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Thursday, February 20
 

9:00am MST

Instructional Leadership to Optimize Student Learning and Staff Development
Research tells us that the role of the principal as instructional leader is an extremely important one in today’s schools. In this workshop, participants will look at ways to build staff capacity, cultivate a positive school culture and environment, foster strong relationships, and support evidence-informed teaching practices.


Speakers
avatar for Dr. Tony Rice

Dr. Tony Rice

Consultant, Rice Educational Consulting
Dr. Tony Rice is the former principal of Tofield School, a grade 5-12 school located in Tofield, Alberta, from 2016-2018 and Central High Sedgewick Public School in Sedgewick, Alberta, a grade 1-12 school for the previous 15 years, both of which are located in Battle River School... Read More →


Thursday February 20, 2020 9:00am - 10:15am MST
1439

9:00am 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.

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 20, 2020 9:00am - 10:15am MST
1408

9:00am MST

Finding Nemo: Tinfoil Art Project
Limited Capacity filling up

Are you looking for a new, exciting art idea for your students in grades 1-9? In this workshop, you will learn how to create colourful fish using mixed media technique. The level of difficulty can be adjusted according to the grade level taught. Open to art and general teachers of grades 1- 9. 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. $10 registration fee by sending an email transfer to polskieradio@artiza.com.

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 20, 2020 9:00am - 10:15am MST
2505

9:00am MST

From Grades to Growth: Assessment to Support our Most Vulnerable Students
As time goes on, we find the needs in our schools becoming more complex. All students need school to be a safe place to grow and learn. What are we doing to ensure that our classroom is that safe place? Come to this session to gather ideas on how you can use assessment to help support your most vulnerable students.

Speakers
avatar for AAC Facilitator (TBA)

AAC Facilitator (TBA)

Field Service Facilitator, Alberta Assessment Consortium
The Alberta Assessment Consortium is a not-for-profit education partner in the province, focused on everyday assessment to support student learning. Our facilitators combine their experience as Alberta teachers and teacher leaders with the expertise of the organization.


Thursday February 20, 2020 9:00am - 10:15am MST
2302

9:00am MST

The Art of Sous Vide Cooking
Limited Capacity full

A look into different applications using sous vide cooking techniques. From cooking meats and vegetables to making yogurt or creme fraiche.

Speakers
avatar for Jeff Lerouge

Jeff Lerouge

CTS Teacher/CTS Department Head, Notre Dame High School
I teach Food Studies at Notre Dame High School. I love to eat, travel and I would never pass up a great risotto! I truly believe in pushing my students to try new things and I'm right there learning beside them. As an act of Truth and Reconciliation I am trying to learn more about... Read More →
RT

Richard Toll

Richard has 20 years of culinary experience in Canada, Great Britain and U.S. currently the head chef at Under The High Wheel in Edmonton. A huge whisky enthusiast and trained in sous vide cooking.


Thursday February 20, 2020 9:00am - 10:15am MST
Notre Dame Room-1515-Foods Lab

9:00am MST

Addictions-Understanding and Treatment Series
Before diving into addictions, this keynote takes attendees into the experience of psychoactive drugs with some very cool simulations! Current information about substance addictions (e.g., hallucinogens, stimulants, and depressants) and a brief look at behavioural addictions is reviewed before forging into the reality of the opioid and addiction crisis. Lastly, what can teachers do to help?
Questions This Keynote Address Will Answer:
- What is it like to use psychoactive drugs?
- What distinguishes them from each other?
- What are the behavioural addictions?
- How bad is the addictions crisis?
- What can teachers do?

Speakers
avatar for Dr Kevin Alderson

Dr Kevin Alderson

Dr. Kevin Alderson, PhD, is a Professor Emeritus of Counselling Psychology from the University of Calgary.He has been a counsellor for 40 years and a registered psychologist since 1986. He is currently Presidentof the College of Alberta Psychologists, the regulatory body for psychological... Read More →


Thursday February 20, 2020 9:00am - 10:15am MST
Art Centre Mainstage-117

9:00am MST

The difference between who you are and who you want to be….is what you do.
DENISE GARNICK, a 50 year old mom of 4 kids, personal trainer and celebrator of this magical thing called life!  I speak to positive lifestyle changes, power of the mindset, mental illness, loss and grief from my life experiences.  In a three year span I lost my husband, my sister and my youngest son. 
However, my lifestyle changes 5 years prior had an incredible impact in overcoming these tragedies.  I learned how to turn my grief, loss and adversities into strength and empower myself to move forward.  Through consistent gym workouts, proper nutrition, yoga, positive affirmations and meditation I keep my world on track.
My intent in sharing my story is to inspire and empower people to embrace their unique greatness, inner strength, light, worthiness and self love.
In life I’ve learned that it’s what you do with what you’ve been given that truly matters.  You don’t have a right to the cards you believe you should have been dealt….but you have an obligation to play the hell out of the ones you got.

Speakers

Thursday February 20, 2020 9:00am - 10:15am MST
1503

9:00am MST

Dances with Decolonization
In this keynote Art delves into some hard realities on topics such as assimilation, institutional racism and abolishment of Indigenous rights. Starting with an historic overview of colonialism and intersected with personal stories of life on a northern "Rez", this Keynote concludes with some practical tips on reconciliation from an indigenous perspective and offers hope for building bridges between worldviews. 

Speakers
avatar for Art Napoleon

Art Napoleon

Art Napoleon is host and co-producer of APTN’s popular show Moosemeat & Marmalade, an internationalfood series that showcases Indigenous foods, traditional knowledge and outdoor cooking techniques. Thisformer chief is as comfortable on a big city stage or boardroom as he is skinning... Read More →


Thursday February 20, 2020 9:00am - 10:15am MST
GW Harris Performance Gym

9:00am MST

Le DELF démystifié
La langue française est belle, complexe, structurée, exigeante et vivante. Pour la maîtriser, il faut la parler, dirions-nous même, la vivre. Il y a quatre volets dans l’apprentissage de la langue: la production et la compréhension écrite ainsi que la production et la compréhension orale. Présentement, dans nos salles de classe, nous n’évaluons surtout que la production et la compréhension écrite. Pourtant, les deux volets les plus importants sont la production et la compréhension orale. Donc, comment peut-on bien évaluer ces deux volets cruciaux? Durant cette session, nous allons vous montrer comment utiliser les éléments des examens du DELF pour mieux connaître et évaluer vos élèves dans vos classes. Aucune formation au DELF n’est requise. L’objectif étant de façon simplifié de démystifier le DELF pour les enseignants d’immersion et de les introduire aux ressources offertes par le DELF en ce qui concerne l’enseignement et l'évaluation des composantes de la langues dans leur salle de classe.

Speakers
avatar for Martin Rheaume

Martin Rheaume

Middle School Teacher Extraordinaire, Ecole Mother Teresa School
Martin Rheaume enseigne en immersion française depuis plus de vingt ans. Selon ses élèves, ceci le place à quelque part entre la période jurassique et crétacé. Il a enseigné tous les niveaux de la maternelle (là où on s’arrache les cheveux) jusqu’à la neuvième année... Read More →


Thursday February 20, 2020 9:00am - 10:15am MST
2401

9:00am MST

An Evidence Based Approach to the Prevention of Tobacco and Vaping Use
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

Speakers
GF

Gail Foreman

Gail Foreman BScN RN CTEGail is the Central Zone Tobacco Reduction Specialist based in Red Deer, AHS Central Zone Public Health in Health Promotion.She is a registered nurse and a certified tobacco educator.  The last 32 years of 42 year career as a registered nurse has been working... Read More →
avatar for Aaron Ladd

Aaron Ladd

Health Promotion Facilitator 2, AHS
Aaron Ladd has been a Respiratory Therapist for 20 years, currently working with Alberta Health Services, with the Tobacco Vaping and Cannabis Program as a health promotion facilitator. Through his professional career, he has dedicated much of his time and energy in the field of education... Read More →


Thursday February 20, 2020 9:00am - 10:15am MST
GWH 167

9:00am MST

Beating Burnout: Find Out Why Burnout Occurs & How To Stop It!
You feel exhausted, but find it hard to get a good night’s sleep. You wake up with no energy, and force yourself out of bed. You push through the day in a fog. You try to care like you used to, but you’re just tired. Everything seems to test your patience, and half the time you feel like you could either just snap... or sit down, and cry.
It’s called adrenal fatigue or “burnout”, and it’s a rather unfortunate reality among those of us who work in a caring profession. It strikes when we overextend ourselves for others, and forget about our own self care.
If you have never felt this way before, I commend you! You’ve found your balance, and you won’t need this information. However, if you found yourself nodding in agreement with the first few lines of this description, this discussion is for you!
In this micro-seminar I will help you understand burnout by breaking down the physiological response of the body. Then, I will show you how to resolve it in a holistic manner; because, when you feel your best, you can do your best!

Speakers
avatar for Mandy Gefle

Mandy Gefle

Program Director, Pura Vida Nutrition
Mandy Gefle, BScN, RN, LHNP. #1 Best Selling Co-Author.Mandy specializes in helping clients who struggle with adrenal fatigue, and burnout associated with chronic stress. Related symptoms have a major impact on those who suffer; both professionally, and personally. Mandy realized... Read More →


Thursday February 20, 2020 9:00am - 10:15am MST
MP Theatre-1400

9:00am MST

Help I'm Having a Panic Attack - Trauma Aware Classroom
Mental Health of our students has been on the decline in the last decade, couple this with a reduced amount of School Social Work time and you have a recipe for disaster as an unprepared teacher.  This session will cover my journey into becoming a Trauma Aware Teacher and what I am doing to try to keep my head above water.

Speakers
avatar for Shelley Dyrland

Shelley Dyrland

I have been teaching for 30 years.. the last 9 of my career has been at an Outreach School.  Through this journey I have learned how important building relationships is.  I am a wife and mother of 3 grown children, love to ride horses and read.  


Thursday February 20, 2020 9:00am - 10:15am MST
GWH 208

9:00am MST

Safe on the Streets
Human Trafficking is a crime and our youth are vulnerable to people who want to exploit them. This after school program explores the tricks used by traffickers so our young people can feel safe.

Speakers
TR

Tammy Roger

Tammy Rogers is the Executive Director of Magdalene House Society, a non-profit located in Red Deer. Magdalene House believes that all human beings must be treated with dignity and respect. Magdalene House is motivated to assist in restoring hope, trust, dignity and self-worth in... Read More →


Thursday February 20, 2020 9:00am - 10:15am MST
2205

9:00am MST

What is it about the #85 & how does it affect my retirement?
What is it about the #85, and why does it have to be so stressful?This session is focused on Wealth Planning and the discussion of entering retirement. The goal of this session will be to help teachers & administrators prepare and understand what their options are for retirement. Plus the steps that they may take to be ready.We help Teachers, Professors, Education Administrators and their families across Western Canada build, grow and maintain their wealth.To learn more and keep up with what we are doing, visit us! www.callanwealth.com

Speakers
avatar for Patrick Callan

Patrick Callan

Callan Wealth Management
My name is Patrick Callan, the head adviser of Callan Wealth Management.I attended Junior High School at St. Thomas, and High School at Notre Dame where I graduated in 2004. My wife Hope and I live in Sylvan Lake with our 8 month old son Carter. I am also the head coach of the Local... Read More →



Thursday February 20, 2020 9:00am - 10:15am MST
2906

9:00am MST

Calm Classroom: A Calm Mind Is A Focused Mind
Stress is disruptive to the learning process. Take time out to deeply relax your body and mind as Susan guides you through a relaxation technique she studied with Yoga Masters in India and in California with Dr. Richard Miller and teaches you simple and easy to learn mindfulness techniques some as short as 1-3 minutes in length. Susan will show you how to integrate these mindfulness techniques into your daily life and classroom so you won't feel as drained or burnt out by the end of the day and will have a calmer classroom environment. She will also teach you some quick and simple movement and breath exercises to connect your mind and body. These exercises are great to help both you and your students refocus or "wake up" when your minds are wandering and you get that tired sleepy feel.
This is a session you definitely don't want to miss as Susan brings these ancient mindfulness techniques she studied in India, New Mexico and California with world-renowned Yoga Masters making them easily accessible to you.
"If you're up for the challenge together we will begin day 1 of the beKIND Mindfulness Challenge so you too can join our beKIND Mindfulness Movement of over 17 000 kids, teens and adults. I look forward to sharing these mindfulness techniques with you as I have seen them change lives. Hope you can join us!". Susan =;)

Speakers
avatar for Susan Agrios

Susan Agrios

Founder & CEO, Agrios Mindfitness
Susan Agrios changes lives. Online and in person, she teaches fitness, mindfulness and yoga for people and businesses the world over.Before MINDFITNESS, Susan was a K-12 teacher and fitness trainer. In the classroom, she inspired her students’ curiosities. And as a world medalist... Read More →


Thursday February 20, 2020 9:00am - 10:15am MST
1303

9:00am MST

Our World, Our Communities, Our Classrooms: Embracing diverse perspectives
Our classrooms have become dynamic environments for learning about multiple ways of being in the world. This session will provide some practical tools for understanding and talking about cultural diversity in your classrooms, schools and communities. In 75 minutes we can only begin to touch on cultural diversity and its impact because learning about/embracing diversity is a lifelong process – it is a way of being in the world. Our goals for today are to facilitate what might be a beginning for some of you or continuation for others, some methods of understanding and addressing cultural diversity in your classrooms, schools, communities and lives.

Speakers
PD

Pamela Dos Ramos

Alberta Civil Liberties Research Centre
Pamela Dos Ramos, M.A. Ph.D., a Human Rights Educator for the Alberta Civil Liberties Research Centre (ACLRC) does presentations at schools and creates resources for the Centre. She is a former Board Member of the Alberta Association for Multicultural Education. She also teaches Culture... Read More →


Thursday February 20, 2020 9:00am - 10:15am MST
2901 A

9:00am MST

Finding our way in Indigenous Education
Fostering and developing a braided approach in the Indigenous focused competencies and indicators continues to be a challenge for many. The following are common statements from teachers and school leaders across the province; “I don’t know what I don’t know”, “I’m afraid to say and do something offensive” and “I just don’t know where to begin”. Come and learn resources and strategies to deepen understanding of Indigenous-focused competencies in the new Teaching & Leadership Quality Standard.

Speakers
avatar for Terry Lynn Cook

Terry Lynn Cook

IEPDF, The Alberta Teachers Association
Terry Lynn Cook is a long-time resident Métis of Northern Alberta. She has been an advocate of FNMI Education from her own educational experiences as well as from teaching with the Driftpile First Nations, working as a Lead Administrator of an Outreach School in Slave Lake and completing... Read More →


Thursday February 20, 2020 9:00am - 10:15am MST
2901 B

9:00am MST

What can I contribute to meaningful reconciliation?
“Education is what got us into this mess. Education will be what leads us out.” Senator Murray Sinclair’s words continue to ring true as educators examine how pedagogy and curriculum might support reconciliation. This session examines how critical thinking and historical thinking can more effectively engage students in learning about what led us to this point in time, and about how we might make individual and collective contributions to meaningful reconciliation. Participants in this session will also explore lessons that might be learned from the development of What Can I Contribute to Meaningful Reconciliation?, a customizable learning resource collaboratively developed by The Critical Thinking Consortium and the Grand Erie District School Board. This session will feature ideas valuable for all teachers and instructional leaders.

Speakers
avatar for Warren Woytuck

Warren Woytuck

director, The Critical Thinking Consortium
A project leader and professional learning facilitator with TC2, Warren Woytuck has been a K-12 teacher and elementary and junior high school principal for more than 20 years. His diverse professional background includes leadership experience in government and not-for-profit organizations... Read More →


Thursday February 20, 2020 9:00am - 10:15am MST
GWH 177

9:00am MST

Winter is a Time for Stories
Storytelling.Learning Through Story: Bridging Literacy for All Students.When the snow covers the ground it is a time for stories. Why is it important to tell stories while the snow is on the ground? Learn about all the ways we can tell stories. Think about how you can bring the power of storytelling into your classroom. Join in this session as we learn about traditional oral storytelling, exploring the use of Indigenous literature in elementary and secondary, stories of resilience, and information that supports foundational knowledge of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit.

Speakers
avatar for Phillip Campiou

Phillip Campiou

Knowledge Keeper, Elder
Phillip Campiou is a Traditional Woodland Cree who is originally from Driftpile Cree Nation, Alberta. He now resides in the Onoway area. As a young man, his father taught Phillip how to be self-sufficient and live off the land. Inherent in these teachings was an unwavering respect... Read More →


Thursday February 20, 2020 9:00am - 10:15am MST
AC 148-Studio C

9:00am MST

Bringing Books to Life
Several helpful tips will be shared that can help early learning teachers increase their students' engagement in book reading. I will outline a variety of strategies that can be used to turn book reading into a conversation. Additionally, I will share multiple ways books can be brought to life through playful activities. Throughout the session I will be be giving lots of examples and referencing many of my favourite children's books that session participants may have never seen or heard before but will want to add to their collections.

Speakers
JH

Jamie Hermann

I have worked as an early intervention teacher for more than 5 years. Many of my students have special needs and/or developmental delays (often language). Therefore, communication and early literacy development is extremely important in my classroom. I am passionate about utilizing... Read More →



Thursday February 20, 2020 9:00am - 10:15am MST
2601

9:00am MST

Writing 101
Maybe you’re teaching Language Arts for the first time. Maybe you’ve taught it for a while, but feel a need to strengthen the writing component. Or maybe you don’t even teach L.A., but want to support students with their writing in your subject area. Whatever the case may be, this session will help by focusing on the basics of writing instruction. We’ll look at some of the significant challenges and lay out fundamental principles that will help you and your students succeed. You’ll leave with a solid foundation for an effective writing program along with some specific ideas you can implement immediately.

Speakers
avatar for Robin Pawlak

Robin Pawlak

Children's Author
An English language arts teacher for 31 years in Red Deer, Robin retired in 2016. He has since authored two novels for children, and has various other projects in the works. He enjoys the calm, quiet life of a writer, but also loves to nip out of his office as often as possible to... Read More →


Thursday February 20, 2020 9:00am - 10:15am MST
2600

9:00am MST

Intro to Teaching Mathematics to Mastery with Maths — No Problem!
In this talk, teachers will learn how high-performing nations like Singapore turned key pedagogical research and learning theories into a successful, world-class system of mathematics education. Discover how it promotes classroom engagement and attainment, as well as the essential mastery techniques that underpin effective lesson structure, classroom practice and student assessment. Leave with a new perspective on the role content, collaborative learning and individual practice plays in establishing deep conceptual understanding in all learners.

Speakers
AP

Andy Psarianos

Maths — No Problem! was created by Dr. Anne Hermanson and Andy Psarianos after their daughter fell behind in math. In researching the subject, they found the Singapore method of teaching math offered the most effective program available. As they spread the word to friends, it became... Read More →


Thursday February 20, 2020 9:00am - 10:15am MST
GWH 162

9:00am MST

Mathematics: All Are Welcome! All Belong!
Mathematics is a subject that everyone can truly enjoy, play with, and ultimately master! Come and find out how you can bring joy, love and true passion when working with numbers using awesome math openers, open ended questions, visualizations, and more!! You will easily be able to bring even more joy to your math class on Monday!

Speakers
avatar for David Martin

David Martin

President, Mathematics Council
Dave Martin has a Master of Mathematics, a Bachelor's degree in Education, and most importantly a Love for Learning. Throughout his career, he has challenged many traditional educational practices such as homework, tests, and even grading. Currently as a Post-Secondary instructor... Read More →


Thursday February 20, 2020 9:00am - 10:15am MST
2503

9:00am MST

New Strategies and Activities to Help Engage Students and Differentiate Learning (Mathology Gr. 3-4)
Instilling a love of Mathematics at an early age is a critical task in today's classroom. Yet, it is not easy!

Preparing age-appropriate, curriculum-focused and differentiated lessons takes time and effort. Let us support you.  Pearson Mathology is a K-8 set of print and digital resources developed specifically to encourage the joy of Math in students and teachers.

Join Math Consultant Gerry Varty as he shares the new Mathology resources for Grades 3 and 4. You will leave this session with fresh ideas on how to encourage more joy in Math, and with sample materials that you can try in your classroom on Monday.

Speakers
avatar for Gerry Varty

Gerry Varty

For over 35 years, Gerry has been a classroom teacher, school and district leader, and tireless advocate for professional learning support. A leader in K-12 Mathematics education, Assessment, and Instructional Design initiatives, Gerry loves working with teachers to make success happen!In... Read More →


Thursday February 20, 2020 9:00am - 10:15am MST
GWH 161

9:00am MST

SHAKE UP YOUR FACT FLUENCY PRACTICE Primary Box Cars Math Games
Tarynne has used Box Cars games in her classroom for over 15 years and has helped revise and co-write the primary Box Cars resource Shake Shuffle and Roll. She has been doing family math nights and full day workshops for both Box Cars and her home district in Leduc. She has also been involved with ERLC and Numeracy initiatives and has been in central office mentoring first year teachers for the past two years. She is presently teaching grade 5 in Leduc.

Speakers
avatar for Tarynne Cable

Tarynne Cable

Teacher, Box Cars and One Eyed Jacks Consultant, Black Gold Regional Division
Tarynne has used Box Cars games in her classroom for over 15 years and has helped revise and co-write the primary Box Cars resource Shake Shuffle and Roll.  She has been doing family math nights and full day workshops for both Box Cars and her home district in Leduc.  She has also... Read More →


Thursday February 20, 2020 9:00am - 10:15am MST
2602

9:00am MST

La corde à linge à la rescousse des maths, 4e à 8e
L’usage d’objets de manipulation en mathématiques est recommandé afin de promouvoir la compréhension chez les élèves. Certains objets de manipulation ont des rôles bien définis. D’autres servent à plusieurs sauces. La corde à linge, pour sa part, est un visuel puissant pour le sens du nombre ainsi que pour les régularités et relations. Dans cet atelier, vous verrez comment l’utiliser pour promouvoir la compréhension des nombres naturels, des entiers relatifs, des nombres rationnels ainsi que pour résoudre des équations algébriques.

Speakers
avatar for Renée Michaud

Renée Michaud

Consultante en mathématiques/Math Consultant, RLM Consulting
Renée Michaud est consultante en mathématiques. Elle offre des formations en français et en anglais dans l’ouest canadien et au-delà. Elle présente également des sessions variées aux différents congrès annuels d’enseignants de l’Alberta, de la Colombie-Britannique tel... Read More →



Thursday February 20, 2020 9:00am - 10:15am MST
2402

9:00am MST

Robots In My K-6 Classroom? Absolutely!
Jumpstart K-6 students’ collaborative storytelling...with robots! Today’s easy-to-code Ozobot, Bee-Bot, Cubetto and Sphero Mini can inspire even our youngest students to take charge of weaving a story. Whether coding with markers, buttons, jigsaw pieces, or actual drag-and-drop coding blocks on a Chromebook, your students can easily be inspired to meet ELA (as well as Social Studies and Math) outcomes through their creation of innovative and highly entertaining stories...with robots.In this session we’ll explore stories and strategies that help you help your students code robots to represent their learning through story-telling challenges. If you’re curious about how these popular character-like tools can ignite your students’ creativity, and would like some hands-on exploration before deciding to buy some for your school, come join us!

Presentation link: https://tinyurl.com/catca-robots

Speakers
avatar for Janet Bell

Janet Bell

Consultant, Learn All Ways Consulting
Janet Bell loves to support teachers who support students demonstrating learning in technology-rich settings. An English teacher originally, Janet’s career evolved over the years from classroom to consultant, co-leading edtech integration across the province as a member of the 2Learn.ca... Read More →


Thursday February 20, 2020 9:00am - 10:15am MST
2301

9:00am MST

Band/Music Programs That Pop!
How do you create a Band/Music Performance program that will engage your students to strive beyond expectations and exceed their potential? This presentation will focus on creating performances that are challenging for the students and entertaining for the audiences. A successful school year requires balance, enthusiasm and planning that is designed for the ability level of your students. Practice and performance are essential to any successful band/music program. Timelines and templates will be shared to assist in your school music program planning.

Speakers
avatar for Karly Lewis

Karly Lewis

Karly is an active educator and musician in Southern Alberta. She has been an educator for 21 years working with the Rocky View School Division and the Lethbridge School Division. Karly is passionate about education, music – both as a conductor, teacher and musician - and her students... Read More →


Thursday February 20, 2020 9:00am - 10:15am MST
2305

9:00am MST

School Sport for ALL!
If school is for everyone, how come not everyone can play school sport? We know that playing sport can be beneficial for children and youth - it’s time to act on the knowledge and make school sport more inclusive and participatory. Come and hear about the research evidence for inclusive sport and how schools across Alberta are embracing sport for all.

Speakers
avatar for Dr. Doug Gleddie

Dr. Doug Gleddie

Professor, The Healthy Schools Lab - University of Alberta
Dr. Doug Gleddie is a husband and father who also happens to be a Professor at the University of Alberta (Faculty of Education). In a career filled with change, the only true constants have been physical education, the great outdoors, working with kids and, how joy fills the spaces... Read More →
avatar for Dr. Lauren Sulz

Dr. Lauren Sulz

Associate Professor, Healthy Schools Lab - University of Alberta
Dr. Sulz is an Associate Professor with a focus on healthy school communities. Lauren's research includes physical and health education, school sport, whole-child education, and comprehensive school health.


Thursday February 20, 2020 9:00am - 10:15am MST
1600

9:00am MST

Congo for the Taking… (Part 1) Leopold’s Congo Free 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 Realism in Imperial policy from Leopold's Congo to ‘Independence’ and challenges many of our most cherished historical myths.  For a free paperback of Conrad’s novella and other references click https://docs.google.com/document/d/1t002GqSLqS8W06POxG-Fky16GfBnMlQCgQFIhqDULn0/edit

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 20, 2020 9:00am - 10:15am MST
GWH 173

9:00am MST

NOT EVERYTHING HAPPENS FOR A REASON
This session will explore the possibility that not everything happens for a reason. When tragedy, grief, loss or disappointment enters our life, we struggle to make sense of it. Sometimes others try to spiritualize our journey with words that do not comfort or bring any peace. We have to choose to give purpose and meaning to our suffering and let God use our pain for a greater good.

