MPTCA 2021: Full Schedule

Thank you for an amazing #MPTC2021!

We look forward to whatever challenges and opportunities next year brings. If you would like to join the MPTCA Board please contact your local president.

TBA

** PreRecorded - Make Your Own Tipi

Post-Convention Survey

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

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 March 4, 2021 TBA
PreRecorded Session none

TBA

** PreRecorded - Assessment Meets the “New Normal”

Post-Convention Survey

At the risk of understating our new reality, a lot has changed since the last time we met for Teachers’ Convention! How do all these changes impact the ways in which we use assessment to support the learning of our students? Come to this session to take part in some thought-provoking discussion and gain insight into how to get the most from assessment in today’s classroom.

Speakers

AAC Facilitator

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.Presenter Shelly... Read More →

Thursday March 4, 2021 TBA
PreRecorded Session none

Assessment, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4, Admin/Leadership

TBA

**Pre-Recorded - Top Ten Things to Consider: Assessment within a Concept-based Curriculum

Post-Convention Survey

As teachers and students across Alberta begin to make the shift to a concept-based curriculum, how do we adjust our classroom assessment practices? While our core beliefs about assessment haven’t changed, AAC has some timely and helpful advice on how small changes can ensure your assessment aligns with the vision of the new curriculum!

Speakers

AAC Facilitator

Field Service Facilitator, Alberta Assessment Consortium

Thursday March 4, 2021 TBA
PreRecorded Session none

Assessment, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4, Admin/Leadership

TBA

** PreRecorded - Caring for Individuals with Complex Needs

Post-Convention Survey

Care Human Services Behavioural Specialist Jen Drummond will explain how Positive Behaviour Supports work in the world of complex needs.

Speakers

Jen Drummond

Behavioural Specialist, Care Human Services

Hi! I'm Jen and I work for Care Human Services as their behavioral specialist. I've been in the field of human services for more than 20 years. I'm a bit of a dork and I have a great passion for finding the "why." Why do we do what we do? Why do we behave in the manner that we do... Read More →

Thursday March 4, 2021 TBA
PreRecorded Session none

Assessment, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4 | Counselling & Student Support, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4 | Inclusive Education, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4

TBA

** PreRecorded - Understanding and supporting students with Test Anxiety

Post-Convention Survey

Many students suffer from some degree of assessment anxiety. This anxiety effects both their wellbeing and their academic achievement. This session will give you practical knowledge in understating the causes and effects of assessment anxiety. You will also be provided with key resources and strategies which will help mitigate the effects of test anxiety that you can both employ in your classroom and share with your students.
Understanding and Alleviating Assessment Anxiety Resource Folder Link - Click here

Speakers

Mark Driedger

Secondary Social Studies Consultant, Calgary Catholic School District

Mark is currently a vice-principal with CCSD, and a sessional instructor at St. Mary’s University. He spent 4 years as the Secondary Social Studies Consultant. He has extensive experience in all secondary Social Studies programs. Mark has also served as a 30-1 table leader, item... Read More →

Thursday March 4, 2021 TBA
PreRecorded Session none

Assessment, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4, Admin/Leadership | Fostering Effective Relationships, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4, Admin/Leadership | Health & Wellness, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4, Admin/Leadership

TBA

** PreRecorded - Opening the Door for Success for First Nations, Metis, and Inuit Students: Your Assessment Practices are the Key!

Post-Convention Survey

What is it about the way we “do” assessment that might specifically support learning for First Nations, Metis, and Inuit students? Are there some practices that potentially clash with the worldviews, cultural beliefs, and values of Indigenous students, their families, and their communities? If we want to fully support learning for our First Nations, Metis, and Inuit students, it’s time to examine the impact of our assessment practices!

Speakers

AAC Facilitator

Field Service Facilitator, Alberta Assessment Consortium

Thursday March 4, 2021 TBA
PreRecorded Session none

Assessment, ECE/PreK/K, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4, Admin/Leadership | Indigenous Education, ECE/PreK/K, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4, Admin/Leadership

TBA

** PreRecorded - From Assessment to Instruction and Back Again

Post-Convention Survey

You're wanting to establish baseline data, as well as keep up on your students' progress, but how do you do this when you're in a remote learning environment or do not see your students in person a regularly as you typically would? Learn how to attain baseline literacy data, and how to analyse and utilize the data to inform instruction and supports. This session will take you through the assessment cycle with suggestions for this year's unique circumstances.

Speakers

Cheryl Gascoyne

Learning Associate, Jigsaw Learning Inc

Cheryl Gascoyne is an educator with over 20 years in the profession as a classroom teacher, intervention specialist, literacy coach & district coordinator. Cheryl received a Bachelor of Education from Memorial University of Newfoundland and a Master of Education from the department... Read More →

Thursday March 4, 2021 TBA
PreRecorded Session none

Assessment, Div 1, Div 2 | Language Arts, Div 1, Div 2

TBA

** PreRecorded - Effectively ‘teaching’ writing for Social Studies

Post-Convention Survey

Discussing writing with students can be a dull and often frustrating topic. Many students struggle with it, yet writing skills are essential to student achievement. This session will help you to remove the stigma associated with, 'teaching writing'. The session will provide you with easy to use rubrics, classroom activities and student self- assessment strategies that will make your students more confident and successful in their writing. It will also assist you in using assessments summatively and formatively as well as help you streamline your marking process. Effectively Teaching Writing for Social Studies Resource Folder - Click here

Speakers

Mark Driedger

Secondary Social Studies Consultant, Calgary Catholic School District

Thursday March 4, 2021 TBA
PreRecorded Session none

Assessment, Div 3, Div 4 | Social Studies, Div 3, Div 4

TBA

** PreRecorded - Braiding for beginners: The techniques of braiding to ensure success

Post-Convention Survey

Everybody wears braids! Teaching large size classes, time constraints and a diverse group of students from grades 7-12 how do we ensure every student is successful? Whether you’re a teacher in the classroom or wanting to learn for yourself, this session will guide you step by step on how to complete a Dutch and French braid.

Speakers

Cindy Renner-Jones

Cindy Renner-Jones is a Red Seal Certified hairdresser teaching grades 7-12 Cosmetology at Father Mercredi High School in Fort McMurray, Alberta. She graduated from the Festival School of Hairstyling in Stratford Ontario and went on to open a hair salon for 16 years. During that... Read More →

Thursday March 4, 2021 TBA
PreRecorded Session none

Career & Technology Studies/Foundations, Div 3, Div 4

TBA

** PreRecorded - Cooking with limitations: Time constraints in the Foods and Nutrition Middle School classroom and how to make it work.

Post-Convention Survey

Many Middle School Foods Classes have very limiting time constraints. It can be challenging for teachers to create meaningful culinary experiences when we struggle to have time to allow for proper cleaning and sanitization practices not counting the cooking experience. This session will review and demonstrate recipes and classroom practices that create foundational skills students can be completed in a 40 minute block. Recipes are tested and student approved and are easily replicated at home. An emphasis will be placed on budgetary considerations, extensions for longer class times and current limitations due to COVID 19.

Speakers

Natasha Millan

Teacher, Cooking with Limitations/One Recipe = Multiple Outcomes

Natasha Millan is a Culinary Arts teacher at Father Mercredi High School in Fort McMurray, Alberta. She has been teaching Culinary Arts since 2010 and teaches grades 7 through 12 to a wide variety of learners. She holds her Bachelors of Education and a Graduate Diploma in Home Ec... Read More →

Thursday March 4, 2021 TBA
PreRecorded Session none

Career & Technology Studies/Foundations, Div 3

TBA

** PreRecorded - One Recipe - Multiple outcomes. Foundational recipes that can be used to cover multiple outcomes across the course levels in High School Foods and Nutrition.

Post-Convention Survey

We will be looking at a variety of recipes that can cover multiple outcomes across Introductory, Intermediate and Advanced foods with slight alterations.

With our current COVID 19 protocols, we have to prepare our classroom to cover as many outcomes as possible at once to allow students the best opportunity to earn their credits, while keeping in mind the attendance challenges that accompany the 2020/21 school year. We will be reviewing several recipes that can be used and/or modified to cover multiple outcomes and skills within one lab, while maintaining current health and safety regulations and managing budgetary constraints.

Speakers

Natasha Millan

Teacher, Cooking with Limitations/One Recipe = Multiple Outcomes

Thursday March 4, 2021 TBA
PreRecorded Session none

Career & Technology Studies/Foundations, Div 4

TBA

** PreRecorded - Agriculture Education for the Next Generation of Stewards

Post-Convention Survey

Join Inside Education as we explore how agriculture connects land, water, food, and people to form the basis for endless learning. We will demonstrate how incorporating agriculture into your lessons can liven up your classroom with real-world examples of science, technology, innovation and stewardship.

Inside Education will guide you through several approaches and best practices to agriculture education with classroom activities, project ideas, and access to no-cost resources including learning gardens and project grants. We will share valuable information to give you the tools you need to engage your students in agriculture stewardship, citizen science, and civic action, empowering you to meaningfully incorporate agriculture into your curriculum across multiple grades and subject areas.

Speakers

Inside Education

Inside Education is an Alberta-based, environment and natural resource education charity. We have been supporting teachers and students to think critically about environmental topics since 1985! With our no-cost teaching resources, youth summits, in-class and field programs, and professional... Read More →

Thursday March 4, 2021 TBA
PreRecorded Session none

Career & Technology Studies/Foundations, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4 | Environmental & Outdoor Education, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4 | Science, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4

TBA

** PreRecorded - Forest Findings: Grow forest education in your classroom

Post-Convention Survey

Join Inside Education in this exciting workshop that will teach you how to engage students in meaningful environmental education, in and out of the classroom. Learn how to use Alberta’s forests as a jumping off point for student inquiry, citizen science, environmental action projects, place-based learning and cross-curricular exploration.

Inside Education will guide you through ways that you can bring the forest into the classroom, as well as our own best practices for connecting outdoor experiences to the program of studies. We will demonstrate activities, tools and lessons that feature tree measurements, habitat assessments, forestry practices, land use and more!

Speakers

Inside Education

Thursday March 4, 2021 TBA
PreRecorded Session none

Career & Technology Studies/Foundations, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4 | Environmental & Outdoor Education, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4 | Science, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4

TBA

** PreRecorded - Basic Electronics and Circuit Fabrication

Post-Convention Survey

Electronics and simple circuits are engaging, fun and surprisingly simple. Who does not like a blinking LED, annoying buzzer or the shrill chirp of an electronic bird? This session will introduce you to basic electronic components, circuit prototyping and the basics of soldering. The session will focus on the many resources available, virtual and physical, that can be used in your classrooms. The discussed resources will assist in the fulfillment of ELT 1010 course requirements but the activities will easily fit into Middle School Science and Technology Classrooms. Div 1-2 classrooms could use the simpler components discussed. Resources will be shared during the session.

Speakers

Tom MacIsaac

Electronics and Circuit Fabrication, Father Patrick Mercredi High School

Tom MacIsaac is a Robotics and Pre-Engineering teacher at Father Mercredi Science and Technology Center in Fort Mcmurray Alberta. He has a Bachelor Degree in Military Science from Royal Military College, BEd and MEd from Acadia University. He has been teaching for 17 years after a... Read More →

Thursday March 4, 2021 TBA
PreRecorded Session none

Career & Technology Studies/Foundations, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4 | Learning Commons & Makerspaces, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4 | Technology, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4

TBA

** PreRecorded - CAD Design & 3D Printing

Post-Convention Survey

3D Printers have found a place in many of our schools. The struggle is what to print that will connect to the teaching and learning in our classroom? This session will focus on some of the CAD software that is available to make the printable models and some 3D printers that are affordable and usable in a classroom setting. Further discussion will be on where to start with a project and sample projects that have STEM connections. Making CAD/3D printing understandable, meaningful and relevant to your students will be the focus of this session. Resources will be shared at the end of the session.

Speakers

Tom MacIsaac

Electronics and Circuit Fabrication, Father Patrick Mercredi High School

Thursday March 4, 2021 TBA
PreRecorded Session none

Career & Technology Studies/Foundations, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4 | Learning Commons & Makerspaces, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4 | Technology, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4

TBA

** PreRecorded - Programming Languages in Robotics

Post-Convention Survey

Robotics and simple Robot platforms have made their way into many of our classrooms. Controlling these new additions to our spaces can be intimidating and confusing when faced with the seemingly endless list of Programming Language options. This session will focus on several of the available languages and their associated software tools. Such Robotic Programming Languages as Python, Scratch, Labview, Java, C, C++ and Blockly will be discussed, as well as their associated Robot platforms. This session will target teachers new to programming but teachers currently engaged in Robot programming can still benefit from the discussion and shared resources.

** There are additional video**
https://albertateachersassociation-my.sharepoint.com/:f:/g/personal/mptca_ata_ab_ca/EhFL1njImzVDqz7U2tkVDDUBgS8BJGrrN5bE6HwxX6f7ag?e=EU4wmN

Speakers

Tom MacIsaac

Electronics and Circuit Fabrication, Father Patrick Mercredi High School

Thursday March 4, 2021 TBA
PreRecorded Session none

Career & Technology Studies/Foundations, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4 | Learning Commons & Makerspaces, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4 | Technology, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4

TBA

** PreRecorded - Creating Calm in your Classroom with Sound

Post-Convention Survey

It’s scientifically proven that sound has a huge impact on the body and mind. In this interactive session learn how some sounds hurt, while other sounds heal. Discover ways to use sound to bring peace and calm into your classroom to facilitate better learning.

Speakers

Tina Thrussel

Facilitator, Best U Can B Inc

Tina Thrussell has been facilitating impactful, interactive, personal expansion experiences for 16+ years. Her light-hearted energy and contagious enthusiasm have contributed to her reputation as The Feel Good Lady. This deep lover of life has inspired thousands of people over the... Read More →

Thursday March 4, 2021 TBA
PreRecorded Session none

TBA

** PreRecorded - Poetry Expedition - A Student Portfolio Approach to Teaching Poetry

Post-Convention Survey

This session focuses on using a student portfolio approach to teaching poetry using the theme of a Poetry Expedition. Students will be taken on a poetry expedition. They will be given “Navigational Tools” to appreciate and understand many forms of poetry. They are given “Specimens” of poems to use as references when they begin searching for their own specimens of poems. Here they will learn about common poetry types. Next, they will receive “Navigational Techniques” to help them select and organize appropriate specimens of poetry. Here they will learn about analyzing poetry and decoding words, ideas, imagery, and styles and patterns as well creating a bibliography of their found specimens. At last, students will be off on their Navigator’s Trek Poetry Portfolio Trip where they will use 21st century learning to discover their own specimens; prepare their specimens for a portfolio by responding to reflective questions for each specimen; create relevant graphics/art for each poem specimen; assemble their portfolio’s and finally present their portfolios. In addition to this, each student will author a poem of a format of their choice. These authored poems will be presented during a Poetry Reading class for the final class(es) of the program. Each student will receive a “Poetry Expedition” Portfolio Book as well as a published book of each students’ self-authored poems.

Speakers

Brigitta Goerres

President, Edu-Best Educational Resources

With over 30 years in education, I began as a classroom teacher after graduating from the University of Alberta. I worked with the Ministry of Education and served as the Executive Director of Curriculum for an educational company where I developed study tools in print and digital... Read More →

Thursday March 4, 2021 TBA
PreRecorded Session none

Curriculum & Pedagogy, Div 3, Div 4 | Language Arts, Div 3, Div 4 | Learning Commons & Makerspaces, Div 3, Div 4

TBA

** Pre-Recorded -More Learning, Less Stress: Focusing on Student Motivation All Across the School Day

Post-Convention Survey

The literature on student motivation in school is anything but focused, and the advice can get overwhelming. Eventually, we can start to feel like the only way to be a good teacher is to be some kind of superhuman rockstar, daily sacrificing one's life on the altar of student success. But the research is clear: it doesn't need to be this way. In this session we'll look at five key beliefs that all stakeholders can cultivate in the hearts of all students. And of course, we'll focus on methods that don't require superhero status or 75-hour workweeks -- not even close!

Speakers

Dave Stuart Jr.

Husband and father who refuses to sacrifice family on the altar of professional success.Bestselling author of These 6 Things — beloved by teachers in dozens of countries.Online PD developer on student motivation, classroom management, time management, and humanizing online learning spaces.Keynote speaker at conferences and events. Spoken in over 35 states.Popular writer on literacy, motivation, and the inner work of teaching; 50,000+ monthly readers.Award-winning educator who leads workshops for teachers around the world... Read More →

Thursday March 4, 2021 TBA
PreRecorded Session none

Curriculum & Pedagogy, Div 3, Div 4, Admin/Leadership | School Leadership, Div 3, Div 4, Admin/Leadership

TBA

** PreRecorded - Amplifying Black Voices- A conversation with the Black Teachers’ Association

Post-Convention Survey

What began 10 months ago when a handful of Black teachers asked themselves, “Who represents the voice of Black teachers in the province?” has grown into the Black Teachers Association (BTA) of Alberta; a network of 50+ Black educators and 100+ allies from all corners of the province! BTA members are united by a shared commitment to amplify the voices of Black students and teachers and a passion to make Alberta’s classrooms, schools, and communities more inclusive and socially just. February is Black History Month. What better way to spend part of your convention meeting members of the BTA and learning about Black history, culture, arts, and community? All are welcome.

Speakers

Dan Grassick

Executive Staff Officer, Professional Development, The Alberta Teachers' Association

Dan Grassick (they/them) is Executive Staff Officer in the Alberta Teachers’ Association Professional Development program area where their main responsibilities include supporting the Association's specialist councils and teachers’ conventions, and working with Alberta teacher... Read More →

Matthew Sauer

A Conversations With the Black Teachers' Association

Born and raised in Calgary, Matt Sauer has been teaching High School ELA in the Calgary Catholic School District for 13 years. His father of German descent was also born in Calgary while his mother moved to Calgary with her family from Trinidad. He has always gravitated to his West... Read More →

Andrew Parker

Co-Founder, A Conversation with the Black Teachers' Association

Andrew G. Parker (BA, BEd) is a 20 year community basketball coach in Edmonton and he is also the Director of the 11th annual Pride of the North Basketball Tournament in North Edmonton. Andrew is also a member of the University of Alberta Golden Bears basketball alumni and a former... Read More →

Gail-Ann Wilson Mitchell

Cultural Diversity Education Consultant, Edmonton Public School Division

Gail-Ann Wilson Mitchell is a cultural diversity educator and former high school Social Studies teacher with 22 years of classroom experience. She is committed to building capacity in diversity leadership. Gail-Ann promotes change in education centred on pedagogies that dismantle... Read More →

Sarah Adomako Ansah

Co-Founder, Black Teachers' Association

E. Patrick Powell

A Conversation with the Black Teachers' Association

E. Patrick Powell, is a Jamaican Canadian and veteran teacher. After completing his BEd from the University of Alberta in 1982, Powell taught at Victoria School in Edmonton. In 1987, he completed an MEd at Oregon State University and started teaching at Harry Ainlay High School where... Read More →

Thursday March 4, 2021 TBA
PreRecorded Session none

Diversity Equity & Human Rights, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4

TBA

** PreRecorded - Teaching Students to Write Cool Characters, Superheroes, and Themselves

Post-Convention Survey

Come prepared to write in this fun and freeing creative writing workshop. You will learn how to ignite your mind and fuel your imagination—and lead your students to do the same. Learn about and try:
- Free writing
- The hero’s journey
- Creating cool characters
- Writing about meaningful events in your life
- Writing from new perspectives
- Crafting new worlds in fictional stories
The inspirational teaching and writing time will open you up to new ways of looking at the world and at your own experiences. You’ll learn new methods to express yourself, get inspired, and have a blast. You’ll also come away with tools to help release stress that are healthy and empowering. Positive expressions of the mental health journey will be explored. Put these writing styles and exercises to the test—then bring them back to your classrooms.
The pandemic has changed everyone’s lives around the world. Educators and students alike are facing new challenges and feelings as a result. This session will give you a creative outlet and help you take your creative writing—and the writing of your students—to the next level.
All you will need to participate is a willingness to explore creativity of writing, a pen or pencil and paper, or a computer.

