SWATCA 2025 - South Western Alberta Teachers' Convention: Full Schedule

Welcome to SWATCA 2024 on SCHED!

Here you will find the list of all the great sessions, speaker information, exhibitors and more! Check back here often for information on draws, prize winners, session updates and more!!

IMPORTANT REMINDER:
Please ensure that you are completing session evaluations - this helps our SWATCA planning team immensely in preparing for future events! You can evaluate all sessions in the session itself at the bottom of the SCHED. Thank you!

Prize Winners
Goosechase:
Kelsey Schwark and Bryce Wirzba
Katie Walker

Host Draw:
Kara Tarnava

Feedback Draw:
Carla Ferrari
Mark Bergheim

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7:00am MST

Faculty of Education Alumni Breakfast

Friday February 21, 2025 7:00am - 8:30am MST

Alumni breakfast organized exclusively for ULethbridge alumni attending SWATCA. This breakfast is scheduled for February 23, offering a relaxed "come and go as you please" atmosphere from 7 – 9 am in Markin Hall. Please register for this event by clicking on the link!

Friday February 21, 2025 7:00am - 8:30am MST

Reflection/Collaboration (TQS/LQS 2)

8:30am MST

Keynote

Friday February 21, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am MST

Iitsisaanoowa (Vision Beyond), Elder Christina Fox has worked for the Holy Spirit Catholic School Division for over 20 years. During that time, she has shared her Blackfoot knowledge and traditions with students and staff at many of the division’s schools. Fox shares her knowledge of the Blackfoot way of life and teachings, thereby tending to the spirit, soul and heart of those in her care. She offers Blackfoot language classes, drumming, beading, teepee teachings, information on the importance of land acknowledgements, serves as an Elder in Residence for kindergarten students and is a spiritual guide for staff. Fox recently published a book titled My Suitcase: Nii Sookayis. The book begins with her first memory of residential school and is a story about triumph, celebration and sharing one’s gifts.

Speakers

Dr. Christina Fox

Elder & Educator

Friday February 21, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am MST

Keynotes & Featured Speaker

10:30am MST

Sexual Health Education: How to Answer Student Questions

Friday February 21, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm MST

AH116

Learn how to use a Question Box effectively during sexual education/ human sexuality class. Understand the 4 main types of questions students ask, and how to answer them.

This session needs a host! To host, complete the form linked here and include your name and the session title in the form.

Speakers

Nicole Inglis

Health Promotion Facilitator, Alberta Health Services: Teaching Sexual Health

Nicole Inglis (she/her) has taught everything from grade 1 PE to Bio 30 and has taught in both public and Catholic Schools. She has an MEd in Adult Education and works on the Sexual and Reproductive Health Promotion team at Alberta Health Services. Nicole lives in Calgary with her... Read More →

Friday February 21, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm MST
AH116

CALM (TQS 3), Gr 4-6, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12 | Health & Wellness (TQS 3), Gr 4-6, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12 | Physical Education (TQS 3), Gr 4-6, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12

10:30am MST

Bucking the Status Quo: Recognizing and Standing Up Against Misogyny in Schools

Friday February 21, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm MST

TH173

This session aims to share resources, research, and information, to help in the process of defining and recognizing misogyny. Our goal is always to support, inform, and hopefully inspire.

SESSION HOST: Danika Peters

Speakers

Elaina Mohrmann

Jen Scott has been teaching in Lethbridge School Division for 20 years. She is passionate about empowering her students to find self-confidence and encouraging colleagues to realize their leadership potential. Elaina Mohrmann has been teaching for 10 years and has been lucky to have... Read More →

Jen Scott

Friday February 21, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm MST
TH173

Counselling & Student Support (TQS/LQS 4), Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12 | Diversity Equity & Human Rights (TQS/LQS 4), Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12 | Health & Wellness (TQS 3), Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12

10:30am MST

Social Studies Curriculum Engagement

Friday February 21, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm MST

AH118

Learn more about the development of new Kindergarten to Grade 12 Social Studies curriculum and provide feedback on key learnings within the K-12 social studies curriculum. You will also receive updates on the phased approach to classroom piloting and implementation.

