Thursday February 20, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST

RDP MAIN STAGE/ AC117 (ARTS CENTRE)

With the increasing demand for personalized learning experiences and the need to align assessments with curriculum objectives, AI presents a powerful solution. This session offers valuable insights and practical strategies to incorporate AI into your educational toolkit. Join us as we explore the frontier of assessment innovation and discover how AI can help you create effective and fair student assessments. This session is designed for teachers who are not yet using AI to create classroom assessments and want to learn practical tips and strategies to get started.

Speakers

Shannon Ireland

Field Service Facilitator, Alberta Assessment Consortium

Thursday February 20, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
RDP MAIN STAGE/ AC117 (ARTS CENTRE)

Assessment (TQS 3), Division 1 (Gr 1-3), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Early Childhood Education (Pre K-K), All Divisions | Curriculum & Pedagogy (TQS 3), Division 1 (Gr 1-3), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Early Childhood Education (Pre K-K), All Divisions

11:40am MST

Scaffolding by Complexity to Reach all Learners

Thursday February 20, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST

RDP Room 1500 (Cornerstone Restaurant)

This session will explore unit planning based on increased complexity as a way to differentiate learning. Teachers plan units in a linear fashion but what if we taught concepts at a basic level and throughout the unit, increased the complexity? This way, all students could access the learning in their zone of proximal development. Complexity-based instruction can also be a strategy to address the impact of absences on student learning.

In this session, we will look at the concept of Complexity-Based Planning, analyze examples in various subjects and grade levels and have time to develop your own unit of planning and assessments.

Speakers

Shelly Cloke

Teacher

A former high school principal, vice principal, secondary teacher and instructional coach, I am currently teaching Grade 7 Language Arts and Social Studies at HW Pickup School in Drayton Valley, as well as a casual Alberta Assessment Consortium contract presenter. My career-long passion... Read More →

Thursday February 20, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
RDP Room 1500 (Cornerstone Restaurant)

Curriculum & Pedagogy (TQS 3), Division 1 (Gr 1-3), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 4 (Gr 10-12)

11:40am MST

Finding Home on The Range: Exploring Alberta’s Wildlife and Conservation Agriculture

Thursday February 20, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST

RDP Room 1408

Join Inside Education for an introduction to agriculture in Alberta's Grasslands region, exploring ecosystem health, impacts on wildlife and agriculture practices addressing climate change. This session covers biodiversity, climate change, and conservation agriculture, aligning with grade 5-6 Earth Systems, grade 6 Living Systems, grade 7 Interactions and Ecosystems, and grade 9 Biological Diversity. In addition, we’ll highlight our full suite of additional support through classroom programming, field trips, youth summits, learning resources and teacher PD.

We will showcase 3 interactive low-equipment Monday-morning ready classroom activities, adaptable by grade:
-An active reflection game that explores students' connections to agriculture and the food system.
-An immersive group game on habitat in the grasslands
-A high-energy game show about native grasslands species, innovation in the region, and more!

Speakers

Inside Education

Inside Education is an Alberta-based, environment and natural resource education charitable society. We have been supporting teachers and inspiring students to think critically about natural resource topics since 1985! With our full suite of no-cost teaching resources, youth summits... Read More →

Thursday February 20, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
RDP Room 1408

Curriculum & Pedagogy (TQS 3), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 4 (Gr 10-12) | Environmental & Outdoor Education (TQS 3), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 4 (Gr 10-12) | Science (TQS 3), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 4 (Gr 10-12) | Social Studies (TQS 3), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 4 (Gr 10-12)

11:40am MST

EdCamp - Online Teaching Round Table

Thursday February 20, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST

RDP Room AC142 (Arts Centre)

Teaching online demands unique approaches to instruction, classroom management, and student engagement. This round-table session invites online educators to share effective strategies and best practices for digital teaching. Discussion topics will include: methods for fostering a cohesive online classroom community, utilizing formative assessments during live sessions, providing differentiation and support for diverse learning needs, streamlining communication, and enhancing student engagement. Do take all your notes within this document: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1WDMw3r34xVsWcmGGG9kgdZDiwg4jH3jM5gTq1064xS4/edit?usp=sharing

Speakers

Julie Dubyna

I have been a junior high teacher since 2000, and transitioned to the online school environment in 2020. Over the last 5 years, I have learned a variety of teaching, assessment, and communication methods that can be effective with online students. I look forward to sharing ideas... Read More →

