BTC 2024 - Calgary: Full Schedule

WELCOME TO THE 2024 CALGARY BEGINNING TEACHERS’ CONFERENCE!

Teachers new to the profession are invited to attend the 2024 Beginning Teachers’ Conference, October 4-5, Best Western Premier Calgary Plaza Hotel & Conference Centre, Calgary. There is no registration fee. Space is limited; apply early.

School principals, school jurisdictions and local associations work together to provide substitute teacher coverage as per the collective agreement to facilitate the attendance of beginning teachers at the conference. Substitute teacher coverage must be organized and approved in advance. Please ensure you meet with your school principal to discuss release time and obtain the appropriate absence code to attend this conference.

Teachers in charter, federal and private schools must be associate members of the Association to be eligible to attend the Beginning Teachers Conference.

arrow_back View All Dates

7:30am MDT

REGISTRATION

Friday October 4, 2024 7:30am - 8:45am MDT

Registration

7:45am MDT

BREAKFAST

Friday October 4, 2024 7:45am - 8:45am MDT

Plaza 1

Friday October 4, 2024 7:45am - 8:45am MDT
Plaza 1

Meals and Breaks

9:00am MDT

CONFERENCE KICK OFF AND WELCOME

Friday October 4, 2024 9:00am - 9:15am MDT

Plaza 1

Speakers

Nancy Luyckfassel Professional Development

Coordinator, Professional Development

Nancy is a teacher, wanderer and wonderer, with 31 years of experience that includes: 7 schools, 4 towns, courses in grades K–12, roles as Assistant Principal and Principal and 8 years at the ATA. Nancy comes from a small farming community and that upbringing instilled in her values... Read More →

Friday October 4, 2024 9:00am - 9:15am MDT
Plaza 1

Pinned

9:05am MDT

WELCOME FROM THE PRESIDENT

Friday October 4, 2024 9:05am - 9:20am MDT

Plaza 1

Speakers

Jason Schilling

President, ATA

Jason Schilling was re-elected president in 2023, following four years of service as president, two years of service as vice-president and more than eight years of service as district representative for South West. As vice-president, Schilling chaired the Central Table Bargaining... Read More →

Friday October 4, 2024 9:05am - 9:20am MDT
Plaza 1

Pinned

9:20am MDT

YOUR ASSOCIATION AND YOU: THINGS EVERY BEGINNING TEACHER SHOULD KNOW

Friday October 4, 2024 9:20am - 10:00am MDT

Plaza 1

Panel Discussion:
Professional Development - Nancy Luyckfassel

Teacher Employment Services- Genevieve Blais

Government - Dr. Elissa Corsi

Moderators

Dan Grassick

Executive Staff Officer, The Alberta Teachers' Association

Dan Grassick (they/them) is Executive Staff Officer in the Alberta Teachers’ Association Professional Development program area where their main responsibilities include supporting the Association's specialist councils and teachers’ conventions, and working with Alberta teacher... Read More →

Speakers

Dr. Elissa Corsi Government

Associate Executive Secretary, Government, Alberta Teachers' Association

Dr. Elissa Corsi is one of two Associate Executive Secretaries for the Alberta Teachers' Association and is the Coordinator of the Association's Government Services program area. She worked as a teacher and administrator in Alberta schools, both in English and French Immersion, before... Read More →

Genevieve Blais

Executive Staff Officer, Teacher Employment Services (SARO), Alberta Teachers' Association

Geneviève joined the Association’s executive staff in the Teacher Welfare program area in 2015 and is now an executive staff officer in Teacher Employment Services based out of the Southern Alberta Regional Office (SARO). Teacher Employment Services assists teachers with professional... Read More →

Nancy Luyckfassel Professional Development

Coordinator, Professional Development

Friday October 4, 2024 9:20am - 10:00am MDT
Plaza 1

Pinned

10:00am MDT

BREAK

Friday October 4, 2024 10:00am - 10:15am MDT

Meals and Breaks

10:15am MDT

Classroom Management—Beyond the Basics (K–12)

Friday October 4, 2024 10:15am - 11:30am MDT

Garden Court 2

With basic classroom management strategies already in their toolkit, participants in this workshop will look at building upon those skills. This workshop will support teachers in responding to classroom behaviours that disrupt teaching with the goal of keeping learning on track and positive relationships intact.