SESSION HOST: Barb Nemeth

Speakers

ATA Staff Session

Friday February 21, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm MST
AH118

Curriculum & Pedagogy (TQS 3), K-Gr3, Gr 4-6, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12

10:30am MST

Enhancing Differentiation in the Classroom through Theme-Based Lessons

Friday February 21, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm MST

TH241

Sharks, dinosaurs, fairy tales and polar bears! We are taking the themes that engage our littlest learners to help them engage with the curriculum in a fun and hands on way.

SESSION HOST: Laura Pearce

Speakers

Natasha Goddard

Natasha Goddard is a learning support teacher who is passionate about early childhood education and loves engaging students to learn in fun and creative ways. In her toolbox you will find polar bears, princesses, pirates and everything in between. She has over a decade of classroom... Read More →

Friday February 21, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm MST
TH241

Curriculum & Pedagogy (TQS 3), K-Gr 3 | Language Arts (TQS 3), K-Gr 3 | Mathematics (TQS 3), K-Gr 3 | Social Studies (TQS 3), K-Gr 3

10:30am MST

Professional Semester III - Professional Inquiry Projects

Friday February 21, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm MST

L1170G

Eric Garner - Enhancing Musical Mastery: The Influence of Explicit Executive Functioning Instruction
Danielle Bernardin - Creating Brave Spaces in a Fine Arts Classroom
Taylor Dunning-Horvath Hip-Hop and Knowledge Drop: Hip-Hop Pedagogy as a Method for Engagement

Friday February 21, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm MST
L1170G

Educational Research (TQS/LQS 2)

10:30am MST

Why Grasslands CAN and WILL Save the World!

Friday February 21, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm MST

AH176

Alberta’s grasslands have the power to save the world. Curious to know when, why & how? Join us to learn how relationships lie at the heart of why grasslands matter - now and forever!

This session needs a host! To host, complete the form linked here and include your name and the session title in the form.

Speakers

Jaclyn Angotti

Education Director, CPAWS Southern Alberta

Jaclyn has 15 years of experience leading science and environmental education programs throughout Alberta. She has a B.Sc. in Biology from the University of Alberta and a Master of Education from the University of Calgary. Her passion for connecting others with nature is integral... Read More →

Friday February 21, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm MST
AH176

Environmental & Outdoor Education (TQS 3), Gr 4-6, Gr 7-9 | Science (TQS 3), Gr 4-6, Gr 7-9 | Social Studies (TQS 3), Gr 4-6, Gr 7-9

10:30am MST

Beyond Manic: Unleashing Teacher Resilience in the Classroom

Friday February 21, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm MST

PE264

Have you ever felt overwhelmed from the demands of teaching? Do you see your students struggling with mental health? Join Jason Wegner - an author, teacher and mental health speaker - as he explores these common struggles within the classroom. Through his resilient story of overcoming his severe bipolar 1 disorder illness, Jason will give concrete examples and tools that will help you unleash your own teacher resilience.

SESSION HOST: Nikki Ohlmann

Speakers

Jason Wegner

High School English, Lethbridge School Division

Jason Wegner is a high school English Teacher at Lethbridge Collegiate Institute (LCI), an author of the book “Manic Man” and is a mental health speaker. Living with Bipolar 1 Disorder and successfully surviving nearly two months in the psychiatry ward, Jason, through his story... Read More →

Friday February 21, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm MST
PE264

Health & Wellness (TQS 3), K-Gr3, Gr 4-6, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12

10:30am MST

How to have an A+ Relationship while Juggling Work, Adventure, and all the Things

Friday February 21, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm MST

L1170A

Everyone wants a great relationship. We did too- but quickly realized: hope is not a strategy. Join us, and map out a plan for blissful connection in the real world.

SESSION HOST: Juliana Richard

Speakers

Jen Bowden

Hans and Jen have been married for fourteen years- and teaching almost as long. They have four children, and live in a house owned by themselves and not the bank. Hans has an insatiable desire for travel and adventure and Jen is happiest reveling in the coziness of home.

