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

Stop Tiering Your Students! Establishing, Refining and Utilizing a Continuum of Supports

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

RDP Room 1500 (Cornerstone Restaurant)

Over the past number of years, with the growth of tiered response systems in schools, educational organizations have become proficient at tiering students for intensifying levels of support. When done well, it ensures a systematic approach to supporting a greater number of students and maximizing resources. When not done well, it can lead to higher levels of support becoming overwhelmed and resources stretched thin as more and more students are identified as requiring intensified supports. The great news is there is a better way that comes when you STOP tiering students! This session will provide an explanation of the paradigm shift from tiering students to tiering supports and share considerations when establishing, refining and utilizing a continuum of supports in schools and districts that has long standing impact for teachers and students.

Speakers

Lorna Hewson

Lead Learner/Co-Founder, Jigsaw Learning Inc

Lorna Hewson is an award-winning educator with leadership experience at the classroom, school, district and provincial levels. Lorna’s professional background has included coaching and mentoring teachers and leaders, effective assessment, curriculum implementation, and inclusive... Read More →

Thursday February 20, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
RDP Room 1500 (Cornerstone Restaurant)

10:20am MST

Helping Students Feel Happier: Insights From Icons

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

RDP Room 1500 (Cornerstone Restaurant)

Mercedes and Anastasia Korngut are two Albertan teen sisters who started their company, Small Bits of Happiness, three years ago. Their mission is to help individuals of all ages find more happiness in daily life. As two teens, they understand firsthand the difficulties of teenage-hood, including not only the hormonal changes that teens undergo, but the added stressors of war, post-pandemic life, and beyond. Through their podcast, Hack Your Happiness, the two sisters have spoken to countless Olympic Athletes, entrepreneurs, Oscar-winners, Grammy-winning composers, New York Times Bestselling Authors, marine biologists, NASA scientists, NASCAR drivers, CEOs, and beyond. Through their conversations Mercedes and Anastasia have learned critical advice from these iconic individuals, specifically on the topic of happiness and advice to teens and pre-teens. As many pre-teens and teens struggle to take advice from parents and teachers, in this session, Mercedes and Anastasia share top happiness advice from top iconic individuals, as well as their perspective on finding happiness as two teens. Mercedes and Anastasia share how teachers and educators can guide students to building happy habits, and practicing wellness - all from the perspective of a teen, and iconic interviews.

Speakers

Mercedes Korngut

Co-founder and CEO, Small Bits of Happiness

- Digital learning platform for building happiness habits- Happiness-wellness products designed by teens for students. Including an activity box featuring 100 unique, simple, and fun things to do to feel happier daily, learn what brings students happiness, and connect a classroom... Read More →

Anastasia Korngut

Co-Founder and COO, Small Bits of Happiness

Anastasia Korngut is 14-years-old, and started Small Bits of Happiness with her sister, Mercedes, two years ago. Small Bits of Happiness is a company with the mission of helping individuals of all ages, especially teens and pre-teens, find more happiness in daily life and build... Read More →

Thursday February 20, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
RDP Room 1500 (Cornerstone Restaurant)

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 | Counselling & Student Support (TQS/LQS 4), 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

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)

2:20pm MST

Grades that Inform: Using Cognitive-Based Assessment vs. Traditional Grading

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

RDP Room 1500 (Cornerstone Restaurant)

What is it that we want a student’s grade to tell us? More importantly, what do want a breakdown of their grade to tell us? Too often, traditional grade categories tell us whether students are strong or struggle with unit exams or assignments, but tell us little about what cognitive skills and abilities they need in order to improve their learning.

This session will examine the advantages of cognitive-based grade categories, how it can improve assessment design, and give more detailed feedback to students on what cognitive skills they need to improve their learning. We will also examine examples of cognitive-based grading (including year plans, assessments and grade book setup) in multiple subject areas, and look at ways to adapt your current assessments so this is not more work for teachers.

Speakers

Shelly Cloke

Teacher

Thursday February 20, 2025 2:20pm - 3:20pm MST
RDP Room 1500 (Cornerstone Restaurant)

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

9:00am MST

Coaching Athletes in School: Developing the Whole Athlete to Foster a United Team

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

RDP Room 1500 (Cornerstone Restaurant)

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

Speakers

Paul Marlett

Learning Leader, Calgary Board of Education

Paul is a purebred teacher and a maverick in education who focuses on innovation in the “art of teaching”. Having taught for over 2 decades in the classroom, the gym, and (approved) mountain tops from grades 1 to 12 in all subject matters, he has spent the last 10 years with the... Read More →

Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
RDP Room 1500 (Cornerstone Restaurant)

Physical Education (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)

10:20am MST

A Teenage Songwriter’s Journey: Helping people write songs as a means of personal expression

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

RDP Room 1500 (Cornerstone Restaurant)

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

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

Speakers

Paul Marlett

Learning Leader, Calgary Board of Education

Friday February 21, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
RDP Room 1500 (Cornerstone Restaurant)

Language Arts (TQS 3), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 4 (Gr 10-12) | Music & Band (TQS 3), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 4 (Gr 10-12)

11:40am MST

Engage to Empower: Motivational Strategies Beyond Rewards

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

RDP Room 1500 (Cornerstone Restaurant)

Are you hoping to reignite your students’ curiosity and empower them to take ownership of their own learning journey? In this session, we'll dive into strategies to move beyond ineffective, traditional motivators like guilt-driven pressures and external rewards. Instead, we’ll equip you with fun and practical ways to spark authentic engagement and enthusiasm for learning through creative, hands-on activities and dynamic classroom experiences.

For the best Slides/Presentation Experience, click this link: Engage to Empower

Speakers

Sara Kovick

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

Christine Gonkowicz

Gonkowicz, Christine

Christine has dedicated most of her career to teaching in early education, with a focus on intervention. She has completed graduate studies in Early Childhood Education and is Forest-School certified, applying effective strategies such as play-based learning, inquiry-based learning... Read More →

Friday February 21, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
RDP Room 1500 (Cornerstone Restaurant)

Special Education (TQS 3), Division 1 (Gr 1-3), Division 2 (Gr 4-6) | Reflection/Collaboration (TQS/LQS 2), Division 1 (Gr 1-3), Division 2 (Gr 4-6)

1:00pm MST

I Don't Know What To Do and I Don't Know Where To Start TQS 5 (Implementing First Nations, Metis and Inuit perspectives)

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

RDP Room 1500 (Cornerstone Restaurant)

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

Speakers

Clarke Dyer

Winner of the 2022 Earth Steward Teaching Award, Clarke started his teaching career in 2008 after graduating from the University of Alberta with a major in Biology and majorly awesome wife. While teaching at Victoria School, Clarke has worked to develop the school landscape into a... Read More →

Friday February 21, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
RDP Room 1500 (Cornerstone Restaurant)

Science (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)

2:20pm MST

ADHD Teachers Unite!

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

RDP Room 1500 (Cornerstone Restaurant)

ADHD Teachers Unite
Come for the session saty for PRIZES!

Are you a teacher with Attention Deficit Disorder? Do you know a teacher with Attention Deficit Disorder? Are you supporting a teacher with Attention Deficit? 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!

Speakers

Jennifer Smith

Teacher

Jennifer Smith may be one of the most common names you will ever hear, however, this Jennifer is anything but common. Jennifer partakes in family archery, sewing without math, uncomfortable situations, and half an hour in the morning before anyone is up. Always up for a challenge... Read More →

Friday February 21, 2025 2:20pm - 3:20pm MST
RDP Room 1500 (Cornerstone Restaurant)