Speakers

Frank McClernon

Association Instructor, Alberta Teachers' Association

Friday October 4, 2024 10:15am - 11:30am MDT
Garden Court 2

10:15am MDT

Let's Get Talking! Conversation Skills for Learning (K–12)

Friday October 4, 2024 10:15am - 11:30am MDT

Rundle

Conversation is a powerful part of the learning process. However, it can be frustrating when students are reluctant to participate in discussions or when small group conversations go off-the-rails. Join this interactive workshop to explore strategies that help support student discussion skills (and learning) in any subject! Through discussions and activities, we will explore strategies that build a safe community for conversation, specific conversation skills to teach students of any age and stage, and activities that involve students in learning-focused conversations.

Speakers

John Williamson

Association Instructor, Alberta Teachers' Association

John Williamson, PhD, is a K – 12 Coordinating Teacher of Diverse Learning Services, Adjunct Assistant Professor in Education, spoken word and “page” poet, and ATA Association Instructor. His award-winning PhD Dissertation, The Case of the Appearing / Disappearing Slow Learner... Read More →

Friday October 4, 2024 10:15am - 11:30am MDT
Rundle

Curriculum Pedagogy, Division I, II, III and IV

10:15am MDT

How To Get and HOLD Your Students’ Attention in Art (K–12)

Friday October 4, 2024 10:15am - 11:30am MDT

Plaza 3

Create excitement in your art classroom during the first two weeks of school with this hands-on workshop. The first art project is crucial to setting the right tone while getting to know your students. This workshop will give you the tools to gain confidence in your teaching abilities and make you their favourite teacher! You will review and complete a project yourself that your students can be excited about. Excellent for teachers of grades 3-12. The assignment’s difficulty level can be scaled according to the grade level taught. You will leave the workshop with a completed artwork, a link to the step-by-step PowerPoint presentation, and a YouTube video.

Speakers

Izabella Orzelski

Fine Arts Council

Friday October 4, 2024 10:15am - 11:30am MDT
Plaza 3

Fine Arts, Division I, II, III and IV

10:15am MDT

Rhythmic Fun—Engaging Elementary Music Students with Hand Clapping Games (K–6)

Friday October 4, 2024 10:15am - 11:30am MDT

Plaza 4

Elementary music teachers, dive into the rhythm of hand clapping games in this interactive session. Explore how to weave these fun activities into your lessons, drawing from playground traditions and youth culture. Get ready to clap, stomp, and bring the playground spirit to your music room!

Speakers

Connie Ohlmann

Fine Arts Council (FAC)

Connie Ohlmann is an elementary music educator with Edmonton Public Schools with more than 20 years of experience teaching elementary music. Connie is passionate about exploring music education practices to improve student engagement and retention. Connie serves on the ATA Fine Arts... Read More →

Friday October 4, 2024 10:15am - 11:30am MDT
Plaza 4

Fine Arts, Division I and II

10:15am MDT

Artificial Intelligence Tools to Amplify Your Professionalism and Save Time (K–12)

Friday October 4, 2024 10:15am - 11:30am MDT

Plaza 2

Ready to revolutionize your teaching? Join our workshop on AI tools that go beyond traditional lesson planning. Explore how generative AI can create personalized content, assessments, and more. We’ll guide you through a process that balances efficiency with creativity, ensuring you remain the architect of exceptional learning experiences. Plus, let’s delve into professional considerations—because AI is not just about algorithms; it’s about impact.

Speakers

Chris Gonsalvez

Executive Staff Officer, ATA

Teacher. Administrator. PD Leader. Chris is an executive staff officer with the Alberta Teachers' Association and passionate about working with teachers and being involved in professional development. Spending most of his teaching career in Southern Alberta, he loved being a middle... Read More →

Friday October 4, 2024 10:15am - 11:30am MDT
Plaza 2

Hot Topics for Professionals, Division I, II, III and IV

10:15am MDT

Explorez comment l'intelligence artificielle générative peut vous assisster (K–12)

Friday October 4, 2024 10:15am - 11:30am MDT

Temple

Est-ce que vous cherchez de nouvelles façons d'impliquer vos élèves et d'inspirer leur apprentissage ? L'IA générative peut vous aider à réinventer votre enseignement et à lui donner un coup de fraîcheur. Dans cet atelier, vous apprendrez à utiliser des modèles d'IA générative pour créer du contenu original, innovant et surprenant pour vos activités en classe. Même si vous souhaitiez rédiger un plan de cours, un quiz, une histoire ou un jeu, l'IA générative peut vous aider à créer des contenus originaux, innovants et surprenants pour vos élèves. Vous apprendrez à rédiger des messages-guides qui incitent l'IA à générer des contenus créatifs, novateurs et amusants. Préparez-vous à travailler, à partager et à explorer! Veuillez apporter un ordinateur ou un dispositif digital à cette session d'apprentissage.

