ESTCA 2025: Full Schedule

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Bel Air Direct is a proud to sponsor the 2025 ATA Conventions
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GOOSECHASE - Digital Scavenger Hunt
Please join us on Goosechase our digital scavenger hunt to win prizes! it will open Feb. 12th
Here is how to win and have fun:
1) Download Goosechase App on your apps store or google play
2) Find the mission ESTCA 2025 and Join the experience
3) Use password Estca and you are in
4) Start missions!
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Morning Selections 7:30 - 11:00 (Hall B) :
Slice of Banana or Zucchini bread (vegetarian) $3.25, Fruit to go cups (vegan/gluten free) $3.25 Yogurt Parfait Cup (vegetarian) $ 3.25

Beverages Selection:
Bottled Water $4.00
Soft Drinks $3.50
Canned Juices $3.50
Starbucks Coffee (12oz) $3.00

Concession/Collaboration Lounge - Lunch Specials 11:00 - 15:00 (Hall B) :
Old Fashioned Ham, tuna & egg Salad sandwich $5.00
Bistro Sandwich $7.50
Crudites in a Cup (vegan/gluten free) $3.75
Whole Fruit - $2.25
Gluten Free Granola Gar (gluten free/vegetarian) $4.75
Assorted Cookies (vegetarian) $2.50

Hot Specials Lunch -
Daily -
Chefs Choice Daily Soup with brioche bread $5.00
Pizza (Hawaiian, pepperoni & Cheese $5.00
Thursday - Ukrainian Box with Perogies, kielbasa and lazy cabbage rolls $12.00
Friday - Teriyaki Chicken $12.00

10:00am MST

OFFSITE: Art Gallery Tour (Ticket Purchase Required)

Thursday February 13, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am MST

Off site

You must purchase a ticket for this session - Tickets will be available January 20th - Cost is $10.00. No transportation will be provided.

Featuring a selection of works as varied as the collecting visions as the people who have lent them, A Look Within provides a view into the wide range of approaches, passions and interests that drive practices of collecting. In honour of their 100th anniversaries, the exhibition Knowledge Made Concrete draws from the AGA’s Permanent Collection, showcasing works by AUArts alumni and faculty. Ekow Nimako: Building Black Civilizations - Journey of 2,000 Ships features an Afrofuturistic reimagining of ancient African kingdoms. Using LEGO® bricks as his medium, Nimako explores the mysterious 14th century sea voyage of the predecessor of Mansa Musa, ruler of the Mali Empire. Probably, Plausibly, Possibly is the newest iteration of our Children’s Gallery seeking to imagine what the AGA will be another 100 years into the future.

Thursday February 13, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am MST
Off site

Div1-4

10:30am MST

ARTA Café

Thursday February 13, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am MST

Salon F

Teachers Convention can be exhausting - fuel up with coffee and a snack, provided by the Alberta Retired Teachers Association! Volunteers from our local branches will be waiting to greet you and answer any questions you may have about retirement, social opportunities, and what to do when you aren't governed by the bell anymore. Join us for a sweet treat, a cup of coffee, and a minute to recharge before heading to your next session.

Thursday February 13, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am MST
Salon F

Div1-4

10:30am MST

Counting Time

Thursday February 13, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am MST

Salon 08

Adapting a process for collecting data on hours of work, both instructional and assignable, defining assignable time, and monitoring time assignments.

Speakers

Dave Matson

ATA Staff Officer, Alberta Teachers' Association

A rolling stone at heart, Dave’s teaching career includes experience teaching high school and International Baccalaureate Physics and Math in a variety of communities including a northern community in Saskatchewan, a rural fishing village in Nova Scotia, a metropolitan city in the... Read More →

Thursday February 13, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am MST
Salon 08

Div1-4

10:30am MST

Equitable Climate Justice in the Classroom

Thursday February 13, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am MST

Salon 06

As educators, it is critical to consider how diversity, inclusion, and equitable our practices are. But how can we ensure that a curricular focus lives alongside a social-justice approach? Join ACEE staff to learn about climate justice, and how to include multiple perspectives when teaching about the climate and environment.
Questions covered include:
What is intersectionality? What is the role of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in understanding climate impacts, resilience, and solutions? What is the role of environmental education in reconciliation? Why are two-eyed seeing and social justice vital climate solutions?

Speakers

Alberta Council for Environmental Education

Environmental Education and Engagement Coordinator, Alberta Council for Environmental Education

Our mission at ACEE is to work collaboratively to advance environmental education in Alberta, with a focus on empowering young people to become environmental stewards. We believe that educating today’s youth is the key to creating a sustainable future for Alberta and beyond.As Northern... Read More →

Thursday February 13, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am MST
Salon 06

Div1-4

10:30am MST

Hands-on Minds On - The Intersection of Trades and STEM in K-12 Education

Thursday February 13, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am MST

Salon 15/16

Dive into an Alberta-based STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) initiative in partnership with Lethbridge Polytechnic that enriches K-12 education with practical trades experience. The session features an interactive opportunity for you to be in your students’ shoes to explore and engage with our free digital and hands-on resources. We'll start with a brief overview of the project and its connections to the mathematics and science curricula and industry. You will then spend the majority of the session interacting with the activities and resources that can be immediately implemented into your practice. We will seek your feedback on classroom application and potential resources. You’ll leave better equipped to answer the question of “Why do I need to learn this?” by connecting mathematics and science concepts to students’ everyday lives.

Speakers

Lethbridge Polytechnic

Hands-on trades-based STEM resources for K-12 teachers.

Thursday February 13, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am MST
Salon 15/16

Div1-4

10:30am MST

HPEC - Elevate your PE Class

Thursday February 13, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am MST

Riverview Room

Join the Health and Physical Education Council of the ATA (HPEC) for an engaging session designed specifically for Physical Education teachers eager to explore innovative approaches to Phys Ed classes and health education. This session will provide practical knowledge and hands-on strategies that you can implement immediately in your classroom.

During this session, we will delve into essential topics such as physical literacy, emphasizing the significance of being active for life, and highlighting the crucial role of movement in overall well-being. Additionally, we will discuss the importance of fostering a sense of belonging and teamwork within physical education settings.

Get ready to leave this session feeling inspired, empowered, and ready to elevate your PE classes to new heights!

Speakers

Nick Brown

Thursday February 13, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am MST
Riverview Room

Div1-4

10:30am MST

Sustaining the Heart of Education: Practical Self-Care Strategies for Educators

Thursday February 13, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am MST

Salon 17/18

The educational landscape is constantly evolving, and with change often comes stress. Whether it’s adapting to new curricula, integrating technology into classrooms, managing shifting expectations from parents and administrators, or navigating the impacts of global events like the pandemic, educators are under immense pressure. This workshop is designed to help educators not only survive but thrive during these turbulent times by focusing on wellbeing strategies that are practical, sustainable, and tailored to the unique challenges of the education sector.
Participants will explore evidence-based techniques to manage stress, build resilience, and create a positive work-life balance, even in the face of uncertainty. The workshop will offer sector-specific examples, from handling unexpected disruptions in the classroom to supporting students through their own stress. Educators will engage in reflective exercises, collaborative discussions, and interactive activities that empower them to take control of their wellbeing, no matter what changes come their way.
By the end of this session, attendees will leave with a personalized toolkit of strategies to maintain their mental health, enhance their professional effectiveness, and foster a supportive and resilient school community.