Speakers

Jaclyn Chute

Registered Dietitian, Teach Nutrition by Dairy Farmers of Canada's Registered Dietitians

Jaclyn Chute (RD, M.Ed.) is part of Dairy Farmers of Canada’s Alberta Teach Nutrition team that works collaboratively with educators, teachers, and community stakeholders to create engaging and impactful nutrition resources from early learning in child care to grade 12. Teach Nutrition... Read More →

Thursday March 4, 2021 TBA
PreRecorded Session none

Diversity Equity & Human Rights, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4 | Health & Wellness, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4 | Language Arts, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4

TBA

** PreRecorded - Teaching Strategies for an EDI (Equity, Diversity Inclusion) Centred Classroom

Post-Convention Survey

As educators, sometimes we don’t realize that our implicit biases play a critical role in how students see themselves in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). Join WISEST in this session where we’ll talk about how to recognize our own implicit biases, how to address them, and we’ll introduce a variety of teaching strategies that can help promote equity, diversity and inclusion in the classroom.

Speakers

Helen Yip

Outreach Coordinator, WISEST

Helen Yip is the Outreach Coordinator at WISEST, Women in Scholarship, Engineering, Science and Technology, based at the University of Alberta. Helen has both a BSc and MSc in biology. She has worked at several informal educational settings including the City of Edmonton, Marine Life... Read More →

Thursday March 4, 2021 TBA
PreRecorded Session none

Diversity Equity & Human Rights, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4 | Science, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4

TBA

** PreRecorded - History Tellers - Conteurs d'Histoire - Canadian history in 90 seconds!

Post-Convention Survey

History Tellers – Canadian history in 90 seconds!
Canadian history made fun and easy! Challenge yourself by engaging in this pre-recorded ~ (60-75) min video. Follow in the footsteps of 1000's of transformed students and their teachers by participating in this dramatic, highly interactive and multi-sensory teaching method. It’s a must-see supplemental resource for Grade 5 & 7 Canadian history Social Studies, ELL and challenged learners.. and it’s available in French!

Speakers

Deb Kobza

History Tellers - Conteurs d'Histoire - Canadian History in 90 seconds! - Made Fun and EasyWHAT YOU CAN EXPECT IN THIS SESSION:1. Actively engage in this pre-recorded session, and you will learn 13 out of 48 Canadian History hand-actions!2. Experience how a successful multi-sensory... Read More →

Thursday March 4, 2021 TBA
PreRecorded Session none

Drama & Dance, Div 2, Div 3 | French & International Languages, Div 2, Div 3 | Social Studies, Div 2, Div 3

TBA

** PreRecorded - Bucket and Desk Drumming fun for K-6 music classes

Post-Convention Survey

Kids love to drum, and they can learn many musical skills when learning to drum. No drum? No problem - we'll use desks and markers if you don't have buckets and drumsticks. We'll start with easy activities, progressing to some fun and challenging pop song playalongs including Dynamite and Dance Monkey. As part of your handout, you'll get a bucket drum project for your Gr. 4-7 students. Have fun drumming along with Denise and getting some fun music lessons for your students.

Speakers

Tim Brehaut

Thursday March 4, 2021 TBA
PreRecorded Session none

Drama & Dance, Div 1, Div 2 | Music & Band, Div 1, Div 2

TBA

** PreRecorded - Super Fun Movement activities for class breaks, Zoom lessons, music and PE

Post-Convention Survey

In this session, you'll learn some great ways to get kids moving and dancing to music. These fun activities for K-5 will be suitable for both Zoom virtual lessons and in-person spaced classrooms. No singing needed to have fun moving to music!!!

Speakers

Tim Brehaut

Thursday March 4, 2021 TBA
PreRecorded Session none

Drama & Dance, ECE/PreK/K, Div 1, Div 2 | Music & Band, ECE/PreK/K, Div 1, Div 2 | Physical Education, ECE/PreK/K, Div 1, Div 2

TBA

** PreRecorded - Viewing Responsive Behaviour Supports Through a Lens of Collaborative Response

Post-Convention Survey

An overview of the 10 Key Components of a Responsive Behaviour Support structure that identifies and organizes existing school-wide processes will be examined through the lens of Collaborative Response. The essential elements of collaborative structures and processes, the utilization of data and analysis and the establishment and use of a continuum of supports all contribute to the overall success of supporting student’s behaviour needs. Barb has worked extensively in a number of school districts to build supportive structures to respond to the behavioural needs of students. Designing thoughtful and well-informed practices across the school is crucial to ensuring a safe and caring environment while providing consistent responses to the individual needs, strengths and experiences of students who may be facing behaviour difficulties.

Speakers

Lorna Hewson

Lead Learner/Co-Founder, Jigsaw Learning Inc

Lorna Hewson is an award-winning educator with leadership experience at the classroom, school, district and provincial levels. Lorna’s professional background has included coaching and mentoring teachers and leaders, effective assessment, curriculum implementation, and inclusive... Read More →

Thursday March 4, 2021 TBA
PreRecorded Session none

Educational Research, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4 | Fostering Effective Relationships, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4 | Reflection/Collaboration, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4

TBA

** PreRecorded - Redesigning Personal Writing Tasks

Post-Convention Survey

Have you fallen into a personal writing rut? Do you feel unsure about how else to approach the personal writing task yet notice the limitations of a uniform, three paragraph approach? In this session, we will be unpacking the possibilities of personal writing, examining the many 'containers' that can help students capture their response to a topic, and examining the foundational skills to reach a greater understanding of what is possible with the ELA personal response task. You'll leave with a variety of approaches to planning and executing the personal response, strategies to help your students develop their voice and capture their thinking, and a deeper understanding of the progression of PR writing 10-30. Never read 25 of the same three paragraphs AGAIN - this session will give you and your students room to feel, explore, and create as you watch their writing skills grow.

Speakers

Liz Harrison

Teacher

Liz Harrison is in her tenth teaching year and still finding joy in her students and classroom post-Covid. She is working on a Master of Education in Canadian Literacies degree and taking courses in graphic design and interactive media. Liz believes multimodality in English classrooms... Read More →

Thursday March 4, 2021 TBA
PreRecorded Session none

English Language Learning, Div 4 | Fostering Effective Relationships, Div 4 | Language Arts, Div 4

TBA

** PreRecorded - Early Years: Infusing Literacy Joy

Post-Convention Survey

You know you've done it right when they don't even know they're learning! Literacy in the Early Year's Classroom should be a joyful, engaging experience for children where they learn through play in a stimulating environment. Come and explore some fun strategies and ideas to implement with your children either remotely or in person.

Speakers

Cheryl Gascoyne

Learning Associate, Jigsaw Learning Inc

Thursday March 4, 2021 TBA
PreRecorded Session none

English Language Learning, ECE/PreK/K | Inclusive Education, ECE/PreK/K | Language Arts, ECE/PreK/K

TBA

** PreRecorded - Interactive Writing

Post-Convention Survey

Ever wondered what interactive writing is all about? Join this session to learn more about the writing process most often used with our youngest learners. Writing is a complex process and interactive writing is just the vehicle to begin the journey. This session will explore the purpose of interactive writing, how the process works, and organization of space & materials. Everything you need to know so that you can begin to engage your children in this important component of a balanced and comprehensive literacy program.

Speakers

Cheryl Gascoyne

Learning Associate, Jigsaw Learning Inc

Thursday March 4, 2021 TBA
PreRecorded Session none

English Language Learning, ECE/PreK/K, Div 1 | Inclusive Education, ECE/PreK/K, Div 1 | Language Arts, ECE/PreK/K, Div 1

TBA

** PreRecorded - Read Alouds - Make Them Count!

Post-Convention Survey

If you could do one thing to elevate your literacy teaching expertise this would be it. The art and joy of the read aloud has been longstanding in the literacy classroom and with some intentional focus and planning you can take it to the next level! Join Cheryl to explore how language development, knowledge, literacy skills, and thinking critically can all be addressed through an engaging and interactive read aloud experience.

Speakers

Cheryl Gascoyne

Learning Associate, Jigsaw Learning Inc

Thursday March 4, 2021 TBA
PreRecorded Session none

English Language Learning, ECE/PreK/K, Div 1, Div 2 | Language Arts, ECE/PreK/K, Div 1, Div 2

TBA

** PreRecorded - A Performance Mindset: Nesting performance thinking into high performance athletes

Post-Convention Survey

A school competitive season in short. Contact with student/athletes is year-round (limited somewhat by COVID). Capitalizing on your contact with student/athletes to educate, acquire, and practice a performance mindset is a high priority and perhaps overlooked? Develop a plan to strengthen athlete confidence year-round and foster a performance mindset for your student/athletes!

Speakers

Matthew Bain

Mental Performance Consultant & Registered Psychologist, MMB Counselling & Consulting

Matthew is a practicing Mental Performance Consultant with the Canadian Sport Psychology Association and Registered Psychologist in the Province of Alberta. He began his journey as an addictions counsellor and a chartered professional coach in the sport of swimming. After being struck... Read More →

Thursday March 4, 2021 TBA
PreRecorded Session none

Fostering Effective Relationships, Div 3, Div 4 | Physical Education, Div 3, Div 4 | School Leadership, Div 3, Div 4

TBA

** PreRecorded - Achieving Greatness – Find Direction, Gain Momentum & Achieve Greatness in Your Personal & Professional Life

Post-Convention Survey

The key to being a leader is the desire and commitment to achieve greatness, no matter what. In this presentation, Michelle shares time-tested solutions that will unleash your power to BE more, HAVE more and DO more — no matter your background or skill level. You’ll learn how to overcome obstacles and build the momentum you need to accomplish your personal and professional goals. Start living a vibrant, triumphant life now!

Speakers

Michelle Prince

Thursday March 4, 2021 TBA
PreRecorded Session none

Fostering Effective Relationships, Admin/Leadership | Professional Issues, Admin/Leadership | School Leadership, Admin/Leadership

TBA

** PreRecorded - Communication Strategies That Guarantee Connection

Post-Convention Survey

The foundation of personal and professional success lies in understanding yourself, understanding others, and realizing the impact of personal behavior on others. In this presentation, Michelle will share strategies to help build better relationships at work and at home.

Speakers

Michelle Prince

Thursday March 4, 2021 TBA
PreRecorded Session none

Fostering Effective Relationships, Admin/Leadership | Professional Issues, Admin/Leadership | School Leadership, Admin/Leadership

TBA

** PreRecorded - The Power of Resilience in Cultivating Healthy Leaders and A Healthy Team

Post-Convention Survey

In this talk for busy over-stressed individuals, Dr. Dalton-Smith shares keys to thriving in the midst of change. Discover how better self-awareness can lead to greater resilience. Through the use of engaging storytelling and real-life examples, Dr. Dalton-Smith shares the role of resilience, change management, and self-care in optimizing personal productivity, improving time/energy management, increasing your efficiency, and cultivating a positive culture in your organization. You will leave this session with actionable next steps you can begin implementing immediately.

Speaker BIO:
Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith is a Board-Certified internal medicine physician, work-life integration researcher, CDC Wellness Series speaker, and best-selling author. She is an international wellness expert featured in numerous media outlets including Prevention, MSNBC, Women's Day, FOX, Fast Company, Psychology Today and as a guest on Dr. Oz show. She is the author of numerous books including her new book Sacred Rest: Recover Your Life, Renew Your Energy, Restore Your Sanity, including ground-breaking insight on the seven types of rest needed to optimize your productivity, increase your overall happiness, overcome burnout, and live your best life. Over 100,000 people have discovered their personal rest deficits using her free assessment at RestQuiz.com.

Learn more about her at: DrDaltonSmith.com

Read a feature article on her work in Fast Company's Secrets of the Most Productive People HERE: https://www.fastcompany.com/90398474/how-to-take-breaks-that-are-right-for-you

Listen to her on Bulletproof Radio with Dave Asprey, a top 5 health podcast, discussing stress HERE: https://blog.daveasprey.com/saundra-dalton-smith-720/

Speakers

Saundra Dalton-Smith

Thursday March 4, 2021 TBA
PreRecorded Session none

Health & Wellness, ECE/PreK/K, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4, Admin/Leadership

TBA

** PreRecorded - Tipi Teachings and Balanced Living

Post-Convention Survey

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

Phillip Campiou

Knowledge Keeper, Elder

Thursday March 4, 2021 TBA
PreRecorded Session none

Health & Wellness, ECE/PreK/K, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4, Admin/Leadership | Indigenous Education, ECE/PreK/K, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4, Admin/Leadership

TBA

** PreRecorded - Writing that Stirs the Heart

Post-Convention Survey

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

Jaclyn Chute

Registered Dietitian, Teach Nutrition by Dairy Farmers of Canada's Registered Dietitians

Thursday March 4, 2021 TBA
PreRecorded Session none

Health & Wellness, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4 | Language Arts, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4 | Reflection/Collaboration, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4

TBA

** PreRecorded - Teaching Health and Phys Ed? We’re here to help!

Post-Convention Survey

Now more than ever, quality Health and Physical Education programs are essential tools for supporting student learning and well-being in all schools - in person and online. In this session, the Health and Physical Education specialist council and Ever Active Schools will share current success stories from leading educators around the province, and teach how to use free and low cost resources, such as our complete K-12 Phys Ed Lesson Plan resource, to support all teachers involved in delivering these key curricular outcomes. This session will be pre-recorded.

Speakers

Ever Active Schools

Supporting Healthy School Communities

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

Thursday March 4, 2021 TBA
PreRecorded Session none

Health & Wellness, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4 | Physical Education, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4

TBA

** PreRecorded - Covid 19 and Youth Sport - The Role Education Can Play In Healing and Recovery of our Youth and Our Communities

Post-Convention Survey

Prior to Covid-19 we were aware of high percentage of students that missed out on sport and recreation opportunities because of barriers like high program fees and equipment costs. Inequities that were already present in the community have been increasing due to the pandemic and will likely continue for some time.
Learning and development have been interrupted and disrupted for 1000s of students in our region. Sport and physical activity can help enhance learning and development of youth; this session will help educators discuss ideas that will help them contribute to the recovery and healing of our youth through sport and physical activity in schools.

Speakers

Karna Germsheid

Executive Director, Grande Prairie Regional Sport Connection Association

Thursday March 4, 2021 TBA
PreRecorded Session none

Health & Wellness, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4, Admin/Leadership | Physical Education, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4, Admin/Leadership | School Leadership, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4, Admin/Leadership

TBA

** PreRecorded - The Lowdown on the Health Benefits of Canola and Pulses

Post-Convention Survey

Calling all elementary Social, Health, and Science Teachers! Do you have what it takes to explain the new Canadian Food Guide, sustainability, and environmental stewardship to your kiddos?

When did you last consider including canola and pulses in your plans to explain Alberta’s geography and varying vegetative regions? Do you struggle to convince kids pulses really are good for them and how to work them into their healthy diet?!? Come explore how both canola and pulses can spice your next class on plant growth, plus other various topics.

Alberta Canola Producers and Alberta Pulse Growers present an interactive session about the significance of these commodities to agriculture and Alberta’s curriculum. Bring your best game face and join us for fun during our session!

Materials for this session to access ahead of time:

1. PPT teachers can access and share with students:
· https://www.dropbox.com/s/yu4vb9mwpkmlanb/Deb%20and%20Tara%20Nutrition%20Nov%207%2C%202020%20FINAL%20%283%29.pptx?dl=0

2. A PDF of our Scattegories CROPS game worksheet:
· https://www.dropbox.com/s/wzwjhdf0sroig6e/Copy%20of%20Scattegories%20template%20for%20Deb%20and%20Tara%20Nov%207.pdf?dl=0

3. A PDF of our Scattegories CROPS game answer sheet:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/b9wv77zbq8rgj12/Copy%20of%20Scattegories%20template%20for%20Deb%20and%20Tara%20Nov%207-Answers.pdf?dl=0

4. In case you missed the pre-recording here the is the link to the pre-recorded session: https://youtu.be/hPa0XZCRsGk

Speakers

Debra McLennan

Food & Nutrition Coordinator, Alberta Pulse Growers Commission

Debra McLennan is a Registered Dietitian with over three decades 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 shares science based information... Read More →

Tara Baycroft

Agriculture and School Coordinator, Alberta Canola

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

Thursday March 4, 2021 TBA
PreRecorded Session none

Health & Wellness, Div 1, Div 2 | Physical Education, Div 1, Div 2 | Science, Div 1, Div 2

TBA

** PreRecorded - Burnout Proof Your Education Career

Post-Convention Survey

Individuals are burning out at alarming rates. People feel constant demand to deliver, so they're either burning out or they're leaving their jobs, due to high stress and burnout. With COVID-19, this is becoming more prevalent and amplified, due to all the demands from working from home (WFH). During this talk, you will learn about the best techniques you can use to immediately reduce stress and burnout you're facing in your organization, and within yourself!
You'll learn key takeaways on what burnout is so you can quickly identify it in your life. Next you'll learn how people become burned out. Finally, you'll learn how to get out of burnout, once and for all. The audience will leave with actionable steps that they can immediately use, to transform from a burned out life, to their ideal life.

Speakers

Michael Levitt

Chief Burnout Officer, Breakfast Leadership, Inc

Michael Levitt is the founder & Chief Burnout Officer of The Breakfast Leadership Network, a San Diego and Toronto-based burnout media firm. He is an in-person and Certified Virtual Speaker, a Certified NLP and CBT Therapist, a Fortune 500 consultant, and author of the new book BURNOUT... Read More →

Thursday March 4, 2021 TBA
PreRecorded Session none

Health & Wellness, Admin/Leadership | Professional Issues, Admin/Leadership

TBA

** PreRecorded - Reconnecting to Your Calling: Moving From Teacher Well-being to Being Well as Teachers

Post-Convention Survey

Beyond a job, teaching is a calling. This workshop provides a snapshot of well-being science that invites educators and leaders to build and sustain a practice of well-being within that calling. Participants will experience tools that can help create a ripple effect of impact for themselves and their students. Moving beyond self-care strategies and a focus on teacher stress, we will discuss both individual and organizational opportunities to help shift the tide from burning out to burning in. This session will be pre-recorded.