Thursday February 20, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
RDP Room AC142 (Arts Centre)

Reflection/Collaboration (TQS/LQS 2), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 4 (Gr 10-12) | Fostering Effective Relationships (TQS/LQS 1), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 4 (Gr 10-12) | Curriculum & Pedagogy (TQS 3), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 4 (Gr 10-12)

Collaboration-EdCamp EdCamp-Online Teaching

11:40am MST

AI Made Simple for the Classroom

Thursday February 20, 2025 11:40am - 2:00pm MST

RDP Room 2602

We invite you to join us for this interactive exploration into how AI can assist you to make a real difference to your work-life balance while also increasing student engagement in your classroom! You'll walk away with an abundance of custom curricular aligned teaching resources for new or existing AB curriculum as well as a supportive community to help you navigate the journey of enhancing your professional practice with AI. Let's take care of your teacher's "to-do" list, so you can take care of your students!

The objectives for this session are:
Using AI to assist you with best-practice instructional strategies, assessment, and inclusion.
Using AI to make the complexities of outcome based assessment easy to manage
Teachers will be use AI to differentiate instruction
Teachers will be able to evaluate the output of AI resources on the basis of Teacher Quality Standards
Teachers will be supported while they learn very practical ways to achieve work/life balance with the use of AI
Teachers will be taken through the necessary process of reflection to generate resources built on best practices

Speakers

Sharon Skretting

CEO/Founder, Teacher Time Machine Ltd.

Teacher Time Machine is an Alberta based Educational AI company. We save teacher hours each week by giving them the technology tools and mentorship in outcome based planning and assessment! Some of our best selling features include: Hard Coded AB Curriculum, The ability to create... Read More →

Thursday February 20, 2025 11:40am - 2:00pm MST
RDP Room 2602

Curriculum & Pedagogy (TQS 3), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 4 (Gr 10-12) | Technology (TQS/LQS 2), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 4 (Gr 10-12)

1:00pm MST

Future Stewards: Building Critical Thinkers for a Sustainable World

Thursday February 20, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST

RDP Room 1408

Join Inside Education for an engaging and interactive session where we will equip teachers with essential strategies to foster stronger critical thinking skills, informed stewardship, and a deep understanding of natural resource education among their students. We will demonstrate how experiential learning opportunities benefit all learner levels and leave you feeling empowered to teach across a diversity of literacy and numeracy skills. This session focuses on sharing practical, hands-on approaches and activities that Inside Education integrates into each program, empowering students to critically navigate and evaluate diverse perspectives while inspiring ethical decision-making through real-world environmental issues.

Speakers

Inside Education

Thursday February 20, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
RDP Room 1408

1:00pm MST

GeoBoards, Time and Fractions - What the Heck Do These Have in Common???

Thursday February 20, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST

RDP Room 2302

Just keep rolling up those sleeves and dive in one more time to see how the manipulatives of GeoBoards and Time can connect together. How will we tie fractions into this? Join us and find out!

Speakers

Chris Zarski

Designer of Professional Learning, ARPDC

Chris is an Educational Consultant supporting Alberta teachers as a Designer of Professional Learning with the Alberta Provincial Learning Consortium (APLC). She has served as a Teacher, Administrator, Curriculum Director of Curriculum, Examiner with Alberta Education, and Author... Read More →

Candace Ketsa

Thursday February 20, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
RDP Room 2302

Curriculum & Pedagogy (TQS 3), Division 1 (Gr 1-3), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 3 (Gr 7-9) | Mathematics (TQS 3), Division 1 (Gr 1-3), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 3 (Gr 7-9)

1:00pm MST

Priority Outcomes and Prerequisite Skills

Thursday February 20, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST

RDP Room 2303

Research shows that investing time in identifying and developing lagging prerequisite skills leads to better outcomes for new learning. This session will seek to answer
How do we identify priority outcomes and the prerequisite skills needed to master them?
What do we know about the development of knowledge and skills--looking at cognitive skills through the work of Bloom, Webb and Hess?
How do we assess student prerequisite skills before new learning?
Once we know what skills are lagging, how do we support students to develop them?
How do we scaffold learning to support prerequisite skill development?
At each stage, participants will be invited to develop ideas to use in their classroom practice.

