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Thursday, February 27
 

9:00am MST

***Health and Physical Education Institute Opening Session***
Dr. Lauren Sulz from the University of Alberta will provide this feature presentation to open the GETCA Health and Physical Education Institute hosted by Ever Active Schools and HPEC. If school is for all, then school sport is for all. Participation in sport provides students with opportunities to develop a lifelong love of physical activity and to practise some of the social and emotional skills that will help them later in life. Schools are an opportune place to provide sport programs as they act as an access point for students. However, as it exists today, the middle school sport model is not equipped to encourage participation. No Cuts in School Sports is a developing project that aims to make participation in school sport a viable option for all students. A follow-up session will allow for continued discussion, and please stay for the great line-up of Health and PE sessions

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Ever Active Schools

Ever Active Schools

Supporting Healthy School Communities
Ever Active Schools is a charity that supports healthy school communities all across Alberta. We offer professional development opportunities for teachers and administrators on a wide variety of topics to advance well-being in schools. Ever Active Schools puts on annual events such... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 9:00am - 9:30am MST
(Saville Community Sports Centre - Gym 12)

9:00am MST

Div 3 Cross-Curricular Learning: Social Studies, Science, English Language Arts
Providing cross-curricular ideas for grade 9 English (mainstream and K&E), Social Studies, Science and Math. Big ideas in all cores are addressed through experiential learning. Learning experiences addressed include: science labs, research, essay and letter writing, comic strips. Some assignments will connect with the novel "Touching Spirit Bear" by Ben Mikaelsen and the film "The Martian".

Venue
Speakers
LT

Lindsey Thibeau

Grade 9 ELA & Social Studies Teacher, Father Mercredi High School
I have been living and teaching in Fort McMurray since 2004. Starting with K&E and French Immersion grades 9-11. Now I teach middle school ESL, and grade 9 English and Social Studies mainstream.
avatar for Anne Marie Hynes

Anne Marie Hynes

Grade 9 Science/Math Teacher, Father Patrick Mercredi High School
I am a Grade 9 math, science and religion teacher in Fort McMurray, AB. I am very interested in developing rich learning activities in science; particularly when students demonstrate learning in multiple ways. I have investigated Numeracy Nets as a Grade 9 math intervention and hope... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 9:00am - 10:00am MST
(Archbishop O'Leary Catholic High School - Room 220)

9:00am MST

Fostering Creativity Through Project Work Using Plasticine [*PREREGISTRATION IS REQUIRED*]
Limited Capacity full
Adding this to your schedule will put you on the waitlist.

Creativity and Innovation are essential competencies in our classrooms. In this presentation, you will see projects that have naturally emerged and how students represented their learning using plasticine. You will see examples of their representations, how they problem solved as well as the creative process. Participants will also create a portrait using plasticine that could spark some creativity in their own class. There will be literature links as well as links to videos to inspire your young artists. There is a $2 fee to cover the cost of materials that will be collected at the door.

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Michelle Bezubiak

Michelle Bezubiak

Edmonton Regional Early Childhood President, Early Childhood Education Council
Michelle Bezubiak is currently teaching Grade 2 at Father Michael Mireau School . She has been teaching for over 20 years with experience as a Learning Coach and teaching Pre-K to Grade 3. Michelle has volunteered on the Early Childhood council for over 20 years and is a life long... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 9:00am - 10:00am MST
(Art Gallery of (Alberta - Yellow Room)

9:00am MST

Pointillism: Turning Dots Into A Painting [*PREREGISTRATION IS REQUIRED*]
Limited Capacity full
Adding this to your schedule will put you on the waitlist.

If you like dots and want to teach your students optical colour mixing, this is a perfect workshop for you! Using tempera paint, acrylics and watercolours, you will complete 2 art projects that are fun and a great learning tool for your students. We will follow the footsteps of Georges Seurat, the great pointillism master! Excellent for teachers of grades 4 - 12. The level of difficulty can be adjusted according to the grade level taught. You will be provided with a set of handouts and a PowerPoint presentation that can be used directly in your art classrooms. All supplies provided by instructor. $15 registration fee.

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Bogdan Konikowski

Bogdan Konikowski

Turning Dots Into a Painting/ Fabulous Abstract Paintings
Bogdan Koral-Konikowski is an artist-educator from Edmonton. He received his formal fine arts education in Poland. Since then, Bogdan has painted many exquisite paintings. Among his commissioned works are the life-size portraits of the late Honourable Lois E. Hole, former Lieutenant... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 9:00am - 10:00am MST
(Art Gallery of (Alberta - Orange Room)

9:00am MST

Fashion Technology - Skills Alberta
What are the advanced skills students require in order to be successful at Skills Alberta? In this session we will breakdown the scope for Fashion Technology. We will look at some of the mandatory components as well as some advanced principals of sewing that students need in order to experience success when competing.

Venue
Speakers
TH

Terri-Lynn Hyland

Terri-Lynn has been teaching sewing and designing classes for over 30 years. She is a committee member for Skills- Fashion Technology and is currently teaching Fashion Studies with Edmonton Public Schools.


Thursday February 27, 2020 9:00am - 10:00am MST
(Archbishop O'Leary Catholic High School - Room 241 - Fashion Lab)

9:00am MST

Building a High School Computer Science Program
Want to start or grow what your high school offers students for computer science? The processing programming language engages students by tapping into their creativity. Participants will get a brief introduction to computer processing followed by a tour of the teaching resources made available free to all participants through a federal government grant. Resources include complete lesson plans, sample code and assessments.

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Scott Couprie

Scott Couprie

Computer Science, CTS
Scott Couprie is a highly respected teacher in the Edmonton area Computer Science community. He was the founding President of the Computer Science Teachers Association of Alberta and received the Prime Minister's Award for Teaching Excellence for his innovative teaching. He has provided... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 9:00am - 10:00am MST
(Archbishop O'Leary Catholic High School - Room 202)

9:00am MST

Computer Science Unwrapped
The basics of computer science are so simple and intuitive, we do it every day... we run through our day making decisions based on present conditions, if (condition) do this ... else do something else... we shampoo, rinse and repeat (looping) and we save our information (data). But we are intimidated by how many different programs ... languages...interfaces...there are. So in this session, we will unwrap the basic understanding of computer science and apply it to how we think and then show how discovery learning and learn to fail models fit perfectly into our classrooms, providing intrinsic motivation.

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Janice Parsons

Janice Parsons

CS teacher, Jasper Place High School
Janice Parsons has a B.Sc. in Software Design and a B.Ed. in Math & Tech. Janice worked as a Systems Analyst and Computer Consultant before beginning her career as a teacher, but always teaching and always learning. She teaches Computer Science at Jasper Place High School, and is... Read More →



Thursday February 27, 2020 9:00am - 10:00am MST
(Archbishop O'Leary Catholic High School - Room 235 - Computer Room)

9:00am MST

CTS/CTF: Construction Tips and Tricks Discussion
This is an opportunity for CTS/CTF:Construction teachers to get together to collaborate and share best practices. We will discuss successful projects, woodworking tools, suppliers, and plans. If you have a woodworking plan to share please bring it. Questions? Bring those, too.

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Dennis Pratt

Dennis Pratt

Dennis is a CTF:Construction and CTF:Computers teacher at Kate Chegwin Junior High in southeast Edmonton. He has a degree in Technology Education (U of A) and a masters degree in Educational Technology (UBC). He was on the scaling up to implementation team for the current CTF curriculum... Read More →



Thursday February 27, 2020 9:00am - 10:00am MST
(Archbishop O'Leary Catholic High School - Room 141 - Construction)

9:00am MST

Design Thinking for Innovation - A Locally Developed Course
Design Thinking for Innovation (DTfI) is a locally developed high school course, approved by Alberta Education for the 2017-2021 school years. The first of its kind in the province, this process-driven course encourages students to engage in the development of real-world, increasingly complex, interdisciplinary, innovation projects. Keith Christensen, the author of the course, will provide an overview, explain the outcomes, discuss possible delivery models, share assessment ideas, and show inspiring project examples. Since its inception, the course has grown in popularity and has been accessed by many school boards from across Alberta. The process for accessing and offering the course by new school divisions will also be shared. Time will be available for discussion and questions.

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Keith Christensen

Keith Christensen

Teacher, Educational Consultant,
Keith Christensen is an educator and innovation specialist, and has been an innovator his entire life. He has created a number of acclaimed innovation projects and authored the Locally Developed Course - Design Thinking for Innovation. He completed his graduate studies with a focus... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 9:00am - 10:00am MST
(Archbishop O'Leary Catholic High School - Room 201)

9:00am MST

FlipGrid and Student Voice
FlipGrid is a powerful tool to bring student voice forward. As well, document student learning and understanding. Educators will be exposed to what is FlipGrid, how to setup FlipGrid and how to use it in their classrooms. Use of a mobile device might be beneficial.

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Bryan Strong

Bryan Strong

Bryan Strong has worked in Cree Language in Culture School with Edmonton Catholic School division from 2017 till 2020. From July 2021 Bryan works in a Dene school. Bryan has played a key roll in facilitating Indigenous experiences, cultures, traditions, and histories in the schoo... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 9:00am - 10:00am MST
(Archbishop O'Leary Catholic High School - Room 103)

9:00am MST

The Greatest (Slides) Show
This workshop, taught by Google Certified Trainers, is designed to help educators use Google Slides to curate different ideas of how to use the 4 C’s (collaboration, creativity, communication, and critical thinking) in their classroom. Participants will be given an overview of the 4 C’s and how they can be incorporated into various subjects to create engagement and differentiated products. Attendees will be shown how to obtain different Google Tools that enhance the features of Google Slides. In addition, they will use different Google Slides activities through hands-on participation on their own devices.

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Glitter Gals Edu

Glitter Gals Edu

Google Certified Trainers
Tonja Parkin and Cassandra Gartung are the sparkling duo that make up @GlitterGalsEdu. As Google Certified Trainers, Smarter Balanced Independent Contractors, International Conference Presenters, and Curriculum Coaches we believe that fun and engaging PD empowers educators to positively... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 9:00am - 10:00am MST
(Archbishop O'Leary Catholic High School - Room 203)

9:00am MST

Brain Architecture Game
This session will involve participants in the Brain Architecture Game. “This tabletop board game experience was designed to engage policymakers, community and business leaders, health and education service providers, and government officials in understanding the science of early brain development—what promotes it, what derails it, and what are the consequences for society. Originally developed in 2009 through a partnership of the Center on the Developing Child and the University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts, the game has been play-tested by more than 12,000 people in teams at small workshops and large conferences.” Center on the Developing Child, Harvard University. The session will be offered by 4 - 6 facilitators depending on the size of the group and will be an hour in duration.

Venue
Speakers
KB

Karen Bardy

I am a volunteer member of the executive for the South East Edmonton Early Childhood Community Coalition. I have been on the executive for the past 5 years. Previous to this I worked for over 30 years in central services for Edmonton Public Schools.


Thursday February 27, 2020 9:00am - 10:00am MST
(Edmonton Convention Centre - Salon 19/20)

9:00am MST

Health and Fitness - Yours and Theirs
In this session I will share resources and activities you can do with your students in the classroom, the gym, or outside. Learning about health and fitness in fun and interactive ways through movement and art activities while integrating different curriculum outcomes into the activities. Get ready to participate in some yoga and exercise moves!

Venue
Speakers
KK

Katherine Kluczynski

The passion for teaching has always been part of my life. I received my bachelor of education in secondary education and have been teaching with Edmonton Catholic Schools for the past 12 years; a majority being in Kindergarten. I have completed the MES program through the university... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 9:00am - 10:00am MST
(Westin - Strathcona Room)

9:00am MST

Literature, Language and Life-Skills: Oh My!
Although our inclination is to teach the way we were once taught, as times change, so must our strategies. In this fast-paced session, participants will have fun examining how social, emotional, ethical and cognitive skills can be taught through the use of literature and interactive reading strategies.

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Dan St. Romain

Dan St. Romain

Feature Speaker, Author, both days
Dan St. Romain is an educator, author and independent consultant who provides staff development and consultative services to educators and parents working with children at all developmental levels. Dan is passionate about helping individuals shift their perspective on discipline... Read More →



Thursday February 27, 2020 9:00am - 10:00am MST
(Edmonton Convention Centre - Salon 4)

9:00am MST

Intercultural Activities and Writing Workshop for your ELL Classroom
A workshop designed for supporting ELLs in their writing journey, learn hands-on techniques and activities for your ESL Classroom adapted from Lucy Calkins Writing Workshop. This scaffolded writing workshop includes grammar, vocabulary and writing templates to inspire ELLs to find their voice and create an intercultural space for learners to share their background knowledge.

Speakers
avatar for Tracey Allan

Tracey Allan

Member at Large Edmonon, English as a Second Language Council
Tracey Allan is an ESL/English teacher who has taught both overseas and in Mexico. Tracey is a high school teacher with Edmonton Public at Centre High Campus and has taught in a variety of learning environments. She has a Master’s in Second Language Learning with the University... Read More →



Thursday February 27, 2020 9:00am - 10:00am MST
(Archbishop O'Leary Catholic High School - Room 107)

9:00am MST

Live Streaming Of Keynote from Hall D
Venue
Speakers
avatar for Chief Clarence Louie

Chief Clarence Louie

A lifelong student of “Native American Studies”, Clarence shares his experiences and best lessons learned to Native people, Government and Corporate agencies across the U.S and Canada as well as overseas – Australia, New Zealand, Germany and France, in a simple direct business... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 9:00am - 10:00am MST
(Edmonton Convention Centre - Salon 8/9)

9:00am MST

Chief Clarence Louie Keynote: Born Again Savage
First Nations peoples are starting to regain their sense of being in some areas of Canada although in some regions they are still barely surviving. Chief Louie has been praised for his accomplishments with the Osoyoos Indian Band but his vision as to what is ahead is compelling. Chief Clarence Louie is a bold new generation of First Nations leader, leading his people to economic independence. His message to government is that of economic development trumps social programs on reserves as it fosters hope of a better future for all.

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Chief Clarence Louie

Chief Clarence Louie

A lifelong student of “Native American Studies”, Clarence shares his experiences and best lessons learned to Native people, Government and Corporate agencies across the U.S and Canada as well as overseas – Australia, New Zealand, Germany and France, in a simple direct business... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 9:00am - 10:00am MST
(Edmonton Convention Centre - Hall D)

9:00am MST

We All Want to Engage Students At A Higher Level, But How Do We Do That?
The key to engagement is high attention and high commitment from our students. However, in order to foster that attention and commitment we must allow students to motivate themselves and each other through choice-based work. In this workshop, A.J. Juliani will tackle these five strategies that work to engage students at every grade level and inspire innovative work: 1. Choice-based instruction, 2. Inquiry-based projects, 3. Authentic audience, 4. Competitive Challenges, 5. Launching to the World. Join A.J. for an interactive session to learn how to develop student-centered activities with choice and inquiry. He will field questions from attendees after his presentation. This session will benefit K-12 teachers and administrators.

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Corey Hirsch

Corey Hirsch

Keynote Speaker, Thursday
A former NHL goaltender, NHL goaltending coach, and Olympic silver Medallist, Corey Hirsch was featured in an article in the Players Tribune opening up about his struggle with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder while on the rise to a promising career in the NHL.Born in Medicine Hat, Alberta... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 9:00am - 10:00am MST
(Edmonton Convention Centre - Salon 11/12)

9:00am MST

Conflict Transformation in the Classroom: Ideas from Rwandan Reconciliation Initiatives
The objective of this session is first and foremost to encourage a creative approach to conflict transformation in the classroom by highlighting pathways for healing in post-genocide Rwanda. This session will outline the history of Rwanda and focus on research conducted in Mbyo Reconciliation Village, where perpetrators and survivors of the genocide live together. Discussing the underpinnings of conflict resolution from the perspective of individuals like John Paul Lederach and Gandhi, participants will be given the opportunity to brainstorm mechanisms for resolving conflict in the classroom through active listening practices, simulations, and group discussions. The hope of this session is that participants might walk away with practical tools for facing classroom conflict, and broaden their perspectives of conflict as barrier, to conflict as opportunity.

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Jordhynn Guy

Jordhynn Guy

Owner, Sherrie et al.
Jordhynn Guy is a Master's student through the University of Haifa in Israel, currently completing the thesis component of her Peace and Conflict Management degree. Her research, entitled, "The Localization of Reconciliation in Post Ethnic Conflict Societies", explores the cultural... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 9:00am - 10:00am MST
(Westin - Turner Valley Room)

9:00am MST

Accès à la lecture: L’enseignement efficace de la lecture au primaire
Un enseignement de la lecture efficace et de haute qualité permet à tous les élèves de développer des bases solides en lecture. Cette séance présente le développement typique des habiletés en lecture ainsi que des signes qu’un trouble d’apprentissage pourrait être présent chez les élèves en maternelle à la troisième année. Notre approche d’enseignement explicite et multisensorielle ciblera le développement de la conscience phonémique et la phonétique. L’enseignement de la fluidité, le vocabulaire et la compréhension seront aussi abordés. Nous discuterons des appuis en salle de classe pour les élèves en difficulté d’apprentissage. Les enseignants pourront pratiquer les stratégies présentées et accéderont à des matériaux supplémentaires après la séance.

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Ashley McPherson

Ashley McPherson

Ashley McPherson is a teacher and resource developer at the Centre for Literacy. Since coming to the Centre for Literacy in 2017, she has been offering intensive reading remediation for students of all ages in French and English. Before teaching at the Centre for Literacy, she taught... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 9:00am - 10:00am MST
(Archbishop O'Leary Catholic High School - Room 208)

9:00am MST

Schokolade, Berlin und jede Menge Spaß -Moderne Musik im DaF-Unterricht
Music not only makes us happy, it is also a universal language - and a great tool when it comes to second language learning. This workshop will illustrate various ways in which modern German music can be creatively used at all levels of language competency. Musik macht Spaß und geht ins Ohr. Wie man moderne deutsche Musik - von A Cappella bis Schlager, von Pop bis Rap - auf allen Niveaus des DaF-Unterrichts einsetzen und dabei auch noch Spaß haben kann, soll in diesem Workshop anhand ausgewählter Lieder und Übungen gezeigt werden. Der Workshop setzt die gleichnamige Fortbildung des Vorjahres, diesmal mit neuen Musikbeispielen, fort.

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Andreas Meckes

Andreas Meckes

Fachberater Kanada West, Zentralstelle für das Auslandsschulwesen (ZfA)
Andreas Meckes has been the German Language Advisor for Western Canada since August 2015. On behalf of the Central Agency for German Schools Abroad (ZfA) he oversees German language proficiency exams (Deutsches Sprachdiplom) and promotes German language and culture in the provinces... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 9:00am - 10:00am MST
(Archbishop O'Leary Catholic High School - Room 207)

9:00am MST

ADHD and Teens
This workshop focuses on helping educators to become the agent of change in a child’s life. This workshop will begin with an introduction the neurobiological and environmental roots of ADHD, followed by an exploration of classroom-based tools and strategies, with a final look at the importance of relationship-based caring. Educators will walk away with a full “tool-box” of tools and resources to help the children in their lives thrive.
OBJECTIVES:
- Identifying neurological and environmental factors which contribute to ADHD
- Exploring triggers which fuel impulsivity and hyperactivity - Understanding the impact of a strong, connected relationship
- Developing strategies and tools to help teens - Nurturing emotional intelligence and resilience

Venue
Speakers
TJ

Tania Johnson

Tania Johnson is a Registered Psychologist, Registered Play Therapist and the Co-Founder of the Institute of Child Psychology. The Institute of Child Psychology offers live presentations and webinars , both in Canada and internationally, on issues pertaining to children's mental... Read More →


ADHD pdf

Thursday February 27, 2020 9:00am - 10:00am MST
(Archbishop O'Leary Catholic High School - Room 209)

9:00am MST

FOCUS on Self-Regulation
Students do better when they are regulated and can manage their thoughts, feelings and behaviours. “FOCUS on Self Regulation" is a resource that was developed by ECSD Occupational Therapists to help children/students identify their level of regulation and to use developmentally appropriate Regulation Tools and strategies to maintain an optimal state of readiness. A unique feature of the resource is the quick and engaging four step FOCUS Sequence which incorporates both physical activity and social-emotional learning for all ages. The resource was developed for children between the ages of three and eight but has been adapted for older students.

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Shamala Manilall

Shamala Manilall

Manager OT/PT, Edmonton Catholic School District
Shamala Manilall  and Christina Armstrong are registered Occupational Therapists with over twenty years’ experience working with children. They are co-authors of FOCUS on Self-Regulation. Over the course of their careers they have provided professional development to many... Read More →



Thursday February 27, 2020 9:00am - 10:00am MST
(Edmonton Convention Centre - Salon 10)

9:00am MST

How Teaching High School Psychology Can Help Students Become Better Humans
My presentation is a simple explanation and overview of the way I tailor the high school Psychology Curriculum to explore and teach a subject area I am passionate about: the field of Positive Psychology. What can science can teach us (and, in turn, our students) about becoming better, happier, healthier human beings?

Speakers
avatar for Katie MacMillan

Katie MacMillan

Understanding Disability: Ableism, Accessibility, and Allyship
I have spent the last 15 years teaching French, English, and now Psychology & Sociology in an Edmonton Public High School. I love my job and feel lucky to do what I do every day. My personal "resume", however, is a bit more complex: I am the parent of 3 beautiful children, one of... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 9:00am - 10:00am MST
(Archbishop O'Leary Catholic High School - Room 111)

9:00am MST

Using ChatterHigh in CALM
Want to make CALM fun? Learn how to use ChatterHigh, an adaptive daily edu-game that gamifies exploration of post-secondary, career, labour market, health & financial literacy information. Find out how high/middle schools have raised over $250,000 in Canada's “Most Informed School” Competitions. This free career exploration edu-game creates accessibility to many postsecondary pathways and possible career goals. It is simple, FOIPA compliant, builds community and is perfect for CALM or any educator looking for a 10-minute activity to start class. It complements activities such as myBlueprint or Career Cruising. Attendees will experience how ChatterHigh Founder Lee Taal on-boards classrooms across Canada, and leave ready to start with their classes.

Speakers
avatar for Lee Taal

Lee Taal

Founder, Chatter High
A future paleontologist/football player who attended high school in Peterborough, Ontario, Lee’s career path was a complete surprise to him. A graduate of RRMC with a B.Sc in Oceanography & Space Science, he worked in the Arctic, has a medal from the UN and NATO, gave advice to... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 9:00am - 10:00am MST
(Archbishop O'Leary Catholic High School - Room 108)

9:00am MST

Flexibility Meets Rigidity
This presentation would focus on Autism Spectrum Disorder from the lens of a supportive model. This presentation would be delivered through a narrative lens using real life examples of people Roopa and Rory have worked with over the last few years. Based on their years of experience working with people on the Autism Spectrum, Roopa and Rory would be covering the following topics: - Why do individuals on the Autism Spectrum engage in Challenging behaviors - Environmental modifications - we can’t ever fix the disability or the behaviour, but we can fix what is causing it and alter the environment - Supportive model: not asking the client to change instead adapting our approach to suit their needs. - Working around their idiosyncrasies and capitalising on their restricted interests

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Roopa Belur

Roopa Belur

Director, behaviour Supports, Entrust
Roopa Belur received her Bachelors and Masters in Psychology. Roopa worked in Birmingham, Alabama under the guidance of Dr. Rebecca Dossett, a registered psychologist. During this time, her work focused on school consultations, psychological testing/assessments, diagnosis, life skills... Read More →
avatar for Rory LaRocque-Walker

Rory LaRocque-Walker

Originally from Drayton Valley, AB. In 2007 received a Bachelor of Education Degree from the University of Alberta. First taught the 2007-2008 school year at Win Ferguson Elementary School in Fort Saskatchewan. Chose to not return for a teaching position and worked next in the recruitment... Read More →



Thursday February 27, 2020 9:00am - 10:00am MST
(Westin - Leduc Room)

9:00am MST

Forest and Adventure Play: Using Nature to Support Student Success
Taking students outside, from the schoolyard to a forest-like setting, can help with self-regulation, academic achievement, growth mindset and physical literacy. This session will address how teachers can get their students outside and learning, from mindfulness activities, physical endeavors, inquiry projects and risky play. Perfect for teachers in early learning, and elementary school, you will be provided with a variety of diverse ideas to support your outdoor programming.

Venue
Speakers
SK

Sara Kovick

Sara Kovick and Dallyce Seutter run a Forest School program out of St. Teresa of Calcutta School for preschool to Grade 6. This inner city urban environment is located right next to Edmonton's River Valley, where students spend time pursuing inquiry projects around nature and the... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 9:00am - 10:00am MST
(Westin - British Columbia Room)

9:00am MST

It's About the Kids - Working Effectively with Educational Assistants
As classrooms have become more inclusive, greater numbers of teachers have frequent interactions with educational assistants. While teachers receive training on working with students, working with other adults is different and, in some ways, more difficult. This session will explore the relationship between teachers and educational assistants, and discuss strategies to make the relationship cordial, productive, and beneficial to students.