Learning Outcomes:
Understand the impact of stress and change on educator wellbeing.
Implement practical strategies to manage stress and enhance resilience during periods of change.
Create and maintain a healthy work-life balance amidst the demands of the educational profession.
Develop a supportive network and school culture that prioritizes wellbeing in times of stress.

Speakers

Kolbi Cameron

Thursday February 13, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am MST
Salon 17/18

Div1-4

10:30am MST

Tree Teachings: Combining Indigenous Earth Science & Western Science

Thursday February 13, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am MST

Salon 03

Join Valerie Miller to be introduced to Tree Teachings, Indigenous-authored science resources that combine Indigenous science and western science. Six resources have been (or are soon to be) developed looking at trees that span Canada and share significance to multiple Indigenous populations: Wáhta (Sugar Maple), Azaadi (Aspen), Giizhik (Cedar), Mitigomizh (Oak), Baapaagimaak (Ash) and Mashkiigwaatig (Tamarack). Explore the virtual resources and hands-on components developed by an Indigenous educator and a collective of Elders, Knowledge Keepers, Indigenous academics, scientists and educators.

Speakers

Valerie Miller

Future Energy Systems

Valerie Miller (she/her) is the Outreach and Engagement Lead for Future Energy Systems and has a PhD in land reclamation from the University of Alberta. Valerie supports personnel to share research with audiences through opportunities like tours, videos, books, talks, and in-person/online... Read More →

Thursday February 13, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am MST
Salon 03

Div1-4

10:30am MST

Viral Literacy: Teaching Reading Skills Through Wordle and other Games

Thursday February 13, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am MST

Salon 09

Teachers often use games like Wordle as a time filler during class. This session will introduce ways to take viral games and use them effectively as literacy (and numeracy!) rich activities.

Speakers

Kristy Bruce

Kristy Bruce is a grade 7 teacher in Battle River School Division.

Thursday February 13, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am MST
Salon 09

Div1-4

10:30am MST

OFFSITE: Edmonton Public Library Cooking Session (Ticket Purchase Required)

Thursday February 13, 2025 10:30am - 12:30pm MST

Off site

You must purchase a ticket for this session - Tickets will be available January 20th - Cost is $20.00. No transportation will be provided.

Join Mandy Beamish and Braidy Borris for a hands-on Foods session focused on making a New York-style cheesecake with a lemon curd topping. This interactive session will offer participants the chance to learn valuable baking skills while creating a delicious dessert. The Kitchen is located on the south east corner of the second floor of the Stanley A. Milner Library, and is only accessible through the library entrances.

Thursday February 13, 2025 10:30am - 12:30pm MST
Off site

Div1-4

11:45am MST

AI Prompting for Teacher Success

Thursday February 13, 2025 11:45am - 12:45pm MST

Salon 08

Discover how to harness the power of AI chatbots like ChatGPT to enhance your teaching practice! In this hands-on professional development session, you’ll learn how to craft effective prompts to get tailored, high-quality results including generating engaging lesson plans, creating differentiated instructional materials, or brainstorming new pedagogical strategies. Perfect for beginners and seasoned tech users alike, this session will equip you with practical skills to use AI as a creative collaborator and thinking partner. Leave with ready-to-use examples, prompt templates, and confidence to make AI work for you in the classroom.

Speakers

Chris Gonsalvez

Executive Staff Officer, Alberta Teachers' Association

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 →

Thursday February 13, 2025 11:45am - 12:45pm MST
Salon 08

Div1-4

11:45am MST

ARTA and the ARTA Benefit Plans - Looking Ahead to New Futures

Thursday February 13, 2025 11:45am - 12:45pm MST

Salon 17/18

If you are considering retirement within the next five years, then you’ve got some big decisions just around the corner. Make sure you’re ready for them! This presentation will go over everything you need to know about the Alberta Retired Teachers’ Association (ARTA), including programs and perks available to members and, of course, the nationally acclaimed Health Benefit Plans, complete with information on all the health, travel, and dental benefits ARTA offers. A current retired teacher will provide important points to consider before making the leap into retirement and will touch on some retirement lessons they’ve learned from experience. Join us to discover how ARTA can give you the support you need to begin this new, exciting adventure.

Speakers

Jennifer Hope

Manager of Marketing and Promotions, Alberta Retired Teachers' Assocation

The Alberta Retired Teachers’ Association (ARTA) was founded in 1963 as a member run, non-profit organization set on addressing the needs of retired teachers around the province. Today, ARTA is over 31,000 members strong and offers a long list of services, including one of the best... Read More →

Thursday February 13, 2025 11:45am - 12:45pm MST
Salon 17/18

Div1-4

11:45am MST

Cultivating Compassion: Building a Safe and Supportive School Enviornment for All

Thursday February 13, 2025 11:45am - 12:45pm MST

Salon 13/14

In this session, we will explore how compassion can be intentionally embedded into the fabric of school culture, benefiting students, teachers, school leaders, and support staff alike. Attendees will share practical strategies to foster compassion in daily interactions and schoolwide practices. We'll discuss why compassion serves as a powerful lever for creating psychological safety, enhancing mental well-being, and building stronger, more resilient educational communities. Join us to discover how compassionate practices can lead to more inclusive, supportive, and psychologically safe environments where all members of the school community can thrive.

Speakers

Lisa Everitt

Executive Staff Officer, Government

Dr. Lisa Everitt has dedicated her career to the field of education, commencing with working as a teacher in both the North West Territories and in Parkland School Division. Since 2006, she has served as an executive staff officer with the Alberta Teachers Association. Throughout... Read More →

Thursday February 13, 2025 11:45am - 12:45pm MST
Salon 13/14

Div1-4

11:45am MST

Design Thinking Quest - Navigating Innovation in Schools

Thursday February 13, 2025 11:45am - 12:45pm MST

Salon 09

Explore how Design Thinking can transform your teaching by fostering creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking. This hands-on, student-centered approach empowers students to tackle real-world challenges through innovative problem-solving. In this session, educators will learn to integrate Design Thinking into their practices, promoting active learning and deep engagement. Participants will discover key principles, practical applications across subjects and grade levels, and real-world examples demonstrating the positive impact on student engagement and problem-solving skills.