Speakers
avatar for Sharleen Thornberry

Sharleen Thornberry

Motivational Speaker
Sharleen Thornberry is a motivational speaker who travels extensively, encouraging others to live their lives with passion and authenticity. She has appeared on many TV shows and is a featured speaker at retreats, conferences and seminars. Sharleen and her husband have been married... Read More →


Thursday February 20, 2020 9:00am - 10:15am MST
2404

9:00am MST

E-Liability 2.0: Mitigating Risk in the Digital Age
Increasingly teachers are facing employment discipline resulting from their use of school computers, laptops, Internet connections and cellphones. The use of social networking sites are also resulting in disciplinary action of teachers by employers. How do teachers use technology without jeopardizing their career? Teachers can also be victims of surreptitious monitoring and recording. What rights and responsibilities do teachers have with respect to issues of recording, cyber-harassment and cyber-libel directed at them by students, parents or colleagues?

Speakers
avatar for Elissa Corsi

Elissa Corsi

Executive Staff Officer, Government, ATA
Dr. Elissa Corsi is an Executive Staff Officer in the Association's Government Services program area. She worked as a teacher and administrator in Alberta schools, both in English and French Immersion, before joining the ATA. She is an adjunct professor at the University of Alberta... Read More →


Thursday February 20, 2020 9:00am - 10:15am MST
1435

9:00am MST

Quilt Block Sewing
Limited Capacity filling up

Learn and Practice how to make a modern and colourful quilt block with a pattern designed by Elizabeth Hartman. The final project can be made into a pillow cover or wall hanging. Supplies will be provided. Skills such as using a rotary cutter, nesting seams and stitch selection will be discussed. Some beginner level sewing experience is required to succeed. The cost of the session is $15.00 with all fabric, and a pillow form included. Please e-transfer carlygibson@hotmail.com to confirm your attendance or bring cash.

Speakers
avatar for Carly Gibson

Carly Gibson

teacher, RDPSD
Carly Gibson teaches Fashion Studies and Food Studies at Lindsay Thurber Comprehensive High School.



Thursday February 20, 2020 9:00am - 12:00pm MST
Central Middle School

9:00am MST

Meditation & Mindfulness: A Tool for School
This session will include a lecture portion to discover outcomes of current research related to meditation and mindfulness. Participants will learn the potential benefits and applications of these practices both at school/work and personally for home. The majority of the session will be practical experience. The speaker will guide participants through several types and styles of meditation, breathwork and mindfulness. Participants will be equipped to implement these practices into everyday life at work/school, or home, immediately upon completion of the session. The aim of this session is to broaden knowledge related to the practices of meditation and mindfulness in a way that inspires participants to use the tools learned in the session, and perhaps begin their own journey of learning more about these valuable practices.

Speakers
TT

Tammy Twyne

Facilitator/speaker is Tammy Twyne, Physiotherapist and Registered Yoga Teacher. Tammy has 24 years experience in physiotherapy across Canada, both clinically and in leadership roles. Tammy has been practicing Traditional Chinese Medicine philosophy with acupuncture in her practice... Read More →


Thursday February 20, 2020 9:00am - 12:00pm MST
2905

9:00am MST

UNDERSTANDING & HELPING THE ANXIOUS STUDENT
In Canada, 1 in 8 children suffers from anxiety, while only 20% of these children get the help they need. Anxiety manifests in many ways:Panic attacks, separation anxiety, stomach aches, headaches, tantrums, obsessions/compulsions, avoidance of activities, racing thoughts, troubles with sleep, rigid behaviours, aggression etc.In this workshop, professionals will learn about the psychological and physiological roots of anxiety, why it is on the rise in our children, and what to do to help children better manage it. Research and theory in the field of mental health and interpersonal neurobiology will be explored and attendees will be given 15+ concrete, direct tools to help their students regulate their anxiety in the classroom that also foster resiliency.

Speakers
TS

Tammy Schamuhn

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


Thursday February 20, 2020 9:00am - 12:00pm MST
2501

9:00am MST

Invisible Waste: Air quality lesson plans from TELUS World of Science Edmonton
This 2.5 hour session will introduce you to the science of air quality and offer ways of bringing this important topic into your classroom through hands-on activities and inquiry-based experimentation. We will learn about common air pollutants, their impact on our health and the environment, how we can measure and monitor air pollution, and where we can find reliable air quality data for Alberta. Workshop participants will receive several free resources including a series of air quality lesson plans, a PocketLab Air sensor (up to $300 value), materials lists for all activities, teacher's resources, and much more! Come learn how these resources can be applied in your classroom in support of the Alberta science curriculum for grades 4, 7, 9, and Science 30. Please bring a laptop/phone/iPad for the workshop.

Speakers
VC

Vanessa Carias

Vanessa finished her PhD at the University of Alberta in the Department of Medical Genetics this past summer. During her time in university she volunteered with Let’s Talk Science where she was a coordinator responsible for teaching science demonstrations and organizing outreach... Read More →



Thursday February 20, 2020 9:00am - 12:00pm MST
1328

9:00am MST

Digital Painting
Limited Capacity filling up

Led by Dom Gomes and TJ Hartel at Hunting Hills High School.In this session, we will learn some basic Digital Painting techniques using Adobe Photoshop and Wacom Tablets.We will be colorizing some black and white photos - basically like a coloring book on the computer. Then we will be creating some Self Portraits - you get to trace, don't worry!No devices, tools or experience required.Participants will walk away with a print of each piece they create.

Speakers
avatar for TJ Hartel

TJ Hartel

Teacher, RDPSD


Thursday February 20, 2020 9:00am - 12:00pm MST
Hunting Hills-Computer Lab

9:00am MST

Old School meets new school
Limited Capacity filling up

CNC and automation technology has touched every construction and manufacturing trade. We will explore how it works and create one or more programs and projects on the CNC Lathe. Blacksmithing is one of the oldest trades but is still current and necessary. We will explore how blacksmithing has remained current and join the old and new technologies to create one project.

Speakers
MO

Mike Owens

Fabrication, Hunting Hills High School
I've been with Red Deer public since 2003 teaching Fabrication and Robotics. I am a journeyman machinist with 15 years of experience in the machining, welding and sheet metals trades building 'cool stuff'.


Thursday February 20, 2020 9:00am - 3:30pm MST
Hunting Hills-Fabrication Room

10:45am MST

Alberta Teachers' International Cooperation Initiatives: Teachers Raising Teachers
This presentation will focus on Alberta Teachers’ Association International Cooperation initiatives worldwide. Learn how you can become involved in professional development projects with overseas teaching partners and students.

Speakers
avatar for Dr Andrea Berg

Dr Andrea Berg

Executive Staff Officer, Government, The Alberta Teachers' Association
Andrea Berg, EdD, is an Executive Staff Officer in the Association's Government program area. Among her chief responsibilities are supporting the ATA's Diversity, Equity and Human Rights (DEHR) work and helping to coordinate the ATA’s public relations campaigns. Prior to joining... Read More →


Thursday February 20, 2020 10:45am - 12:00pm MST
2302

10:45am MST

Anyone Can Draw Portraits
Limited Capacity filling up

Creating a successful portrait is most challenging. But don’t despair! This workshop will teach you how to create a realistic portrait that will be completed in various mediums of your choice. The level of difficulty can be adjusted according to the grade level taught. Participants will be provided with set of handouts to use directly in their art classrooms. Open to teachers grades 4-12. All materials provided. $15 registration fee by sending a email transfer to polskieradio@artiza.com

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 20, 2020 10:45am - 12:00pm MST
2505

10:45am MST

Writing that Stirs the Heart
In this hands-on workshop, participants will learn how to use creative writing in two important ways. First, as an introspective, self-care tool to mend, strengthen and restore joy to the writer’s heart. See how words can foster a renewed sense of peace, passion and purpose. Secondly, how to craft stronger writing, tell captivating stories, and communicate powerfully to move the hearts of readers. Writing styles of focus include: free writing, memoir, poetry, and fiction. Participants should come prepared to write alongside presenter and award-winning author and artist Alexis Marie Chute.

Speakers
avatar for Jaclyn Chute

Jaclyn Chute

Registered Dietitian, Teach Nutrition
Jaclyn is a Registered Dietitian at Dairy Farmers of Canada. She is passionate about helping others cultivate a healthy relationship with food and themselves. She enjoys finding creative ways to share the message that eating can be nourishing and satisfying. Observing her two young... Read More →


Thursday February 20, 2020 10:45am - 12:00pm MST
GWH 167

10:45am MST

Flip that SMART Board...with SMART Learning Suite Online! (BYOD)
Place learning rightly (and literally) into the hands of students! SMART’s easy-to-use online activity creation tools engage students, amplify class conversations, and provide formative assessment data. Create interactive activities quickly. “Hand out” materials to student devices for individual or collaborative completion. Collaboratively consider ideas on-the-fly as they’re captured to your board from student devices. Challenge students to show what they know and reflect together to construct new understandings.Manage SLSO activities directly from Google Drive. Insert interactive content into GSuite files. Link files to your Google Classroom... and your students become supported with customized content 24/7.

Speakers
avatar for Janet Bell

Janet Bell

Consultant, Learn All Ways Consulting
Janet Bell loves to support teachers who support students demonstrating learning in technology-rich settings. An English teacher originally, Janet’s career evolved over the years from classroom to consultant, co-leading edtech integration across the province as a member of the 2Learn.ca... Read More →


Thursday February 20, 2020 10:45am - 12:00pm MST
2301

10:45am MST

The Art Of Plating
Limited Capacity filling up

An in depth view on professional service plating. Using an array of different garnishes and tools to make your plates visually stunning.

Speakers
avatar for Jeff Lerouge

Jeff Lerouge

CTS Teacher/CTS Department Head, Notre Dame High School
I teach Food Studies at Notre Dame High School. I love to eat, travel and I would never pass up a great risotto! I truly believe in pushing my students to try new things and I'm right there learning beside them. As an act of Truth and Reconciliation I am trying to learn more about... Read More →
RT

Richard Toll

Richard has 20 years of culinary experience in Canada, Great Britain and U.S. currently the head chef at Under The High Wheel in Edmonton. A huge whisky enthusiast and trained in sous vide cooking.


Thursday February 20, 2020 10:45am - 12:00pm MST
Notre Dame Room-1515-Foods Lab

10:45am MST

The difference between who you are and who you want to be….is what you do.
DENISE GARNICK, a 50 year old mom of 4 kids, personal trainer and celebrator of this magical thing called life!  I speak to positive lifestyle changes, power of the mindset, mental illness, loss and grief from my life experiences.  In a three year span I lost my husband, my sister and my youngest son. 
However, my lifestyle changes 5 years prior had an incredible impact in overcoming these tragedies.  I learned how to turn my grief, loss and adversities into strength and empower myself to move forward.  Through consistent gym workouts, proper nutrition, yoga, positive affirmations and meditation I keep my world on track.
My intent in sharing my story is to inspire and empower people to embrace their unique greatness, inner strength, light, worthiness and self love.
In life I’ve learned that it’s what you do with what you’ve been given that truly matters.  You don’t have a right to the cards you believe you should have been dealt….but you have an obligation to play the hell out of the ones you got.

Speakers

Thursday February 20, 2020 10:45am - 12:00pm MST
1503

10:45am MST

Two-Spirit Diversity - LGBTQ2, Race, and Gender
Team Ahkameyimok provides practical insights on how to identify and remove unconscious bias, stereotypes, and stigmas so that individuals can gain new perspectives and focus on solutions for a brighter future. They focus on advocacy, acceptance, and understanding of anyone that can be classified as different so that we can all lift each other up and eliminate behaviours that separate us from one another. This presentation will provide key introspective learning for individuals and organizations that work and create new inclusive programs for diverse populations. By creating inclusive and accepting environments, we will be able to create new leaders, stronger teams and a united strength for success and equality.

Speakers
avatar for James Makokis & Anthony Johnson

James Makokis & Anthony Johnson

Dr. James Makokis and Anthony Johnson are two of Canada's leading experts for First Nation and LGBTQ2 peoples. They both grew up in remote First Nation communities that lacked public and community services. They are also both proud Two-Spirit and LGBTQ2 individuals. Growing up, James... Read More →


Thursday February 20, 2020 10:45am - 12:00pm MST
GW Harris Performance Gym

10:45am MST

Bringing Mindfulness & KINDness Into Your Classroom
As a K-12 school teacher I quickly realized my role was more than just teaching the curriculum... kids were stressed and anxious as young as 7 or 8 years old, many kids in my classroom were labelled ADD or ADHD, unable to focus,concentrate or even sit still, there was bullying, depression, anger issues, insomnia and the list goes on. Many of the teachers and parents were dealing with this too. I wanted to do something. I wanted help. So, I developed a beKIND Mindfulness Training & Kit Download specifically for teachers, students and parents. During this session, I will teach you a variety of mindfulness techniques for relaxation, to help improve concentration and self-regulate thoughts and emotions to integrate in your daily life and in the classroom with your students. You will also get to experience in 30 seconds how you can shift negative thought patterns with a very simple breathing technique. I will conclude this session with a beautiful healing meditation I was taught by a Yoga Master in India (available for purchase online at www.agriosmindfitness.com store).Come join us, our beKIND Mindfulness Movement of over 17 000 kids, teens and adults as we begin Day 1 of the beKIND Mindfulness Challenge together.

Speakers
avatar for Susan Agrios

Susan Agrios

Founder & CEO, Agrios Mindfitness
Susan Agrios changes lives. Online and in person, she teaches fitness, mindfulness and yoga for people and businesses the world over.Before MINDFITNESS, Susan was a K-12 teacher and fitness trainer. In the classroom, she inspired her students’ curiosities. And as a world medalist... Read More →


Thursday February 20, 2020 10:45am - 12:00pm MST
Art Centre Mainstage-117

10:45am MST

Canada’s New Food Guide: Taking it to the Classroom
Have you seen the new Food Guide? Are you wondering how to use the new Food Guide to talk about healthy foods with students? Join Alberta Health Services Dietitians for an interactive resources and discuss up-to-date messages you can use to teach about healthy eating using the Food Guide. Participants will hear stories and ideas from schools across the province and have the opportunity to share their own ideas.

Speakers
avatar for Harrison Blizzard

Harrison Blizzard

Registered Dietitian, Alberta Health Services
Harrison Blizzard is a Registered Dietitian, working in population and public health. His interests include helping to ensure all Canadians have access to healthy affordable food and sports and performance nutrition for athletes.



Thursday February 20, 2020 10:45am - 12:00pm MST
1437

10:45am 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.

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 20, 2020 10:45am - 12:00pm MST
2600

10:45am 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!

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 20, 2020 10:45am - 12:00pm MST
2503

10:45am MST

LGBT in the Classroom
The break-out begins with an experiential component that provides opportunity to work with 2 or 3 other participants, and in so doing, begin learning about the defining features of LGBTQ individuals. A brief focus on affirming attitudes follows before launching into what teachers can do to deal successfully with LGBTQ students from elementary through the high school years. It addresses the special issues and concerns often raised by each subgroup (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and those who identity as queer or questioning).
Questions This Keynote Address Will Answer:
- What subgroups comprise the LGBTQ community?
- How do affirmative attitudes differ from those that are not?
- What are the best ways to deal with LGBTQ students?
- How do I foster a respectful environment with other students in the classroom?
- What are the identity labels that some students now use?

Speakers
avatar for Dr Kevin Alderson

Dr Kevin Alderson

Dr. Kevin Alderson, PhD, is a Professor Emeritus of Counselling Psychology from the University of Calgary.He has been a counsellor for 40 years and a registered psychologist since 1986. He is currently Presidentof the College of Alberta Psychologists, the regulatory body for psychological... Read More →


Thursday February 20, 2020 10:45am - 12:00pm MST
MP Theatre-1400

10:45am MST

Pension vs Transfer
More and more teachers are wanting to get financial advice on the merits of commuting their pensions. Statistics show that roughly 1 in 10 ATRF members take their Termination Benefits rather than a Pension. This session will cover the pros and cons of making such a decision.

Speakers
avatar for Bill Musselman

Bill Musselman

Oxley Metzger and Associates have over 25 years of working with Central Alberta Teachers and their financial planning. Our practice is all about looking at your goals and providing solutions for your money and your life. Bill Musselman and Ryan Metzger have over 40 years with IG Wealth... Read More →


Thursday February 20, 2020 10:45am - 12:00pm MST
2906

10:45am MST

Sexual Health Education for Middle School
Karly has been a teacher for 20 years.  She has been the lead Health Teacher at the middle school level for three years and has taught Human Sexuality Education for 20 years.  Karly is the lead Sexual Educator for the Lethbridge School District for middle school teachers and leads training sessions for new teachers to Human Sexuality.   
 
The goal of this session to empower teachers to feel comfortable in teaching sexual education and a guide as to where to find resources and how to create great lesson plans that are informative and comfortable to teach.

Speakers
avatar for Karly Lewis

Karly Lewis

Karly is an active educator and musician in Southern Alberta. She has been an educator for 21 years working with the Rocky View School Division and the Lethbridge School Division. Karly is passionate about education, music – both as a conductor, teacher and musician - and her students... Read More →


Thursday February 20, 2020 10:45am - 12:00pm MST
2305

10:45am MST

Understanding Risk: Enhancing Well-Being in Children & Youth
Unhealthy Relationships, Substance Use, Mental Health - is enhancing the wellbeing of your students important to you? Together we will examine current trends, discuss the importance of building connections with youth, and review strategies / explore resources that support growth towards healthy choices. Participants will have time to connect with subject matter experts in the areas of: Sexual Health, Mental Health, Tobacco, Cannabis and Vaping.

Speakers

Thursday February 20, 2020 10:45am - 12:00pm MST
1408

10:45am MST

An Invasive Games Unit: Utilizing a Models Based Teaching Approach
Utilizing a models based teaching approach we will cover a 2-4 week invasive field games unit that can be modified for K-12 PE. Soccer, Rugby, Gaeilic Football, Australian Rules Football and American Football are used to in this unit to highlight similarities and differences between invasive field games. Teaching models covered are: Teaching Games for Understanding, The Sport Education Model and Teaching Personal and Social Responsibility in Physical Education. Please come ready to move and participate.

Speakers
JM

Jonathan Mauro

Indigenous Education Services Coordinator, Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools


Thursday February 20, 2020 10:45am - 12:00pm MST
1002 (Main Gym)

10:45am MST

What does quality thinking look like?
As Alberta educators begin to prepare for the implementation of new curricula, they face many seemingly competing demands: How do we ensure students know “the basics” and develop conceptual understanding, all while nurturing student competency? This session will explore how a focus on quality thinking can address such questions. Participants will examine the key attributes of quality thinking and identify effective and practical strategies to nurture it in all subjects for all students. This session will feature ideas valuable for all teachers and instructional leaders.

Speakers
avatar for Warren Woytuck

Warren Woytuck

director, The Critical Thinking Consortium
A project leader and professional learning facilitator with TC2, Warren Woytuck has been a K-12 teacher and elementary and junior high school principal for more than 20 years. His diverse professional background includes leadership experience in government and not-for-profit organizations... Read More →



Thursday February 20, 2020 10:45am - 12:00pm MST
GWH 177

10:45am MST

Emotional Intelligence, the Power of Connection
According to the World Economic Forum, Emotional Intelligence (E.I.) will be one of the top ten workplace skills by 2020. This presentation examines the factors that created the conditions leading E.I. to become so crucial in our rapidly changing workplaces. We will look at some background info about E.I. and examine why for many managers, emotional intelligence is more highly valued than I.Q. or technical ability. We will explore why rapidly advancing technological changes will make E.I. skills increasingly important and sought after. Next, we'll be looking at workplace and societal changes that have ushered in the emotional intelligence era and the speaker will unpack and examine one of the most widely used E.I. assessment tools in use today using stories, humour and real world examples. Harvey brings emotional intelligence to life in the real world in an easily understandable and enjoyable manner. The audience will learn applicable techniques to increase their E.I. throughout their daily activities. Harvey enjoys interacting with the audience which enhances the learning tools he teaches.

Speakers
HD

Harvey Deutschendorf

CEO, Harmony House Press
Harvey Deutschendorf is an emotional intelligence expert, speaker and internationally published author of The Other Kind of Smart, Simple Ways to Boost Your Emotional Intelligence for Greater Personal Effectiveness and Success. He is a regular contributor to FAST COMPANY and writes... Read More →


Thursday February 20, 2020 10:45am - 12:00pm MST
2601

10:45am MST

Inclusive Practices for Any Classroom
School communities are celebrating the diversity of students in their spaces and acknowledging the responsibility to be inclusive. This active and interactive session will explore respectful language as a key tenet of building an inclusive school community; games and activities to foster student empathy and students feeling, thinking, and acting on inclusion; and practical strategies for modifying learning climates to accommodate diversity in wellness education and physical activity. Participants will receive new EAS resources designed to support inclusion.

Speakers
avatar for Katie Mahon

Katie Mahon

Projects Coordinator: Equity, Access and Inclusion, Ever Active Schools
Ever Active Schools is a provincial initiative designed to create and support healthy school communities. We engage and support schools through a Comprehensive School Health approach, which addresses health and education goals to improve the social outcomes of children and youth in... Read More →



Thursday February 20, 2020 10:45am - 12:00pm MST
1600

10:45am MST

Talking with youth in conflict
Key differences in the psychological worlds of adults and kids often lead to conflict. This session will look at specific skills for listening to young people in ways that build trust and cultivate communication. Life Space Crisis Intervention (LSCI) is a therapeutic, verbal strategy for turning crisis situations into learning opportunities for children and youth with chronic patterns of self-defeating behaviours. LSCI provides educators, counselors, youth workers, parents and other caring adults with a roadmap through conflict to desired outcomes, using problems as an opportunity to reach and create positive relationships with youth. The LSCI skills of Drain Off and Timeline de-escalate a young person in crisis and help that young person put language to emotion, leading to insights and long-term behavioral change. More than 80% of classroom problems are caused by 10% of students who challenge and undermine teacher authority. These students are skilled in frustrating adults and pushing the emotional buttons of even the most competent teachers.

Speakers
avatar for Robert Reid

Robert Reid

Principal, Lacombe Outreach School
Rob has been an educator for the past 28 years. He has his degree from Simon Fraser University and has a Masters from Gonzaga University. He started his career in British Columbia working with at risk youth in both the traditional and alternative education setting. In Alberta, Rob... Read More →


Thursday February 20, 2020 10:45am - 12:00pm MST
1435

10:45am MST

The History & Legacy of Residential Schools
Participants will discover how their personal contribution of time and expertise can impact our work with teachers and students internationally. Specific attention during part of the presentation will be focused on the application process for the 2020-21 CTF Project Overseas initiative.

Speakers
avatar for Brian St.Germain

Brian St.Germain

Brian St. Germain was born and raised in Red Deer and recently retired from Red Deer Public Schools after 42 years of teaching. The last 14 years as a lead teacher with FNMI Learning Services. He also served as an Indigenous Education PD Facilitator with the ATA._x000D_Brian is Cree... Read More →


Thursday February 20, 2020 10:45am - 12:00pm MST
2304

10:45am MST

Smudging Circles
Participants will be introduced to a smudging circle. They will learn about the different smudges that are utilized in the different nations of Turtle Island. Each smudge utilized is also a medicine. Participants will learn more about these plants as medicines. To smudge is to bring balance of mind, body and spirit and to make a connection to the Creator. Smudging circles are a way to start a talking/sharing circle.

Speakers
avatar for Phillip Campiou

Phillip Campiou

Knowledge Keeper, Elder
Phillip Campiou is a Traditional Woodland Cree who is originally from Driftpile Cree Nation, Alberta. He now resides in the Onoway area. As a young man, his father taught Phillip how to be self-sufficient and live off the land. Inherent in these teachings was an unwavering respect... Read More →


Thursday February 20, 2020 10:45am - 12:00pm MST
AC 148-Studio C

10:45am MST

Tales of a Wash-A-Shore
Every one has a story to tell. This session provides teachers with insights on how to provide their students with the tools to develop their creative skills in telling a story. Tom reveals five tips that can spur creative writing for students and teachers.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.

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 20, 2020 10:45am - 12:00pm MST
2401

10:45am MST

Save Time and Boost Engagement - Lesson Planning for Your Math Class (Mathology.ca)
Are you constantly searching for engaging Mathematics lessons online? Do you find it time-consuming and a challenge to know if these lessons are right for your students or your curriculum?

Search no further!

Pearson Mathology.ca is a new, carefully curated, curriculum-focused online K-8 platform designed to save you planning time. Mathology.ca contains well over 100 engaging lessons aligned to your curriculum, and over 100 short professional learning videos designed specifically to support job-embedded PD. Join Math Consultant Gerry Varty as he walks you through Mathology.ca and leave this session with a free trial to try out in your classroom on Monday.

Speakers
avatar for Gerry Varty

Gerry Varty

For over 35 years, Gerry has been a classroom teacher, school and district leader, and tireless advocate for professional learning support. A leader in K-12 Mathematics education, Assessment, and Instructional Design initiatives, Gerry loves working with teachers to make success happen!In... Read More →


Thursday February 20, 2020 10:45am - 12:00pm MST
GWH 161

10:45am MST

Solving Word Problems with Maths — No Problem!
In this talk, teachers will discover the steps and strategies required to develop powerful problem-solving skills in students. Gain insight into why well-developed problem-solving skills are a mainstay of the Maths — No problem! approach, and how they foster resilience and confidence in all students. Learn go-to problem-solving strategies like bar modelling and number bonds as they relate to solving word problems, and how these tools help students develop exploratory, adaptive mindsets. Leave with practical classroom strategies that empower students to think flexibly and tackle tough word problems with confidence.

Speakers
AP

Andy Psarianos

Maths — No Problem! was created by Dr. Anne Hermanson and Andy Psarianos after their daughter fell behind in math. In researching the subject, they found the Singapore method of teaching math offered the most effective program available. As they spread the word to friends, it became... Read More →


Thursday February 20, 2020 10:45am - 12:00pm MST
GWH 162

10:45am MST

TGIF! - Our Favorite Upper Elementary Math Games
Tarynne will present her favorite upper elementary math games that help teach the following math concepts: review of fact fluency, place value including decimals, fractions and more. During the session you will play many games, learn how to differentiate them to meet the wide range of students in your program, how to integrate them into math centers, develop math journals, use games for assessment and for developing math talks. Student samples will be shared throughout to highlight the deep understanding students can attain while playing the games. Cards, dice and math shakers will be used, and gameboards will be provided. Come prepared to play! Ideas can also be used in family math nights, and activities will be excellent for special ed/resource room teachers in Junior High settings.