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Terry Hogan

Terry Hogan

Vice Principal
Terry Hogan is a vice principal in Peace River AB, an extremely lucky husband, and a father of 5 children. All of his best teaching ideas were stolen from the great teachers he has had the good fortune to work with and observe over the years, from multiple Edwin Parr nominees to returning... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 9:00am - 10:00am MST
(Edmonton Convention Centre - Salon 3)

9:00am MST

My Student Has An AAC Device - Now What?
Sometimes it can be very challenging to meaningfully engage students using Augmentative or Alternative Communication (AAC) devices in classroom and school activities. In this session, you come away with practical strategies for AAC that you can use to engage all of your students in the same activities, regardless of their communication ability. Resources will be shared that the classroom team can use to meet the diverse needs of students within their classroom routines.

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Shannon Kolt

Shannon Kolt

Manager, Speech-Language Pathology, Edmonton Catholic Schools
Shannon Kolt is the Manager of the Speech-Language Team SLP for the Genesis Centre of Edmonton Catholic Schools. She has been an SLP for 23 years and has the privilege of supporting a large team of SLPs and therapeutic assistants with Edmonton Catholic Schools. She has a passion for... Read More →



Thursday February 27, 2020 9:00am - 10:00am MST
(Edmonton Convention Centre - Salon 7)

9:00am MST

Pivotal Response Training for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Pivotal Response Training (PRT) is a scientifically-based intervention for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)(Koegel & Koegel, 2006). Based on a review of over 8,000 abstracts PRT is listed by the National Autism Center as one of fourteen established practices for autism intervention. PRT is a naturalistic developmental behavioral intervention (Schriebman et al., 2015) that can be applied by a variety of people in multiple settings including the classroom, the home and the community. The use of PRT often leads to widespread, collateral improvements in a variety of different domains including communication, socialization, and behavior. PRT focuses on increasing a child’s motivation to engage and learn in their natural environment.

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Angele Fournier

Angele Fournier

Speech Language Pathologist, Centre For Autism Services of Alberta
Angele Fournier is a registered Speech-Language Pathologist and a Clinical Supervisor at the Centre for Autism Services of Alberta. She facilitates a caregiver coaching group as well as provides training to other staff members, stakeholders, and members of the community on a variety... Read More →



Thursday February 27, 2020 9:00am - 10:00am MST
(Archbishop O'Leary Catholic High School - Room 211)

9:00am MST

Indigenous Games and their Connection to Numeracy and Literacy
Participants will learn about a number of Indigenous games: their history, the materials used, scoring systems and their application to mathematics (probability, patterns, data management) and the connection of Indigenous games to modern day games. There will also be an opportunity to play some of the games and create materials. Participants will then be able to use the games to further numeracy and literacy concepts in their classes.

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Rohit Kapoor

Rohit Kapoor

Teacher, Centre High Campus (EPSB)
I was born in Kampala Uganda, grew up for most of my life in Edmonton, worked and lived in Japan for six years and am a Canadian of East Indian descent. As such, I am well versed in different cultural perspectives. Mine has been a personal journey of discovery about Indigenous ways... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 9:00am - 10:00am MST
(Westin - Yukon Room)

9:00am MST

Re-Imagining Reading: Books to Build an Inclusive Classroom
During this session, we will focus on the power of using representative and relevant texts to engage and empower readers. As teachers, we have the ability to expose our students to a variety of texts and help construct their identities as readers. This is largely influenced by the options available on our bookshelves and in our lessons. We need to consider what we are presenting to students in terms of race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, class, age, ability, religion, place, immigration status, genre, and format. All students deserve to feel a sense of belonging and recognition as part of their reading journey. We want to empower educators to feel confident in amplifying diverse voices and creating a more inclusive classroom environment.

Speakers

Thursday February 27, 2020 9:00am - 10:00am MST
(Archbishop O'Leary Catholic High School - Room 110)

9:00am MST

Reading Comprehension Success! (Grades 7 to 9)
This workshop will provide ELA teachers with a pathway of how to increase student achievement on Reading Comprehension Assessments as well as ease the stress and anxiety students often experience when faced with writing these assessments. The types of questions on Reading Comprehension assessments require specific skills. The skills can be categorized into 5 areas: Identify and Interpret Ideas and Details; Interpret Text Organization; Associate Meaning; Make Connections; Evaluate. During this session teachers will unpack each reading comprehension skill and understand the curriculum outcomes, which align to each skill; review assessment questions which are aligned to each skill; understand and practise aligning assessment questions to each skill; and write assessment questions that assess each skill.

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Brigitta Goerres

Brigitta Goerres

President, Edu-Best Educational Resources
I have been involved in education for over 30 years. I have had the fortune of starting my career as a classroom teacher with the Elk Island Catholic School District immediately after graduating from the University of Alberta majoring in both English and Social Studies. I continued... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 9:00am - 10:00am MST
(Archbishop O'Leary Catholic High School - Room 222)

9:00am MST

Structured Word Inquiry In an Elementary Classroom
How can we expect correct spelling from students when English is so full of crazy exceptions? Or is it possible that the English spelling system actually makes perfect sense? In this session we will introduce Structured Word Inquiry and see how we can use it to find logic in spelling by teaching etymology, orthography, morphology and phonology. These all work together to prove that our spelling system makes sense. Leave with lesson ideas for incorporating these concepts with elementary aged students

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Amber Cahill

Amber Cahill

Structured Word Inquiry
Amber Cahill is a teacher with Edmonton Public Schools. She has 15 years experience as a classroom teacher and has completed a Master's Degree in Special Education with a focus on Reading, Writing, and Oral Language Disabilities. She has been incorporating Structured Word Inquiry... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 9:00am - 10:00am MST
(Edmonton Convention Centre - Salon 5/6)

9:00am MST

A Historical Exploration of Mathematical Concepts at the Secondary Education Level
A Historical Exploration of Mathematical Concepts at the Secondary Education Level.
Join me on a journey through an analysis of the history of three key high school math concepts: trigonometry, the quadratic formula, and binomial expansion. We will be discussing their evolution, applications and historical significance.

Venue
Speakers
MH

Meriel Hughes

Meriel Hughes has been teaching with Edmonton Public Schools for 16 years. She started her career at Harry Ainlay High School before moving to Jasper Place High School where she currently teaches. At the beginning of her teaching career, Meriel spent three years in London teaching... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 9:00am - 10:00am MST
(Westin - Devonian Room)

9:00am MST

Desmos as Formative Assessment in the Math classroom
Before beginning a new unit I want to know where my kids are and what mathematical language they have. Desmos Activites offer a fun, easy way to do just that, and more!

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Stephanie Gower

Stephanie Gower

Teacher
Hi! I teach Math! and I love Desmos (and no, they don't pay me to say that) I teach Math 10-31 at Old Scona Academic High School in Edmonton where I use Desmos every chance I get. I also do a lot of puzzles, games, and traditional teaching.


Thursday February 27, 2020 9:00am - 10:00am MST
(Westin - Athabasca Room)

9:00am MST

Empower Students Through Number Talks
Number Talks have been a game changer for teachers across North America. Teachers are finding that students are able to solve operation questions at higher level and their mental math skills are improving. Number Talks require students to engage in mathematical discourse to justify and prove their thinking. They feel empowered when they are able to share their own strategy and promote the learning of their peers. Teachers will leave this session knowing how to utilize Number Talks in their classrooms. Prompts, questions and tasks will be provided to assist teachers in using the Number Talk Framework to teach other strands such as geometry and patterns.

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Alexandra Candler

Alexandra Candler

Math, Elk Island Public Schools
Alexandra Candler is a teacher in Elk Island Public Schools and has a Masters Degree in Education. She has experience teaching and working with children in Early Childhood, Division I, II and III. Alexandra is interested in creating learning environments that support students in developing... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 9:00am - 10:00am MST
(Enterprise Square - Faculty of Extension - Room 2-540C)

9:00am MST

Art in Math
Would you like to incorporate Art into Math? So many students don't think math has any room for creativity but it is not true. Come get some new project ideas! Part 1 will look at math outcomes involving patterns, factors and geometry.

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Barb Vezina

Barb Vezina

Teacher, Edmonton Public Schools
Barb Vezina has been a teacher with Edmonton Public for 25 years. She is currently working at Highlands School which is an arts program school. Barb infuses her math lessons with games, puzzles, workshops and projects.



Thursday February 27, 2020 9:00am - 10:00am MST
(Westin - (Alberta Room)

9:00am MST

Early Numeracy in a Play-Based Environment
Positive early experiences that allow children to develop mathematical ideas are so important to child development! It is in the early years that children will begin to develop problem-solving skills and set the foundations for future learning, in which they will continue to expand and refine throughout their life. Through the authentic practice and real life experiences of 5 teachers, this session will explore and highlight ways that educators can begin to infuse numeracy into the rhythm of the day in play based, early learning programs. Through open discussions and examples, educators will have the opportunity to adopt strategies and ideas on how to introduce numerous mathematical strands into their current and future teaching practices during inquiry and project work, centers, small group work, tasks and transitions.

Venue
Speakers
AP

Alessia Poulin

Kindergarten Teacher, Edmonton Catholic Schools
Kailey Pollitt, Cheryl Hogan, Michelle Lee, Alessia Poulin, and Tarra Lawes participated in a study with the University of Alberta called "Early Learning Numeracy" which supported teachers' attention and awareness of mathematical interactions During this time we collaborated in creating... Read More →
ML

Michelle Lee

Kindergarten Teacher, Edmonton Catholic School.Kailey Pollitt, Cheryl Hogan, Michelle Lee, and Alessia Poulin participated in a study with the University of Alberta called \\\\\\"Early Learning Numeracy\\\\\\" which supported teachers\\\\\\' attention and awareness of mathematical... Read More →
CH

Cheryl Hogan

Teacher, Edmonton Catholic Schools
KP

Kailey Pollitt

Kailey Pollitt, Cheryl Hogan, Michelle Lee, Alessia Poulin, and Tarra Lawes participated in a study with the University of Alberta called "Early Learning Numeracy" which supported teachers' attention and awareness of mathematical interactions During this time we collaborated in creating... Read More →
TL

Tara Lawes

Kailey Pollitt, Cheryl Hogan, Michelle Lee, Alessia Poulin, and Tarra Lawes participated in a study with the University of Alberta called "Early Learning Numeracy" which supported teachers' attention and awareness of mathematical interactions During this time we collaborated in creating... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 9:00am - 10:00am MST
(Edmonton Convention Centre - Salon 2)

9:00am MST

Centres in the Div 1 Music Classroom
Centres in the music room? YES! How is this implemented in the music room will be covered and experienced. Topics discussed will include: how to organize and implement centres in your music room, differentiated learning, and active learning. This is an overwhelming task for many, but once you start, you cannot stop!

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Marissa de Sousa

Marissa de Sousa

Marissa de Sousa is has been an elementary music specialist in Fort McMurray for the past 13 years. She also holds degrees from the University of Windsor (B.Ed.), the University of Calgary (M.Music in performance), University of Western Ontario (B.Music in performance), and Camosun... Read More →



Thursday February 27, 2020 9:00am - 10:00am MST
(Alberta College Campus - Stollery Hall)

9:00am MST

Get Singing and Playing: Favorite Singing Games and Mixers
In this fun and interactive session, Joyce will show you how to energize your Music or PE classes with super-fun singing games. Games are a great way to teach and reinforce musical concepts while getting students excited and moving. Included will be ideas for mixers and games to promote inclusiveness. Not a music or PE specialist? Not a problem! Joyce will share ideas for even the most reticent of singers to teach these games with confidence!

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Joyce Holoboff

Joyce Holoboff

Music
Joyce Holoboff has taught elementary music and junior high band with Wolf Creek School Division for 30 years. She uses a hybrid approach combining elements of Kodaly, Orff, and world music in her elementary instruction, and she loves teaching beginning recorder. She directs choirs... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 9:00am - 10:00am MST
(Alberta College Campus - Bryan Hall)

9:00am MST

Distance Education Teachers: Home Education Supervision
All public school systems supervise home education students. A certificated teacher supports the home education program. Some programs are Shared Responsibility where the learner participates in part time school classroom/online and part time home education. In this session, discover the regulations and practice, as well as how to support a learner's home program with their caregiver. Extensive Q and A in order to answer all your queries. Presented by a director of Alberta Homeschooling Association.

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Judy Arnall

Judy Arnall

Bestselling Author and Speaker on Child Development, Professional Parenting Canada
Judy Arnall, BA, CCFE, DTM is a certified brain and child development specialist and master of non-punitive parenting and education practices. She is the bestselling author of 5 print books translated into 7 languages, including Discipline Without Distress and Parenting With Patience... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 9:00am - 10:00am MST
(Archbishop O'Leary Catholic High School - Room 109)

9:00am MST

Making Learning Visible: Photographing and Co-Creating Learning Stories
Join me in discovering how to incorporate photography in your classroom and at your school to tell the story of student learning. I use photographs to: 1) document student learning, as well as my own learning, 2) build visual literacy skills, and 3) develop verbal and written storytelling proficiency by highlighting big ideas such as characters, setting, and sequence. When students are active participants in documentation, they come to learn more about their own thinking and the added bonus is a visual story to share with families. Please bring your camera, a tablet or a smartphone (you shoot with what you have!) Together we will be building on basic documentary photography skills to help you create authentic learning stories.

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Kristy Wolfe

Kristy Wolfe

photographer, Kristy Wolfe Photography
Digital Storyteller // Photographer // Educator Kristy Wolfe’s experience as a medical mom lies at the heart of her passion for documentary style photography. Based in Canmore, Alberta with her husband and two sons, Kristy has been telling stories through photography for the past... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 9:00am - 10:00am MST
(Edmonton Convention Centre - Salon 17/18)

9:00am MST

Teaching Beyond the Facts: Empowering Students Through PBL & Conceptual Based Learning
Are you looking for a way to actively engage your students and to move past topic-based learning? In this session, Michelle will share how she has used PBL & Concept-based learning in an elementary setting. Drawing from STEAM, Design Thinking, Big Questions and Growth Mindset concepts, she will share a sample of one of her units, along with the critical thinking skills that her students are demonstrating through her approach. She will discuss both the celebrations and challenges of encouraging students to think through a conceptual lens as they have become better innovators, collaborators, risk takers, and critical thinkers. As the new concept-based curriculum debuts, she will also touch on what she plans to do differently in the future. Leave feeling energized and more prepared to move from teaching topics to teaching in a way that supports conceptual understanding.


Thursday February 27, 2020 9:00am - 10:00am MST
(Westin - Centennial Room)

9:00am MST

A professional growth experience for both mentor and student teachers
This session examines how the new TQS impacts teacher development. Its goal is to bring together existing and prospective mentor teachers in a way that examines how mentoring a student teacher is an opportunity to build teacher knowledge and capacity within the new TQS by building familiarity, comfort, and dialogue around the six competencies. Field experience associates from the University of Alberta will provide the audience with information and self-reflection opportunities regarding: Reasons to be a mentor teacher and how this can create a better understanding of the new TQS and your practice; Suggestions, and anecdotes of how to capture evidence of meeting the indicators of the TQS; What student teachers can offer mentor teachers in meeting the indicators of the new TQS, particularly competency 5.

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Maureen Yates

Maureen Yates

Field Experience Associate, University of Alberta
Dr. Yates is a retired principal from Edmonton Public Schools where she spent 32 years as a teacher, counsellor, department head, assistant principal and principal in nine schools (K-12). She holds a BPE, BEd, MEd in School Counselling and a PhD in Educational Administration and Leadership... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 9:00am - 10:00am MST
(Edmonton Convention Centre - Salon 15/16)

9:00am MST

The Hunger Games and the Bible: Hope, Freedom, and Sacrifice
The Hunger Games is a riveting trilogy and a widely popular work among young adults. Though set in the dystopian future, Suzanne Collins’s series taps into themes such as freedom, oppression, hope, and self-sacrifice that are very much relevant today. The gladiatorial-like combat and ubiquitous allusions to the ancient Roman Empire, moreover, suggests the series is equally about the past and the trajectory of Western civilization. Given this, the major thematic concerns of the work are taken up and analyzed in relation to the Biblical narrative.

Speakers
avatar for Gerard McLarney

Gerard McLarney

Teacher, Elk Island Catholic Schools
Dr. McLarney teaches at St. Isidore’s Learning Center in Sherwood Park, AB., and serves as a sessional instructor at St. Joseph's College, University of Alberta. His academic interests include Religious Education, World Religions, Ancient and Modern Mythology, J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 9:00am - 10:00am MST
(Archbishop O'Leary Catholic High School - Room 232)

9:00am MST

Find Your Voice: Speak So People Listen!
Speak so people will listen! You have 8 seconds to make an impression - about what you have to say and how you say it! Your voice is your fingerprint of expression - it reveals your feelings, your health, your confidence. Brian Farrell has worked over 35,000 hours with voices - from award-winning musicians to presenters. This session is for all classroom teachers who give their voice to students every day, administrators who inspire a shared vision, special needs educators who make significant connections with students, musicians who tell their story through music. In this interactive, fun session Brian will share valuable tools and tips to help you and your students develop confidence so when you speak, people will listen. Your voice can make a difference in the world.

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Brian Farrell

Brian Farrell

President, Brian Farrell Music Inc
Brian Farrell has coached everyone from award-winning musicians and successful CEO's to well-known presenters and personalities. Brian Farrell Music Inc. helps artists find their signature sound through vocal coaching, innovative workshops and artistic mentorship. His work with Parkinson... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 9:00am - 10:00am MST
(Edmonton Convention Centre - Salon 13/14)

9:00am MST

The Power of Education
Education changes the world. It always has. Carla has had the opportunity to have unique involvement in grassroots educational movements in Sierra Leone, Uganda, and India. She will share learnings as well as the incredible changes that have come through shifting the priority and focus to peace and gender education in a country.   Leave inspired with a new understanding for the power of education, and how you can get involved in educational projects on an international level. 



Venue
Speakers
avatar for Carla Cuglietta

Carla Cuglietta

Executive Director, YoungLeaders.World
Carla Cuglietta is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of YL.W. She is also a Canadian born educator, consultant, humanitarian and keynote speaker. Over the last 20 years she has been involved in global projects in Mexico, El Salvador, Costa Rica, China, Laos, India, Sierra Leone... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 9:00am - 10:00am MST
(Enterprise Square - Faculty of Extension - Room 2-550D)

9:00am MST

Citizen Science in the Classroom: How to Turn your Students into Real Scientists
Bridget Fraser is the Program Coordinator at WISEST, Women in Scholarship, Engineering, Science and Technology, based at the University of Alberta. Bridget has undergraduate degrees in biochemistry and education and is currently pursuing an MEd in secondary curriculum studies. With nine years of science and chemistry teaching experience (grades 9-12), Bridget brings her enthusiasm for science education to increasing equity, diversity and inclusion in STEM through her work with WISEST.

Venue
Speakers
MM

Mara Metz

Program Coordinator, WISEST
Bridget Fraser is the Program Coordinator at WISEST, Women in Scholarship, Engineering, Science and Technology, based at the University of Alberta. Bridget has undergraduate degrees in biochemistry and education and is currently pursuing a MEd in secondary curriculum studies. With... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 9:00am - 10:00am MST
(Archbishop O'Leary Catholic High School - Room 133)

9:00am MST

Cool Science Demonstrations
Join Michael Ng as he shares another Top 10 unique science demonstrations you can take back to your classroom. Demonstrations include chemical color changes, combustion reactions, polarity, density, and the classic Diet Coke and Mentos experiment outside! Relevant for Chemistry 20 / 30, Sci 10, 14, 20, 30 and Junior High Science Curriculum

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Michael Ng

Michael Ng

Science
Michael Ng Chemistry 20/30 and AP Chemistry. Accomplished concert pianist and artist since age 5. The world of science can be an enjoyable part of daily life. Dedicated and innovative in making "Science fun". Michael appears monthly on GlobalTV Edmonton Morning demonstrating his passion... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 9:00am - 10:00am MST
(Archbishop O'Leary Catholic High School - Room 134 - Chem Lab)

9:00am MST

Energy Champions: Engaging Secondary Students in Climate-friendly Energy Solutions
Are you struggling to make energy a fun and engaging topic for your students? If you are, then this workshop is for you! Using real data and an investigative and critical thinking approach, we’ll show you how to help your students deepen their understanding of our evolving energy system, compare the impacts of existing and emerging energy sources including renewables, and assess the implications of our own energy use for climate change. We’ll also show you how you can work with your students to use energy metering technology to conduct an energy audit and develop and implement a plan to be more energy efficient, conserve energy, and lower greenhouse gas emissions. This workshop is designed specifically for Division III and IV teachers. Please bring a laptop or mobile device to be able to access the internet.

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Susan McKeague

Susan McKeague

Program Manager, Alberta Council for Environmental Education
Susan McKeague joined ACEE in June 2018 as the Energy Revealed Program Manager. This exciting program helps students, teachers and school boards understand how energy efficiency best practices can lead to sustainability. Susan brings over 10 years’ experience in energy efficiency... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 9:00am - 10:00am MST
(Archbishop O'Leary Catholic High School - Room 106)

9:00am MST

Foldables and Manipulatives for the Classroom: Science Bias
Does paper always have to remain flat and motionless? Session including demonstration of fold-able and manipulative ideas in the classroom. Purpose is to engage students in note taking and embrace/encourage their creativity.

Venue
Speakers
CS

Craig Schatz

Teacher
Craig has been a teacher with Edmonton Public Schools for 4 years. He has taught a variety of Science classes, which include: Science 14, Science 24, Science 10, Biology 20, and Biology 30. Craig’s passion about teaching is helping students reach their full potential by getting... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 9:00am - 10:00am MST
(Archbishop O'Leary Catholic High School - Room 121)

9:00am MST

Food Science, Yum!
When are students most engaged in my class…when I feed them! Being a junior high teacher for the last 11 years I have learned that the way to a junior high kid’s heart is food. This session will be showing all the ways I use food to help teach the various concepts in science 7 through 9. We will look at using fruit, chips, cookies, candy, and even pancakes oh my! Yes that is right you will get to eat your way through Science! As with all my presentations you will gain full access to my google folder that is updated yearly as I modify and update my materials. Empty those stomachs and let the adventure begin!

Venue
Speakers
KC

Karlie Carter

Rosslyn Jr High School
Karlie has been a teacher with Edmonton Public Schools for 12 years. She has taught a variety of Science classes from special needs (opportunity classes) to pre-advanced placement 7 through 9, Science 10/10IB, Chemistry 20 and Science 15 (ELL). She was the recipient of the Alberta... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 9:00am - 10:00am MST
(Archbishop O'Leary Catholic High School - Room 130)

9:00am MST

Perimeter Institute: Come Explore the New Resource for Teaching Fields!
Physicists will tell you that the fundamental nature of reality comes down to fields. How can we make fields real for our students? Come to this session for some hands-on activities from the new free Fields resource from the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics.

Speakers
avatar for Dion Skitsko

Dion Skitsko

Physics Teacher, Mother Margaret Mary High School
Dion Skitsko is a classroom teacher who is continually honing his skills so that his students learn better. As a Canadian Association of Physicists Teacher Award winner, his classroom and the experiences within his classroom have been recognized as being among the best in Canada... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 9:00am - 10:00am MST
(Archbishop O'Leary Catholic High School - Room 112)

9:00am MST

What's Up in 2020 and Beyond
Interested in learning about the latest discoveries in Astronomy? Are you looking for amazing ways to bring Astronomy into your science classes? Interested in gravitational waves, dark energy, or exoplanets? Do you have a telescope and need to find out what you'll be able to see in 2020 (and beyond)? Come check out this eye-opening tour of the night (and day) sky in the coming year.

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Ian Doktor

Ian Doktor

Science Teacher / Doctoral Student
Ian's teaching career has spanned 20 years and four countries including Canada, Mexico, Japan, and Hong Kong where has taught Science and Math. He teaches Physics, Astronomy and Science at Jasper Place High School and is researching Science Education at the University of Alberta... Read More →



Thursday February 27, 2020 9:00am - 10:00am MST
(Archbishop O'Leary Catholic High School - Room 135)

9:00am MST

Challenging Our Story of Canada Timeline
This timeline activity connects educators to the history of Canada through the lens of diverse communities to reflect on colonization and its impacts and legacy today. This activity fosters a deeper understanding of the diverse stories that make up Canadian history and encourages dialogue on the evolution of citizenship and inclusion. It helps to shed light on some of the lesser-known histories of marginalized communities in the formation of Canada and facilitates conversations that help to lay the groundwork for understanding issues of discrimination and exclusion today.