Hans Bowden

Friday February 21, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm MST
L1170A

Health & Wellness (TQS 3), K-Gr3, Gr 4-6, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12

10:30am MST

International teaching in the UAE - The Good, the Bad and the travel opportunities

Friday February 21, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm MST

PE261

An overview of the process to be a teacher in the UAE including approval process, travel, and the work of teaching there.

This session needs a host! To host, complete the form linked here and include your name and the session title in the form.

Speakers

John and Maria Malcolm

Maria is a Lethbridge based educator who has worked in both classrooms and hospital rooms. She worked as a child life specialist at Chinook Regional hospital for 22 years as well as teaching here, New Zealand and UAE John has taught for 36 years including gr 1-12 in Canada, middle and... Read More →

Friday February 21, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm MST
PE261

Health & Wellness (TQS 3), K-Gr3, Gr 4-6, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12

10:30am MST

A Brief Intro of Sandplay for Schools

Friday February 21, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm MST

TH341

An introduction to using Sandplay as a counselling intervention in school settings.

SESSION HOST: Kara Tarnava

Speakers

Stephanie McLennan

Steph McLennan has a BA/BEd in Fine Arts Education from the University of Lethbridge and a Masters of Applied Psych. She is now in her 6th year as a Teacher-Counsellor. Steph has completed Sandplay CAST training Modules 1-4 with a cohort in Calgary and continues to get Sandplay supervision... Read More →

Friday February 21, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm MST
TH341

Health & Wellness (TQS 3), K-Gr3, Gr 4-6, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12 | CALM (TQS 3), K-Gr3, Gr 4-6, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12

10:30am MST

Teach Nutrition: Integrating Nutrition Education Into Your Busy Classroom

Friday February 21, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm MST

AH175

Wondering how to incorporate nutrition education into your already packed curriculum? Look no further! In this session, we will introduce you to our free, curriculum linked, evidenced based resources.

SESSION HOST: Lenore Tarcon

Speakers

Mary Block

Registered Dietitian, Teach Nutrition

Mary is a Registered Dietitian at Teach Nutrition by Dairy Farmers of Canada. She is a firm believer that nutrition education can and should be fun. She loves that her work helps set the stage for a positive relationship with food from a young age through curiosity and exploratio... Read More →

Jaclyn Chute

Friday February 21, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm MST
AH175

Health & Wellness (TQS 3), K-Gr 3, Gr 4-6, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12 | CALM (TQS 3), K-Gr 3, Gr 4-6, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12

10:30am MST

Digitally Thriving: Discovering Intentional Ways to Disconnect and Reconnect for Promoting Well-Being!

Friday February 21, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm MST

L1170

Creating and maintaining a balanced and meaningful relationship with technology and the digital landscape.

This session needs a host! To host, complete the form linked here and include your name and the session title in the form.

Speakers

Sydnie Erlendson

The Digital Wellness Team consists of a Digital Wellness Teacher and a Digital Wellness Family Support Worker. These individuals provide generative dialogue opportunities, collaborative teaching, and small group interventions.

Cason Machacek

Friday February 21, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm MST
L1170

Health & Wellness (TQS 3), Gr 4-6, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12 | CALM (TQS 3), Gr 4-6, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12 | Curriculum & Pedagogy (TQS 3), Gr 4-6, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12

10:30am MST

Blackfoot Language

Friday February 21, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm MST

L1060

SESSION HOST: Hana Bissett

Speakers

Annette Bruised Head

Friday February 21, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm MST
L1060

Indigenous Education (TQS/LQS 5), K-Gr3, Gr 4-6, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12

10:30am MST

Buffalo Treaty: Keystone to Wellness

Friday February 21, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm MST

M1040

This session will be about the Buffalo and how future generations can continue to ensure that Buffalo Ways are carried forward. International Buffalo Relations Institute (IBRI) collaborated with the Galt Museum and Archives | Akaisamitohkanao’pa on an upcoming exhibit titled Buffalo Treaty: Keystone to Wellness.

This session needs a host! To host, complete the form linked here and include your name and the session title in the form.