Speakers
avatar for Tarynne Cable

Tarynne Cable

Teacher, Box Cars and One Eyed Jacks Consultant, Black Gold Regional Division
Tarynne has used Box Cars games in her classroom for over 15 years and has helped revise and co-write the primary Box Cars resource Shake Shuffle and Roll.  She has been doing family math nights and full day workshops for both Box Cars and her home district in Leduc.  She has also... Read More →


Thursday February 20, 2020 10:45am - 12:00pm MST
2602

10:45am MST

Démystifions l’estimation, 2e à 6e
L’estimation occupe une grande place dans la vie de tous les jours. Le canadien moyen n’a besoin d’une valeur exacte que dans 14% des fois qu’il travaille avec des nombres. Donc, dans 86% des cas, une estimation suffit. L’estimation occupe aussi une grande place dans notre programme d’étude. Dans cet atelier, je vous offre une façon étayée d’appuyer vos élèves à mieux estimer. Les approches proposées seront à la fois concrète et imagée dans le but d’augmenter la confiance des élèves en leur habileté.

Speakers
avatar for Renée Michaud

Renée Michaud

Consultante en mathématiques/Math Consultant, RLM Consulting
Renée Michaud est consultante en mathématiques. Elle offre des formations en français et en anglais dans l’ouest canadien et au-delà. Elle présente également des sessions variées aux différents congrès annuels d’enseignants de l’Alberta, de la Colombie-Britannique tel... Read More →



Thursday February 20, 2020 10:45am - 12:00pm MST
2402

10:45am MST

Fire and Explosions
Do you want to add a bang to your lessons when you are covering science curriculum? This session is for you! You'll get hands on with materials and experiments that will put a pop in your planning! Though some experiments will be geared towards middle school/high school all grade level instructors are welcome! KABLAM!

Speakers
avatar for Jason Zackowski

Jason Zackowski

Zed Science
Jason Zackowski is a science/chemistry teacher with LTCHS and currently the curriculum leader for Science there. He has done “Extreme-Science” videos with a local radio station, delivers science shows (pre-COVID) and has been featured on The History Channel as a presenter on History... Read More →


Thursday February 20, 2020 10:45am - 12:00pm MST
1439

10:45am MST

Hopes and Dreams: Stories from Young Refugees: Video and Discussion with a former Refugee
The video, which has received an award from the Association for Media and Technology in Education (AMTEC), is intended to educate young people about refugees, to help them to identify and understand the discrimination that refugees face, and the effect it has on them. Some of the biggest obstacles to acceptance - entrenched prejudices and discrimination are discussed. A Video User’s Guide and a Teacher’s Guide give educators background information on refugees and the refugee experience, on international laws which protect refugees and Canadian laws which protect everyone against discrimination. (Suitable for Grades 7 – 12)

Speakers
PD

Pamela Dos Ramos

Alberta Civil Liberties Research Centre
Pamela Dos Ramos, M.A. Ph.D., a Human Rights Educator for the Alberta Civil Liberties Research Centre (ACLRC) does presentations at schools and creates resources for the Centre. She is a former Board Member of the Alberta Association for Multicultural Education. She also teaches Culture... Read More →


Thursday February 20, 2020 10:45am - 12:00pm MST
2901 A

10:45am MST

Sleight of Hand Sleight of Mind… the magic behind war propaganda
War Propagandists, like magicians, target our Cognitive Biases with Sensory and Psychological misdirection. For example; by playing on our False Consensus Bias propagandists convince us, falsely, that our war leaders share our Idealistic and Humanitarian feelings. Other Biases examined are Framing, Attribution, Availability Cascade, and Illusory Superiority Biases. Check out the link to Free Media (all with permission by academics and authors), then bring your own perspectives for a lively discussion.

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 20, 2020 10:45am - 12:00pm MST
GWH 173

10:45am MST

Moose and Meat and Marmalade-a behind the scenes look at Culutural Reconciliation
In this workshop Art shares stories behind the scenes of the hit international food show Moosemeat and Marmalade. How a First Nation outdoor bush cook and English classically trained chef and their multi-racial TV crew have bridged cross cultural divides and found common ground through food.

Speakers
avatar for Art Napoleon

Art Napoleon

Art Napoleon is host and co-producer of APTN’s popular show Moosemeat & Marmalade, an internationalfood series that showcases Indigenous foods, traditional knowledge and outdoor cooking techniques. Thisformer chief is as comfortable on a big city stage or boardroom as he is skinning... Read More →


Thursday February 20, 2020 10:45am - 12:00pm MST
GWH 208

10:45am MST

Prophets: Then and now
The Scriptures are filled with dynamic people who responded to a call to speak God’s message to the people. What did they say? Who are our modern day prophets and what is God saying through them?

Speakers
DB

David Bouchard

David is a retired teacher who spent the last 22 years of his career in Red Deer Catholic School Div. teaching Religious Studies in Div. 4. He went on to complete a two year certificate program in Spiritual Direction at Providence Renewal Centre. As a Secular Franciscan, he is committed... Read More →


Thursday February 20, 2020 10:45am - 12:00pm MST
2205

10:45am MST

From “Sage on the Stage” to “Guide on the Side”
One of the central goals of education in Alberta is to personalise education for each student. In this workshop I will present how I taught students in my physics, chemistry, science and mathematics classes through a method that I call Structured Independent Learning. The intention of this workshop is to describe how I provided an environment in which students could find their own path through the learning of the course material. In this environment students learned time management and self-responsibility skills, independent and inter-dependent learning skills, and they learned the course material in greater depth. The workshop closes with a discussion of how teachers can shift from being a Sage on the Stage to being a Guide on the Side in their own practice.

Speakers
avatar for Dr. Ron Licht

Dr. Ron Licht

Dr. Ron Licht was a senior high school science and mathematics teacher with the Calgary Board of Education for 25 years before retiring in 2016. Ron has a BSc in geophysics, a BEd in secondary science, an MSc in science education, and he earned a PhD through his research on the lived... Read More →


Thursday February 20, 2020 10:45am - 1:45pm MST
2404

12:30pm MST

Supervision and Evaluation - What Teachers Need to Know about the New Standards and Evaluation Policy
Supervision and evaluation. Now what? I am unsure if my principal is supervising or evaluating my teaching. What can I expect and what are my rights and responsibilities? What is supervision? What is evaluation? Supervision and evaluation of teachers must be consistent with Alberta Education Policy on Teacher Growth, Supervision and Evaluation, and it must be based on the Teaching Quality Standard. This presentation provides an overview of the new Teacher Quality Standard and the critical components of supervision and evaluation, which must be followed in the Alberta context.

Speakers
avatar for Elissa Corsi

Elissa Corsi

Executive Staff Officer, Government, ATA
Dr. Elissa Corsi is an Executive Staff Officer in the Association's Government Services program area. She worked as a teacher and administrator in Alberta schools, both in English and French Immersion, before joining the ATA. She is an adjunct professor at the University of Alberta... Read More →


Thursday February 20, 2020 12:30pm - 1:45pm MST
2601

12:30pm MST

The Parent Connection: Bridging the Gap Between Home and School
With the current landscape of technology and connectivity, parents and caregivers are becoming more interested in their role in their student's education. Unfortunately, families are busier than ever, and parents often seem unavailable or disconnected from their child's academic journey. Information is wide and varying, and parents often come to teachers frustrated and overwhelmed in trying to determine their role. As teachers, it can be difficult to know how to best support and manage parent involvement. Using current research in child developmental psychology, parenting and education, we can develop an understanding of the unique and valuable role of parents in a student's educational success. We can also determine the best ways to communicate and advise parents about their role, minimizing conflict and fostering relationship. In this session, we will examine the current landscape of parenting, the common struggles teachers face in dealing with parents and caregivers and some creative new ways to support and involve parents in a constructive way.As teachers, dealing with parents can be a time-consuming and frustrating part of the teaching process. Despite this, most teachers know that parent involvement and support is one of the most influential and advantageous parts of fostering student success. By better understanding the parental role in a child's education and development, and working proactively to create strong relationships and communication with families and caregivers, we can greatly reduce teacher stress and workload in addressing parent concerns. In strengthening the relationships between families and their education providers, and helping parents to better understand their unique role, we can reduce redundancy, frustration and conflict, allowing both teachers and caregivers to play their own role in raising kids who successfully navigate their education.

Speakers
avatar for JACQUELINE GANTON

JACQUELINE GANTON

My name is Jacquie Ganton and I have been an educator in Alberta for over a decade. I am also a mother of four school aged children (ages 5-11). My time as an educator has been spent both in the traditional classroom as well as in both distance and outreach education. As such, I've... Read More →


Thursday February 20, 2020 12:30pm - 1:45pm MST
2305

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. Creative writing exercises will be presented including journaling, free writing, memoir, poetry, and fiction as tools for personal reflection and empowerment. Participants will leave having tried these writing exercises themselves and equipped to apply them in the compassionate support of teens in their communities. Award-winning author and artist Alexis Marie Chute will share her own journey of using creativity to heal and empower.

Speakers
avatar for Jaclyn Chute

Jaclyn Chute

Registered Dietitian, Teach Nutrition
Jaclyn is a Registered Dietitian at Dairy Farmers of Canada. She is passionate about helping others cultivate a healthy relationship with food and themselves. She enjoys finding creative ways to share the message that eating can be nourishing and satisfying. Observing her two young... Read More →


Thursday February 20, 2020 12:30pm - 1:45pm MST
GWH 167

12:30pm MST

Painting As VAN GOGH!
Limited Capacity filling up

For those who are attracted to vibrant colours and expressive mark making, this is a perfect workshop. With help of acrylic paint and canvas, exciting flowers and landscapes will come to life; Vincent Van Gogh forever! The level of difficulty can be adjusted according to the grade level taught. Participants will be provided with a set of handouts and a PowerPoint presentation that can be used directly in their art classrooms. Open to art and general teachers of grades 3- 12. All supplies provided by instructor. $15 registration fee by sending an email transfer to polskieradio@artiza.com

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 20, 2020 12:30pm - 1:45pm MST
2505

12:30pm MST

Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff! Assessing for Big Ideas in a Concept-Based Classroom
Schools across Alberta are making a shift to a more concept-based approach to teaching and learning. But what does that mean for classroom assessment? Come ready to work with sample concept-based tasks and rubrics, so that you can go back to school on Monday prepared to give your assessment a “big idea” makeover!

Speakers
avatar for AAC Facilitator (TBA)

AAC Facilitator (TBA)

Field Service Facilitator, Alberta Assessment Consortium
The Alberta Assessment Consortium is a not-for-profit education partner in the province, focused on everyday assessment to support student learning. Our facilitators combine their experience as Alberta teachers and teacher leaders with the expertise of the organization.


Thursday February 20, 2020 12:30pm - 1:45pm MST
2302

12:30pm MST

Using iPads and Apple tools for student learning and assessment
In this session, participants will develop an understanding of how to use Apple Tools (Keynote, Pages and Clips), dictation and accessibility tools on the iPad. These tools will open up a world of possibilities of how students can demonstrate their learning in addition to ways that it can differentiate your instruction. We will dig into the resource, Everyone Can Create , which has ideas and lessons that teachers can integrate into their classroom to make student learning more engaging.Participants will walk away feeling they have a thorough understanding of Keynote, Clips and Pages in addition the dictation and accessibility tools, and walk away with a lesson or idea that they will want to incorporate into their classroom.

Speakers
avatar for Rachael Stone

Rachael Stone

Special Education Teacher & Tech Lead
Rachael Stone has been an educator since 2010, teaching in Ontario, Northern Manitoba and Alberta. She currently works at a First Nation School just northwest of Rocky Mountain House, where she is currently a Special Education Teacher and Technology Lead. She has a passion for educational... Read More →



Thursday February 20, 2020 12:30pm - 1:45pm MST
2503

12:30pm MST

Builiding Intentional Connections
Let’s create some intentional connections! School connectedness is increasingly recognized as cohesive and collaborative. The research is strong and consistent; students who feel connected to school do better academically and are healthier. Come prepared to connect with Health and Wellness Champions from multiple districts to celebrate and share how you are creating connections within your school environment. You will leave this session with new ideas,resources and meaningful examples of how to better connect the staff and students in your school.

Speakers
JT

Jackie Tomalty

School Health Facilitator, AHS
Jackie is a Health Promotion Facilitator with Alberta Health Services – Central Zone.">Jackie is a Health Promotion Facilitator with Alberta Health Services – Central Zone.


Thursday February 20, 2020 12:30pm - 1:45pm MST
1437

12:30pm MST

Beeswax Food-wrap Making
Limited Capacity filling up

Learn How to Make Beeswax Food Wraps: This session will have participants making their own beeswax food-wraps to take home and use as an environmentally friendly alternative to cling film. Supplies will be provided at a cost of $10. Please e-transfer carlygibson@hotmail.com to confirm your attendance or bring cash.

Speakers
avatar for Carly Gibson

Carly Gibson

teacher, RDPSD
Carly Gibson teaches Fashion Studies and Food Studies at Lindsay Thurber Comprehensive High School.



Thursday February 20, 2020 12:30pm - 1:45pm MST
Central Middle School

12:30pm MST

Addictions-Understanding and Treatment Series
Addictions
Before diving into addictions, this keynote takes attendees into the experience of psychoactive
drugs with some very cool simulations! Current information about substance addictions (e.g.,
hallucinogens, stimulants, and depressants) and a brief look at behavioural addictions is reviewed
before forging into the reality of the opioid and addiction crisis. Lastly, what can teachers do to
help?
Questions This Keynote Address Will Answer:
 What is it like to use psychoactive drugs?
 What distinguishes them from each other?
 What are the behavioural addictions?
 How bad is the addictions crisis?
 What can teachers do?

Speakers
avatar for Dr Kevin Alderson

Dr Kevin Alderson

Dr. Kevin Alderson, PhD, is a Professor Emeritus of Counselling Psychology from the University of Calgary.He has been a counsellor for 40 years and a registered psychologist since 1986. He is currently Presidentof the College of Alberta Psychologists, the regulatory body for psychological... Read More →


Thursday February 20, 2020 12:30pm - 1:45pm MST
GW Harris Performance Gym

12:30pm MST

Dances with Decolonization
In this keynote Art delves into some hard realities on topics such as assimilation, institutional racism and abolishment of Indigenous rights. Starting with an historic overview of colonialism and intersected with personal stories of life on a northern "Rez", this Keynote concludes with some practical tips on reconciliation from an indigenous perspective and offers hope for building bridges between worldviews.

Speakers
avatar for Art Napoleon

Art Napoleon

Art Napoleon is host and co-producer of APTN’s popular show Moosemeat & Marmalade, an internationalfood series that showcases Indigenous foods, traditional knowledge and outdoor cooking techniques. Thisformer chief is as comfortable on a big city stage or boardroom as he is skinning... Read More →


Thursday February 20, 2020 12:30pm - 1:45pm MST
Art Centre Mainstage-117

12:30pm MST

Financial Wellness
This presentation assists teachers in learning how to read their pay statements. It helps teachers determine where they are on the pay grid and how to calculate a pay cheque. It further reviews deductions such as pension, CPP, EI, income tax, benefits and dues.

Speakers
avatar for James Gerun

James Gerun

Executive Staff Officer, Teacher Employment Services, The Alberta Teachers' Association
James joined the Association’s Teacher Employment Services (formerly Teacher Welfare) executive staff in 2017. After completing his BEd degree at the University of Alberta, he taught high school Social Studies in Edmonton for more than 25 years. James also holds a Labour Relations... Read More →


Thursday February 20, 2020 12:30pm - 1:45pm MST
2906

12:30pm MST

The Wellness World Cafe
Do you teach health? This is the session for you! Join us to connect with a variety of topic HeartMath. Review strategies and explore resources that will expand your comfort level in addressing a wide range of health related trends and issues in your classroom.

Speakers

Thursday February 20, 2020 12:30pm - 1:45pm MST
1408

12:30pm 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 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!

Speakers
KT

Krista Trim

The Alberta Medical Association (AMA) Youth Run Club (YRC) is a partnership program between the AMA and Ever Active Schools (EAS). It is a free, fun and flexible program aimed at increasing physical activity levels in children and youth across Alberta. We provide registered clubs... Read More →


Thursday February 20, 2020 12:30pm - 1:45pm MST
1002 (Main Gym)

12:30pm MST

Relax, renew and refocus with Yoga Nidra (guided meditation)
Stress is disruptive to the learning process. Relax, rejuvenate and refocus as Susan guides you through a deep meditation inducing profound relaxation for your body and mind. The perfect session after a busy week since all you have to do is lie there. Yoga Nidra is a technique she studied with Yoga Masters while in India and in California with Dr. Richard Miller a clinical psychologist having attained her advanced training in this area. Susan’s guided meditation downloads are available online at www.agriosmindfitness.com store and can be used at home or in your classroom with your students. This will be an experiential session, however she does lead educational sessions if you are interested in having her come to your school.
PLEASE BRING YOUR YOGA MAT TO THIS SESSION!

Speakers
avatar for Susan Agrios

Susan Agrios

Founder & CEO, Agrios Mindfitness
Susan Agrios changes lives. Online and in person, she teaches fitness, mindfulness and yoga for people and businesses the world over.Before MINDFITNESS, Susan was a K-12 teacher and fitness trainer. In the classroom, she inspired her students’ curiosities. And as a world medalist... Read More →


Thursday February 20, 2020 12:30pm - 1:45pm MST
AC 146-Studio A

12:30pm MST

The Power of Play
Play is to the child what talk is to the adult: it is a medium for expressing feelings, exploring relationships, describing experiences, disclosing wishes, and self-fulfillment. Children express themselves and their needs, relive their past, and connect with others through play. It allows children to use their creativity while developing their imagination, dexterity, and physical, cognitive, and emotional strength. It is through play that children, at a very early age, engage and interact in the world around them and develop resiliency.In this session, Tammy Schamuhn, Registered Play Therapist, will help attendees better understand play and the benefits to utilizing it as a tool to help child develop resilience and overcome a variety of mental health issues. They will also explore how play is related to development of the brain, and how play deprivation can adversely affect children.

Speakers
TS

Tammy Schamuhn

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


Thursday February 20, 2020 12:30pm - 1:45pm MST
2501

12:30pm MST

Benefits of Humane Education for Div 1 and 2
"Character education with a wagging tale – that’s how you can describe humane education. Humane education is an approach to teaching that inspires kindness to animals, people and the environment – every living thing. Humane education incorporates students’ relationships with other species and the earth we share, thus providing a unique point of reference for reflection on one’s place in the world.The idea that encouraging kindness to animals will result in more kindness to people has been the underlying philosophy of the humane education movement for close to 150 years. It has long been recognized by SPCAs and Humane Societies across the continent, many of which originally had the mandate of protecting both animals and children.Any teacher can easily practice humane education. By using animal welfare examples, stories and lessons within the existing curriculum you can add an extra dimension to your teaching. " from Alberta SPCA

Speakers
KF

Karen Fahrlander

After recently retiring from teaching for 36 years, I have embarked upon a journey to share information with teachers regarding humane education. I have gathered lessons and materials from Alberta SPCA, BC SPCA, PETA and other agencies in Canada and the USA. Teachers can enter their... Read More →


Thursday February 20, 2020 12:30pm - 1:45pm MST
2205

12:30pm MST

What does quality thinking look like?
As Alberta educators begin to prepare for the implementation of new curricula, they face many seemingly competing demands: How do we ensure students know “the basics” and develop conceptual understanding, all while nurturing student competency? This session will explore how a focus on quality thinking can address such questions. Participants will examine the key attributes of quality thinking and identify effective and practical strategies to nurture it in all subjects for all students. This session will feature ideas valuable for all teachers and instructional leaders.

Speakers
avatar for Warren Woytuck

Warren Woytuck

director, The Critical Thinking Consortium
A project leader and professional learning facilitator with TC2, Warren Woytuck has been a K-12 teacher and elementary and junior high school principal for more than 20 years. His diverse professional background includes leadership experience in government and not-for-profit organizations... Read More →



Thursday February 20, 2020 12:30pm - 1:45pm MST
GWH 177

12:30pm MST

Tools to help you Plan for the Inclusive Classroom
Using tools from the UBC Education Summer Symposium with Shelley Moore Jennifer has restructured many documents into google documents that are user friendly and easy to use. Working through each document to help teachers further understand these useful documents and how to utilize them in a classroom with ever changing needs.

Speakers
avatar for Jennifer Lacourse

Jennifer Lacourse

Teacher with Red Deer Public Schools with many years experience working and advocating for inclusion of students with disabilities. Jennifer has been working with children and adults with disabilities most of her adult life having had developed a passion for this area when she was... Read More →


Thursday February 20, 2020 12:30pm - 1:45pm MST
1503

12:30pm MST

Starry Night Theatre Performance
1 in 100 people or 42,000 Albertans are living with schizophrenia, a treatable brain disorder. The onset most often occurs between 15 and 25 years of age and this illness does not discriminate. All genders, races, socioeconomic and education levels are all equally affected by schizophrenia. Starry Night is an impactful play that was written by and is performed by people living with schizophrenia. The performers hope is that the play will provide insight into what it is like to live with schizophrenia and foster increased empathy and understanding for all those living with this illness. After the play, the 13 cast members are very open to answering questions about the play, about living with schizophrenia and their own journeys to recovery. The Starry Night Performance is educational and exemplifies recovery in action. It is an extraordinary performance by extraordinary individuals.

Speakers
WB

Wendy Bonertz

The Schizophrenia Society of Alberta is a non-profit society dedicated to supporting the approximate 42,000 Albertans living with schizophrenia and their families and caregivers. WE offer support and education programs through our 6 branches and our online programs. We provide Community... Read More →


Thursday February 20, 2020 12:30pm - 1:45pm MST
MP Theatre-1400

12:30pm MST

The "Sixties Scoop": Understanding Implications and Contributing Towards Reconciliation
From the 1950s to the 1990s, thousands of Indigenous children across Canada were apprehended by provincial governments and places with non-Indigenous families, isolating many from Indigenous culture, language and identity. This session will provide educators with an overview of historical and current insights into the “Sixties Scoop”, as well as increased understanding of its legacy, and arguable continues into present day. You will leave this session with an increased understanding of the complexities of the “Sixties Scoop”, including resources and strategies to contribute towards reconciliation.

Speakers
avatar for Terry Lynn Cook

Terry Lynn Cook

IEPDF, The Alberta Teachers Association
Terry Lynn Cook is a long-time resident Métis of Northern Alberta. She has been an advocate of FNMI Education from her own educational experiences as well as from teaching with the Driftpile First Nations, working as a Lead Administrator of an Outreach School in Slave Lake and completing... Read More →


Thursday February 20, 2020 12:30pm - 1:45pm MST
2901 B

12:30pm MST

Wahkohtowin -Cree Natural Law
Exploring the idea of Wahkohtowin. Wahkohtowin is a Cree word which denotes the interconnected nature of relationships, communities, and natural systems. Its literal meaning is "kinship", but it is often used to refer to Cree law, or Cree codes of conduct. Participants will explore this idea of wahkohtowin in a sharing circle format and have the opportunity to discuss and ask questions. Learn how this Indigenous world view can be reflected in your classroom and supports your foundational knowledge.

Speakers
avatar for Phillip Campiou

Phillip Campiou

Knowledge Keeper, Elder
Phillip Campiou is a Traditional Woodland Cree who is originally from Driftpile Cree Nation, Alberta. He now resides in the Onoway area. As a young man, his father taught Phillip how to be self-sufficient and live off the land. Inherent in these teachings was an unwavering respect... Read More →


Thursday February 20, 2020 12:30pm - 1:45pm MST
AC 148-Studio C

12:30pm MST

What Could Go Wrong? The Simple Question Your Students Can Build a Story Around
“I don’t know what to write.” Have you ever heard that in your classroom? When it comes to writing, so many students get stuck right at the beginning. This session will show you how to use the simple four-word question that defeats writers’ block every time. You’ll leave with a complete teaching unit that will help you walk your students through the process of writing a story from beginning to end. Not only will it get your students “unstuck”, but it will teach them plot structure at the same time.

Speakers
avatar for Robin Pawlak

Robin Pawlak

Children's Author
An English language arts teacher for 31 years in Red Deer, Robin retired in 2016. He has since authored two novels for children, and has various other projects in the works. He enjoys the calm, quiet life of a writer, but also loves to nip out of his office as often as possible to... Read More →


Thursday February 20, 2020 12:30pm - 1:45pm MST
2600

12:30pm MST

Brain Magic: Memory Skills
Learn how to use mnemonic devices and memory palaces to remember lists, numbers, names and even math facts. This session will help you to understand why we remember certain things more than others. You be able to focus a child's imagination, senses and life experience to remember abstract information. These strategies come from the strongest, fastest minds in the world, but can be learned by anyone.

Speakers
avatar for Darren Michalczuk

Darren Michalczuk

Darren Michalczuk has been a teacher for more than twenty-five years and has taught everything from kindergarten to high school including music, homeroom and physical education. He has worked in rural Alberta school to big city private school in Queensland, Australia. He has coached... Read More →


Thursday February 20, 2020 12:30pm - 1:45pm MST
1328

12:30pm MST

Primary Place Value Games - Box Cars Favorites
Tarynne has used Box Cars games in her classroom for over 15 years and has helped revise and co-write the primary Box Cars resource Shake Shuffle and Roll. She has been doing family math nights and full day workshops for both Box Cars and her home district in Leduc. She has also been involved with ERLC and Numeracy initiatives and has been in central office mentoring first year teachers for the past two years. She is presently teaching grade 5 in Leduc.

Speakers
avatar for Tarynne Cable

Tarynne Cable

Teacher, Box Cars and One Eyed Jacks Consultant, Black Gold Regional Division
Tarynne has used Box Cars games in her classroom for over 15 years and has helped revise and co-write the primary Box Cars resource Shake Shuffle and Roll.  She has been doing family math nights and full day workshops for both Box Cars and her home district in Leduc.  She has also... Read More →


Thursday February 20, 2020 12:30pm - 1:45pm MST
2602

12:30pm MST

Teaching Fractions with Maths — No Problem!
Gain an understanding of how students can develop both relational fluency and comprehension with fractions. Learn how to introduce fractions in the classroom using the Maths — No Problem! step-by-step progression. Discover core concepts and strategies that help children develop a clear understanding of equal parts and equivalence, and why grasping these concepts is integral for both teachers and students. Leave with a solid understanding of fraction naming and notation, and how teaching fractions in key phases gives students a strong foundation for tackling concepts related to fractions.