Speakers

Terra Lee Gratton

Innovative Teaching & Learning Consultant, St.Paul School Division

Terra-Lee is the Innovative Teaching & Learning Consultant at the St. Paul School Division, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to the realm of education. Holding a Master's degree in Instructional Media, she possesses a deep-rooted passion for integrating Educational Technology... Read More →

Thursday February 13, 2025 11:45am - 12:45pm MST
Salon 09

Div1-4

11:45am MST

ECO Schools

Thursday February 13, 2025 11:45am - 12:45pm MST

Salon 06

Are you an educator in Alberta passionate about integrating environmental, climate, and sustainability action into your school curriculum? Join the Alberta Council for Environmental Education for a workshop that focuses on the EcoSchools Canada certification program—a curriculum-linked framework designed to empower students, educators, and schools to take meaningful environmental and climate action. Discover practical strategies, resources, and best practices for implementing EcoSchools in your educational setting and fostering a culture of environmental stewardship and sustainability.

Speakers

Alberta Council for Environmental Education

Environmental Education and Engagement Coordinator, Alberta Council for Environmental Education

Thursday February 13, 2025 11:45am - 12:45pm MST
Salon 06

Div1-4

11:45am MST

Experiments, Videos, Stories: Explore STEM REsources for All Grades

Thursday February 13, 2025 11:45am - 12:45pm MST

Salon 03

Energy. Climate change. The environment. The future. All important and of concern for many students. We’re here to help bring them into the classroom!

Join Valerie Miller, PhD, of Future Energy Systems to learn about the University of Alberta’s world-leading research that will help Canada transition to a low net carbon economy, and explore educational resources produced by the program, available for free and ranging from kindergarten to high school content. Try some of our demos, explore classroom activities, games, and videos, find connections with our free children’s book series, and more.

Speakers

Valerie Miller

Future Energy Systems

Thursday February 13, 2025 11:45am - 12:45pm MST
Salon 03

Div1-4

11:45am MST

Playwriting for the LA and Drama Classrooms

Thursday February 13, 2025 11:45am - 12:45pm MST

Salon 01

What is a play? What goes into the writing of a play? What can I learn through writing a play? This session breaks down the skills of playwrighting into some small digestible exercises. We all have stories to tell, and this program will show teachers how they can encourage their students to write through the lens of a playwright. Perfect for your LA, Drama, Social Studies and CALM classroom and adaptable to all grade levels!

Speakers

Workshop West Playwrights' Theatre

Youth Education and Outreach Coordinator, Workshop West Playwrights' Theatre

We offer in-school playwrighting workshops for high school, junior high, and elementary classrooms. Our program guides students to write their own plays and is facilitated by our skilled teaching artists.

Rebecca Bissonette

Thursday February 13, 2025 11:45am - 12:45pm MST
Salon 01

Div1-4

11:45am MST

Robot Bootcamp

Thursday February 13, 2025 11:45am - 12:45pm MST

Salon 05

Does your school have robots but you’re not sure how to use them in your classroom? Strengthen your students’ problem-solving skills and engage creatively with the curriculum through robotic exploration! This session will provide you with the foundational knowledge to help your students code a robot through block-based coding. Learn how computational thinking skills such as pattern recognition, algorithm design, and debugging are necessary when coding and how to connect ro-botics to curricular concepts in any subject. Get hands-on experience with a robot and walk away with a few project ideas to use in your classroom!
The skills learned in this workshop will be transferrable to whatever robots your school has access to.
Devices will be supplied for this session.

Speakers

Whitney Horban

Northern Coding Academy, TELUS World of Science - Edmonton

TELUS World of Science – Edmonton is dedicated to fostering life-long learning by creating a vibrant science and technology culture in our region. We offer a diverse array of in-person and virtual school programs. Our programs are connected to the Alberta curriculum and designed... Read More →

Bernadette Blakey

Thursday February 13, 2025 11:45am - 12:45pm MST
Salon 05

Div1-4

11:45am MST

Teaching with Big Beautiful Problems in a Thinking Classroom: Continuing the Journey

Thursday February 13, 2025 11:45am - 12:45pm MST

Salon 04

Experience the joy of teaching with big, beautiful math problems in a Thinking Classroom. Whether you’re just beginning or have been teaching this way for a while, let’s get together and collaborate! I will share my experiences implementing Peter Liljedahl’s Thinking Classroom framework over the last 10+ years (starting with a problem, managing the flow, consolidating the learning, and figuring out assessment). I'll also show you where to find all the big, beautiful problems!

Speakers

Alicia Burdess

Numeracy Lead Teacher, Grande Prairie and District Catholic Schools

Alicia Burdess has been a teacher, assistant principal, and math coach with Grande Prairie and District Catholic Schools since 2005. Alicia’s passion is teaching through problem solving in a Thinking Classroom; she enjoys working with students and teachers implementing Peter Liljedahl's... Read More →

Thursday February 13, 2025 11:45am - 12:45pm MST
Salon 04

Div1-4

12:30pm MST

OFFSITE: John Walter Museum - Historical Houses Tour/Dipped Candles (Ticket Purchase Required)

Thursday February 13, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm MST

Off site

You must purchase a ticket for this session - Tickets will be available January 20th - Cost is $10.00. No transportation will be provided.

Step back in time and discover the changes our city has undergone through the lens of the Walter family. Tour two pioneer-style homes and one Victorian-era style home with a tour guide. Reminisce over wood stoves, humble parlours, and classic log-cabin comfort. Participants will enjoy making a paraffin wax dipped candle to take home with them.

Thursday February 13, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm MST
Off site

Div1-4

1:00pm MST

Code of Professional Conduct: Navigating the Alberta Teaching Profession's Processes

Thursday February 13, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST

Salon 06

This session will outline the new discipline process in place relating to complaints of unprofessional conduct and incompetence. Teachers will learn about the stages of the new discipline process, new requirements in the Code of Professional Conduct and some strategies to avoid being the subject of a complaint.

Speakers

Gordon King

Executive Staff Officer, ATA

Gordon King is an Executive Staff Officer in Regulatory Affairs with the ATA. He represents members caught up in the new disciplinary process rendered by the Alberta Teaching Profession Commission. He will answer your questions, share his experiences, and give advice on how to keep... Read More →

Thursday February 13, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
Salon 06

Div1-4

1:00pm MST

Enhancing Well-Being, Enhance Learning: The CSH Approach

Thursday February 13, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST

Salon 17/18

Healthy students learn better and achieve better outcomes. The comprehensive school health (CSH) framework is Alberta’s roadmap for school health and wellness. CSH begins with you, right in your classroom! Join us for an engaging discussion on hot topics that directly impact you and your students. Together, let’s demystify CSH and explore strategies that enhance well-being and learning for students and staff in your classroom – leading to meaningful and lasting change.

