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

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

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

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

9:00am MDT

School Leadership—Things you Want to Know, But are Afraid to Ask (K–12)

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

Pineridge

Curious about the daily life of school leaders or contemplating a future in educational leadership? Join us for an insightful session where we'll delve into the multifaceted world of school leadership through the lens of beginning teachers. Throughout our discussion, we'll explore a range of topics essential for understanding the role, from navigating evaluations to effectively managing challenging situations and embracing informal leadership roles within the school community. This interactive session provides a platform for your questions and discussions, offering valuable insights and fostering connections with fellow educators. Don't miss this opportunity to gain deeper understanding and engage in meaningful dialogue about the exciting possibilities in educational leadership.

Speakers

Lindsay Avramovic

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

Teacher Wellness, Division I, II, III and IV

10:30am MDT

Pass the Mic—Let's Talk About Racism (K–12)

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

Pineridge

Children notice and think about race. Being silent about issues surrounding race reinforces racism by letting children draw their own conclusions without a safe space to ask questions. Teachers can play a powerful role in helping children develop positive attitudes about race and embrace diversity, promoting a more just future for all people. Pass the Mic: Let’s Talk About Racism is designed to aid teachers in having important conversations about racism, how to be anti-racist, microaggressions, bias and privilege.

Speakers

Sarah Adomako-Ansah

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

Inclusive Education, Division I, II, III and IV