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

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

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

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

9:00am MDT

Making Learning Meaningful—Hands-On Activities to Spark Creativity, Ignite Conversations and Promote Problem-Solving (K–12)

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

Plaza 2

Join us for this engaging session as we delve into the world of meaningful, hands-on activities that will spark creativity, ignite conversations, and promote problem-solving skills. Be prepared to embark on a cross-curricular journey of discovery, armed with a wide array of practical resources and innovative ideas. Participants are guaranteed to leave the workshop with a collection of carefully curated activities and lessons that you can seamlessly integrate into your classroom, starting as early as Monday morning.

Speakers

Chris Gonsalvez

Executive Staff Officer, ATA

Saturday October 5, 2024 9:00am - 10:15am MDT
Plaza 2

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

10:30am MDT

Improving Teaching and Learning Through Professional Growth Plans (K–12)

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

Plaza 2

This session will provide teachers with an opportunity to reflect on their understanding of provincial legislation, policy and other requirements related to teacher professional growth, promote awareness of the effective components of a professional growth plan, and share materials and tools that can be accessed to assist in the development of those plans. The session will also address the implications for teacher evaluation and permanent certification.

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 →

Saturday October 5, 2024 10:30am - 11:45am MDT
Plaza 2

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