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Chelsea Burke

Chelsea Burke

Education Coordinator, John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights
Chelsea Burke is the Education Lead with John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights. She has a degree in Education from the University of Alberta with a minor in Social Studies. She has a great passion for pursuing social justice through education and community building that... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 9:00am - 10:00am MST
(Archbishop O'Leary Catholic High School - Room 104)

9:00am MST

Congo for the Taking - PART 1: Leopold’s Free Congo State to ‘Independence’
This session examines the history of Congo as a case study of Imperialism… from Leopold’s Congo to ‘Independence’. It focuses on the roles of foreign actors, including Canada, and their motives. Were they truly motivated by the enlightened Idealism they professed or the dark Realism described by Joseph Conrad, “The conquest of the earth is not a pretty thing when you look into it too much”? This session quotes from "Heart of Darkness" to illustrate the continuity of Imperial policy from Leopold's Congo to ‘Independence’. For a free paperback of Conrad’s novella and other references click: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1t002GqSLqS8W06POxG-Fky16GfBnMlQCgQFIhqDULn0/edit

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Greg Hunter

Greg Hunter

Social Studies
Greg Hunter taught Science in Alberta for 30 years. He believes history should be done and taught with a reverence for evidence and reason. “Greg's talks challenge teachers—and all of us—to never assume that received narratives are necessarily true. Such skepticism is the basis... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 9:00am - 10:00am MST
(Archbishop O'Leary Catholic High School - Success Centre)

9:00am MST

Students Love My Grade 6-8 Social Studies Projects
Simulations, actualizations and aha-moments are all part of a students experience in social studies classes when project-based and concept-based learning are combined to create fun and entertaining lessons for grade 6 to 8 students. Understanding civic responsibilities, cultural diversity and environmental appreciation are concepts presented and developed through activities that will improve student engagement, performance and appreciation for social interactions within Canada and around the world.

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Paul Bohnert

Paul Bohnert

GTEC President, Lethbridge Public Schools
Innovation in Education has been Paul's passion and focus for the past 15 years. Paul has been engaging university, high school and middle school students for 23 years with his project-based, concept-based and inquiry-based learning approach. He has shared his classroom and educational... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 9:00am - 10:00am MST
(Archbishop O'Leary Catholic High School - Room 102)

9:00am MST

Belly Laugh While You Belly Dance
Bring your "bestie" and come out to dance your worries away. Hip scarves will be provided for the first 40 people in attendance. Belly dancing is unique in that no dance experience is necessary, so come out and give it a try! Belly dancing is a wonderful activity to improve physical strength, flexibility and joint mobility. It is also a wonderful social activity and stress reliever. This session is designed as a wellness activity for staff, however, belly dancing is an activity that can also be introduced to students in the classroom. You do not need to change into athletic wear for this class. Come as you are and shimmy as much as you want.

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Kim Hertlein

Kim Hertlein

Co-regulation Through Movement and Mindful Practices
Kim is in her fourth year as a teacher consultant for Edmonton Public Schools' Comprehensive School Health unit. As a former university athlete, high school teacher, coach, and yoga instructor, her 20-year journey has taken her on many different paths. In 2008 she started taking a... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 9:00am - 10:00am MST
(Archbishop O'Leary Catholic High School - Room 244 - Dance Centre)

9:00am MST

Animated GIF Workshop: From Social Media to Contemporary Art
Limited Capacity full
Adding this to your schedule will put you on the waitlist.

Learn to make animated GIFs using digital photography and Photoshop. GIFs are an easily shareable and succinct form of moving image with a visual language all their own. An excellent tool for teaching media literacy and criticality, the animated GIF is quick to create but able to communicate complex ideas and imagery.


Thursday February 27, 2020 9:00am - 10:30am MST
(MacEwan University Allard Hall - Room 11-453)

9:00am MST

Design Thinking Workshop
Limited Capacity seats available

What does a 21st century designer look like? As technology continues to change the way we absorb information and connect with each other, the role of designers has become more complex, sophisticated and exciting. A design thinking exercise will expose participants to this new role that requires designers to be problem-solvers, makers, applied artists and applied social scientists.


Thursday February 27, 2020 9:00am - 10:30am MST
(MacEwan University Allard Hall - Room 11-260)

9:00am MST

Storytelling in the age of visual and social media
Limited Capacity seats available

Join in the conversation centered on the principles and elements needed to become an effective storyteller in our rapidly changing digital media landscape. The topic will be focused on not only the challenges but the opportunities we encounter when trying to convey our stories intended to engage a diverse audience.

Venue
Speakers
RR

Rey Rosales

Associate Professor, MacEwan University
Dr. Rey Rosales holds a Ph.D. in Journalism from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale and a Master of Science in Radio-TV from Arkansas State University. He was the recipient of a Fulbright scholarship as well as various other international fellowships. He has more than 20 years... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 9:00am - 10:30am MST
(MacEwan University Allard Hall - Room 11-460)

9:00am MST

Managing Props and Costumes for a High School Theatre Production
Limited Capacity seats available

This session will help you organize props and costumes for high school theatre productions. It will walk you through from start to finish: explaining the process of budgeting, building, running, and striking the props and costumes for a show. Digital templates for process paperwork will be made available to the session participants.


Thursday February 27, 2020 9:00am - 10:30am MST
(MacEwan University - Allard Hall - Room TBA)

9:00am MST

Voice and Body Warm-Up
Limited Capacity filling up

Encourage your students to learn how to incorporate a complete warm-up for voice and body into their work as an actor. Also discover how to help your students creatively explore text using tools for vocal variety. Incorporating these tools into their work will help an audience understand a character’s meaning and intention more fully.

Venue
Speakers
DS

Dawn Sadoway

Assistant Professor, MacEwan


Thursday February 27, 2020 9:00am - 10:30am MST
(MacEwan University Allard Hall - Room 11-311)

9:00am MST

Building Meaningful Community - The Road to the Culinary Olympics
The Internationale Kochkunst Ausstellung (IKA) Culinary Olympics is the largest international culinary exhibition in the world. Dating back to the year 1900, the Culinary Olympics has been and continues to be the epicenter of culinary arts. With 54 nations and 1600 chefs converging, our NAIT Culinary Team has the immense honor of competing in the largest culinary arts competition in the world and we want to share our work!

Our NAIT Culinary Team has created a menu from our roots with both costing and nutritional information calculated. The menu consists of finger foods, salads, three main courses and dessert and with some simple adaption, these items are suitable for large scale cafeteria production while complementing high school CKA, BKA and FOD curriculum.

Join us for a one of a kind interactive cooking demonstration!


Venue
Speakers
KM

Kelly Marie Hobbs Bruzzese

Kelly Hobbs Bruzzese is a NAIT Culinary Team Leader and Instructor of Baking and Pastry Arts in the Department of Culinary Arts and Professional Food Studies at the Northern Alberta Institution of Technology.



Thursday February 27, 2020 9:00am - 11:30am MST
(Archbishop O'Leary Catholic High School - Room 243 - Foods Lab)

9:00am MST

Canadian Cuisine: Perogies on the Prairies [*PREREGISTRATION IS REQUIRED*]
Limited Capacity filling up

Embracing diversity in the classroom through food around the world. Learning about connecting students to the community through their cultures, sharing our experiences, and celebrating diversity through food. Participants will learn the history of the prairies through the shared story telling of Adelle's family's culture through perogy making. Spend the session learning this family pastime which connects us to the history of Canada's West.

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Adelle Stelmaschuk

Adelle Stelmaschuk

Teacher, Edmonton Public Schools
Adelle has been teaching Food Studies for 15 years with Edmonton Public Schools. Over the past several years, Adelle has been focusing on expanding her involvement in and out of the Foods classroom. As a third generation Canadian, Adelle has been learning the history of her family's... Read More →
KD

Katz Dawson

Katz Dawson is currently a foods teacher at Lillian Osborne High School. Having previously worked in the culinary world, Katz decided to pursue his passion for teaching and received a B.Ed in Career and Technology studies at the University of Alberta. He has a great love of learning... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 9:00am - 11:30am MST
(Archbishop O'Leary Catholic High School - Room 240 - Foods Lab)

9:00am MST

Vinyl Cutters in the Classroom Setting: Customize Clothing, and Projects! [*PREREGISTRATION IS REQUIRED*]
Limited Capacity seats available

Rather than just create a virtual design project at the Jr High or High School level, create a hands-on project that is customizable to students interests and more importantly, abilities. Learn how one teacher had students create a unique t-shirt design, create said design on a t-shirt, and provide information about how they met the objectives of the curriculum. As part of this presentation, information will include an example of how to use software which is included with the equipment, reducing time to create the projects, dealing with students who are behind, and mistakes in the process (both mine and the students!). As well, how to adapt this project to reduce the equipment costs with easily available products and equipment.

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Philip Scott

Philip Scott

CTF/CTS Consultant, Edmonton Catholic School Division
Philip Scott has been teaching over 20 years now. His current position as a consultant with Edmonton Catholic Schools focusing on CTF/CTS and Assessment/Reporting allows him to support teachers in a variety of areas. Originally trained to be a high school physics, chemistry and math... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 9:00am - 11:30am MST
(Archbishop O'Leary Catholic High School - Room 236 A/B - Comm Tech)

9:00am MST

Unsticking the Stuck: Counselling for Careers, Meaningfully
"What are you going to do after graduation?" An increasing number of young folks are rejecting conventional notions of career, and some are simply doing what their parents and peers would call 'nothing'. Mental illness is often the cause; some young folks don't know how to be courageous. Some young people see no meaning in the 'adult' routine. The reasons vary. Conventional asset-inventory and aptitude-testing methods of career counselling often fizzle with unwell teens. This session presents a meaning-based model grounded in adventure and risk-taking to help young folks harness their innate vibrancy and spirit to launch a meaningful and joyful life. Session participants will receive replicable worksheets and ideas for activities to foster boldness in future-thinking. This session is designed for School Counsellors, CALM teachers, Career Practitioners, and everyone else.

Speakers
avatar for Vincent Mireau

Vincent Mireau

Teacher & Counselling Psychologist
Vince Mireau is a clinical/educational psychologist working in the greater Whitecourt, Alberta region. His expertise is in creatively meeting the complex needs of children using play and biologically respectful approaches. He started his teaching career with Edmonton Catholic Schools... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 9:00am - 11:30am MST
(Archbishop O'Leary Catholic High School - Room 223)

9:00am MST

Using Circles to Build Relationships: In Classrooms and Beyond [*PREREGISTRATION IS REQUIRED*]
Limited Capacity seats available

This interactive workshop will look at community building circles, one of many ‘tools’ used in creating a restorative culture, to build relationships with and among students from kindergarten to high school. Participants will: experience being in circle; learn about the benefits of using circles; hear ways to integrate circles into your classroom; and practice facilitating a community building circle.

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Caroline Gosling

Caroline Gosling

Alberta Mentoring Partnership
Caroline retired from Edmonton Public Schools after 35 years as an educator. During that time she taught at elementary, junior and senior high, was a behaviour consultant, and a principal at several schools. Caroline also spent time seconded to both Alberta Children's Services and... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 9:00am - 11:30am MST
(Enterprise Square - Faculty of Extension - Room 2-530B)

9:00am MST

Mathematics Interventions: Where Do I Start?
This presentation will discuss one school's journey to develop a whole school mathematics intervention across grades 1-6 to develop student skill in computational fluency. The model that we built allows for students to practice fluency skills with immediate feedback from staff members as well as to engage in meaningful discussions about mathematical concepts. Students progressed from concrete to representational to abstract mathematical thinking. The teacher explicitly helped students bridge the gap between the three types of representations of mathematical problems. The presenter will provide a case study of one school's example and provide suggestions for generalizing this to other school settings.

Venue
Speakers
JT

Jennifer Taylor

I have worked in a variety of educational settings. I have worked in traditional high schools, K-12 schools and specialized sites. Currently I am an Assistant Principal at Tevie Miller Heritage School Program, a specialized site in Edmonton Public Schools focusing on supporting students... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 9:00am - 11:30am MST
(Westin - Manitoba Room)

9:00am MST

What's the Problem? Math Enrichment Made Easy
At its best, math is all about the art of problem-solving. A good problem offers the opportunity to think carefully and systematically, as well as the chance to exercise creativity in discovering a path to the solution. In this session, we will experience these things for ourselves as we work through several interesting, yet still accessible problems that could be used for discussion and enrichment in your classroom. Along the way, we will discuss other resources, activities, and specific enrichment topics for promoting interest and engagement in math, to try out in your schools and classrooms.

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Nickolas Rollick

Nickolas Rollick

Lecturer, Centre for Education in Mathematics and Computing, University of Waterloo
Nickolas Rollick is a Lecturer with the Centre for Education in Mathematics and Computing (CEMC) at the University of Waterloo. Originally from Calgary, Alberta, Nickolas completed his Bachelor of Science degree in Pure Mathematics at the University of Calgary before relocating to... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 9:00am - 11:30am MST
(Westin - Saskatchewan Room)

9:00am MST

The Art of Thoughtful Disagreement
Whether you have to deal with conflict in the classroom or in the workplace, there are tools you will need to disarm it without confrontation and without being affected at the personal level. Our experiential two-part session will provide you in Part 1 with such tools, including: developing leadership skills; stress reduction tools; emotional intelligence; personal well-being and improving communication skills.

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Maria Dumitrescu

Maria Dumitrescu

Chief Editor & Marketing Director, Learn with ME
An experienced ESL/ELL teacher, Maria has worked in the settlement sector for the past 16 years in various capacities: ESL/LINC instructor, curriculum developer, program coordinator. She is a published author in the fields of ESL and literacy and a self-published author, running her... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 9:00am - 11:30am MST
(Edmonton Convention Centre - Salon 1)

9:00am MST

Let's Get Climate Active! Engaging Elementary Students in Climate Education and Action
Climate change is part of the Alberta curriculum and is one of the most pressing issues we face. Yet, some teachers are reluctant to ‘go there’ with their students - citing a lack of support from colleagues, administrators or parents, the challenge of deciphering fact from misinformation and, most importantly, concern over adding more angst to students who may already be anxious or even depressed about their future. Research shows, however, that engaging with this challenging topic - rather than avoiding it - is the best way to replace fear with curiosity and instill hope and positive attitudes in our students. Whether you teach grade 1 or grade 6, understanding what climate change means for you and your students provides a rich, real, and authentic opportunity to develop understanding around core concepts like connectedness, reciprocity, systems, wellness, citizenship, or change.

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Marie Tremblay

Marie Tremblay

Alberta Council for Environmental Education / French
Dr. Marie Tremblay joined the Alberta Council for Environmental Education in 2018 as senior education advisor, bringing to her role a dual passion for education and the environment. With university degrees in engineering, education, environmental design (Master's) and ecology (PhD... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 9:00am - 11:30am MST
(Archbishop O'Leary Catholic High School - Room 105)

9:00am MST

The Workshop Presents: Dodem Animal Multi-Media Wall Hanging Workshop [*PREREGISTRATION IS REQUIRED*]
Limited Capacity filling up

*$15 fee per delegate*
This three-hour, hands-on workshop will guide you through a mixed-media and cross -curricular creative writing and art making experience. This workshop is deeply rooted and inspired by FNMI ways of knowing and being and is inspired by the book "Sometimes I feel like a Fox" that shares the Anishinaabe tradition of totem animals, written and illustrated by Canadian artist and author Danielle Daniel. Participants will be led through various art making and creative writing techniques and will leave energized and confident in sharing this artistic experience with classes of all ages. Come prepared to paint, bead, embroider and write - oh yeah, and have a fabulous time doing so! This workshop can be tailored to fit all ages.


Thursday February 27, 2020 9:00am - 12:00pm MST
(Art Gallery of (Alberta - Green Room)

9:00am MST

French Countryside Cuisine [*PREREGISTRATION IS REQUIRED BY EMAILING PRESIDENT@GETCA.COM*]
Limited Capacity full
Adding this to your schedule will put you on the waitlist.

Session is full with a waiting list

This session will be half day at Sorrentino's Restaurant - 10665 109 Street Edmonton, AB. This session is for Foods teachers only. A chef will instruct cooking techniques for approximately 3-4 hrs as the meal is prepared. Tomato Bisque with Cardamom and Star Anise Mini Quiche Lorraine - Cream & Bacon Quiche Chicken Breast with Caramelized Apples and Roasted Yellow Squash Please arrive 10 minutes early and just bring your appetite. To register please email Lloyd at president@getca.com


Thursday February 27, 2020 9:00am - 12:00pm MST
(Sorrentino's Bistro Bar - Kitchen)

9:00am MST

Producing the School Musical - Tips for Success
Limited Capacity full
Adding this to your schedule will put you on the waitlist.

This workshop will offer some basic guidance, structure and resources that can help you to address the myriad of challenges associated with mounting a full-scale music. The session will cover organizing and mounting a show, from pre-production to your final performance.


Thursday February 27, 2020 9:00am - 12:15pm MST
(MacEwan University Allard Hall - Room 11-240)

9:00am MST

ATRF Pension Interviews [*Please see description for booking instructions!*]
Alberta Teachers' Retirement Fund (ATRF) pension interviews provide an opportunity for teachers to meet one-on-one with a pension counsellor to review their pension estimates and options, and to discuss the steps-to-retirement process.

Click here to book a 15 minute pension interview during your convention. 

Only a limited number of interview spots are available during convention, but fear not! Interviews can be arranged throughout the year. Click here for a list of upcoming pension interviews in your area or to request an interview.


Thursday February 27, 2020 9:00am - 3:00pm MST
(Westin - Viking Room)

9:00am MST

A Day at the Bennett Centre - Explore Nature-Based Education at the Historic Bennett Centre [*PREREGISTRATION IS REQUIRED*]
Limited Capacity seats available

9:00-10:00: Literacy and Well-being in Your Schoolyard: Fun with Words in the Outdoors - Kathy Worobec 10:00-10:15: Break 10:15-11:15: Numeracy and Well-being in Your Schoolyard: Exploring Math Concepts Through Fun Outdoor Activities - Kathy Worobec 11:15-12:00: Self-Guided Tour of the Bennett Centre (programs set up to explore) and Surrounding Natural Areas 12:00-1:00:LUNCH PROVIDED 1:00-2:00: Creating Balance Through Connection of Sacred Circle Teachings - Francis Whiskeyjack 2:00-2:15: Break 2:15-3:00: Science and Well-Being in Your Schoolyard: Exploring Science Concepts Through Fun Outdoor Activities - Stephanie Southgate and Susan McKeague (Please come prepared for outdoor activities)

Venue
Speakers
BC

Bennett Centre Staff

The Bennett Centre lives in the heart of Edmonton's river valley within the Cloverdale community. The historic community, natural areas and trails along the park system provide a beautiful and unique outdoor setting. The open, natural area provides an 'island' within the middle of... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 9:00am - 3:00pm MST
(Bennett Centre - Main Room)

9:00am MST

Go-To Educator Training: Mental Health Literacy (Full Day Workshop)
Go-To Educator training is designed to develop mental literacy through common definitions, mental health states, and an overview of mental health disorders. Supported by learning focused on providing a conceptual understanding of brain development and function, participants will receive a copy of Edmonton Public Schools’ go-to resource - the Mental Health Literacy for School Professionals flipbook. As a Go-To Educator you will: *bring a higher level of contextualized mental health knowledge into your school and classroom setting; *be a person who students can contact when they have a mental health concern; and *be able to identify students who have a high probability of developing a mental disorder.

Venue
Speakers
AB

Andrew Baxter

Andrew Baxter MSW RSW has worked in School Based and Community Mental Health for over 18 years. During his time with Alberta Health Services, he has provided direct treatment for students from K – 12 as well as consultation for their families and their teachers. He currently serves... Read More →



Thursday February 27, 2020 9:00am - 3:00pm MST
(Enterprise Square - Faculty of Extension - Room 2-520A)

9:00am MST

Open Rehearsal with Robert Buckley
Open Rehearsal with Robert Buckley. Please feel free to come in and observe him rehearse the Edmonton Catholic All City Band. Robert will not be addressing the audience during the open rehearsal but will be speaking during his session 9:00am on Friday morning.

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Robert Buckley

Robert Buckley

Robert (Bob) Buckley has a diverse career as a composer, arranger, performer, producer, recording artist and conductor. In the pop world, he created several albums and hit songs with labels such as CBS and A&M. The number one single Letting Go won him a gold record. He conducted and... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 9:00am - 3:00pm MST
(Alberta College Campus - Muttart Hall)

9:00am MST

Strengths, Hope and Resourcefulness Training for School Mental Health (2 Day Workshop) [*PREREGISTRATION IS REQUIRED*]
Limited Capacity seats available

This is day 2 of a two day session. 

Venue
Speakers
RH

Rebecca Hudson Breen

Assistant Professor, Registered Psychologist, Faculty of Education, University of Alberta


Thursday February 27, 2020 9:00am - Friday February 28, 2020 3:00pm MST
(Edmonton Convention Centre - Boardroom - Access Via Hall D Foyer)

9:45am MST

Universal Strategies for Adapting Physical Education
Create inclusive physical education environments by learning small, simple changes that you can easily apply to the class. Elementary teachers will learn universal strategies for adapting games, rules, equipment, and environments to support all students participating in physical education classes. Come prepared to be active.

Venue
Speakers
RM

Rebecca Marsh Naturkach

The Adapted Physical Education (APE) Consultants are employees with Inclusive Learning - Edmonton Public Schools, who together provide support to the district as well as Edmonton Catholic, Charter and Independent school boards. The APE cohort provides targeted and individual consultative... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 9:45am - 10:45am MST
(Saville Community Sports Centre - Gym 10)

9:45am MST

Active Learning - Incorporating Activity in the Classroom
Active Learning is a philosophical and pedagogical approach to bring movement based learning into a classroom for the mental and physical benefit of students. The goal of Active Learning is to maximize student engagement and success by delivering learning in a fun and invigorating manner that helps increase focus and attention in their class. Through this session Mark will demonstrate some of the different components and ideas that help make active learning successful. There will also be interactive components to engage the teachers and give them a chance to experience active learning. Teachers will also have an opportunity to discuss in small groups the best ways to implement active learning in their own specific classroom.

Venue
Speakers
MB

Mark Boston

Active Kids Academy
Mark Boston is a teacher, business owner, speaker and coach. For the last 10+ years Mark has been working alongside children of varying ages from preschoolers to high-school students. After graduating from the University of Alberta with a degree in Education focusing on elementary... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 9:45am - 10:45am MST
(Saville Community Sports Centre - Classroom 2)

9:45am MST

From Physical Education to Physical Literacy… Why the Shift?
What does it mean to be physically literate? What is the difference between physical education and physical literacy? The answer lies within the 4 cornerstones of the concept, whereby social emotional regulation plays an important role in the development of the physical competence of the whole child. Come ready to participate in an activity session that will address physical literacy fundamentals for lifelong, healthy living. Learn new activities you can perform with students that provide emotional support as we move towards a new competency-based curriculum!

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Dr. Stacey Hannay

Dr. Stacey Hannay

Edmonton Public Schools
Stacey Hannay holds a PhD with expertise in the area of theorizing curriculum and teacher professional development. Specifically, her area of research lies with: Teachers conceptualizations of physical literacy. She is currently a teacher with Edmonton Public Schools and the vice-president... Read More →



Thursday February 27, 2020 9:45am - 10:45am MST
(Saville Community Sports Centre - Gym 5)

9:45am MST

Introduction to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
The Introduction to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu presentation will include a brief history of this non-striking martial art, some fun hands-on training and an explanation on how BJJ can be incorporated into different Phys Ed programs. We will highlight how superior body positioning and the application of leverage can negate athleticism and strength allowing anyone to learn the skills necessary for efficient self-defense and sport Jiu-Jitsu. Having an opportunity to experience a variety of techniques will help session attendees understand how fun Jiu-Jitsu is as well as how easily a Jiu-Jitsu unit can be incorporated into any physical education program. The techniques are easily adaptable to suit learners of different ages and fitness levels. Attendees will receive a contact list for black belt Jiu-Jitsu instructors that can be brought in to guest instruct a Jiu-Jitsu unit at their school.

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Curt Malin

Curt Malin

Curt Malin has been a teacher with Edmonton Public Schools for the past 13 years. Prior to teaching at Donnan, Mr. Malin taught for 5 years with Bosco Homes, a school for at-risk children. Curt is in his 12th year running the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Program at Donnan and it continues... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 9:45am - 10:45am MST
(Saville Community Sports Centre - Gym 11)

9:45am MST

Safely Teach Combative Games in Phys Ed
Presentation will include a wide variety of combative games that can be easily incorporated into any physical education class. The games are easily adaptable to suit learners of differing age and ability levels. Each of the games and activities focus on the underlying concepts of fundamental movement skills, cooperation, and self defense principles. All attendees will receive access to a Google Drive Folder that provides a detailed explanation of each combative game covered in the session.