Speakers

Stacey Hannay

Executive Staff Officer, Professional Development, Alberta Teachers' Association

Tansi, Way' -Weytk, Salut, Greetings!Stacey is the newest Executive Staff Officer in the Association's Professional Development program area. Stacey holds a Bachelor of Physical Education, Bachelor of Education, a Master’s degree in Integrated Studies and has recently completed... Read More →

Friday October 4, 2024 10:15am - 11:30am MDT
Temple

Hot Topics for Professionals, Division I, II, III and IV

10:15am MDT

Teacher Evaluations and Contracts (K–12)

Friday October 4, 2024 10:15am - 11:30am MDT

Plaza 1

This session will explore the different types of teaching contracts under which teachers may be employed, and what teachers’ rights and obligations are in relation to their contracts.

Speakers

Genevieve Blais

Executive Staff Officer, Teacher Employment Services (SARO), Alberta Teachers' Association

Friday October 4, 2024 10:15am - 11:30am MDT
Plaza 1

Hot Topics for Professionals, Division I, II, III and IV

10:15am MDT

Aligning Mathematics Teaching with the Science of Learning (K–6)

Friday October 4, 2024 10:15am - 11:30am MDT

Plaza 5

Speakers

Carla French

Learning Learning, Grade 5 FI Teacher, CBE

Friday October 4, 2024 10:15am - 11:30am MDT
Plaza 5

Hot Topics for Professionals, Division I and II | Technology, Division I and II

10:15am MDT

Culturally Responsive Teaching—Fostering Inclusive Classrooms (K–12)

Friday October 4, 2024 10:15am - 11:30am MDT

Pineridge

This workshop explores approaches for examining beliefs, attitudes, policies, structures and practices to enable schools to effectively work cross-culturally. Participants will begin to learn how to develop a greater capacity to engage in cultural self-assessment and become more conscious of the dynamics of intercultural interactions.

Speakers

Adedeji Bowoade

Association Instructor, The Alberta Teachers' Association

Adedeji studied at the University of Ibadan in Nigeria between 2002-2007, where he earned a Bachelor's in Education (Economics). He moved to London, England in 2007 where he studied Business Management at the University of Wales, and earned the Master of Science in Business Management... Read More →

Friday October 4, 2024 10:15am - 11:30am MDT
Pineridge

Inclusiive Education, Division I, II, III and IV

10:15am MDT

Recognizing and Addressing Anxiety in Schools (K–12)

Friday October 4, 2024 10:15am - 11:30am MDT

Whitehorn

Teachers are increasingly challenged to support individuals with all levels of anxiety and related behaviours. This workshop will provide information about the most common anxiety disorders, examine how these disorders impact people, and provide participants with strategies to help support those affected cope and manage.

Speakers

Erinn Esau

Association Instructor, Alberta Teachers' Association

243209 Garden Road NE

Friday October 4, 2024 10:15am - 11:30am MDT
Whitehorn

Inclusive Education, Division I, II, III and IV

10:15am MDT

Engaging in Numeracy and Connections through First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Traditional Games (K–12)

Friday October 4, 2024 10:15am - 11:30am MDT

Deerfoot

Did you know that First Nations, Métis, and Inuit traditional games are great ways to make connections to numeracy? Traditional games can provide entry points to deeper understanding of Indigenous ways of knowing and further connections to the land. Get ready to learn about resources for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit traditional games and how to create authentic learning experiences.

Speakers

Brian St Germain

Retired teacher

My name is Brian St. Germain. I recently retired from Red Deer Public School District after forty years of teaching. The last ten years spent with the First Nations, Metis and Inuit Program in Learning Services. I am Cree First Nations and Cree Metis.

Friday October 4, 2024 10:15am - 11:30am MDT
Deerfoot

Indigenous Education, Division I, II, III and IV | Math, Division I, II, III and IV

10:15am MDT

Energize Your Classroom (K-12)

Friday October 4, 2024 10:15am - 11:30am MDT

Horizons Ballroom

Physical activity offers many benefits above and beyond physical health. This workshop will offer practical tips on how to incorporate physical activity into any subject area. Join us in learning how to re-energize your students, break up sedentary time, and increase physical activity across the school community.

Speakers

Hayley Degaust

Friday October 4, 2024 10:15am - 11:30am MDT
Horizons Ballroom

Physical Education, ??