Speakers

Ever Active Schools

Supporting Healthy School Communities

Thursday March 4, 2021 TBA
PreRecorded Session none

TBA

** PreRecorded - Productivity and Organization Working at Home, School, and Everywhere In-Between

Post-Convention Survey

This session will explore how to build effective personal and professional structures to be your most productive self, cut-out distractions, and find joy in all you do. Professional artist, bestselling author, and work-from-home addict, Alexis Marie Chute shares tips and tricks for scheduling your time, organizing your to-do list, getting more done, and finding your highest level of work and home balance for greatest life-fulfillment. In an age where you may be asked to switch your work environment without notice, this session will help you be agile, adaptable, and find pleasure in unpredictability.

Speakers

Jaclyn Chute

Registered Dietitian, Teach Nutrition by Dairy Farmers of Canada's Registered Dietitians

Thursday March 4, 2021 TBA
PreRecorded Session none

TBA

** PreRecorded - Design for Today's Hybrid Delivery

Post-Convention Survey

Teaching in today’s unprecedented times requires teachers to be increasingly nimble and flexible in our preparation, instruction, and delivery. Prepare for the unexpected by creating functional plans for yourself and your students, and gain insight about methods of communicating to develop a smoother process of planning for student learning-at-home needs and in-person support and engagement. Presented from an English Language Arts/ Communications perspective, this session will focus on meeting the needs of your students without spreading yourself too thin.

Speakers

Liz Harrison

Teacher

Thursday March 4, 2021 TBA
PreRecorded Session none

Language Arts, Div 3, Div 4 | Technology, Div 3, Div 4

TBA

** PreRecorded - Additive Thinking Through the Lens of Change, Constancy & Equality

Post-Convention Survey

The Math Program of Studies mandates that our goal is always to develop number sense. So we need to show students that good strategies based on number sense and number relationships will never let them down.
In place of memorizing facts, we can focus on number sense and relationships (eg. compare 6 + 10 and 6 + 9) and use this comparison to solve similar problems. We can use the same strategies to add and subtract 2-digit and 3-digit numbers. We can us the same strategies to solve 26 + 39 as we use to solve 6 + 9.
Instead common practice is to introduce ‘borrowing’ and ‘carrying’ and the focus becomes getting answers instead of developing number sense. We do not need to revert to procedures and tricks to get answers with bigger numbers.
We can keep number sense as our priority by using change, constancy and equality.

Speakers

Keith Van De Keere

Numeracy Consultant, Learning Network

Keith Van De Keere believes that when math teaching is focused on deep understanding of the big ideas, students have a better chance of experiencing enduring success, and teachers can better see the natural flow between teaching and assessment. To promote and support this kind of... Read More →

Thursday March 4, 2021 TBA
PreRecorded Session none

Mathematics, Div 1, Div 2

TBA

** PreRecorded - Teaching Whole Numbers with Maths — No Problem!

Post-Convention Survey

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

Adam Gifford

Maths No Problem

MNP Lead Trainer Adam worked as a primary school headteacher, where he oversaw the school’s involvement with the National Math Project using Maths — No Problem! materials. He is Maths Recovery trained, and was the first Primary Maths Specialist Leader in Education within the United... Read More →

Thursday March 4, 2021 TBA
PreRecorded Session none

Mathematics, Div 1, Div 2

TBA

** PreRecorded - Best "Bang for Your Buck” Songs

Post-Convention Survey

Learn or rediscover some key songs that “have it all”! These great songs can be used to teach, reinforce, and assess multiple skills and concepts while keeping enjoyment and engagement high. This session will provide tips and tricks for taking best advantage of these multi-use songs, whether you are an experienced music specialist or a classroom teacher who is teaching their own music. If applicable, adaptations with regard to teaching in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic may be addressed in this session.

Speakers

Joyce Holoboff

Music

Joyce Holoboff has taught elementary music and junior high band with Wolf Creek School Division for 31 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 has also directed... Read More →

Thursday March 4, 2021 TBA
PreRecorded Session none

Music & Band, ECE/PreK/K, Div 1, Div 2

TBA

** PreRecorded - Help! I have to teach K-3 Music

Post-Convention Survey

Does the prospect of teaching your own classroom music have you quaking in your boots? This session is designed to take you from terrified to terrific! You will come away from this session with a handout of songs, games, activities and strategies to teach curricular outcomes in engaging ways. If you’ve never taught music or are a reluctant singer, you will learn strategies and resources to have you and your students loving music time!! If applicable, adaptations for teaching in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic may be addressed in this session.

Speakers

Joyce Holoboff

Music

Thursday March 4, 2021 TBA
PreRecorded Session none

Music & Band, ECE/PreK/K, Div 1, Div 2

TBA

** PreRecorded - Learn to Play Guitar

Post-Convention Survey

Learn to play guitar using simple patterns that even kids can remember. A universal guitar chart will help you learn majors, minors, suspended and 7th chords. You’ll be able to use these chords to learn pop, folk, country and classical songs as well as children’s tunes that you can play in the classroom. This one-time lesson will give you tools that you can build on for years and try everything from Garth to Green Day to Gaga. If you have never played before, this is your chance. You’ll even be able to try the ukulele.

Speakers

Darren Michalczuk

Math Facts Made Simple

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 schools to big city private schools in Queensland, Australia. He has coached... Read More →

Thursday March 4, 2021 TBA
PreRecorded Session none

Music & Band, ECE/PreK/K, Div 1, Div 2

TBA

** PreRecorded - Rocking Music Reading

Post-Convention Survey

Spice up your “Every Good Boy Does Fine” with innovative ideas for learning, reinforcing, and assessing music note reading. Joyce will introduce you to a number of games and playing activities to make note learning and reading fun, fun, fun! If applicable, adaptations for teaching in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic may be addressed in this session.

Speakers

Joyce Holoboff

Music

Thursday March 4, 2021 TBA
PreRecorded Session none

Music & Band, Div 1, Div 2

TBA

** PreRecorded - Hutterite History & Teaching Now

Post-Convention Survey

Hutterian Education in Alberta is a unique educational context that people may not even know exists. Every Hutterite Colony in Alberta has a publically funded and certified teacher, or teachers, educating on-site. This session will give a brief overview of Hutterite history in North America, who they are, and how they choose to live. It will also delve into how colony teachers teach the Alberta Curriculum to multiple grades, often Kindergarten to Grade 9, simultaneously. Sound intriguing? Come and see if teaching on a colony is something you might considering doing one day.

Speakers

Laura-Lee Toews

Teacher, Rocky View School Division

Thursday March 4, 2021 TBA
PreRecorded Session none

Professional Issues, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3 | Reflection/Collaboration, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3

TBA

** PreRecorded - Dealing with Disaster: Religious Education and COVID-19

Post-Convention Survey

Sudden, confusing, and catastrophic events have struck throughout human history. The COVID-19 pandemic, the widest reaching disaster of our time that has caused significant disruption and suffering, raises some significant questions for Religious Educators such as, “How could God allow something like this to happen?” to “How did people in the Bible deal with pestilence and disaster?” This sessions provides suggestions for understanding pandemic and disease within a faith context while allowing students to reflect on their own experiences and concerns in light of how people within the biblical narrative confronted disease and disaster.

Speakers

Dr. Gerard McLarney

Teacher, Elk Island Catholic Schools

Dr. McLarney teaches at St. Isidore Learning Center in Sherwood Park, AB., and serves as a sessional instructor at St. Joseph's College, University of Alberta. His academic interests include Religious Education, World Religions, J.R.R. Tolkien, as well as Sacred Scripture and Myt... Read More →

Thursday March 4, 2021 TBA
PreRecorded Session none

Religious & Moral Education, Div 3, Div 4

TBA

** PreRecorded - Flat Earth, Dinosaurs, and the Divine: Can Religion and Science get along?

Post-Convention Survey

Secondary students often assume that Religion and Science are inextricably at odds. Even if they can’t articulate exactly why, it is often taken for granted that a person of faith cannot embrace the scientific method and vice versa. This talk goes beyond caricatures of faithful flat-earthers, and delves into the complex relationship between science and religion. We begin with the scientific revolution, consider seminal figures in the field like Copernicus, Galileo, Newton, Darwin, and Georges Lamaitre, and give teachers of Religious Education a framework for understanding how the respective domains of science and religion are by no means mutually exclusive.

Speakers

Dr. Gerard McLarney

Teacher, Elk Island Catholic Schools

Thursday March 4, 2021 TBA
PreRecorded Session none

Religious & Moral Education, Div 3, Div 4

TBA

** PreRecorded - Metaphysics for Grade 8s: Asking some of Life’s Biggest Questions

Post-Convention Survey

Students of all ages, and Junior High in particular, often ask perceptive questions in Religion class, ranging from “If people have souls do animals and plants too?” to “If God created the universe, then who created God?”. These thought provoking queries, some of the biggest questions in life, venture into the realm of metaphysics. Rather than leave Religious Educators scratching their heads when it comes to metaphysics, this session explores the topic and provides ideas and suggestions for teachers to allow students to creatively ponder the realm beyond the physical and dig more deeply into some of life’s biggest questions.

Speakers

Dr. Gerard McLarney

Teacher, Elk Island Catholic Schools

Thursday March 4, 2021 TBA
PreRecorded Session none

Religious & Moral Education, Div 3, Div 4

TBA

** PreRecorded - The Psalms, Air Pods, and God

Post-Convention Survey

Ever wonder what music is streaming in the ear buds of your students? Often woven into the cacophony of bass and treble are profound existential themes that speak to the hearts of listeners. Within the Bible’s book of Psalms, we also find a collection of song lyrics that grapple with deep questions of the soul. This talk explores the structure and themes of the Psalms, draws connections to parallel themes in contemporary music, and provides educators with suggestions for engaging both student interest and curricular outcomes in Religious Education.

Speakers

Dr. Gerard McLarney

Teacher, Elk Island Catholic Schools

Thursday March 4, 2021 TBA
PreRecorded Session none

Religious & Moral Education, Div 3, Div 4 | Music & Band, Div 3, Div 4

TBA

** PreRecorded - My Experience Using the Flipped Classroom

Post-Convention Survey

In 2012 I decided to take on a new way of teaching by adopting the flipped classroom model. In the years since I have modified this technique to fit the needs of my students. And when schools were closed due to Covid, I was ahead of the game with lessons already online! I will share with you what I have learned along the way, and give you access to all of my online resources (so you can have a lesson ready for Monday morning).

Speakers

Jennifer Williams

Social/Flipped Classrooms, Social Studies Council President

ObjectivesThe Social Studies Council (SSC) seeks to promote the study of social studies in Alberta and constantly improve the teaching of social studies.ActivitiesTo carry out its objectives, the Social Studies Council encourages and assists the establishment of regional councils... Read More →

Thursday March 4, 2021 TBA
PreRecorded Session none

Social Studies, Div 4

TBA

** PreRecorded - Teaching Media Literacy Using CIVIX Resources

Post-Convention Survey

In this era of “truth decay” it is vital for students to be able to discern what is quality information versus disinformation. CIVIX provides a plethora of resources for teachers to use in their classroom to help teach a variety of media literacy skills. I will share with you how I adapted those resources for the limited time I have in my classroom to focus on this important issue. You will be given digital access to my lessons, so you can create short daily activities or a full week unit you can start using right away.

Speakers

Jennifer Williams

Social/Flipped Classrooms, Social Studies Council President

Thursday March 4, 2021 TBA
PreRecorded Session none

Social Studies, Div 4

TBA

**Pre-Recorded - Encouraging Students to be Upstanders for Residential School Survivors

I used to teach the legacy of Residential Schools in my high school classroom by focusing on the horrors of our treatment of Indigenous children. After taking the Facing History and Ourselves Stolen Lives course, I have dramatically changed the way I present ideas to the class, with a focus on helping students to understand the impact of Residential Schools on their own individual and collective identity. With this new focus, I see students making personal connections and seeing opportunities to stand up for those who were directly impacted by this historical legacy. I will share with you some of my lesson ideas that can also relate to the teaching of other events such as the Nazi Genocide or slavery. It is hoped you can incorporate some of these lesson ideas into your own classroom by providing you with digital resources.

Speakers

Jennifer Williams

Social/Flipped Classrooms, Social Studies Council President

Thursday March 4, 2021 TBA
PreRecorded Session none

Social Studies, Div 4

TBA

** PreRecorded - Screen Recording: Make the most of your online lessons

Post-Convention Survey

Have you ever wanted to share a lesson you did in class with a student or parent at home? One easy way to keep parents and students involved is to share a screen recording.

In this handy tutorial you will learn about several tools you can use to create screen recordings on a pc, Mac, tablet or cell phone. I will also share some tips on how to make the most of your online lessons.

Speakers

Johnathan Warr

Teacher, PWSD 76

Thursday March 4, 2021 TBA
PreRecorded Session none

Technology, ECE/PreK/K, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4, Admin/Leadership

8:45am MST

** PreRecorded - President Schilling’s Member Address

Post-Convention Survey

Speakers

Jason Schilling

President, ATA President

Jason Schilling was re-elected president in 2023, following four years of service as president, two years of service as vice-president and more than eight years of service as district representative for South West. As vice-president, Schilling chaired the Central Table Bargaining... Read More →

Thursday March 4, 2021 8:45am - 9:00am MST
PreRecorded Session none

SPECIAL EVENT

9:00am MST

The Women in Leadership Needs Assessment Survey: What we Learned

Post-Convention Survey

In Alberta, the gap between the number of women who occupy positions of leadership in both school jurisdictions and the Alberta Teachers Association and the number of women who are members of the teaching profession is significant. A review of the literature and historical documents shows this gap has been surprisingly durable over time. Therefore, in the spring of 2019, the Alberta Teachers' Association launched an online survey to assess what Alberta teachers thought about the experience of teachers with respect to educational leadership and gender. The survey explored whether there is gender-based discrimination experienced by teachers and how these barriers impact a teachers' career progression. In addition, participants were asked to identify what supports teachers identified as being important to helping women enter into positions of educational leadership. This session will provide an overview of the survey and provide comment about how this information might assist the work of the Association and school jurisdictions.
As a result of participating in this session, you will have an opportunity to enhance your awareness of the gendered nature of schools and school divisions to build more inclusive leadership teams.

Speakers

Lisa Everitt

ATA

Thursday March 4, 2021 9:00am - 10:15am MST
ATA - Zoom Live Session none

Diversity Equity & Human Rights

9:00am MST

Join Dr. James Makokis and Anthony Johnson as they speak about their different life experiences growing up in First Nations Communities.

Post-Convention Survey

Moderators

Genevieve Payeur

Speakers

Dr. James Makokis

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

Anthony Johnson

Anthony Johnson graduated from Harvard University with a Bachelor of Arts in 2008. Johnson’s life has been full of dedicating his career and his time to countless numbers of non-profit organizations, social movements, and councils. He also has a very dedicated career as an international... Read More →

Thursday March 4, 2021 9:00am - 10:15am MST
001 - Zoom Live Keynote none

9:00am MST

Building Strong Relationships and Community through Restorative Practice

Post-Convention Survey

Restorative practice is an emerging social science that studies how to strengthen relationships between individuals as well as social connections within schools and communities. Restorative practice is grounded in a way of thinking and being. This session will explore how implementing a restorative practice framework in your classroom and school can strengthen relationships with and among students, build social capital and repair harm as a way of building community. Restorative practices have been shown to support welcoming, caring, respectful and safe learning environments as required in Alberta's legislation and also many of the competencies and indicators described in the new Teacher Quality Standard and Leadership Quality Standard. Creating an environment where all students belong and are engaged is the foundation for all learning.

Moderators

Karen Patten

Speakers

Caroline Gosling

Alberta Mentoring Partnership

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

Thursday March 4, 2021 9:00am - 10:30am MST
002 - Zoom Live Session none

Counselling & Student Support, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4, Admin/Leadership | Fostering Effective Relationships, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4, Admin/Leadership | School Leadership, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4, Admin/Leadership

9:00am MST

Play On Words - Primary Literacy Games for Whole Class, Centers or Virtual Setting

Post-Convention Survey

Come prepared to play literacy games that incorporate the use of literacy dice, letter tiles, word decks and more. Games are great for whole class, centers and John will share ideas for adapting them to home settings if you are still teaching virtually. The games and activities will support the teaching and practice of the following concepts: learning the alphabet and its' sounds, rhyme and word families, spelling CVC and two syllable words, vocabulary building, vowels, blends, and more. Gameboard, student samples journal writing ideas will be shared. Come prepared to play! I’ve uploaded my handout for the session you indicated you’re interested in. Read the front cover for any materials you may want to have handy for the presentation.

Moderators

Annie Forney

Speakers

John Felling

presenter, Box Cars And One Eyed Jacks

John has presented at many provincial, national, and international conferences. His presentations provide insights and strategies along with a healthy dose of humor. Participants expressed "There were a lot of great activities to bring back to my class." Attend his sessions and see... Read More →

Thursday March 4, 2021 9:00am - 10:30am MST
003 - Zoom Live Session none

Curriculum & Pedagogy, ECE/PreK/K, Div 1 | Inclusive Education, ECE/PreK/K, Div 1 | Language Arts, ECE/PreK/K, Div 1

9:00am MST

Challenging Our Story of Canada: Timeline Activity

Post-Convention Survey

The Challenging Our Story of Canada Timeline activity is a great opportunity to foster a deeper understanding of the diverse stories that make up Canadian history and encourage dialogue on the evolution of citizenship and inclusion. In this activity, participants reflect on milestones in Canadian history and culture and reflect on their own connection to Canada. This exercise helps participants to understand power and privilege within a Canadian context and reflect on the roots of oppression, exclusion, and colonization that contribute to issues that exist in our society today. We will explore some positive stories of resistance and resilience in these communities and reflect on which areas have made significant progress and in which areas that we as a country need to do better.

Moderators

MPTCA Secretary

Speakers

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 →

Maigan van der Giessen

John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights

Maigan van der Giessen is Arts Lead and Program Facilitator, working with The John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights for over a decade. Maigan uses participatory arts in collaboration with the community to document and educate on human rights issues locally. Through her work... Read More →

Thursday March 4, 2021 9:00am - 10:30am MST
006 - Zoom Live Session none

Diversity Equity & Human Rights, Div 3, Div 4, Admin/Leadership | Indigenous Education, Div 3, Div 4, Admin/Leadership | Social Studies, Div 3, Div 4, Admin/Leadership

9:00am MST

L’enseignement efficace de la lecture en Immersion Effective Teaching of Reading in Immersion

Post-Convention Survey

Cet atelier présentera des stratégies pour un enseignement efficace de la lecture. Les activités présentées seront basées sur les dernières recherches en éducation validées en classe. On présentera également des conseils pratiques pour atteindre tous les apprenants et les guider vers la réussite.

This workshop will present strategies for effective reading instruction. The activities presented will be based on the latest educational research validated in the classroom. Practical tips for reaching all learners and guiding them to success will also be presented.

Moderators

Suzanne Lessard

GPPSD - École Montrose

Teaching kindergarten is my passion and I love seeing my students learning through play (and having fun too!). Originally from New Brunswick, I decided to move to Alberta and have been teaching French Immersion kindergarten at École Montrose.