Speakers

Dawn Fortune

Health Promotion Facilitator, Alberta Health Services

Dawn Fortune is a Health Promotion Facilitator (HPF) with the Healthy Schools (HS) team with Alberta Health Services. The HS team’s role is to develop partnerships with stakeholders to affect policy change, leverage resources, increase capacity, and plan effective, coordinated... Read More →

Thursday February 13, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
Salon 17/18

Div1-4

1:00pm MST

First Nations Protocol: Essential Insights for Respectful Engagement

Thursday February 13, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST

Salon 08

This session offers valuable insights into the significance of First Nations protocol, presented by Phillip Campiou, a respected Elder and knowledge keeper from the Driftpile Cree Nation. The discussion will explore the importance of integrating these protocols into various settings and provide practical guidance on how to do so respectfully and effectively.

Speakers

Phillip Campiou

Elder, Driftpile Cree Nation

Phillip Campiou, a member of the Traditional Woodland Cree from Driftpile Cree Nation, Alberta, has made his home in the Onoway area. Growing up, Phillip's father instilled in him the principles of self-sufficiency and profound respect for Mother Earth and spiritual teachings. As... Read More →

Thursday February 13, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
Salon 08

Div1-4

1:00pm MST

kiyokewin - Visiting with Community and Metis Education Resouces

Thursday February 13, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST

Salon 04

kiyokewin is visiting in Michif. kiyokewin is a traditional way in which Métis people connect and shape community and relationships with each other, the land, water, plants, cosmos, and animals. In this session you will learn how kiyokewin can educators, students and community connect more deeply. Rupertsland Institute will share how many initiatives, resources and programs are created through kiyokewin. Explore how meeting the TQS/LQS.SQS standard of fostering, building and maintaining relationships is woven into authentic Métis resources.

Speakers

Holly Brandsma

Metis Education Consultant, Rupertsland Institute

Rupertsland Centre for Teaching and Learning develops comprehensive foundational knowledge resources, engaging lesson plans, meaningful professional development opportunities and authentic classroom learning tools that speak accurately and meaningfully to topics in Métis educati... Read More →

Thursday February 13, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
Salon 04

Div1-4

1:00pm MST

OmniBall

Thursday February 13, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST

Riverview Room

Speakers

Dustin Blake

Administrator, NLPS

I have been teaching in Northern Lights for 16 years now. My career started at Duclos teaching grade 1 and then I moved onto HEB for 6 years as the PE teacher. The past 8 years I have been teaching at Iron River School, and this will be my third year as the Principal. I have a passion... Read More →

Thursday February 13, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
Riverview Room

Div1-4

1:00pm MST

Re-thinking Student Individualized Program Plans (IPP's): Moving from conference to conversation

Thursday February 13, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST

Salon 01

While student Individualized Program Plan (IPP) meetings are key processes to create and support meaningful learning opportunities for students, these meetings can create tensions and uncertainties for families (Alberta Education, 2015). As a result, misunderstandings and communication breakdowns between families and school teams can occur. The session “Student Individualized Program Plan (IPPs): Moving from conference to conversation” will provide educators with a greater insight into a parent’s perspective of IPP meetings. Combined with educational theory and lived experiences, this session will present approaches and structures to support more authentic and collaborative IPP conversations with families that centres the gifts and abilities of students.

Speakers

Brittany Ouellette

Ph.D. Candidate, School Administrator

Brittany is a certified K-12 Educator and School Administrator in Alberta. She obtained a Master’s degree from the University of Alberta in Educational Psychology and is now a Ph.D. candidate. During her career, Brittany has worked collaboratively with educators as both a Learning... Read More →

Thursday February 13, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
Salon 01

Div1-4

1:00pm MST

Teacher Safety Net

Thursday February 13, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST

Salon 05

Over many years the Association has been able to construct 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

Dave Matson

ATA Staff Officer, Alberta Teachers' Association

ATA Staff Officer

Thursday February 13, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
Salon 05

Div1-4

1:00pm MST

Teacher/EA relationship building

Thursday February 13, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST

Salon 02

So you have an EA assigned to student programming? Now what? Whether you are a new teacher or a veteran teacher, having an EA assigned to a student or a group of students’ program can be a daunting task or an exciting and welcome opportunity for you to develop professional knowledge and skills. Coming from a place of relationship, bound with a common goal to help students learn, the Indigenous value of wahkohtowin, will support teachers and EA’s to move beyond roles and responsibilities and focus on the teamwork required for all parties to be successful.

Speakers

Laurie Thompson

Principal, NLPS - Kikino

Laurie Thompson has been an Indigenous educational leader for 30 years. She is committed to supporting training and education to support teacher quality standards and leadership quality standards. Following the Indigenous value of wahkohtowin (kinship) Laurie is committing to Indigenous... Read More →

Thursday February 13, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
Salon 02

Div1-4

1:00pm MST

Unlocking Creativity: The Power of Makerspaces in Education

Thursday February 13, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST

Salon 09

Dive into the world of Makerspaces and discover how they can revolutionize student learning. In this session, we’ll explore diverse projects—ranging from no tech to high tech—that encourage hands-on experiences and foster creativity. Learn how to create a dynamic environment where students can engage in meaningful, interactive learning, enhancing their ability to retain information and solve problems. Walk away with practical strategies and project ideas to implement Makerspaces in your own classroom, inspiring innovation and collaboration among your students.

Speakers

Terra Lee Gratton

Innovative Teaching & Learning Consultant, St.Paul School Division

Thursday February 13, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
Salon 09

Div1-4

1:00pm MST

OFFSITE: Edmonton Public Library Cooking Session (Ticket Purchase Required)

Thursday February 13, 2025 1:00pm - 3:00pm MST

Off site

Thursday February 13, 2025 1:00pm - 3:00pm MST
Off site

Div1-4

1:30pm MST

OFFSITE: Royal Alberta Museam - Object-Based Learning and Language (Ticket Purchase Required)

Thursday February 13, 2025 1:30pm - 3:00pm MST

Off site

You must purchase a ticket for this session - Tickets will be available January 20th - Cost is $10.00. No transportation will be provided.

This interactive session will show you how Object-Based Learning can support language acquisition in your classroom! Through hands-on activities, you'll discover how objects can inspire creativity, engage the senses, and enhance language learning. You’ll leave with fresh ideas on making language learning tactile, dynamic, and memorable. This workshop can be adapted to different grades or language proficiency levels.

Thursday February 13, 2025 1:30pm - 3:00pm MST
Off site

Div1-4

2:15pm MST

ASEBP Benefit Overview Presentation

Thursday February 13, 2025 2:15pm - 3:15pm MST

Salon 06

Whether you are a new covered member or not, this session can help you learn about the wide range of benefits, programs and services we offer.
In this presentation you will discover how to get the most from your coverage, our different tools and platforms, the benefits of spending accounts and more!

