CATCA 2025: Full Schedule

9:00am MST

Trauma Informed Design for the Classroom

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

Trauma Informed Design for the Classroom: transform your environment to create a safer space that encourages learning

Trauma informed design is a way of creating or adapting space to promote safety, trust, confidence, and dignity. When applied in a classroom, this principle positively influences mood and behaviour, and allows your students – and you! - to relax, concentrate, and avoid re-traumatization.
In this introduction to trauma informed design, you’ll explore how to assess your classroom with a trauma informed lens, and you’ll get ideas on how to quickly and effectively transform your space through color, light, sound, seating, art, and biophilia.

Speakers

Sara Konig

Sara has been a veterinary technician, teacher, classical musician, librarian, and university lecturer. All of her varied experiences enrich her life and help inform her current role as a research facilitator for a health sciences collective, where she is focusing on mindfulness... Read More →

Thursday February 20, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
RDP Room 2501

Health and Wellness (TQS 3), Division 1 (Gr 1-3), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 3 (Gr 7-9) | Fostering Effective Relationships (TQS/LQS 1), Division 1 (Gr 1-3), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 3 (Gr 7-9)

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

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 2501

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

11:40am MST

Demystifying Autism

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

RDP Room 2501

Autism is a brain-based difference that affects communication and behavior regulation. In this session, we’ll explore key insights to foster awareness, understanding, and acceptance of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) and how they impact everyone in the classroom.
Key Topics:
• Characteristics of Autism: Including real-life, lived experiences.
• Understanding Ableism: How society perceives and treats individuals with developmental disabilities like ASD.
• Executive Functioning: Its effect on day-to-day living, with a focus on classroom challenges.
• What You'll See in the Classroom: Recognizing behaviors and communication patterns that impact teachers and students.
• Coping Strategies: Practical techniques for both school and beyond to help autistic students succeed.
• Resources & Tools: Books, websites, posters, and sensory tools like finger fidgets will be shared, with some items available for display.
• Social Skills Survival: Learn how to teach the "unwritten rules" of social interactions.
Join us to better understand autism and create an inclusive, empathetic learning environment!

Speakers

Terri Robson

After overcoming challenges to accept and understand the impact of Autism (Asperger Syndrome) in her own life, Terri Robson was inspired to help others. With a Bachelor of Education from the University of Alberta, she uses her determination to engage in projects aimed at raising awareness... Read More →

Thursday February 20, 2025 11:40am - 2:00pm MST
RDP Room 2501

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

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

10:20am MST

Hurried & Worried: Understanding Children’s Anxiety

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

RDP Room 2501

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

Speakers

Ariel Haubrich

Consultant/ Trainer/ Private Practitioner, Learning Network

Ariel Haubrich works in school & community mental health as a counsellor and program manager, and also as a consultant, presenter and private practitioner with government, businesses, teams and individuals working toward personal and organizational development. She is a Certified... Read More →

Friday February 21, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
RDP Room 2501

Counselling & Student Support (TQS/LQS 4), Division 1 (Gr 1-3), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Early Childhood Education (Pre K-K)

11:40am MST

Two Sides to The Story: Trauma Informed Schools

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

RDP Room 2501

How can we integrate the goals and activities of education, while understanding the ways people’s stories (traumas)impact their learning and behaviours? We become “Trauma Informed.” Learn the 5 key principles of Trauma Informed Schools and how to create safe spaces for learning and growing. This Session will help us to become aware of the dynamics of trauma, shift perspectives in how best to support these dynamics, and identify ways to respond with compassion to students and/ or colleagues in crisis.

Speakers

Ariel Haubrich

Consultant/ Trainer/ Private Practitioner, Learning Network

Friday February 21, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
RDP Room 2501

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 | 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 | Professional Issues (TQS/LQS 6), 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 | Inclusive Education (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 | Fostering Effective Relationships (TQS/LQS 1), 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 | 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

1:00pm MST

Dungeons, Dragons, and Desks: Bringing Adventure to the Classroom

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

RDP Room 2501

Session Overview: This interactive session will explore how educators can use Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) and popular pop culture fan interests to create a dynamic, inclusive learning environment. Attendees will gain insights into how D&D fosters critical thinking, empathy, resiliency, and creativity in students while building a community around shared interests. We’ll also provide practical tools, live demonstrations, engaging activity ideas that can be implemented quickly, and a Q&A section to ensure attendees leave with actionable ideas.

Please follow this link for the session's pre-survey. We have a fantastic and unique prize to give away at the end of the session. Thanks!
https://forms.gle/MqHA3i4GzLFX8kVU6

Speakers

Haly Engel

AP Chemistry teacher at Hunting Hills

Sean McWade

Grade 7 Math / Social / Woodworking Teacher

Friday February 21, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
RDP Room 2501

School Leadership (LQS 1-9), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 4 (Gr 10-12) | Learning Commons & Makerspaces (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)