Speakers

Camina Weasel Moccasin

Camina's Biography - Camina is a member of the Blood Tribe and part of the Akaipookaiksi clan. She received her bachelor of arts degree in archaeology and geography back in 2013 from the University of Lethbridge. Since then she has worked at Blackfoot heritage sites and most recently... Read More →

Katira Crow Shoe

Katira Crow Shoe is a member of the Kainai Nation of the Blackfoot Confederacy and is part of the Many Children Clan. Katira grew up on the Blood Reserve and worked at Saipoyi Community School providing trauma-informed counselling services for Blackfoot students and had the privilege... Read More →

Friday February 21, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm MST
M1040

Indigenous Education (TQS/LQS 5), K-Gr3, Gr 4-6, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12

10:30am MST

Featured Speaker

Friday February 21, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm MST

PE275

Some of the best lessons are taught in the moments between literacy and numeracy. These golden moments based on kindness, connection and community are the moments Laurie lives for.
With compassion and thoughtfulness, Laurie has an incredible way of acknowledging the accomplishments of educators and affirms them as they journey on their paths, cheering them on as they use connection and relationship to revolutionize their practice.

Storyteller, light bringer and dreamer, Laurie uses her 20+ years in education to forge new paths. With the stories she held writing ‘Teachers These Days’ with Dr. Jody Carrington and her 2 appearances on The Ellen Show Laurie strives to bring teachers together in community and to define and exemplify what it truly means to be a ‘teacher these days’.

SESSION HOSTS: Brent Saccucci, Sally Leung, and Carly Goruk

Speakers

Laurie McIntosh

Author & Educator

Friday February 21, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm MST
PE275

Keynotes & Featured Speaker, K-Gr 3, Gr 4-6, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12

10:30am MST

Laugh Out Loud Literary Devices

Friday February 21, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm MST

L1170B

This workshop will hit the funny bone of disengaged students with laugh out loud examples of personification, simile, metaphor, hyperbole, and more!

SESSION HOST: Jenni Rolfson

Speakers

Miranda Krogstad

Krogstad is a spoken word poet and educator whose words have empowered students in dozens of cities across Western Canada and beyond. Outside of the classroom, she is a 2-time Canada Council for the Arts grant recipient, a Calgary Arts Development grant recipient, a 2016 national... Read More →

Friday February 21, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm MST
L1170B

Language Arts (TQS 3), Gr 4-6, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12

10:30am MST

What’s New in Books? The 6-12 Edition

Friday February 21, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm MST

PE250

Join the UofL Bookstore ladies as they book talk new and upcoming titles that will get you and your students excited about reading!

SESSION HOST: Lindsey Baird

Speakers

Becky Colbeck

Becky and Kari have been actively involved in promoting literacy in schools and their community for 30+ years. They are passionate about literacy and are a trusted resource for teachers, parents and children; assisting them in book selections that inspire a love of reading and d... Read More →

Kari Tanaka

Friday February 21, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm MST
PE250

Language Arts (TQS 3), Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12

10:30am MST

Exploring the Smudges: Expanding student response through multimodal composition in the ELA classroom.

Friday February 21, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm MST

TH204

The speaker will discuss multimodal composition and how it has led to increased engagement and deepened reflection while opening new ways for students to respond. They will also cover ways to assess that increase equity.

This session needs a host! To host, complete the form linked here and include your name and the session title in the form.

Speakers

Brent Gilson

Brent Gilson is in his 13th year teaching with experience ranging from grade 3 to 12. He currently teaches at Magrath High School. Brent has been exploring ways to engage adolescent readers and writers for the last six years. He has shared parts of this journey on his website Li... Read More →

Friday February 21, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm MST
TH204

Language Arts (TQS 3), Gr 4-6, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12 | Assessment (TQS 3), Gr 4-6, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12

10:30am MST

School Councils: What Every Principal Needs to Know

Friday February 21, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm MST

M1060

ASCA invites new, seasoned, and aspiring principals to explore the often-complex world of school councils and their applicability to the Assurance Framework and LQS expectations through this high-level introduction.