Speakers
AP

Andy Psarianos

Maths — No Problem! was created by Dr. Anne Hermanson and Andy Psarianos after their daughter fell behind in math. In researching the subject, they found the Singapore method of teaching math offered the most effective program available. As they spread the word to friends, it became... Read More →


Thursday February 20, 2020 12:30pm - 1:45pm MST
GWH 162

12:30pm MST

Parler comme un mathématicien, 5e à 9e
Cet atelier a pour but d'outiller les participants avec des stratégies et approches qui encouragent les élèves à communiquer en français en mathématiques. Les suggestions présentées permettront une communication autant à l’écrit qu’à l’oral, que ce soit individuellement, en petits groupes ou en grands groupes. Des variantes ou adaptations seront soulevées afin de promouvoir l’utilisation des mêmes approches dans d’autres sujets.

Speakers
avatar for Renée Michaud

Renée Michaud

Consultante en mathématiques/Math Consultant, RLM Consulting
Renée Michaud est consultante en mathématiques. Elle offre des formations en français et en anglais dans l’ouest canadien et au-delà. Elle présente également des sessions variées aux différents congrès annuels d’enseignants de l’Alberta, de la Colombie-Britannique tel... Read More →



Thursday February 20, 2020 12:30pm - 1:45pm MST
2402

12:30pm MST

Meet and Greet James Makokis & Antony Johnson
Come to the Art Centre Forum (next to MP Theater-where Tim Hortons) to have a photo taken with the Amazing Race winners and at the same time talk to them.

Speakers
avatar for James Makokis & Anthony Johnson

James Makokis & Anthony Johnson

Dr. James Makokis and Anthony Johnson are two of Canada's leading experts for First Nation and LGBTQ2 peoples. They both grew up in remote First Nation communities that lacked public and community services. They are also both proud Two-Spirit and LGBTQ2 individuals. Growing up, James... Read More →


Thursday February 20, 2020 12:30pm - 1:45pm MST
Forum

12:30pm MST

Move & Play at Recess
How does the environment support physical activity participation? Over the past few years,there has been emerging research indicating that the use of painted lines on playground tarmac there has been emerging research indicating that the use of painted lines on playground tarmac surfaces, can be an effective and low cost way to help increase moderate to vigorous physical activity levels in children. Despite the active environment that is accessible at recess, we know recess time can be challenged by social interactions, which can impact participation. Therefore it is important to consider the role the social environment plays in recess participation and its impact on the emotional safety of participants. This practical workshop will explore recess and how the physical and social environment impact physical activity participation. We will look at physical opportunities including how games and activities can be planned, supported and lead during recess to encourage positive relationships and interactions.

Speakers
SL

Sandra Liberty

Sandra has been a leader in the development of the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Fitness Centre and a mentor to our staff since her arrival at RDC since June of 2017. From teaching Fitness classes, personal training, running programs and living her passion for Health & Wellness Sandra... Read More →


Thursday February 20, 2020 12:30pm - 1:45pm MST
1600

12:30pm MST

Bubbles and Bangs
Jason will go through a host of ways you can use his Top Secret Bouncy Bubble solution to engage and delight audiences of all ages. All the materials can be easily obtained and each activity can fit your science curriculum objectives. Science should be educational but also fun. This session is for you if you want to infuse your lesson with laughter!

Speakers
avatar for Jason Zackowski

Jason Zackowski

Zed Science
Jason Zackowski is a science/chemistry teacher with LTCHS and currently the curriculum leader for Science there. He has done “Extreme-Science” videos with a local radio station, delivers science shows (pre-COVID) and has been featured on The History Channel as a presenter on History... Read More →


Thursday February 20, 2020 12:30pm - 1:45pm MST
1439

12:30pm MST

The Thirty Years War (1989-2019)… the first decade, Bush 1 and Clinton
This session describes the New Cold War (NCW) in Realist terms and rejects the need to invoke Divine Inspiration (see Bush/God) or Humanitarian Intervention (Albright). The NCW continues US policy signed in1950 in NSC-68 (Chomsky), i.e. containment of Russia and China and procurement of resources and wealth. The Panama Invasion set the stage for the NCW, overt aggression with little international condemnation. Clinton enlarged NATO into the former Warsaw Pact (Mearsheimer, Mackinder, Spykman), led NATO in its first war i.e. The Balkans, deposed a too independent France from Rwanda (Boutris Gali), gained access for Anglo/Can/US corporations in the Congo Wars and reduced the economic / political / military power of Iraq and Russia with minimal ground forces and cost. For references : https://docs.google.com/document/d/1t002GqSLqS8W06POxGFky16GfBnMlQCgQFIhqDULn0/edit

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 20, 2020 12:30pm - 1:45pm MST
GWH 173

12:30pm MST

ArtShare Program
The program fosters the awareness, understanding, and commitment to work with Indigenous communities. To work towards ensuring that Truth is told, is heard and understood, and that Reconciliation ensues. The guidance and wisdom of an Indigenous Elder is available to program teachers and facilitators. Students spend time on the land and in class to learn about Indigenous history, cultural traditions and about ethical research. Students then choose a topic from their learnings and create an art piece to illustrate their understanding of that topic. A show of their art is held at the end of the school year.

Speakers
PD

Pamela Dos Ramos

Alberta Civil Liberties Research Centre
Pamela Dos Ramos, M.A. Ph.D., a Human Rights Educator for the Alberta Civil Liberties Research Centre (ACLRC) does presentations at schools and creates resources for the Centre. She is a former Board Member of the Alberta Association for Multicultural Education. She also teaches Culture... Read More →


Thursday February 20, 2020 12:30pm - 1:45pm MST
2901 A

12:30pm 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.

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 20, 2020 12:30pm - 1:45pm MST
1435

12:30pm MST

Unoffendable!
Is it possible to live without offense? This session will explore the pitfalls of offense and offers suggestions on how to live in peace and harmony with co-workers, students, family and friends.

Speakers
avatar for Sharleen Thornberry

Sharleen Thornberry

Motivational Speaker
Sharleen Thornberry is a motivational speaker who travels extensively, encouraging others to live their lives with passion and authenticity. She has appeared on many TV shows and is a featured speaker at retreats, conferences and seminars. Sharleen and her husband have been married... Read More →


Thursday February 20, 2020 12:30pm - 1:45pm MST
2304

12:30pm MST

What really causes depression?
"Depression is a common mental disorder. Globally, more than 300 million people of all ages suffer from depression. Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide, and is a major contributor to the overall global burden of disease." - World Health Organization. If we know the real reason which is behind many superficial reasons causing the depression , we may be open to learn metaphysical method to conquer it and become carefree human beings. This session is to introduce a newborn Buddhism school called: Mind Way or Guanyin Citta Buddhism Practice; it leads audiences to look at the mental problem from metaphysical angle rather than scientific view.

Speakers
avatar for Sandy Cai

Sandy Cai

Teacher, Hunting Hills High School
Sandy Cai is currently teaching Mandarin Chinese and Intercultural Studies at Hunting Hills High School. She received her B.A. degree from Beijing University of Chinese in 1988 and received Master degree of Education from University of Alberta in 1995. She has been studying and practicing... Read More →


Thursday February 20, 2020 12:30pm - 1:45pm MST
2905

12:30pm MST

The power of professional curiosity – an Australian/Canadian narrative
We know that curiosity is a powerful force in supporting personal and professional growth. We know that collaborative practice has huge potential to have significant impact on student learning outcomes. We know that our profession has become crazy busy! In our session we will share stories of the work of colleagues in Australia and Canada that has inspired us. We will give participants a chance to explore a couple of simple strategies they can use to underpin their professional practice and reignite professional curiosity. Ours is a Canadian/Australian tale of wonderful people prepared to colour outside the lines when needed.Are you a curious educator committed to ensuring learning growth for every student? @JaneenSilcock, @DavidJSilcock

Speakers
avatar for David Silcock

David Silcock

David has had a long career working in school leadership positions in NSW schools. Since 2004 he has been Principal at Alstonville High School, a comprehensive High School in Northern NSW. In 2019 David Relieved as Director Educational Leadership for five weeks in the Lennox Coast... Read More →



Thursday February 20, 2020 12:30pm - 3:30pm MST
2301

12:30pm MST

The Art of Pie Making
Limited Capacity filling up

Learn to create an amazing traditional pie dough and filling. Options ranging from beef and mushrooms, chicken and leek as well as vegetarian.

Speakers
avatar for Jeff Lerouge

Jeff Lerouge

CTS Teacher/CTS Department Head, Notre Dame High School
I teach Food Studies at Notre Dame High School. I love to eat, travel and I would never pass up a great risotto! I truly believe in pushing my students to try new things and I'm right there learning beside them. As an act of Truth and Reconciliation I am trying to learn more about... Read More →
RT

Richard Toll

Richard has 20 years of culinary experience in Canada, Great Britain and U.S. currently the head chef at Under The High Wheel in Edmonton. A huge whisky enthusiast and trained in sous vide cooking.


Thursday February 20, 2020 12:30pm - 3:30pm MST
Notre Dame Room-1515-Foods Lab

12:30pm MST

Practical Gamifcation in the Class
This session is designed to give teachers a hands on experience with gamification.The goal is to give you some practical tools to enhance your classroom, as well as have fun during convention.You will be lead through a portion of "Safe Haven" and then you will be able to explore the core components to build your own gamified classroom. We will lay out how we build in assignments, some of the games we used to engage students, and the challenges that we faced in rolling this out.If you have access to technology, this will assist you at the end to explore some of the resource sites available.

Speakers
BG

Brian Grocholski

Brian and Leland teach in Alix, Alberta. Three years ago they team taught English 9 and Science 9. They introduced the concept of gamification to their class and saw some strong engagement from the students who normally fell by the wayside. Not only did the kids have more fun in class... Read More →


Thursday February 20, 2020 12:30pm - 3:30pm MST
2401

2:15pm MST

MINDFITNESS Breaks: Quick Techniques to Create a Calm, Focused & Fit Classroom
Mindfitness: the condition of being mentally, emotionally, physically & socially healthy This signature MINDFITNESS Training combines Mindfulness and Fitness to create MINDFITNESS. Designed specifically for teachers, students and parents we use movement and breath to connect the body and mind. Research shows exercise boosts student’s academic achievement, decreases behavior problems and improves focus and retention of information. During this session I will teach you MINDFITNESS techniques for relaxation, to improve fitness (DPA), focus, attention and concentration and to foster self-regulation. As well, experience in 30 seconds how to shift negative thought patterns with a very simple breathing technique.So come join us to experience MINDFITNESS techniques and learn how to integrate this into your daily life and classroom so everyone can lead healthier lives physically, mentally, emotionally and socially. If you’re up for the challenge we will also begin Day 1 of the 40 Day beKIND Mindfulness Challenge so you too can join our Mindfulness Movement of over 17 000 kids, teens and adults. A session you won’t want to miss. The new MINDFITNESS Kit will be released in the spring of 2020.

Speakers
avatar for Susan Agrios

Susan Agrios

Founder & CEO, Agrios Mindfitness
Susan Agrios changes lives. Online and in person, she teaches fitness, mindfulness and yoga for people and businesses the world over.Before MINDFITNESS, Susan was a K-12 teacher and fitness trainer. In the classroom, she inspired her students’ curiosities. And as a world medalist... Read More →


Thursday February 20, 2020 2:15pm - 3:00pm MST
GW Harris Performance Gym

2:15pm MST

The Principal’s Role in Teacher Induction
This workshop supports the implementation of A Principal’s Guide to Teacher Induction, which is intended to help principals develop a comprehensive plan of action and a network of school-based supports for the successful induction of beginning teachers. Participants will have the opportunity to discuss practical strategies for school orientation, ongoing coaching and communication, teaching and extracurricular responsibilities, mentoring, teacher supervision and evaluation, and certification.

Speakers
avatar for Dr. Tony Rice

Dr. Tony Rice

Consultant, Rice Educational Consulting
Dr. Tony Rice is the former principal of Tofield School, a grade 5-12 school located in Tofield, Alberta, from 2016-2018 and Central High Sedgewick Public School in Sedgewick, Alberta, a grade 1-12 school for the previous 15 years, both of which are located in Battle River School... Read More →


Thursday February 20, 2020 2:15pm - 3:30pm MST
2305

2:15pm MST

Trauma Sensitive Classrooms
Trauma in the classroom; how can we respond to it? A trauma sensitive school is one in which all students feel safe, welcomed and supported. This session will help provide an understanding about the impact of traumatic experiences on students and their classroom behaviors. We will speak about strategies and approaches that can be used to mitigate this impact with the hopes of improving educational outcomes.

Speakers
MJ

Mark Jones

Central Alberta Child Advocacy Centre


Thursday February 20, 2020 2:15pm - 3:30pm MST
2501

2:15pm MST

VIVA ABSTRACTION!
Limited Capacity seats available

For those who love abstract art and texture, it is a MUST. Using acrylics, you will learn how to paint abstraction with expressive brushstrokes and heavy paint application. Your students will love it! The level of difficulty can be adjusted according to the grade level taught. Excellent for teachers of grades 4-12. You will leave the workshop with completed painting, handouts and PowerPoint presentation to guide your students. All supplies provided by instructor. $15 registration fee by sending an email transfer to polskieradio@artiza.com

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 20, 2020 2:15pm - 3:30pm MST
2505

2:15pm MST

Library and Author-Artist Collaborations
Join award-winning author-artist and education advocate Alexis Marie Chute as she shares her round-up of ideas for teachers and school libraries looking to collaborate with artists and writers in their community. She discusses projects, residencies, exhibitions, tech options, and multi-disciplinary art incubators. This program emphasizes the importance of collaboration and new ways of looking at programming. Participants will have the opportunity ask Chute for her author-artist perspective in regards to library collaboration ideas. Group brainstorming will round out the discussion.

Speakers
avatar for Jaclyn Chute

Jaclyn Chute

Registered Dietitian, Teach Nutrition
Jaclyn is a Registered Dietitian at Dairy Farmers of Canada. She is passionate about helping others cultivate a healthy relationship with food and themselves. She enjoys finding creative ways to share the message that eating can be nourishing and satisfying. Observing her two young... Read More →


Thursday February 20, 2020 2:15pm - 3:30pm MST
GWH 167

2:15pm MST

Is This for Marks? Changing the Assessment Culture in a High School Classroom
Back by popular demand! How often do you hear students ask, “Is this formative or summative?” Do you feel like the only way to have your students care about an assignment is to attach a mark to it? Consider how to shift the assessment culture in your classroom, to help students understand the “why” behind formative assessment.

Speakers
avatar for AAC Facilitator (TBA)

AAC Facilitator (TBA)

Field Service Facilitator, Alberta Assessment Consortium
The Alberta Assessment Consortium is a not-for-profit education partner in the province, focused on everyday assessment to support student learning. Our facilitators combine their experience as Alberta teachers and teacher leaders with the expertise of the organization.


Thursday February 20, 2020 2:15pm - 3:30pm MST
2302

2:15pm MST

Interactive Health Education Activities for Grades 7 to 12
Do you teach Health Education? Are you looking for new lessons and activities to refresh your course? This session will explore strategies to support student learning in human sexuality,social and emotional competencies, and mental health. Walk away from this session with concrete ideas that align with Health Education curricula outcomes, including ready-to-use lesson plans and in-class activities.

Speakers
avatar for Dr. Lauren Sulz

Dr. Lauren Sulz

Associate Professor, Healthy Schools Lab - University of Alberta
Dr. Sulz is an Associate Professor with a focus on healthy school communities. Lauren's research includes physical and health education, school sport, whole-child education, and comprehensive school health.


Thursday February 20, 2020 2:15pm - 3:30pm MST
1437

2:15pm MST

Belief Re-patterning®: Something Different for Professional Development
Struggling for real, practical and effective ways of teaching mindfulness?Finding many of the effective curricular outcomes to be challenging to implement?Looking for an engaging opportunity for your staff that has immediate application across all grade levels and subject areas?Wanting assistance in integrating this into your daily activities, developing a more positive and supportive school culture?Ready to build on the good work that is already happening in your school and expand it to a higher level?Developed by an Albertan Educator, Belief Re-patterning has effectively supported individuals and groups for over 20 years. In 2012 this grassroots movement burst onto the international scene with the publication of Belief Re-patterning: The Amazing Technique for “Flipping the Switch” to Positive Thoughts (Hay House). Described by personal development thought leaders as the “How to Go to” for developing supportive self-talk, it is based solidly in cognitive learning theory, educational psychology and years of practical teaching application.With either a focus on personal development for the staff, or professional development for classroom use, our team of Educational Professionals will tailor a day to meet your needs.Together we will develop and explore practical and easy ways to:Turn problems into stepping stones.Navigate life’s challenges with greater ease.Fall in love with who you see in YOUR mirror.Develop the habit of positive self-talk.And translate your personal learning to directly impact your daily work with children in a practical and step by step way. Model positive self-talk for the children in your sphere of influence.Implement mindfulness into your day to day activities and lessons.Create a foundation structure for the children to use both at school and at home.Your impact is immense, your job a BIG responsibility! The effect of your words, actions and way of BE-ing on the children you are in contact with shapes their lives. Call 587-449-8224 to discuss the options for your school.

Speakers
avatar for Suze Casey

Suze Casey

Developer, Belief Re-patterning, positive self-talk, mindfulness
Suze Casey is a best-selling Hay House author, teacher, facilitator, speaker, radio show host, entrepreneur and developer of the personal development technique called Belief Re-patterning®, outlined in her book Belief Re-patterning: The Amazing Technique for “Flipping the Switch... Read More →


Thursday February 20, 2020 2:15pm - 3:30pm MST
1303

2:15pm MST

Beeswax Food-wrap Making
Limited Capacity filling up

Learn How to Make Beeswax Food Wraps: This session will have participants making their own beeswax food-wraps to take home and use as an environmentally friendly alternative to cling film. Supplies will be provided at a cost of $10. Please e-transfer carlygibson@hotmail.com to confirm your attendance or bring cash.

Speakers
avatar for Carly Gibson

Carly Gibson

teacher, RDPSD
Carly Gibson teaches Fashion Studies and Food Studies at Lindsay Thurber Comprehensive High School.



Thursday February 20, 2020 2:15pm - 3:30pm MST
Central Middle School

2:15pm MST

Two-Spirit Diversity - LGBTQ2, Race, and Gender
Team Ahkameyimok provides practical insights on how to identify and remove unconscious bias, stereotypes, and stigmas so that individuals can gain new perspectives and focus on solutions for a brighter future. They focus on advocacy, acceptance, and understanding of anyone that can be classified as different so that we can all lift each other up and eliminate behaviours that separate us from one another. This presentation will provide key introspective learning for individuals and organizations that work and create new inclusive programs for diverse populations. By creating inclusive and accepting environments, we will be able to create new leaders, stronger teams and a united strength for success and equality.

Speakers
avatar for James Makokis & Anthony Johnson

James Makokis & Anthony Johnson

Dr. James Makokis and Anthony Johnson are two of Canada's leading experts for First Nation and LGBTQ2 peoples. They both grew up in remote First Nation communities that lacked public and community services. They are also both proud Two-Spirit and LGBTQ2 individuals. Growing up, James... Read More →


Thursday February 20, 2020 2:15pm - 3:30pm MST
Art Centre Mainstage-117

2:15pm MST

Animals as Partners in Healing
There is a ever-growing body of evidence-based research that demonstrates that working with animals leads to increased physiological, emotional, and psychological well-being including an increase in self-esteem, self-awareness, empathy, concentration/focus, communication skills, and pro-social behaviours; and reduction in stress/anxiety, depression, anti-social behaviours, and trauma symptoms. In this session attendees will explore the physiological and psychological benefits to working with animals, and ways in which professionals can integrate the use of animals in helping children overcome emotional obstacles; and increase levels of wellness, resiliency, and connection. The instructor, Tammy Schamuhn, is a Registered Psychologist who developed both canine and equine assisted therapy programs for children and teens, and consults with a variety of organizations across Canada on how to ethically utilize animals therapeutically.

Speakers
TS

Tammy Schamuhn

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


Thursday February 20, 2020 2:15pm - 3:30pm MST
2601

2:15pm MST

LGBT in the Classroom
The break-out begins with an experiential component that provides opportunity to work with 2 or 3 other participants, and in so doing, begin learning about the defining features of LGBTQ individuals. A brief focus on affirming attitudes follows before launching into what teachers can do to deal successfully with LGBTQ students from elementary through the high school years. It addresses the special issues and concerns often raised by each subgroup (lesbian, gay, bisexual,
transgender, and those who identity as queer or questioning).
Questions This Keynote Address Will Answer:
 What subgroups comprise the LGBTQ community?
 How do affirmative attitudes differ from those that are not?
 What are the best ways to deal with LGBTQ students?
 How do I foster a respectful environment with other students in the classroom?
 What are the identity labels that some students now use?

Speakers
avatar for Dr Kevin Alderson

Dr Kevin Alderson

Dr. Kevin Alderson, PhD, is a Professor Emeritus of Counselling Psychology from the University of Calgary.He has been a counsellor for 40 years and a registered psychologist since 1986. He is currently Presidentof the College of Alberta Psychologists, the regulatory body for psychological... Read More →


Thursday February 20, 2020 2:15pm - 3:30pm MST
GWH 208

2:15pm MST

Looking Ahead – By Retired Teachers, for Retired Teachers
This one-hour presentation is designed for those who are considering retirement within 5 years, or who are almost 65 years old. The realities of retirement are shared by a retiree, along with considerations for a life that is not governed by the bell. The Alberta Retired Teachers’ Association (ARTA) is introduced – what ARTA provides and the benefits of becoming a member. While the presentation also briefly touches on retirement income considerations and your pension, this presentation is not focused on your pension. Pension questions should be directed to the Alberta Teachers’ Retirement Fund (ATRF). The balance of this presentation is focused on the Retiree Benefits Plan offered by ARTA – the health, dental, and travel options; and how the plan is managed.

Speakers
avatar for Alberta Retired Teachers' Association

Alberta Retired Teachers' Association

Manager of Marketing and Promotions
8x8 display, swag and pop up baners


Thursday February 20, 2020 2:15pm - 3:30pm MST
1439

2:15pm MST

Maternity and Parental Leaves, Pay and Benefits
This presentation assists teachers in learning how to read their pay statements. It helps teachers determine where they are on the pay grid and how to calculate a pay cheque. It further reviews deductions such as pension, CPP, EI, income tax, benefits and dues.

Speakers
avatar for James Gerun

James Gerun

Executive Staff Officer, Teacher Employment Services, The Alberta Teachers' Association
James joined the Association’s Teacher Employment Services (formerly Teacher Welfare) executive staff in 2017. After completing his BEd degree at the University of Alberta, he taught high school Social Studies in Edmonton for more than 25 years. James also holds a Labour Relations... Read More →


Thursday February 20, 2020 2:15pm - 3:30pm MST
2906

2:15pm MST

Social and Emotional Learning in any Classroom, featuring the NEW Social and Emotional Shuffle
The development of social and emotional skills is foundational to students success in school,work and life. Join Ever Active Schools to explore the five competencies of social emotional learning (SEL) and how these skills help to support students in both their academics and relationships. Featuring our newest resource, the Social and Emotional Shuffle, this session will feature practical classroom activities that tie back to SEL competencies, explore effective implementation strategies, and builds upon what you and your school are already doing.


Thursday February 20, 2020 2:15pm - 3:30pm MST
1408

2:15pm MST

The New Standard for Warming Up:Supporting quality PE through movement skill development, fitness and injury prevention
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.

Speakers
avatar for Chesa Peter

Chesa Peter

School Health Facilitator, Everactive Schools
Ever Active Schools is a provincial initiative designed to create and support healthy school communities. We engage and support schools through a Comprehensive School Health approach, which addresses health and education goals to improve the social outcomes of children and youth in... Read More →
avatar for Carla Van Den Berg

Carla Van Den Berg

Knowledge Broker, Sport Injury Prevention Research Centre, University of Calgary
Carla is a Knowledge Broker with the Sport Injury Prevention Research Centre in the Faculty of Kinesiology at the University of Calgary. She is a CSEP-Certified Exercise Physiologist, and works to deliver neuromuscular training warm-up programs to prevent lower extremity injuries... Read More →


Thursday February 20, 2020 2:15pm - 3:30pm MST
1002 (Main Gym)

2:15pm MST

Benefits of Humane Education for Div 3 and 4
Character education with a wagging tale – that’s how you can describe humane education. Humane education is an approach to teaching that inspires kindness to animals, people and the environment – every living thing. Humane education incorporates students’ relationships with other species and the earth we share, thus providing a unique point of reference for reflection on one’s place in the world.The idea that encouraging kindness to animals will result in more kindness to people has been the underlying philosophy of the humane education movement for close to 150 years. It has long been recognized by SPCAs and Humane Societies across the continent, many of which originally had the mandate of protecting both animals and children.Any teacher can easily practice humane education. By using animal welfare examples, stories and lessons within the existing curriculum you can add an extra dimension to your teaching.

Speakers
KF

Karen Fahrlander

After recently retiring from teaching for 36 years, I have embarked upon a journey to share information with teachers regarding humane education. I have gathered lessons and materials from Alberta SPCA, BC SPCA, PETA and other agencies in Canada and the USA. Teachers can enter their... Read More →


Thursday February 20, 2020 2:15pm - 3:30pm MST
2205

2:15pm MST

Student Centered Classroom
Craig will walk you through what it is, the theory behind it, and how you can employ Student Centered Classrooms. It is relatively new concept that has been developed over the last few years, and it's gaining great popularity, particularly among top educational institutions. How do students learn and what's the best teaching methods. We will be reviewing passive and active learning in the classroom so that we can understand that the Student Centered Classroom changes the student's role int he learning process. It is truly designed for collaborative learning, as opposed to be centered upon authority. The differences between the education factory - rows and columns approach whore the teacher led authority vs. the Student Centered Classroom - actively engaged, next generation of today's learners to take a willing role in their own education.

