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.

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

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

9:00am MDT

Full Circle—Understanding Social Implications of Indigenous Realities (K–12)

Saturday October 5, 2024 9:00am - 10:15am MDT

Deerfoot

This workshop will examine core causes of intergenerational trauma, challenge common myths and misconceptions, as well as explore activities to foster effective relationships with First Nations, Métis and Inuit students, families and community. Participants will explore assimilation strategies that have contributed to many current realities of Indigenous students, families and community. You will gain an increased understanding of physical, mental, social and spiritual impacts, and strength-based initiatives to contribute to the advancement of the reconciliation process.

Speakers

Tessa Ethier

Jackie Young

Saturday October 5, 2024 9:00am - 10:15am MDT
Deerfoot

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

10:30am MDT

Braiding Indigenous Content Into the Classroom (K–12)

Saturday October 5, 2024 10:30am - 11:45am MDT

Deerfoot

Explore the art of braiding Indigenous content into your classroom to cultivate a sense of belonging for every learner. While incorporating Indigenous perspectives into your daily lessons may seem daunting, it holds the potential to profoundly influence students' sense of belonging. Studies reveal that students who feel connected to their learning environment excel academically and exhibit higher levels of engagement. In this session, delve into diverse strategies for effortlessly braiding Indigenous content into your curriculum, guided by the wisdom of an elder and the experiences of a seasoned teacher. Discover how this approach can empower all students in your future classrooms to embark on a transformative journey towards reconciliation.

Speakers

Glenda Vinney

Saturday October 5, 2024 10:30am - 11:45am MDT
Deerfoot

Indigenous Education, Division I, II, III and IV