Venue
Speakers
JW

Jason Wass

Jason Wass is a teacher at Vimy Ridge Academy in the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Program. He is passionate about learning and teaching martial arts. He has been involved in the sport of wrestling since 2002. As an athlete he competed at the local, provincial, national and international levels... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 9:45am - 10:45am MST
(Saville Community Sports Centre - Classroom 1)

9:45am MST

School Sport for All Follow-Up Discussion
If the opening session of the Health and Physical Education Institute has got you thinking differently about school sports, join the group to keep the discussion going. Dr. Lauren Sulz of the University of Alberta will facilitate a discussion with practical examples from schools across the province who are working a new direction in their sports programs. This session is part of the Health and Physical Education Institute co-hosted by Ever Active Schools and the Health and Physical Education Council.

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Ever Active Schools

Ever Active Schools

Supporting Healthy School Communities
Ever Active Schools is a charity that supports healthy school communities all across Alberta. We offer professional development opportunities for teachers and administrators on a wide variety of topics to advance well-being in schools. Ever Active Schools puts on annual events such... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 9:45am - 10:45am MST
(Saville Community Sports Centre - Classroom 3)

9:45am MST

The New Standard for Warming Up: Skill Development, Fitness and Injury Prevention in Phys Ed
Presented in collaboration with the University of Calgary's Sport Injury Prevention Research Centre and the Be Fit for Life Network, join us as we explore how an evidence-based warm-up can develop safe and effective movement skills to create a foundation for continued physical activity participation. Based on research in Calgary schools, neuromuscular training warm-ups in PE classes can reduce lower limb injuries by 62%. This warm-up is featured on a new poster that you'll receive at the session. This session is part of the Health and Physical Education Institute co-hosted by Ever Active Schools and the Health and Physical Education Council.


Thursday February 27, 2020 9:45am - 10:45am MST
(Saville Community Sports Centre - Gym 12)

9:45am MST

Anyone Can Dance (Div 1)
As a dance teacher, performer, choreographer, I understand the importance of dance in education even if they don’t become dancers themselves. The benefits of dance to a child can also affect their brain development. With schools offering and/or incorporating dance, we need to have the educators deliver dance concepts so that the experiences are of positive value. I will provide these tools and concepts so that the teachers can go back to their classroom exploring them with students.

Venue
Speakers
JV

J. Vandekerkhove

Jeannie Vandekerkhove is a teacher, choreographer and dancer who trained classically in her youth, furthering her studies at Arts Umbrella and Ballet British Columbia’s Mentorship Program. She has taught professionally at Arts Umbrella, MareMac Dance Studio, Ballet Divertimento... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 9:45am - 10:45am MST
(Saville Community Sports Centre - Classroom 4)

10:30am MST

Ditch the Overwhelm and Be Calm in the Chaos
There are so many balls in the air. You’ve said yes to more than you can handle and now your mind is racing, the to-do list just keeps on growing and you’re beyond exhausted. What’s an overwhelmed educator to do? In this entertaining and informative session, you’ll discover what’s causing you to feel overwhelmed (it’s not what you think...) and learn practical strategies that will help you become productive and peaceful at the same time so that you can go back to work on Monday feeling energized, calm and armed with self-care strategies that don’t have to wait until the weekend.

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Christina Marlett

Christina Marlett

Courageous Self-Care
As the creator of Courageous Self-Care, Christina is passionate about helping stressed-out teachers learn to lead their students, families and themselves from a place of wholeness, overflowing energy and deep self-respect. She excels at helping overwhelmed leaders revitalize their... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 10:30am - 11:30am MST
(Archbishop O'Leary Catholic High School - Room 211)

10:30am MST

Alberta's Landscape In One Point Perspective [*PREREGISTRATION IS REQUIRED*]
Limited Capacity full
Adding this to your schedule will put you on the waitlist.

Step-by-step tutorial on how to teach 1 point perspective drawing to the young artists. The exciting landscape images of Alberta will come to life with ease and fun. Pastels and coloured pencils will be used to complete this project. The level of difficulty can be adjusted according to the grade level taught. All participants will be provided with handouts that can be used directly in their classrooms. Open to art and general teachers of grades 1- 9. All materials provided by instructor. $10 registration fee.

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Izabella Orzelski

Izabella Orzelski

teacher, Old Scona Academic & Greenfield School
Izabella holds an MFA from the New York Academy of Art and a Ph.D. in education from the University of Alberta. Her awards and grants include Winspear Fund Grant and Dahesh Museum Award in New York. Among her commissions are portraits of Lois Hole, former Lieutenant Governor of Alberta... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 10:30am - 11:30am MST
(Art Gallery of (Alberta - Orange Room)

10:30am MST

Project Work and Creativity [*PREREGISTRATION IS REQUIRED*]
Limited Capacity full
Adding this to your schedule will put you on the waitlist.

Creativity takes courage. In this presentation, you will see projects that emerged and how students represented their learning using different mediums. You will see how students took risks, thought critically and reflected on their process through the projects. Participants will also create a 3D portrait using model magic and see how this medium can be used in different ways. There will be literature links as well as ideas on how to extend and expand student learning using cross-curricular connections. There is a $5 fee to cover the cost of materials, this will be collected at the door.

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Michelle Bezubiak

Michelle Bezubiak

Edmonton Regional Early Childhood President, Early Childhood Education Council
Michelle Bezubiak is currently teaching Grade 2 at Father Michael Mireau School . She has been teaching for over 20 years with experience as a Learning Coach and teaching Pre-K to Grade 3. Michelle has volunteered on the Early Childhood council for over 20 years and is a life long... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 10:30am - 11:30am MST
(Art Gallery of (Alberta - Yellow Room)

10:30am MST

Mindful Cross Stitching PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED
Limited Capacity full
Adding this to your schedule will put you on the waitlist.

Needle arts can provide a mindfulness practice with scientifically proven cognitive benefits. Here's how to get started with cross-stitching. It's easy to learn, doesn't require too many supplies, and is a great outlet for creativity. Cross stitching is a great project for upper elementary, junior high or high school students and can be included in the Textile Arts module in Fashion Studies. Bring your own project or purchase a kit for $5 for a cross stitched greeting card, from the instructor.

Venue
Speakers
TH

Terri-Lynn Hyland

Terri-Lynn has been teaching sewing and designing classes for over 30 years. She is a committee member for Skills- Fashion Technology and is currently teaching Fashion Studies with Edmonton Public Schools.


Thursday February 27, 2020 10:30am - 11:30am MST
(Archbishop O'Leary Catholic High School - Room 241 - Fashion Lab)

10:30am MST

Apps, Add-Ons, Extensions, Oh My!
This workshop, taught by Google Certified Trainers, is designed to help educators use Google apps, extensions, and add-ons to help with productivity and efficiency both in and out of the classroom. Participants will be given an overview of the different capacities that apps, extensions, and add-ons can have within Google Chrome and will be provided with explanations and demonstrations of some of the more popular and helpful ones, based on the presenters’ experiences. Attendees will be shown how to obtain and use apps, extensions, and add-ons through hands on participation on their own laptops or Chromebooks (tablets/iPads are not recommended). Trainers are available to help participants download and install relevant items during the session so they are ready to use Monday morning!

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Glitter Gals Edu

Glitter Gals Edu

Google Certified Trainers
Tonja Parkin and Cassandra Gartung are the sparkling duo that make up @GlitterGalsEdu. As Google Certified Trainers, Smarter Balanced Independent Contractors, International Conference Presenters, and Curriculum Coaches we believe that fun and engaging PD empowers educators to positively... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 10:30am - 11:30am MST
(Archbishop O'Leary Catholic High School - Room 203)

10:30am MST

Makey Makey
Ever wanted to bring your classroom walls or projects alive? Well Makey Makey can help solve this. This session will look at what is a Makey Makey and how it can be used in the classroom. We will look at how to program it, and ways to make learning interactive.

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Bryan Strong

Bryan Strong

Bryan Strong has worked in Cree Language in Culture School with Edmonton Catholic School division from 2017 till 2020. From July 2021 Bryan works in a Dene school. Bryan has played a key roll in facilitating Indigenous experiences, cultures, traditions, and histories in the schoo... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 10:30am - 11:30am MST
(Archbishop O'Leary Catholic High School - Room 103)

10:30am MST

Making an Innovator - How to Encourage Innovative Risk-Taking
The need for innovation is everywhere. The world is facing increasingly complex challenges that will require innovative thinkers and solutions. Discover the ABC’s of a disposition of innovation that can help anyone improve their creative capacity and see the world as a place rich with opportunities for improved design, innovation, and invention. Discover how to best encourage young innovators to inspire them further to tackle real-world problems, and feel more comfortable with disruption. Within your class, your life, your student’s lives - innovation is the key to improving the world around you.

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Keith Christensen

Keith Christensen

Teacher, Educational Consultant,
Keith Christensen is an educator and innovation specialist, and has been an innovator his entire life. He has created a number of acclaimed innovation projects and authored the Locally Developed Course - Design Thinking for Innovation. He completed his graduate studies with a focus... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 10:30am - 11:30am MST
(Archbishop O'Leary Catholic High School - Room 201)

10:30am MST

Project and Assignment Ideas for Computer Science
Walk away from this session with project ideas that will engage your students and assignments that help to assess student understanding.

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Colin Veldkamp

Colin Veldkamp

Gaming Library/ Self-Paced Classroom
Colin Veldkamp is a Computing Science teacher at Harry Ainlay High School. He has a BSc with a specialization in Computing Science, an After Degree in Education (Math major/PE minor) and has taught Computing Science for seven years. Colin knows that there are 10 types of people in... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 10:30am - 11:30am MST
(Archbishop O'Leary Catholic High School - Room 235 - Computer Room)

10:30am MST

Suicide Prevention and Postvention
Frank King helps workplaces appreciate the critical need for suicide prevention, creating a forum for dialogue and critical thinking about workplace mental health challenges. It builds a business case for suicide prevention while promoting help-seeking and help-giving. Interactive exercises and case studies help employers and their staff apply and customize the content to their specific work culture. Program content is divided into four chapters: Suicide Prevention in the Workplace What to Do When Someone is Suicidal Conversations About Suicide Suicide Postvention

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Alex Sanchez

Alex Sanchez

Feature Speaker
Alex Sanchez has published ten novels, including the American Library Association “Best Book for Young Adults” Rainbow Boys and Lambda Award-winning So Hard to Say. His novel Bait won the Tomas Rivera Mexican-American Book Award and the Florida Gold Medal for Young Adult fiction... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 10:30am - 11:30am MST
(Edmonton Convention Centre - Salon 10)

10:30am MST

Literature, Language and Life-Skills: Oh My! (Repeat Session)
Although our inclination is to teach the way we were once taught, as times change, so must our strategies. In this fast-paced session, participants will have fun examining how social, emotional, ethical and cognitive skills can be taught through the use of literature and interactive reading strategies.

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Dan St. Romain

Dan St. Romain

Feature Speaker, Author, both days
Dan St. Romain is an educator, author and independent consultant who provides staff development and consultative services to educators and parents working with children at all developmental levels. Dan is passionate about helping individuals shift their perspective on discipline... Read More →



Thursday February 27, 2020 10:30am - 11:30am MST
(Edmonton Convention Centre - Salon 4)

10:30am MST

Planning for Play
How can we use loose parts and open-ended provocations to engage students in play in our classrooms? This session will explore how loose parts and play in the classroom can develop a sense of problem solving, creativity, critical thinking and emotional regulation. Play is the brains favorite way of learning and when materials are intentionally set up they can enrich your learning environment. We will use loose parts to explore, plan for play and discuss implementation in your classroom. Target- Pre-k to grade 3


Thursday February 27, 2020 10:30am - 11:30am MST
(Edmonton Convention Centre - Salon 2)

10:30am MST

The Value of Inquiry and Play
This session focuses on the value of play and inquiry within elementary classrooms. Highlights include findings from my research on cross-curricular inquiry, examples of projects/provocations, and descriptions of what inquiry looks like. The importance of play and the integration of curriculum will be discussed with examples in engaging and motivating students to learn. Participants will be encouraged to share examples of their challenges and successes throughout the session. There will also be time set aside to develop and create ideas and plans together so that teachers have a starting point in beginning an inquiry project. This session is ideal for Pre-K to grade 1 but can include teachers up to grade six.

Venue
Speakers
KK

Katherine Kluczynski

The passion for teaching has always been part of my life. I received my bachelor of education in secondary education and have been teaching with Edmonton Catholic Schools for the past 12 years; a majority being in Kindergarten. I have completed the MES program through the university... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 10:30am - 11:30am MST
(Enterprise Square - Faculty of Extension - Room 2-540C)

10:30am MST

Tales of a Wash-A-Shore
Teachers are given a behind the scene look at how Tom uses his own experiences as a teacher, coach, and administrator to create his stories. Tom lays down the framework of how personal experiences can be shared by the use of one’s imagination. It allows students to discover who they really are and how they fit in the world around them. Creative writing provides an opportunity for teachers to help their students clarify thinking and foster artistic expression while stimulating their imagination. Teachers show students how to explore the functions and values of writing while teaching them how to learn to read and write.

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Tom Dirsa

Tom Dirsa

Author, Tom Dirsa
Tom retired with 38 years of experience as a successful classroom teacher, basketball coach, and school administrator. Since his retirement he has authored the Alberta Distance Learning Centre’s "Social Studies Preview/Review " program for grades 7 to 9, was a free-lance writer... Read More →



Thursday February 27, 2020 10:30am - 11:30am MST
(Archbishop O'Leary Catholic High School - Room 107)

10:30am MST

Through the Eyes of a Newcomer: Teaching in a Culturally Diverse Classroom
This session will bring to light the struggles that many refugees face and the considerations to keep in mind when teaching and working with those from another country. Teachers will put themselves in the place of a student moving to Canada, thereby examining their own culturally responsive teaching practices. Practical and helpful ideas will be offered to teachers in order to welcome newcomers to Canada into their classroom with a smile!

Venue
Speakers
JW

Jacqueline Werstiuk

Consultant
Jacqueline Werstiuk has been employed with Edmonton Catholic Schools for over 25 years. Throughout most of her career, Jacquie taught alternative programs and worked as an ESL Designate and ESL intensive teacher. Jacquie finished her Masters in Education in the area of Teaching English... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 10:30am - 11:30am MST
(Archbishop O'Leary Catholic High School - Room 110)

10:30am MST

Live Streaming Of Keynote from Hall D
Venue
Speakers
avatar for James Makokis & Anthony Johnson

James Makokis & Anthony Johnson

Dr. James Makokis is well grounded in all matters relating to Indigenous cultures, traditions, values, and customs. He is one of Canada's leading experts for Canadians and First Nation communities. Dr. Makokis currently heads one of Canada's leading LGBTQ2 and Transgender focused... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 10:30am - 11:30am MST
(Edmonton Convention Centre - Salon 8/9)

10:30am MST

James Makokis & Anthony Johnson Keynote: Diversity and Inclusion - Race, Gender & Sexuality
Dr. James Makokis and Anthony Johnson both have an incredible firsthand understanding of the resilience two under represented communities. They have a very unique perspectives on the importance of acceptance and equal treatment regarding cultural, gender, sexuality and racial differences. Canada is one of the most diverse countries in the world. Many individuals face personal challenges in achieving success. They combines his story, every day life experiences and areas of expertise to deliver practical insights on how to create accepting spaces and to implement strategies where EVERYONE can prosper by incorporating an accepting attitude to anyone that is outside of social norms. They will share insights from LGBTQ2 and First Nation peoples experience in facing different types of challenges and discrimination and how to incorporate new attitudes, policies and actions for an inclusivity.

Venue
Speakers
avatar for James Makokis & Anthony Johnson

James Makokis & Anthony Johnson

Dr. James Makokis is well grounded in all matters relating to Indigenous cultures, traditions, values, and customs. He is one of Canada's leading experts for Canadians and First Nation communities. Dr. Makokis currently heads one of Canada's leading LGBTQ2 and Transgender focused... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 10:30am - 11:30am MST
(Edmonton Convention Centre - Hall D)

10:30am MST

In Celebration of Teachers
This is an encouraging, morale-boosting talk to inspire teachers who give their best every day. Teachers and administrators are often overwhelmed with bureaucracy, curriculum, and difficult students (and even more difficult parents!), and sometimes feel burnt out by the end of the week. In the midst of a busy year, it’s easy to forget that the daily interactions we have with students are sometimes the most valuable moments of our day. In this laugh-out-loud presentation, Anthony McLean tells funny and inspiring stories about the teachers who changed his life by acknowledging his effort, encouraging his strengths, and pushing him to give his best. Every teacher needs this reminder — the reward for not giving up on our students is the ability to make a difference and change the world one student at a time.


Thursday February 27, 2020 10:30am - 11:30am MST
(Edmonton Convention Centre - Salon 11/12)

10:30am MST

Embedding Kindness in the Elementary School Classroom
Stepping away from a formalized Character Education Program, Rebecca and Kristin share their kindness and empathy explorations with students in a Division One and Division Two setting. Discussions in this session will include examples and reflections on: kindness projects and initiatives in the school and greater communities, embedding kindness in classroom language and building a community of learners who are engaged in creating a kind, and mutually respectful classroom environment. Recommended books and resources will also be showcased. This workshop expands upon the 21 Day Kindness Project GETCA Workshop, presented at the 2019 Conference.

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Rebecca Robins

Rebecca Robins

Grade 1 teacher, Edmonton Public Schools
Rebecca Robins describes her self as a teacher nerd. She loves learning about best practices for kids. Rebecca is also a busy Mom so she implements ideas that are functional and balance the preparation requirements vs impact for her students. She is currently a grade one teacher at... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 10:30am - 11:30am MST
(Westin - British Columbia Room)

10:30am MST

Team Building and Cooperative Activities for Middle School [*PREREGISTRATION IS REQUIRED*]
Limited Capacity seats available

If you’re looking for fun-filled team building activities for you middle school class check this out. Tried and tested team building activities will be shared. They have been a great success for me. You’ll find they all adapt easily to suit all ages and subject areas; from middle school to adulthood. Use them in your classroom, for Flex sessions, as an extension activity or helping students develop life or communication skills. They’ll help by-pass the fear factor, develop and nurture competent cooperation and teamwork, and do it while the students have a whole lot of fun! Be prepared to be hands-on and try some of these activities first hand!

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Luisa Molenaar

Luisa Molenaar

Social/Spanish junior high teacher, St. Elizabeth Seton
I am have been teaching for Edmonton Catholic School district for 29 years and have taught every grade from grade 1 right up to grade 9. Loving junior high and looking forward to my first middle school conference. I presently teach grades 7,8,9 Spanish and Social 8 and 9. Team building... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 10:30am - 11:30am MST
(Westin - Leduc Room)

10:30am MST

Ah! Si mon prof voulait danser et chanter (Intégrer le chant et la danse dans la salle de classe)
Quelle meilleure façon d'aborder la langue et la culture française qu'à travers la musique et la danse? De nombreuses études portent sur les avantages de la musique et la danse dans l’apprentissage d’une langue étrangère: l’enrichissement du vocabulaire, les structures grammaticales, la prononciation et bien d’autres. L’acquisition langagière a lieu de façon naturelle et chantant et en dansant. D’autant plus, la musique et la danse permettent aux élèves de s’ouvrir face au Canada bilingue et aux autres cultures francophones à travers le monde. Cet atelier permettra aux participants de découvrir de nombreuses chansons et danses à utiliser dans leurs classes dès le retour.


Thursday February 27, 2020 10:30am - 11:30am MST
(Archbishop O'Leary Catholic High School - Room 244 - Dance Centre)

10:30am MST

Des pistes de décollage et des filets de sauvetage: Enseigner l'écriture à l'élémentaire
Écrire est une tâche complexe qui implique plusieurs habiletés. La complexité de la tâche peut être décourageante pour plusieurs élèves qui ont des troubles d’apprentissage, des défis au niveau de la fonction exécutive et l’anxiété. Les recherches récentes appuient l’utilisation d’une approche structurée et explicite lors de l’enseignement de l’écriture afin d’aider tous les élèves à développer des habiletés d’écriture efficaces. Cette session présentera une procédure d’écriture structurée à six étapes qui facilitera l’écriture dans tous les sujets scolaires. La présentatrice guidera les participants dans la création d’un plan de leçon détaillé et différencié. Cette approche structurée permet aux élèves de développer les habiletés en écriture et de réflexion fondamentales pour vivre du succès comme écrivains.

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Ashley McPherson

Ashley McPherson

Ashley McPherson is a teacher and resource developer at the Centre for Literacy. Since coming to the Centre for Literacy in 2017, she has been offering intensive reading remediation for students of all ages in French and English. Before teaching at the Centre for Literacy, she taught... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 10:30am - 11:30am MST
(Archbishop O'Leary Catholic High School - Room 208)

10:30am MST

Don’t Be Scared: Fairy Tales in the Second Language Classroom
While fairy tales may be classified as scary classics, romantic clichés or Disney-fied, this enduring form of literature still fascinates young and old alike in many cultures. As such, fairy tales offer an array of possibilities for the modern second language classroom at all levels of language competency. Let’s get creative!

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Andreas Meckes

Andreas Meckes

Fachberater Kanada West, Zentralstelle für das Auslandsschulwesen (ZfA)
Andreas Meckes has been the German Language Advisor for Western Canada since August 2015. On behalf of the Central Agency for German Schools Abroad (ZfA) he oversees German language proficiency exams (Deutsches Sprachdiplom) and promotes German language and culture in the provinces... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 10:30am - 11:30am MST
(Archbishop O'Leary Catholic High School - Room 207)

10:30am MST

Environment and Mental Health
Environment is an integral part of sustaining psychological well-being- and is often forgotten about. This session will explore how lighting, seating, sound, noise and class decor impact a student's mental well-being. This session will empower educators with tools to make practical changes to the classroom!

Venue
Speakers
TJ

Tania Johnson

Tania Johnson is a Registered Psychologist, Registered Play Therapist and the Co-Founder of the Institute of Child Psychology. The Institute of Child Psychology offers live presentations and webinars , both in Canada and internationally, on issues pertaining to children's mental... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 10:30am - 11:30am MST
(Archbishop O'Leary Catholic High School - Room 209)

10:30am MST

Heart-Based Meditation in a Classroom Setting
Learn the heart-based meditation technique, the science behind it and ways to implement it in your classroom as well as your daily life. Meditation is possibly the most difficult skill to learn and even harder to teach. Thanks to intensive, ongoing studies of the heart and the way it communicates with the brain, heart-based meditation is one of the easiest to learn and most rewarding forms of meditation. Used by police officers, soldiers returning home, trauma victims, executives and more, heart-based meditation can help reduce stress and anxiety by over 50% within three minutes. In this session you will learn the technique, the science behind it, ways you can easily implement it in your classroom and even see some technology you can use to fine tune those skills. With the growing numbers of child anxiety, stress and depression, the skill of meditation is more important than ever.

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Matt Boisvert

Matt Boisvert

Matt Boisvert has been working with children of various ages for 20 years. He is an artist, early childhood educator and lectures on meditation and sound. He has spoken at almost every Alberta convention since 2015 and is greatly looking forward to presenting his lectures in person... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 10:30am - 11:30am MST
(Archbishop O'Leary Catholic High School - Room 202)

10:30am MST

Mindfulness in Nature
Children struggle to focus in the classroom, self-regulate, and connect with their emotions. As teachers, how can we help support our students to develop mindfulness skills? This session will address how to integrate nature with a variety of mindfulness activities appropriate for the Early Learning and Elementary classroom.

Venue
Speakers
SK

Sara Kovick

Sara Kovick and Dallyce Seutter run a Forest School program out of St. Teresa of Calcutta School for preschool to Grade 6. This inner city urban environment is located right next to Edmonton's River Valley, where students spend time pursuing inquiry projects around nature and the... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 10:30am - 11:30am MST
(Westin - Turner Valley Room)

10:30am MST

Teaching CALM 20
Are you new to teaching Career & Life Management 20, and have no where to start? After 12 years of creating, tweeking, and teaching the course, I can pass on community resources, online teaching resources, and lesson ideas for each of the 3 units of study to get you started on building your own learning environment. There will be a sign-up sheet for all attendees, so that I may send you the contact lists, website addresses, and some unit plans to help get you started. Even if you've taught CALM 20 for a few years, come and take some ideas to refresh your classroom teaching!

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Adrienne Norris

Adrienne Norris

Teacher, Westwood Community High School
Teaching CALM 20 began with Saturdays, outside my regular teaching assignment, to meet the student population needs at that time. 11 years later, I have developed a practical, hands-on, and real-life course that can be taught in the classroom to any level of learner.


Thursday February 27, 2020 10:30am - 11:30am MST
(Archbishop O'Leary Catholic High School - Room 111)

10:30am MST

The Most Important Course in High School
TEDx & Keynote Speaker, Founder of 2017 EdTech of the Year, Lee Taal, was a future paleontologist/football player who’s career path was a complete surprise. A graduate of RRMC, he worked in the Arctic, has medals from the UN & NATO, gave advice to engineers on locomotives, designed advertising at Airports, and now has a mission of getting every student to talk about their future. Today’s teen is overwhelmed with information and, for many the thought of exploring career and post-secondary options is daunting. ChatterHigh Founder Lee Taal uses examples from his unique career path to explain how active exploration contributes to hope in students and how this leads to the critical outcome of becoming adaptable in a constantly changing world. Lee’s talk with educators and students alike is engaging and inspiring and often requested on an annual basis in schools.