SESSION HOST: Laurie Campmans

Speakers

Alberta School Councils' Association

Former Director of Client Services for ASCA and workshop instructor, Wendy brings a vast background of school council, community and education service to her role as Executive Director. “A respected and empowered school council in every Alberta school” is a vision that Wendy... Read More →

Friday February 21, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm MST
M1060

Leadership (LQS 1-9), K-Gr 3, Gr 4-6, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12

10:30am MST

For Queer Youth, Inclusion Is Not a Buzzword: Moving Beyond Pronoun Pins

Friday February 21, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm MST

M1030

In a time when mental health challenges are on the rise, teachers can help foster resilience in 2SLBGTQIA+ youth by reconsidering and expanding inclusion practices.

SESSION HOST: Pascale Jakobsson

Speakers

Ricardo Avelar

Ricardo Avelar - (he/him), Registered Psychologist - has worked in various fields, including non-profit organizations, K-12 schools, and post-secondary settings, as teacher, counsellor, and supervisor. Currently, he is a Counsellor (Instructor) in Student Wellness Services at the... Read More →

Friday February 21, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm MST
M1030

Leadership (LQS 1-9), Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12 | Diversity Equity & Human Rights (TQS/LQS 4), Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12 | Counselling & Student Support (TQS/LQS 4), Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12

10:30am MST

Leading with Impact: Unleash the Power of Cultural Intelligence in Education

Friday February 21, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm MST

TH201

Lead with impact and elevate your Cultural Intelligence (CQ). Navigate the complexities of cultural diversity in education to confidently lead with empathy, effectiveness, and global-mindedness.

This session needs a host! To host, complete the form linked here and include your name and the session title in the form.

Speakers

Gail-Ann Wilson Mitchell

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

Before the professional development team at the Alberta Teachers' Association, Gail-Ann (she/her) taught high school social studies and worked as a cultural diversity educator for 22 years. She is committed to building leadership diversity leadership and promoting change in education... Read More →

Friday February 21, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm MST
TH201

Leadership (LQS 1-9), K-Gr3, Gr 4-6, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12 | Diversity Equity & Human Rights (TQS/LQS 4), K-Gr3, Gr 4-6, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12 | Social Studies (TQS 3), K-Gr3, Gr 4-6, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12

10:30am MST

Tools to build your Financial Wellness

Friday February 21, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm MST

TH143

Teachers have a lot going for them financially – including their pension. Most of the time, they also have gaps: things they haven’t thought about, risks they may face, and access to tools they’re currently not using.
This session walks you through what these are, how to address them, and one tiny action you can take today to change your life forever.

For CALM and financial teachers, see the way that these concepts are presented based on hundreds of hours of annual PD.

This session needs a host! To host, complete the form linked here and include your name and the session title in the form.

Speakers

Elizabeth Walton

Marketing and Communications Manager, Capital Planning

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

Friday February 21, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm MST
TH143 DON'T DELETE

Leadership (LQS 1-9), K-Gr3, Gr 4-6, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12 | Health & Wellness (TQS 3), K-Gr3, Gr 4-6, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12

10:30am MST

Linking Thinking Tasks to Grade 3 - 6 Alberta Math Curriculum

Friday February 21, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm MST

L1168

We invite you to come ‘math’ and collaborate with practicing teachers who use effective instructional practices daily to engage in curricular activities. You will explore thinking tasks, use new and old manipulatives, tools, and models to make thinking visible.

This session needs a host! To host, complete the form linked here and include your name and the session title in the form.

Speakers

Kathy Charchun

Friday February 21, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm MST
L1168

Mathematics (TQS 3), K-Gr 3, Gr 4-6

10:30am MST

Dynamic Centres for the Elementary Music Classroom

Friday February 21, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm MST

L1050

Despite the undeniable benefits, independent, hands-on activities can be difficult to provide in music classes. I’ll share my tried and true centres method developed in my own music program.