10:15am MDT

Story Time: Using Children's Literature to Teach K-12 Outcomes (K-12)

Friday October 4, 2024 10:15am - 11:30am MDT

Garden Court 1

The focus of this session/workshop will be to help beginning teachers utilize children's literature to teach a range of K-12 outcomes in a variety of disciplines. There will be a short presentation on the importance of literacy across all disciplines and examples of how practicing teachers are incorporating it into everything from high school mathematics to elementary school physical education. Following the short presentation, participants will choose a children’s book relevant to their teaching assignments, explicitly link the book’s content to the broader philosophical ideas, generate essential questions, and design a short lesson plan/teacher resource that they can you use in their classrooms. At the end of the session there will be a gallery walk of all the lesson plans and an opportunity to share and reflect on the workshop.

Speakers

Riley Kostek

Friday October 4, 2024 10:15am - 11:30am MDT
Garden Court 1

Science, Division I, II, III and IV | Language Arts, Division I, II, III and IV | Inclusive Education, Division I, II, III and IV

11:30am MDT

LUNCH

Friday October 4, 2024 11:30am - 12:30pm MDT

Plaza 1

Friday October 4, 2024 11:30am - 12:30pm MDT
Plaza 1

Meals and Breaks

12:30pm MDT

Blank Space to Brilliance—Navigating Alberta's CTF Curriculum (4–9)

Friday October 4, 2024 12:30pm - 1:45pm MDT

Rundle

Are you assigned to teach a CTF or options class and don't know where to start? Do you want to integrate CTF into your core subjects? Do you feel stuck in the old "home ec" or "shop" class you took when you were in junior high? Join to follow one teacher's adventure in stepping into a new role and reinventing a course to meet their students' passions and interests. You will participate in some hands-on activities and gain ideas and resources you can hopefully implement into your class with ease.

Speakers

Courtney Albrecht

Friday October 4, 2024 12:30pm - 1:45pm MDT
Rundle

CTS/CTF, Division II and III

12:30pm MDT

Brain Architecture 101—Play the Brain Game! (K–9)

Friday October 4, 2024 12:30pm - 1:45pm MDT

Garden Court 2

This session is designed to immerse teachers in the fundamentals of brain development - through play! The Brain Architecture Game, designed by scientists and childhood champions, is an immersive and eye-opening activity that really highlights the importance of brain development. Before, during and after play, presenters will introduce important concepts brought up by the game, such as positive vs. toxic stress, how neurons wire & fire, and how teachers can leverage this knowledge to support all students in their classrooms.

Speakers

Jade Oldfield and Charlotte Brenner

Friday October 4, 2024 12:30pm - 1:45pm MDT
Garden Court 2

Curriculum and Pedagogy, Division I, II and III | Science, Division I, II and III | Inclusive Education, Division I, II and III

12:30pm MDT

Oreo Cookies and the Scientific Method (4–9)

Friday October 4, 2024 12:30pm - 1:45pm MDT

Plaza 5

With the advent of a new science curriculum, there are new units. There are various ways to teach the organizing ideas and incorporate higher levels of thinking in Bloom’s taxonomy. One could teach them each as separate units or a teacher could incorporate the scientific method into any of the other organizing ideas. How? Science Inquiry. Can you let go of sage on the stage and help guide your students through an engaging investigation? How can one incorporate the knowledge from the unit with the organizing idea of “Scientific Method”? Let me show you how with this highly engaging investigation. We will then explore ways that scientific inquiry can be incorporated into other organizing ideas for various grade levels.

Speakers

Michelle Savoie

Secretary, ATA Science Council

Michelle is a passionate science teacher of grade 6-9 students at Eleanor Hall School in Clyde for the last 18 years. She is also in her second term as secretary on the ATA Science Council.

Friday October 4, 2024 12:30pm - 1:45pm MDT
Plaza 5

Ed Tech, Division II and III | Curriculum Pedagogy, Division II and III

12:30pm MDT

Les technigues d'impactes en classe (K-9)

Friday October 4, 2024 12:30pm - 1:45pm MDT

Temple

Créer des liens solides avec les élèves est la clé pour prévenir certains comportements et aider efficacement des élèves présentants certains défis. Les techniques d'impacts en classe aident les enseignants et les différents intervenants à créer ces liens. Venez explorer comment, avec des objets, des images et des métaphores, on peut faire une différence dans le quotidien de nos élèves.

Speakers

Annie Jacques

Friday October 4, 2024 12:30pm - 1:45pm MDT
Temple

French, Division I, II and III | Inclusive Education, Division I, II and III

12:30pm MDT

Teacher Safety Net—Your Entitlements, Your Protection! (K-12)

Friday October 4, 2024 12:30pm - 1:45pm MDT

Plaza 1

Over many years the Association has constructed a safety net for teachers and their families. This presentation provides an overview of what teachers have in regard to sick leave and other leaves through the collective agreement, extended disability, life insurance, other benefit plan provisions, as well as pension and death benefits. This is a light-hearted presentation that is intended to be presented to local teachers in order to provide very relevant and necessary information on existing entitlements.