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Lee Taal

Lee Taal

Founder, Chatter High
A future paleontologist/football player who attended high school in Peterborough, Ontario, Lee’s career path was a complete surprise to him. A graduate of RRMC with a B.Sc in Oceanography & Space Science, he worked in the Arctic, has a medal from the UN and NATO, gave advice to... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 10:30am - 11:30am MST
(Archbishop O'Leary Catholic High School - Room 108)

10:30am MST

GSAs and Beyond: Impact on Edmonton Public and Catholic Students
The session will focus on a new research project from the University of Alberta and MacEwan University that investigates the impact of Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) clubs on students in Edmonton schools. We will discuss findings regarding students’ experiences of bullying, mental health, and relationships at school and at home. We will be presenting preliminary data collected in Edmonton Public High Schools and Edmonton Catholic high schools in the fall of 2019. The session will be interactive and give teachers a chance to ask questions and share their perspectives on what aspects of the research needs more exploration. Our goal is to provide evidence-based resources to Edmonton and area schools and inform students and staff of up-to-date and relevant information regarding GSA programming.

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Lauren Alston

Lauren Alston

Where Are we Now? GSA Awareness
Lauren (she/her) is a PhD Candidate in the Psychological Studies in Education (PSE) program within the Department of Educational Psychology at the University of Alberta. Lauren previously worked as the Provincial Gender and Sexual Orientation Alliance (GSA) Coordinator, a position... Read More →
avatar for Maria Di Stasio

Maria Di Stasio

GSA Awareness in Edmonton Public and Catholic High Schools
Maria Di Stasio is an assistant professor at MacEwan University and an adjunct colleague at the University of Alberta. Her research interests include socio-emotional development in children and adolescents. Maria has studied bullying in high school and classroom contexts. Her current... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 10:30am - 11:30am MST
(Westin - Devonian Room)

10:30am MST

Drama in the Classroom
This session will focus on implementing drama activities into the elementary/secondary curriculum and enhancing Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies and more. Come prepared to play as we experience games, speech exercises and an active introduction to Shakespeare sparking lots of creative ideas for your classroom.

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Tracy Carroll

Tracy Carroll

Co-Artistic Director, Concrete Theatre
Tracy Carroll is the new Co-Artistic Director of Concrete Theatre, an award winning professional touring theatre company based in Edmonton, Alberta. She has worked as a director, dramaturg, teacher and producer for over 20 years including 6 years as the Artistic Associate- North for... Read More →
avatar for Xinxin Fang

Xinxin Fang

Director, Office of Extension and Culture & Centre for Chinese Studies, Concordia University of Edmonton


Thursday February 27, 2020 10:30am - 11:30am MST
(Archbishop O'Leary Catholic High School - Room 220)

10:30am MST

Establishing Writing Groups in our Elementary Classrooms: Why and How
Elementary-age students are capable of engaging in quality literary conversations but we have to teach them how. Explore how writing groups can help us meet General Outcomes 5 (respect, support and collaborate with others) in the Alberta ELA curriculum and also dramatically improve student writing (enhancing both artistry and clarity). Karen will provide specific examples and prompts for all levels of elementary.

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Karen Filewych

Karen Filewych

Words Change Worlds
Karen Filewych has over twenty-five years of educational experience as an elementary teacher, school administrator, and language arts consultant. In 2007, she completed her Master of Education degree in the area of literacy. Karen has two teacher resources published by Pembroke Publishers... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 10:30am - 11:30am MST
(Westin - Centennial Room)

10:30am MST

Make Music Matter in the Content Areas
Music can be an engaging way to scaffold, reinforce, and explicitly teach grade level standards. This workshop will present a variety of strategies for Kindergarten through Middle School content which include grammar, writing, reading process, mathematics, and vocabulary. Not only does music offer scaffolds for learning concepts, it also lowers affect that can ease anxiety for all learning styles. This session will also offer creative opportunities for your students to explore creating music which can be used for fluency applications, providing an integrated approach to learning.

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Ron Boren

Ron Boren

6th Grade, Boren2tchtunes
Ron Boren has been a teacher in California for 27 years. He is celebrating 20 years of writing content specific music for elementary and intermediate schools in 2020. After receiving is Masters Degree in 2011 he also began teaching at the college level for Brandman University and... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 10:30am - 11:30am MST
(Edmonton Convention Centre - Salon 17/18)

10:30am MST

Reading Comprehension Success! (Grades 10 to 12)
This workshop will provide ELA teachers with a pathway of how to increase student achievement on Reading Comprehension Assessments as well as ease the stress and anxiety students often experience when faced with writing these assessments. The types of questions on Reading Comprehension assessments require specific skills. The skills can be categorized into 5 areas: Identify and Interpret Ideas and Details; Interpret Text Organization; Associate Meaning; Make Connections; Evaluate. During this session teachers will unpack each reading comprehension skill and understand the curriculum outcomes, which align to each skill; review assessment questions which are aligned to each skill; understand and practise aligning assessment questions to each skill; and write assessment questions that assess each skill.

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Brigitta Goerres

Brigitta Goerres

President, Edu-Best Educational Resources
I have been involved in education for over 30 years. I have had the fortune of starting my career as a classroom teacher with the Elk Island Catholic School District immediately after graduating from the University of Alberta majoring in both English and Social Studies. I continued... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 10:30am - 11:30am MST
(Archbishop O'Leary Catholic High School - Room 222)

10:30am MST

Visual Journals in the Classroom
Visual Journals allow opportunities for students to reflect and document their learning in a creative format. See how Visual Journals are being used almost daily as a curriculum-based tool across all subjects in the Grade 2 classroom. Ways to incorporate Indigenous themes will also be demonstrated. There will be take-away projects. The session information is easily adapted for K-3 and can also be useful for upper elementary grades. No supplies are needed.

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Cassandra Christen

Cassandra Christen

Visual Journals in Elementary
Cassandra Christen has been teaching for 16 years. She has used Visual Journals in the classroom for 10 years. Cassandra also co-authored and illustrated the book “We Can’t Mask Our Excitement - a book to help students understand what going back to school may look like in the... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 10:30am - 11:30am MST
(Edmonton Convention Centre - Salon 3)

10:30am MST

Counting Progressions in a Kinder to Grade 2 Classroom
I will discuss useful strategies to encourage counting and the early numeracy skills necessary for young children, leading to their success with additive thinking. I will also help teachers to know what to look for when observing students counting and how to move their students through developmentally appropriate progressions. Teachers will leave this session with many ideas and activities to use in their classrooms.

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Michelle Dean

Michelle Dean

teacher/ Math Council, Fort McMurray Public Schools
I am a grade one teacher for Fort McMurray Public Schools. I have taught for 13 years. I have a passion for encouraging children to love math and encouraging teachers to love teaching math.


Thursday February 27, 2020 10:30am - 11:30am MST
(Westin - Strathcona Room)

10:30am MST

Make your own Demos for teaching Math
Do you know about Desmos? Have you found activities that are ALMOST right for you classes? Do you want to spend some time making your own? Come play and create activities that you can use in your classes on Monday!

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Stephanie Gower

Stephanie Gower

Teacher
Hi! I teach Math! and I love Desmos (and no, they don't pay me to say that) I teach Math 10-31 at Old Scona Academic High School in Edmonton where I use Desmos every chance I get. I also do a lot of puzzles, games, and traditional teaching.


Thursday February 27, 2020 10:30am - 11:30am MST
(Westin - Athabasca Room)

10:30am MST

Using Math Games to Develop Numeracy Skills
Come and play some math games and have some fun!! We will go over some math games that can be used to "change it up" in your classroom. Your students will have so much fun playing these games that they won't even realize that they are developing numeracy skills! The games that we go over are geared for Div 2 and 3, but most games can be modified for other divisions.

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Todd Steinhauer

Todd Steinhauer

Desmos in the Math Class
I have been teaching for over 25 years...(yikes!!). I LOVE teaching math and I am a self proclaimed math geek :). I love to chat about teaching math with colleagues and anyone else who will listen. When I am not teaching math, I enjoy curling in the winter and golf in the summer... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 10:30am - 11:30am MST
(Westin - Yukon Room)

10:30am MST

Centres in the Div 2 Music Classroom
Centres in the music room? YES! How is this implemented in the music room will be covered and experienced. Topics discussed will include: how to organize and implement centres in your music room, differentiated learning, and active learning. This is an overwhelming task for many, but once you start, you cannot stop!

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Marissa de Sousa

Marissa de Sousa

Marissa de Sousa is has been an elementary music specialist in Fort McMurray for the past 13 years. She also holds degrees from the University of Windsor (B.Ed.), the University of Calgary (M.Music in performance), University of Western Ontario (B.Music in performance), and Camosun... Read More →



Thursday February 27, 2020 10:30am - 11:30am MST
(Alberta College Campus - Stollery Hall)

10:30am MST

Rockin’ Rhythms: Fun Games & Activities to Teach and Assess Rhythm
Get ready to clap, stomp, race and play! In this highly interactive session, Joyce will demonstrate a variety of fun activities to teach, reinforce and assess rhythms concepts for Div 1 and 2 music.

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Joyce Holoboff

Joyce Holoboff

Music
Joyce Holoboff has taught elementary music and junior high band with Wolf Creek School Division for 30 years. She uses a hybrid approach combining elements of Kodaly, Orff, and world music in her elementary instruction, and she loves teaching beginning recorder. She directs choirs... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 10:30am - 11:30am MST
(Alberta College Campus - Bryan Hall)

10:30am MST

Assessing Concept-Based Curriculum
Well-designed classroom assessments have always had the potential to improve teacher instruction and deepen student understanding. As educators find themselves living in the initial stages of a concept-based curriculum, questions of assessment are pressing. Does assessing student learning under a concept-based curriculum differ from traditional assessments? Dr. Hartson explores powerful assessment theories and tools that enable deep assessment of student learning under the framework of a concept-based curriculum.

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Karena Hartson

Karena Hartson

Consultant, Edmonton Public Schools
Dr. Hartson began her career as a classroom teacher where she taught Language Arts, Social Studies, and various Fine Arts programs to Junior High students. She also ran a lunch-time chess club for students (but never won a single game) and an after-school badminton club (she won few... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 10:30am - 11:30am MST
(Edmonton Convention Centre - Salon 5/6)

10:30am MST

Deep Dive Into Design Thinking
Ready to roll up your sleeves and dive into some hands-on design thinking? This session will introduce you to the design thinking process, a human-centered approach to solving real-world problems. You will be guided through the design thinking process and learn how to apply it to your work, whether that be in the classroom with your students or in your organization with your colleagues.

Venue
Speakers
JE

Jason Eliuk

Teacher, Edmonton School Division
I am passionate about enriching the education of students at all levels with authentic and meaningful experiences. I am in my 10th year with the Edmonton School Division. I feel privileged to work and learn alongside students, families, staff and community members.
avatar for Lindsay Adrian

Lindsay Adrian

Supervisor, Career Pathways, Edmonton Public Schools
Lindsay Adrian has taught everything from Pre-K to junior high in her career with Edmonton Public Schools. She currently works with the Career Pathways unit, helping schools find ways to provide authentic and innovative learning experiences that are community and future focused.
avatar for Inquiring Minds Site Coordinators

Inquiring Minds Site Coordinators

Children learn best by doing. The Inquiring Minds partnership offers teachers an opportunity to move their classroom to a community site for a week of hands on, multi-sensory learning. Student learning is enhanced by meeting curriculum expectations through meaningful connections to... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 10:30am - 11:30am MST
(Edmonton Convention Centre - Salon 19/20)

10:30am MST

Distance Education Teachers: Self-Directed Education and The Power of Relationships
Relationships rule in self-directed education. Discover the benefits, research and practice of facilitating learners in their quest for knowledge. This session will provide an overview of self-directed education and the powerful role of the facilitator. The participant will learn: 1. How the adult role changes from teacher to facilitator in self-directed education 2. The benefits of self-directed education for learner and teacher 4. Evidence supporting self-directed education 5. How brain development stages fit with self-directed education and the necessity of adult relationships.

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Judy Arnall

Judy Arnall

Bestselling Author and Speaker on Child Development, Professional Parenting Canada
Judy Arnall, BA, CCFE, DTM is a certified brain and child development specialist and master of non-punitive parenting and education practices. She is the bestselling author of 5 print books translated into 7 languages, including Discipline Without Distress and Parenting With Patience... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 10:30am - 11:30am MST
(Archbishop O'Leary Catholic High School - Room 109)

10:30am MST

The Christ Event and the Religions of the World
Our pluriform society is home to an increasing array of viewpoints and traditions—many of which are informed and sustained by religious conviction. Grasping the fundamentals of world religions is, arguably, paramount for citizens of the 21st century. Yet how can students be equipped for such a task? This presentation seeks to provide the basic perspectives on how Catholicism views and engages other faith and proffers various models and analogies for guiding understanding.

Speakers
avatar for Gerard McLarney

Gerard McLarney

Teacher, Elk Island Catholic Schools
Dr. McLarney teaches at St. Isidore’s Learning Center in Sherwood Park, AB., and serves as a sessional instructor at St. Joseph's College, University of Alberta. His academic interests include Religious Education, World Religions, Ancient and Modern Mythology, J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 10:30am - 11:30am MST
(Archbishop O'Leary Catholic High School - Room 232)

10:30am MST

Culture Vulture(s) - A Sustainable and Healthy School Culture Requires Nourishing Practices
School culture plays a large, subtle, and overt role in the way we achieve our work as leaders, educators, and teachers. It is often vague, ethereal, and hard to quantify. Often the role of administrators in terms of setting the tone of the schools cultural practices towards students, families, colleagues, and within the community. It is a layered and complex. This session will briefly look at some of the most recent research around best/worst practices of school cultures and how everyone plays a role in helping to shape and build the culture of a school. If you are a leader, visionary, macro view thinker, then this session will help you to learn, consider, reflect and develop some ideas and practices you can take back into your learning communities to improve the learning experiences and outcomes for all humans in your buildings.



Thursday February 27, 2020 10:30am - 11:30am MST
(Edmonton Convention Centre - Salon 13/14)

10:30am MST

From A to Z
We set goals in life that are usually followed with grand expectations. So often we find that it’s harder than we thought to achieve such goals and when our expectations aren’t being met, we give up. Achieving one's goals is one of the keys to happiness. Don’t let adversity cause you to throw away what you want most in life. In this session you will learn the importance of the patience, focus, and hard work that is required to achieve your goals. The significance of setting realistic goals that will propel and not hinder your growth. The significance of stepping out of your comfort zone in order to succeed.

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Levi Stanford

Levi Stanford

Resilience is an Action Word, Levi Stanford
Levi Stanford was involved in an accident only five days after being married to his beautiful wife which not only led to the amputation of his left hand but also left him fighting for his life. Waking up from an induced coma, Levi was filled with immense gratitude for having a second... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 10:30am - 11:30am MST
(Edmonton Convention Centre - Salon 15/16)

10:30am MST

Take a PIL (Providing Instructional Leadership)
This session is designed for administrators or specialists to build and/or share their knowledge base on instructional leadership . This session will review the Leadership Quality - Providing Instructional Leadership. The audience will be exposed to research based suggestions and specific school wide examples of Instructional Leadership. The audience will be asked to contribute suggestions or additional distinctions to ideas presented. The end goal is to spark your Instructional Leadership. The takeaway is to leave with a digital document of ideas/strategies you can try at your school sites.

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Michael Mauro

Michael Mauro

Assistant Principal, Edmonton Catholic Schools
Michael has been an education for 28 years with the last 13 as an administer for a variety of K-12 schools. He is passionate about high quality student centered education and aligning the team to get that done. Padlet link 1p3qfqr3iutd


Thursday February 27, 2020 10:30am - 11:30am MST
(Edmonton Convention Centre - Salon 7)

10:30am MST

The Importance of Youth Engagement
The studies are becoming clear, youth and student engagement is an important predictor of success. With this in mind, Carla works across all sectors, helping young people lean into outcomes that matter to them. Carla worked as a teacher on 3 different continents over the last 16 years. She has been involved in projects aimed at career pathways, educational transformation, curriculum development, online program creation, as well as shifts towards self-directed learning, project-based learning, service learning, and flipped classrooms. All of this is aimed at getting youth more engaged in their lives, education, and their future. Carla will work to help the audience understand changes within emerging generations and share how she has engaged over 10,500 students in the last 4 years to pursue leadership training.

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Carla Cuglietta

Carla Cuglietta

Executive Director, YoungLeaders.World
Carla Cuglietta is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of YL.W. She is also a Canadian born educator, consultant, humanitarian and keynote speaker. Over the last 20 years she has been involved in global projects in Mexico, El Salvador, Costa Rica, China, Laos, India, Sierra Leone... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 10:30am - 11:30am MST
(Enterprise Square - Faculty of Extension - Room 2-550D)

10:30am MST

Connecting Science Demonstrations with School Leadership Activities
Michael Ng shares how you can turn science demonstrations and hands-on activities that involve school-wide spirit of leadership, cooperation, belonging, laughter and friendship. Relevant for Chemistry 20 / 30, Sci 10, 14, 20, 30 and Junior High Science Curriculum.

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Michael Ng

Michael Ng

Science
Michael Ng Chemistry 20/30 and AP Chemistry. Accomplished concert pianist and artist since age 5. The world of science can be an enjoyable part of daily life. Dedicated and innovative in making "Science fun". Michael appears monthly on GlobalTV Edmonton Morning demonstrating his passion... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 10:30am - 11:30am MST
(Archbishop O'Leary Catholic High School - Room 134 - Chem Lab)

10:30am MST

Foldables and Manipulatives for the Classroom: Science Bias
Does paper always have to remain flat and motionless? Session including demonstration of fold-able and manipulative ideas in the classroom. Purpose is to engage students in note taking and embrace/encourage their creativity.

Venue
Speakers
CS

Craig Schatz

Teacher
Craig has been a teacher with Edmonton Public Schools for 4 years. He has taught a variety of Science classes, which include: Science 14, Science 24, Science 10, Biology 20, and Biology 30. Craig’s passion about teaching is helping students reach their full potential by getting... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 10:30am - 11:30am MST
(Archbishop O'Leary Catholic High School - Room 121)

10:30am MST

My Data Is Out-Of-Date Before I Can Write It Up!
The Energy And The Environment unit in Science 30 is based upon these Focusing Questions: “How can Canadians and other members of the international community conserve energy and maintain quality of life? What are the benefits and costs of available non-renewable energy sources and of developing renewable energy sources? What is our energy future?” This session will focus on the issues that surround many of the energy sources that humans are using. With the science behind global warming solid and climate change very much in the news, it is important that students learn about the global production and use of energy. One problem is finding data that is up to date. Things are changing faster than a textbook can be written and published. We will focus on being as up to date as possible.

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Barry Edgar

Barry Edgar

Physics
Barry taught for Edmonton Public Schools for 40 years before retiring at the end of the 2013 school year (14 years in junior high math and science, and 26 years in high school general science and physics).He believes that students get most out of a classroom that is activity based... Read More →



Thursday February 27, 2020 10:30am - 11:30am MST
(Archbishop O'Leary Catholic High School - Room 112)

10:30am MST

Ozobots: Coding Robots as a Lens Through Which to Leverage Experiential Learning?
Design, code, build, test and reflect. With two ways of being able to code, these tiny robots allow for classroom flexibility in engaging students with coding and creating technology. Students can code the Ozobots away from a screen using different coloured markers, or can use the Ozoblockly program. As such, these little robots make coding readily accessible at any level but activities can be scaled up to meet the needs of older or more advanced learners. Join WISEST in this session where we discuss how using Ozobots can change students from consumers of technology to creators of technology and can help address EDI issues in the classroom.

Venue
Speakers
MM

Mara Metz

Program Coordinator, WISEST
Bridget Fraser is the Program Coordinator at WISEST, Women in Scholarship, Engineering, Science and Technology, based at the University of Alberta. Bridget has undergraduate degrees in biochemistry and education and is currently pursuing a MEd in secondary curriculum studies. With... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 10:30am - 11:30am MST
(Archbishop O'Leary Catholic High School - Room 133)

10:30am MST

Scientific Literacy in the Age of Alternative Facts
What is scientific literacy? How do scientists arrive at Truth? Is all evidence equal? And how much should non-scientists care? In the era of post-truth where it sometimes seems the facts don't matter these questions and many others deserve careful consideration and discussion. In this session Ian will challenge you to think about how we can and should develop scientific literacy. Learn the current state of research regarding scientific literacy and explore practical, hands on methods to encourage students to become critical, independent thinkers.

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Ian Doktor

Ian Doktor

Science Teacher / Doctoral Student
Ian's teaching career has spanned 20 years and four countries including Canada, Mexico, Japan, and Hong Kong where has taught Science and Math. He teaches Physics, Astronomy and Science at Jasper Place High School and is researching Science Education at the University of Alberta... Read More →



Thursday February 27, 2020 10:30am - 11:30am MST
(Archbishop O'Leary Catholic High School - Room 135)

10:30am MST

Supporting ELL Students in Science
Have you noticed that the dynamics of your classrooms has changed over the past few years? The influx of ELL students has drastically changed along with the complexity of our classes. During this session I will walk through the ways I support and assess ELL students in my science 7 to 9 classes. We will look at how to effectively build various levels of assignments and assessments in minimal time. Finally, this session will show how teaching with a hands-on based model with minimal notes has not only built confidence in my ELL students, but all students. Though combining interactive notes with doodle notes and bullet notes students no longer take hours of notes but they use the concepts they have learned to apply and summarize to various activities. This style has taken my teaching to the next level. All participants get full access to my resources through a google share folder.

Venue
Speakers
KC

Karlie Carter

Rosslyn Jr High School
Karlie has been a teacher with Edmonton Public Schools for 12 years. She has taught a variety of Science classes from special needs (opportunity classes) to pre-advanced placement 7 through 9, Science 10/10IB, Chemistry 20 and Science 15 (ELL). She was the recipient of the Alberta... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 10:30am - 11:30am MST
(Archbishop O'Leary Catholic High School - Room 130)

10:30am MST

Congo for the Taking - PART 2: ‘Independence’ to The Congo Wars
This session examines the history of Congo as a case study of Imperialism… from ‘Independence’ to the ongoing Congo Wars (5 million deaths). Topics include - Lumumba’s assassination, Hammarkjold’s death, Katangan succession, Cuban/CIA/Mercenary Intervention, Mobutu’s rise and The Rwandan Genocide (which led to the Congo Wars). It focuses on the roles of foreign actors, including Canada, and their motives. Were they truly motivated by the enlightened Idealism they professed or by the dark Realism described by Joseph Conrad, “It was just robbery with violence, aggravated murder on a great scale”?  This session quotes from "Heart of Darkness" to illustrate the continuity of Imperial policy from Leopold to the present. For a free paperback of his novella and other references click https://docs.google.com/document/d/1t002GqSLqS8W06POxG-Fky16GfBnMlQCgQFIhqDULn0/edit

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Greg Hunter

Greg Hunter

Social Studies
Greg Hunter taught Science in Alberta for 30 years. He believes history should be done and taught with a reverence for evidence and reason. “Greg's talks challenge teachers—and all of us—to never assume that received narratives are necessarily true. Such skepticism is the basis... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 10:30am - 11:30am MST
(Archbishop O'Leary Catholic High School - Success Centre)

10:30am MST

Delivering Impactful Social Studies Lessons
It is no secret that our world has changed over the course of the past five years when it comes to news, fake news and twitter! Now more than ever, our students need to be equipped with the necessary critical thinking skills in order to decipher news bias and media convergence. As a social studies teacher, it has never been a MORE exciting time to be teaching social studies. The trick is bridging the gap between what is necessary to teach (the program of studies) while engaging our students in skills that are required of them outside of the social studies classroom. This session is designed to target the Div 2/3 teacher who is looking for strategies that will engage learners in social studies classes!


Thursday February 27, 2020 10:30am - 11:30am MST
(Archbishop O'Leary Catholic High School - Room 104)

10:30am MST

Environmental Sustainability & Stewardship
The importance of environmental sustainability and stewardship has evolved over the past twenty years. Social awareness has ignited an interest and sense of action in the students. Where does a teacher look for accurate and up to date information for students? This session will focus on Alberta curriculum resources and community supports that are in your region of Alberta. Successful lessons, projects and actions will be shared within the session. Become your students mentor and facilitate stewardship and environmental sustainability in your community.