Speakers

Shelly Cloke

Teacher

Thursday February 20, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
RDP Room 2303

Curriculum & Pedagogy (TQS 3), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 4 (Gr 10-12) | Assessment (TQS 3), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 4 (Gr 10-12)

1:00pm MST

Practicing Metissage for Compassion, Narrative Communication, & Community Building

Thursday February 20, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST

RDP Room 1328

Connecting with Indigenous Ways of Knowing and offering rich experiences in support of TQS 5 can be intimidating, especially for non-Indigenous teachers. While we cannot have first-hand knowledge of the hardships and celebrations of our Indigenous peoples, we are privileged to have the opportunity to impact hearts and minds in the spirit of reconciliation and continue to pursue practical methods of reconcili-ACTION in our classrooms. I’ll share my experience of developing a research project and unit plan for my 30-1 students, and the widely applicable learning, growth, and gold that was generated through our practices of metissage, or collaborative storytelling and narrative weaving. Students can to learn to see themselves and one another in fresh, exciting, vulnerable, and deeply impactful ways as they share their own narrative strands and braid their stories with the stories of others while making choices for their own comfort and safety. The incredible transformation power I witnessed unfold with my class during my research has led me to continue practicing processes reflective of metissage, and has continued to support both Indigenous and non-Indigenous students in remarkable and exciting ways. If you struggle with supporting kids as they seek out and navigate peer, friend, classmate, and community connections, implementing practices of metissage (from major to minor approaches) will allow you to hold space and support new depths of inter- and intra-personal understandings with your students and your classroom community as a whole through this beautiful narrative practice.

Speakers

Liz Harrison

Teacher

Liz Harrison has been teaching high school students for over a decade, and works to hold space and time for students to become courageously vulnerable creators and authentic communicators. Liz completed a Master of Education in Canadian Literacies in 2024 and is in the second-last... Read More →

Thursday February 20, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
RDP Room 1328

Language Arts (TQS 3), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Division 3 (Gr 7-9) | Curriculum & Pedagogy (TQS 3), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Division 3 (Gr 7-9) | Indigenous Education (TQS/LQS 5), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Division 3 (Gr 7-9) | Inclusive Education (TQS/LQS 4), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Division 3 (Gr 7-9)

9:00am MST

Leveraging Magic School AI for Enhanced Learning

Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST

RDP Room 2501

In this dynamic session, educators will delve into the evolving landscape of educational technology with a focus on integrating Magic School into the classroom. Participants will gain hands-on experience with Magic School innovative digital tools designed to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes. This beginner to intermediate session will cover practical applications, including the integration of Magic School interactive platforms and digital resources into various curricula. We will also explore strategies for fostering digital literacy and critical thinking in students, ensuring ethical and effective use of technology in the classroom.

Speakers

Gilles Theriault

Teacher, Red Deer Public School District

Gilles is teaching at École Lindsay Thurber Comp. H.S. in Red Deer. He provides workshops to educators. He has conducted professional development for over two decades. He's a Google Certified Trainer. He's also a recognized Adobe Train the Trainer and an Apple Teacher. Gilles is... Read More →

Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
RDP Room 2501

9:00am MST

How to motivate EVERY student by connecting to what matters?

Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST

RDP Room 1400 (MP Theatre)

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

Speakers

Vanessa Vakharia

Known as the Lady Gaga of math education, Vanessa is the founder and director of The Math Guru, a super cool boutique math & science tutoring studio in Toronto that's changing stereotypes about what math education looks like. She is also the host of the Math Therapy podcast, author... Read More →

Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
RDP Room 1400 (MP Theatre)

Curriculum & Pedagogy (TQS 3), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 1 (Gr 1-3) | Inclusive Education (TQS/LQS 4), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 1 (Gr 1-3) | Keynotes and Special Events, Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 1 (Gr 1-3)

10:20am MST

Transformative Teaching: Leveraging Digital Tools for Engaged Learning.

Friday February 21, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST

RDP Room 2304

In this dynamic session, educators will delve into artificial intelligence and its potential to transform teaching and learning. Participants will gain hands-on experience with innovative digital tools designed to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes. This intermediate/advanced session will cover practical applications, including the integration of LLM and digital resources into various curricula. We will also explore strategies for fostering digital literacy and critical thinking in students, ensuring ethical and effective use of technology in the classroom.

NEW: For ease of use in this session, bring a device that makes it easy to select text and copy/paste content from published Google Docs to your favorite AI.