Speakers

Léo-James Lévesque

Assistant Professor, St Thomas University

Léo-James est titulaire d’une maîtrise en éducation avec une spécialisation en curriculum et enseignement. Il compte plus de 30 années d’expérience en enseignement. Il a participé à la conception et à l’élaboration de plusieurs ressources pédagogiques utilisées un... Read More →

Thursday March 4, 2021 9:00am - 10:30am MST
005 - Zoom Live Session none

FSL, ECE/PreK/K, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4, Admin/Leadership | Core French, ECE/PreK/K, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4, Admin/Leadership

9:00am MST

Classroom Comedy

Post-Convention Survey

A clean, humor-filled comedy routine to help ease the stress of teachers.

Moderators

Heather McIlroy

High School English and Social Studies TeacherGrande Prairie Composite High School

Speakers

Devin Seibold

Devin is a veteran of the classroom, with over a decade of experience teaching high school and middle school in Florida. A side hobby as a comedian has turned into a full-fledged career as Devin has toured internationally and appeared on several nationally televised comedy shows... Read More →

Thursday March 4, 2021 9:00am - 10:30am MST
004 - Zoom Live Session none

Health & Wellness, ECE/PreK/K, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4, Admin/Leadership | Reflection/Collaboration, ECE/PreK/K, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4, Admin/Leadership

9:15am MST

Citizen Science in the Classroom: How to Turn your Students into Real Scientists

Post-Convention Survey

Anyone can be a citizen scientist, which is a non-professional scientist that contributes real scientific research data. Citizen science fosters scientific literacy by engaging students in meaningful science research that addresses real-world issues and leads to scientific advancement. Through direct participation in scientific inquiry and exploration, students develop critical mindsets about the nature of scientific discovery. Citizen science engages many students that might not otherwise care by having them contribute to meaningful research. Teachers will get an introduction to citizen science, access resources to find projects that fit their curricula and go through an exercise to help integrate these projects into their classroom. Teachers will also leave with a digital toolkit that will enable them to take the lessons learned and apply them to their learning objectives in their classroom.
Ideally, participants would bring their own laptops but the session will be doable without them.

Moderators

Maxine Maxwell

Speakers

Helen Yip

Outreach Coordinator, WISEST

Thursday March 4, 2021 9:15am - 10:15am MST
007 - Zoom Live Session none

Diversity Equity & Human Rights, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4 | Science, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4

9:15am MST

Stop freaking out: Get a grip on math anxiety!

Post-Convention Survey

Okay, let's be real. Do your students (or you!) freak out at
the sight of numbers? Dissolve into a pile of tears at the
thought of a math test? Throw a minor tantrum when
they (or you!) can’t figure out their math homework? It’s
called math anxiety and yes, it’s a real thing. This
workshop will explore what math anxiety actually IS, how
to spot it, prevent it, and manage it when it rears its ugly,
icky, panicky head!

Moderators

Carol Davidson

Speakers

Vanessa Vahkaria "The Math Guru"

Friday, 9:00 am & 10:20 am

Known as the Lady Gaga of math education, Vanessa is the founder and director of The Math Guru, a super cool boutique math

Thursday March 4, 2021 9:15am - 10:30am MST
012 - Zoom Live Session none

9:15am MST

Compose Yourself: Writing Identity

Post-Convention Survey

Writing stories is not just for writers. Stories not only help us understand others, they help us understand ourselves. Stories enable students to discover/create their identities as they write their views of the world into existence. Through story, students can examine their cultural heritage and create their own hero’s journey. Join author Lois Donovan for an insightful and inspirational exploration of writing stories that matter. Session includes practical writing activities that will fit easily into Humanities curriculum, followed by Q & A.

Moderators

Josie Thibault

MPTCA Social Director

Speakers

Lois Donovan

author

A former teacher, Lois is the author of time-travel historical fiction novels, Winds of L’Acadie and The Journal. She has recently sent her debut contemporary teen novel (repped by StaceyKondla) out into the world to find a home. Lois loves sharing her passion for all things literary... Read More →

Thursday March 4, 2021 9:15am - 10:30am MST
011 - Zoom Live Session none

Curriculum & Pedagogy, Div 3 | Language Arts, Div 3 | Social Studies, Div 3

9:15am MST

Pilates. Bodyweight exercises to incorporate into any physical activity class

Post-Convention Survey

We will educate you on what Pilates is and than go through a bodyweight mat workout.

Moderators

Laura Storey

Speakers

Tori Smith

Co-Owner, The Pilates Barre GP

HI, I am Tori and I am a local Physiotherapist and a co-owner of The Pilates Barre GP. We opened in 2018 and have been open or close through the last year due to the pandemic. I have taught pilates since 2012 and found that it loved my body more than the heavy weights that I used... Read More →

Lindsey Fogle

Thursday March 4, 2021 9:15am - 10:30am MST
008 - Zoom Live Session none

9:15am MST

ATRF Your Pension Matters

Post-Convention Survey

The presentation will include information on beneficiaries, pensionable service and salaries, calculating your pension, your pension options and steps to retirement. You are encouraged to bring your most recent Annual Statement.

Moderators

Janet Wallentiny

Inclusive Education Coach, PRSD

I have been a teacher with Peace River School Division for 33 years. I taught in Saskatchewan prior to coming to Alberta. I spent my time in Peace River School Division teaching Junior High English Language Arts, Science, Special Education and an assortment of other delights. For... Read More →

Speakers

Pension Counsellor

Pension Counsellor, Alberta Teachers' Retirement Fund (ATRF)

A Pension Counsellor with the Alberta Teachers' Retirement Fund.

Thursday March 4, 2021 9:15am - 10:30am MST
010 - Zoom Live Session none

Health & Wellness, ECE/PreK/K, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4, Admin/Leadership

9:15am MST

Creative Practices to Sustain the Soul (Double Session)

Post-Convention Survey

Do you feel worn out and emotionally spent? Is your life on fast-forward and you long to slow down and enjoy more experiences that feed your soul? In this session, we’ll focus on practical strategies for creative practices that will help you and your students intentionally connect with your humanity. With so much of our time spent online, we require a renewed awareness about our inner lives by making space for our emotions. We’ll cover journaling, meditation, nature, minimalism, juggling, art, exercise, Netflix and more (while practicing a few of these). Come prioritize your soul so you can model this calm to your students.

Moderators

Russ Snoble

Speakers

Julianne Harvey

Author. Speaker. Nurturer.

Julianne Harvey is an author, educator, and nurturer from South Surrey, BC. She’s written four books and her work has appeared in several literary magazines. Julianne holds an MFA and a BA in Creative Writing, along with a certificate in Counselling Skills. For more information... Read More →

Thursday March 4, 2021 9:15am - 11:45am MST
009 - Zoom Live Session none

Health & Wellness, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4 | Professional Issues, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4 | Reflection/Collaboration, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4

10:30am MST

Power Play - Primary Place Value Games and Activities

Post-Convention Survey

Number lines ad place value dice are easy to find, versatile and great for teaching many concepts at the primary level. Come prepared to play games and learn strategies for teaching the following concepts: using benchmark 10's and 100's on a number line, learning numbers to 100, 1000, adding and subtracting multiples of 10 and 100,pattern counting, estimation and mental math, early rounding and expanding numbers. Gameboards provided, student work and journal writing extensions will be shared throughout. Ideas for differentiating the activities to meet the needs of all learners provided as well as ideas for using whole class, small groups or adapting to virtual teaching. You will get more out of my math session if you have some regular dice (2 - 14 of them) and a deck of cards (doesn’t even have to be a complete deck).

Moderators

Dena Lanktree

Speakers

John Felling

presenter, Box Cars And One Eyed Jacks

Thursday March 4, 2021 10:30am - 11:45am MST
003 - Zoom Live Session none

10:30am MST

Supporting Adolescent Social Emotional Competency through Teen Mentoring

Post-Convention Survey

Are you seeking ways to build social-emotional competencies, and support positive mental health in students, while also increasing attendance and school completion, with higher academic performance?
Are you looking for ways to build and enhance relationships with adolescent students?
Are you wondering how to create ways to engage students and provide them leadership opportunities?
Have you considered teen mentoring?

Teen mentoring has been shown to increase social emotional skills, academic achievement and decrease unhealthy behaviors in both the 'mentor' and 'mentee'. The Alberta Mentoring Partnership, has created a school based mentoring network for educators working in middle schools, junior high and high school settings. As a part of this network you will have the opportunity to engage in dynamic conversations and learning with others across the province, about successful implementation strategies, the relationship of mentoring to curriculum and competency development, and how students might earn high school credits while achieving personal growth. Resources will be shared.

Moderators

Maxine Maxwell

Speakers

Caroline Gosling

Alberta Mentoring Partnership

Thursday March 4, 2021 10:30am - 11:45am MST
002 - Zoom Live Session none

Career & Technology Studies/Foundations, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4, Admin/Leadership | Counselling & Student Support, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4, Admin/Leadership | Fostering Effective Relationships, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4, Admin/Leadership

10:30am MST

ᑕᐯᐧᐃᐧᐣ tapwewin: Dismantling Anti-Indigenous Racism

Post-Convention Survey

This introductory workshop will encourage educators to critically reflect on concepts such as white privilege, systemic racism and assimilation. Historical and contemporary examples of anti-Indigenous racism will be explored, and participants will be challenged to consider their own role in dismantling anti-Indigenous racism. Educators will leave with a foundational understanding of anti-racism with a focus on Indigenous Peoples, and will also be equipped with suggested resources for further learning. Note that portions of this workshop may be difficult for some participants, particularly for Indigenous Peoples and/or those who have experienced racism.

Speakers

Melissa Purcell

Executive Staff Officer, Indigenous Education, Professional Development, Alberta Teachers' Association

Melissa Purcell is Denesuline, born and raised in Edmonton, and a member of Thebatthi in Treaty 8 territory. Melissa is a proud mother of one son and two daughters, and the oldest of her three sisters. Melissa is deeply committed to supporting Indigenous education and advancing truth... Read More →

Thursday March 4, 2021 10:30am - 11:45am MST
ATA - Zoom Live Session none

10:30am MST

Teaching the Dangers of Intolerance During Troubling Times

Post-Convention Survey

A guided workshop through our free humanities resource, Voices Into Action, chock-full of curriculum-based lesson plans already done for teachers, outlining various human rights issues throughout Canadian history. Come explore our past in ways that can't help but ignite our students to find a better path for tomorrow, all while meeting your existing objectives and goals.

Moderators

Genevieve Payeur

Speakers

Voice Into Action / Choose Your

Regional Director of Educational Programs - AB, Voice Into Action / Choose Your Voice

Award Winning Teaching Resources for all Humanities CoursesChoose Your Voice and Voices into Action offer a wealth of FREE curriculum-based bilingual lesson plans and tools to help educate students about prejudice, human rights and social justice. Past and current events are examined... Read More →

Lisa Raber

Voice Into Action

Thursday March 4, 2021 10:30am - 11:45am MST
004 - Zoom Live Session none

Diversity Equity & Human Rights, Div 3, Div 4 | Indigenous Education, Div 3, Div 4 | Social Studies, Div 3, Div 4

10:30am MST

Join Dr. James Makokis and Anthony Johnson as they speak about their different life experiences growing up in First Nations Communities.

Post-Convention Survey

Moderators

Karen Patten

Speakers

Dr. James Makokis

Anthony Johnson

Thursday March 4, 2021 10:30am - 11:45am MST
001 - Zoom Live Keynote none

10:30am MST

President Schilling Unplugged

Post-Convention Survey

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

Speakers

Jason Schilling

President, ATA President

Thursday March 4, 2021 10:30am - 11:45am MST
ATA - Zoom Live Session none

10:45am MST

Math Therapy: A crash course in becoming a math therapist

Post-Convention Survey

Did you know that pretty much anyone who thinks they're
"not a math person" has math trauma they simply haven't
worked through yet? Look, we’ve all had math teachers
before…but how many of you have had a math
therapist?! If you’re ready to dig deep, this crash course
in math therapy is for you! This workshop will teach you
the art of math therapy and empower you with the tools
you need to add “math therapy” to your list of
teachables. Through teaching math, we can empower
our students to believe that they are capable of
anything, and that everything is possible. That is the
greatest gift we can give our students, and THAT is what
being a math therapist is all about!

Moderators

Josie Thibault

MPTCA Social Director

Speakers

Vanessa Vahkaria "The Math Guru"

Friday, 9:00 am & 10:20 am

Known as the Lady Gaga of math education, Vanessa is the founder and director of The Math Guru, a super cool boutique math

Thursday March 4, 2021 10:45am - 11:45am MST
012 - Zoom Live Session none

10:45am MST

Global Citizenship in the Time of Global Crises

Post-Convention Survey

The Covid-19 crises experienced over the year has called into question how we engage and interact with each other in our communities. But has the crises caused us to retreat from our global obligations, or has it renewed a sense of global citizenship and responsibility?
In this facilitated discussion led by staff of the Alberta Council for Global Cooperation, teachers will discuss the 'teachable moment' we have in front of us global citizenship educators, and discuss strategies to motivate and guide students toward more, not less, action as global citizens. Case studies of Alberta organizations, who responded to the crises, will be provided as exemplars that can be used with students to model the positive way Albertans responded in this global crises.

Why is this session relevant
There is a significant need for teachers to spend time debriefing the Covid-19 crises, and discussing the 'what next', for our communities, our students, and our schools. Global Citizenship is a competency in the Alberta Curriculum, and this crises particularly highlights the need for teachers to be guiding students towards more, not less, global understanding and engagement. This will be a open space for teachers wrestling with this topic, professionally, and personally, to come together in open dialogue and exchange.

Moderators

Mark Swanson

Speakers

Leah Ettarh

Leah Ettarh is the Executive Director of the Alberta Council for Global Cooperation, the coalition of international aid charities and global citizenship education institutions in Alberta. Previous to becoming the Executive Director, Leah spent five years as ACGC’s Program Manager... Read More →

Thursday March 4, 2021 10:45am - 11:45am MST
011 - Zoom Live Session none

Curriculum & Pedagogy, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4, Admin/Leadership | Diversity Equity & Human Rights, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4, Admin/Leadership | Social Studies, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4, Admin/Leadership

10:45am MST

Escape Boredom: Engaging students through the use of escape rooms.

Post-Convention Survey

Escape rooms have become a popular source of entertainment as well as a vehicle for team building and collaboration; additionally they have begun to catch the eyes of educators as a potential tool for collaborative learning activities in classrooms. Escape room players solve puzzles and decipher codes in order to solve their way out of the room. In this session, teachers will walk through example escape room puzzles, using locks, codes keys and riddles that can be adapted for their own classroom activity. This session will also cover how gamification can increase engagement and inclusion as well as how to source items to set up your escape room, sample puzzles and potential curriculum connections. No escape room experience required.

Moderators

Janet Wallentiny

Inclusive Education Coach, PRSD

Speakers

Helen Yip

Outreach Coordinator, WISEST

Mara Metz

Program Coordinator, WISEST

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

Thursday March 4, 2021 10:45am - 11:45am MST
007 - Zoom Live Session none

Diversity Equity & Human Rights, Div 3, Div 4 | Science, Div 3, Div 4

10:45am MST

Simple Classroom Aquaponics

Post-Convention Survey

Aquaponics is an innovative urban agriculture technique that combines keeping fish with the growing of plants in a way that reduces work and waste. The session will include a list of low-cost materials, detailed design considerations, tips and tricks on how to assemble and maintain your simple system, and various curricular links. A simple classroom aquaponics system is a perfect tool for teaching about design, food security, ecology, nutrient cycles, and environmental sustainability.

Moderators

Julian Camsell

PWA

Speakers

Dustin Bajer

Urban Agriculture High Program Coordinator, Public Ecology / Sustainable Food Edmonton

I like nature and design. Educator, master gardener, permaculturalist, bike commuter, beekeeper, and urbanist. Ecology and network nerd. Science teacher at Jasper Place High School (in Edmonton). Agriculture education consultant for Sustainable Food Edmonton and Northlands.

Thursday March 4, 2021 10:45am - 11:45am MST
008 - Zoom Live Session none

Environmental & Outdoor Education, Div 3, Div 4 | Learning Commons & Makerspaces, Div 3, Div 4 | Science, Div 3, Div 4

10:45am MST

L’enseignement efficace de l’écriture en Immersion Effective Teaching of Writing in Immersion

Post-Convention Survey

Cet atelier présentera des stratégies d’enseignement qui permettront d’outiller les élèves afin qui puissent rédiger une variété de textes. Les activités présentées s’appuient sur de récentes recherches en matière d’enseignement de l’écrit ainsi que sur une vaste expérimentation en classe.

This workshop will present teaching strategies that will equip students to write a variety of texts. The activities presented are based on recent research in the teaching of writing as well as extensive classroom experimentation.

Moderators

Suzanne Lessard

GPPSD - École Montrose

Speakers

Léo-James Lévesque

Assistant Professor, St Thomas University

Thursday March 4, 2021 10:45am - 11:45am MST
005 - Zoom Live Session none

FSL, ECE/PreK/K, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4, Admin/Leadership | Core French, ECE/PreK/K, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4, Admin/Leadership

10:45am MST

Looking Ahead - By Retired Teachers, for Retiring Teachers

Post-Convention Survey

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.

Moderators

Heather McIlroy

High School English and Social Studies TeacherGrande Prairie Composite High School

Speakers

Lorna McIlroy

president, Alberta Retired Teachers Association

Lorna has a keen interest in the issues that impact her present and future retired colleagues and with ARTA, Lorna seeks to provide a smooth transition into a fulfilling retirement with the best options for members. These include member-centered services; advocacy which ensures a... Read More →

ARTA

Jennifer Hope, Affiliate Marketing Advisor

Have a Question? Need some more information? Or just want to chat?Please join us at the ARTA booth in the exhibition hall. There will be staff members to answer any questions about the ARTA Benefit Plans, there will also be a current retired teacher and ARTA branch member to answer... Read More →

Thursday March 4, 2021 10:45am - 11:45am MST
010 - Zoom Live Session none

Health & Wellness, ECE/PreK/K, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4, Admin/Leadership

10:45am MST

L'approche enquête: engageons la pensée critique et créatrice chez nos élèves

Post-Convention Survey

L’approche enquête permet à nos élèves de questionner et interroger sur les enjeux de notre société ou de leur communauté. À travers des activités guidées, nos élèves peuvent utiliser leurs compétences langagières en français pour essayer de trouver une solution ou réponse à leurs questions pertinentes. Les participants de cet atelier vont apprendre des stratégies concrètes pour développer cette approche dans leurs cours de sciences humaines, sciences ou de langue française et offrir des choix aux élèves pour présenter leurs processus et apprentissages. Ils vont également partir avec des idées de ressources pédagogiques en français pour les aider dans leurs démarches. Finalement, les participants auront des pistes de sites de recherches pour que leurs élèves réalisent leurs enquêtes totalement en français !

Moderators

Monique Gravel

Speakers

Shauna Nero

Directrice Adjointe, MPSD

Shauna Néro est la directrice adjointe de l'école d’immersion élémentaire Mission Central et la coordonnatrice des programmes de français à Mission en Colombie-Britannique. De plus, elle enseigne le nouveau cours conçu par le Ministère de l’Éducation de la Colombie-Britannique... Read More →

Thursday March 4, 2021 10:45am - 12:00pm MST
006 - Zoom Live Session none

FSL, Div 3, Div 4

12:30pm MST

Dealing with Grief, Naturally

Post-Convention Survey

COVID has taken its toll on everyone. Students and teachers are dealing with overwhelm from all the never-ending decisions that they have to make daily. Find out how mindfulness in nature can help to naturally decrease stress and promote overall well-being.