Speakers

Phil Bresee

Executive Staff Officer, Teacher Employment Services (SARO), Alberta Teachers' Association

Phil is an executive staff officer in the Teacher Employment Service program area based out of the Association's Calgary office. Phil's career spans many years of teaching, school leadership, and legal expertise. He has served as the principal of Ecole Notre-Dame des Monts in Canmore... Read More →

Friday October 4, 2024 12:30pm - 1:45pm MDT
Plaza 1

Hot Topics for Professionals, ??

12:30pm MDT

20 Strategies You Can Use on Monday! (K–6)

Friday October 4, 2024 12:30pm - 1:45pm MDT

Plaza 3

Are you looking for no-prep and low-prep ways to engage your students? Join us for a dynamic session where we will explore 20 versatile no-prep and low-prep activities you can implement in any subject and grade level. Be ready to engage with interactive activities and explore practical applications for these strategies in your teaching context.

Speakers

Daniel W Maas

Acting Associate Coordinator, Professional Development

Danny Maas is an Executive Staff Officer with The Alberta Teachers' Association in the Professional Development program area. He was previously the Manager of Educational Technology with Edmonton Catholic School Division and has supported teacher professional development for the past... Read More →

Friday October 4, 2024 12:30pm - 1:45pm MDT
Plaza 3

Hot Topics for Professionals, Division I and II | Curriculum Pedagogy, Division I and II

12:30pm MDT

Playful Design: Using the Science of Learning (K–6)

Friday October 4, 2024 12:30pm - 1:45pm MDT

Garden Court 1

Learn how to set up your lessons for maximum success. Experience fun ways to help struggling readers while supporting the whole class; try playing games that help students get more out of the lesson, and get tips for scheduling the day and week.

Speakers

Joshua LaFleur

Friday October 4, 2024 12:30pm - 1:45pm MDT
Garden Court 1

Inclusiive Education, Division I, II

12:30pm MDT

Care and Connect—Social and Emotional Learning (K–12)

Friday October 4, 2024 12:30pm - 1:45pm MDT

Whitehorn

Now, more than ever, there is a need to look at practices and systems that nurture the social and emotional health of all members of the school community. This workshop was developed to enhance the social-emotional skills of adults within a school environment so that they can more effectively model and teach SEL to their students. This interactive workshop can be facilitated over a series of sessions in which participants will learn and apply practical, powerful strategies to enhance social and emotional competence within themselves and their students.

Speakers

Angela Hockley

Friday October 4, 2024 12:30pm - 1:45pm MDT
Whitehorn

Inclusive Education, Division I, II, III and IV

12:30pm MDT

Foundations for Success—Strategies for Building Classroom Community in a Primary Classroom (K–3)

Friday October 4, 2024 12:30pm - 1:45pm MDT

Plaza 4

Come ready to learn, and create! In this presentation, we will explore the vital foundations that contribute to a respectful classroom community, focusing on the implementation of effective routines, smooth transitions, clear expectations, and consistent practices. You will learn how these elements work together to create an environment where students feel safe, respected, and engaged. Fostering positive relationships between students is vital. This presentation will provide example mentor texts, writing activities, Google slide examples, projects and transition songs that contribute to a respectful and engaging classroom community in a primary classroom. Participants will also create an art activity with plasticine that can be used in a cross curricular project with your students.

Speakers

Michelle Bezubiak

Friday October 4, 2024 12:30pm - 1:45pm MDT
Plaza 4

Inclusive Education, Division I | Language Arts, Division I | Fine Arts, Division I

12:30pm MDT

Balancing Act—Navigating Classroom Realities While Crafting Quality Curriculum Experiences (K–6)

Friday October 4, 2024 12:30pm - 1:45pm MDT

Pineridge

Congratulations on landing the job! Now that you're in the thick of it, you're likely feeling overwhelmed by the flood of expectations and responsibilities: managing student behaviors, organizing assemblies, adapting to last-minute schedule changes, attending staff meetings, coordinating volunteers, arranging field trips, communicating with parents, addressing Individualized Program Plans (IPPs), participating in committees, and the list goes on. How do you juggle all these tasks while still ensuring that your curriculum remains high-quality and aligned with educational standards? Universities provide foundational instruction on scaffolded planning, curriculum-aligned instruction, and quality assessment. While this learning is irreplaceable, beginning teachers continue to struggle when faced with the vast demands on time within the real classroom. Together we will explore the curriculum, develop a year plan, then bring this plan into the realities of the day-to-day happenings.