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Paul Bohnert

Paul Bohnert

GTEC President, Lethbridge Public Schools
Innovation in Education has been Paul's passion and focus for the past 15 years. Paul has been engaging university, high school and middle school students for 23 years with his project-based, concept-based and inquiry-based learning approach. He has shared his classroom and educational... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 10:30am - 11:30am MST
(Archbishop O'Leary Catholic High School - Room 102)

10:30am MST

Where in the World - Incorporating Global Voices in Your Classroom
In this workshop, participants will be introduced to the Centre for Global Education’s educational approach through hands-on learning experiences. Educators will explore integration of Global Connections, and the importance of global conversations in the classroom, school, and society. The approach used by the Centre for Global Education (CGE) is an inquiry-based and collaboratively-focused process for building background knowledge on significant global issues. Through online activities and expert-led video conference connections, CGE uses a knowledge-to-action approach to learning and student engagement to arrive at understandings of and solutions to local, national, and global issues. CGE’s suite of resources will be shared with participants, as they frame student learning experiences. Opportunities for reflection, debrief, and open exchange of ideas and practices will occur.

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Sarah Flynn

Sarah Flynn

Sarah Flynn is a social scientist and educator that focuses on global issues by promoting awareness and engagement in primary and secondary classrooms. By using interactive technologies to facilitate project-based, higher-level learning opportunities, our organization breaks down... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 10:30am - 11:30am MST
(Archbishop O'Leary Catholic High School - Room 106)

10:30am MST

Nourish the Teacher
Are you feeling run down and stressed out. Prevent burnout with specific tools that nourish your body, mind and heart.? This workshop provides specific skills and practices to better cope with classroom demands.? By creating awareness to stressful moments you'll be able to recognize your own triggers, foster greater sensitivity to student's needs and cultivate a positive classroom climate.

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Donna Freeman

Donna Freeman

Founder, Yoga In My School
Yoga In My School - Mindfulness and Yoga for YouthSAVE 25% with coupon code CONVENTION2021Help kids relieve anxiety, handle stress, foster self resilience, and increase calm.School Yoga and Mindfulness w Flair, Intention & Fun, Be present, Find calm, Reduce stress. Love life, Essential... Read More →



Thursday February 27, 2020 10:30am - 11:30am MST
(Westin - (Alberta Room))

10:45am MST

Prototyping an App
Limited Capacity seats available

Participants will identify key tasks and user behaviors, and transform them into a useful and usable product. To do so, they will learn to build paper prototypes for a mobile app, an essential stage in the design of digital products.


Thursday February 27, 2020 10:45am - 12:15pm MST
(MacEwan University Allard Hall - Room 11-260)

10:45am MST

Zine: The Personal is Political, Do-It-Yourself Publishing
Limited Capacity filling up

Learn the (art) history of zine making and its potential for sharing ideas, images and bridging community. This hands-on workshop will share how to plan, assemble and disseminate your own zine. From personal narratives to politics and recipes, zines are containers for expression and connection.

Venue
Speakers
EB

Elisabeth Belliveau

assistant professor, Macewan University


Thursday February 27, 2020 10:45am - 12:15pm MST
(MacEwan University Allard Hall - Room 11-157)

10:45am MST

Going Beyond the Notes on the Page: Developing Your Own Musical Interpretation
Limited Capacity seats available

As directors, we often look at the obvious and focus on minutia in the music. Looking beyond toward a better understanding of what is meaningful in the music is a critical step in finding your own musical personality, developing your own interpretation and, ultimately, creating a more musical performance.


Thursday February 27, 2020 10:45am - 12:15pm MST
(MacEwan University Allard Hall - Room 11-361)

10:45am MST

Acting Skills
Limited Capacity full
Adding this to your schedule will put you on the waitlist.

In this workshop, teachers will learn basic acting skills and concepts, such as pursuing objectives, working to overcome obstacles, and playing actions.


Thursday February 27, 2020 10:45am - 12:15pm MST
(MacEwan University Allard Hall - Room 11-311)

10:45am MST

Managing Props and Costumes for a High School Theatre Production
Limited Capacity seats available

This session will help you organize props and costumes for high school theatre productions. It will walk you through from start to finish: explaining the process of budgeting, building, running, and striking the props and costumes for a show. Digital templates for process paperwork will be made available to the session participants.


Thursday February 27, 2020 10:45am - 12:15pm MST
(MacEwan University - Allard Hall - Room TBA)

11:00am MST

Don’t Throw The Baby Out With The Bath Water! (There Is Room For Sport And Game -Based Phys Ed Programming)
How does one integrate quality lead up games into a sport based PE program? This interactive session will allow you to brush up on your understanding of the Teaching Games for Understanding (TGfU) framework (whose main purpose is to encourage learners to construct meaning from the situations in which they are placed), all while integrating games and play into your programming. Play is foundational to the TGfU framework and is essential to student development contributing to the cognitive, physical, social and emotional wellbeing of children and youth. Come ready to sweat and learn how to integrate games play theory into your physical education classes.

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Dr. Stacey Hannay

Dr. Stacey Hannay

Edmonton Public Schools
Stacey Hannay holds a PhD with expertise in the area of theorizing curriculum and teacher professional development. Specifically, her area of research lies with: Teachers conceptualizations of physical literacy. She is currently a teacher with Edmonton Public Schools and the vice-president... Read More →



Thursday February 27, 2020 11:00am - 12:00pm MST
(Saville Community Sports Centre - Gym 5)

11:00am MST

Athlete by Nature, Cheerleader by Choice
Are you looking for an innovative sport to encourage athleticism among your student body? Have you ever been curious about cheerleading? Have you ever wanted to learn more about it, or even just give it a try? Following the 2016 recognition of Cheerleading by the IOC cheerleading has seen huge growth in Alberta and internationally. Cheerleading is a unique sport; it attracts both traditional and non-traditional athletes and challenges them in new and exciting ways! Contemporary Cheerleading combines acrobatic stunting, gymnastics, dance, jumps, and traditional sideline cheering. Cheerleading teaches valuable life skills such as teamwork, trust, and confidence. In this session we will discuss what cheerleading is and why it is a great option for schools, we will look at safety regulations, how to start a successful program, and will have the opportunity to watch some cheer skills demos!

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Jennifer Guiney

Jennifer Guiney

Jennifer Guiney has been a teacher for seven years, a cheerleading coach for ten years, and has been involved in the school cheerleading world since her junior high days. For the last six years Jennifer has served on the Alberta Cheerleading Association Board of Directors as Secretary... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 11:00am - 12:00pm MST
(Saville Community Sports Centre - Classroom 2)

11:00am MST

Build Your Toolbox to Support a Fun, Free and Flexible Club To Get Students Active
This interactive session will feature activities and strategies to implement a run, walk or activity club at your school. The Alberta Medical Association and Ever Active Schools have partnered to support Alberta Schools through the Alberta Medical Association Youth Run Club: a fun, free and flexible club. Participants of this session will leave with the expertise to develop a new club or enhance an existing one with access to downloadable handbooks, practice plans and free swag. Come ready to move and have some fun! This session is part of the Health and Physical Education Institute co-hosted by Ever Active Schools and the Health and Physical Education Council at GETCA 2020. Join a full day of active and practical sessions for all grade levels addressing the Physical Education, Health and Life Skills and CALM curriculum.

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Ever Active Schools

Ever Active Schools

Supporting Healthy School Communities
Ever Active Schools is a charity that supports healthy school communities all across Alberta. We offer professional development opportunities for teachers and administrators on a wide variety of topics to advance well-being in schools. Ever Active Schools puts on annual events such... Read More →



Thursday February 27, 2020 11:00am - 12:00pm MST
(Saville Community Sports Centre - Classroom 1)

11:00am MST

Games and Activities to Optimize 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. Join Ever Active Schools as we explore how critical executive functioning skills can be challenged and developed through fun, creative and original activities. Participate in a series of fun relay races that can be used in Physical Education to support general outcomes C and D, and in Health and Life Skills/CALM to focus on Relationship/Personal and Life Learning Choices. This session is part of the Health and Physical Education Institute co-hosted by Ever Active Schools and the Health and Physical Education Council at GETCA 2020. Join a full day of active and practical sessions for all grade levels addressing the Physical Education, Health and Life Skills and CALM curriculum.

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Ever Active Schools

Ever Active Schools

Supporting Healthy School Communities
Ever Active Schools is a charity that supports healthy school communities all across Alberta. We offer professional development opportunities for teachers and administrators on a wide variety of topics to advance well-being in schools. Ever Active Schools puts on annual events such... Read More →



Thursday February 27, 2020 11:00am - 12:00pm MST
(Saville Community Sports Centre - Gym 12)

11:00am MST

Jiminy Cricket! (A Crash Course in Cricket for Phys Ed Teachers)
Cricket! What a great game. This is an active session and we will be covering a staggering about of material in the time we have together. Cricket gives students quick access to running, batting, fielding, strategy and throwing skills like few other games. We will go over different ways to build skills and a progression that gets every student into high turn-over, fast paced, small group games on the first day. We will advance through the game progressions throughout the session so you will leave with an entire unit plan ready to go. Don’t have cricket equipment at your school. I will show you have we made bats and wickets out of scrap material. Don’t let equipment hold you back. We always have a great time on the pitches. Join us ready to move with your best “HOWZA!”

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Paul Marlett

Paul Marlett

Learning Leader, Calgary Board of Education
Paul is a purebred teacher, he is a maverick in education with a unique approach to teaching and learning. Having taught grades 1 to 12, all subject matters, and 10 years with the Blended Homeschooling program, he has some unique insights into students and accelerating student progress... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 11:00am - 12:00pm MST
(Saville Community Sports Centre - Gym 10)

11:00am MST

Orange Marks the Spot: Lesson Plans to support Outdoor Adventure
Active play in nature and outdoors is essential for healthy child development. This interactive session will feature activities and strategies to develop competence, confidence and motivation to be active outside for life. The Alberta Orienteering Association and the Be Fit For Life Network have partnered to create Orange Marks the Spot: a series of lesson plans that are a fun way to introduce outdoor adventure skills to participants ages 5-12. Participants will leave with free downloadable lesson plans and strategies for use as a cross-curricular activity, in Physical Education, for large group activities, special event days, or a way to orient students to new spaces. This session is part of the Health and Physical Education Institute co-hosted by Ever Active Schools and the Health and Physical Education Council.


Thursday February 27, 2020 11:00am - 12:00pm MST
(Saville Community Sports Centre - Classroom 3)

11:00am MST

Zumba Fitness for All
Zumba is an exercise fitness program created by Colombian dancer and choreographer Alberto "Beto" Perez during the 1990s. A Zumba class combines fast and slow rhythms that tone and sculpt the body using principles from aerobic and fitness to achieve health benefits. In every Zumba lesson four core rhythms are always present: merengue, salsa, cumbia and reggaeton. Some other styles of music is also added to the music pool recently. It is an exercise fits people at all age and most of the health conditions. The goals of Zumba fitness are: having fun, gaining cardio and muscle-toning benefits, and adjusting body weight. Mr. Wu is a senior Zumba coach. This session will introduce this fitness exercise, and practice Zumba using a special set of songs.

Venue
Speakers
PW

Peng Wu

As a certified Zumba coach, Mr. Wu have being teaching his Zumba class for three years. He has four Zumba certificates, Zumba Basic Level I, Zumba Basic Level II (the highest level), Zumba Gold and Zumba Kids. The Zumba class that he is instructing has 50 adult students. This one... Read More →



Thursday February 27, 2020 11:00am - 12:00pm MST
(Saville Community Sports Centre - Gym 11)

11:00am MST

Anyone Can Dance (Div 2)
As a dance teacher, performer, choreographer, I understand the importance of dance in education even if they don’t become dancers themselves. The benefits of dance to a child can also affect their brain development. With schools offering and/or incorporating dance, we need to have the educators deliver dance concepts so that the experiences are of positive value. I will provide these tools and concepts so that the teachers can go back to their classroom exploring them with students.

Venue
Speakers
JV

J. Vandekerkhove

Jeannie Vandekerkhove is a teacher, choreographer and dancer who trained classically in her youth, furthering her studies at Arts Umbrella and Ballet British Columbia’s Mentorship Program. She has taught professionally at Arts Umbrella, MareMac Dance Studio, Ballet Divertimento... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 11:00am - 12:00pm MST
(Saville Community Sports Centre - Classroom 4)

12:30pm MST

Easy Watercolour Flowers Step-By Step Tutorial [*PREREGISTRATION IS REQUIRED*]
Limited Capacity full
Adding this to your schedule will put you on the waitlist.

For those who love flowers and colours, this is a perfect workshop. Using watercolours, you will learn how to paint flowers with a variety of paint strokes to capture and emphasize the essence of the subject rather than in details. Participants will be provided with a set of handouts and a PowerPoint presentation (bring your own USB stick) that can be used directly in their art classrooms. Open to art and general teachers of grades 4- 12. All supplies provided by the instructor. $15 registration fee

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Bogdan Konikowski

Bogdan Konikowski

Turning Dots Into a Painting/ Fabulous Abstract Paintings
Bogdan Koral-Konikowski is an artist-educator from Edmonton. He received his formal fine arts education in Poland. Since then, Bogdan has painted many exquisite paintings. Among his commissioned works are the life-size portraits of the late Honourable Lois E. Hole, former Lieutenant... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 12:30pm - 1:30pm MST
(Art Gallery of (Alberta - Orange Room)

12:30pm MST

Visual Art Lessons - Ready to Use! [*PREREGISTRATION IS REQUIRED*]
Limited Capacity full
Adding this to your schedule will put you on the waitlist.

In this session, teachers will be introduced to three new projects that can be used across Divisions I, II and III. Teachers will have opportunities to try out various techniques and produce art to take back to their classroom, ready to use! This session will provide opportunities for ideas on how to infuse art with their curriculum and subject areas. The presentation will include a collection of Visual Arts Projects that have been developed into engaging Google Presentations that can be adjusted to meet a variety of grade level expectations. The Google Presentations will be shared with attendees through Google Drive where teachers may edit to meet their own students needs and abilities.

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Jenny Culbertson

Jenny Culbertson

Edmonton Catholic Schools
Jenny Culbertson is the Art and Drama Consultant with the Edmonton Catholic School Division. She has been teaching art for 20 years and is passionate about art education and has a wide variety of experience teaching Visual Arts from 100 voices to Grade 12. She has opened and designed... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 12:30pm - 1:30pm MST
(Art Gallery of (Alberta - Yellow Room)

12:30pm MST

Continuing ASEBP Benefits into Retirement
Retirement is exciting, but also a little daunting with all the paperwork and planning to be done. With so many things to remember, let the Alberta School Employee Benefit Plan (ASEBP) make one of your checklist items a little easier—your retirement health benefits. During our session, participants will learn about eligibility requirements for maintaining their ASEBP benefits into retirement, the different coverage options available to them, the cost of coverage, as well as benefit options available after ASEBP coverage has ended. This session is beneficial for employees currently participating in ASEBP benefits and thinking about retirement.

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Patti Priestnall

Patti Priestnall

Administrative Coordinator, ASEBP
Tenjie Railey is a benefit specialist who has been with ASEBP. Tenjie assists covered members with their benefit inquiries, educates members on how to effectively use their benefit plan and spending accounts and advises members on the benefit options for early retirement and leaves... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 12:30pm - 1:30pm MST
(Archbishop O'Leary Catholic High School - Room 220)

12:30pm MST

Farm To Table: Exploring Local Alberta Canola and Pulses [*PREREGISTRATION IS REQUIRED*]
Limited Capacity seats available

Did you know that canola is Canada’s oil and is a Canadian innovation? That Canada is the number one exporter of pulses like peas, beans, lentils and chickpeas in the world? Join Tara with Alberta Canola Producers and Debra with Alberta Pulse Growers in this interactive session to learn more about the significance of these commodities to agriculture in Alberta. We will also explore some of the common myths about canola and pulses and see how to add these great Alberta commodities to your curriculum. Get your taste buds ready to try some samples showcasing Alberta canola and pulses!

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Debra McLennan

Debra McLennan

Registered Dietitian, Alberta Pulse Growers
Debra McLennan is a Registered Dietitian with over 30 years of experience in health care, education and industry. Debra now brings her passion for food and nutrition to her role as Food & Nutrition Coordinator with Alberta Pulse Growers where she enthusiastically encourages everyone... Read More →
avatar for Tara Baycroft

Tara Baycroft

Agriculture and School Coordinator, Alberta Canola
Tara Baycroft is the Agriculture and Education Coordinator for Alberta Canola. She has taught various CTS Foods classes and has a Science background and grew up in a rural setting. She has a major in Biological Studies and a minor in Human Ecology CTS from the University of Alberta... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 12:30pm - 1:30pm MST
(Archbishop O'Leary Catholic High School - Room 243 - Foods Lab)

12:30pm MST

Build a Tip Calculator App
See the process of building a Tip Calculator App for mobile devices from start to finish: creation to installation. Technologies used include: HTML, CSS, JavaScript and GoNative.io.

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Colin Veldkamp

Colin Veldkamp

Gaming Library/ Self-Paced Classroom
Colin Veldkamp is a Computing Science teacher at Harry Ainlay High School. He has a BSc with a specialization in Computing Science, an After Degree in Education (Math major/PE minor) and has taught Computing Science for seven years. Colin knows that there are 10 types of people in... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 12:30pm - 1:30pm MST
(Archbishop O'Leary Catholic High School - Room 211)

12:30pm MST

Oh, The Things You Can Draw!
Are you looking for new ways to have your students integrate technology into formative and summative projects? Do you want to move beyond student presentations? Come learn more about the hidden Google App: Google Drawings with these Google Certified Trainers! Participants will learn how to create several different products which can be used in the classroom to help students visualize difficult concepts. Participants will be given an overview of why we should be using Google Drawings more in our classrooms and how they align with standards and the 4 C’s (Creativity, Communication, Critical Thinking, and Collaboration). Attendees will gain an understanding of the various aspects of Drawings and all the different products that students Google Drawings brings learning to life in a fun and creative way!

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Glitter Gals Edu

Glitter Gals Edu

Google Certified Trainers
Tonja Parkin and Cassandra Gartung are the sparkling duo that make up @GlitterGalsEdu. As Google Certified Trainers, Smarter Balanced Independent Contractors, International Conference Presenters, and Curriculum Coaches we believe that fun and engaging PD empowers educators to positively... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 12:30pm - 1:30pm MST
(Archbishop O'Leary Catholic High School - Room 203)

12:30pm MST

Teaching Hybrid and Electric Drive Systems in CTS Mechanics
The mechanics classroom has always been one of great technological change, but in the last few years that change has occurred and a ever increasing rate. This session will review the modules that allow for instruction of Electric and Hybrid systems and discuss the equipment and procedures needed to safely service Electric and Hybrid vehicles.

Venue
Speakers
SL

Scott Lawrence

Scott has been an educator for twenty years. His career has allowed him to work at both the secondary and post secondary levels. Currently, he is the Automotive Teacher at Eastglen high school in Edmonton.


Thursday February 27, 2020 12:30pm - 1:30pm MST
(Archbishop O'Leary Catholic High School - Room 142 - Automotives)

12:30pm MST

Loose, but Intense: Harnessing Stress for Athletic Achievement
Stress can be your best friend and your worst enemy; let's get control of it together to help young athletes improve their performance. As a psychologist and football coach, I don't pretend to have a formula or any magic system--however, basic neurological principles married with coaching common sense can yield replicable, incremental results.

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Vincent Mireau

Vincent Mireau

Teacher & Counselling Psychologist
Vince Mireau is a clinical/educational psychologist working in the greater Whitecourt, Alberta region. His expertise is in creatively meeting the complex needs of children using play and biologically respectful approaches. He started his teaching career with Edmonton Catholic Schools... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 12:30pm - 1:30pm MST
(Archbishop O'Leary Catholic High School - Room 223)

12:30pm MST

Inspiring Environments
How can classroom environments embody inquiry, reflection and collaboration for both children and teachers? A classroom culture is created in which inquiry, imagination and reflection are interwoven throughout the day. The classroom is a shared space intentionally set up in a way to evoke respect, pride and ownership for all members. When materials are accessible, organized with purpose, and displayed in an inviting way child are motivated to interact with various learning tools, fostering opportunities for deeper learning.

Venue
Speakers
JM

Jill Morrison

Jill Morrison is a Kindergarten Programming Consultant with the Learning Services Department with Edmonton Catholic Schools. Jill has led numerous professional development series for early learning teachers focused on inquiry and is an exemplary teacher in Pre Kindergarten, Kindergarten... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 12:30pm - 1:30pm MST
(Westin - Centennial Room)

12:30pm MST

Simple Classroom Aquaponics
Aquaponics is an innovative urban agriculture technique that combines keeping fish with the growing of plants in a way that reduces work and waste. In this session, Urban Agriculture High coordinator, Dustin Bajer, will demonstrate how to convert a simple classroom fish tank into a closed-loop, food-producing aquaponics system for the classroom. The session will include a list of low-cost materials, detailed design considerations, tips and tricks on how to assemble and maintain your simple system, and various curricular links. A simple classroom aquaponics system is a perfect tool for teaching about design, food security, ecology, nutrient cycles, and environmental sustainability.

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Dustin Bajer

Dustin Bajer

Growing Food with Students, Sustainable Food Edmonton
Dustin Bajer is an educator, master gardener, beekeeper, permaculture designer, and urban agriculture consultant. He is passionate about integrating nature into built environments in mutually beneficial ways. Dustin runs ForestCityPlants.com and BeecentricHive.com, growing trees and... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 12:30pm - 1:30pm MST
(Archbishop O'Leary Catholic High School - Room 202)

12:30pm MST

Live Streaming Of Keynote from Hall D
Venue
Speakers
avatar for Jordin Tootoo

Jordin Tootoo

The first Inuk player in history to be drafted by the NHL, Jordin Tootoo announced his retirement after 13 years in the league to give back to the communities he knows and loves. Originally drafted by the Nashville Predators, Tootoo went on to play for the Detroit Red Wings, New Jersey... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 12:30pm - 1:30pm MST
(Edmonton Convention Centre - Salon 8/9)

12:30pm MST

Almost, Maine
For some teacher wellness come to "ALMOST, MAINE", the result of a summer of collective professional development. Almost, Maine is a play by John Cariani, comprising nine short plays that explore love and loss in a remote, mythical almost-town called Almost. This is a place where things almost happen; people almost fall in and out of love & they almost get into fights. The figurative becomes real and the characters literally fall in love. Please join The Vanguard Collective after the play for a panel discussion about our process and the benefits of collaborative professional development.

"The chemistry between these 9 performers is undeniable" - BTR, Fringe 2019

"This group of teachers hammers out powerful performances." -- Edmonton Journal, Fringe 2019

“ALMOST, MAINE is a series of nine amiably absurdist vignettes about love, with a touch of good-natured magic realism…witty."

Venue
Speakers
avatar for The Vanguard Collective (c/o Neil Kuefler)

The Vanguard Collective (c/o Neil Kuefler)

The Vanguard Collective is a made up of Great Edmonton Area Drama Teachers. They are all passionate about the teaching in the arts and believe that the key to their students education is their continued professional development through the arts. This past summer the Collective produced... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 12:30pm - 1:30pm MST
(Alberta College Campus - Stollery Hall)

12:30pm MST

Jordin Tootoo Keynote: Inclusivity Matters - Giving Back to the Indigenous Community
As an Indigenous trailblazer, Jordin Tootooo understands his responsibility as a role model and has committed his life to reaching Canada’s Indigenous communities through his work with the Team Tootoo Foundation that he founded in honour of his late brother, Terence. Tootoo, who grew up in Nunavut, 200 miles south of the Arctic Circle says “it’s part of Canada that a lot of people struggle with mental health, addiction, and suicide. These issues are a national epidemic. I feel that, at this point in my life, it’s my calling to give back to a lot of these remote communities.” Tootoo brings an uplifting message of creating a culture of inclusivity, telling humorous and authentic stories about his ground-breaking work on and off the ice. Your audience will leave uplifted and inspired, with clear takeaways on bringing NHL-level teamwork skills into any community.

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Jordin Tootoo

Jordin Tootoo

The first Inuk player in history to be drafted by the NHL, Jordin Tootoo announced his retirement after 13 years in the league to give back to the communities he knows and loves. Originally drafted by the Nashville Predators, Tootoo went on to play for the Detroit Red Wings, New Jersey... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 12:30pm - 1:30pm MST
(Edmonton Convention Centre - Hall D)

12:30pm MST

Intentional Innovation: Empowering Students with Choice and Technology
As the world changes, how do we educate differently so students, teachers, and staff are empowered to thrive in this environment? In this new talk from bestselling author A.J. Juliani, you’ll learn a clear process to guide risk-taking and lead change so you can be intentional about innovation in your classroom, school, and life. Juliani shows why we need intentional innovation and how to implement it effectively using the following guide: · What to Praise, Look For, and Assess · Support What is Different · Make Time for Creative Work

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Corey Hirsch

Corey Hirsch

Keynote Speaker, Thursday
A former NHL goaltender, NHL goaltending coach, and Olympic silver Medallist, Corey Hirsch was featured in an article in the Players Tribune opening up about his struggle with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder while on the rise to a promising career in the NHL.Born in Medicine Hat, Alberta... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 12:30pm - 1:30pm MST
(Edmonton Convention Centre - Salon 11/12)

12:30pm MST

Teach Skills and Break Habits: Growth-Mindsets for Better Behavior in the Classroom
How do you create long-term change for students with chronic behavior problems? Join Dan to learn about the downfall of behavior tracking systems and why time out, clip systems, behavior folders, and office referrals don’t work. You’ll also discuss specific ways to support behavior with regard to prevention and intervention efforts in the classroom.

