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

Place Value is More Than Numbers in a Column!

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

RDP Room 2302

How do you really know what your students understand about Place Value? It is such an important concept that we spend time developing over a child's education. This session will look at what the key aspects of place value are and how ALL 6 need to be mastered for us to claim our students KNOW Place Value. We will work alongside manipulatives and examples to highlight the aspects and share an assessment tool that you can use with your students to check for understanding. Get ready to roll up your sleeves!

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 →

Thursday February 20, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
RDP Room 2302

Mathematics (TQS 3), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 3 (Gr 7-9) | Assessment (TQS 3), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 3 (Gr 7-9)

10:20am MST

What Should Every Junior High Teacher Know About the New Grades 4-6 Math Curriculum?

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

RDP Room 2302

So, you aren’t teaching a new curriculum yet but what have Grades 4-6 students learned that you already do? How might that change what a current 7 or 8 classroom could look like? Come join a fast paced session on what’s new - old and somewhere in-between. Try some of the manipulatives that students will be familiar with - how might you implement these in your class now? How might assessment look different? Put your track shoes on and join in the exploration.
Participants will receive access to support documents outlining the changes.

Speakers

Chris Zarski

Designer of Professional Learning, ARPDC

Thursday February 20, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
RDP Room 2302

Mathematics (TQS 3), Division 3 (Gr 7-9)

11:40am MST

Mathematical Marvels

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

RDP Room 2600

Discover the enchanting side of mathematics in a session designed to transform even the most reluctant math enthusiasts into ardent admirers. "Mathematical Marvels" is not your typical math gathering; it's a celebration of joy and beauty woven into the very fabric of numbers, patterns, and shapes.

I assure you that even if you have harbored a dislike for mathematics, this session is crafted to bring a smile to your face and make you see math in a new light.

No need for advanced degrees or complicated formulas—just bring your curiosity and an open mind. Join us for an unforgettable journey into the beauty of math, and leave with a newfound appreciation for the elegance and playfulness that numbers can offer. Let's prove that math can be a source of joy and wonder for everyone!

Speakers

Dave Martin

ATA Mathematics Council

Dave Martin has a Masters of Mathematics, a Degree in Education, and a love for prime numbers. He has been teaching for 12 years, during which time, he was nominated for Teacher of Excellence in Alberta, has spoken across North America, and has successfully removed grades in most... Read More →

Thursday February 20, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
RDP Room 2600

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

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

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

Number Talks in the Middle School Math Classroom

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

RDP Room 2305

In collaboration with three school divisions in Alberta and funded by the Research Partnerships Program of Alberta Education, Number Talks were implemented over four months in Grades 4 - 8. Our goal was to determine if the implementation of Number Talks would serve to increase the competence and confidence of students in their numeracy skills. We had approximately 30 teachers and 300 students participate in the research project. This session will present the research findings and the implications for teacher practice.

Speakers

Richelle Marynowski

Professor, University of Lethbridge

Dr. Richelle Marynowski is a Professor in the Faculty of Education at the University of Lethbridge. Her background includes 14 years of teaching secondary mathematics and 13 years teaching at the University of Lethbridge. Her research foci include teacher professional growth and development... Read More →

Sandy Bakos

Assistant Professor, University of Lethbridge

Thursday February 20, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
RDP Room 2305

Mathematics (TQS 3), Division 3 (Gr 7-9) | Educational Research (TQS/LQS 2), Division 3 (Gr 7-9)

2:20pm MST

Unlocking Potential: Integrating Google Gemini for Effective Teaching

Thursday February 20, 2025 2:20pm - 3:20pm MST

RDP Room 2501

The new parts are in Bold.
In this session, educators will delve into the evolving landscape of educational technology with a focus on integrating LLMs - Large Language Models, like Google Gemini, Claude, Copilot, ... into the classroom. Participants will gain hands-on experience with LLMs' innovative digital tools designed to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes. This beginner to intermediate session will cover practical applications, including the integration of LLMs interactive platforms and digital resources into various curricula. We will also explore strategies for fostering digital literacy and critical thinking with students, ensuring ethical and effective use of technology in the classroom. This session will now cover the topic of AI "detectors" and plagiarism.

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 →

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

2:20pm MST

Supporting Numeracy Development in Secondary Mathematics

Thursday February 20, 2025 2:20pm - 3:20pm MST

RDP Room 2305

The focus on numeracy development is often seen to be complete by the end of elementary school. Numeracy continues to develop throughout one's educational career and into adulthood. This session will provide a collection of numeracy development strategies that are designed to support the enhancement of numeracy development at the secondary level. Be prepared to be actively engaged in thinking numerically!

Speakers

Richelle Marynowski

Professor, University of Lethbridge

Thursday February 20, 2025 2:20pm - 3:20pm MST
RDP Room 2305

Mathematics (TQS 3), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), 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

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

9:00am MST

Math Vocabulary - What Exactly is the Correct Term in Our New Math Grades 7-10?

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

RDP Room 2302

So many of the terms we use each day in mathematics classes are the very concepts we want our students to learn and make connections with. Using the appropriate terminology can provide clarity and consistency. Do your grade partners use the same language as you? Would students entering different math classrooms in your school hear the same language? Come and check out some of the math terminology we have for you to engage with.

Speakers

Chris Zarski

Designer of Professional Learning, ARPDC

Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
RDP Room 2302

Mathematics (TQS 3), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 4 (Gr 10-12)

9:00am MST

Financial Literacy for Grade 4-6: Ready to go lesson plans that your students will love!