Speakers

Tiffany Harris

Friday October 4, 2024 12:30pm - 1:45pm MDT
Pineridge

Inclusive Educaton, Division I and II | Teacher Wellness, Division I and II

12:30pm MDT

More Than Words: The Significance of Land Acknowledgements on the Journey of Truth and Reconciliation(K–12)

Friday October 4, 2024 12:30pm - 1:45pm MDT

Deerfoot

Speakers

Jackie Young

Friday October 4, 2024 12:30pm - 1:45pm MDT
Deerfoot

Indgenous Education, Division I, II, III and IV

12:30pm MDT

Exploring the "Essential 6" in a Mathematics Lesson (K–6)

Friday October 4, 2024 12:30pm - 1:45pm MDT

Plaza 2

What are the key elements of any mathematics lesson? We will explore the "Essential 6" to guide your math lesson planning. This is an interactive session to model key math concepts, open-ended questions, cooperative learning strategies, numeracy resources, math manipulatives and even fun math games. A comprehensive handout of math considerations and resources will be shared. Prepare to be an awesome mathematics teacher!

Speakers

Lorelei Boschman

Mathematics Council

Lorelei is a mathematics and pre-service teacher educator and has taught for over 35 years. Currently she is Chair of Education at Medicine Hat College and facilitates the 4 year B.Ed program through Mount Royal University. Making mathematics achievable for all and building into emerging... Read More →

Friday October 4, 2024 12:30pm - 1:45pm MDT
Plaza 2

Math, Division II and III

12:30pm MDT

Games and Activities to Optimize Self Regulation (K-12)

Friday October 4, 2024 12:30pm - 1:45pm MDT

Horizons Ballroom

A strong relationship exists between the development of executive functioning skills and self-regulation. When children and youth have the opportunity to develop the skills needed for self-regulation, they are better suited to make healthy choices that affect them and their classmates. This workshop explores how classrooms and community programs are the optimal settings to promote these skills through fun, creative and original activities.

Speakers

Hayley Degaust

Friday October 4, 2024 12:30pm - 1:45pm MDT
Horizons Ballroom

Physical Education, Division I, II, III and IV

1:45pm MDT

BREAK

Friday October 4, 2024 1:45pm - 2:00pm MDT

Meals and Breaks

2:00pm MDT

Code of Conduct for Teachers—What You Need to Know! (K–12)

Friday October 4, 2024 2:00pm - 3:15pm MDT

Plaza 1

The new Code of Professional Conduct outlines minimum expectations for teaching certificate holders, including teachers, teacher leaders and superintendents. The code applies to the conduct of teachers in both on-duty and off-duty contexts. Drawing on scenarios from various typical employment matters, this presentation describes the standards of professional conduct expected of teachers and teacher leaders and explains the complaint process.

Speakers

Richard Svoboda

Friday October 4, 2024 2:00pm - 3:15pm MDT
Plaza 1

Hot Topics for Professionals, Division I, II, III and IV

2:00pm MDT

20 Strategies You Can Use on Monday! (7–12)

Friday October 4, 2024 2:00pm - 3:15pm MDT

Plaza 3

Speakers

Terra Kaliszuk

Executive Staff Officer, Professional Development

Terra Kaliszuk is an Executive Staff Officer in the Professional Development program area of the Alberta Teachers' Association. She brings a passion for understanding and supporting the human journey of learning to all of her work. Terra has led professional learning work for the... Read More →

Friday October 4, 2024 2:00pm - 3:15pm MDT
Plaza 3

Hot Topics for Professionals, Division III and IV | Curriculum Pedagogy, Division III and IV

2:00pm MDT

Five Strategies to Flourish as an Early Career Teacher (K–12)

Friday October 4, 2024 2:00pm - 3:15pm MDT

Plaza 2

Starting your teaching journey can be both exciting and overwhelming. Join us in this engaging session designed specifically for Alberta teachers in their early years of professional practice. Discover five practical strategies that will help you navigate the challenges of workload, student behaviors, and mental well-being, while building a supportive professional network. Learn how mentorship, classroom management techniques, and relevant professional development can enhance your confidence and sustainability in the classroom. Whether you’re feeling uncertain or eager to grow, these actionable insights are designed to help you flourish as a beginning teacher.