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Dan St. Romain

Dan St. Romain

Feature Speaker, Author, both days
Dan St. Romain is an educator, author and independent consultant who provides staff development and consultative services to educators and parents working with children at all developmental levels. Dan is passionate about helping individuals shift their perspective on discipline... Read More →



Thursday February 27, 2020 12:30pm - 1:30pm MST
(Edmonton Convention Centre - Salon 10)

12:30pm MST

Créer une salle de classe de français immersion qui est riche en littératie
Après cette présentation captivante, vous sortirez avec des outils et des stratégies pratiques pour augmenter les compétences de littératie à l'intérieur et à l’extérieur des murs de votre salle de classe. Apprendre une deuxième langue peut être un grand défi, mais devenir confiant avec la communication orale et l'interaction avec les pairs et le personnel enseignant est une habileté de base très important qui aidera avec les autres composants de la littératie (la lecture, l’écriture et l’écoute). La première partie de cette présentation sera fixée sur le développement de la communication orale pour développer la compétence et la confiance de nos élèves lorsqu’ils participent aux activités de la salle de classe. La deuxième partie de la présentation sera au sujet des stratégies de lecture avant, pendant et après la lecture pour assister avec les pratiques de la lecture guidée.


Thursday February 27, 2020 12:30pm - 1:30pm MST
(Archbishop O'Leary Catholic High School - Room 208)

12:30pm MST

Por Favor, Profe, Hábleme en Español (session in Spanish)
All language teachers have a hunch that using consistently the target language with their students, particularly in the Language Arts programs, is the right way to proceed, and yet we often forget to do so. In this session we will see a few examples that prove this point and which will help us persevere despite the added effort this may require.

Venue
Speakers
RF

Rodolfo Fernández Alonso

Advisor, Ministry of Educacion of Spain
Rodolfo Fernandez has been the Special Language Advisor for Spanish language and culture at Alberta Education since September 2015. He has been a language teacher, teacher trainer, and a language advisor in Spain and the U.S.A. for several years.



Thursday February 27, 2020 12:30pm - 1:30pm MST
(Archbishop O'Leary Catholic High School - Room 201)

12:30pm MST

An Evidence Based Approach to the Prevention of Tobacco and Vaping
This session includes the review of 2 new school-based tobacco and vaping prevention programs from Alberta Health Services. Participants will learn:
- New trends in and prevalence of tobacco and vaping use for school aged youth
- Components of an effective prevention program
- How to implement The Academy for Tobacco Prevention, including the card game Shadows of the Academy
- Recent evaluation results for The Academy for Tobacco Prevention
- How to implement a newly developed Virtual Learning Experience for grades 7-9 Health and Life Skills
- Preliminary evaluation results for the new Virtual Learning Experience


Thursday February 27, 2020 12:30pm - 1:30pm MST
(Edmonton Convention Centre - Salon 1)

12:30pm MST

Anxiety 101: How to Help Anxious Teens Thrive!
Anxiety is one of the most spoken words in schools today and is widely understood as one of the biggest issues faced by adolescents! How much do you know about anxiety, how to support youth struggling with it and help teens thrive?! This session will focus on providing psycho-education on anxiety and strategies to support youth dealing with it in school and beyond. This session will help you feel more equipped to understand and work with anxious adolescents and will include several take-away strategies that you can use Monday... including some helpful handouts! Cory is a knowledgeable, energetic and honest presenter with a wealth of experience. Be prepared to learn some and laugh some!

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Cory Donald

Cory Donald

Psychologist
Cory Donald is a Teacher, a Consultant and a Registered Psychologist. Having spent his 18 year career in these helping professions, Cory thrives on supporting people to flourish. He practices from a strength-based, Positive Psychology perspective, utilizing a variety of therapeutic... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 12:30pm - 1:30pm MST
(Archbishop O'Leary Catholic High School - Room 109)

12:30pm MST

Childhood Trauma: The Healing Power of Connection
In Canada 1 in 3 of children are impacted by trauma, while caregivers (including educators) have extremely limited resources as how to identify and help these children heal when they have impacted by adverse experiences. Children affected by trauma can present significant challenges, and often display patterns of behaviour that can strain the relationship between the child and those caring for them. During this session educators will explore the impact of trauma on neurological development, and how it can uniquely present in the classroom. Strategies to support children and teens following experiences of trauma will be presented, giving attendees some key concrete ways in which they can support these students in their lives, including the importance of attachment and power of storytelling in shifting the adverse impact of trauma on children's development.

Venue
Speakers
TS

Tammy Schamuhn

I am a Registered Psychologist, Registered Play Therapist Supervisor, Speaker, and Educator. I am the Founder and Executive Director of Family Counselling Centres, based out of Leduc and Edmonton, and the Co-Founder of the Institute of Child Psychology. I have been working in private... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 12:30pm - 1:30pm MST
(Archbishop O'Leary Catholic High School - Room 209)

12:30pm MST

Classroom Mental Health: Understanding the Role of Relationship in the Classroom
This session will explore how relationship impacts a child's ability to learn and retain information. Research on connected relationships and student outcomes will be explored. Different attachment styles will be discussed. The focus of the session will be on a toolbox of strategies to develop secure, connected relationships in the classroom.

Venue
Speakers
TJ

Tania Johnson

Tania Johnson is a Registered Psychologist, Registered Play Therapist and the Co-Founder of the Institute of Child Psychology. The Institute of Child Psychology offers live presentations and webinars , both in Canada and internationally, on issues pertaining to children's mental... Read More →



Thursday February 27, 2020 12:30pm - 1:30pm MST
(Archbishop O'Leary Catholic High School - Room 207)

12:30pm MST

Resilience is a Sword Not a Shield
So often the adversity we face leaves us with stress, anxiety, and the feeling of being overwhelmed. Learning to acknowledge, control, and alleviate these emotions can prevent destructive behavior such as addiction, eating disorders, abuse, etc. and is crucial in turning a victim into an achiever and a follower into a leader. This session teaches specific, easy to grasp techniques and tools to help manage negative emotions caused by trauma/adversity such as fear, sadness, and anger.

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Levi Stanford

Levi Stanford

Resilience is an Action Word, Levi Stanford
Levi Stanford was involved in an accident only five days after being married to his beautiful wife which not only led to the amputation of his left hand but also left him fighting for his life. Waking up from an induced coma, Levi was filled with immense gratitude for having a second... Read More →



Thursday February 27, 2020 12:30pm - 1:30pm MST
(Edmonton Convention Centre - Salon 4)

12:30pm MST

Self-Harm: An Educational and Community Approach
Self-Harm continues to be a serious issue among adolescents, and is a major concern for teachers, counsellors and parents. This session outlines an educational approach to self harm that examines myths, positive vs. negative coping strategies, and barriers to seeking help. Participants will be given ideas for classroom presentations, staff PD and parent information sessions. Creating a common understanding about self-harm will help to reduce stigma and encourage students to seek help.

Venue
Speakers
KC

Kris Christianson

Kris Christianson has been a teacher with Edmonton Catholic Schools for the past 14 years, and has been a guidance counsellor for the past 6 years. He completed his Masters in School Counselling at the University of Alberta, and has developed several initiatives to address mental... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 12:30pm - 1:30pm MST
(Archbishop O'Leary Catholic High School - Room 107)

12:30pm MST

Trauma-Informed Mindfulness & Movement
Trauma has a tremendous impact on our minds and bodies. Many students social and academic success is impacted by traumatic events both large and small. In this workshop discover how mindfulness and movement can help. Learn key tools to help students to find calm, recognize when they are outside their window of tolerance, and specific way to foster positive response patterns. You will gain understanding into key concepts such as creating a safe space and empowering through choice that will change how you view your students and yourself.

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Donna Freeman

Donna Freeman

Founder, Yoga In My School
Yoga In My School - Mindfulness and Yoga for YouthSAVE 25% with coupon code CONVENTION2021Help kids relieve anxiety, handle stress, foster self resilience, and increase calm.School Yoga and Mindfulness w Flair, Intention & Fun, Be present, Find calm, Reduce stress. Love life, Essential... Read More →



Thursday February 27, 2020 12:30pm - 1:30pm MST
(Westin - (Alberta Room)

12:30pm MST

Writing to Cope with Teen Trauma and Build Resiliency
Learn creative ways to engage teens struggling with trauma, bullying, identity, life direction, family issues, and mental health challenges, utilizing the empowering and healing capacities of writing. Topics include: • How to create a judgement-free, safe space for teens to engage with writing both in groups and alone. • Left brain and right brain processes in coping and thriving after trauma, utilizing creativity as an outlet for personal self-discovery, reflection, and positive change. • How the conscious and subconscious mind can work together during the writing process to uncover wounds, needs, and self-derived ideas for coping and overcoming. • Writing styles and genres that each work towards a breakthrough in their own ways, each with techniques and tips for implementation one-on-one with teens, or in a group setting.

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Alexis Chute

Alexis Chute

sole proprietor, Alexis Marie Productions Inc.
Alexis Marie Chute is the author of the award-winning memoir Expecting Sunshine: A Journey of Grief, Healing and Pregnancy After Loss (She Writes Press, 2017). Expecting Sunshine was a Kirkus Reviews’ Best Book of 2017 and an IndieReader Top 10 Best Reviewed Book of 2017. The second... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 12:30pm - 1:30pm MST
(Archbishop O'Leary Catholic High School - Room 108)

12:30pm MST

Assistive Technology: Supporting Literacy for Students with Significant Disabilities
Students with significant physical and cognitive disabilities are capable of learning to write with appropriate technology, time and teaching. Although emergent writing is important, students with the most significant disabilities often have few opportunities to learn to write (Erickson, Koppenhaver, & Cunningham, 2017). Too often written output is overlooked or printing is the focus rather than the thought processes that mark writing. In this session, participants will learn universal strategies to support their students’ literacy growth in the general education classroom.

Venue
Speakers
TS

toby scott

AT Specialist, Edmonton Catholic School District
Toby is an educator and assistive technology specialist supporting students with significant disabilities from preschool through high school With Edmonton Catholic Schools. She is passionate about inclusion and ensuring access to communication, literacy, the curriculum and a genuine... Read More →



Thursday February 27, 2020 12:30pm - 1:30pm MST
(Enterprise Square - Faculty of Extension - Room 2-550D)

12:30pm MST

Educating Students with FASD
There are many lessons we can learn from standing on the shoulders of giants. In this presentation, Dr. Dobson, explores the world of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). She bases this talk on the work of the Winnipeg School division and how lessons learned can be adopted into the Edmonton Public School system. This work was developed by Millar et al, 2017 and comprises the collective wisdom from over 209 years of FASD educational programming. This work will explain the specialized FASD classroom, the need for a paradigm shift and strategies that support a positive school experience for students with FASD.

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Melissa Dobson

Melissa Dobson

Dr. Melissa Dobson has a Ph.D. in biochemistry, is an instructor at NAIT, is a wife and is a mom of three. Melissa has discovered new genes, new bacteria species and now works on discovering her parenting powers. Melissa has worked in laboratories, taught students, chaired various... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 12:30pm - 1:30pm MST
(Edmonton Convention Centre - Salon 19/20)

12:30pm MST

Making the First Nations, Metis and Inuit Policy Framework Work In Your Classroom
This presentation will review my doctoral research in which I examine the effectiveness of the First Nations, Metis and Inuit Policy Framework. I will give a brief overview of the study. While the majority of the time will be spent on practical application ideas for educators to more effectively integrate the policy framework into their classroom specific to the core subjects. I will engage the audience in three ways. First, the audience will be challenged to think of ways that they can implement these strategies into their classroom. Second, audience members will then have the opportunity to share their ideas with everyone in the session. Third, audience members will also be given a chance to share ways that they may already be implementing the policy framework into their classroom. Similar policy frameworks exist throughout Canada, and this presentation can benefit every educator.

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Tiffany Dionne Prete

Tiffany Dionne Prete

University of Alberta
Apooyak’ii/Dr. Tiffany Prete (nee Hind Bull) is a member of the Kainai (Blood Tribe). She is a Social Science and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) Postdoctoral Fellow, in the Werklund School of Education at the University of Calgary. Her postdoctoral work is comprised of implementing... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 12:30pm - 1:30pm MST
(Edmonton Convention Centre - Salon 17/18)

12:30pm MST

BLAST: A Multi-Grade Literacy Intervention
How can a school develop and implement a comprehensive literacy intervention block to support the skill development for all primary students? This session will highlight how one K-3 school implements a school wide intervention block to improve literacy levels for all students. In our BLAST (Basic Literacy Acquisition Skills Time) program, each student’s phonemic awareness and phonics skills are assessed and students are placed in small, flexible groups to receive instruction on a specific reading or pre-reading skill (such as rhyming, letter sounds, blends, long vowels, etc.). For a half hour every day, students travel to their assigned meeting place and work with a member of the school staff. Come learn about this locally-developed program, with numerous samples and resources shared.

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Nancy MacLellan

Nancy MacLellan

BLAST: A Targeted Literacy Intervention
Nancy has been an educator for more than 25 years, with experience teaching classes from Kindergarten to Jr High. She has taught in a wide variety of settings from high-needs urban schools to a multi-level classroom in a remote Inuit community. She has been teaching in Alberta for... Read More →



Thursday February 27, 2020 12:30pm - 1:30pm MST
(Edmonton Convention Centre - Salon 7)

12:30pm MST

Picture Books as Mentor Texts
In this session we will share our favourite read-alouds, including picture books, and how we use them to spark passion and comprehension across the curriculum. Topics covered will include mentor texts used to teach comprehension strategies, Writer’s Workshop, all core subjects, global issues and growth mindset. Join us and discover how read-alouds can help students conquer complex messages, understand their world, find their voice, become stronger writers, as well as spark their love of reading!

Venue
Speakers
KS

Krista Shandro

Teacher, Edmonton Public Schools
Krista is currently a grade 5 teacher. She has taught with Edmonton Public Schools for 13 years, working in all divisions. Krista has a passion for literacy and enjoys weaving picture books into every subject area. From Math to Character Education picture books have spurred deep conversations... Read More →
avatar for Brianna Stielow

Brianna Stielow

Teacher/ Curriculum Coordinator, Edmonton Public Schools
Brianna is currently a grade 3 teacher and Curriculum Coordinator with Edmonton Public Schools. She has taught in division one for 6 years and enjoys working with students from K-9 in all areas involving literacy. Brianna has a passion for picture books and believes that picture books... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 12:30pm - 1:30pm MST
(Edmonton Convention Centre - Salon 15/16)

12:30pm MST

Reading Comprehension for High School English
During this session we will be: -exploring types of reading comprehension questions and passages -helping students identify personal strengths and gaps with RCs -fostering student agency with RC growth -sharing RC resources -learning how to write RC passages and questions -discussing diploma preparation

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Janice Doucette

Janice Doucette

English Teacher/Dept Head, Fort McMurray School District
Janice has been a teacher with the Fort McMurray Public School District for ten years. She is an English Language Arts specialist who has taught grades 7--12. She earned a masters degree in Educational Research and Leadership from the University of Calgary and a masters degree in... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 12:30pm - 1:30pm MST
(Archbishop O'Leary Catholic High School - Room 222)

12:30pm MST

Using Mentor Texts to Teach Reading Strategies
Join Erin and Karen for an hour of lit picks! They will discuss countless mentor texts and speak to how they can be used to teach reading strategies to our elementary students. Leave this session excited and inspired to teach reading to your students.

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Karen Filewych

Karen Filewych

Words Change Worlds
Karen Filewych has over twenty-five years of educational experience as an elementary teacher, school administrator, and language arts consultant. In 2007, she completed her Master of Education degree in the area of literacy. Karen has two teacher resources published by Pembroke Publishers... Read More →
avatar for Erin Hart

Erin Hart

Language Arts Consultant, Feedback to Improve Writing
Erin Hart has been an elementary teacher for over 15 years. She is currently an English Language Arts Consultant with Edmonton Catholic Schools. Erin spent over 6 years as a literacy coach supporting struggling readers. She has a passion for books, literacy, and teaching children... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 12:30pm - 1:30pm MST
(Westin - British Columbia Room)

12:30pm MST

Comics in the Classroom
This talk will explore a variety of methods that teachers can use to engage effectively with comics in the classroom. We will begin by exploring the foundational elements of comics art, paying particular attention to the interaction of word-based and visual modes of communication. We will also discuss how the experimental ethos of comics can influence classroom practice in a similarly experimental fashion. Introducing suitable examples for high school students, the audience will then have the chance to read and collaboratively interpret a small selection of comics texts.

Venue
Speakers
avatar for David Lewkowich

David Lewkowich

Comics and Language Arts, University of Alberta
David Lewkowich is an Associate Professor in the Department of Secondary Education at the University of Alberta, with a research background in literacy education, reading experience, psychoanalytic theory, and comics literature.


Thursday February 27, 2020 12:30pm - 1:30pm MST
(Westin - Yukon Room)

12:30pm MST

Building Problems Solvers by Being Problems Solvers
Problem solving becomes boring for teachers who have solved all the problems in the courses they teach. Let's take a moment and rekindle the passion for problem solving by looking at problems that will challenge us. There are lots of resources out there for the recreational mathematician, and doing math for fun, that will put the fun back into mathematics. Use these problems for your own enjoyment, and to inspire your students.


Thursday February 27, 2020 12:30pm - 1:30pm MST
(Westin - Strathcona Room)

12:30pm MST

Teaching for Conceptual Understanding: The PRODUCTIVE Struggle is Real!
The 'aha' moments are why many teachers teach! We want students to 'get it', not just blindly follow a list of rules. But, how do we get there more consistently with more students? The answer can be as simple as changing a single lesson within a unit or cycle of study. In this session, you will learn how to collaboratively develop a conceptually-based lesson through the use of a high-cognitive-demand task that promotes productive struggle. We will talk about how to group students to maximize conceptual understanding, how to engage students through questioning, and what not to say/do to ensure we're not emptying tasks of their cognitive demand. Much like reading comprehension is key to success in literacy, understanding WHY a procedure works is key to success in numeracy. A single lesson can make the difference between blind obedience and sense-making in mathematics!

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Jane Gannon

Jane Gannon

Owner/Educational Math Consultant, Gannon Consulting
I have been working in the education field of mathematics for over 20 years. My experience spans all four divisions, including classroom teaching, developing, writing, and editing mathematical resources for distance learning, teaching math at the University of Alberta in the Faculty... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 12:30pm - 1:30pm MST
(Westin - Devonian Room)

12:30pm MST

Using Cuisenaire Rods to Encourage Additive Thinking in a Div 1 Classroom
We will explore how Cuisenaire rods can be used to develop counting strategies. Teachers will be given the opportunity to explore the manipulative and learn some new activities to increase their students fluency in addition/subtraction.

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Michelle Dean

Michelle Dean

teacher/ Math Council, Fort McMurray Public Schools
I am a grade one teacher for Fort McMurray Public Schools. I have taught for 13 years. I have a passion for encouraging children to love math and encouraging teachers to love teaching math.


Thursday February 27, 2020 12:30pm - 1:30pm MST
(Enterprise Square - Faculty of Extension - Room 2-540C)

12:30pm MST

Using Khan Academy in the Classroom
During this session, Teachers will be introduced to the basics of Khan Academy. This includes setting up an account, creating assessments, and how to track and monitor students' learning.

Venue
Speakers
BY

Betty Yin

Betty and Marion are first time speakers here at GETCA. They are teachers working for the Edmonton Public School Board for the past 4 years specializing in both Math and Mandarin. They believe that students can be successful in math as long as concepts are taught in an interactive... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 12:30pm - 1:30pm MST
(Westin - Leduc Room)

12:30pm MST

Dance Around the World: Super Fun Folk Dances
Do you teach Music or Phys Ed? Folk dancing is fun, and teaches many important skills including beat, form and phrasing. Folk dances also introduce students to cultures, instruments and music from around the world. Come and get moving as you learn dances for Pre-K, Div 1 and Div 2. Handouts will provide detailed instructions for all dances.

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Joyce Holoboff

Joyce Holoboff

Music
Joyce Holoboff has taught elementary music and junior high band with Wolf Creek School Division for 30 years. She uses a hybrid approach combining elements of Kodaly, Orff, and world music in her elementary instruction, and she loves teaching beginning recorder. She directs choirs... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 12:30pm - 1:30pm MST
(Alberta College Campus - Bryan Hall)

12:30pm MST

Elementary Teachers: Computational Thinking! What's That?
The K-4 Curriculum draft includes developing computational thinking skills as Essential Understandings within the Mathematics and Science curriculum. Hear what computational thinking is and how to apply it within your classroom as an extension of numeracy and scientific inquiry. Chances are, you already do! This session will provide a framework and vocabulary to integrate computational thinking into your day-to-day teaching.

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Michael Zhang

Michael Zhang

Is my job a Pro Streamer now?
Author of the book, Teaching with Google Classroom - Second Edition, Michael Zhang offers insight into incorporating Google Classroom and the rest of Google's G Suite for Education seamlessly into the modern classroom. Michael is a teacher with Edmonton Public Schools, a software... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 12:30pm - 1:30pm MST
(Westin - Athabasca Room)

12:30pm MST

Inquiring Minds: Learning Beyond the Classroom
If you are interested in having your students participate in a week-long experiential learning opportunity linked to curriculum this session is for you! Join like-minded colleagues in learning about Inquiring Minds Site-Based School Programs and the application process. Zoo School, School at the Legislature, City Hall School, Oilers ICE School and Science School are just a few of the 12 amazing sites available to engage and extend student learning outside the classroom. At this session, learn more about Inquiring Minds programming, meet site coordinators, and discover the opportunities in having your students participant in an innovative learning experience beyond the classroom. Check us out at ourinquiringminds.wordpress.com. This session will be co-presented by the Inquiring Minds Liaisons from EPSB and ECSD in conjunction with Inquiring Minds Site Coordinators.

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Sheila Nash

Sheila Nash

Consultant: Career Pathways, Edmonton Public Schools
Sheila Nash is currently a consultant in Career Pathways EPSB supporting Inquiring Minds Site-based School Programs. She collaborates with teachers, site coordinators and students to support this innovative program that gives teachers the opportunity to move their classroom to a community... Read More →
KF

Kelly Forner

Inquiring Minds
Kelly is a born and raised Edmontonian and a graduate of Edmonton Catholic Schools. Kelly proudly served as principal of five schools over twenty years for Edmonton Catholic Schools. She continues to ensure student reach their potential by her role in supporting Inquiring Minds S... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 12:30pm - 1:30pm MST
(Edmonton Convention Centre - Outside Exhibit Halls A/B/C)

12:30pm MST

HPEC Smorgasbord of Low-Organized Games with your Regional Reps
HPEC Smorgasbord of Low-Organized Games with your Regional Reps
This is a fun, interactive, session filled with go-to games curated by the provincial team of HPEC regional representatives. Your RR's will share their favourite games to play in the gymnasium with their students. This session is always a hit at the HPEC annual conference, and we are bringing it to Teachers' Convention to give you with activities you'll feel confident teaching first thing on Monday morning. This session is part of the Health and Physical Education Institute co-hosted by Ever Active Schools and the Health and Physical Education Council.

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Health and Physical Education Council

Health and Physical Education Council

The Health and Physical Education Council is a specialist council of the Alberta Teachers’ Association. As a professional organization of teachers, HPEC advocates for quality health and physical education programs and provides opportunities for professional growth and development... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 12:30pm - 1:30pm MST
(Saville Community Sports Centre - Gym 12)

12:30pm MST

Shuttle Time! With Badminton Alberta
Shuttle Time is a grass roots badminton coaching delivery targeting school teachers, beginner coaches, and their respective students. This blended learning program’s goal is to instruct teachers and novice coaches in the technical and tactical skills of badminton in a progressive, systemic manner. This program has been integrated into the CAC / Badminton Canada Instructional coaching stream, and aligns with CS4L and LTD models and protocol. Application of this program is intended to promote physical literacy within the school system using badminton as the conduit. This session is part of the Health and Physical Education Institute co-hosted by Ever Active Schools and the Health and Physical Education Council.

Venue
Speakers
DM

Dave McMaster

Dave McMaster is a high performance coach with Badminton Alberta, and he coordinates the Shuttle Time! program. Shuttle Time is the new NCCP teacher and community recreation centre instructor/coach certification course developed by the Badminton World Federation and adapted by Badminton... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 12:30pm - 1:30pm MST
(Saville Community Sports Centre - Gym 5)

12:30pm MST

Feelin’ HOT HOT HOT! (Intro to Latin Dance)
Spice up your PE Dance unit with the Merengue. If you can walk, you've already mastered the basic step, so join us as we show you how to accelerate student success in dance . We will have great music, hot moves, and will share many laughs. We have created a way to teach dance like a sport to make the instructional side more accessible to Physical Educators. We have competed in Salsa and know how intimidating it can be. From PE teachers to PE Teachers, or anyone who is up for a great session leaning to dance.