Speakers

Gilles Theriault

Teacher, Red Deer Public School District

Friday February 21, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
RDP Room 2304

10:20am MST

Math Trauma 101: Why Math Scares Students (And How to Change That)

Friday February 21, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST

RDP Room 1400 (MP Theatre)

This session is all about the F-word that’s likely holding your students back in math: F-E-A-R. If you’re ready to stop talking about bandaid solutions to manage math anxiety in the moment, and start learning how to help students overcome it for good – this session is for YOU! Get ready to learn about the dynamics of fear, understand the exact way it manifests into math anxiety and triggers math trauma in the classroom, and gain impactful strategies you can use RIGHT away to break the cycle of fear, anxiety, and avoidance. This session will totally transform your understanding of math anxiety and empower you to help ALL students build healthier relationships with math!

Speakers

Vanessa Vakharia

Friday February 21, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
RDP Room 1400 (MP Theatre)

11:40am MST

Embracing the Powerful Role of Failure in ALL classrooms!

Friday February 21, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST

RDP Room 1400 (MP Theatre)

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

Speakers

Vanessa Vakharia

Friday February 21, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
RDP Room 1400 (MP Theatre)

11:40am MST

I Can’t Believe They Said That… 10 Keys to Help Students Feel Safe in Your Classroom

Friday February 21, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST

RDP Room 2304

Often, it is through the lens of teachers that we learn what is best practice for helping students feel safe in our classrooms. In this honest and lighthearted session, Zoe, who graduated from high school in 2023, brings to light the highs and lows of her school experience. Through storytelling and providing alternatives to what she experienced, you will get a first-hand account of how Teachers can impact students firsthand. From the subtle to the obvious, this is a rare opportunity to get a student perspective from the seats in the classroom.

Speakers

Zoe Marlett

Zoe is a true Renaissance individual. At age nineteen, a year and a half out of high school, she is finally realizing that she is, above all, a lover of stories and their telling. Amongst being a professional actor in the Netflix series Black Summer and various other movies, she loves... Read More →

Friday February 21, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
RDP Room 2304

Health and Wellness (TQS 3), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 4 (Gr 10-12) | Curriculum & Pedagogy (TQS 3), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 4 (Gr 10-12) | Reflection/Collaboration (TQS/LQS 2), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 4 (Gr 10-12)

11:40am MST

All Aboard for Algebra!

Friday February 21, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST

RDP Room 2302

Many of the Algebraic concepts that lived in junior high are now seen by and are engaging Division 2 students. Roll up your sleeves, one more time and dive into the manipulatives that can help us engage our learners in these algebraic concepts. Knowing ‘why’ we do what we do in algebra is very important to students making those valuable connections.

Speakers

Chris Zarski

Designer of Professional Learning, ARPDC

Friday February 21, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
RDP Room 2302

Mathematics (TQS 3), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 3 (Gr 7-9) | Curriculum & Pedagogy (TQS 3), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 3 (Gr 7-9)

1:00pm MST

Double Trouble: The Online Side of Sex Ed

Friday February 21, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST

RDP Room 1328

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

Speakers

Carlie McPhee

Meet Carlie (she/they) - your go-to authority on all things sexual health education.Carlie has been working in the Sexual & Reproductive Health field as a specialized sexual health educator for over a decade across western Canada. She has a Bachelor of Kinesiology in Leadership in... Read More →

Friday February 21, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
RDP Room 1328

Health and Wellness (TQS 3), Division 3 (Gr 7-9) | Curriculum & Pedagogy (TQS 3), Division 3 (Gr 7-9) | Diversity, Division 3 (Gr 7-9) | Equity & Human Rights (TQS/LQS 4), Division 3 (Gr 7-9) | Inclusive Education (TQS/LQS 4), Division 3 (Gr 7-9)

1:00pm MST

The Joy of Movement

Friday February 21, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST

RDP Room AC147(Studio B)

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

Speakers

Tina Thrussell

Facilitator, Best U Can B Inc

Tina Thrussell has been facilitating impactful, interactive, personal expansion experiences for 19+ years. Her light-hearted energy and contagious enthusiasm have contributed to her reputation as The Feel Good Lady. This deep lover of life has inspired thousands of people over the... Read More →

Friday February 21, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
RDP Room AC147(Studio B)