Speakers

ASEBP

The Alberta School Employee Benefit Plan (ASEBP) is more than health insurance—we’re health champions. We provide sustainable, holistic health benefits, programs and services and are there to support you and your employer throughout your personal and workplace wellness journeys. We... Read More →

Thursday February 13, 2025 2:15pm - 3:15pm MST
Salon 06

Div1-4

2:15pm MST

Extended Disability

Thursday February 13, 2025 2:15pm - 3:15pm MST

Salon 05

Understanding extended disability and long-term disability benefits can be challenging. The session provides an overview of this benefit and its eligibility, a review of best practices on applying for the benefit and outlines supports the Association offers to members during the application and, potentially, the appeal process.

Speakers

Dave Matson

ATA Staff Officer, Alberta Teachers' Association

ATA Staff Officer

Thursday February 13, 2025 2:15pm - 3:15pm MST
Salon 05

Div1-4

2:15pm MST

Financial Wellness - It's More Than Just Investements!

Thursday February 13, 2025 2:15pm - 3:15pm MST

Salon 17/18

Why is it important to prioritize our financial well-being? Being financially prepared is essential because it's not just about money; it's a fundamental aspect of overall wellness. Neglecting financial health can lead to stress and affect mental well-being, making it harder to navigate life's challenges.

For educators, who often prioritize the needs of others over their own, focusing on personal wellness, including financial wellness, is imperative. Studies show that 40% of financially unstable Canadians experience stress related to their finances. This stress permeates their work life, with 88% reporting frequent worries and 49% admitting it affects their job performance.

But what if there were simple tools that could alleviate this stress? This session aims to provide such tools, offering practical steps that can be implemented easily.

In this session, you will learn how to identify any financial gaps that you may have, how to prepare for the unknown (financial emergencies and unexpected costs), and how to plan for your expected financial needs (home down payment, kids' post-secondary tuition, additional retirement funds). We will explore investment options, look at market dynamics, and using our core strategies we will set you up to make informed financial decisions.

Being financially prepared isn't just about avoiding financial pitfalls; it's about building resilience and understanding and securing peace of mind in the face of life's uncertainties.

Speakers

Elizabeth Walton

Marketing and Communications Manager, Capital Planning

Capital Planning is the preferred financial planner for the ATA and the providers of the ATA Voluntary Benefits Program, which includes the ATA Group Savings Plans. We have been proudly helping Alberta teachers and their families for over 40 years. At teachers conventions, we focus... Read More →

Thursday February 13, 2025 2:15pm - 3:15pm MST
Salon 17/18

Div1-4

2:15pm MST

Learn to Live Forward - Lessons In Resilience!

Thursday February 13, 2025 2:15pm - 3:15pm MST

Salon 19/20

How do you transform your fears, chronic stress and burnouts from energy-draining experiences into fuels for your passion and purpose?
This is the question Chidi Iwuchukwu has asked thousands of people, and the responses gives true insights into what makes us resilient ,optimistic and persistent.
This keynote is crafted to help learners in educational settings see difficulties as
opportunities for personal and professional growth. By harnessing humor, engaging storytelling, insightful questions, and actionable advice, Chidi aims to inspire educators to navigate life's pressures with optimism and confidence. Kidnapped at gunpoint and held for ransom, Chidi Iwuchukwu lives to share his remarkable journey from overcoming harrowing life experiences to become “The PRO Guy- Persistent, Resilient and Optimistic” and it rings true in every sense of the words. His amazing story of survival and thriving will wow your audience. Watch as he uses impactful story telling, insightful questions, and engagement on your stage to share on staring terror, trauma and torture in the face, coming back from the brink, imperatives of self-care, actionable insights to transform self-care ideas into reality, and practical and battle-tested strategies to build resilience. Chidi will rock your stage with his presence, passion, purpose. Chidi’s vulnerability, openness and insights not only inspires but transforms an audience! As an experienced Toastmaster, he meticulously crafts every winning performance in order to make a difference with his message. His dynamic aura on stage turns to dynamite instantly!
He knows how to build motivation, amp up his audience through emotional rollercoasters with laughing, crying and reflecting together to deliver lasting results. If Chidi can survive and thrive given all life has thrown at him, anyone can overcome and soar. Arriving at this self-evident truth will take a soul-searching and self-reflective journey from stories he shares from the stage.
This is not just a keynote. This is an immersive performance.

Speakers

Chidi Iwuchukwu

Kidnapped at gunpoint and held for ransom, Chidi Iwuchukwu lives to share his remarkable journey from overcoming harrowing life experiences to becoming a bestselling author and community leader. Having survived a terrifying kidnapping and battled cancer, Chidi has not only thrived... Read More →

Thursday February 13, 2025 2:15pm - 3:15pm MST
Salon 19/20

Div1-4

2:15pm MST

Move Over Cigarettes: Vapes and Nicotine Puches are Hooking Our Youth

Thursday February 13, 2025 2:15pm - 3:15pm MST

Salon 03

Alberta Health Services health professionals will discuss vaping and nicotine pouch use amongst youth.

Participants will learn:
• Trends in and prevalence rates of e-cigarette use for school aged youth in Alberta
• Best practices for preventing nicotine use
• An overview on nicotine pouches
• Marketing tactics targeting youth
• Grade appropriate prevention education for schools
• A summary of available resources for students and teachers to prevent and reduce nicotine use by young people

Speakers

Alberta Health Services - Tobacco, Vaping and Cannabis Program

Health Promotion Facilitator, Alberta Health Services

Alberta Health Services Tobacco, Vaping & Cannabis Program will display resources for teachers to use in their classrooms. Teachers may take as many resources as they need. All resources are free of charge. A list of online resources will also be available for teachers. The exhibitor... Read More →

Thursday February 13, 2025 2:15pm - 3:15pm MST
Salon 03

Div1-4

2:15pm MST

Snowflakes and Stories: Embracing Winter's Narrative Tradition

Thursday February 13, 2025 2:15pm - 3:15pm MST

Salon 08

In this engaging session, immerse yourself in the art of traditional oral storytelling and the integration of Indigenous literature across elementary and secondary education. Uncover narratives of resilience that enrich understanding and foster empathy. Gain foundational knowledge to seamlessly weave storytelling into your classroom, unlocking its potential to ignite curiosity, empathy, and cultural appreciation.

Speakers

Phillip Campiou

Elder, Driftpile Cree Nation

Thursday February 13, 2025 2:15pm - 3:15pm MST
Salon 08

Div1-4

2:15pm MST

The b. Class®

Thursday February 13, 2025 2:15pm - 3:15pm MST

Riverview Room

The b. class® is a women-only dance/fitness class. Through music, movement and especially powerful messaging, The b. class® allows for freedom from structure and encourages women to continuously learn, transform and grow. The b. class® delivers a wonderful workout for the body, it also helps shake things up and out of the mind. Women walk away feeling stronger and empowered to live their most authentic lives. Low lights and loud music make the perfect space for women to move freely and really listen and connect to themselves.