Speakers

Phil McRae and Thelma Gunn

Friday October 4, 2024 2:00pm - 3:15pm MDT
Plaza 2

Hot Topics for Professionals, Division I, II, III and IV | Teacher Wellness, Division I, II, III and IV

2:00pm MDT

Cost of Caring—How to Nurture Your Mental Emotional Health as a Beginning Teacher (K–12)

Friday October 4, 2024 2:00pm - 3:15pm MDT

Plaza 5

This session will delve into the unique challenges faced by beginning teachers when they provide emotional labour to children and their school communities. Join this session to learn about and reflect on how the emotional investment required to support students can sometimes lead to mental and emotional distress, such as burnout or compassion fatigue. You will also be guided to reimagine wellness, not just as an individual pursuit but as a shared responsibility within the school community. Be prepared to chart a path toward sustainable well-being that benefits you, your colleagues, and your students.

Speakers

Lisa Everitt

Friday October 4, 2024 2:00pm - 3:15pm MDT
Plaza 5

Hot Topics for Professionals, Division I, II, III and IV | Techer Wellness, Division I, II, III and IV

2:00pm MDT

Enseigner en milieu minoritaire (K–12)

Friday October 4, 2024 2:00pm - 3:15pm MDT

Temple

Comment valoriser la langue et la culture francophone dans nos milieux ? Venez découvrir comment et pourquoi il est important de développer la culture identitaire francophone chez nos élèves. L'identité francophone, le bilinguisme additif, la légitimité linguistique seront aussi abordés. Cet atelier vous aidera à avoir des pratiques gagnantes pour la construction identitaire.

Speakers

Maryse Simon

Friday October 4, 2024 2:00pm - 3:15pm MDT
Temple

Inclusive Education, Division I, II, III and IV

2:00pm MDT

Take a LEAP—Unlearning Racial Bias (K–12)

Friday October 4, 2024 2:00pm - 3:15pm MDT

Whitehorn

Join this session to explore the complex dynamics between unconscious beliefs, bias, and the impact these factors have on educational environments. Focused on building a deeper understanding of how these factors can perpetuate stereotypes and hinder student growth, this session includes discussions and practical exercises that will challenge assumptions that perpetuate labels and stereotypes. By embracing a ‘LEAP’ approach—actively listening, engaging, asking questions, and providing support we will work together to enhance our own understanding of diversity, inclusion, and anti-racism.

Speakers

Adedeji Bowoade

Association Instructor, The Alberta Teachers' Association

Friday October 4, 2024 2:00pm - 3:15pm MDT
Whitehorn

Inclusive Education, Division I, II, III and IV

2:00pm MDT

Trauma-Informed Practice—Safe, Supportive and Self-Regulated Classrooms (K–12)

Friday October 4, 2024 2:00pm - 3:15pm MDT

Rundle

Participants in this interactive workshop will receive information and tools to help provide safe, supportive and self-regulated environments for students who have experienced trauma. Teachers will be provided with background information on trauma and its effects on the child and adolescent brain, how to create trauma-informed environments and how to help build resiliency and self-regulation skills in students.

Speakers

Sinead Dullaghan

Association Instructor, Alberta Teachers' Association

Friday October 4, 2024 2:00pm - 3:15pm MDT
Rundle

Inclusive Education, Division I, II, III and IV

2:00pm MDT

They’re Hot, Then They’re Cold! Self-Regulation & Executive Functions in the Classroom (K–9)

Friday October 4, 2024 2:00pm - 3:15pm MDT

Garden Court 2

The 21st century classroom is complex; 1 in 5 Canadians is living with a mental health condition. This stark reality is well outlined in the 2024 ATA report detailing aggression in K–12 schools. This session is designed to provide some background on two concepts that may be both the cause, and the solution of this struggle: self-regulation and executive functions. Teachers will leave the session understanding the science behind these concepts, as well as some strategies and takeaways to help support a variety of learners in their classrooms. We will cover the neuroscience of “lid flipping,” attention, inhibition and more. Resources and practical tips will be provided with an emphasis on giving beginning teachers actionable steps when faced with dysregulated learners.

Speakers

Jade Oldfield and Charlotte Brenner

Friday October 4, 2024 2:00pm - 3:15pm MDT
Garden Court 2

Inclusive Education, Division I, II and III | Health and Wellness, Division I, II and III

2:00pm MDT

ᑕᐯᐧᐃᐧᐣ tapwewin Dismantling Indigenous Racism (K–12)

Friday October 4, 2024 2:00pm - 3:15pm MDT

Deerfoot

This introductory workshop will encourage educators to critically reflect on concepts such as systemic racism and assimilation. Historical and contemporary examples of anti-Indigenous racism will be explored, and participants will be challenged to consider their own role in dismantling anti-Indigenous racism. Educators will leave with a foundational understanding of anti-racism with a focus on Indigenous Peoples, and will also be equipped with suggested resources for further learning. Note that portions of this workshop may be difficult for some participants, particularly for Indigenous Peoples and/or those who have experienced racism.