Health and Wellness (TQS 3), Division 1 (Gr 1-3), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Early Childhood Education (Pre K-K), All Divisions | Physical Education (TQS 3), Division 1 (Gr 1-3), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Early Childhood Education (Pre K-K), All Divisions | Music & Band (TQS 3), Division 1 (Gr 1-3), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Early Childhood Education (Pre K-K), All Divisions | Drama & Dance (TQS 3), Division 1 (Gr 1-3), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Early Childhood Education (Pre K-K), All Divisions | Art (TQS 3), Division 1 (Gr 1-3), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Early Childhood Education (Pre K-K), All Divisions | Curriculum & Pedagogy (TQS 3), Division 1 (Gr 1-3), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Early Childhood Education (Pre K-K), All Divisions | School Leadership (LQS 1-9), Division 1 (Gr 1-3), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Early Childhood Education (Pre K-K), All Divisions

3:20pm MST

How Big Movies Help Students Understand Big Transferable Concepts

Friday February 21, 2025 3:20pm - Saturday May 31, 2025 11:30pm MDT

Recording

Finding Nemo. How to Train Your Dragon. Apollo 13. There are big ideas and big moments in big movies: ideas that can pinpoint key instances of learning and transfer. We’ll examine these moments (and more) and bridge them into classroom learning. Teachers will learn about transfer theory and ways to use movies to explicitly teach for transfer of understanding. This session includes a support package of takeaways, teaching tips, and graphic organizers teachers can use in their classrooms.

Speakers

Dr. Karena Hartson

Karena is a secondary literacy consultant who delivers high-level, high-energy professional learning sessions that help teachers leverage their own experiences to support student learning. Teachers attending her sessions will come away with tools and strategies that they can use immediately... Read More →

Friday February 21, 2025 3:20pm - Saturday May 31, 2025 11:30pm MDT
Recording

Curriculum & Pedagogy (TQS 3), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 3 (Gr 7-9)

Post Convention Recordings Karena Hartson

3:20pm MST

Teach Across the Curriculum Like a B.O.S.S. with Computational Thinking & Scratch

Friday February 21, 2025 3:20pm - Saturday May 31, 2025 11:30pm MDT

Recording

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

Speakers

Trevor Iampen

Trevor has over 20 years of experience as an elementary school teacher (EPSB), university course developer/instructor (The King's University & University of Alberta), app/web developer and consultant for a variety of organizations and institutions across North America.

Friday February 21, 2025 3:20pm - Saturday May 31, 2025 11:30pm MDT
Recording

Curriculum & Pedagogy (TQS 3), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 4 (Gr 10-12)

Post Convention Recordings Trevor Iampen

3:20pm MST

Using Riddles and Unsolvable Problems to Encourage Oral Language and Higher Order Thinking Skills

Friday February 21, 2025 3:20pm - Saturday May 31, 2025 11:30pm MDT

Recording

Here’s a great entry point for thinking, speaking and problem solving! Riddles and unsolvable problems contain clues, mysteries, and thought-provoking opportunities seen as ‘play’, but in reality they encourage complex cognitive investment. Along with developing valuable language-manipulation skills, riddles and unsolvable puzzles support higher level thinking, literacy and numeracy competencies, and promote subject-specific skills. Teachers will walk away with a number of riddles and puzzles that encourage students to engage in oral language, problem solving, and critical thinking. Join us for a puzzlingly good time!

Speakers

Dr. Karena Hartson

Friday February 21, 2025 3:20pm - Saturday May 31, 2025 11:30pm MDT
Recording

Curriculum & Pedagogy (TQS 3), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 3 (Gr 7-9)

Post Convention Recordings Karena Hartson

3:20pm MST

Sex Ed Made Simple: Learn to deliver sexual health education with confidence!

Friday February 21, 2025 3:20pm - Saturday May 31, 2025 11:30pm MDT

Recording

Comprehensive Sexual Health Education (CSHE) has been deemed a human right by the U.N. According to Action Canada, most Canadian youth do not currently receive best practice CSHE. Many teachers receive little to no support in how to implement CSHE effectively. In this interactive online session, teachers will learn what makes sexuality education comprehensive and why it's so important. We will cover creating safe environments, navigating different beliefs and values systems, meeting Alberta curriculum and best practice benchmarks and how to answer student questions.
Teachers will leave with a pocket full of evidence-based resources to support their unit design, and the confidence to tackle this topic and meet best practice standards.