Speakers

Sabrina Heydorn

Teacher

WHAT IS THE B. CLASS?Liberate your soul, ignite your spark and "b." YOU.As a 'unique Brand', The b. class® is an inspiring women's 'fitness program' designed to let the heart and soul speak. It combines athletic movement with powerful music creating a connection. We support women... Read More →

Thursday February 13, 2025 2:15pm - 3:15pm MST
Riverview Room

Div1-4

2:15pm MST

Visual Impact: Using Canva to Enhance School Communications

Thursday February 13, 2025 2:15pm - 3:15pm MST

Salon 11

Join me for an engaging and hands-on session on how Canva can transform your daily communication practices. Discover the versatile applications of this powerful design tool, perfect for certified teachers, support staff, administrators and admin assistants. Learn how to effortlessly create eye-catching announcements, manage social media posts, design newsletters, craft impactful posters, and utilize customizable templates. I'll also explore Canva's AI functionality to streamline your workflow and enhance creativity. Elevate your communication and visual presentation skills with practical tips and examples you can implement immediately. Don't miss out on this opportunity to bring your ideas to life with Canva!

Speakers

Brandon Isert

Teacher, Northern Lights Public Schools

Brandon Isert is a dedicated educator with over ten years of teaching experience and four years as an online administrator. His leadership style emphasizes empathy, teamwork, and innovative problem-solving. By applying principles of instructional leadership, Brandon offers a fresh... Read More →

Thursday February 13, 2025 2:15pm - 3:15pm MST
Salon 11

Div1-4

2:15pm MST

Woodland Kids: Do Kids Know How to Play On Their Own Anymore?

Thursday February 13, 2025 2:15pm - 3:15pm MST

Salon 09

Woodland Kids: Do kids know how to play on their own anymore? Do they ever go outside anymore? Do adults need to organize and control everything?
This session is how to make a safe, fun, inclusive, outdoor and unstructured play area for students.
Woodland Kids is a unique and popular recess activity where students are able to build structures with natural resources (branches, twigs, logs and bark) in the schoolyard. Woodland Kids is an area where students play freely; there are no structured activities. Students wind up making their own games, and their own social groups, with very interesting games and social structures emerging. Although there is always adult supervision at Woodland Kids, students are encouraged to resolve any conflicts on their own, in order to build their social skills and communication skills. Woodland Kids also has a council, called Woodland Kids Council (made up of Woodland Kids members) to troubleshoot any bigger issues. This session will take you through the process of setting up a Woodland Kids program, along with the benefits and challenges that come with it.

Speakers

Joe MacIsaac

Principal, Landing Trial Intermediate School

Thursday February 13, 2025 2:15pm - 3:15pm MST
Salon 09

Div1-4

9:30am MST

OFFSITE: John Janzen Nature Centre - Stalking and Tracking - (Ticket Purchase Required)

Friday February 14, 2025 9:30am - 11:30am MST

Off site

John Janzen Nature Centre
Investigate habitats around the Nature Centre for tracks and traces that animals leave behind. Practice identifying tracks with our animal track replicas, hone your hiding skills and practice stalking prey with a game! We'll find who's been wandering through the woods for sure!

Friday February 14, 2025 9:30am - 11:30am MST
Off site

Div1-4

10:00am MST

OFFSITE: CBC Newsroom Tour - (Ticket Purchase Required)

Friday February 14, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am MST

Off site

You must purchase a ticket for this session - Tickets will be available January 20th - Cost is $10.00. No transportation will be provided.

Have you ever wondered what a newsroom looks like? Ever been curious to step on to a TV news set? Sign up for a behind-the-scenes tour of CBC Edmonton. We'll show you where all the radio, TV and news magic happens. The CBC Edmonton newsroom is located in Edmonton City Centre mall. Our address is: 10062 102 Avenue NW, Edmonton City Centre East. You can find us right beside the entrance that is across the street from Churchill Square and the Stanley A. Milner Library. CBC is located inside the mall; first door on the right.

Friday February 14, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am MST
Off site

Div1-4

10:30am MST

AAC - Using AI to Generate Effective and Personalized Assessments that are Aligned to Curriculum - This session is designed for teachers not yet using AI to create classroom assessments and want to learn practical tips and strategies to get started

Friday February 14, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am MST

Salon 13/14

With the increasing demand for personalized learning experiences and the need to align assessments with curriculum objectives, AI presents a powerful solution. This session offers valuable insights and practical strategies to incorporate AI into your educational toolkit. Join us as we explore the frontier of assessment innovation and discover how AI can help you create effective and fair student assessments.

Speakers

AAC Facilitator

Field Service Facilitator, Alberta Assessment Consortium

Alberta Assessment Consortium (AAC) is a not-for-profit registered society funded by membership. We are a recognized education partner in the province of Alberta and an independent voice able to provide an informed response to questions/issues that impact student learning. We provide... Read More →

Friday February 14, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am MST
Salon 13/14

Div1-4

10:30am MST

ASEBP MyRetiree Presentaiton

Friday February 14, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am MST

Salon 06

Retirement can no doubt be both exciting and daunting. Between all the paperwork and planning, let us make one of the items on your checklist a little easier!
During this presentation, you will learn the ins and outs of your health benefits during retirement. From eligibility requirements to different types of coverage, ASEBP has got you covered—literally.

Speakers

ASEBP

Friday February 14, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am MST
Salon 06

Div1-4

10:30am MST

ATRF Steps to Receiving Your Pension

Friday February 14, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am MST

Salon 17/18

This presentation is designed for teachers who are planning to retire during the current year or within the next few years. It provides detailed information about deciding to retire, the Steps to Retirement process and forms, the pension options, and post-retirement considerations.

Speakers

Linda Lau

Pension Counsellor, Alberta Teachers' Retirement Fund (ATRF)

tbd

Friday February 14, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am MST
Salon 17/18

Div1-4

10:30am MST

Empower with Empathy (needs Thursday)

Friday February 14, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am MST

Salon 15/16

This session explores the vital role of humane education in fostering empathy, respect, and understanding among students. We’ll delve into practical strategies that educators can implement to create a supportive learning environment where every student feels valued and heard.

Discover how humane education not only enhances classroom dynamics but also promotes essential life skills such as critical thinking and emotional intelligence. We’ll highlight successful programs and initiatives that integrate humane practices, showcasing how they can transform the educational experience for both students and teachers.

Whether you’re a seasoned educator or new to the field, this presentation will equip you with the tools to become a champion of humane treatment in your classroom, inspiring the next generation of compassionate leaders. Together, let’s cultivate a culture of kindness that extends beyond the classroom and into the community!

Speakers

Meghan Dumanski

Humane Educator, Edmonton Humane Society

I am the Humane Educator at the Edmonton Humane Society. I have always had a passion for animals and for children. As a future educator and a present one, I am so grateful for the opportunity to inspire the youth in being caring companions of society!