SESSION HOST: Tamara Melnychuk

Speakers

Sara-Mae Dafoe

I have been an educator for 18 years, with the majority of my time spent in the Elementary Music classroom. I am passionate about providing students with as many meaningful, musical experiences as possible. There is nothing quite like helping students experience the magic of musi... Read More →

Friday February 21, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm MST
L1050

Music & Band (TQS 3), K-Gr 3, Gr 4-6

10:30am MST

Teacher Safety Net

Friday February 21, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm MST

AH117

Over many years the Association has been able to construct a safety net for teachers and their families. This presentation provides an overview of what teachers have in regard to sick leave and other leaves through the collective agreement, extended disability, life insurance, other benefit plan provisions, as well as pension and death benefits. This is a light-hearted presentation that is intended to be presented to local teachers in order to provide very relevant and necessary information on existing entitlements.

SESSION HOST: Danielle Gareau

Speakers

Genevieve Blais

ATA Staff Session

Friday February 21, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm MST
AH117

Professional Issues (TQS/LQS 6), K-Gr3, Gr 4-6, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12

10:30am MST

Who to Believe? New resources to help students become critical information consumers

Friday February 21, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm MST

M1035

It is apparent that there is a need to help students become critical consumers of information. But, in a crowded curriculum, it is often difficult to find the time to help students evaluate science and health information they encounter. We’ve developed and curated free resources that can be used in secondary classrooms to help students spot disinformation tactics and become more critical consumers of science information. Intended to be used alongside Alberta curricular outcomes, there are resources that can be used in whole-class lessons, short activities, or as asynchronous learning opportunities. Created by experienced Alberta teachers, these resources will help students discern who and what to believe in a world awash in mis/disinformation.

SESSION HOST: Caryn Swark

Speakers

Dr. Kerry Rose

Dr. Kerry Rose taught for more than 30 years in Alberta, and now works as Outreach Project Manager for CMASTE (Centre for Mathematics, Science and Technology Education) at the University of Alberta, where she also teaches pre-service science teachers.

Friday February 21, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm MST
M1035

Science (TQS 3), Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12

10:30am MST

Grade 8 Engaging Projects that Challenge - Japan

Friday February 21, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm MST

M1090

Interactive and simulation based learning for Japan unit. Resources, lesson plans and tasks will be included.

SESSION HOST: Heather Gallipeau

Speakers

Nicholle Morrison

Joanna has a BA History and a BEd Secondary Social Studies. She has been teaching primarily social studies and humanities for the last 18 years at the junior high level. Joanna currently is a teacher at a junior high school with the Calgary Board of Education. She focuses on interactive... Read More →

Joanna Zakus

Friday February 21, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm MST
M1090

Social Studies (TQS 3), Gr 7-9

10:30am MST

Infusing Your Curricular Outcomes with the New Science Curriculum, Computational Thinking & Scratch

Friday February 21, 2025 10:30am - 1:30pm MST

AH147

Creating cross curricular instructional activities infused with Science and Computational Thinking in Scratch.

SESSION HOST: Tanis Machacek

Speakers

Trevor Iampen

Instructor, Consultant, Developer, University of Alberta, EPS, ATLE, ERLC

Trevor has 20 years of experience as an elementary school teacher, university course developer/ instructor, app/web developer and consultant for a variety of organizations and institutions across North America. P.S. Computational thinking is where it’s at…

Friday February 21, 2025 10:30am - 1:30pm MST
AH147

10:30am MST

Facilitating Safe and Brave Dialogue in The Classroom

Friday February 21, 2025 10:30am - 1:30pm MST

TH277

This session will introduce you to tools, resources and techniques to hold and facilitate difficult, brave and safe spaces in the school and classroom. We will explore the use of language around anti-racism and anti-oppression, how we can use history as a way to unpack present-day realities, techniques to diffuse heated conversations, and to guide conversations such as circle practise to create transformative spaces.

This session needs a host! To host, complete the form linked here and include your name and the session title in the form.

Speakers

Hanan Attitalla

We will be modelling circle practise by delivering the session in that fashion. The session will go through how to ground classrooms for dialogue with parameters and lesson plans on dignity. We discuss equitable language and techniques you can use to create safe space without stifling... Read More →

Friday February 21, 2025 10:30am - 1:30pm MST
TH277

Diversity Equity & Human Rights (TQS/LQS 4), Gr 4-6, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12 | Language Arts (TQS 3), Gr 4-6, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12 | Social Studies (TQS 3), Gr 4-6, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12

12:30pm MST

Small Teaching Strategies To Enhance Memory, Attention and Engagement in Your Classes

Friday February 21, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm MST

TH201

Small Teaching (Lang, 2021) is a way of implementing easy-to-use Science of Learning teaching strategies that serve to enhance memory, direct student attention and motivate reluctant learners.