Moderators

Tasha Zboya

Speakers

Susanne Heaton

Owner, Motivated by Nature

For over 11 years, Susanne worked in the corporate world doing team building, public speaking, negotiating, marketing and sales. She took a total leap of faith after having some life changing wake-up calls and left the corporate world to start her own company, Motivated by Nature... Read More →

Thursday March 4, 2021 12:30pm - 1:45pm MST
005 - Zoom Live Session none

12:30pm MST

Elementary Math Shakers

Post-Convention Survey

Come play with our favorite million dollar math manipulative, a modified pill container filled with regular dice. This manipulative is our student's favorite. The math shake break activities allow students to move and learn in your daily math programs and throughout the day. The activities are easy to differentiate and use whole class, small group and John will show you how to adapt to home if you are still teaching virtually. Games and activities will help you teach the following concepts: operations and fact fluency, commutative and associative properties of + and x, doubles, square facts, place value from tens and ones to millions, decimals, fractions, mental math, multi-digit and mixed operations, probability. Journal masters and student samples will be shared throughout. Shake break music list and lots of practical, engaging math activities will be shared. Be ready to Shake, Dance and do some Math! You will get more out of my math session if you have some regular dice (2 - 14 of them) and a deck of cards (doesn’t even have to be a complete deck).

Moderators

Dena Lanktree

Speakers

John Felling

presenter, Box Cars And One Eyed Jacks

Thursday March 4, 2021 12:30pm - 1:45pm MST
003 - Zoom Live Session none

Curriculum & Pedagogy, Div 1, Div 2 | Inclusive Education, Div 1, Div 2 | Mathematics, Div 1, Div 2

12:30pm MST

Avoid Burnout...And Thrive

Post-Convention Survey

We live in a culture that equates worth with productivity. This dangerous combination can lead to burnout. In this session, we’ll discuss why our sense of value needs to exist inside of us. We’ll look at why our society sends us this harmful messaging and focus on strategies to help us thrive. Come prioritize your work-life balance practice and show your students how to avoid burnout by modeling your own healthy boundaries.

Moderators

Karen Patten

Speakers

Julianne Harvey

Author. Speaker. Nurturer.

Thursday March 4, 2021 12:30pm - 1:45pm MST
009 - Zoom Live Session none

Fostering Effective Relationships, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4 | Health & Wellness, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4 | Professional Issues, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4

12:30pm MST

Core vocabulary learning for functional fluency with BonPatron Xpress

Post-Convention Survey

The purpose of my presentation will be to show teachers how to use a new, interactive vocabulary tool: BonPatron Xpress. This is a free, innovative approach to vocabulary learning that allows students to achieve a functional level in as few as 40 hours, by focusing on: a) key vocabulary (around 500 words); b) reinforcement strategies; and c) basic grammatical concepts. During the session, teachers will learn about the basic steps students should follow to master core French vocabulary. They will also learn how students can quickly move from using individual words to producing their own grammatical correct sentence by integrating the BonPatron grammar checker into the vocabulary learning process. The session is suitable to all levels of French and should be of great interest to teachers of both core French (FSL)and French immersion.

Moderators

MPTCA Secretary

Speakers

Terry Nadasdi

President, Nadaclair Language Technologies

Terry Nadasdi is a Full Professor of linguistics at the University of Alberta. He has published four books and dozens of articles on the topics of language contact, Canadian French and sociolinguistic aspects of bilingualism and language acquisition. He is the co-creator of bonpatron.com... Read More →

Thursday March 4, 2021 12:30pm - 1:45pm MST
011 - Zoom Live Session none

FSL, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4 | Core French, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4

12:30pm MST

A Call to Action for Advancing Indigenous Women in Education: Restoring Balance through Truth, Justice and Reconciliation

Post-Convention Survey

“For our young women, for our grandmothers, for our women who travel with us, we are sacred because we exist. We are sacred because we have survived.”
Throughout this session you will examine historical and contemporary issues, challenges and inequities for Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA peoples including action to support reclaiming power and place. You will deepen your understanding of why it’s crucial to support Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA peoples and how you can contribute to restoring balance within education systems.

Speakers

Melissa Purcell

Executive Staff Officer, Indigenous Education, Professional Development, Alberta Teachers' Association

Thursday March 4, 2021 12:30pm - 1:45pm MST
ATA - Zoom Live Session none

12:30pm MST

Question and Answer Session with Dr. James Makokis and Anthony Johnson.

Post-Convention Survey

Join Anthony and James as they speak from their life experience and share how their involvement in the Indigenous education system has been an important factor in determining the course of their lives specifically as it relates to social change and transformation. They will touch on diversity, racism, resilience, winning The Amazing Race Canada, and everything in between.

If you have questions for either Dr. James Makokis or Anthony Johnson, we are collecting questions ahead of time to allow James and Anthony some idea of what teachers would like to ask. Please fill in the linked form to provide us with your questions. Questions?

Moderators

Genevieve Payeur

Speakers

Dr. James Makokis

Anthony Johnson

Thursday March 4, 2021 12:30pm - 1:45pm MST
001 - Zoom Live Keynote none

12:30pm MST

ARPDC Learn & Go

Post-Convention Survey

This session will tour the ARPDC 1-2-3 Learn & Go asynchronous learning sessions built for you to enhance your professional learning on topics from Literacy, Numeracy & Mathematics, Inclusive Education, Indigenous Education, Instructional Leadership to Pedagogy anytime, anywhere! Each Learn & Go is downloadable for you to access at work or at home and there are learning opportunities available in English and French.

Moderators

Janet Wallentiny

Inclusive Education Coach, PRSD

Speakers

Sandra Ciurysek

Executive Director, NRLC

Sandra the new Executive Director of the Northwest Regional Learning Consortium (NRLC). Sandra is a longtime resident of the Peace Country and lives in Berwyn, Alberta. She holds a Master’s Degree in Education from University of Lethbridge and a Bachelor’s of Education Degree... Read More →

Thursday March 4, 2021 12:30pm - 1:45pm MST
013 - Zoom Live Session none

Language Arts, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4 | Mathematics, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4 | Inclusive Education, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4 | Indigenous Education, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4 | Leadership, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4

12:30pm MST

Giraffe Talk: Helping Kids Shift from Reaction to Requests (Double Session)

Post-Convention Survey

Lips set in a firm line and with shoulders tense, a student yells, “I’m not doing this stupid assignment!” as he throws his scribbler on the floor. Lessons are disrupted. Wouldn’t we enjoy it if our students could express themselves more calmly?

What if the young man was able to say, “Mrs. Libre, I’m really frustrated right now because I just don’t understand long division. It’s stressful because I’m afraid that I’ll get it a different answer than you and that others will laugh at me. I want to understand. Could you please show me how to do the division, again?”

Many students don’t have a strong feeling vocabulary and haven’t learned at home how to express what really matters to them without labelling, blaming, and venting. They are screaming for help in the only way they know how. It’s unclear and it hurts.

This session will give you a practical four-step process for helping students to identify and clearly express what matters to them in a way that promotes an ease-filled classroom learning culture: observations, feelings, needs, and requests.

Moderators

Annie Forney

Speakers

Elke Haggerty

Dialogue Facilitator, Process Works

Welcome! I’m an optimist bursting with ideas who cares deeply for people. What I feel most passionate about is to support people with communication. Why? I see a pain coming from how we speak to ourselves and to others. As a teacher, I imagine you would much rather spend your... Read More →

Thursday March 4, 2021 12:30pm - 3:15pm MST
004 - Zoom Live Session none

Counselling & Student Support, ECE/PreK/K, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3 | Fostering Effective Relationships, ECE/PreK/K, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3

12:30pm MST

Drama in the Classroom (Double Session)

Post-Convention Survey

Using theatre games, speech exercises, movement and text, this hands-on workshop will focus on implementing drama activities into your classroom to enhance Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies and more. This session will address the cognitive and social benefits in incorporating drama into your lessons and will spark lots of creative ideas for your classroom.

Moderators

Laura Storey

Speakers

Tracy Carroll

Tracy Carroll is a director, dramaturg, teacher and producer in Edmonton, and is the Interim Managing Director at Catalyst Theatre.She has held leadership positions at theatres in the region including Co-Artistic Director at Concrete Theatre, Artistic Associate for Alberta Playwrights... Read More →

Thursday March 4, 2021 12:30pm - 3:15pm MST
002 - Zoom Live Session none

Drama & Dance, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4 | English Language Learning, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4 | Inclusive Education, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4

12:45pm MST

Raising kids who aren’t scared of math: The 5 most valuable things you can teach your students!

Post-Convention Survey

Let's be honest. Math can be super stressful for kids,
parents AND teachers these days. Feeling like you can't
do math leads to a lack of confidence, a feeling of
hopelessness, and...a LOT of tears (from everyone
involved)! But guess what? You don't have to be a math
genius in order to inspire one! These 5 super secret (and
super easy!) tips are guaranteed to turn that math frown
upside down - for parents, teachers, AND their kids! This
workshop emphasizes the idea that through teaching
math, teachers can help students see themselves as
creative, confident, and capable of anything. Ready to
transform the way you approach teaching math? Let's do
this!

Moderators

Dan Bishop

Speakers

Vanessa Vahkaria "The Math Guru"

Friday, 9:00 am & 10:20 am

Known as the Lady Gaga of math education, Vanessa is the founder and director of The Math Guru, a super cool boutique math

Thursday March 4, 2021 12:45pm - 1:45pm MST
012 - Zoom Live Session none

12:45pm MST

All About Honeybees

Post-Convention Survey

Did you know that bees have 5 eyes? All About Honeybees focusses on the bee’s natural history and is relevant to anyone interested in bees, thinking about beekeeping, or teaching about insects. This session will provide a foundational understanding of honeybee biology, evolution, anatomy, society, casts, and seasonal changes.

Moderators

Julian Camsell

PWA

Speakers

Dustin Bajer

Urban Agriculture High Program Coordinator, Public Ecology / Sustainable Food Edmonton

Thursday March 4, 2021 12:45pm - 1:45pm MST
008 - Zoom Live Session none

Environmental & Outdoor Education, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4 | Science, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4

12:45pm MST

Rebranding and School Logos

Post-Convention Survey

This session is designed for anyone interested in learning about the rebranding process and the significance school logos have in contributing towards school culture. During this session, attendees will participate in a sample school logo and rebranding process that can be applied back at their site.
School logos are more than what is displayed on the front of a jersey. Every member of a school should feel a connection to the school’s logo, and know that it is the symbol of the virtues that the school is promoting. As a member of the school community your behavior (in the hallway, on a team, on a fieldtrip, towards a guest speaker, etc) is reflective of the school’s virtues, and the school’s logo is the symbol of those virtues.

Moderators

Joan Godbout

Speakers

Les Worthington

Principal, Wabamun School

I'm in my eighteenth year of teaching, and tenth as a principal. I've worked in Fort Vermilion School Division, Grande Yellowhead Public School Division and am currently with Parkland School Division. I spent my first 8 years teaching grades 1-6 before becoming principal of Entwistle... Read More →

Thursday March 4, 2021 12:45pm - 1:45pm MST
007 - Zoom Live Session none

Fostering Effective Relationships, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Admin/Leadership | School Leadership, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Admin/Leadership

12:45pm MST

Ce n’est pas du fake news...je pense?!?

Post-Convention Survey

Aujourd’hui nous sommes bombardés d’informations. Nos élèves doivent être en mesure de faire la distinction entre la vraie et la fausse nouvelle pour devenir des citoyens éduqués et culturels. Les participants de cet atelier exploreront des stratégies qui servent à évaluer la source et pertinence d’un texte. De plus, ils découvriront des articles et textes écrits et oraux utiles pour le niveau langagier de leurs élèves d’immersion et qui font vivre la langue et la culture francophone. Les activités d’apprentissage permettent aux élèves de développer leurs compétences de communication et de pensée critique.

Moderators

Suzanne Lessard

GPPSD - École Montrose

Speakers

Shauna Nero

Directrice Adjointe, MPSD

Thursday March 4, 2021 12:45pm - 1:45pm MST
006 - Zoom Live Session none

FSL, Div 3, Div 4

12:45pm MST

Laugh Out Loud Literary Devices

Post-Convention Survey

We all know the serious side of creative writing, but what about the lighter side of the literary arts? This workshop will hit the funny bone of disengaged students with laugh out loud examples of personification, simile, metaphor, hyperbole, and more! Add in some activities that allow students to practice these devices, and get ready to see some beautiful and hilarious results. Regardless of the outcome, it will be seriously good writing!

Moderators

Josie Thibault

MPTCA Social Director

Speakers

Miranda Krogstad

Presenter / Content creator, YYSpeak

Miranda Krogstad is a spoken word poet and educator who uses her words to empower students of all ages and walks of life. Teaching life skills including self-confidence, self-expression, and community-building, she has performed workshops in dozens of cities across Western Canada... Read More →

Thursday March 4, 2021 12:45pm - 1:45pm MST
010 - Zoom Live Session none

Language Arts, Div 3, Div 4

2:00pm MST

How is it Really Going? Teaching Health and Phys Ed in a Pandemic

Post-Convention Survey

Join Ever Active Schools and speakers from K-12, Sport and Post-Secondary settings for an honest conversation about the realities and challenges of teaching Health and Physical Education in 2021. We want to hear from you - what is working? What kinds of supports do you need? What success stories can we share with each other? This is a live, online workshop.

Moderators

Monique Gravel

Speakers

Ever Active Schools

Supporting Healthy School Communities

Thursday March 4, 2021 2:00pm - 3:15pm MST
013 - Zoom Live Session none

Curriculum & Pedagogy, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4, Admin/Leadership | Health & Wellness, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4, Admin/Leadership | Physical Education, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4, Admin/Leadership

2:00pm MST

Coping During COVID, Naturally

Post-Convention Survey

Science is finally starting to catch up with what Indigenous people, poets, sages and mystics intuitively knew. Nature heals, Naturally. Join Susanne for a science backed interactive session to learn how to immediately put into practice natural healing practices with nature that will benefit you and your students physical, mental and emotional wellness.

Moderators

Dena Lanktree

Speakers

Susanne Heaton

Owner, Motivated by Nature

Thursday March 4, 2021 2:00pm - 3:15pm MST
005 - Zoom Live Session none

2:00pm MST

Write On: Hands-On Activities To Get Your Students Going

Post-Convention Survey

While many students have the ability to create Pullitzer-worthy pieces, getting pen to paper can be somewhat of a challenge. Especially in youth, where inhibitions and insecurities are at an all-time high, putting ourselves out there creatively can be daunting. Using a series of prompts and games, however, this workshop will take some of the pressure off of the blank page. Giving students an “in” regardless of their abilities and interest, we will try some hands-on activities that will get the ink flowing from even your most reluctant writers!

Moderators

Heather McIlroy

High School English and Social Studies TeacherGrande Prairie Composite High School

Speakers

Miranda Krogstad

Presenter / Content creator, YYSpeak

Thursday March 4, 2021 2:00pm - 3:15pm MST
010 - Zoom Live Session none

English Language Learning, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4 | Language Arts, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4

2:00pm MST

Mental Toughness - How Champions are Built

Post-Convention Survey

Help your students build their Mental Toughness muscles and shift from timid to brave, from problem focused to solution oriented. Use your influence to teach the most important Mental Toughness skill; COURAGE.

Moderators

Janet Wallentiny

Inclusive Education Coach, PRSD

Speakers

Shawnee Harle

President, Winning Matters

I work with athletes, parents and coaches from all sports, helping them become the best version of themselves. With my online learning platform and private Facebook group, I teach clients that sport not only builds character, it reveals it. Once we build our Mental Toughness toolkit... Read More →

Thursday March 4, 2021 2:00pm - 3:15pm MST
003 - Zoom Live Session none

Fostering Effective Relationships, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4 | Health & Wellness, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4 | Physical Education, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4

2:00pm MST

Using the Bonpatron grammar checker with your students

Post-Convention Survey

The purpose of my presentation will be to show teachers how to efficiently use bonpatron.com, an interactive grammar checker for learners of French. The tool is designed to catch and explain errors that are typical of French immersion students. I will discuss the various features of the grammar checker, discuss ideas for using it for your students’ first drafts and also discuss the grammar guide the accompanies the site. The session will target French immersion, but should be of interest to anyone who teaches students that are capable of writing one or two sentences in French.

Moderators

Joan Godbout

Speakers

Terry Nadasdi

President, Nadaclair Language Technologies

Thursday March 4, 2021 2:00pm - 3:15pm MST
011 - Zoom Live Session none

FSL, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4 | Core French, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4

2:00pm MST

Weaving Learning Strands for Inclusive Education

Post-Convention Survey

The new Teaching Quality Standard requires all teachers to “establish, promote and sustain inclusive learning environments where diversity is embraced and every student is welcomed, cared for, respected and safe”. Where should you start!? In this session, you will be introduced to short, interactive activities designed to enhance your understanding of inclusive education, resources specifically produced to build your competence and confidence; and ideas about the many paths you can pursue on your future professional inclusive education learning journey.

Moderators

Suzanne Lessard

GPPSD - École Montrose

Speakers

Melissa Purcell

Executive Staff Officer, Indigenous Education, Professional Development, Alberta Teachers' Association

Thursday March 4, 2021 2:00pm - 3:15pm MST
ATA - Zoom Live Session none

Inclusive Education, ECE/PreK/K, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4

2:15pm MST

Fine Arts Sharing Session

Post-Convention Survey

Do you teach drama, music, art or dance? Often the greatest resources we have are our colleagues from other schools and programs but we don't often get a chance to be in the same room at the same time, talking about what works well in our classrooms and studios! Bring your three best ideas, samples, lesson plans and/or rubrics and be ready to share with other teachers from around the peace region. I'll compile the list from our session to create a working file of ideas to help energize our best practices.

Moderators

Rhonda Johnson

Speakers

Laurel Pritchard

Teacher, PWSD 76

For almost 30 years, in classrooms all over the world, it has been a privilege to support students in their creative discoveries. I believe in Arts Education and in the beauty and courage of the human heart. You could talk to me about art, music, drama, teaching, learning, caring... Read More →

Thursday March 4, 2021 2:15pm - 3:15pm MST
006 - Zoom Live Session none

Art, Div 1 | Drama & Dance, Div 1 | Music & Band, Div 1

2:15pm MST

Using Fear to Fuel Creativity

Post-Convention Survey

In a post pandemic world, we all feel fear. The key is to use it to propel us forward, instead of remaining paralyzed in its grip. In this session, we’ll look at why we prefer talking about making things instead of actually doing them. How do we harness our fear and use it as fuel to better our world? Come learn strategies to practice living out your own creative impulses so your students have a brave example to follow.

Moderators

Karen Patten

Speakers

Julianne Harvey

Author. Speaker. Nurturer.