Speakers
CW

Craig Ward

Craig Ward has been an account executive with CDI Spaces for 9 Years and has doing presentations at Schools and School Division in Alberta. He is very knowledgeable and does a very informative presentation.


Thursday February 20, 2020 2:15pm - 3:30pm MST
2503

2:15pm MST

Indigenous Education Resources: Where Do I start?
This session will support educators in using resources that accurately reflect and demonstrate the strength and diversity of First Nations, Métis and Inuit. They will learn about culturally responsive resources to increase their capacity in foundational knowledge about First Nations, Métis and Inuit. In addition, they will leave with tools to consider for critically reviewing First Nations, Métis and Inuit resources for classroom and professional use.

Speakers
avatar for Brian St.Germain

Brian St.Germain

Brian St. Germain was born and raised in Red Deer and recently retired from Red Deer Public Schools after 42 years of teaching. The last 14 years as a lead teacher with FNMI Learning Services. He also served as an Indigenous Education PD Facilitator with the ATA._x000D_Brian is Cree... Read More →


Thursday February 20, 2020 2:15pm - 3:30pm MST
2304

2:15pm MST

What can I contribute to meaningful reconciliation?
“Education is what got us into this mess. Education will be what leads us out.” Senator Murray Sinclair’s words continue to ring true as educators examine how pedagogy and curriculum might support reconciliation. This session examines how critical thinking and historical thinking can more effectively engage students in learning about what led us to this point in time, and about how we might make individual and collective contributions to meaningful reconciliation. Participants in this session will also explore lessons that might be learned from the development of What Can I Contribute to Meaningful Reconciliation?, a customizable learning resource collaboratively developed by The Critical Thinking Consortium and the Grand Erie District School Board. This session will feature ideas valuable for all teachers and instructional leaders.

Speakers
avatar for Warren Woytuck

Warren Woytuck

director, The Critical Thinking Consortium
A project leader and professional learning facilitator with TC2, Warren Woytuck has been a K-12 teacher and elementary and junior high school principal for more than 20 years. His diverse professional background includes leadership experience in government and not-for-profit organizations... Read More →


Thursday February 20, 2020 2:15pm - 3:30pm MST
GWH 177

2:15pm MST

How to Get Your Students Writing
You arrive at school filled with enthusiasm, ready to mold young minds. But then comes LA class. Story writing. “Woe is me!” you lament. “So many of my students hate writing. They just sit and stare at their papers! If only there was a former teacher who is now a writer who could help me.” Good news. There is! In this session, he will share all kinds of ideas that got his students unstuck and helped them develop their understanding of how stories are built. Participants will leave with at least half a dozen ideas for immediate use in their classrooms.

Speakers
avatar for Robin Pawlak

Robin Pawlak

Children's Author
An English language arts teacher for 31 years in Red Deer, Robin retired in 2016. He has since authored two novels for children, and has various other projects in the works. He enjoys the calm, quiet life of a writer, but also loves to nip out of his office as often as possible to... Read More →


Thursday February 20, 2020 2:15pm - 3:30pm MST
2600

2:15pm MST

Brain Magic Math Facts
Participants will be walked through the process of teaching the times tables. Step one is learning the 'Magic Numbers', a set of mnemonic images that represent the numbers 1 through 10 with auditory, visual and kinaesthetic connections to make them easy to remember. Step Two is to learn the first set of stories that connect numbers in the brain ways we naturally remember. This eliminates the need to finger count or draw sets to solve, even for the larger questions. Step Three is walking a learner through a math fact from the two numbers to a simple story to the answer in the form of a memory palace and object. Teacher get to be a part of the learning experience without the need to take notes or listen to a lecture.

Speakers
avatar for Darren Michalczuk

Darren Michalczuk

Darren Michalczuk has been a teacher for more than twenty-five years and has taught everything from kindergarten to high school including music, homeroom and physical education. He has worked in rural Alberta school to big city private school in Queensland, Australia. He has coached... Read More →


Thursday February 20, 2020 2:15pm - 3:30pm MST
1328

2:15pm MST

Linking the Learning - Elementary Domino Games
Tarynne has used Box Cars games in her classroom for over 15 years and has helped revise and co-write the primary Box Cars resource Shake Shuffle and Roll. She has been doing family math nights and full day workshops for both Box Cars and her home district in Leduc. She has also been involved with ERLC and Numeracy initiatives and has been in central office mentoring first year teachers for the past two years. She is presently teaching grade 5 in Leduc.

Speakers
avatar for Tarynne Cable

Tarynne Cable

Teacher, Box Cars and One Eyed Jacks Consultant, Black Gold Regional Division
Tarynne has used Box Cars games in her classroom for over 15 years and has helped revise and co-write the primary Box Cars resource Shake Shuffle and Roll.  She has been doing family math nights and full day workshops for both Box Cars and her home district in Leduc.  She has also... Read More →


Thursday February 20, 2020 2:15pm - 3:30pm MST
2602

2:15pm MST

Teaching Whole Numbers with Maths — No Problem!
For teachers who want to expand and solidify their understanding of math instruction, this talk goes deep into the techniques and theories behind the math mastery approach to whole number teaching. Examine the principles that support number sense, beginning with a review of core ideas and ending with an overview of all operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication and division) as they relate to whole numbers. Leave with proven practical teaching techniques you can immediately try out in your own classroom.

Speakers
AP

Andy Psarianos

Maths — No Problem! was created by Dr. Anne Hermanson and Andy Psarianos after their daughter fell behind in math. In researching the subject, they found the Singapore method of teaching math offered the most effective program available. As they spread the word to friends, it became... Read More →


Thursday February 20, 2020 2:15pm - 3:30pm MST
GWH 162

2:15pm MST

Speed Dating avec les objets de manipulation, M à 3e
Certains objets de manipulation sont rarement utilisés par les enseignants. Les raisons varient. Parfois, c’est parce qu’ils sont mal compris. Parfois, c’est parce qu’ils sont nouveaux. Cet atelier a pour but de démontrer l’utilisation d’une panoplie d’objets, que ce soit des objets familiers ou des objets plus inusités. Vous êtes bienvenus d’apporter un ou plusieurs de vos objets de manipulation afin qu’on puisse en parler.

Speakers
avatar for Renée Michaud

Renée Michaud

Consultante en mathématiques/Math Consultant, RLM Consulting
Renée Michaud est consultante en mathématiques. Elle offre des formations en français et en anglais dans l’ouest canadien et au-delà. Elle présente également des sessions variées aux différents congrès annuels d’enseignants de l’Alberta, de la Colombie-Britannique tel... Read More →


Thursday February 20, 2020 2:15pm - 3:30pm MST
2402

2:15pm MST

Working Collaboratively with your EA to support Inclusive PE
Teachers and educational assistants are often paired up in classrooms to implement inclusive practices and establish an environment where all students will be successful in learning.However, these practitioners are not often trained to work with each other and have different skill sets, knowledge, and experiences, in which they bring to the inclusive physical education environment. This session will: (a) discuss ways teachers and educational assistants different can collaborate in physical education, (b) unpack the different roles and responsibilities of these practitioners for inclusion, and (c) share a practical guide to implement in diverse school contexts to assist teachers and educational assistant collaboration.

Speakers
HM

Hayley Morrison

Hayley is an Assistant Professor in Elementary Education at the University of Alberta. She researches and teaches how to create inclusive environments and provide meaningful movement experiences for students with disabilities in physical education. Hayley is an advocate for movement... Read More →


Thursday February 20, 2020 2:15pm - 3:30pm MST
1600

2:15pm 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.

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 20, 2020 2:15pm - 3:30pm MST
1435

2:15pm MST

The Thirty Years War (1989-2019)… the Bush 2, Obama and Trump years
This session describes the New Cold War (NCW) in Realist terms and rejects the need to invoke Divine Inspiration (see Bush/God) or Humanitarian Intervention (Albright). The NCW continues US policy signed in1950 in NSC-68 (Chomsky), i.e. containment of Russia and China and procurement of resources and wealth. The Panama Invasion set the stage for the NCW, overt aggression with little international condemnation. Clinton enlarged NATO into the former Warsaw Pact (Mearsheimer, Mackinder, Spykman), led NATO in its first war i.e. The Balkans, deposed a too independent France from Rwanda (Boutris Gali), gained access for Anglo/Can/US corporations in the Congo Wars and reduced the economic / political / military power of Iraq and Russia with minimal ground forces and cost. For references : https://docs.google.com/document/d/1t002GqSLqS8W06POxGFky16GfBnMlQCgQFIhqDULn0/edit

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 20, 2020 2:15pm - 3:30pm MST
GWH 173

2:15pm MST

Harassment and Youth
Harassment and bullying, including sexual harassment and cyber bullying, among youth often has serious emotional and academic consequences. Victims need to learn that such behaviours are condemned under human rights law and perpetrators need to know that their actions can get them into serious trouble, including arrest by the Police. How to teach youth about healthy interactions and legal responsibilities? How to create a safe and inclusive school environment? We present strategies and resources to address this educational, social and legal problem.

Speakers
PD

Pamela Dos Ramos

Alberta Civil Liberties Research Centre
Pamela Dos Ramos, M.A. Ph.D., a Human Rights Educator for the Alberta Civil Liberties Research Centre (ACLRC) does presentations at schools and creates resources for the Centre. She is a former Board Member of the Alberta Association for Multicultural Education. She also teaches Culture... Read More →


Thursday February 20, 2020 2:15pm - 3:30pm MST
2901 A

2:15pm MST

Moose and Meat and Marmalade-a behind the scenes look at Culutural Reconciliation
In this workshop Art shares stories behind the scenes of the hit international food show Moosemeat and Marmalade. How a First Nation outdoor bush cook and English classically trained chef and their multi-racial TV crew have bridged cross cultural divides and found common ground through food.

Speakers
avatar for Art Napoleon

Art Napoleon

Art Napoleon is host and co-producer of APTN’s popular show Moosemeat & Marmalade, an internationalfood series that showcases Indigenous foods, traditional knowledge and outdoor cooking techniques. Thisformer chief is as comfortable on a big city stage or boardroom as he is skinning... Read More →


Thursday February 20, 2020 2:15pm - 3:30pm MST
MP Theatre-1400

2:15pm MST

How to survive and to overcome depression?
If Session one is to reveal the secret of depression. Session two is to learn the Mindy Way or Guanyin Citta Buddhism Practice to toss the depression behind the life and move towards the brightness of the future. Thousands and thousands of people who have been suffering from depression are out of the shadow and become normal through this metaphysical method.Being safe and well is blessing.Being virtuous leads to longevity.Being content is a mark of prosperity.Letting nature take its course is a nobility. This session is also trying to open a new window to examine human fatal illnesses (depression) and is trying to re-define the concept of being happy and healthy in life. In this session, the law of universe will be revealed and further explained (not Newton's law).

Speakers
avatar for Sandy Cai

Sandy Cai

Teacher, Hunting Hills High School
Sandy Cai is currently teaching Mandarin Chinese and Intercultural Studies at Hunting Hills High School. She received her B.A. degree from Beijing University of Chinese in 1988 and received Master degree of Education from University of Alberta in 1995. She has been studying and practicing... Read More →


Thursday February 20, 2020 2:15pm - 3:30pm MST
2905

2:15pm MST

Relating Science and Spirituality – Why? Should? Can? How?
Science and spirituality are often characterised as opposing and irreconcilable worldviews. However, there are many people who deeply value both a scientific way of knowing and a spiritual way of knowing. How do people who value both a scientific and a spiritual perspective relate the two together? This was the central question of my doctoral research that involved deep interviews with twelve participants. The session will explore how people understood science and spirituality and how they brought them together in their lived experience. The goal is to develop insight and understanding into how we can truthfully relate science and spirituality in our own lives.

Speakers
avatar for Dr. Ron Licht

Dr. Ron Licht

Dr. Ron Licht was a senior high school science and mathematics teacher with the Calgary Board of Education for 25 years before retiring in 2016. Ron has a BSc in geophysics, a BEd in secondary science, an MSc in science education, and he earned a PhD through his research on the lived... Read More →


Thursday February 20, 2020 2:15pm - 3:30pm MST
2404

3:30pm MST

CATCA SOCIAL EVENT
Come have a drink and a few snacks with other central Alberta teachers. The point of this event is to socialize.


Thursday February 20, 2020 3:30pm - 5:30pm MST
Art Centre Main Stage Lobby (AC 104)
 
Friday, February 21
 

9:00am MST

The Importance of a Strong Foundation: Revisiting your mission, vision, values and commitments to ensure a climate for collaborative response.
The Importance of a Strong Foundation: Revisiting your mission, vision, values and commitments to ensure a climate for a collaborative response. Building a strong cohesive staff is essential in moving any school or system initiatives or goals forward. Leadership is tricky and relies on people truly engaging in authentic collaboration but this doesn’t just happen. There needs to be a foundation set and an intentional focus on the team and cultivating a strong united team to ensure that everyone is on the same page. Divisive teams are hard to lead and cause much frustration for the leader. This session will share the importance of returning to the foundational statements and focus on what unites staff. It will also surface the important role of leadership in creating strong teams that are trusting, collaborative and focused. School Leaders have so many expectations and mandates that they must attend to and comply with. Too many times leaders are viewed as pushing things forward and staff and teams do not truly understand the importance or even agree. This creates environments that are very difficult to lead. Leaders need to attend to and address the environment and bring everyone back to why they are there in the first place and really focus on shared understanding and support their staff to not just gain that understanding but tend to the people on their teams in a very intentional manner. There are several connections that will be drawn and reference Collaborative Response and School Leaders Standards.

Speakers
avatar for Amber Hester

Amber Hester

Lead Learner, Jigsaw Learning Inc
Amber is a Lead Learner with Jigsaw Learning. She supports collaborative response through her work with school and system leaders in the area of revisiting their foundation statements, team building and strategic planning. Amber has over 20 years experience in education and has held... Read More →


Friday February 21, 2020 9:00am - 10:15am MST
2600

9:00am MST

Central Alberta sexual assault support Center
The Central Alberta sexual assault support Center offers counseling for victims, victimizers and families of sexual assault. We also offer free programs to schools and the community that are age appropriate around the topics of safe and unsafe touches with the K to 4 program of No Secrets. The grade 5 to 8 program follows the same topic along with body boundaries and consent. The grade 9 to 12 program follows the outcomes of CALM and offers information around consent, healthy relationships and sexual assault. These are not sex education programs. They are body safety and life skills programs.

Speakers
DM

Dianne Macaulay

Information about the free counseling and education programs that the Central Alberta sexual assault support Center offers to schools and the communities in central Alberta.


Friday February 21, 2020 9:00am - 10:15am MST
GWH 177

9:00am MST

Natural Soap Making Beginner Demo
Limited Capacity full

Our skin is our largest organ. What we put on our skin goes into our body. Time to consider what we're putting on it. There is a resurgence for getting back to natural basics in skincare. I've been making soap for a couple of years and enjoy sharing with others what I've learned. In this session, I will demonstrate how easy and fun it is to make all-natural and chemical-free soap. This session will be a demonstration. All attendees attending this session need to follow the following:
- everyone must wear lab coat and safety glasses while in the lab ( these will be provided by the college)
- absolutely no food or drink in the lab

Speakers
avatar for Dee Stokoe

Dee Stokoe

I have taught in Red Deer for most of my career as a Foods and Fashion teacher. I consider my kitchen my laboratory for making healthy nutritious food as well as all natural products such as soap, salves, shower steamers. I have led workshops with people in the community sharing what... Read More →


Friday February 21, 2020 9:00am - 10:15am MST
1436

9:00am MST

Your Partner in Young Worker Injury Prevention
Since 2011, Safety in Schools has provided more than 20,000 high school students across Alberta with access to free, online, industry-recognized workplace safety training.Our team is at the forefront of young worker safety, partnering with industry and training organizations and working directly with survivors of workplace injuries to develop and deliver eight original experience-focused programs since 2014, and reach more 8,000+ students with in-school presentations form injury survivors. This work continues with multiple online programs at various stages of development and planning in progress for another school speaking tour in Spring 2020. Educators attending this session will be the first to sneak a peek at upcoming program developments and provide insight on them through post-session surveys and optional focus group activities following the presentation. We recommend this session to anyone involved in career guidance, work experience, skilled trades or mental health.

Speakers
avatar for Sara Rooseboom

Sara Rooseboom

Program Coordinator, Safety in Schools Foundation of Canada
After graduating from the University of Calgary in 2011, Sara spent two years in public service before joining the Safety in Schools team in March 2014. As the Foundation’s Program Coordinator, she is responsible for the management of day to day operations, outreach and expansion... Read More →


Friday February 21, 2020 9:00am - 10:15am MST
2303

9:00am MST

Puppet Projects for Young Learners - Developing Expressive Language & Self-Expression Hands on Workshop for Div 1 teachers
The young child spoke for the first time that year when he held onto his puppet. “I am happy and sad” he said. Puppetry is a powerful medium for learning and its strength as an empathetic friend or a conduit for expression is amazing. This workshop shares fun ready to go puppet ideas that are easily adaptable for student’s abilities, available resources and time. With lots of hands on opportunities the workshop will play with the intrigue of shadow puppets with loose parts and a variety of low- and high-tech projection choices. Additionally, we’ll create puppets made simply with folded paper and card. We’ll run through over a dozen other project ideas and show how they link to multiple curricula and STEAM learnings. Supplies/handouts provided.

Speakers
avatar for W.P. Puppet Theatre Society

W.P. Puppet Theatre Society

Artistic Director, WP Puppet Theatre
WP Puppet Theatre uses the power of puppetry to impact positive social change. Through our puppetry infused learning opportunities and performances we inspire, challenge, empower, support expression, and encourage empathy in our audiences and participants. Our inaugural online course... Read More →


Friday February 21, 2020 9:00am - 10:15am MST
2205

9:00am MST

What Great Teachers Do Differently
What are the specific qualities and practices of great teachers that elevate them above the rest? This session reveals what the most effective teachers do differently than their colleagues.  Participants will focus on what the most successful teachers do . . . that others do not. Everyone will leave knowing what great teachers do differently, why these things make them more effective, and learn how to immediately implement each of these into your own classrooms and schools.

Speakers
avatar for Todd Whitaker

Todd Whitaker

Dr. Todd Whitaker has been fortunate to be able to blend his passion with his career. Recognized as a leading presenter in the field of education, his message about the importance of teaching has resonated with hundreds of thousands of educators around the world. Todd is a professor... Read More →


Friday February 21, 2020 9:00am - 10:15am MST
GW Harris Performance Gym

9:00am MST

“ Personal Climate and Culture … It’s Up to You”
Gerry uses his videos to develop a strategy for making the work place a pleasant place where faculty, administrators, and support staff all maintain mutual respect, regardless of personal differences, resulting in more efficient and fulfilled workers.

Speakers
avatar for Gerry Brooks

Gerry Brooks

Gerry Brooks has been an educator for 25 years, beginning as a third grade teacher in Palm Bay, FL. He earned his masters in administration and has been an elementary principal for 15 years. Originally using humorous videos to encourage his staff, Gerry has become a national encourager... Read More →


Friday February 21, 2020 9:00am - 10:15am MST
Art Centre Mainstage-117

9:00am MST

Your Pension Matters
The session is of interest to teachers of all ages and is a general overview of the teachers’ pension plan. The presentation will include information on beneficiaries, pensionable service and salaries, calculating your pension, your pension options and steps to retirement.​

Speakers
LL

Linda Lau

Linda has been with the Alberta Teachers' Retirement Fund since 1990 and has spoken at numerous conventions, pension seminars and counselling sessions throughout the province.


Friday February 21, 2020 9:00am - 10:15am MST
2501

9:00am MST

Oil Pastels- endless possibilities
Limited Capacity full

This session combines techniques and strategies to effectively use the vibrant colours of the oil pastels. Creating new colours, blending colours and achieving texture will be explored by step-by-step demonstration of each project. These projects can be modified for any grade level and abilities. All the supplies are being provided and the fee for this session is $10 and please pay to the following email transfer: christina.dixon@cssd.ab.ca

Speakers
avatar for Christina Dixon

Christina Dixon

Art
As a teacher and artist my main goal is to inspire others to love, appreciate, and explore Art and various mediums: oil pastels, watercolors, acrylics, inks, etc. Each medium is versatile in a specific way and the final projects sometime combine a few of them to achieve astonishing... Read More →


Friday February 21, 2020 9:00am - 10:15am MST
2402

9:00am MST

Stress, Drugs and Rock n' Roll
Stress looks and feels different for everyone, but we all know what it’s like to be overwhelmed, burnt out and ready to throw the stapler! Come learn about your brain on stress, why work-life balance doesn't exist (wait….what??), and how to win at work and life anyway. We will explore the dynamics of mental health and mental illness and how we can support both helping us all understand ourselves and each other a bit better. Information, humor and some practical and strategic “life-hacks” make this session just what the doctor ordered!

Speakers
avatar for Ariel Haubrich

Ariel Haubrich

Consultant/ Trainer/ Private Practitioner, Mental Wellness
Ariel Haubrich works in school & community mental health as a counsellor and program manager, and also as a consultant, presenter and private practitioner with government, businesses, teams and individuals working toward personal and organizational development. She is a Certified... Read More →


Friday February 21, 2020 9:00am - 10:15am MST
1439

9:00am MST

9:00am MST

Let’s Talk About Identity, Power and Privilege
Understanding race, racism, privilege and oppression requires concerted effort toward uncovering the daily hierarchies and power structures that surround our complex identities. For educators, promoting social justice is central to our daily work with students. Addressing specific issues, such as privilege, is difficult and uncomfortable for most people, for a variety of reasons. This workshop will help teachers explore these issues and provide them with ideas for student exercises and activities.

Speakers
avatar for Jennifer Smith

Jennifer Smith

Early Learning Lead Teacher, Red Deer Catholic Regional School Division
I currently work at St. Gregory the Great in Blackfalds as an Inclusion  Teacher for grades three to five primarily. I have worked at Red Deer Catholic for 7 years now including two years at central office as the Early Learning Lead Teacher supporting pre-kindergarten to grade 1... Read More →


Friday February 21, 2020 9:00am - 10:15am MST
2905

9:00am MST

Making Sense of Child-Brain Development: Interpersonal Neurobiology Made Easy
Did you know that at birth, the brain is one of our most under-developed organs? By the time a child is 5, the brain will be 90% developed. Development continues to occur rapidly throughout the childhood years, with new neural connections developing as a child grows, experiences, and interacts with his or her world.Children who have experienced optimal environments tend to have a greater ability to make decisions, exhibit greater physical and emotional control, have a fuller self-understanding, engage in stronger relationships, and are able to excel in new and challenging experiences. Join Tania Johnson for this 75 minute presentation which is packed full of strategies on how to make sense of, and nurture, optimal childhood brain development.

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 →



Friday February 21, 2020 9:00am - 10:15am MST
2602

9:00am MST

PRISM—Professionals Respecting Individual Sexual and Gender Minorities
This workshop will help school staff understand legislation and educational policy and will discuss how to support sexual and gender minority students and staff.

Speakers

Friday February 21, 2020 9:00am - 10:15am MST
2503

9:00am MST

An Educator's Role in Preventing Discrimination and Radicalization that can Lead to Violence
Educator's have an important role to play in the prevention of discrimination and radicalization that can lead to violence; yet this is often a challenging point of engagement with your students. This session will help educator's identify, understand and prevent these behaviors and exchanges. Using information provided by WIC, CCUNESCO and CPRLV, this session will leave you better equipped to take on these conversations in your classrooms. You will leave with access to activities and tools for engaging your students in guided conversations about embracing a welcoming diverse and inclusive environment.

Speakers
DA

Deirdre Ashenhurst

Deirdre has been a member of Red Deer's Welcoming and Inclusive Communities Network (WIC) for three years and one of the two Co-Chairs for 2019. In the spring of 2019 she will be completing her Masters in Leadership and Sustainable Community Development. Deirdre has completed many... Read More →


Friday February 21, 2020 9:00am - 10:15am MST
2901 B

9:00am MST

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

Speakers
CS

Cindy Sogge-Schurek

teacher, Alberta Teachers Association


Friday February 21, 2020 9:00am - 10:15am MST
2901 A

9:00am 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.

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 →


Friday February 21, 2020 9:00am - 10:15am MST
1435

9:00am MST

Reading Comprehension Success! Grades 7 to 9
As teachers we ask, “How can I improve my students’ achievement in reading comprehension?” Students ask, “How can I get better at reading comprehension?” This session describes how to categorize reading comprehension questions into 5 reading skill categories allowing teachers and students to determine which skills require improvement and how to unpack each skill and determine the alignment to curriculum outcomes. Focus will be for 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.

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 →


Friday February 21, 2020 9:00am - 10:15am MST
1328

9:00am MST

Tell Me a Story
Kathy’s popular workshop uses a storyboard "book" format encouraging children to tell/draw/write their stories in a fun, creative way. During this interactive session, she'll share valuable tips and strategies for improving students' creative writing skills. Kathy leads teachers through her writing project in a clear, step by step process. She gives numerous examples along the way, and guidance on how the project can be adapted to accommodate the needs of students at all levels of writing ability. Teachers will come away with practical ideas they can put to immediate use in the classroom. In past years, this session has been highly rated by delegates at numerous Alberta Teachers' conventions. For: Grades K-3, ESL, and older students with low writing ability.

Speakers
avatar for Kathy Jessup

Kathy Jessup

Writer/Storyteller, Independent writer/storyteller
Kathy Jessup has lead creative writing workshops in Alberta schools for over twenty-five years, and her Convention/P.D. sessions are highly rated by teachers. Kathy is also an accomplished storyteller, performing across Canada and internationally. Her CD of original stories “LISTEN... Read More →


Friday February 21, 2020 9:00am - 10:15am MST
GWH 208

9:00am MST

Living a Great Story
People have always loved stories. Why is that? Perhaps the answer lies in their powerful connection to everyday life. Robin will share insights gleaned as he transitioned from 31 years in the teaching profession to a second career as a writer. We’ll look at the characteristics of a truly great story, talk about the significance of character arcs, and then consider how understanding all of this can impact both you and your students.