Speakers

Carlie McPhee

Friday February 21, 2025 3:20pm - Saturday May 31, 2025 11:30pm MDT
Recording

Curriculum & Pedagogy (TQS 3), Division 3 (Gr 7-9) | Inclusive Education (TQS/LQS 4), Division 3 (Gr 7-9) | Diversity, Division 3 (Gr 7-9) | Equity & Human Rights (TQS/LQS 4), Division 3 (Gr 7-9) | Health and Wellness (TQS 3), Division 3 (Gr 7-9)

Post Convention Recordings Carlie McPhee

3:20pm MST

AI Made Simple for the Classroom

Friday February 21, 2025 3:20pm - Saturday May 31, 2025 11:30pm MDT

Recording

Speakers

Sharon Skretting

CEO/Founder, Teacher Time Machine Ltd.

Friday February 21, 2025 3:20pm - Saturday May 31, 2025 11:30pm MDT
Recording

Curriculum & Pedagogy (TQS 3), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 4 (Gr 10-12) | Technology (TQS/LQS 2), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 4 (Gr 10-12)

Post Convention Recordings Sharon Skretting

3:20pm MST

Helping Students Navigate Academic Vocabulary Across Subject Areas

Friday February 21, 2025 3:20pm - Saturday May 31, 2025 11:30pm MDT

Recording

Students require specialized skills to be able to cope with the demands of disciplinary text. As students move up in secondary grades, the language of the texts they engage with becomes more specialized and precise, and the language more academic. Academic vocabulary (often referred to as Tier 2 Academic Words) is problematic for students to master, as academic vocabulary can take on dramatically different meanings depending on the usage. As the knowledge students engage with becomes more formalized and complex, so too do the patterns of language that construct that knowledge. This session will take a look at patterns of language and some of the problems with academic vocabulary. Teachers will come away with practical and useful tools that students can use to visualize, organize and structure their thinking to improve their reading, writing and communicating across all subject areas.

Speakers

Dr. Karena Hartson

Friday February 21, 2025 3:20pm - Saturday May 31, 2025 11:30pm MDT
Recording

Language Arts (TQS 3), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 4 (Gr 10-12) | Curriculum & Pedagogy (TQS 3), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 4 (Gr 10-12)

Post Convention Recordings Karena Hartson

3:20pm MST

My Students Can’t Summarize! Please Help!

Friday February 21, 2025 3:20pm - Saturday May 31, 2025 11:30pm MDT

Recording

The ability to read and summarize a text is an essential skill. A good summary needs to do more than pick out the big ideas and simplify the text. A good summary helps students to identify and analyze key points in the text and then relate those points to the overall structure of the text. Teaching summarization that is linked to text-structure improves both the quality of the written summaries and students’ overall comprehension of the text. Join Dr. Hartson to explore this powerful method of summarizing text. You’ll walk away with examples, graphic organizers, and materials you can use in your class tomorrow.

Speakers

Dr. Karena Hartson

Friday February 21, 2025 3:20pm - Saturday May 31, 2025 11:30pm MDT
Recording

Language Arts (TQS 3), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 3 (Gr 7-9) | Curriculum & Pedagogy (TQS 3), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 3 (Gr 7-9)

Post Convention Recordings Karena Hartson

3:20pm MST

Collaborative Learning Strategies for Student Success

Friday February 21, 2025 3:20pm - Saturday May 31, 2025 11:30pm MDT

Recording

In this engaging and practical session, we will delve into a variety of collaborative learning strategies that enhance student engagement and foster a safe, productive learning environment. The session will focus on Jigsaw Learning, educational games, and whiteboard activities, to empower students to work together, improve critical thinking, and take ownership of their learning.

Speakers

Jennifer Mahal

My name is Jennifer Mahal. As a teacher, I’ve had experience substituting across different schools in Calgary. I also spent time teaching Science at an academy in Hastings, UK. After my time abroad, I continued to teach in Calgary. With 11 years of teaching experience, I believe... Read More →

Friday February 21, 2025 3:20pm - Saturday May 31, 2025 11:30pm MDT
Recording

Mathematics (TQS 3), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Division 2 (Gr 4-6) | Curriculum & Pedagogy (TQS 3), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Division 2 (Gr 4-6)

Post Convention Recordings Jennifer Mahal