Thursday March 4, 2021 2:15pm - 3:15pm MST
009 - Zoom Live Session none

Art, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4 | Health & Wellness, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4 | Professional Issues, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4

2:15pm MST

Why cheerleaders suck at math (& other BS stereotypes)

Post-Convention Survey

Despite the fact that girls and boys achieve the same
level of success in math class, girls are disproportionately
represented in post-secondary STEM programs and
what’s crazier is that despite increasing test scores,
young women still profess in large numbers to be BAD at
math! This workshop explores the force exerting the most
influence on teenage students: popular culture and mass
media. Together we will discuss how we might change
math culture so that girls grow up with the understanding
that math is just as cool as Kim K's butt, and DEFINITELY
way more empowering!

Moderators

Tasha Zboya

Speakers

Vanessa Vahkaria "The Math Guru"

Friday, 9:00 am & 10:20 am

Known as the Lady Gaga of math education, Vanessa is the founder and director of The Math Guru, a super cool boutique math

Thursday March 4, 2021 2:15pm - 3:15pm MST
012 - Zoom Live Session none

Diversity Equity & Human Rights, ECE/PreK/K, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4, Admin/Leadership | Mathematics, ECE/PreK/K, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4, Admin/Leadership

2:15pm MST

Urban Ag in the Classroom: 5 Dos and 5 Don'ts

Post-Convention Survey

During his teaching career, Dustin Bajer and his students built classroom aquaponics systems, school gardens, and permaculture food forests.

In this session, Dustin will highlight many of the urban agriculture projects happening in classrooms across Alberta, provide tips for implementing urban agriculture in your classroom, share a list of best practices, and a few common mistakes.

Moderators

Julian Camsell

PWA

Speakers

Dustin Bajer

Urban Agriculture High Program Coordinator, Public Ecology / Sustainable Food Edmonton

Thursday March 4, 2021 2:15pm - 3:15pm MST
008 - Zoom Live Session none

Environmental & Outdoor Education, Div 3, Div 4 | Learning Commons & Makerspaces, Div 3, Div 4 | Science, Div 3, Div 4

2:15pm MST

Keeping the Doors Open

Post-Convention Survey

This session is designed for anyone who is concerned about school closure due to decreased enrollment. During this interactive presentation we will discuss key questions, including: "Who should you engage?", "What makes your school unique?", "How do you brag about your brand?", and others.
Declining enrollment is a challenge that both urban and rural schools face. Participants is this session will come away with strategies that can be implemented immediately to help encourage growth in student enrollment.

Moderators

Maxine Maxwell

Speakers

Les Worthington

Principal, Wabamun School

Thursday March 4, 2021 2:15pm - 3:15pm MST
007 - Zoom Live Session none

Reflection/Collaboration, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Admin/Leadership | School Leadership, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Admin/Leadership

3:30pm MST

Wine and Cheese

Post-Convention Survey

Virtual BYO “Wine and Cheese” (or anything else you'd like to eat and drink)
MPTCA attendees can meet up with friends and colleagues during this live Zoom meeting. Breakout rooms will be created for teachers to hang out and chat about their first day attending our first virtual Convention.

Speakers

Josie Thibault

MPTCA Social Director

Thursday March 4, 2021 3:30pm - 5:00pm MST
Zoom Live Event none

SPECIAL EVENT

9:00am MST

Building Resiliency

Post-Convention Survey

Come laugh and learn some coping strategies that will bring some peace and joy to your busy, stressful life. A century of research tells us that there are four experiences that create a strong human being: Competence, Power, Significance, and Virtue. Learn how to foster these experiences for yourself and your students.
Discover specific strategies, skills and attitudes that build resiliency at all ages. Learn how to transform challenges into growth and find motivation and meaning. “You are not born with a fixed amount of resilience. Like a muscle, you can build it up, draw on it when you need it." - Sheryl Sandberg

Moderators

Carol Davidson

Speakers

Dan Bateman

Sessional Instructor, Concordia University of Edmonton

Dan Bateman is an Instructor and University Facilitator at Concordia University in the Faculty of Education. He has delivered over 200 professional development sessions for teachers throughout Alberta. These workshops focus on practical strategies for creating productive learning... Read More →

Friday March 5, 2021 9:00am - 10:15am MST
014 Zoom Live Session

9:00am MST

Teaching and Learning with Minecraft: Education Edition

Post-Convention Survey

Learn how to use Minecraft Education Edition (MEE) to engage your students in a world they know and love. Minecraft gets students excited about curricular content and builds a community in your classroom. Find prebuilt worlds and lesson plans for Math, Chemistry, Science, Language Arts and Social Studies for all age groups. Bring students together in class or school wide build challenges. Assess student learning, accessibility tools built in so all students can participate and learn.

Moderators

MPTCA Secretary

Speakers

Dexter Pizzey

Community Development Specialist/ Teaching and Learning with Minecraft, Microsoft

Dexter Pizzey is a certified Microsoft Innovative Educator and Minecraft Education Edition trainer. He has been working with Microsoft for over 8 years. In his roles at Microsoft, he has trained enterprise customers, teachers, parents, students, nonprofits, and everything in between... Read More →

Friday March 5, 2021 9:00am - 10:30am MST
002 - Zoom Live Session none

Assessment, Div 3, Div 4, Admin/Leadership | Inclusive Education, Div 3, Div 4, Admin/Leadership | Technology, Div 3, Div 4, Admin/Leadership

9:00am MST

Rolling Into Fact Fluency - Primary Math Games

Post-Convention Survey

Who knew regular dice could be used to teach so many areas of the curriculum? And that double dice could double the math and the fun! The games taught in this workshop are both our favorites and our students' favorites. Games will focus on the following concepts: operational fluency in basic addition, subtraction, doubles, near doubles, +1, -1, count on make 10, commutative and associative properties, fact families and more. Learn ways to engage and motivate your primary students with some of our best games that allow for meaningful and easy to differentiate activities. John will share ways to adapt to home settings if you are still teaching virtually. Gameboards, student samples, journal writing extensions will be shared throughout. You will get more out of my math session if you have some regular dice (2 - 14 of them) and a deck of cards (doesn’t even have to be a complete deck).

Moderators

Annie Forney

Speakers

John Felling

presenter, Box Cars And One Eyed Jacks

Friday March 5, 2021 9:00am - 10:30am MST
003 - Zoom Live Session none

Curriculum & Pedagogy, ECE/PreK/K, Div 1 | Inclusive Education, ECE/PreK/K, Div 1 | Mathematics, ECE/PreK/K, Div 1

9:00am MST

The Pandemic Pulse: Rapid Research Evidence on COVID-19 Impacts Across Alberta K-12 Schools (45 min interactive session)

Post-Convention Survey

This session will share the key findings from a series of pandemic research activities conducted by the profession of teaching in Alberta in the Spring and Fall 2020 and Winter 2021.

It will then open up small group discussions about what this tells us about the future of teaching and learning in Alberta, and what trends will begin to emerge in the months and years ahead in light of the emerging issues, forces and accelerating trends identified in the Association’s pandemic pulse research surveys.

Resource: https://www.teachers.ab.ca/News%20Room/Issues/COVID-19/2020-School-Re-entry/Pages/Teacher-Pandemic-Pulse-Survey-Results--Fall-2020.aspx

Speakers

Phil McRae

Associate Coordinator, Research • Government, The Alberta Teachers' Association

Dr. Philip McRae is Executive Staff Officer and Associate Coordinator, Government-Research with the Alberta Teachers’ Association and Adjunct Professor within the Faculty of Education at the University of Alberta where he earned his Ph.D. Phil is the past winner of the Alberta Excellence... Read More →

Friday March 5, 2021 9:00am - 10:30am MST
001 - Zoom Live Keynote none

Educational Research, ECE/PreK/K, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4 | Professional Issues, ECE/PreK/K, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4 | Keynote, ECE/PreK/K, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4

9:00am MST

Parler français : la découverte langagière continue même à la maison !

Post-Convention Survey

Venez explorer une variété de stratégies et d'activités pour promouvoir la communication orale. Dans cette série de trois webinaires, nous souhaitons enrichir votre boîte à outils pour encourager et soutenir les élèves à parler français à la maison. Les activités sont interactives et favorisent la communication en français non seulement avec l’enseignant, mais aussi et surtout avec les autres à la maison avec un parent, un frère, une sœur, ou un ami en ligne selon la situation. Pendant la session, vous aurez le temps de faire l'expérience de certaines activités et/ou de discuter de la façon dont vous vous adaptez à votre contexte dans de petits groupes (breakouts). L’isolement actuel ne nous empêche pas d’avoir des rapports vivants avec nos élèves et de poursuivre l’usage de la langue française à la maison, même si les parents ne parlent pas français.

Moderators

Chantal Gallant

Session Moderator, Mighty Peace Teachers' Convention

Speakers

Marylou Gammans

Learning Network

Marylou est une enseignante passionnée par l'évolution rapide de la science du cerveau et ses possibilités d'informer nos expériences en classe. Dans mon travail avec les écoles d'immersion française et francophones, j'apporte une attention particulière à la langue orale... Read More →

Friday March 5, 2021 9:00am - 10:30am MST
006 - Zoom Live Session none

FSL

9:00am MST

ASEBP Benefit Overview Presentation

Post-Convention Survey

Benefits Overview Presentation

Moderators

Jeanne Lawrence

PRSD

Speakers

ASEBP

Louise Niles

Benefit Specialist, ASEBP

Friday March 5, 2021 9:00am - 10:30am MST
005 - Zoom Live Session none

Health & Wellness, Admin/Leadership

9:00am MST

How to Get Happy For No Reason

Post-Convention Survey

You just had a day that was unbelievably challenging. It seemed like there was one thing after another, and normally, that would have your stress levels sky-rocketing, but for some reason, you feel deeply happy and nothing phased you.

What was the reason? You learned how to become Happy For No Reason and you’ve been practicing simple happiness habits that support your well-being, no matter what life throws at you.

Where did you learn these happiness habits? At the amazing session at the Teachers Convention, of course. You decided to learn how to take your happiness into your own hands and no longer rely on outer circumstances to make or break your mood. High five for your great choice!

In this session you’ll learn how to:
-transform your happiness set point so that you feel happier more of the time
-implement practical skills and powerful techniques that will boost your overall happiness
-stay calm, centered and grounded, even in chaos
-make your thoughts your allies
-own your life and gain clarity on what you really want

Moderators

Suzanne Lessard

GPPSD - École Montrose

Speakers

Christina Marlett

Courageous Self-Care

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

Friday March 5, 2021 9:00am - 10:30am MST
004 - Zoom Live Session none

Health & Wellness, ECE/PreK/K, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4, Admin/Leadership

9:00am MST

Time Matters - Why knowing your assignment is important!

Post-Convention Survey

So, you discover you’ve reached 1200 hours of assigned duties in May. What next? Can you pack your bags and head to the lake?

There are limits in the collective agreement regarding how much work can be assigned to teachers. Check this session out to find out what counts for instruction, what is assignable and what are your "professional duties". Find out how to use the calculator to see how close you are to the maximums.

Now is a really good time to figure this out because no, you can’t just leave when you reach 1200 hours – any changes to your schedule should happen in the next few months to prevent you exceeding that limit.

Speakers

Michelle Glavine

Executive Staff Officer, Teacher Employment Services (SARO), Alberta Teachers' Association

Michelle joined the Association’s Teacher Employment Services (formerly Teacher Welfare) executive staff in 2019. Michelle holds a Labour Relations Certificate and an Advanced Labour Relations Certificate from Queen’s University, a MEd in Educational Leadership from the University... Read More →

Friday March 5, 2021 9:00am - 10:30am MST
ATA - Zoom Live Session none

Professional Issues, ECE/PreK/K, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4, Admin/Leadership

9:15am MST

Build a Moral Conscience in your Students

Post-Convention Survey

We live in a polarized world, with politicians shouting on Twitter, a 24-hour news cycle, selfies flooding our social media feeds and little white lies becoming the cultural norm. How do we encourage students to value truth and make healthy moral and ethical decisions with so much noise in the background? Can we be effective at this ourselves? Come learn strategies around empathy awareness, mindfulness, open-ended questions, guilt vs. shame, conditioned societal gender roles, natural consequences, creative discipline tactics that reach the heart and more.

Moderators

Joan Godbout

Speakers

Julianne Harvey

Author. Speaker. Nurturer.

Friday March 5, 2021 9:15am - 10:30am MST
009 - Zoom Live Session none

Counselling & Student Support, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4 | Diversity Equity & Human Rights, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4 | Health & Wellness, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4

9:15am MST

Teen Sexting, Nudes, and Distribution of Intimate Images

Post-Convention Survey

Smartphones, with the ability to send media instantaneously, have become the primary method in how teens will share what they call “nudes.” This behaviour comes with challenges for teens, parents, caregivers, law enforcement, schools, and communities. This program will summarize what over 250 academic peer-reviewed research projects have concluded on this behaviour. In addition, Canadian case law, and online investigative experience with teens and families will be discussed. The session will highlight influences, consent, choices, consequences that youth interact with. We will explore options teens have to reduce legal liability and reduce harm emotionally, psychologically, physically or socially specific to frequent challenges. Topic themes will include but not limited to exploitation, extortion, trust, law, privacy, incident response, and harm reduction. Information presented is sourced from research experience, literature review analysis, online investigation experience, and digital safety practitioner knowledge. This program is ideal for anyone that work with teens. (program can be 1-2 hours)

Moderators

Tasha Zboya

Speakers

Brandon Laur

Teen Sexting, The White Hatter

Brandon Laur’s background includes a varied assortment of academic studies and professional work placements. He earned a master’s degree in Professional Communication, specializing in online manipulation. Professionally he has been employed with Personal Protection Systems working... Read More →

Friday March 5, 2021 9:15am - 10:30am MST
011 - Zoom Live Session none

Counselling & Student Support, Div 3, Div 4, Admin/Leadership | Health & Wellness, Div 3, Div 4, Admin/Leadership | School Leadership, Div 3, Div 4, Admin/Leadership

9:15am MST

How to Have Candid Conversations: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion…” Are you ready to talk?”

Post-Convention Survey

In the workshop How to Have Candid Conversation: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion…”Are you ready to talk?”, the audience will participate in an interactive training, that will help them think differently about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. We will remove misconceptions, and stereotypes and engage in thought provoking dialog that will be the catalyst for change and acceptance of everyone in this high-octane social unrest environment. I guarantee that the audience will leave with at least 5 to 10 practices and principles they can activate in their personal and professional lives immediately.
Learning Points:
• Understand the importance of establishing a Culture for your organization
• Differentiate clearly between Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
• Understand why Unconscious Bias can tear down an organization
• Distinguish the difference between Microaggression and Macroaggression
• Develop best practices to follow to circumvent a hostile work environment
• Understand a new way of working together in a cohesive environment

Moderators

Maxine Maxwell

Speakers

Kevin Coleman

Empowerment Coach, Trainer, and Speaker, KMC EMPOWERMENT LLC

Kevin M. Coleman is the Founder of KMC Empowerment, LLC where he provides executive coaching, empowering speeches, and professional development training to make individuals and organizations successful. This is done through inspiring leaders to define clear vision, mission, and value... Read More →

Friday March 5, 2021 9:15am - 10:30am MST
008 - Zoom Live Session none

Diversity Equity & Human Rights, Admin/Leadership | Fostering Effective Relationships, Admin/Leadership | School Leadership, Admin/Leadership

9:15am MST

Covid Safe Drama Games

Post-Convention Survey

Zany drama games you can play at a distance and online! This hands-on, interactive session will feature tons of games that invite connection, physicalization and playfulness into your classroom in the time of social distancing. Together we will explore ways to cultivate play while maintaining distance and examine how the constraints of a distanced & virtual environment can become part of the game.

Moderators

Dena Lanktree

Speakers

Jacqueline Russell

Director, Performer, Arts Educator

Jacqueline (BFA, MFA) specializes in clown, mask, immersive theatre creation and theatre for young audiences. She was the Artistic Producer of Handsome Alice Theatre from 2011-2015, the 2013-14 RBC Emerging Director at Lunchbox Theatre and the Artistic Producer for Evergreen Theatre... Read More →

Friday March 5, 2021 9:15am - 10:30am MST
012 - Zoom Live Session none

Drama & Dance, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4 | Health & Wellness, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4 | Language Arts, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4

9:15am MST

Visuals - An "in depth" look

Post-Convention Survey

After hearing 'use visuals' for the umpteenth time in a report as a suggested strategy, I finally had the opportunity to really study more in depth the possibilities and power of using visuals. This is when I began to see possibilities for me as a classroom teacher, EA, coach, or even for my own personal usage. Visuals are a research based strategy and you can come to hear a bit of theory and tons of practical ideas. Come and see the visuals!

Moderators

Janet Wallentiny

Inclusive Education Coach, PRSD

Speakers

Carmen Moore

CMooreinEducation

Carmen Moore was most recently working as an Inclusive Education Coach for Peace Wapiti School Division 76. She is a former classroom teacher, principal, classroom support teacher and has over twenty years of teaching experience. Carmen received her masters of education (MRE) as well... Read More →

Friday March 5, 2021 9:15am - 10:30am MST
007 - Zoom Live Session none

Educational Research, ECE/PreK/K, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4 | Inclusive Education, ECE/PreK/K, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4 | Inclusive Education, ECE/PreK/K, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4

9:15am MST

Winter is a Time for Stories

Post-Convention Survey

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.

Moderators

Heather McIlroy

High School English and Social Studies TeacherGrande Prairie Composite High School

Speakers

Phillip Campiou

Knowledge Keeper, Elder

Friday March 5, 2021 9:15am - 10:30am MST
013 - Zoom Live Session none

English Language Learning, ECE/PreK/K, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4 | Indigenous Education, ECE/PreK/K, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4 | Language Arts, ECE/PreK/K, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4

9:15am MST

Dissection: Current Trends and Alternatives

Post-Convention Survey

Dissection is common practice in Alberta high school science classes, but is it necessary?
In this session we will discuss the pedagogical merit of animal and non-animal teaching methods along with the ethical considerations for common species used in dissection. We will look at current animal use trends in post-secondary institutes, including uses in teaching, testing and research. Finally, we will explore alternatives and discuss student opt-in policies used by some Canadian school districts.
In this session we will discuss:
-the pedagogical merit of animal (dissection) versus non-animal (alternatives) teaching methods
-the use of animals in universities including veterinary schools
-student opt-in policies

Moderators

Genevieve Payeur

Speakers

Melissa Logan

Director of Education, Alberta SPCA

Melissa is a science teacher who works in animal welfare education at the Alberta SPCA. She started her teaching career in a high school science classroom, then moved to the Alberta SPCA’s Education Department in 2007. She holds a BSc, and a BEd from the University of Lethbridge... Read More →

Friday March 5, 2021 9:15am - 10:30am MST
010 - Zoom Live Session none

Science, Div 3, Div 4

10:30am MST

The Happiness Principle!

Post-Convention Survey

Happiness increases productivity; both yours and your students! Discover how to stay joyful and enthusiastic when overwhelmed by the challenges of teaching. This session will illuminate helpful strategies for promoting wellness, happiness and student engagement in the classroom. Come laugh, decompress and learn some self-care. These tried and true, evidence-based practices will help you create a positive, happy and productive classroom.