Friday February 14, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am MST
Salon 15/16

Div1-4

10:30am MST

Fear not! You and Your Students Can Become Confident Public Speakers

Friday February 14, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am MST

Salon 19/20

Public speaking doesn't have to be a top fear! Carmen Leibel, a former broadcast journalist, now helps people of all ages become confident public speakers. In this interactive session, you'll learn valuable tips and tricks for yourself and your students that you can implement starting next week. Concerned about the rise in online communication during the pandemic, Carmen launched "Project Five" in 2023 to teach public speaking skills. Using engaging activities and five simple steps, Project Five has empowered thousands of students, from elementary to post-secondary, to present confidently, share ideas, and excel in interviews. Join us to transform your and your students' public speaking abilities!

Speakers

Carmen Leibel

Founder & CEO, Project Five

Carmen Leibel spent more than 16 years in broadcast journalism as an anchor, producer, and reporter for CTV and is now the Founder and CEO of Project Five, Communicate with Confidence! During her time with CTV, Carmen spent many years as a health journalist and progressed to the position... Read More →

Friday February 14, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am MST
Salon 19/20

Div1-4

10:30am MST

Helping Students Feel Happier - Insights from Icons

Friday February 14, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am MST

Salon 02

Mercedes and Anastasia Korngut are two Albertan teen sisters who started their company, Small Bits of Happiness, three years ago. Their mission is to help individuals of all ages find more happiness in daily life. As two teens, they understand firsthand the difficulties of teenage-hood, including not only the hormonal changes that teens undergo, but the added stressors of war, post-pandemic life, and beyond. Through their podcast, Hack Your Happiness, the two sisters have spoken to countless Olympic Athletes, entrepreneurs, Oscar-winners, Grammy-winning composers, New York Times Bestselling Authors, marine biologists, NASA scientists, NASCAR drivers, CEOs, and beyond. Through their conversations Mercedes and Anastasia have learned critical advice from these iconic individuals, specifically on the topic of happiness and advice to teens and pre-teens. As many pre-teens and teens struggle to take advice from parents and teachers, in this session, Mercedes and Anastasia share top happiness advice from top iconic individuals, as well as their perspective on finding happiness as two teens. Mercedes and Anastasia share how teachers and educators can guide students to building happy habits, and practicing wellness - all from the perspective of a teen, and iconic interviews.

Speakers

Small Bits of Happiness

Co-founder and CEO, Small Bits of Happiness

- Digital learning platform for building happiness habits- Happiness-wellness products designed by teens for students. Including an activity box featuring 100 unique, simple, and fun things to do to feel happier daily, learn what brings students happiness, and connect a classroom... Read More →

Friday February 14, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am MST
Salon 02

Div1-4

10:30am MST

President Schilling: Unplugged

Friday February 14, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am MST

Salon 11

This session will offer the opportunity to meet with President Schilling in a group setting to discuss matters and issues that are of importance to you and your colleagues. The session will open with a few focus questions from President Schilling followed by an opportunity to have open dialogue on topics generated by the discussion.

Speakers

Jason Schilling

President, ATA

Friday February 14, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am MST
Salon 11

Div1-4

10:30am MST

Role of Community-Based Organizations in Indigenous Education

Friday February 14, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am MST

Salon 08

Join Alberta Native Friendship Centres to explore how community-based non-profits can support Indigenous students in their educational journey by addressing barriers and promoting cultural connection. Discover how programs like Weaving Wicihitowin For Learning support authentic relationships between schools and organizations, like Alberta Friendship Centres to advance overall student outcomes across the four quadrants of the Medicine Wheel: mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual.

Speakers

Madison Properzi

As the Provincial Education Coordinator at ANFCA, Madison Properzi has supported initiatives focused on urban Indigenous education, leading the Weaving Wicihitowin For Learning program. Madison has supported initiatives for youth-centred prevention of human trafficking and sexual... Read More →

Friday February 14, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am MST
Salon 08

Div1-4

11:45am MST

AAC - Empowering Educators: Navigating Grading Reform Through Incremental Changes for Student Success

Friday February 14, 2025 11:45am - 12:45pm MST

Salon 13/14

In the midst of numerous demands on educators' time, adapting teaching practices can be a daunting task. However, we invite educators to embark on a journey toward grading reform success, emphasizing incremental changes and practical strategies. Recognizing the pivotal role grading practices play in shaping student learning experiences, this session is crafted to equip educators with the necessary tools and insights for implementing impactful reforms in their classrooms. Join us as we empower educators to navigate the path toward effective grading practices and enhance student learning outcomes.

Speakers

AAC Facilitator

Field Service Facilitator, Alberta Assessment Consortium

Friday February 14, 2025 11:45am - 12:45pm MST
Salon 13/14

Div1-4

11:45am MST

ATRF - Your Pension Essentials

Friday February 14, 2025 11:45am - 12:45pm MST

Salon 17/18

This presentation is designed specifically for teachers that have recently joined the plan. It provides a general overview of the plan, including information about pension contributions, maintaining your spouse/beneficiary information, the eligibility requirements for a pension, purchasing leaves of absences and substitute service, and transferring service with another pension plan.

Speakers

Linda Lau

Pension Counsellor, Alberta Teachers' Retirement Fund (ATRF)

tbd

Friday February 14, 2025 11:45am - 12:45pm MST
Salon 17/18

Div1-4

11:45am MST

Celebrating Intercultural Connection and Inclusion in Physical Education

Friday February 14, 2025 11:45am - 12:45pm MST

Salon 05

Join Ever Active Schools as we explore ways to foster inclusivity, enrich learning, and promote a global perspective within your physical education program. This session samples activities from International Games, a resource featuring lesson plans from 9 countries. Learn the process used to develop the student-led resource, and spark ideas for how to celebrate the unique cultures of your school community.

Speakers

Ever Active Schools

Health & Wellness Consultant, Everactive Schools

Ever Active Schools is a registered national charity designed to create and support healthy school communities. We engage and support schools through a Comprehensive School Health framework, which addresses health and education goals to improve the social outcomes of children and... Read More →

Friday February 14, 2025 11:45am - 12:45pm MST
Salon 05

Div1-4

11:45am MST

Food for Thought Unlocking the Link Between Your Nutrition and Mental Wellbeing

Friday February 14, 2025 11:45am - 12:45pm MST

Salon 01

Does stress influence food choices or do food choices influence stress? Both! Join an AHS Registered Dietitian to learn about the connection between your food, brain, and body. This 1-hour workshop will translate the latest science in nutrition and mental wellbeing into practical nutrition strategies tailored for busy teachers. Participants will leave equipped with tangible steps to support their own wellbeing through food, and in turn, the wellbeing of their students.

Speakers

Jessica Dugan

Registered Dietitian, Alberta Health Services

Jessica Dugan is a Public Health Dietitian in Central Zone. In this role she engages with local, regional, and provincial partners to improve nutrition through consultation, education, evaluation, and collaboration.