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

RDP Room AC160 (Arts Centre)

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

Speakers

Enriched Academy

Sonya Fox is an experienced educator with over 20 years of teaching experience and has worked with students from grades one through twelve.  In her last four years, Sonya took her passion for business and finance into the classroom, teaching entrepreneurship and finance to high... Read More →

Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
RDP Room AC160 (Arts Centre)

Physical Education (TQS 3), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 2 (Gr 4-6) | Mathematics (TQS 3), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 2 (Gr 4-6)

9:00am MST

Using Assessment to Improve Teaching

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

RDP Room 1437

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

Speakers

Jason Cooper

Onsite contact: Jason Coooper

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

Laura Pankratz

Western Canada Teacher Network Coordinator, Perimeter Institute

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

Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
RDP Room 1437

Science (TQS 3), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Division 3 (Gr 7-9) | Mathematics (TQS 3), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Division 3 (Gr 7-9) | Social Studies (TQS 3), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Division 3 (Gr 7-9) | Language Arts (TQS 3), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Division 3 (Gr 7-9)

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

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

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

10:20am MST

Getting Students to Welcome Assessments

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

RDP Room 1437

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

Speakers

Jason Cooper

Onsite contact: Jason Coooper

Laura Pankratz

Western Canada Teacher Network Coordinator, Perimeter Institute

Friday February 21, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
RDP Room 1437

Mathematics (TQS 3), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 4 (Gr 10-12) | Science (TQS 3), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 4 (Gr 10-12) | Social Studies (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) | Language Arts (TQS 3), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 4 (Gr 10-12)

11:40am MST

Using Data to Build Better Assessments

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

RDP Room 1437

So, you have just finished scoring your students’ tests. You have a bunch of data! What do you do with that data? This workshop will explore some key tools for interpreting assessment data and discuss how they can be used to build assessments that are fair, reflect a range of student understanding, and provide meaningful feedback to students. The facilitators, Jason Cooper and Laura Pankratz, have decades of classroom and assessment experience. Participants in this workshop will engage in discussion and exploration of what is currently working in Alberta classrooms.

Speakers

Jason Cooper

Onsite contact: Jason Coooper

Laura Pankratz

Western Canada Teacher Network Coordinator, Perimeter Institute

Friday February 21, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
RDP Room 1437

Language Arts (TQS 3), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 4 (Gr 10-12) | Mathematics (TQS 3), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 4 (Gr 10-12) | Science (TQS 3), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 4 (Gr 10-12) | Social Studies (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)

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

Making the Most of Outcomes in Assessment

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

RDP Room 1437

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

Speakers

Jason Cooper

Onsite contact: Jason Coooper

Laura Pankratz

Western Canada Teacher Network Coordinator, Perimeter Institute

Friday February 21, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
RDP Room 1437

Mathematics (TQS 3), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 4 (Gr 10-12) | Science (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

Tipi Traditions and Balanced Living: Wisdom for Today's World

Friday February 21, 2025 1:00pm - 3:20pm MST

RDP Room 1303

Embark on a transformative cultural journey with Elder Phillip Campiou from Treaty 8, as we delve into the sacred teachings and traditional practices centered around the Tipi. Experience the profound connection to the land as we participate in the hands-on process of setting up a full-size Tipi. Through immersive storytelling, we'll uncover the timeless wisdom embedded in these teachings, offering invaluable insights that resonate deeply in our contemporary lives.

Speakers

Phillip Campiou

Elder, Driftpile Cree Nation

Phillip Campiou, a member of the Traditional Woodland Cree from Driftpile Cree Nation, Alberta, has made his home in the Onoway area. Growing up, Phillip's father instilled in him the principles of self-sufficiency and profound respect for Mother Earth and spiritual teachings. As... Read More →

Friday February 21, 2025 1:00pm - 3:20pm MST
RDP Room 1303

Indigenous Education (TQS/LQS 5), 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 | Environmental & Outdoor 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 | Social Studies (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 | Mathematics (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 | Science (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

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

3:20pm MST

Number Talks in the Middle School Math Classroom

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

Recording

Speakers

Sandy Bakos

Assistant Professor, University of Lethbridge

Richelle Marynowski

Professor, University of Lethbridge

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

Mathematics (TQS 3), Division 3 (Gr 7-9) | Educational Research (TQS/LQS 2), Division 3 (Gr 7-9)

Post Convention Recordings Richelle Marynowski

3:20pm MST

PBL basics - how to develop a project based mindset

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

Recording

The real world doesn’t exist in silos so why do we expect our students to learn in them? Project Based Learning provides an opportunity to blur the lines between subject disciplines and allow students and teachers to collaborate on meaningful tasks, but how do we even begin? This session will provide guidance for different planning methods used to develop cross-curricular project based learning initiatives at the secondary level with science at their core.

Speakers

Julie Arsenault

Science Lead Teacher, Science Council

After receiving her Bachelors and Masters degrees in Microbiology and Biotechnology, Julie entered the Faculty of Education at the University of Alberta to pursue her teaching career. She has been teaching with Edmonton Public Schools since 2002 and has developed a passion for incorporating... Read More →

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

Science (TQS 3), Division 3 (Gr 7-9) | Mathematics (TQS 3), Division 3 (Gr 7-9) | Language Arts (TQS 3), Division 3 (Gr 7-9)

Post Convention Recordings Julie Arsenault