Moderators

Carol Davidson

Speakers

Dan Bateman

Sessional Instructor, Concordia University of Edmonton

Friday March 5, 2021 10:30am - 11:45am MST
014 Zoom Live Session

Curriculum & Pedagogy, ECE/PreK/K, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4 | Health & Wellness, ECE/PreK/K, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4

10:30am MST

TGIF! Junior High Math Games to Close the Gaps

Post-Convention Survey

This workshop will focus on strategies and math games teachers in middle years or Junior High can use to help their students "catch up" on some of the concepts they should have already mastered, but haven't. Come play games that incorporate the use of cards and dice that will help rebuild the following concepts: addition and multiplication fact fluency, place value including decimals and fractions, mixed operations and order of operations. The games are both engaging and motivating and are easily differentiated to more closely address the individual needs of students and the gaps they have in their learning. They will help rebuild confidence and competence and are great for regular, ESL, special ed. Whether you are teaching whole class, small group or virtually you will get some great ideas to use in your math program. Gameboards, student samples shared throughout. Come prepared to PLAY. You will get more out of my math session if you have some regular dice (2 - 14 of them) and a deck of cards (doesn’t even have to be a complete deck).

Moderators

Genevieve Payeur

Speakers

John Felling

presenter, Box Cars And One Eyed Jacks

Friday March 5, 2021 10:30am - 11:45am MST
003 - Zoom Live Session none

Curriculum & Pedagogy, Div 2, Div 3 | Inclusive Education, Div 2, Div 3 | Mathematics, Div 2, Div 3

10:30am MST

Forecasting the Future & Identifying Four Strong Forces of Change for Society (45 min interactive session)

Post-Convention Survey

Societies around the world are in the midst of a period of change and transformation unlike any other time over the last 100 years. In this conversation, Dr. McRae will highlight four significant trends (a return of walls, environmental sustainability, automation and digital networks, and artificial intelligence in education) that will change the landscape of schools around the world over the next two decades. This interactive conversation will also discuss new research in small groups from a partnership with Harvard Medical School and Sesame Workshop on the world’s largest study of technology, health and learning and how digital technologies are actively (re)shaping our societies. Most importantly, Dr. Phil will share advice on how we might all achieve a fine balance in a rapidly changing and digitally saturated world.

Resource: https://www.teachers.ab.ca/SiteCollectionDocuments/ATA/Publications/Albertas-Education-System/Changing%20Landscape%202020-2040%20Final%20Document.pdf

Speakers

Phil McRae

Associate Coordinator, Research • Government, The Alberta Teachers' Association

Friday March 5, 2021 10:30am - 11:45am MST
001 - Zoom Live Keynote none

10:30am MST

Concept-based and Colonies

Post-Convention Survey

The Alberta Colony Educator’s Specialist Council presents a session for Hutterite Colony Educators with a focus on effective concept-based teaching on colonies. This session will also delve into the challenges of teaching in multi-grade environments, effective teaching strategies, and a sharing session to finish off. We hope you join us to learn and collaborate.

Moderators

Tasha Zboya

Speakers

Rebecca Webster

Rebecca Webster has taught every grade from Kindergarten to Grade 12 over her fourteen year career, the last eleven of which she has been with Prairie Land School Division in rural Alberta educating on Hutterite colonies. This is her fifth year as principal of all nine Hutterite colony... Read More →

Friday March 5, 2021 10:30am - 11:45am MST
005 - Zoom Live Session none

English Language Learning, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3 | Reflection/Collaboration, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3

10:30am MST

Le théâtre pour promouvoir la communication orale et l’interaction sociale.

Post-Convention Survey

Lors de cette formation, les participants exploreront les stratégies théâtrales qui favorisent la communication orale et l’appréciation de multiples perspectives. Ils découvriront comment utiliser ces stratégies individuellement, ou comment les associer à un livre d’images ou à un roman pour une compréhension authentique et approfondie. Cet atelier présentera une collection d’activités collaboratives et amusantes, basées sur le mouvement qui promeut la communication orale.

Moderators

Dena Lanktree

Speakers

Marylou Gammans

Learning Network

Friday March 5, 2021 10:30am - 11:45am MST
006 - Zoom Live Session none

FSL

10:30am MST

How to Get More Energy (without caffeine!)

Post-Convention Survey

Have you ever wished you had more energy… maybe around 1:00pm (or 8:00am or 7:00pm) when your body is crying out for its caffeine fix or a nice comfy couch and a mindless show? What if you learned how to create your own energy instead of riding the highs and lows that dictate your life and keep you stuck?

Attend this session to learn how to transform your life with the Energy Codes. You’ll learn how to activate untapped energy and neurocircuitry in your body, empower your hidden potential, and become one with your true self.

Sounds a bit out-there? Not to worry. It’s grounded in energy medicine, neurobiology, and quantum physics. You’ll discover how to awaken your true health, eliminate pain, master your emotions and activate so much energy that it overflows. Free yourself from the roller coaster and become the true master of your life.

Moderators

Lorna McIlroy

president, Alberta Retired Teachers Association

Speakers

Christina Marlett

Courageous Self-Care

Friday March 5, 2021 10:30am - 11:45am MST
004 - Zoom Live Session none

Health & Wellness, ECE/PreK/K, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4, Admin/Leadership

10:30am MST

How to teach humour for stress relief, life skills and fun!

Post-Convention Survey

This workshop is an informative and interactive session discussing the place of humour in your classroom. Susan has “lived” humour in her own classroom and has developed actual humour lessons suitable for the grade eight (and up) level. She will discuss how humour works in the classroom and how to solve and resolve problems through humour. This will spill over to the staffroom as well.
After participating in this workshop, teachers will:
• Be able to discuss humour with their students
• Teach a unit about humour to Grade eight (and up) students
• Encourage students to bring out their “inner comic” by developing a funny story about themselves.

Moderators

Janet Wallentiny

Inclusive Education Coach, PRSD

Speakers

Susan Carter

How to Teach Humour for Stress Relief, Life Skills and Fun

Susan Carter holds a B.Ed. from the University of Regina and has taught in four provinces. In 1993 she decided to act upon a long-time dream of doing standup comedy! Susan shows you how to deal with all the changes involved in our teaching world with a laugh. Creative coping ideas... Read More →

Friday March 5, 2021 10:30am - 11:45am MST
002 - Zoom Live Session none

Health & Wellness, Div 3, Div 4 | Curriculum & Pedagogy, Div 3, Div 4

10:30am MST

Teaching During a Pandemic

Post-Convention Survey

Teaching during a pandemic has impacted all of us in many ways.

Teachers are indispensable to their learning communities, however, they are vulnerable to being intensely affected and possibly damaged by their work. The COVID-19 crisis has intensified this impact on some of our colleagues more than others.

Safely responding to the COVID-19 pandemic has often meant dramatic changes in teaching practice and daily routines. Additionally, teachers are regularly being directed to do work outside the scope of their professional teaching practice. Many things have changed during the COVID-19 pandemic, however, collective agreement entitlements have not.

Speakers

Kristine Wilkinson

Executive Staff Officer, Government, Alberta Teachers' Association

Kristine Wilkinson joined the Association’s executive staff in 2021. She holds an Advanced Labour Relations Certificate from Queen’s University, an Education degree from Concordia University and a Masters in Educational Psychology (School Counselling) from the University of... Read More →

Friday March 5, 2021 10:30am - 11:45am MST
ATA - Zoom Live Session none

Professional Issues, ECE/PreK/K, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4, Admin/Leadership

10:45am MST

Supercharge Your Virtual Classroom Video

Post-Convention Survey

Stop the boring Zoom video calls and enhance your meetings will free professional tools like OBS and virtual cameras. Even options on how to use your phone as a second video source. Have you tried a greenscreen? This session will overview using tools you likely already have, free online resources, and quality on the cheap upgrades making you stand out and enhance your engagement. Learn tips and tricks from The White Hatter’s experience over the last 2 years building their own broadcast studio used to connect with classrooms across North America.

Moderators

Josie Thibault

MPTCA Social Director

Speakers

Brandon Laur

Teen Sexting, The White Hatter

Friday March 5, 2021 10:45am - 11:45am MST
011 - Zoom Live Session none

Curriculum & Pedagogy, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4, Admin/Leadership | School Leadership, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4, Admin/Leadership | Technology, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4, Admin/Leadership

10:45am MST

Sleight of Hand Sleight of Mind… the magic behind war propaganda

Post-Convention Survey

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. Dozens of examples of Misdirection are exposed to produce astonishing OMG! MOMENTS. The session offers four general rules for detecting War Propaganda.

Moderators

Dan Bishop

Speakers

Greg Hunter

Social Studies

Greg Hunter taught Science in Alberta for 30 years. His talks promote an understanding and teaching of History based on Evidence and Reason and a vigilance against Dogma and Bias. Adam Hochschild, Professor at UC Berkeley and author of 'King Leopold's Ghost' said, “Greg's talks... Read More →

Friday March 5, 2021 10:45am - 11:45am MST
007 - Zoom Live Session none

Curriculum & Pedagogy, Div 3, Div 4 | Science, Div 3, Div 4 | Social Studies, Div 3, Div 4

10:45am MST

Legacy Schools – education is key to reconciliation

Post-Convention Survey

The Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund (DWF) was created out of two families coming together to make change, uphold Chanie and Gord’s legacies, and create a pathway on the journey toward reconciliation.

DWF provides access to education on the true history of Indigenous peoples in Canada and the true history and legacy of Residential Schools. We encourage reconciliation by way of our programming and events.

The Downie & Wenjack Fund Legacy Schools program is an opportunity for classrooms/schools to lead the movement in awareness of the history and impact of the Residential School System. Educators will use a Legacy Schools Toolkit and educational support resources to engage students, staff and the school community, and as the catalyst for their commitment to the work of reconciliation.

Moderators

MPTCA Secretary

Speakers

Lisa Prinn

Manager, Education & Activation, Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund

Lisa Prinn was a teacher for over 14 years before leaving to Manage the Legacy Schools program. She has established herself as an innovative leader in education through enquiry, creativity and equity. Lisa provides leadership and vision in the planning, development and implementation... Read More →

Sarah Midanik

Friday March 5, 2021 10:45am - 11:45am MST
012 - Zoom Live Session none

Diversity Equity & Human Rights, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4, Admin/Leadership | Indigenous Education, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4, Admin/Leadership | Inclusive Education, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4, Admin/Leadership

10:45am MST

Smudging Circle

Post-Convention Survey

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.

Moderators

Karen Patten

Speakers

Phillip Campiou

Knowledge Keeper, Elder

Friday March 5, 2021 10:45am - 11:45am MST
013 - Zoom Live Session none

10:45am MST

Teaching Teens Yoga

Post-Convention Survey

Participants will learn the basics of teaching yoga to teens. Topics covered will include yoga poses, breathing techniques, meditation, and games. You can expect to leave this session with ideas that you can implement Monday morning. Please come prepared with a yoga mat, water bottle and comfortable clothes to participate in the activities.

Moderators

Heather McIlroy

High School English and Social Studies TeacherGrande Prairie Composite High School

Speakers

Kateland Hobart

Teacher

I am a grade 2 teacher and yoga teacher in Grande Prairie. I am currently taking my Masters in Education through the University of Calgary with a specialization in mental health and wellbeing. I have been teaching yoga in the Grande Prairie community for 5 years. I completed my 200hour... Read More →

Friday March 5, 2021 10:45am - 11:45am MST
010 - Zoom Live Session none

Health & Wellness, Div 3 | Physical Education, Div 3

10:45am MST

Minimalism in the Classroom

Post-Convention Survey

Minimalism is clearing out what you don’t need so you can prioritize what matters most. The philosophy “it’s better to want less than to have more” can radically change your life. As a culture, we are overloaded with excess information, activities and possessions. Come learn ways to simplify your classroom environment to improve student concentration and focus. You’ll be amazed by the practical benefits of minimalism and inspired to make small but significant changes to offer you and your students a calmer, quieter, more peaceful workspace.

Moderators

Annie Forney

Speakers

Julianne Harvey

Author. Speaker. Nurturer.

Friday March 5, 2021 10:45am - 11:45am MST
009 - Zoom Live Session none

Health & Wellness, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4 | Professional Issues, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4

10:45am MST

Introduction to Data Science and Big Data for Educators

Post-Convention Survey

The ability to critically analyse large sets of data is becoming increasingly important, and there are many applications in education. We will introduce participants to the fundamentals of data science, and look at how you can incorporate data science into your teaching. You will come away with an increased understanding of this topic as well as some practical activities to use in your learning environment.

Moderators

Maxine Maxwell

Speakers

David Hay

Learning and Development Manager, Callysto, Cybera

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 →

Byron Chu

Cybera Data Science Director, Callysto

Byron has PhD in Biochemistry and today he applies the same scientific principles to data and cloud-enabled projects. Since 2018, he has led the Callysto project in training teachers across Canada on bringing open data and data literacy into their classrooms.

Friday March 5, 2021 10:45am - 11:45am MST
008 - Zoom Live Session none

Mathematics, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4 | Science, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4 | Technology, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4

12:00pm MST

Join us for lunch!

Post-Convention Survey

MPTCA attendees can meet up with friends and colleagues during this live Zoom meeting. Breakout rooms will be created for teachers to hang out and chat over lunch.

Speakers

Josie Thibault

MPTCA Social Director

Friday March 5, 2021 12:00pm - 12:30pm MST
Zoom Live Event none

SPECIAL EVENT

12:30pm MST

All Hands on Deck - Elementary Math Games Using Cards

Post-Convention Survey

We never play with a full deck, and you don't need to either! Cards are one of the easiest manipulatives to use and differentiate whether you are teaching whole class, small groups or virtually. Come prepared to play our favorite Grade 1 - 6 math games that use cards that help teach and practice the following concepts: basic fact fluency for + , - and x, mixed operations, multi-digit operations and place value. Gameboards, student samples, journal writing extensions will be shared throughout. The ideas area great for a family math night too!
You will get more out of my math session if you have some regular dice (2 - 14 of them) and a deck of cards (doesn’t even have to be a complete deck).

Moderators

Jeanne Lawrence

PRSD

Speakers

John Felling

presenter, Box Cars And One Eyed Jacks

Friday March 5, 2021 12:30pm - 1:45pm MST
003 - Zoom Live Session none

Curriculum & Pedagogy, Div 1, Div 2 | Inclusive Education, Div 1, Div 2 | Mathematics, Div 1, Div 2

12:30pm MST

How did we get here? Understanding the basics of anti-racism

Post-Convention Survey

How have we arrived at this moment of reckoning in with race and racism in our schools and what should we do now? This session will include a brief introduction to critical social justice pedagogy and critical race theory which will help teachers and school leaders begin to understand how to engage constructively in anti-racist pedagogy with direct application for their classrooms and schools. Antiracism resources and upcoming events available through the ATA will be shared.

Speakers

Dr. Farha Shariff (she/her)

Senior Advisor to the Dean, EDID Initiatives, Interim Director Centre for Research for Teacher Education and Development, University of Alberta PhD

Dr. Farha Shariff, Ph.D @drfarha077 Intersectional Anti-Oppression educator, Senior Advisor of EDID Initiatives, EDID Advisor to the Dean, Interim Director Centre for Research for Teacher Education and Development, Faculty of Education, University of AlbertaDaughter to immigrant... Read More →

Dan Grassick

Executive Staff Officer, Professional Development, The Alberta Teachers' Association

Friday March 5, 2021 12:30pm - 1:45pm MST
ATA - Zoom Live Session none

Diversity Equity & Human Rights, ECE/PreK/K, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4, Admin/Leadership

12:30pm MST

How to be Happy

Post-Convention Survey

Research shows that happiness will increase productivity and drive engagement. Happiness is a skill which can be learned and taught to others. This session will teach the principles of happiness which illuminate helpful strategies for promoting wellness and student engagement. Come laugh, decompress and learn some self-care. These tried and true, evidence-based practices will help you create a positive, happy and productive classroom.

Moderators

Lorna McIlroy

president, Alberta Retired Teachers Association

Speakers

Dan Bateman

Sessional Instructor, Concordia University of Edmonton

Friday March 5, 2021 12:30pm - 1:45pm MST
014 Zoom Live Session

Fostering Effective Relationships, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4 | Health & Wellness, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4

12:30pm MST

Pause cerveau : pour mieux se concentrer

Post-Convention Survey

Trouvez-vous que vos étudiants sont fatigués, frustrés ou simplement perdent leur concentration ?
Envisagez de proposer une pause cérébrale pour redémarrer leur état physique et mental. Venez découvrir comment un changement d'idées peut donner aux étudiants la pause nécessaire pour les remettre sur la bonne voie avec un sourire. Ces activités sont engageantes et courtes, parfois que trois minutes ! Ils aident les élèves à être plus alertes et mieux disposés à écouter et à apprendre pour contribuer à un environnement de classe plus positif.

Moderators

Dena Lanktree

Speakers

Marylou Gammans

Learning Network

Friday March 5, 2021 12:30pm - 1:45pm MST
006 - Zoom Live Session none

FSL

12:30pm MST

The Best Daily Self-Care Practices for Increased Vitality, Overflowing Energy and Sky-High Immunity

Post-Convention Survey

If you’re like most crazy-busy educators, when it comes to finding time for self-care, you cross your fingers and hope that cramming it all into summer holidays is enough (well… maybe in August when your adrenaline levels finally start to decrease).

Newsflash: that’s not going to work out. Uncross your fingers, and come to this session with Self-Care Expert, Christina Marlett, where you’ll learn 3 simple but effective self-care practices that have the highest impact on your health, energy and immunity. Even better, you’ll learn how to fit them into your day, no matter how little time you think you have.

Moderators

Carol Davidson

Speakers

Christina Marlett

Courageous Self-Care

Friday March 5, 2021 12:30pm - 1:45pm MST
004 - Zoom Live Session none

Health & Wellness, ECE/PreK/K, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4, Admin/Leadership

12:30pm MST

5 Brave Moves

Post-Convention Survey

Dear friends! Here we are, stepping back into the next season of unknown. Having no script for things often results in shut-down mode and it all makes sense that when a pandemic continues to loom, staying connected to those we love, lead, and teach is going to continue to present challenges we never even had on the radar a year ago. Here’s what hasn’t changed: We are wired to do hard things. We can do those hard things so much easier when we remember this: We are wired for connection. And in this season of disconnect, staying united has never been more important, or powerful, than it is right now. We need every single one of us to show up the best we can with what we’ve got. For me—brave means doing something with your whole heart when you can’t predict the outcome. But how can we go all in even when we don’t know when or how this whole chapter will end? I’ve made another list of things that will help to keep you brave in this next season. xo J TO WRITE THE NEXT PANDEMIC CHAPTER 5

Moderators

Genevieve Payeur

Speakers

Dr. Jody Carrington

author/speaker/psychologist

Over the past 15 years, Dr. Jody Carrington has assessed, treated, educated and empowered some of our most vulnerable and precious souls on the planet. She is a child psychologist by trade, but Jody rarely treats kids. The answer lies, she believes, in the people who hold them. Especially... Read More →

Friday March 5, 2021 12:30pm - 1:45pm MST
001 - Zoom Live Keynote none

Keynote, ECE/PreK/K, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4, Admin/Leadership | Health & Wellness, ECE/PreK/K, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4, Admin/Leadership

12:30pm MST

Lyrical Lessons: Using Music In Language Arts

Post-Convention Survey

Taking a look at music you may have heard a hundred times but never really listened to, this workshop will dive deeper into the meaning behind the melodies. Using hits through the ages, Analyzing the different strategies we can learn from these timeless tunes, we will discuss techniques and examples to teach poetry, creative writing, and literary devices. Whether we’re looking at enduring classics or present-day pop hits, this workshop will give you an arsenal of toe-tapping material to pull the students into the literary arts!