Speakers
avatar for Robin Pawlak

Robin Pawlak

Children's Author
An English language arts teacher for 31 years in Red Deer, Robin retired in 2016. He has since authored two novels for children, and has various other projects in the works. He enjoys the calm, quiet life of a writer, but also loves to nip out of his office as often as possible to... Read More →


Friday February 21, 2020 9:00am - 10:15am MST
2301

9:00am MST

Big Beautiful Math Problems
We will work together to solve math problems; this method can be applied from middle school to high school. This session will be hands on and interactive. We will work together as learners to solve low-floor, high- ceiling problems. We will communicate, collaborate, reason, and persevere. We will work together as teachers to discuss a problem-solving classroom, culture, and framework. We will talk about obstacles to learning, thinking, and problem solving in math class and how to overcome them. This session will be based on work done by Grande Prairie teachers with support from the ATA Educational Trust. Teachers will leave with a resource full of big beautiful problems to explore with their colleagues and students.

Speakers
MW

Michelle Wotherspoon

High school math and science teacher at Lacombe Composite High School.



Friday February 21, 2020 9:00am - 10:15am MST
2505

9:00am MST

Physically Active Numeracy: Add Sum Fun
Learning Math through Physical Activity and Learning Physical Activity through Math. Participate in active games that involve both mathematics and physical activity. Working your mind as we work the body. Learning to be more mathematically and physically literate. Some equipment used in session to be given to attendees.

Speakers
avatar for John Byl

John Byl

Canadian Gopher Sport Educational Consultant, Engaging Phys Ed. in a Covid Safe Environment
John Byl, PhD, is the Canadian Gopher Educational Consultant, was president of CIRA Ontario (2003-2018), and a retired professor of Physical Education at Redeemer University College in Ancaster, Ontario (1986-2014). Dr. Byl has authored or coauthored over 30 books. He is the winner... Read More →


Friday February 21, 2020 9:00am - 10:15am MST
AC 148-Studio C

9:00am 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. I and II music.

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 →


Friday February 21, 2020 9:00am - 10:15am MST
1408

9:00am MST

15 Games to Address Challenging Needs
This session is practical and active: We will work through 15 games and identify the skills each one teaches. Social and active play is critical for a child's development, and play has the potential to address many of the difficulties in a child's life. You can facilitate simple games to address students' social and emotional developmental needs (that range from the need for social participation skills to self-regulation assets). Many students still need to be taught how to play. Let's do that together! These games require no purchases and are easy to replicate using stuff you probably have lying around your classroom. Each game can be modified for children aged K-12 (yes, even grade 12s) depending on their unique needs. (Plus, these are all useful for indoor recess.)

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 →


Friday February 21, 2020 9:00am - 10:15am MST
1503

9:00am MST

Social Studies and Data Analysis
In this session we will look at how you can incorporate government open data and data from other sources into your social studies class. You will be introduced to Callysto, a free online platform that is capable of engaging data visualizations, big data processing, coding, and text formatting. We'll use curriculum-aligned resources, and help you create or edit modules of your own if you are interested.

Speakers
avatar for David Hay

David Hay

Teacher, Callysto
David Hay is a teacher in Elk Island Public Schools, where he has taught high school physics and technology courses as well as upper elementary, and been an innovation consultant. He is also involved in the Callysto project as a learning and development manager. He can be found online... Read More →


Friday February 21, 2020 9:00am - 10:15am MST
2401

9:00am 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 is nothing new, as Christianity has a rich history of retreats, from the time Jesus spent in the desert at the beginning of the Gospel through the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. Retreats can vary in length, location, and content, but every retreat provides students the opportunity to step out of everyday life and see themselves, God, and the world around them from a different perspective.This session will draw from the experience of Mike Landry, a veteran youth minister who has been facilitating half day, full day, weekend, and week-long retreats for youth 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 retreat ministry - helping you create a retreat "lab" experience of our religion.

Speakers
avatar for Mike Landry

Mike Landry

Having spent more than 25 years working with teenagers in Churches and schools, Evergreen Catholic Schools Chaplain Mike Landry has answered a lot of questions. He knows that at the same time, teachers often have a number of questions of their own - on scripture, Church, worship... Read More →


Friday February 21, 2020 9:00am - 10:15am MST
1437

9:00am MST

The Courage To Believe (with Religious Aspect)
Do you ever feel like there is something more in life or a dream you want to follow, but are too afraid of what others might think or to step out of your comfort zone? What if you truly had to live every day like you were dying, would you want to go back and change things? If you ended up in an emergency room tomorrow fighting for your life, would you have regrets? In 2014, after leaving her policing career, Amanda found herself lost, broken and lacking self confidence. But everything changed in 2017 when Amanda found herself in an emergency room not once, not twice, but four times in 10 months, so sick that doctors didn’t think she would make the night. But that 10 months of misery led her on a remarkable journey of faith, self discovery and inspiration that she will pass onto you in this session. Come hear Amanda's story of resilience, determination, faith, refusal to give up and learning to trust in a higher power.

Speakers
avatar for Amanda Oling

Amanda Oling

Keynote Speaker and President of company, Northern Spirit Productions Inc
Amanda Oling spent 15 years working as a police officer in Alberta. In 2014, after being diagnosed with PTSD, she decided to leave the enforcement world behind and become a motivational and impaired driving prevention speaker. In 3 years, she went from being an unknown speaker to... Read More →


Friday February 21, 2020 9:00am - 10:15am MST
GWH 173

9:00am MST

The Science Pawdcast
What's a podcast? How do you start a podcast? How could a podcast be useful to your class? Could your students start a podcast? Jason will answer these questions, but also give you some fun stories of his own experience in setting up "The Science Pawdcast"- a growing podcast which mixes dogs and science! The Science Pawdcast has a section called "Ask an Expert" and he has interviewed some fascinating people such as Cara Santa Maria from Bill Nye Saves the World, Sarafina Nance an astrophysicist, Dr. Donald Henderson a palaeontologist and Gideon from I've Pet That Dog!

Speakers
avatar for Jason Zackowski

Jason Zackowski

Zed Science
Jason Zackowski is a science/chemistry teacher with LTCHS and currently the curriculum leader for Science there. He has done “Extreme-Science” videos with a local radio station, delivers science shows (pre-COVID) and has been featured on The History Channel as a presenter on History... Read More →


Friday February 21, 2020 9:00am - 10:15am MST
2305

9:00am MST

Fry Jacks For Breakfast
Limited Capacity filling up

Fry Jacks are a tasty treat usually served with breakfast in Belize. They can be prepared in a variety of ways from savory to sweet! Come learn the art of making fry jacks and the various ways they can be eaten.

Speakers
avatar for Nancy Lindley

Nancy Lindley

I have been teaching foods for a number of years, and I love to travel!


Friday February 21, 2020 9:00am - 12:00pm MST
1501-Cornstone Kitchen

9:00am MST

The Art of Bread Making
Limited Capacity filling up

A demo and hands on learning about starters and breads. We will make focaccia, french baguette dough and bagels. Nothing better than fresh bread.

Speakers
avatar for Jeff Lerouge

Jeff Lerouge

CTS Teacher/CTS Department Head, Notre Dame High School
I teach Food Studies at Notre Dame High School. I love to eat, travel and I would never pass up a great risotto! I truly believe in pushing my students to try new things and I'm right there learning beside them. As an act of Truth and Reconciliation I am trying to learn more about... Read More →
RT

Richard Toll

Richard has 20 years of culinary experience in Canada, Great Britain and U.S. currently the head chef at Under The High Wheel in Edmonton. A huge whisky enthusiast and trained in sous vide cooking.


Friday February 21, 2020 9:00am - 12:00pm MST
Notre Dame Room-1515-Foods Lab

9:00am MST

BECOMING A TRAUMA INFORMED EDUCATOR
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 seminar you will explore the impact of trauma on neurological development and how this presents in the classroom. Strategies to support children and teens following experiences of trauma will be presented, giving attendees concrete ways in which they can support these students in their lives. And most importantly, a framework of how to foster a school culture that prioritizes resiliency, attachment, safety, and emotion regulation will be outlined for educators and administrators.

Speakers
TS

Tammy Schamuhn

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


Friday February 21, 2020 9:00am - 12:00pm MST
2601

9:00am MST

Tipi Teachings and Balanced Living
Join an interactive cultural learning experience that will support your understanding of the traditional use and teachings of the Tipi. Join Elder Phillip Campiou, from Treaty 8, as we share in the setting up of a full size tipi. We will share stories of the past and understand how these stories provide insight for us in the present moment. Learn some history of the tipi, both Cree and Blackfoot, and how you can incorporate this learning into your classroom and your daily life.

Speakers
avatar for Phillip Campiou

Phillip Campiou

Knowledge Keeper, Elder
Phillip Campiou is a Traditional Woodland Cree who is originally from Driftpile Cree Nation, Alberta. He now resides in the Onoway area. As a young man, his father taught Phillip how to be self-sufficient and live off the land. Inherent in these teachings was an unwavering respect... Read More →


Friday February 21, 2020 9:00am - 12:00pm MST
1303

9:00am MST

CANCELLED-How to Build a Better Mousetrap!
How to Build a Better Mousetrap! - Using Ramps and Pathways to build a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Curriculum. This is a completely hands-on half-day session where participants will work with a kit of materials to engineering a fully functioning “mousetrap”. In this session, we use the theory of STEM curriculum to explore the value and tools of using ramps and pathways to help build a foundational experience in these sciences. A mousetrap kit will be provided for each table to use during the session.

Speakers
avatar for Launa Clark

Launa Clark

Owner, Motivention
For over 25 years, Launa has been an engagement specialist, educational consultant, an early child development educator, presenter and innovator. Her passion is working with adults who help find the creative potential with children and families. She has worked a majority of her career... Read More →


Friday February 21, 2020 9:00am - 12:00pm MST
2404

9:00am MST

How to Implement an Effective Physics 20/30 Lab Program in Your School
There are many lab experiences mandated in the Alberta Physics 20-30 Program of Studies, 2007. These experiences do not need to use expensive equipment and do not need to involve intricate procedures. The goal of this session is to provide teachers with ideas for over 20 lab experiences spanning Physics 20 and 30, have participants engage in a discussion of program expectations regarding these experiences and how implementing a guided inquiry or open-ended approach enhances student learning. Teachers will also be introduced to various evaluation methods and scoring guides for lab skills that can be implemented in the classroom.

Speakers
KB

Kristian Basaraba

Next Step High School
Kristian Basaraba is presently a high school science teacher at Next Step High school in Sherwood Park. He has a Master’s of Science in Science Education from Montana State University and has taught all levels of high school science, including International Baccalaureate and non-academic... Read More →


Friday February 21, 2020 9:00am - 12:00pm MST
2906

9:00am MST

Engine Lathe 2
Limited Capacity seats available

A small step up from the 1st engine lathe session (2018-19). We will explore turning, taper turning, hardening and grinding through the creation of a project.

Speakers
MO

Mike Owens

Fabrication, Hunting Hills High School
I've been with Red Deer public since 2003 teaching Fabrication and Robotics. I am a journeyman machinist with 15 years of experience in the machining, welding and sheet metals trades building 'cool stuff'.


Friday February 21, 2020 9:00am - 3:30pm MST
Hunting Hills-Fabrication Room

9:00am MST

Winter Activity Day - Facilitation Skills for Outdoors and Classrooms
Limited Capacity seats available

Welcome to Kuriakos! We’re thrilled to host you for our Outdoor Education Day.We run Outdoor Education programs from our site on Sylvan Lake. We are 30 minutes west of Red Deer, north of Hwy 11A on Range Road 24.Topics to be covered include classroom initiatives and theories of facilitation in Experiential Education. Activities for the day will include snowshoeing, tree identification (guided nature walk),knot-tying, and low ropes initiatives. Participants will be provided with session notes and assorted lesson plans for Outdoor Education.Please dress for the weather. We’ll provide all the equipment.
We'll provide coffee + lunch.For more information about Kuriakos Outdoor School, visit https://kuriakos.ab.ca/outdoor-school

Speakers
avatar for Kendra Freeland

Kendra Freeland

Program Director, Kuriakos Outdoor School
Hi there! I'm the Program Director at Kuriakos, a camp and retreat centre on Sylvan Lake. Since 2010, Kuriakos has been offering Outdoor Education programs through Kuriakos Outdoor School (KOS). I've been in my role since 2016. Facilitating programs for teams and youth has been a... Read More →


Friday February 21, 2020 9:00am - 3:30pm MST
5-39317, Range Rd 24, Lacombe County, AB T4E 2R7

10:45am MST

When Students Get in Trouble—Alternatives to Consider
When students misbehave, numerous people are affected and involved. This workshop will look at the factors that may be behind the behaviour, choices school staff have when responding, and ways to restore relationships and provide restitution. Topics covered will also include the value of positive culture, conscious connection and accountability.

Speakers
avatar for Chris Good

Chris Good

Associate Instructor ATA, Lindsay Thurber High School
Chris Good is the Principal at Lindsay Thurber High School in Red Deer. Previous to his time at Lindsay Thurber, Chris was Principal at two different elementary schools. He is also a member for the ATA admin instructor corp.


Friday February 21, 2020 10:45am - 12:00pm MST
2501

10:45am MST

CANCELLED - The Power of Voice – Unleashing the Potential of the Collective
Unfortunately, the speaker has had to cancel her session. If you’d like to find out more about this topic, you can email her at shelley.magnusson@ata.ab.ca.

Throughout history, the world has changed through the collective power of people. This presentation delves into the many ways that teachers and others have banded together to make changes. Political action doesn’t always have to be political. Learn how you can be an advocate for teachers and students without being a radical.

Speakers
avatar for Shelley Magnusson

Shelley Magnusson

Executive Staff Officer, Teacher Employment Services, Alberta Teachers' Association
Shelley Magnusson is an Executive Staff Officer in the Association's Teacher Employment Services area. Prior to joining the ATA in 2012, Shelley worked as a middle school teacher, principal, Alberta Education program manager and education outreach manager with APEGA. 


Friday February 21, 2020 10:45am - 12:00pm MST
GWH 162

10:45am 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, Hammarksjold’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 Realism in Imperial policy from Leopold to the present and challenges many of our most cherished historical myths. For a free paperback of Conrad’s “Heart of Darkness” and other references click https://docs.google.com/document/d/1t002GqSLqS8W06POxG-Fky16GfBnMlQCgQFIhqDULn0/edit

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 →


Friday February 21, 2020 10:45am - 12:00pm MST
GWH 161

10:45am MST

Your Time is Precious - The Importance of Formative Assessment
If you are not using formative assessment regularly and properly, you could be wasting precious instructional time! Formative Assessment allows educators to better understand and customize the math education of each student and informs teacher instruction. This workshop will cover the “How, What, When, and Why” of formative assessment so you can assess with confidence! Includes best practices for using developmental trajectories and delivering pre-assessments and exit tickets across print and digital classrooms.

Speakers
MG

Meghan Greene

Meaghan’s role at Knowledgehook is a Customer Success Manager, working to help inform the instruction, grow teacher capacity and promote a responsive teaching practice of many teachers across Canada through proper training and onboarding. Supporting math improvement at both the... Read More →


Friday February 21, 2020 10:45am - 12:00pm MST
2600

10:45am MST

Unsticking the Stuck: Career Counselling With Meaning
This session is for teachers and School Counsellors in charge of career counselling. We sit down with lots of young folks who have no clue what to do beyond our doors. We can help. This session offers 5 activities and 10 questions should provide a high-yield in terms of conversation, reflection, and action.

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 →


Friday February 21, 2020 10:45am - 12:00pm MST
1503

10:45am MST

Improving Student Behaviour
The concept of classroom management may seem old school to some educators.  That term may be trite, but being able to positively influence student behavior never goes out of style.  If we think about any school and ask, “What percentage of teachers would like their job more if they could get the students to behave better?”  The answer, of course, is 100 percent.   Great teachers are always looking for ways to improve their craft and positive effecting student behavior is one way that they are always on the prowl for.  Struggling to get students to be attentive and appropriate is often shared as a reason that teachers become less motivated and even leave the profession.
This session will help everyone improve the behavior of students in the classrooms, children in their homes and enjoy our jobs again.  Come and learn how choosing the right mode can increase our success in the classroom.

Will these work for you?




Speakers
avatar for Todd Whitaker

Todd Whitaker

Dr. Todd Whitaker has been fortunate to be able to blend his passion with his career. Recognized as a leading presenter in the field of education, his message about the importance of teaching has resonated with hundreds of thousands of educators around the world. Todd is a professor... Read More →


Friday February 21, 2020 10:45am - 12:00pm MST
Art Centre Mainstage-117

10:45am MST

“ Personal Climate and Culture … It’s Up to You”
Gerry uses his videos to develop a strategy for making the work place a pleasant place where faculty, administrators, and support staff all maintain mutual respect, regardless of personal differences, resulting in more efficient and fulfilled workers.

Speakers
avatar for Gerry Brooks

Gerry Brooks

Gerry Brooks has been an educator for 25 years, beginning as a third grade teacher in Palm Bay, FL. He earned his masters in administration and has been an elementary principal for 15 years. Originally using humorous videos to encourage his staff, Gerry has become a national encourager... Read More →


Friday February 21, 2020 10:45am - 12:00pm MST
GW Harris Performance Gym

10:45am MST

Life After Teaching: Living the Dream
Do you ever dream about life after teaching? Robin will share the story of his recent transition from teacher to author, giving participants an opportunity to reflect on their own journey. Are you in the early stages of your career? Taking the time to look ahead and imagine the type of career you’d like to look back on one day can play a huge role in shaping your future. And for those nearer the finish line, the time is now to imagine the possibilities: How might you craft a satisfying end to your career while at the same time laying the foundation for a great new beginning afterwards?

Speakers
avatar for Robin Pawlak

Robin Pawlak

Children's Author
An English language arts teacher for 31 years in Red Deer, Robin retired in 2016. He has since authored two novels for children, and has various other projects in the works. He enjoys the calm, quiet life of a writer, but also loves to nip out of his office as often as possible to... Read More →


Friday February 21, 2020 10:45am - 12:00pm MST
2301

10:45am MST

Teachers Talking about Teaching - Book Club
Professional development is more than just attending a conference. We started a teachers talking about teaching bookclub in 2018. I will touch on how the book club is funded, how often we meet, how we choose books, and highlights from each book we have discussed so far. At the end of the session the will be a draw for one of all of the books discussed.

Speakers
MW

Michelle Wotherspoon

High school math and science teacher at Lacombe Composite High School.



Friday February 21, 2020 10:45am - 12:00pm MST
2505

10:45am MST

Youth Anxiety Epidemic; How Schools Can Prevent Lifelong Suffering
There's an anxiety epidemic in today's youth. Canada's award-winning speaker, author and mental health advocate Wade Sorochan believes mental illness awareness needs to be an integral part of the school curriculum. Young people aged 15-24 are more likely than any other age group to experience mental illness and substance abuse and addiction. Teens today are experiencing higher levels of anxiety and depression than ever before due to family issues, school and peer pressures and social media addiction; suicide is the second leading cause of death among young people aged 10-24. Wade Sorochan is a lifelong sufferer of mental illness who experienced numerous anxiety and panic attacks throughout his school years; a precursor to five mental breakdowns as an adult, before treatment was provided to help him live with the illness today. Wade believes that his lifelong suffering could have been avoided if mental illness awareness was an important component of the school curriculum. Wade Sorochan is the author of the groundbreaking book UNSocial Media; Virtual World Causing Real World Anxiety.

Speakers
avatar for Wade Sorochan

Wade Sorochan

Owner, Wade Sorochan Communications
Wade Sorochan is an accomplished broadcaster and national award-winning speaker, author and mental health advocate. Nicknamed the "Tone Arm," Wade became the first broadcaster in history to spontaneously use song clips to enhance a radio talk show. As a mental illness survivor, Wade... Read More →


Friday February 21, 2020 10:45am - 12:00pm MST
MP Theatre-1400

10:45am MST

Monochromatic Projects
Limited Capacity filling up

Discover and experiment monochromatic color schemes that are derived from a single base hue and extended using its shades, tones and tints to create a few projects. Color strategies and specific techniques will be incorporated to bring energy and life to traditional subjects such as landscape and seascape. These projects can be modified for any grade level and abilities. All the supplies are being provided and the fee for this session is $10 and please pay to the following email transfer: christina.dixon@cssd.ab.ca

Speakers
avatar for Christina Dixon

Christina Dixon

Art
As a teacher and artist my main goal is to inspire others to love, appreciate, and explore Art and various mediums: oil pastels, watercolors, acrylics, inks, etc. Each medium is versatile in a specific way and the final projects sometime combine a few of them to achieve astonishing... Read More →


Friday February 21, 2020 10:45am - 12:00pm MST
2402

10:45am MST

Integrating Creativity and Ingenuity into Teaching
Students who can think in creative contexts will be well prepared to meet the challenges of the future. Participants in this interactive workshop will tap into their own creative sensibilities to reflect on creativity as a concept, engage in the personal creative process, and develop strategies to engage students in a creative teaching and learning environment across the developmental spectrum.

Speakers
avatar for Shannon Gallant

Shannon Gallant

Association Instructor, The Alberta Teachers' Association


Friday February 21, 2020 10:45am - 12:00pm MST
2905

10:45am MST

The precious, playful and puzzling world of Pre-K
Come and collaborate with Pre-Kindergarten teachers across Central Alberta. We will be discussing various topics such as center play, pre-literacy, early numeracy, speech and language support, behavior management and the vast range of developmental levels in the classroom. This session is intended to provide you with concrete ideas, strategies, and activities that you can implement as early as the following week! As this is a collaborative session, please come prepared to discuss examples from your own classroom that have proven to be positive and effective, as well as areas you may like to improve.

Speakers
BB

Bryony Brown

Pre-Kindergarten teacher with Red Deer Public Schools.


Friday February 21, 2020 10:45am - 12:00pm MST
1435

10:45am MST

Gender Identity
Speakers
avatar for Rin Lawrence

Rin Lawrence

ATAGSA Coordinator, Edmonton Public Teachers Local 37
Rin Lawrence (he/him) is a Diversity Consultant for Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Expression (SOGIE) and has been a teacher since 2013 in two Alberta school districts. Rin is the chair of the Edmonton Public Teachers Local 37 Diversity, Equity, and Human Rights Committee... Read More →



Friday February 21, 2020 10:45am - 12:00pm MST
GWH 173

10:45am MST

The Highly Sensitive Child
Does this sound like a child you work with: struggles with emotional reactivity, appears to be impacted by sensory issues, broods over failures, takes things personally, deeply impacted by others emotions, easily withdraws if overwhelmed, thinks deeply about things, deeply rich inner life, doesn’t do well with change, highly conscientious, and perceptive?A highly sensitive child [HSC] is one of the fifteen to twenty percent of children born with a nervous system that is highly aware and quick to react to everything. This makes them quick to grasp subtle changes, prefer to reflect deeply before acting, and generally behave conscientiously. They are also easily overwhelmed by high levels of stimulation, sudden changes, and the emotional distress of others (Aron, 2018).In this workshop, educators will learn to better understand these children and ways to help them manage in the home and the classroom.

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 →



Friday February 21, 2020 10:45am - 12:00pm MST
2602

10:45am MST

Indigenous Ways of Knowing
This workshop introduces some basic First Nations, Métis and Inuit world views, cultural beliefs and values. It is neither a comprehensive nor an exhaustive exploration of Indigenous ways of knowing but, rather, a series of focused conversation starters for groups of educators engaged in reconciliation. World views and ways of knowing are like stones thrown into the water from which other circles grow. Participants will gain an understanding and appreciation of First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples by learning about diverse, traditional and contemporary experiences unique to them.

Speakers
avatar for Brian St.Germain

Brian St.Germain

Brian St. Germain was born and raised in Red Deer and recently retired from Red Deer Public Schools after 42 years of teaching. The last 14 years as a lead teacher with FNMI Learning Services. He also served as an Indigenous Education PD Facilitator with the ATA._x000D_Brian is Cree... Read More →


Friday February 21, 2020 10:45am - 12:00pm MST
2901 A

10:45am 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.

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 →


Friday February 21, 2020 10:45am - 12:00pm MST
2303

10:45am MST

Reading Comprehension Success! Grades 10-12
As teachers we ask, “How can I improve my students’ achievement in reading comprehension?” Students ask, “How can I get better at reading comprehension?” This session describes how to categorize reading comprehension questions into 5 reading skill categories allowing teachers and students to determine which skills require improvement and how to unpack each skill and determine the alignment to curriculum outcomes. Focus will be for 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.

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 →


Friday February 21, 2020 10:45am - 12:00pm MST
1328

10:45am MST

Write On!
Kathy's popular workshop really works! Using creative analogies, she encourages students to write better stories, while emphasizing the basics of a good story plan. During this session, Kathy takes teachers through her process, step by step, sharing many practical tips and strategies for improving students’ creative writing skills. She also addresses how to adapt these according to student ability. This is an interactive session with teachers and Questions/Discussion are encouraged. In past years, this session has been highly rated by delegates at numerous Alberta Teachers' Conventions.

Speakers
avatar for Kathy Jessup

Kathy Jessup

Writer/Storyteller, Independent writer/storyteller
Kathy Jessup has lead creative writing workshops in Alberta schools for over twenty-five years, and her Convention/P.D. sessions are highly rated by teachers. Kathy is also an accomplished storyteller, performing across Canada and internationally. Her CD of original stories “LISTEN... Read More →


Friday February 21, 2020 10:45am - 12:00pm MST
GWH 208

10:45am MST

Education for the Real World
EVERFI believes in educating the whole child and designs online resources in the areas of applied STEM & career exploration, social-emotional learning, health & wellness and financial literacy. The online resources are aligned to AB curriculum outcomes and are cost-free due to community partners like the NHL & United Way.

Speakers
LP

Leila Pullum

Based in Calgary, Leila currently works as the Sr. Implementation Manager for Alberta at EVERFI. Previously, Leila taught elementary school for four years in a traditional classroom in both urban and rural settings and three years online. She now manages all of the school implementation... Read More →


Friday February 21, 2020 10:45am - 12:00pm MST
2305

10:45am MST

Teaching Math and Science with Data Science and Computational Thinking
The ability to process information in an analytical way is becoming increasingly important, and educators are encouraged or expected to incorporate more coding and data analytics into their teaching. Callysto is a free online platform designed for students in Grades 5 to 12. It is capable of engaging data visualizations, big data processing, coding, and text formatting.Teachers will be introduced to the federally-funded Callysto platform, and will be able to explore Python-based modules developed for teaching outcomes in math, science, and other subjects. We will talk about how to incorporate these into your teaching, and help you create or edit modules for other outcomes if you are interested.