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Christina Marlett

Christina Marlett

Courageous Self-Care
As the creator of Courageous Self-Care, Christina is passionate about helping stressed-out teachers learn to lead their students, families and themselves from a place of wholeness, overflowing energy and deep self-respect. She excels at helping overwhelmed leaders revitalize their... Read More →
avatar for Paul Marlett

Paul Marlett

Learning Leader, Calgary Board of Education
Paul is a purebred teacher, he is a maverick in education with a unique approach to teaching and learning. Having taught grades 1 to 12, all subject matters, and 10 years with the Blended Homeschooling program, he has some unique insights into students and accelerating student progress... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 12:30pm - 1:30pm MST
(Saville Community Sports Centre - Gym 10)

12:30pm MST

Religion Needs a Lab
The late, great Fr. Mike "Catfish" Mireau said "Religion needs a lab... When teaching religion, what we need to do is create a controlled environment where young people get to PRACTICE what they’re learning in the books: practice being nice to each other, practice not putting each other down all the time, practice charity, generosity, LOVE." One of the places he identified as an ideal religion "lab" experience: taking students on retreat. This session will draw from Mike's experiences running retreats since 1997. We'll have a practical discussion of ways to put a retreat together including the place of games, talks, music, and prayer. There'll be an examination of what to look for in a potential retreat site, as well as a discussion of resources one can use to prepare for a retreat. Finally, we'll look at the value of incorporating student leadership in every aspect of retreats.


Thursday February 27, 2020 12:30pm - 1:30pm MST
(Archbishop O'Leary Catholic High School - Room 232)

12:30pm MST

Implications for Secondary School Leaders Seeking to Enhance Parent Involvement
Many secondary school leaders are seeking best practices that will encourage meaningful participation from parents. Further complicating conventional strategies to involve parents are recent studies that point to the role of technology in changing the nature of relationships and communication between parents and educators (Sad, Konca, Özer, & Acar, 2016). How, then, can secondary school leaders increase parental involvement while sustaining meaningful relationships with parents? This presentation will provide the findings of the study and information provided from a parents’ perspective and recommendations were cross-referenced with the current Leadership Quality Standard. . From this session, leaders will be able to incorporate these strategies into their schools and overcome challenges at the secondary level of parent engagement. Leaders will access ideas to meet the LQS standards.

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Rita Lal

Rita Lal

Rita Lal is an educator with experience teaching students from Grades 1-12, in both urban and rural settings, in Alberta. Her area of specialty involves secondary parent engagement. Rita was able to establish and coordinate parent volunteer opportunities at an urban high school. Recently... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 12:30pm - 1:30pm MST
(Westin - Turner Valley Room)

12:30pm MST

Leadership is a Mindset, Not a Status
Leadership is a mindset, not a status. Over the past four years Carla has trained over 10,000 student all around the world to develop the mindset of a leader. Carla will share stories of people from all over the globe who have a leadership mindset and were able to create incredible change for themselves and their community. Learn about concrete examples of how life leadership manifests when your mindset changes. See how powerful vision setting and declaring a mission can be in helping communities to reach their fullest potential. This keynote will inspire and empower the audience to create positive change.

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Carla Cuglietta

Carla Cuglietta

Executive Director, YoungLeaders.World
Carla Cuglietta is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of YL.W. She is also a Canadian born educator, consultant, humanitarian and keynote speaker. Over the last 20 years she has been involved in global projects in Mexico, El Salvador, Costa Rica, China, Laos, India, Sierra Leone... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 12:30pm - 1:30pm MST
(Edmonton Convention Centre - Salon 2)

12:30pm MST

Leading Through Story
The stories of our lived experienced through teaching and leading can provide us opportunities for reflection, change and growth. Participants will reflect on the power of stories, ways stories can be used and how to craft effective ones that will both engage and move listeners. The focus will be on the use of stories in educational settings such as meetings, presentations and blogs. Participants will leave with tools to begin creating and sharing their stories immediately!

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Nancy Luyckfassel

Nancy Luyckfassel

Associate Coordinator, Professional Development, The Alberta Teachers Association
Nancy Luyckfassel is the Associate Coordinator, Professional Development at the Alberta Teachers' Association, where she has worked since 2016. She has been a teacher for over 28 years, starting her career in Rockyview Schools and then returning to her hometown and teaching in Elk... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 12:30pm - 1:30pm MST
(Edmonton Convention Centre - Salon 3)

12:30pm MST

School Culture: The Power of One
How affective are you in the culture of your school? A conversation about the power and influence that every individual in your building has and how each person contributes, influences and controls the school culture. Have some fun. Enjoy the banter of two administrators from opposite sides of the touchy-feely spectrum. Leave empowered, with action items that influence your school culture, on Monday.

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Riley Quance

Riley Quance

Administrators, Wolf Creek Public Schools
I have been a Teacher and School Administrator with Wolf Creek School Division for 24 years. I have had the privilege of working in a variety of schools, Rimbey (Grade 7-12), Mecca Glen (k-9), Lacombe Composite High School (10-12), Alix MAC (K-12), and Ponoka Secondary Campus (7-12... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 12:30pm - 1:30pm MST
(Edmonton Convention Centre - Salon 5/6)

12:30pm MST

All Steamed Up
The first industrial steam engines were in operation in the late 1600s but the theory of thermodynamics wasn’t worked out until the mid to late 1800s. The Science 10 curriculum for Unit 2 includes: “Focusing Questions: Which came first, science or technology, and is it possible for technological development to take place without help from pure science? How did efforts to improve the efficiency of heat engines result in the formulation of the first and second laws of thermodynamics?” This session will cover some of the history (both scientific and political) around steam power and thermodynamics, and offer suggestions for activities that students can do to help them build an intuition for the idea of energy efficiency.

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Barry Edgar

Barry Edgar

Physics
Barry taught for Edmonton Public Schools for 40 years before retiring at the end of the 2013 school year (14 years in junior high math and science, and 26 years in high school general science and physics).He believes that students get most out of a classroom that is activity based... Read More →



Thursday February 27, 2020 12:30pm - 1:30pm MST
(Archbishop O'Leary Catholic High School - Room 112)

12:30pm MST

Expanding Energy Storage STEM Activity
Expanding Energy Storage is a project that will build youth literacy around energy efficiency and by providing educators across Alberta with training and resources to easily integrate STEM-based, hands on activities into their classrooms that align with provincial curriculum.


Thursday February 27, 2020 12:30pm - 1:30pm MST
(Archbishop O'Leary Catholic High School - Room 130)

12:30pm MST

Science in 3D
In this session Ian will showcase some amazing ways 3D printers can be used to support science education. 3D printers have become increasingly common in Libraries and CTS programs but rarely find their way into Science classes or pedagogy. During this talk Ian will provide a quick 'how-to' guide to create your own 3D tools from scratch or through a database of pre-existing templates. Learn how to use a 3D printer to create amazing science tools as opposed to colour toys. From spectroscopes to rockets, the possibilities are limitless!

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Ian Doktor

Ian Doktor

Science Teacher / Doctoral Student
Ian's teaching career has spanned 20 years and four countries including Canada, Mexico, Japan, and Hong Kong where has taught Science and Math. He teaches Physics, Astronomy and Science at Jasper Place High School and is researching Science Education at the University of Alberta... Read More →



Thursday February 27, 2020 12:30pm - 1:30pm MST
(Archbishop O'Leary Catholic High School - Room 135)

12:30pm MST

June 7, 1944 - The Start Of Canada's Longest Month in World War 2
The history of D-Day, June the 6th 1944, has been well documented in film and literature and after years of neglect Canada's contribution on that important day is beginning to get the recognition it justly deserves. However, perhaps more significant than the actual landings on Juno Beach were the battles the Canadians fought over the 3 days following their initial successes. Those tough battles with fanatic teenagers, led by Eastern Front veterans, would witness courage, perseverance and also tremendous war crimes against Canadian prisoners. These battles were essential to holding the allied beaches, but they came at a high cost. Ultimately, Canada would prevail and would later hold Germany's leadership to account for their war crimes during those early days in Normandy, while recognizing the need to reintegrate the teenage participants in these activities back into society.

Venue
Speakers
TB

Thomas Bradley

Born in Iserlohn Germany, Thomas Bradley grew up in a household that alternated living between Canada and Germany over the next 18 years. Privileged to personally meet many veterans of World Wars 1 and 2 during that time, he joined the Canadian Forces in 1986. Graduating from Royal... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 12:30pm - 1:30pm MST
(Archbishop O'Leary Catholic High School - Success Centre)

12:30pm MST

Scaffolding for Social Studies Source Based Writing
Students have a hard time writing their source based essays - and teachers can have a hard time helping them. We will be going through a scaffolding process (that you will get for free!) that has been proven to give students more confidence and better results when writing their high school social studies essays.

Venue
Speakers
MC

Matthew Chute

Matthew Chute is a teacher with Edmonton Public that has had the opportunity to work with many teachers and students across the city. He has always had a great interest in technology, development of teachers and seeing how we as teachers can best support students in their learnin... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 12:30pm - 1:30pm MST
(Archbishop O'Leary Catholic High School - Room 103)

12:30pm MST

So You Have To Teach About Ukrainians...
Teaching about a culture that you’re not familiar with can be tricky and intimidating. This session aims to help teachers who find themselves teaching about Ukrainians by sharing some historical and cultural knowledge. You’ll learn some basics of Ukrainian culture, the history of Ukrainians in Canada, and even a few words and phrases that you can use to bring the Ukrainian language to your classroom. We’ll also share some resources in the community that may help in your lesson planning and research.

Venue
Speakers
PT

Pamela Trischuk

Pam Trischuk has worked in museum interpretation for more than 15 years in a variety of roles. Currently she leads and manages the Interpretation and Education team at the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village, an outdoor living history museum located just outside Edmonton. Combining... Read More →



Thursday February 27, 2020 12:30pm - 1:30pm MST
(Edmonton Convention Centre - Salon 13/14)

12:30pm MST

Social Studies Resources and Tools for High School
Teacher-led professional development is the new byword in Edmonton Public. Teachers have been given the opportunity to work in areas that they chose as most important to the student success in their own classrooms. Come and see what the teachers in six city high schools collaborated on and produced over the past two years. Two of the organizers of the south-side social studies collaboration group, Will Robertson and Wayne Lavold, will lead you through a discussion of the collaboration itself, alongside the presentation of a variety of resources produced by the collective efforts of dozens of social studies classroom teachers. There will be plenty for you to take home with you!

Venue
Speakers
WR

Will Robertson

Department Head, Edmonton Public Schools
Will Robertson is the Social Studies Department Head at Lillian Osborne High School. With 15 year of teaching experience in various areas including CTS, PE, ELA, Social Studies, History and Global Politics. This is Will’s second career with his first being focused on several different... Read More →
WL

Wayne Lavold

Wayne Lavold is the Department Head of Social Studies at Harry Ainlay High School. He has taught social studies in Edmonton Public Schools for the past 24 years and was co-author of the Social 10-1 textbook, 'Exploring Globalization'.


Thursday February 27, 2020 12:30pm - 1:30pm MST
(Archbishop O'Leary Catholic High School - Room 104)

12:30pm MST

The Gift of Adversity
As a child bride forced into marriage and subjected to years of abuse, Samra Zafar’s story shows how she moved from a place of hopelessness to a place of freedom — for both her and her daughters. As she shares her story of pain and despair, and then happiness and self-love, Zafar talks about the gift of adversity and how it helps us cultivate a deep gratitude for life. We have the power to let our experiences shape us into “bitter” or “better”. The choice is ours to make.

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Samra Zafar

Samra Zafar

After escaping a decade of abuse living as a child bride in a forced marriage in Canada and sharing her story, Samra Zafar became a beacon of hope for many people facing exclusion, abuse, and gender-based violence. Now an award-winning international speaker, author, scholar, and entrepreneur... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 12:30pm - 1:30pm MST
(Westin - Manitoba Room)

12:30pm MST

Goal Up - Activating the SDGs in Your Classroom
In September 2015, the world came together in New York to adopt the 2030 Agenda, which seeks to end extreme poverty, inequality, and combat climate change by 2030. Here, the Centre for Global Education will provide resources to help you understand the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), so that you can engage them within your classrooms. In this session, through hands-on learning, educators will explore how the SDGs offer teachers a framework for their students to better understand global issues and to engage as problem solvers in a knowledge-to-action framework. We will offer teachers the opportunity to learn from and dialogue with experts in the field and explore resources to enhance and support teaching the Sustainable Development Goals. During the session, teachers will have the opportunity to engage with colleagues and begin building meaningful student learning experiences.

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Sarah Flynn

Sarah Flynn

Sarah Flynn is a social scientist and educator that focuses on global issues by promoting awareness and engagement in primary and secondary classrooms. By using interactive technologies to facilitate project-based, higher-level learning opportunities, our organization breaks down... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 12:30pm - 1:30pm MST
(Archbishop O'Leary Catholic High School - Room 106)

12:30pm MST

Cultivating Grit at Work
Having the passion and perseverance to work as a successful, mentally healthy teacher long-term despite struggles or set backs is called grit. Grit is associated with higher levels of achievement, resilience, and wellbeing and it’s essential for teachers. Come learn how to cultivate more grit for yourself and fellow teachers by connecting with your purpose for teaching, practicing your growth mindset, practicing self-compassion, avoiding ‘stupid grit’, and leveraging social emotions.

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Mae Kroeis

Mae Kroeis

Owner, Maek it Happen Life Coaching
Mae Kroeis is a Certified Professional Coach and owner of Maek it Happen Life Coaching where she helps individuals and groups achieve their goals, thrive in their lives and find fulfillment.Previous to her career in Professional Coaching, Mae spent over 10 years working in Addiction... Read More →



Thursday February 27, 2020 12:30pm - 1:30pm MST
(Archbishop O'Leary Catholic High School - Room 110)

12:30pm MST

Anyone Can Dance (Div 3)
As a dance teacher, performer, choreographer, I understand the importance of dance in education even if they don’t become dancers themselves. The benefits of dance to a child can also affect their brain development. With schools offering and/or incorporating dance, we need to have the educators deliver dance concepts so that the experiences are of positive value. I will provide these tools and concepts so that the teachers can go back to their classroom exploring them with students.

Venue
Speakers
JV

J. Vandekerkhove

Jeannie Vandekerkhove is a teacher, choreographer and dancer who trained classically in her youth, furthering her studies at Arts Umbrella and Ballet British Columbia’s Mentorship Program. She has taught professionally at Arts Umbrella, MareMac Dance Studio, Ballet Divertimento... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 12:30pm - 1:30pm MST
(Saville Community Sports Centre - Classroom 4)

12:30pm MST

124th Street Art Gallery Walk
Limited Capacity full
Adding this to your schedule will put you on the waitlist.

Join us on a fun and artistic tour of the 124th Street Gallery District and take in the contemporary art housed in the various galleries and public murals located on trendy 124th Street. Participants will take in a brief talk with the gallery staff during the gallery walk to gain a deeper insight into the curated art work and visual artists behind the work. We will meet at Remedy Cafe (address 10310 124 St.) promptly at the beginning of the session and go from there. The ETS bus number 5 and 120 run frequently and will get you directly from the ECC to 124st district quickly.

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Christa Chapman

Christa Chapman

Energizing Yoga and Meditation
Christa Chapman has been practicing mindfulness, meditation and yoga for over 15 years, and has completed a 500hr Modo/Moksha yoga teacher training, is a certified yin yoga (80hr) and meditation instructor (200hr) and is a Reiki Master. Christa is passionate about educating adults... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 12:30pm - 3:00pm MST
(Remedy Café - Lobby)

12:30pm MST

Make a Photobook: The Most Priceless Gift [*PREREGISTRATION IS REQUIRED*]
Limited Capacity filling up

Remember those old photo albums? The ones where the plastic pages are falling out? Of course you do! These are also the items that would first be picked up in the event of a fire! Why? Because they are priceless!! These days though, we tend not to print our photographs. Rather, they take up space on our phones and become more of a problem than a gift. Sign up for these two session (both of them!!), and work with me to create a photobook. If possible, prepare for this session by creating an account at Mixbook.com. Then, upload some favourite photos. Not sure how? Get a young person to give you a hand! With these photos loaded, we can work through the 2 sessions and leave with a photobook that just needs to be printed!!


Thursday February 27, 2020 12:30pm - 3:00pm MST
(Archbishop O'Leary Catholic High School - Room 236 A/B - Comm Tech)

12:30pm MST

Sewing Fundamentals - Beginner Projects (PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED)
Limited Capacity seats available

Try out 3 basic projects to introduce your students to a variety of machines in the classroom. Hand-smocked pin cushion (hand stitching), sleep mask (machine stitching, cricut and heat press), and hair scrunchies (serger). These are projects that you will be able to bring right back to your classroom and implement!

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Susannah Killey

Susannah Killey

Conference Director, Fashion Teacher, Edmonton Catholic School District
Susannah Killey is a Fashion Studies teacher at Saint Oscar Romero High School in Edmonton. She is actively trying to revive fashion studies through both her students and her colleagues. Through Skills Alberta, Technical Theatre and Cappies, she expands what she does in the classroom... Read More →



Thursday February 27, 2020 12:30pm - 3:00pm MST
(Archbishop O'Leary Catholic High School - Room 241 - Fashion Lab)

12:30pm MST

Sushi Making [*PREREGISTRATION IS REQUIRED*]
Limited Capacity full
Adding this to your schedule will put you on the waitlist.

Learn how to make modern sushi, including the proper preparation of the rice, finding and purchasing ingredients, combining flavours, and developing your own combinations. Attendees will learn how to make cucumber and avocado maki, cucumber rolls, and dynamite rolls. Discover how modern sushi emerged from Japan's centuries-long culinary history and how the ingredients were integral parts of Japan's development.

Venue
Speakers
KD

Katz Dawson

Katz Dawson is currently a foods teacher at Lillian Osborne High School. Having previously worked in the culinary world, Katz decided to pursue his passion for teaching and received a B.Ed in Career and Technology studies at the University of Alberta. He has a great love of learning... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 12:30pm - 3:00pm MST
(Archbishop O'Leary Catholic High School - Room 240 - Foods Lab)

12:30pm MST

Using Circles to Build Relationships: In Classrooms and Beyond (Repeat Session) [*PREREGISTRATION IS REQUIRED*]
Limited Capacity seats available

This interactive workshop will look at community building circles, one of many ‘tools’ used in creating a restorative culture, to build relationships with and among students from kindergarten to high school. Participants will: experience being in circle; learn about the benefits of using circles; hear ways to integrate circles into your classroom; and practice facilitating a community building circle.

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Caroline Gosling

Caroline Gosling

Alberta Mentoring Partnership
Caroline retired from Edmonton Public Schools after 35 years as an educator. During that time she taught at elementary, junior and senior high, was a behaviour consultant, and a principal at several schools. Caroline also spent time seconded to both Alberta Children's Services and... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 12:30pm - 3:00pm MST
(Enterprise Square - Faculty of Extension - Room 2-530B)

12:30pm MST

ABACADABA - A Hands-On Introduction to Interleaving in Secondary Math
Why teach math unit by unit when you can mix it up and give students multiple opportunities to cement their learning through daily practice and ongoing re-exposure to curricular outcomes and skills? Back with their unorthodox but evidence-based approach to teaching math, this team of math teachers from Harry Ainlay High School will work with you as you start on your exciting journey of interleaving your own course! Starting with lesson sequencing, to the creation of problem sets, to the development of assessments, come learn how to implement this novel pedagogical approach in your own classroom. You will walk away not only with a renewed enthusiasm for teaching math but also a set of customized and resources built by you and your team, as well as a network of like-minded teachers who may very well be your future collaborators.

Venue
Speakers
FK

Fred Kong

Mathematics Department Head, Edmonton Public Schools


Thursday February 27, 2020 12:30pm - 3:00pm MST
(Archbishop O'Leary Catholic High School - Room 235 - Computer Room)

12:30pm MST

What's the Problem? Math Enrichment Made Easy (Repeat Session)
At its best, math is all about the art of problem-solving. A good problem offers the opportunity to think carefully and systematically, as well as the chance to exercise creativity in discovering a path to the solution. In this session, we will experience these things for ourselves as we work through several interesting, yet still accessible problems that could be used for discussion and enrichment in your classroom. Along the way, we will discuss other resources, activities, and specific enrichment topics for promoting interest and engagement in math, to try out in your schools and classrooms.

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Nickolas Rollick

Nickolas Rollick

Lecturer, Centre for Education in Mathematics and Computing, University of Waterloo
Nickolas Rollick is a Lecturer with the Centre for Education in Mathematics and Computing (CEMC) at the University of Waterloo. Originally from Calgary, Alberta, Nickolas completed his Bachelor of Science degree in Pure Mathematics at the University of Calgary before relocating to... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 12:30pm - 3:00pm MST
(Westin - Saskatchewan Room)

12:30pm MST

Teddy Grahams & Finch Beaks: With a Twist!
My Science 20's love this activity, especially with the twist added! I love the passionate discussion and engagement that it inspires. Come play the evolution game and let nature choose who survives, until....., well, you'll see. We will watch and listen to two related media selections with the latest development on the islands of Darwin's finches. Come prepared to play.

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Kim Hula-Hetu

Kim Hula-Hetu

Teacher, Edmonton Public School
I love to teach and I love to learn! I enjoyed working 5 years in rural Alberta and have been happily working at W. P. Wagner since the late 1900's. Ever learning, always curious, smarter every day! Ask me about demos, discovery labs, adventure travel, science 10-14-24-20, trips... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 12:30pm - 3:00pm MST
(Archbishop O'Leary Catholic High School - Room 121)

12:30pm MST

Two Martian Teachers Return: Making Science Spark with Coding and Technology in Junior High Science
Coding and programming not only build computational and algorithmic thinking in students - they’re also a lot of fun! Collaborating across districts, funded by Inside Education and APEGA, we challenged ourselves to help students program and build devices with practical purposes in mind. Students became engaged in designing and building devices such as automated watering and lighting systems, CO2 warning systems and fire suppression systems. They developed resiliency as they problem solved the code and circuits and we loved the direct connections to science curriculum in a meaningful context. We will share our journey to incorporating coding projects into our junior high science classes that both enhance student engagement and meet curricular objectives in an authentic way. Tips and tricks, pitfalls to avoid and even some hands-on coding will be a part of this super-sized session!

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Julie Arsenault

Julie Arsenault

Science Lead Teacher
After receiving her Bachelors and Masters degrees in Microbiology and Biotechnology, Julie entered the Faculty of Education at the University of Alberta to pursue her teaching career. She has been teaching with Edmonton Public Schools since 2002 and has developed a passion for incorporating... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 12:30pm - 3:00pm MST
(Archbishop O'Leary Catholic High School - Room 133)

12:30pm MST

Action Begets Hope! Unpacking AND Tackling the Climate Change Issue with Secondary Students
Climate change is part of the Alberta curriculum and is one of the most pressing issues we face. Yet, many teachers are reluctant to ‘go there’ with their students - citing a lack of support from colleagues, administrators or parents, the challenge of deciphering fact from misinformation, and most importantly, concern over adding more angst to students who may already be anxious or even depressed about their future. Research shows, however, that engaging with this challenging topic - rather than avoiding it - is the best way to replace fear with curiosity and instill hope and positive attitudes in our students. Whether you teach junior or senior high school, understanding what climate change means for you and your students provides a rich, real, and authentic opportunity to practice critical thinking skills as you explore the scientific and social dimensions of this critical topic.

Venue
Speakers
avatar for Marie Tremblay

Marie Tremblay

Alberta Council for Environmental Education / French
Dr. Marie Tremblay joined the Alberta Council for Environmental Education in 2018 as senior education advisor, bringing to her role a dual passion for education and the environment. With university degrees in engineering, education, environmental design (Master's) and ecology (PhD... Read More →


Thursday February 27, 2020 12:30pm - 3:00pm MST
(Archbishop O'Leary Catholic High School - Room 105)

1:00pm MST

Pushing the Pendulum: Risk-Taking Play Competence for Emotional Regulation
Nothing compares to the sense of accomplishment beaming across a child’s face when they take a calculated risk, feel the thrill of overcoming the challenge, and accomplish the task on their own. The influential works of Ellen Sandseter have marked a pendulum swing with a return to the old, but a new. Experts, academics, municipalities, government, and education have “dog-eared” the ideal that children’s opportunities to play have become “too safe”. The consequences now felt in classrooms around the country through the lack of emotional regulation. Our students love to play in often risky ways - ways that combine the joy of freedom with just the right measure of fear in order to produce a euphoric sense of self, and our learning environments set the stage for this healthy middle ground.

Venue