Moderators

Laura Storey

Speakers

Miranda Krogstad

Presenter / Content creator, YYSpeak

Friday March 5, 2021 12:30pm - 1:45pm MST
010 - Zoom Live Session none

Language Arts, Div 3, Div 4

12:30pm MST

Occupational Health & Safety - Back to a Safe and Healthy Future

Post-Convention Survey

This session provides an overview of Occupational Health and Safety legislation in Alberta and reviews the responsibilities work site parties, including teachers and school leaders, have under that legislation. The workshop will review the important rights of teachers and school leaders, including the right to know, the right to participate and the right to refuse unsafe work and will review the steps that should be followed when there are concerns that working conditions are unsafe.

Speakers

Dan Coles

Friday March 5, 2021 12:30pm - 1:45pm MST
ATA - Zoom Live Session none

Professional Issues, ECE/PreK/K, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4, Admin/Leadership

12:30pm MST

Teaching Art with no classroom, no budget and lots of kids! (Double Session)

Post-Convention Survey

University did not prepare Susan for the realities of teaching art. She learned on the job and in this session Susan shares organization, storage and clean up ideas for all media so you can approach your art lessons with confidence.
The workshop shows teachers new ways to organize their classroom to accommodate supplies as well as the artwork done by students. It introduces different art techniques with special focus on three-dimensional media: clay, soapstone, and Papier Mâché.
Teachers will learn:
• how to begin an art programme
• how to organize their regular classroom, one medium at a time
• how to start small and build on what they have
• how to teach specific art techniques

Moderators

Karen Patten

Speakers

Susan Carter

How to Teach Humour for Stress Relief, Life Skills and Fun

Friday March 5, 2021 12:30pm - 3:15pm MST
002 - Zoom Live Session none

Art, Div 3, Div 4

12:30pm MST

Being a Master of the Universe (or at least your classroom...) (Double Session)

Post-Convention Survey

An experiential workshop that will teach participants:

1) The basics of game design for teaching
2) Playtesting
3) Game-based learning principles
4) Gamification

The session will have tailored coaching and opportunities for Q&A.

Moderators

Joan Godbout

Speakers

Richard Dacalos

Creator and Co-founder, Upstart: The Board Game

Richard “D-cal” Dacalos has a passion for social impact and unlocking human potential through play and powerfully designed programs. D-cal is the author of “365 Days of Breakthroughs: Your “Choose-A-Daily” Adventure Journal Companion” (available on Kindle).He has over... Read More →

Friday March 5, 2021 12:30pm - 3:15pm MST
005 - Zoom Live Session none

Curriculum & Pedagogy, ECE/PreK/K, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4, Admin/Leadership | Reflection/Collaboration, ECE/PreK/K, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4, Admin/Leadership

12:45pm MST

Developing Emotional Resilience

Post-Convention Survey

Emotional resilience is the ability to bounce back from hardship. The best way for students to develop this key skill is to watch it in action. We’ll cover the illusions that keep us stuck in unhealthy patterns, the resiliency myth and focusing on the long game. This interactive session will also cover 10 essential items in the teacher’s toolkit to become an emotionally resilient mentor: responsibility, vulnerability, patience, creativity, empathy, choices, natural consequences, affirmations, conscience building and the relationship bridge.

Moderators

Annie Forney

Speakers

Julianne Harvey

Author. Speaker. Nurturer.

Friday March 5, 2021 12:45pm - 1:45pm MST
009 - Zoom Live Session none

Counselling & Student Support, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4 | Fostering Effective Relationships, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4 | Health & Wellness, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4

12:45pm MST

Realist Theory and The New Cold War… the Obama and Trump years

Post-Convention Survey

Humanitarian rhetoric aside it is not a coincidence that actions and inactions in the New Cold War (NCW) align with the self interested calculations of Realism, that is the struggle for Power, Wealth and Survival. Hybrid Warfare against Venezuela, Haiti, Honduras, Bolivia, Brazil and Argentina continued the Monroe Doctrine’s pursuit of Tribute, Subservience and Regional Hegemony. The NCW continued the policy of Containment of Russia with hybrid warfare in Ukraine, and of both Russia and Iran in Syria. The destruction of Libya defeated the economic and geostrategic threat of Pan Africanism (a united and independent Africa acting in its own interest). The NCW’s current fronts include the containment of Russian integration with Europe, Russian and Iranian Petroleum and China’s New Silk Road with its proposed integration of Eurasia and Africa. The US has no peer rivals in its hemisphere but will struggle to prevent the rise of a hegemonic state or coalition in Europe (Russia and Germany) and the rising power in EurAsiaAfrica (China). The New Cold War will not be entirely, perhaps even not primarily military; let us hope so at least.

Moderators

Jeff Johnson

Speakers

Greg Hunter

Social Studies

Friday March 5, 2021 12:45pm - 1:45pm MST
007 - Zoom Live Session none

Curriculum & Pedagogy, Div 3, Div 4 | Social Studies, Div 3, Div 4

12:45pm MST

Wahkohtowin: Cree Natural Law

Post-Convention Survey

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.

Moderators

Dan Bishop

Speakers

Phillip Campiou

Knowledge Keeper, Elder

Friday March 5, 2021 12:45pm - 1:45pm MST
013 - Zoom Live Session none

12:45pm MST

Les cercles littéraires thématiques : la littératie interdisciplinaire

Post-Convention Survey

Pour développer la littératie et la pensée critique chez mes élèves, mes élèves travaillent dans des groupes de cercles littéraires thématiques pour pouvoir développer leur compréhension du monde qui les entoure. Du Moyen Âge au Holocauste, mes élèves communiquent leur apprentissage à travers une exploration littéraire des œuvres fictives dans un cercle littéraire. Cette approche permet aux élèves de s’interroger sur des thèmes et de pouvoir développer une compréhension ensemble. Ils comparent leur civilisation et société avec ceux des personnages des romans. De plus, ils essaient de différencier la réalité de l’histoire et les outils littéraires de la fiction historique utilisés par les auteurs pour engager leurs lecteurs. Cet atelier donnera des pistes pour les participants pour démarrer les cercles littéraires en cours ainsi que des listes de livres appropriés pour les niveaux de lecture des élèves et leurs niveaux cognitifs.

Moderators

Suzanne Lessard

GPPSD - École Montrose

Speakers

Shauna Nero

Directrice Adjointe, MPSD

Friday March 5, 2021 12:45pm - 1:45pm MST
011 - Zoom Live Session none

FSL, Div 3, Div 4

12:45pm MST

Teaching Statistics in Math and Science with Code

Post-Convention Survey

An understanding of statistics is becoming increasingly important in our world, and as math and science teachers we have an opportunity to develop student competencies in this area. We'll look at ways to incorporate statistics and data analytics into curricular outcomes, explore available resources, and talk about how you and your students can analyse data with Python in Jupyter notebooks (for free) through the federally-funded Callysto project.
Link to Presentation

Enter to win a $50 Amazon gift card by competing an optional Callysto feedback survey (http://bit.ly/callysto-feedback) after attending one our sessions!

Moderators

Maxine Maxwell

Speakers

Byron Chu

Cybera Data Science Director, Callysto

Michael Lamoureux

Callysto Ambassador, Callysto

Dr. Lamoureux is a Professor of Mathematics (Emeritus) at the University of Calgary. Dr. Lamoureux is keenly interested in the use of technology for teaching and research, and has developed courses in industrial mathematics and complex analysis using Jupyter notebooks.

Friday March 5, 2021 12:45pm - 1:45pm MST
008 - Zoom Live Session none

Mathematics, Div 3, Div 4 | Technology, Div 3, Div 4

2:00pm MST

Writing Graphic Novel Manuscripts

Post-Convention Survey

Author and teacher James Davidge will guide the audience through the mechanics and vocabulary used when writing a manuscript for creating a comic book or graphic novel. Further insights into the psychological space of a comic page's layout will be explored. Davidge will also share many experiences with and activities for comic book making in a classroom.

Moderators

MPTCA Secretary

Speakers

James Davidge

James Davidge was born in Edmonton, Alberta and studied education at the University of Calgary. His first novel, Driftwood Ellesmere, was published in 2006 by Bayeux Arts. He has since released the four remaining novels that complete the Driftwood Saga, a series about a young girl... Read More →

Friday March 5, 2021 2:00pm - 3:15pm MST
003 - Zoom Live Session none

Art, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4 | Language Arts, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4

2:00pm MST

Dealing with Volatile Situations

Post-Convention Survey

Teachers have hundreds of interactions with parents, students and colleagues every day. Sometimes, those interactions involve conflict in dynamic and delicate circumstances. This session will explore common types of conflict, causes of conflict, legal rights and obligations of individuals in school-related conflict, and strategies for managing and resolving conflict effectively. A discussion of sample scenarios will help tie learnings to common conflict situations in the school context.

Speakers

Dan Coles

Friday March 5, 2021 2:00pm - 3:15pm MST
ATA - Zoom Live Session none

Counselling & Student Support, ECE/PreK/K, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4, Admin/Leadership

2:00pm MST

Speak Up: Performance Activities to Build Your Students’ Confidence

Post-Convention Survey

Particularly in adolescence, students may have brilliant ideas, but a plethora of emotions and social anxieties preventing them from sharing. To encourage speaking up in any class, this workshop will give you some warm-up activities and techniques that will help your students tiptoe towards the front of the class, increasing comfort and community. From audience engagement exercises to performance games, you'll find an arsenal of activities to slowly ease your students out of their shell in whatever way feels best!

Moderators

Laura Storey

Speakers

Miranda Krogstad

Presenter / Content creator, YYSpeak

Friday March 5, 2021 2:00pm - 3:15pm MST
010 - Zoom Live Session none

Curriculum & Pedagogy, Div 3, Div 4, Admin/Leadership | Drama & Dance, Div 3, Div 4, Admin/Leadership | Language Arts, Div 3, Div 4, Admin/Leadership

2:00pm MST

Neuromuscular training for PE and sport: Evidence-based programs to support continued activity participation

Post-Convention Survey

Join us for this active session as we learn how we can modify evidence-based neuromuscular training programs into warm-ups, workouts, or physically-distanced PE activities. Traditionally used as training sessions and warm-ups in sport, we can adapt these programs to fit the school PE and sport context to help our students develop movement skills, improve fitness, and prevent injuries. Participants will leave a plan of how they can incorporate this content into their PE class on Monday morning or at their next coaching session, and will receive resources to help support delivery. This is a live, online workshop.

Moderators

Jeanne Lawrence

PRSD

Speakers

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 →

Friday March 5, 2021 2:00pm - 3:15pm MST
006 - Zoom Live Session none

Health & Wellness, Div 3, Div 4 | Physical Education, Div 3, Div 4

2:00pm MST

Inclusive Physical Education (IPE)

Post-Convention Survey

As a recent doctoral graduate, Dr. Morrisson will share some of her key findings and practical applications around inclusive physical education. Together we will look at how to create inclusive spaces in all 5 dimensions of physical education: dance, gymnastics, games, individual activities, and activities in alternative environments. Strategies for both in person and online learning will be shared.

Moderators

Dena Lanktree

Speakers

Jodi Harding Kuriger

President, Alberta Teachers Associate (ATA) Health and Physical Education Council (HPEC)

Jodi - Health and Physical Educator for the joy and love of movement. Happily enjoying a country and grad student lifestyle with my husband, Mike, and our three active children. Dedicated to life long learning through the University of Alberta & HPEC. Looking forward to learning with... Read More →

Friday March 5, 2021 2:00pm - 3:15pm MST
004 - Zoom Live Session none

Health & Wellness, ECE/PreK/K, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4 | Physical Education, ECE/PreK/K, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4 | Inclusive Education, ECE/PreK/K, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4

2:00pm MST

Beyond The Piano - Advanced Makey Makey

Post-Convention Survey

HereIn this session you will use your skills to make some advanced Makey Makey switches. This will give you the confidence to encourage your students to try more advanced applications. We will use Scratch to support these new applications. You will need a Makey Makey, computer, cardboard, tape, foil, scissors and other construction materials. A scratch account will be helpful. You can sign up for an account here https://scratch.mit.edu/

The session is here

Moderators

Maxine Maxwell

Speakers

Gerald Logan

VP, MPTCA

Friday March 5, 2021 2:00pm - 3:15pm MST
014 Zoom Live Session

Technology, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4

2:15pm MST

Bringing Agriculture to Life in the Classroom

Post-Convention Survey

As the Alberta representative of Agriculture in the Classroom Canada, it is our mission to help Albertans understand the incredible depth and opportunity that agriculture affords. We work with various stakeholders including corporations, not-for-profits, farmers, ranchers, educators and government, who are passionate about agriculture and rural and farm safety education. Through the delivery of high-quality educational programming and resources, we are committed to sharing agriculture’s story, providing accurate and balanced information that meets K-12 curricula, showcasing and supporting Alberta farms, farm families and our rural roots. Some of the programs we provide include Education Symposium events, Student Innovation Challenges, interactive Rural and Farm Safety programming, Nourishing Minds learning kits, Edible Education resources, and more!

Moderators

Genevieve Payeur

Speakers

Luree Williamson

CEO, Agriculture for Life

Luree Williamson is the CEO of Agriculture for Life where she leads the efforts in delivering educational programming to improve rural and farm safety and build a genuine understanding and appreciation of the impact agriculture has on our lives. Luree believes agriculture has a unique... Read More →

Nancy Kelner

Friday March 5, 2021 2:15pm - 3:15pm MST
011 - Zoom Live Session none

Career & Technology Studies/Foundations, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4 | Science, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4 | Social Studies, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4

2:15pm MST

If You Can't Fail, You Can't Succeed: How to Practice Risk

Post-Convention Survey

The prevailing trend for students today involves emotional safety above all. Over time, this has created a risk-averse culture, where many would rather play it safe than step out of their comfort zone to challenge themselves. This session offers practical ideas to help you model risk in a responsible manner to inspire your students to aim high and learn to practice resilience when they experience failure. Designed to be interactive with small group discussion time built in so strategies can be developed and shared. Prepare to see failure in a whole new way!

Moderators

Heather McIlroy

High School English and Social Studies TeacherGrande Prairie Composite High School

Speakers

Julianne Harvey

Author. Speaker. Nurturer.

Friday March 5, 2021 2:15pm - 3:15pm MST
009 - Zoom Live Session none

Counselling & Student Support, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4 | Health & Wellness, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4 | Professional Issues, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4

2:15pm MST

Rock Your French Class!

Post-Convention Survey

Online, in class, hybrid, or feeling underwater? Let's explore proven strategies to get students speaking, writing, reading, and loving French!

Moderators

Suzanne Lessard

GPPSD - École Montrose

Speakers

Steve Langlois

Instructional Coach, Greater Essex District School Board

Steven "ÉTIENNE" Langlois has served the past 30 years as a K-12 educator, consultant, department head, instructional coach. He is a multiple award-winning teacher, author, keynote speaker and recording artist.

Friday March 5, 2021 2:15pm - 3:15pm MST
012 - Zoom Live Session none

French & International Languages, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3

2:15pm MST

The Medicine Box Project - ReconciliACTION: Growing Traditional Plants

Post-Convention Survey

The Medicine Box Project is an Indigenous created and led project that centers on empowering Indigenous peoples and allies to find their voice through the growing of sacred medicine, use of ceremony to empower their inner selves, and the connection of communities to end disproportionate rates of violence and suicide amongst Indigenous peoples. The Medicine Box Project gives people a way to connect to the land, create overall well-being, and reduce inequalities and gendered violence in line with the United Nations social development goals.

The project launched in June 2020 in Grande Prairie by five local women - three of which work for PWSD. They are excited to share this project with you as a potential project that you could bring into your schools. The project could be adapted to fit many age groups and a number of learning outcomes could be taught through the project. Access to free learning materials that can be brought into your classrooms on Monday will be shared!

Moderators

Julian Camsell

PWA

Speakers

Brigitte Benning

Indigenous Education Coordinator, Peace Wapiti Public School District

As the Indigenous Education Coordinator for Peace Wapiti Public School Division, I am passionate about creating spaces where Indigenous students can thrive, all students can learn, and educators feel confident in their skills.

Jackie Benning

Teacher, Peace Wapiti School Division

Jackie has been a teacher with Peace Wapiti School Division since 2012. She is also a volunteer, contractor, and member of the Grande Prairie Friendship Centre. She is passionate about education, psychology, and wellness.

Friday March 5, 2021 2:15pm - 3:15pm MST
013 - Zoom Live Session none

Indigenous Education, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4 | Science, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4 | Social Studies, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4

2:15pm MST

Pandemic Pandemonium Requires a Reconnection Revolution

Post-Convention Survey

Even before this pandemic, disconnection was a concern for those we teach, lead, and love. Now, after a very difficult season around this globe, disconnection has become the epidemic. Kids these days have never been more in need of (or ready for) a place to land so they can do all the things they were born to do. The deal (breaker) is that we can't tell them how to do it, we have to show them. Which means right now, the literacy and the numeracy are the least of our worries. Reconnecting to the big people and reminding them of their holy work is our only way home. Join us as we band together to talk about how we are so much braver together. We were never meant to do this alone. We are the ones we've been waiting for.

Speakers

Dr. Jody Carrington

author/speaker/psychologist

Friday March 5, 2021 2:15pm - 3:15pm MST
001 - Zoom Live Keynote none

Keynote, ECE/PreK/K, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4, Admin/Leadership | Health & Wellness, ECE/PreK/K, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4, Admin/Leadership

2:15pm MST

Introduction to Artificial Intelligence for Educators

Post-Convention Survey

What do we mean by artificial intelligence, machine learning, and deep learning? What are the potential impacts on education and society, and how do we talk to students about all of this? In this (session or panel discussion) we will explore these topics and introduce participants to the potentials and pitfalls of AI and related technologies.

Moderators

Jeff Johnson

Speakers

Byron Chu

Cybera Data Science Director, Callysto

Laura Gutierrez Funderburk

Data Scientist, Cybera

Laura Gutierrez-Funderburk is a Callysto data scientist and holds a mathematics degree from Simon Fraser University, located in Vancouver, British Columbia. She’s experienced in creating in-person and online data science lessons for Grades 5-12 students and teachers that spark creativity... Read More →

Bryce Haley

Data Science Intern, Callysto

Bryce is a Callysto data scientist intern and has a Bachelor of Science with majors in computing science and mathematics from Simon Fraser University. He got introduced to the Callysto project through SFU – he was hired to help a SFU math professor develop a Callysto notebook about... Read More →

Friday March 5, 2021 2:15pm - 3:15pm MST
008 - Zoom Live Session none

Learning Commons & Makerspaces, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4 | Mathematics, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4 | Technology, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4