Speakers
avatar for David Hay

David Hay

Teacher, Callysto
David Hay is a teacher in Elk Island Public Schools, where he has taught high school physics and technology courses as well as upper elementary, and been an innovation consultant. He is also involved in the Callysto project as a learning and development manager. He can be found online... Read More →


Friday February 21, 2020 10:45am - 12:00pm MST
2401

10:45am MST

Open Rehearsal with the Central Alberta Junior Honour Band
The Alberta Band Association hosts three Junior Honour Bands in the province, and for the first time, the ABA will be hosting a Central Alberta Junior Honour Band program to provide an advanced performance experience for those students who demonstrate excellence in leadership, musicality and engagement in their home band programs. Leading music educators in the province guide the students through three days of fun and intensive rehearsals. The experience culminates in a concert performance of repertoire that the students have prepared in rehearsal. The Junior Honour Bands are intentionally held during Teachers' Convention so that music teachers in the area may attend an open rehearsal with the band and learn from their colleagues. During this open rehearsal, the guest conductor discusses various rehearsal techniques and uses the Honour Band as a demonstration group.This year's Central Alberta Junior Honour Band conductor will be Brian Uzick. Following the rehearsal, Brian will open the floor for a brief discussion of rehearsal techniques and information related to the honour band experience. Brian was a junior high and high school band instructor for 27 years and his bands toured extensively across North America and Europe. Since his retirement in 2018, he continues to teach clinics, guest conduct, plan workshops, mentor and adjudicate throughout Western Canada.

Speakers
KD

Kimberley Denis

Managing Director, Alberta Band Association
The Alberta Band Association hosts three Junior Honour Bands in the province, and for the first time, the ABA will be hosting a Central Alberta Junior Honour Band program to provide an advanced performance experience for those students who demonstrate excellence in leadership, musicality... Read More →


Friday February 21, 2020 10:45am - 12:00pm MST
AC147 Studio B

10:45am MST

Dance Around the World: Super Fun Folk Dances
Do you teach Music or PE? 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 I and II. Handouts will provide detailed instructions for all dances.

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 →


Friday February 21, 2020 10:45am - 12:00pm MST
1408

10:45am MST

Warmed Up and Ready to Go
Safely developing physical literacy, positive attitudes, and behaviours, making healthy choices, and total well-being. Warming up for activity prepares body and mind for engagement. Over twenty active, fun, and engaging games (tag, races, rock-paper-scissors, numeracy...) can both warm players up and mentally prepare them for play. Come prepared to participate. Equipment used in workshop will be given to selected participants.



Speakers
avatar for John Byl

John Byl

Canadian Gopher Sport Educational Consultant, Engaging Phys Ed. in a Covid Safe Environment
John Byl, PhD, is the Canadian Gopher Educational Consultant, was president of CIRA Ontario (2003-2018), and a retired professor of Physical Education at Redeemer University College in Ancaster, Ontario (1986-2014). Dr. Byl has authored or coauthored over 30 books. He is the winner... Read More →


Friday February 21, 2020 10:45am - 12:00pm MST
AC 148-Studio C

10:45am MST

Science 101: An Adventure in Science for Teachers who Struggle with the Curriculum for DIVISION 1
This workshop led by the Alberta Science Network will feature science experiments and demonstrations linked to selected Division I Alberta Education Science curriculum topics. You will perform hands-on experiments that in a station to station setting. The workshop provides an introduction to Div I science and is tailored to new teachers or teachers new to a grade level. A concise activity handout will guide you through the tasks that you are to complete and ASN members will be on hand to assist as necessary. A group discussion of observations and outcomes will follow to conclude. Attendance is limited to ensure an effective hands-on experience.

Speakers
avatar for Ed Kusmirski

Ed Kusmirski

Program Director, Capital Region, Alberta Science Network
Ed Kusmirski, P.Eng. is the Executive Director of the Alberta Science Network and has been providing workshops through the Alberta Science Network for Teachers in Alberta for a number of years. 
avatar for Alberta Science Network

Alberta Science Network

Program Coordinator, Central Region, Sabrina Lynn
Ed Kusmirski P.Eng. is the Executive Director of the Alberta Science Network and has been providing workshops through the Alberta Science Network for Teachers in Alberta for a number of years. Sabrina Lynn, M.Sc. is the Program Coordinator for the Alberta Science Network in Central... Read More →


Friday February 21, 2020 10:45am - 12:00pm MST
2901 B

10:45am MST

Putting Primary Sources to Work: Historica Canada’s Educational Resources
For students growing up in a society with instant access to information, the ability to read and assess the accuracy of content is an important skill to develop. Working with primary sources offers a means of building inquiry, analysis, and critical thinking skills. This presentation will highlight Historica Canada’s free, bilingual resources designed to guide educators looking to include primary source analysis in classroom activities. Built around the Historical Thinking Concepts, our resources offer inquiry-based learning strategies that incorporate historical evidence into the narratives we teach. Join us to learn about Historica Canada’s resources and develop new strategies for building primary source analysis into your teaching.All Historica Canada resources are free and bilingual. Our education guides are developed in consultation with educators, pedagogical and subject matter experts to ensure that the resources complement provincial and territorial curricula across the country.

Speakers
DG

David Gallant

David holds a PhD in Canadian history from the University of Calgary, with a BA and MA in history from Carleton University. Prior to joining The Canadian Encyclopedia, David worked as a historian in Parks Canada’s Indigenous Affairs and Cultural Heritage Directorate (History and... Read More →


Friday February 21, 2020 10:45am - 12:00pm MST
1600

10:45am MST

Let the ideas fly! Bird Puppets Inspire - from math to music!
Get going with classroom ready, curriculum linked, puppet workshop plans on Bird themes. Wendy brings her enthusiasm and experience to ideas for all elementary grades – from kindergarten exploration of the micro-magic of feathers through a shadow puppet project to a story-study on leadership for grade six with giant team-based puppets. The workshop links to books such as the colourful “Owl and the Woodpecker” and “King of Birds” to the classic “Are you my Mother”. See loads of puppets samples, as well as make and move your own take – home puppets.

Speakers
avatar for W.P. Puppet Theatre Society

W.P. Puppet Theatre Society

Artistic Director, WP Puppet Theatre
WP Puppet Theatre uses the power of puppetry to impact positive social change. Through our puppetry infused learning opportunities and performances we inspire, challenge, empower, support expression, and encourage empathy in our audiences and participants. Our inaugural online course... Read More →


Friday February 21, 2020 10:45am - 12:00pm MST
2205

10:45am MST

Fear not the Zombie Apocalypse
In fiction, a zombie is an undead being created by the re-animation of a human corpse. These soulless creatures prowl here and there (usually at night) seeking to infect others with zombie virus, and ultimately take over our world, as described in various stories as "I am Legend" and "Night of the Living Dead." Often these stories threaten or culminate in some sort of zombie apocalypse- where these undead beings risk ending or irreparably changing life as we know it. While zombies themselves are creatures of fantasy, the reality is that fear of an apocalypse goes far beyond fictional stories. Christian faith in the resurrection of Jesus (which is different than re-animation!) brings a unique perspective to discussions about "the end." Join Evergreen CSRD Chaplain Mike Landry for a lively discussion of zombies, Jesus, C.S. Lewis, and the reason why one of the most often repeated phrases in Scripture is "be not afraid" - a phrase that never loses its value.

Speakers
avatar for Mike Landry

Mike Landry

Having spent more than 25 years working with teenagers in Churches and schools, Evergreen Catholic Schools Chaplain Mike Landry has answered a lot of questions. He knows that at the same time, teachers often have a number of questions of their own - on scripture, Church, worship... Read More →


Friday February 21, 2020 10:45am - 12:00pm MST
1437

10:45am MST

An Apple A Day: How technology & the Internet affect Health & Wellness
Technology and the world-wide-web have opened up the world to connection, information and entertainment, but oh what a tangled web! Did you know that all this texting, tweeting and selfie-taking are having a major impact on your health? Be it email, Facebook, gaming or Googling, our brains, bodies and bank accounts are paying the price for the digital demand. This session will talk about how technology changes our relationships, our thoughts and our behaviors and how we can make sure it is for the good. We will review the basics of staying safe online, and recognize the importance of staying well online…because there’s no app for that.

Speakers
avatar for Ariel Haubrich

Ariel Haubrich

Consultant/ Trainer/ Private Practitioner, Mental Wellness
Ariel Haubrich works in school & community mental health as a counsellor and program manager, and also as a consultant, presenter and private practitioner with government, businesses, teams and individuals working toward personal and organizational development. She is a Certified... Read More →


Friday February 21, 2020 10:45am - 12:00pm MST
1439

10:45am MST

Electrify Learning!
Learn how to hack and electrify learning in your classroom with the Makey Makey! Imagine being able to make your word walls talk, create quick reaction quiz games, turn your stories into interactive adventures and more! Students of all abilities and ages can become innovative designers using everyday classroom objects!

Speakers
avatar for Trisha Roffey

Trisha Roffey

Emerging Technology Consultant, Edmonton Catholic Schools
Trish is a teacher and Emerging Technology Consultant for Edmonton Catholic Schools in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada with B.Ed, and a Master degree in Educational Technology (MET). In this role, Trish specializes in supporting teachers and students from K-12 to explore makerspace, assistive... Read More →


Friday February 21, 2020 10:45am - 12:00pm MST
2503

10:45am MST

Teaching and Building Electric Vehicles- STEM Activities
Teaching and Building Electric Vehicles 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.

Speakers
CA

Christine Avey

Co-founder /educator, PEEL
Christine Avey graduated from Queen’s University in 1995 with a degree in Psychology and Geography.  After graduating she traveled extensively throughout New Zealand and Australia before returning home to complete her B.Ed at the University of Calgary in 2001.  After volunteering... Read More →


Friday February 21, 2020 10:45am - 12:00pm MST
GWH 167

12:30pm MST

What is the Central Alberta Child Advocacy Centre?
Participants will have an opportunity to learn about the services provided by the CAC. How does the CAC benefit our community and those we provide service delivery to. What is the role of education?What's the collective impact? How can you get involved?

Speakers
MJ

Mark Jones

Central Alberta Child Advocacy Centre


Friday February 21, 2020 12:30pm - 1:45pm MST
2305

12:30pm MST

Growing Up Professional
A much anticipated and requested resource, the Association is pleased to share this toolkit with members across Alberta. Participants will engage in interactive activities to discover the interconnected roles and responsibilities of key stakeholders in the field experience component of the preservice teacher preparation program, from cooperating teachers, student teachers, school leaders, students and parents to university personnel, Alberta Education and the Association. Informed by current research and educational trends, this online and print resource is chock full of practical ideas, strategies, templates and useful links to services and information, legal considerations, and more to promote successful professional field experiences for our future teachers and meaningful professional development (leadership) opportunities for cooperating teachers.

Speakers
avatar for Monique Gravel

Monique Gravel

Associate Coordinator, Professional Development, Services en français • Professional Development, Alberta Teachers' Association
Monique Gravel is the Associate Coordinator of the Association's Professional Development program area and is the ATA's lead on teacher education and certification. Prior to joining the ATA in 2013, Monique worked as a teacher and guidance counsellor with Conseil scolaire Centre-Nord... Read More →


Friday February 21, 2020 12:30pm - 1:45pm MST
1437

12:30pm MST

Working With Parents to Support Student Success
The potential consequences of abuse or exposure to violence as a child are also becoming increasingly evident. Children exposed to domestic violence are more likely to suffer from biological, social, emotional, and/or cognitive development problems than those who are not. In this session, teachers will learn to recognize the signs of vicarious trauma and receive information on supports available.

Speakers
avatar for Chris Good

Chris Good

Associate Instructor ATA, Lindsay Thurber High School
Chris Good is the Principal at Lindsay Thurber High School in Red Deer. Previous to his time at Lindsay Thurber, Chris was Principal at two different elementary schools. He is also a member for the ATA admin instructor corp.


Friday February 21, 2020 12:30pm - 1:45pm MST
2905

12:30pm MST

Helping Stressed Out Overachievers
The pressure and expectation of near-perfect achievement can be a tremendous challenge for super-students (and teachers). Stress is good and normal, and often our highest achievers need coaching from the adults they trust to manage the weight they so often put on their own shoulders. You will learn 7 strategies to use with your super students.

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 →


Friday February 21, 2020 12:30pm - 1:45pm MST
1503

12:30pm MST

CANCELLED - The Effects of Domestic Violence on Children
Unfortunately, the speaker has had to cancel her session. If you’d like to find out more about this topic, you can email her at shelley.magnusson@ata.ab.ca.

For children, families are a source of learning and love. All too often, however, intimate partner violence can disrupt this family refuge on which children and teens rely for stability, support and nurture. Children’s exposure to domestic violence is much more common than generally believed.The potential consequences of abuse or exposure to violence as a child are also becoming increasingly evident. Children exposed to domestic violence are more likely to suffer from biological, social, emotional, and/or cognitive development problems than those who are not. In this session, teachers will learn to recognize the signs of vicarious trauma and receive information on supports available.

Speakers
avatar for Shelley Magnusson

Shelley Magnusson

Executive Staff Officer, Teacher Employment Services, Alberta Teachers' Association
Shelley Magnusson is an Executive Staff Officer in the Association's Teacher Employment Services area. Prior to joining the ATA in 2012, Shelley worked as a middle school teacher, principal, Alberta Education program manager and education outreach manager with APEGA. 


Friday February 21, 2020 12:30pm - 1:45pm MST
GWH 162

12:30pm MST

Activism Through Art: Three Projects to Engage Students in Social Change Using Skateboards, Protest music and Street Art.
This session will give participants a synopsis of three engaging school based projects that students completed through various grant initiatives with a social justice focus. Project one details include having students create an art piece using skateboard decks as a canvas to engage and invoke a conversation around poverty and homelessness in youth. Project two included the writing, recording and performance of a protest song; “Scream For Change” and the third project included students using various “street art” techniques to raise awareness of a chosen social justice issue. Participants will walk away with resources and ideas to implement their own social justice themed projects in their school, social studies or art classroom.

Speakers
KB

Kristian Basaraba

Next Step High School
Kristian Basaraba is presently a high school science teacher at Next Step High school in Sherwood Park. He has a Master’s of Science in Science Education from Montana State University and has taught all levels of high school science, including International Baccalaureate and non-academic... Read More →


Friday February 21, 2020 12:30pm - 1:45pm MST
2906

12:30pm MST

Classroom Formative Assessment Techniques
Are you looking for strategies to use in your classroom that will enhance student learning and provide you valuable feedback about your teaching practice? Formative assessment provides information on what, how much and how well students are learning. This information can guide instructional practice and will benefit all students; however, it will particularly have a positive impact on low-achievers. This would be a valuable session for you because it will introduce you to a range of formative classroom assessment techniques, how to use them, how to analyze the data that they gather, and how to share that data with students. The takeaways from this session are very practical and could be smoothly incorporated into your classroom regardless of teaching situation or teaching style.

Speakers
avatar for Tyler Buchan

Tyler Buchan

Tyler Buchan is a teacher at Salisbury Composite High School in Sherwood Park, Alberta. He has taught science for over 15 years at schools in Alberta, Burkina Faso and Jamaica. He has degrees in Education and Arts from the University of Alberta, and a Master’s of Science in Science... Read More →


Friday February 21, 2020 12:30pm - 1:45pm MST
2505

12:30pm MST

5 Simple Secrets You Don’t Know About Health That Can Help You Start Loving Your Life Again
Remember when you had endless energy and patience? It’s so hard to be the educator you want to be when you’re exhausted or in pain or dealing with (insert your health issue here). Unfortunately, you’ve been misinformed your whole life about what’s healthy and what isn’t. Kristy will be mythbusting common health advice and providing simple and sustainable strategies that will help you not only feel better now, but prevent future problems from happening.

Speakers
KR

Kristy Russ

Kristy Russ is the Maverick Pharmacist Functional Medicine Health Coach with over 2 decades of experience in helping people both improve and preserve their health. She is also certified with Additional Prescribing Authority, Authorization to Administer Injections and Bioidentical... Read More →


Friday February 21, 2020 12:30pm - 1:45pm MST
MP Theatre-1400

12:30pm MST

The Dark of Days of July
Mental illness is here, it's here to stay, and it doesn't discriminate. It doesn't care how great your life may look like from the outside, it doesn't matter how much money is in your bank account, what kind of car you drive or how many friends you have. It's real, and it is something we need to deal with. And it is something that is very prevalent in our education system, with not just our students, but our teacher as well.
As someone who has struggled with my own mental well being, It has become an area of conversation that I feel needs to be discussed in our school systems. Not by just our FSWW but by everyone, we need to arm our teachers and students with the skills to help one another when the days become dark. In this session I want to speak firsthand, and tell my story. What my dark days of July looked like, how I felt, and how the voices grew louder inside my head. But more importantly I want to tell the story of how I dug out of the rabbit hole and what it takes on a daily basis for me to live my best life, how I deal with my insecurities, and how I have come to be in a situation and frame of mind to help others around me. During this session I want to create a safe atmosphere that allows the audience to realize they are not alone, and that other ordinary, happy people can struggle mentally. And hoping that then my experience may aid them in their search for a stronger mental state and in turn a happier and healthier life.


Speakers
BG

Brett Gardiner

Like many announcers before him, Gardiners' Rodeo career began in the arena as a contestant. While competing in both the Roughstock and Timed Events, he gained an insight and love for the sport of Rodeo. It is that love for the sport and appreciation for the contestants that he tries... Read More →


Friday February 21, 2020 12:30pm - 1:45pm MST
1600

12:30pm MST

UNSOCIAL MEDIA; Virtual World Causing Real World Anxiety
Canada's social media expert and award winning speaker and author, Wade Sorochan, provides an informative and humorous presentation on the rise of Social Media Addiction causing an anxiety inducing fixation for "LIKES," FOLLOWERS" and "COMMENTS." Studies now show that social media can make you feel sad, anxious and depressed; social media is training us to compare our lives to others instead of appreciating our own lives. Addiction to social media is equated to an addiction to heroin. Wade believes social media is one of the biggest threats to mental health today. Young people today are experiencing higher levels of anxiety than ever before. Wade shares the latest information on the effects of social media on mental health with expert tips on how to recognize symptoms before it turns into an addiction and causes mental health issues. Based on the groundbreaking book.

Speakers
avatar for Wade Sorochan

Wade Sorochan

Owner, Wade Sorochan Communications
Wade Sorochan is an accomplished broadcaster and national award-winning speaker, author and mental health advocate. Nicknamed the "Tone Arm," Wade became the first broadcaster in history to spontaneously use song clips to enhance a radio talk show. As a mental illness survivor, Wade... Read More →


Friday February 21, 2020 12:30pm - 1:45pm MST
2501

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. Select, key strategies will be presented to support children and teens following experiences of trauma, including the importance of attachment, connection, and the power of story telling in shifting the adverse impact of trauma on children's development.

Speakers
TS

Tammy Schamuhn

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


Friday February 21, 2020 12:30pm - 1:45pm MST
2601

12:30pm MST

Stress is a Habit - Let's Make it a Good One
Teaching is stressful, but it can be less stressful. Join Stress Reduction Coach, Victoria Smith, as she shares five tangible strategies to help you stress less in both the classroom and at home. Want to better enjoy your teaching career? Victoria will help give you tools and strategies to reduce daily stress, and in turn these are strategies that you can teach your students to help them manage their own rising stress levels.

Speakers
avatar for Victoria Smith

Victoria Smith

Stress Less Ladies Ltd.
After contracting shingles twice before the age of thirty, Victoria Smith knew she had to recalibrate her relationship to stress. As the founder of Stress Less Ladies Ltd, Victoria helps women to significantly reduce their stress so that they can thrive personally and professionally... Read More →


Friday February 21, 2020 12:30pm - 1:45pm MST
2600

12:30pm MST

Mini canvases mixed media
Limited Capacity filling up

Explore the world of both two- and three-dimensional media such as pencil, colored pencil, acrylic paint and textiles to add dimension and to create a few projects. The techniques presented (creating textures, blending colours and overlapping) are suitable for all grade levels and abilities. All the supplies are being provided and the fee for this session is $10 and please pay to the following email transfer: christina.dixon@cssd.ab.ca

Speakers
avatar for Christina Dixon

Christina Dixon

Art
As a teacher and artist my main goal is to inspire others to love, appreciate, and explore Art and various mediums: oil pastels, watercolors, acrylics, inks, etc. Each medium is versatile in a specific way and the final projects sometime combine a few of them to achieve astonishing... Read More →


Friday February 21, 2020 12:30pm - 1:45pm MST
2402

12:30pm MST

Students with Scars: Understanding Self Injury
The reality of the pain and struggles that many of our students experience is becoming more apparent, and unfortunately the coping strategy of "self-harm" is becoming more common. There is a lot of fear, misunderstanding, myth, judgement and confusion surrounding why and how students self-injure and we are left wondering how best to react (or not?) and support them as they cope. This session will provide some insight into the reasons students self-harm, the various forms this behavior can take, and the best strategies for prevention and support through both their physical and emotional healing.

Speakers
avatar for Ariel Haubrich

Ariel Haubrich

Consultant/ Trainer/ Private Practitioner, Mental Wellness
Ariel Haubrich works in school & community mental health as a counsellor and program manager, and also as a consultant, presenter and private practitioner with government, businesses, teams and individuals working toward personal and organizational development. She is a Certified... Read More →


Friday February 21, 2020 12:30pm - 1:45pm MST
1439

12:30pm MST

Safe Spaces & Healthy Boundaries
Creating safe spaces for LGBTQ2S+ students and staff presents specific challenges. However, setting healthy boundaries around those spaces can be the largest challenge. We will discuss strategies and best practices to ensure that you are creating the most effective safe space you can for GSA/QSAs and LGBTQ2S+ students and staff in your school. Everything from set up of physical space, language use, curricular content, and navigating the legislative changes around Bill 8 and parental contact.Further, we will explore how to ensure you are setting healthy boundaries around that safe space to protect yourself and others. Dealing with compassion fatigue, vicarious trauma, self care, and the code of conduct can be difficult to navigate when dealing with high emotion and the needs of at risk students. Come share in the discussion, questions, and safe and healthy space

Speakers
avatar for Rin Lawrence

Rin Lawrence

ATAGSA Coordinator, Edmonton Public Teachers Local 37
Rin Lawrence (he/him) is a Diversity Consultant for Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Expression (SOGIE) and has been a teacher since 2013 in two Alberta school districts. Rin is the chair of the Edmonton Public Teachers Local 37 Diversity, Equity, and Human Rights Committee... Read More →



Friday February 21, 2020 12:30pm - 1:45pm MST
GWH 173

12:30pm MST

ADHD AND TEENS
The teen years can be challenging for anybody; a diagnosis of ADHD makes it even more tricky.This workshop focuses on taking the fear out of the diagnosis by empowering you to become the agent of change in a teens life. We will begin with a brief introduction to the neurobiological and environmental roots of ADHD, followed by an exploration of effective classroom-based strategies to help your students thrive.

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 →



Friday February 21, 2020 12:30pm - 1:45pm MST
2602

12:30pm MST

Indigenous Alberta: The Footsteps of our Ancestors
This workshop will introduce participants to the rich Indigenous cultural and linguistic diversity of Alberta. Topics will include terminology related to identity, recognition of territory, significant ancestral landscapes related to locations of celebrations and traditions that come to life through song and dance. Participants will explore common myths and misconceptions and engage in a brief historical timeline.

Speakers
CS

Cindy Sogge-Schurek

teacher, Alberta Teachers Association


Friday February 21, 2020 12:30pm - 1:45pm MST
2901 A

12:30pm MST

Cooperative Gaming in Language Arts
During this session I intend to demonstrate how cooperative board games can be used in a language arts classroom. Not only is this an excellent way to build communication skills, both speaking and listening, but it can also lend itself to a variety of writing prompts. It is the intent that in addition to learning about the possibilities of learning about how these games can be used in a classroom setting, attendees will hopefully have the opportunity to try out some of the games. Although the focus will be games that can be used from grades 6 and up, there are other games that could be used for younger grades.

Speakers
avatar for Michael Saretzky

Michael Saretzky

Teacher
I am currently a teacher with Red Deer Catholic, teaching grade 6. I have been teaching for almost 18 years, with stops in Fox Creek and Hinton. Recently, I completed my Masters in Educational Technology, through UBC.


Friday February 21, 2020 12:30pm - 1:45pm MST
GWH 208

12:30pm MST

First we Understand: Using Visual Algebra and TrigOrigami, for instance…
Why? 

That simple word, the repetitive question of every five-year-old, is the key to unlocking the beauty of mathematics, but somehow, by High School, math is too often more about "finding answers" than about finding reasons. From the exciting beginnings of Early Numeracy, where we see the magic of pattern and order, math becomes a race to use algorithms, to apply formulas, to follow rules, to show your work, and to try mightily to avoid those costly 'stupid' mistakes...

It doesn't have to be that way.

All Math starts as a picture in your mind… a way to see the problem, a way to hold the numbers still while you look for the relationships that you can use to answer the question. As we move from more concrete to more abstract, for our learners to keep up with the shifts, they must do more than blindly try to match the 'right' algorithms to the 'right' problems …

First, we Understand.

Speakers
avatar for Gerry Varty

Gerry Varty

For over 35 years, Gerry has been a classroom teacher, school and district leader, and tireless advocate for professional learning support. A leader in K-12 Mathematics education, Assessment, and Instructional Design initiatives, Gerry loves working with teachers to make success happen!In... Read More →



Friday February 21, 2020 12:30pm - 1:45pm MST
2302

12:30pm MST

Data Science in Elementary School
The ability to process information in an analytical way is becoming increasingly important, and educators are encouraged or expected to incorporate more coding and data analytics into their teaching. Callysto is a free online platform designed for students in Grade 5 and up. It is capable of engaging data visualizations, big data processing, coding, and text formatting.Teachers will be introduced to the federally-funded Callysto platform, and will be able to explore Python-based modules developed for teaching outcomes in elementary science, math, and social studies. We will talk about how to incorporate these into your classroom, and help you create or edit modules for other outcomes if you are interested.