Friday February 14, 2025 11:45am - 12:45pm MST
Salon 01

Div1-4

11:45am MST

Lost In Distraction: Navigating the Challenges with Distraction

Friday February 14, 2025 11:45am - 12:45pm MST

Salon 08

We are habitually distracted people. A recent study concluded that college students switch tasks every 65 seconds, focusing on a single topic for no more than 19 seconds at a time. If we as working adults think that we are doing signifcantly better than Gen Z, the average working adult focuses on a single task for an average of about 3 minutes. We are often quick to blame social media and devices, and these things certainly play a significant factor in our ability to stay focused. The amount of information that we take in every day is absolutely astonishing. Research done at the University of Catalonia in 2007 concluded that if you added up all the information humans take in every day, which includes television, podcasts, books, or any other media, it would add up to 174, 85 page newspapers per day. Add 15 years to that study, and think of the astounding amounts of information our brains are processing today. Our brains are constantly being barraged with an amount of information that is impossible for us to effectively process. This creates a myriad of problems in our classrooms on a daily basis. Students struggle to engage productively, and are facing monumental mental health challenges amidst the chaos.

Join me as we delve into the roots of distraction, exploring its profound impact on educators and classrooms. We'll discuss strategies to combat this epidemic, equipping you to foster focus and engagement in our students.

Speakers

Ron Wiebe

Ron has been an educator for 10 years. He has held various positions such as classroom teacher, Inclusive Ed Coordinator, Assistant Principal and is currently a Principal at a grade K-9 school in northern Alberta. Ron strives towards a model where everyone is successful and enjoys... Read More →

Friday February 14, 2025 11:45am - 12:45pm MST
Salon 08

Div1-4

11:45am MST

Monique Gray Smith

Friday February 14, 2025 11:45am - 12:45pm MST

Salon 09

Friday February 14, 2025 11:45am - 12:45pm MST
Salon 09

Div1-4

11:45am MST

Pick up the Phone

Friday February 14, 2025 11:45am - 12:45pm MST

Salon 03

Why calling home is so important. Tips and tricks to deal with difficult parents. Strategies to use that will reduce anxiety around calling home and simple solutions to ensure a successful call home.

Friday February 14, 2025 11:45am - 12:45pm MST
Salon 03

Div1-4

11:45am MST

Using AI to Enhance Human Centred Work

Friday February 14, 2025 11:45am - 12:45pm MST

Salon 11

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

Chris Gonsalvez

Executive Staff Officer, Alberta Teachers' Association

Friday February 14, 2025 11:45am - 12:45pm MST
Salon 11

Div1-4

11:45am MST

Neuropainting - Art to Connect the Conscious and Unconscious Self ($10.00 fee at door)

Friday February 14, 2025 11:45am - 2:00pm MST

Salon 15/16

In this hands-on workshop, participants will use Neuropainting to create a watercolour painting. The technique allows participants to transform the emotions that we feel into a piece of visual art. This technique can be used in the art classroom, the counselling space, or in any classroom needs to build more emotional intelligence.

Speakers

Kristy Bruce

Kristy Bruce is a grade 7 teacher in Battle River School Division.

Friday February 14, 2025 11:45am - 2:00pm MST
Salon 15/16

Div1-4

12:00pm MST

OFFSITE: Art Gallery Tour - (Ticket Purchase Required)

Friday February 14, 2025 12:00pm - 1:00pm MST

Off site

Friday February 14, 2025 12:00pm - 1:00pm MST
Off site

Div1-4

12:00pm MST

OFFSITE: Edmonton Valley Zoo - Endangered Species - (Ticket Purchase Required)

Friday February 14, 2025 12:00pm - 1:30pm MST

Off site

You must purchase a ticket for this session - Tickets will be available January 20th - Cost is $10.00. No transportation will be provided.

Meet some of the world’s most endangered species and discover ways that you and the Zoo can help protect and preserve endangered animals here and around the globe! We’ll examine artifacts that come from endangered species, meet an animal up close and personal, and participate in discussions to help your students understand why so many animals are endangered. As we visit the Zoo’s endangered animals, students will learn about our Species Survival Plan and the conservation efforts that the zoo supports.

Friday February 14, 2025 12:00pm - 1:30pm MST
Off site

Div1-4

1:00pm MST

AAC - Mapping Your Assessment Plan

Friday February 14, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST

Salon 13/14

Whether you're a novice educator looking for guidance in creating your assessment plan or a seasoned teacher seeking to optimize your time, this session will equip you with the tools and insights needed to start mapping out a cohesive and impactful assessment plan for the academic year.

Speakers

AAC Facilitator

Field Service Facilitator, Alberta Assessment Consortium

Friday February 14, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
Salon 13/14

Div1-4

1:00pm MST

Exchanges: Embark on a Journey That Will Inform Your Teaching or Leadership Journey

Friday February 14, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST

Salon 19/20

Interested in a short-term exchange with a colleague in Spain, Germany, Mexico, Australia, Iceland or with one of Alberta’s International Accredited Schools across the globe?

Come to this session and learn how to build your own teaching or leadership adventure with an exciting in-person short term (1-2 week) exchange or a virtual one (4 week). Carolyn Freed will be your guide in this fantastic new world! The experience and realities of teaching and school leadership are constantly in transition- an exchange can bring a wealth of insights to the work you do here in Alberta.

Exchanges are a unique professional peer-to-peer development opportunity for teachers and school administrators to collaborate within their profession. Open the door and get out of your comfort zone, engage in meaningful and critical conversations, and experience first-hand how your peers engage with best practices.

Speakers

Carolyn Freed

Exchange Liaison, The Alberta Teachers' Association

Carolyn Freed is the Educator Exchange Programs Liaison at the Alberta Teachers' Association, with over 10 years of experience coordinating international exchange programs.

Friday February 14, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
Salon 19/20

Div1-4

1:00pm MST

Promote Yourself - Resumes and Cover Letters That get Noticed

Friday February 14, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST

Salon 17/18

Are you interested in learning how to communicate the story of your teaching career and showcase your educational, professional, leadership and volunteer experience to pique employers’ interest? In this session, the presenter will share advice on how to edit your resume and write a strong cover letter to improve your chances of getting an interview.

Speakers

Chris Gonsalvez

Executive Staff Officer, Alberta Teachers' Association

Friday February 14, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
Salon 17/18

Div1-4

1:00pm MST

Spirit of the Metis

Friday February 14, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST

Salon 09

The Metis are a people of mixed European and Indigenous ancestry with a distinct and rich culture different from other Indigenous peoples. Participants will learn about the historical impact and significance the Metis have had on the development of Canada. An understanding and definition of the Metis identity will be defined and the importance and significance of traditional Metis cultural items will be shown.

Speakers

Brian St.Germain

Retired teacher

Brian St. Germain was born and raised in Red Deer and recently retired from Red Deer Public Schools after 42 years of teaching. The last 12 years as a lead teacher with FNMI Learning Services. He also serves as an Indigenous Education PD Facilitator with the ATA. Brian is Cree First... Read More →

Friday February 14, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
Salon 09

Div1-4