Speakers

Brian St Germain

Retired teacher

Friday October 4, 2024 2:00pm - 3:15pm MDT
Deerfoot

Indigenous Education, Division I, II, III and IV | Inclusive Education, Division I, II, III and IV

2:00pm MDT

Building Thinking Classrooms in LA and Social Studies (K–9)

Friday October 4, 2024 2:00pm - 3:15pm MDT

Garden Court 1

Building Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics is a series of practices that get students spending more time critically thinking, and engaged in learning, and these practices are fantastic in any subject! Come to this Hands-on workshop to see how you can get your students diving deeper in their learning in Language Arts and Social Studies.

Speakers

Joshua LaFleur

Friday October 4, 2024 2:00pm - 3:15pm MDT
Garden Court 1

Language Arts, Division I, II and III | Social Studies, Division I, II and III | Inclusive Education, Division I, II and III

2:00pm MDT

Unlocking Student Understanding: The Impact of Numeracy of Routines on Learning Gaps (4–12)

Friday October 4, 2024 2:00pm - 3:15pm MDT

Plaza 4

Wondering how to bridge learning gaps? Dive into the potential of numeracy routines to address student needs and prerequisite knowledge. Discover effective routines adaptable to any topic, and collaborate with colleagues to tailor them to your classroom, aligning with your curriculum goals.

Speakers

Patricia Shoemaker

Secondary Math Teacher, Math Council

Friday October 4, 2024 2:00pm - 3:15pm MDT
Plaza 4

Math, Division II, III and IV | Inclusive Education, Division II, III and IV

2:00pm MDT

Teaching the New PE & Wellness Curriculum Without Breaking a Sweat (JK - You'll be Sweating!)

Friday October 4, 2024 2:00pm - 3:15pm MDT

Horizons Ballroom

This session is designed to support teachers to increase their confidence and competence to implement the Alberta Physical Education and Wellness curriculum. The content will be grounded in best practice in pedagogy, and will cover the similarities and differences from previous curricula, provide tips on planning, implementation and assessment, and include a reference resource for each organizing idea.

Speakers

Hayley Degaust

Friday October 4, 2024 2:00pm - 3:15pm MDT
Horizons Ballroom

Physical Eduction, Division I, II, III and IV

2:00pm MDT

Intro to Building Thinking Classrooms (K–12)

Friday October 4, 2024 2:00pm - 3:15pm MDT

Pineridge

Have you heard of Thinking Classrooms? Interested in experiencing and seeing if it’s an interest to you? Join us for an active session of problem solving, storytelling and pedagogy as we dive into Liljedahl’s Thinking Classrooms! This session is targeted to those new to Thinking Classrooms, but of course all are welcome to join! This session will focus on Liljedahl’s first two toolkits of implementation.

Speakers

Landry Forand

Friday October 4, 2024 2:00pm - 3:15pm MDT
Pineridge

Science, Division I, II, III and IV | Math, Division I, II, III and IV | Social Studies, Division I, II, III and IV

3:15pm MDT

BREAK

Friday October 4, 2024 3:15pm - 3:30pm MDT

Meals and Breaks

3:30pm MDT

BARGAINING 101

Friday October 4, 2024 3:30pm - 4:00pm MDT

Plaza 1

Attendance for GIA and additional prizes

Friday October 4, 2024 3:30pm - 4:00pm MDT
Plaza 1

Pinned

4:00pm MDT

SOCIAL—QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Friday October 4, 2024 4:00pm - 4:45pm MDT

Plaza 1

Grab and Go Sessions, Social and Draw Prizes

Sessions include:
ASEBP Benefits
Employment Contracts
Financial Wellness
Inclusive Education
Indigenous Education
TeacheSeance de questions et reponses—Services a francaisr Evaluations
Teacher Qualification Services
Working with Educational Assistants
New Curriculum and Resources (K-6)
Technology Tools for the Classroom
Teacher Evaluations

Each table will have a QR to scan that links to key information on the website about the topic. As well, there will be sample copies of print resources which are available.

Speakers

Nancy Luyckfassel Professional Development

Coordinator, Professional Development

Friday October 4, 2024 4:00pm - 4:45pm MDT
Plaza 1

Q and A