Speakers
avatar for David Hay

David Hay

Teacher, Callysto
David Hay is a teacher in Elk Island Public Schools, where he has taught high school physics and technology courses as well as upper elementary, and been an innovation consultant. He is also involved in the Callysto project as a learning and development manager. He can be found online... Read More →


Friday February 21, 2020 12:30pm - 1:45pm MST
2401

12:30pm MST

Benefits of Smashball and Tripleball
The session will share resources in hand, digital and live demonstrations assisting elementary and middle school teachers to bolster physical literacy in their PE programs using the premade lesson plans that you can take back to school on Monday and implement K-9! Volleyball Canada is sending a representative as we are piloting the NEW App!!!

I am a 23-year PE teacher with expertise in the world of coaching volleyball, for 33 years. I am also on the Volleyball Alberta Executive as the chair to direct Provincial Athlete Development. I am also the President of the Central Alberta Queens Volleyball Club where I coordinate 14 female teams from U13-U18 here in Central Alberta. I also will be coaching 2 teams this season 2019-20[U16 and U18]. The last part of my experience is that I am also a certified N.C.C.P. Coaching Development and Elevator for all levels.

Speakers
avatar for Jeff Anderson

Jeff Anderson

I am a 26-year PE teacher with expertise in the world of coaching volleyball, for 35 years. I am also on the Volleyball Alberta Executive Board focused on Athlete Development. At the same time, I am the President of the Central Alberta Queens Volleyball Club where I co-ordinate 14-16... Read More →


Friday February 21, 2020 12:30pm - 1:45pm MST
1002 (Main Gym)

12:30pm MST

Science 101: An Adventure in Science for Teachers who Struggle with the Curriculum for DIVISION 2
This workshop led by the Alberta Science Network will feature science experiments and demonstrations linked to selected Division II Alberta Education Science curriculum topics. You will perform hands-on experiments that in a station to station setting. The workshop provides an introduction to Div II science and is tailored to new teachers or teachers new to a grade level. A concise activity handout will guide you through the tasks that you are to complete and ASN members will be on hand to assist as necessary. A group discussion of observations and outcomes will follow to conclude. Attendance is limited to ensure an effective hands-on experience.

Speakers
avatar for Ed Kusmirski

Ed Kusmirski

Program Director, Capital Region, Alberta Science Network
Ed Kusmirski, P.Eng. is the Executive Director of the Alberta Science Network and has been providing workshops through the Alberta Science Network for Teachers in Alberta for a number of years. 
avatar for Alberta Science Network

Alberta Science Network

Program Coordinator, Central Region, Sabrina Lynn
Ed Kusmirski P.Eng. is the Executive Director of the Alberta Science Network and has been providing workshops through the Alberta Science Network for Teachers in Alberta for a number of years. Sabrina Lynn, M.Sc. is the Program Coordinator for the Alberta Science Network in Central... Read More →


Friday February 21, 2020 12:30pm - 1:45pm MST
2901 B

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.

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 →


Friday February 21, 2020 12:30pm - 1:45pm MST
1435

12:30pm MST

CANCELLED-Superhero Play and Beyond
Bring your cape and fly into this half session for the opportunity to gather and share tips related to the value of superhero play. Play is the foundational component of young children’s learning and motivation. Because of children’s high motivation to be fully engaged in superhero play, it gives us an opportunity to guide highly emotional value conversations such as right/wrong life/death mercy/justice and beyond. A superhero kit will be provided for each table to use during the session.

Speakers
avatar for Launa Clark

Launa Clark

Owner, Motivention
For over 25 years, Launa has been an engagement specialist, educational consultant, an early child development educator, presenter and innovator. Her passion is working with adults who help find the creative potential with children and families. She has worked a majority of her career... Read More →


Friday February 21, 2020 12:30pm - 1:45pm MST
2404

12:30pm MST

Tate Wetu (Our Father)
Performed by Namibian choirs and marimba bands regularly,  "Tate Wetu" is a well-known and catchy Namibian traditional spiritual song. Arranged by Garth Prince as part of his African Christmas songs series, the vocal call-and-response and marimba parts are an exciting challenge for Div 2 students. English lyrics translated: "Our Father, you created us to praise you". Complete with movement, drumming, Orff instruments, and sheet music, the workshop enables teachers to learn a traditional Namibian folk song to teach confidently in the music classroom. This is an exciting opportunity to learn from a native Namibian and with Alberta elementary music curriculum experience. Often, the biggest difficulty with arranging non-western music for classrooms is the challenge in maintaining the authentic sound and "spirit" of the songs. Having taught Namibian songs across Alberta for the last six years, Garth has developed a method that involves audio and video resources which teachers can access after the workshop. These resources help with pronunciation, movement, rhythm and much more and are included for free.

Speakers
avatar for Garth Prince

Garth Prince

Garth Prince is an award-winning vocal performer with years of experience in community building through song, dance, and instruments. He performs interactive music workshops in schools across Canada and encourages cultural diversity in an environment of work and play that appeals... Read More →


Friday February 21, 2020 12:30pm - 1:45pm MST
GWH 161

12:30pm MST

Growing in Holiness
This session will explore ways to grow in holiness through prayer and spiritual reading within a Christian perspective. We have many wonderful examples of spiritual leaders who share their wisdom on becoming spiritually mature. Come and find out what they have to offer.

Speakers
DB

David Bouchard

David is a retired teacher who spent the last 22 years of his career in Red Deer Catholic School Div. teaching Religious Studies in Div. 4. He went on to complete a two year certificate program in Spiritual Direction at Providence Renewal Centre. As a Secular Franciscan, he is committed... Read More →


Friday February 21, 2020 12:30pm - 1:45pm MST
1408

12:30pm MST

Creating a Technology-Infused Classroom
This workshop will share the Substitution, Augmentation, Modification and Redefinition (SAMR) model with teachers to facilitate technology implementation in their classrooms. Integrating technology not only addresses 21st-century skills but also meets the Teaching Quality Standard of Alberta and the eight cross-curricular competencies. This workshop provides opportunities to gain confidence, knowledge and best practices to move forward in planning for the classroom.

Speakers
avatar for Tom Stones

Tom Stones

Chinook’s Edge School Division
Grade 8 teacher at Innisfail Middle School in Innisfail, Alberta


Friday February 21, 2020 12:30pm - 1:45pm MST
1328

12:30pm MST

Explore, Create and Play! (Free, engaging, hands-on tools for your classroom)
In this session, participants will have HANDS ON experience with a number of engaging kits to promote interactive learning. Throughout the time, you will have an opportunity to EXPLORE, CREATE and PLAY! Any member can sign out all demonstrated kits and books FREE from the ATA library. Participants should come armed with a mobile device to navigate the association library and begin requesting materials before they leave the workshop!

Speakers
avatar for Chris Gonsalvez

Chris Gonsalvez

Executive Staff Officer, Professional Development, Alberta Teachers' Association
Teacher. Administrator. PD Leader. Chris is an executive staff officer with the Alberta Teachers' Association and passionate about working with teachers and being involved in professional development. Spending most of his teaching career in Southern Alberta, he loved being a middle... Read More →



Friday February 21, 2020 12:30pm - 1:45pm MST
2006F Makerspace

12:30pm MST

Me Screen!
Have you heard of a green screen? Well how about a ME screen. In this session you will become the green screen and be able to create amazing digital stories, news reports, music videos, and travel t-shirts!

Speakers
avatar for Trisha Roffey

Trisha Roffey

Emerging Technology Consultant, Edmonton Catholic Schools
Trish is a teacher and Emerging Technology Consultant for Edmonton Catholic Schools in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada with B.Ed, and a Master degree in Educational Technology (MET). In this role, Trish specializes in supporting teachers and students from K-12 to explore makerspace, assistive... Read More →


Friday February 21, 2020 12:30pm - 1:45pm MST
2503

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.

Speakers
CA

Christine Avey

Co-founder /educator, PEEL
Christine Avey graduated from Queen’s University in 1995 with a degree in Psychology and Geography.  After graduating she traveled extensively throughout New Zealand and Australia before returning home to complete her B.Ed at the University of Calgary in 2001.  After volunteering... Read More →


Friday February 21, 2020 12:30pm - 1:45pm MST
GWH 167

12:30pm MST

Hands-On Puppet Workshop for Teacher Self-Care and Mental Wellness
Spend a few hours creating your own beautiful self-portrait mask body puppet, using paint, ephemera and other taught techniques. Find your voice and share your story as you choose. The process of making art offers a uniquely creative and symbolic means for self-exploration, celebration and affirmation. Based on WP Puppet Theatre’s award-winning VIEW from the Inside, the program has resonated with youth and adults promoting positive mental health and wellness. Led by VIEW facilitators who are accredited art therapist and artists. This workshop can be just for teachers own self-care or inform programs for students.

Speakers
avatar for W.P. Puppet Theatre Society

W.P. Puppet Theatre Society

Artistic Director, WP Puppet Theatre
WP Puppet Theatre uses the power of puppetry to impact positive social change. Through our puppetry infused learning opportunities and performances we inspire, challenge, empower, support expression, and encourage empathy in our audiences and participants. Our inaugural online course... Read More →


Friday February 21, 2020 12:30pm - 3:30pm MST
2205

12:30pm MST

Basic Butchery
Limited Capacity full

Basic poultry and break downs of primal and sub primal cuts. Both demo and hands on work shops. We will learn how to process and what to do with the cuts after.

Speakers
avatar for Jeff Lerouge

Jeff Lerouge

CTS Teacher/CTS Department Head, Notre Dame High School
I teach Food Studies at Notre Dame High School. I love to eat, travel and I would never pass up a great risotto! I truly believe in pushing my students to try new things and I'm right there learning beside them. As an act of Truth and Reconciliation I am trying to learn more about... Read More →
RT

Richard Toll

Richard has 20 years of culinary experience in Canada, Great Britain and U.S. currently the head chef at Under The High Wheel in Edmonton. A huge whisky enthusiast and trained in sous vide cooking.


Friday February 21, 2020 12:30pm - 3:30pm MST
Notre Dame Room-1515-Foods Lab

12:30pm MST

Sweets Treats Across the Globe
Limited Capacity filling up

Come explore a variety of sweet treats from different cultures around the world. Paletas, Asian Coconut Ice Cream, Flan, Lime Pie.... We'll divide up into to small groups to prepare a variety of different cultural desserts, and then have an opportunity to share.

Speakers
avatar for Nancy Lindley

Nancy Lindley

I have been teaching foods for a number of years, and I love to travel!


Friday February 21, 2020 12:30pm - 3:30pm MST
1501-Cornstone Kitchen

12:30pm MST

Strategies to support Culturally Linguistically Diverse Students
This session we will discuss the importance of building background knowledge, academic language and other scaffolded supports to increase language acquisition while not watering down content for culturally and linguistically diverse students. There will also be time to plan, look at resources, ask questions and collaborate.

Speakers
AS

Angela Skene

Angela Skene completed her masters in English Language Learners from the University of North Dakota. She is passionate about sharing strategies to help culturally diverse students achieve success and equity in the classroom.


Friday February 21, 2020 12:30pm - 3:30pm MST
GWH 177

12:30pm MST

Introduction to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
This session will introduce teachers to the United Nations Declaration on Indigenous Peoples. We will demonstrate ways that UNDRIP can be used in schools as an educational tool, to explore the injustices of our past and present issues and highlight positive movements that are advancing Indigenous rights and truth and reconciliation efforts in Canada.

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 →


Friday February 21, 2020 12:30pm - 3:30pm MST
2303

2:15pm MST

Leading Teacher Learning
The things we say and the questions we ask have a tremendous impact on the climate within our buildings.  The atmosphere within our building can have a direct impact on teacher efficacy and leaning.  This short workshop aims to explore 10 things that leaders at any level should aim to say regularly.

Speakers
avatar for Chris Gonsalvez

Chris Gonsalvez

Executive Staff Officer, Professional Development, Alberta Teachers' Association
Teacher. Administrator. PD Leader. Chris is an executive staff officer with the Alberta Teachers' Association and passionate about working with teachers and being involved in professional development. Spending most of his teaching career in Southern Alberta, he loved being a middle... Read More →


Friday February 21, 2020 2:15pm - 3:30pm MST
2906

2:15pm MST

Recognizing the signs of abuse
The first step in helping children impacted by abuse or neglect is learning to recognize the signs. The presence of a single sign does not prove a child is actually being abused, but a closer look at the situation may be warranted when these signs appear repeatedly or in combination with behaviors.

Speakers
MJ

Mark Jones

Central Alberta Child Advocacy Centre


Friday February 21, 2020 2:15pm - 3:30pm MST
2305

2:15pm MST

Dare to Lead #daringclassrooms
Based on the research of Dr. Brené Brown, Dare to Lead™ is an empirically based courage-building program. #daringclassrooms is derived from the Dare to Lead curriculum.Brené is a research professor at the University of Houston where she holds the Huffington Foundation – Brené Brown Endowed Chair at The Graduate College of Social Work. She has spent the past two decades studying courage, vulnerability, shame, and empathy, and most recently completed a seven-year study on courageous leadership. She is the author of five #1 New York Times bestsellers: The Gifts of Imperfection, Daring Greatly, Rising Strong, Braving the Wilderness, and Dare to Lead, which also debuted at #1 on The Wall Street Journal and Publisher’s Weekly lists.The most significant finding from Brené’s latest research is that courage is a collection of four skill sets that are teachable, measurable, and observable. The Dare to Lead™ program focuses on developing these courage-building skills through workshops, trainings, and coaching to help individuals, teams, and organizations move from armoured leadership to daring leadership.Teachers are some of our most important leaders.We can’t always ask our students to take off the armor at home, or even on their way to school, because their emotional and physical safety may require self-protection. But what we can do, and what we are ethically called to do, is create a space in our schools and classrooms where all students can walk in and, for that day or hour, take off the crushing weight of their armor, hang it on a rack, and open their heart to truly being seen.We must be guardians of spaces that allow students to breathe, be curious, and to explore the world and be who they are without suffocation. They deserve one place where they can rumble with vulnerability and their hearts can exhale. And what I know from the research is that we should never underestimate the benefit to a child of having a place to belong—even one—where they can take off their armor. It can and often does change the trajectory of their life.

Speakers
avatar for Kimberly Knull

Kimberly Knull

Owner, Rising Strong After Setbacks
Kimberly Knull is a Registered Psychologist, former teacher, motivational speaker and trained by Brené Brown as a Dare to Lead™ and Daring Way™ facilitator. She’s the Co-Founder of Momentum Walk-In Counselling Society, recognized as one of Avenue magazine’s Top 40 Under 40... Read More →



Friday February 21, 2020 2:15pm - 3:30pm MST
GWH 208

2:15pm MST

Assessment and Evaluation—Supporting Student Learning
This workshop will explore the assessment indicators in the Alberta Teaching Quality Standard. Key questions that will be considered include the following:(a) How do we plan assessment with the end in mind? (b)How do we support the learner to successfully meet curricular outcomes? (c)How do we ensure the credibility of our judgments?

Speakers
avatar for Tom Stones

Tom Stones

Chinook’s Edge School Division
Grade 8 teacher at Innisfail Middle School in Innisfail, Alberta


Friday February 21, 2020 2:15pm - 3:30pm MST
2905

2:15pm MST

Foam rolling/mobility training
Char has been the Health & Wellness Coordinator for Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools for the past 9 years. She has been in the fitness industry for over 30 years. She is certified in AFLCA group exercise, resistance training, spin, portable equipment and step. She has other certifications in Stott Pilates mat and reformer, TRX, Agatsu Kettlebell, Ever Active Kids, Zumba and Physical Yoga 1. She has been a conditioning coach for a number of sports teams in our community and has coached over 100 men and women in triathlon training. She brings humour and passion to every class she teaches. She cares deeply for her participants and challenges them to take charge of their own health. She is on a mission to educate people about the importance of total body wellness. Char strongly believes that active living, proper nutrition and positive mental health are 3 pillars people can focus on to achieve a sense of balance in their lives. PLEASE BRING YOUR FOAM ROLLERS AND A YOGA MAT TO THIS SESSION!

Speakers
avatar for Char Andrew

Char Andrew

Health & Wellness Coordinator, Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools
Char has been the Health & Wellness Coordinator for the Red Deer Catholic Regional School Division for the past 10 years and is a Certified Wellness Coach.  She has been in the fitness industry for over 33 years and teaches a variety of fitness classes at Studio Pilates in Red Deer... Read More →


Friday February 21, 2020 2:15pm - 3:30pm MST
AC 148-Studio C

2:15pm 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% with in 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.The number of children with anxiety issues, depression and stress are higher than ever and with classroom sizes increasing it can be very difficult to help children (and yourself) cope with these issues. Heart-based meditation is easy to learn, easy to teach and proven effective in classroom settings. You can use this meditation to not only help reduce stress with your children, but with yourself as well. With an entire institute devoted to developing the meditation, technology to aid in the learning process and an online support community, this meditation is a perfect addition to the classroom.

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 →


Friday February 21, 2020 2:15pm - 3:30pm MST
MP Theatre-1400

2:15pm MST

Pension vs Transfer
More and more teachers are wanting to get financial advice on the merits of commuting their pensions. Statistics show that roughly 1 in 10 ATRF members take their Termination Benefits rather than a Pension. This session will cover the pros and cons of making such a decision.

Speakers
avatar for Bill Musselman

Bill Musselman

Oxley Metzger and Associates have over 25 years of working with Central Alberta Teachers and their financial planning. Our practice is all about looking at your goals and providing solutions for your money and your life. Bill Musselman and Ryan Metzger have over 40 years with IG Wealth... Read More →


Friday February 21, 2020 2:15pm - 3:30pm MST
GWH 162

2:15pm MST

5 Strategies to Immediate Reduce Your Stress
Teaching is stressful, but it can be less stressful. Join Stress Reduction Coach, Victoria Smith, as she shares five tangible strategies to help you stress less in both the classroom and at home. Want to better enjoy your teaching career? Victoria will help give you tools and strategies to reduce daily stress, and in turn these are strategies that you can teach your students to help them manage their own rising stress levels.

Speakers
avatar for Victoria Smith

Victoria Smith

Stress Less Ladies Ltd.
After contracting shingles twice before the age of thirty, Victoria Smith knew she had to recalibrate her relationship to stress. As the founder of Stress Less Ladies Ltd, Victoria helps women to significantly reduce their stress so that they can thrive personally and professionally... Read More →


Friday February 21, 2020 2:15pm - 3:30pm MST
2600

2:15pm MST

Name That Voice
One of the most powerful tools you have to navigate through everyday life is your voice. It is your communication centre and communicates both verbally and non-verbally from many different aspects of who you are: Tone of voice is related to the voice of your emotions. Emotion colours everything. Your body has a voice you use every day. Your mind has a voice. And your soul has a voice. In this session we will explore understanding tone of voice and how it shows up in communication. We will experience how the voice of the body stimulates the natural healing response; explore the critical voice of the mind the learning tool it is designed for; and we will explore how to listen to the soul’s voice.

Speakers
avatar for Sharon Carne

Sharon Carne

Director of Training and Program Development, Sound Wellness Institute
Sharon Carne, BMus, M.F.A., Director of Training and Development for the Sound Wellness Institute, is an author, international speaker, sound therapist, publisher, musician and recording artist. From 1988 to 2016, Sharon was a faculty member of The Conservatory, Mount Royal University... Read More →



Friday February 21, 2020 2:15pm - 3:30pm MST
2901 A

2:15pm MST

Painting Skies in Watercolour
Limited Capacity filling up

Create beautiful skies and learn techniques and methods that give your artwork movement, life, and depth! In this session, the participants will create a few projects that will be demonstrated step-by-step by focusing on specific watercolour techniques, watercolor paint qualities, color mixing, and basic brush and painting techniques. These projects can be modified for any grade level and abilities. All the supplies are being provided and the fee for this session is $10 and please pay to the following email transfer: christina.dixon@cssd.ab.ca

Speakers
avatar for Christina Dixon

Christina Dixon

Art
As a teacher and artist my main goal is to inspire others to love, appreciate, and explore Art and various mediums: oil pastels, watercolors, acrylics, inks, etc. Each medium is versatile in a specific way and the final projects sometime combine a few of them to achieve astonishing... Read More →


Friday February 21, 2020 2:15pm - 3:30pm MST
2402

2:15pm MST

Pulses: from Farm to Table!
Did you know that pulses are dry peas, beans, lentils and chickpeas and we grow them right here in Alberta? Come to this interactive session and discover more about the pulse industry in Alberta, how to prepare pulses and get some ideas to help you incorporate pulses into your class curriculum. You'll get some great resources to take home with you at the end of the session. Get your taste buds ready to try some samples showcasing the great taste and versatility of pulses!

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 →


Friday February 21, 2020 2:15pm - 3:30pm MST
2401

2:15pm MST

The Hunger Games: That Kid's just looking for Attention
Everywhere around us kids are just “looking for attention” starved for connection & positive adult relationships. This session speaks to the biological, psychological and developmental reasons kids seek our attention & uses theory & humor to look at the behaviors & brains of these kids & the survival games they play. Participants will learn the "Vitamin C" approach to attention seeking behavior & explore practical ways to nourish children & youth with the time & attention they seek…and deserve.

Speakers
avatar for Ariel Haubrich

Ariel Haubrich

Consultant/ Trainer/ Private Practitioner, Mental Wellness
Ariel Haubrich works in school & community mental health as a counsellor and program manager, and also as a consultant, presenter and private practitioner with government, businesses, teams and individuals working toward personal and organizational development. She is a Certified... Read More →


Friday February 21, 2020 2:15pm - 3:30pm MST
1439

2:15pm MST

The Impact of One Decision
Decisions, we make them every day. But what happens when someone else's decision affects your life? Amanda had heard all the excuses. In 2004, she was working as a police officer in Alberta. She was used to seeing the fall out of others decisions (like impaired driving) but she was completely unprepared for the night when someone else's decision would change her life. Never once did she think she would become a victim of impaired driving. This presentation includes Amanda's full story about what happened that fateful night as well as information on the cost of drugs and alcohol in the workplace, the problem of enabling, how to recognize if someone is under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol, the employer/employee/student relationship regarding marijuana in the workplace/school, medical marijuana and the rules surrounding it, legislation examples, how a criminal code charge could change an employee’s life, insurance liability and a hands on demonstration with the Fatal Vision alcohol and marijuana simulation goggles. Come to this presentation to gain a wealth of knowledge, learn a story you will never forget and see if you can walk the line!

Speakers
avatar for Amanda Oling

Amanda Oling

Keynote Speaker and President of company, Northern Spirit Productions Inc
Amanda Oling spent 15 years working as a police officer in Alberta. In 2014, after being diagnosed with PTSD, she decided to leave the enforcement world behind and become a motivational and impaired driving prevention speaker. In 3 years, she went from being an unknown speaker to... Read More →


Friday February 21, 2020 2:15pm - 3:30pm MST
GWH 173

2:15pm MST

From the Calgary Stampede to the Classroom--The keys to Success of Audience Engagement
There is no greater feeling in the world than knowing you have the complete and undivided attention of your audience. Wether that audience is 25,000 screaming fans at the Calgary Stampede or 25 grade 9 math students. I firmly believe that student engagement is one of the most important aspects of teaching school in 2020 and beyond. There are so many incredible teachers that have mastered their content but may struggle to have their students engaged and in a position to learn on a daily basis. During this sessions I want to provide educators with real life examples of what I have used in the classroom, as well as on some of the biggest stages in the country to captivate audiences of all ages
A few of the key points to be discussed:
-Self assessment within the moment
-Use of humour
-Importance of/ and how to quickly build healthy teacher student relationships-Importance of authenticity and knowing your material
-Proper and productive self evaluation
-Understanding an audience, what they need and when they need it

Speakers
BG

Brett Gardiner

Like many announcers before him, Gardiners' Rodeo career began in the arena as a contestant. While competing in both the Roughstock and Timed Events, he gained an insight and love for the sport of Rodeo. It is that love for the sport and appreciation for the contestants that he tries... Read More →


Friday February 21, 2020 2:15pm - 3:30pm MST
1600

2:15pm MST

Self-Directed Education: Relationships Rule
Self-Directed Education: Relationships Rule.This session will provide an overview of self-directed education.

Speakers
JA

Judy Arnell

Judy Arnall, DTM, BA, CCFE, is a certified child development specialist, keynote speaker, and master of non-punitive parenting and education practices. She is the bestselling author of 5 print books translated into 5 languages.


Friday February 21, 2020 2:15pm - 3:30pm MST
1437

2:15pm MST

Indoor Recess Emergency Kit
Scenario: You live in a world where it is -35, the gym is booked, and it is day 13 of indoor recess. The kids are losing their wits. You lost yours three days ago. This session is here to save you. We will build an emergency kit for indoor recess. It will cost you no money. We will play games in this session and have some fun. Be ready for fun.

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 →


Friday February 21, 2020 2:15pm - 3:30pm MST
1503

2:15pm MST

Indigenous Content in the new Teaching Quality Standard
The new Teaching Quality Standard requires all teachers to demonstrate foundational knowledge about First Nations, Métis and Inuit for the benefit of all students. Where should you start? In this session, participants will be introduced to short, interactive activities designed to enhance their understanding of reconciliation, resources specifically produced to build their competence and confidence, and ideas about the many paths they can pursue on their future professional Indigenous education learning journey.

Speakers
avatar for Brian St.Germain

Brian St.Germain

Brian St. Germain was born and raised in Red Deer and recently retired from Red Deer Public Schools after 42 years of teaching. The last 14 years as a lead teacher with FNMI Learning Services. He also served as an Indigenous Education PD Facilitator with the ATA._x000D_Brian is Cree... Read More →


Friday February 21, 2020 2:15pm - 3:30pm MST
2503

2:15pm MST

Make your own Tipi!
Join an interactive cultural learning experience that will support your understanding of the traditional use and teachings of the Tipi. Join Elder Phillip Campiou, from Treaty 8, as we share in learning about the tipi and creating your own miniature tipi. We will share stories of the past and understand how these stories provide insight for us in the present moment. Learn some history of the tipi, both Cree and Blackfoot, and how you can incorporate this learning into your classroom and your daily life.

Speakers