SESSION HOST: Kathy Thomas

Speakers

Chris Mattatall

Associate Professor of Educational Psychology and Inclusion, University of Lethbridge

Dr. Chris Mattatall is the Board of Governor's Teaching Chair (2023-2025) for the University of Lethbridge, Associate Professor of Educational Psychology and Inclusion in the Faculty of Education, and a researcher in reading acquisition and intervention.

Friday February 21, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm MST
TH201

12:30pm MST

Surveying the Disability Landscape: Charting the Path to Inclusion and Beyond

Friday February 21, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm MST

TH341

Inclusion. What exactly is it? Where is it? When does it happen? Who experiences it? Why do we need to advocate for it? How does one achieve it as a goal?

This session needs a host! To host, complete the form linked here and include your name and the session title in the form.

Speakers

Michael Carter

Michael Carter is a teacher, disability activist, and musician. As a disabled person, he has been engaged with disability studies for more than a decade. His work is rooted in supporting disabled students in their development of positive disability identities. Michael is an LST at... Read More →

Phil Williams

Friday February 21, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm MST
TH341

12:30pm MST

Executive Function Building through Art

Friday February 21, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm MST

AH175

A session looking at what executive function is and how art can be used to build these with resources given

SESSION HOST: Jenna Goodrich

Speakers

Alex Funk

Alex Funk is a Lethbridge teacher who has done her masters in Teaching, Learning, and Neuroscience. Her research is on executive function and art.

Friday February 21, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm MST
AH175

Art (TQS 3), K-Gr 3, Gr 4-6 | Curriculum & Pedagogy (TQS 3), K-Gr 3, Gr 4-6

12:30pm MST

Making Spaces: Learning Portfolios as Assessment

Friday February 21, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm MST

PE261

Tips and strategies for using learning portfolios, especially through Spaces EDU, to change how we assess student learning.

SESSION HOST: Deb Yawney

Speakers

Caryn Swark

Caryn Swark (Caryn Lix) is a local and international educator and published author from Lethbridge, Alberta. She is interested in the intersection between technology and education and spent much of last year considering assessment practices for 21st century learners.

Friday February 21, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm MST
PE261

Assessment (TQS 3), K-Gr 3, Gr 4-6

12:30pm MST

Teaching Alberta's New Human Sexuality Curriculum for Grades 4, 5, and 6

Friday February 21, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm MST

AH116

Join the Teaching Sexual Health team for lesson plans, diagrams, videos, and all the resources you need to have fun teaching grade 4-6 sex ed!

SESSION HOST: Megan Schmidt

Speakers

Nicole Inglis

Health Promotion Facilitator, Alberta Health Services: Teaching Sexual Health

Friday February 21, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm MST
AH116

CALM (TQS 3), Gr 4-6 | Health & Wellness (TQS 3), Gr 4-6 | Physical Education (TQS 3), Gr 4-6

12:30pm MST

Financial Literacy and Entrepreneur Resources for K-12

Friday February 21, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm MST

TH204

Are you teaching financial literacy or entrepreneurship to your K-12 students? Come explore our wide range of Free Financial Literacy and Entrepreneur resources and supports (English/French) for your students.

This session needs a host! To host, complete the form linked here and include your name and the session title in the form.

Speakers

Deborah MacFadyen

Deborah MacFadyen: Deborah MacFadyen, Ambrose University Consultant/ Sessional, ‘Building Futures in Alberta’ (BFIA) consultant, is an experienced K-12 educator, administrator, PD facilitator and published author. Deb’s provided innovative, strategic leadership in schools... Read More →

Friday February 21, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm MST
TH204

Career & Technology Studies/Foundations (TQS 3), K-Gr3, Gr 4-6, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12 | Health & Wellness (TQS 3), K-Gr3, Gr 4-6, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12 | Social Studies (TQS 3), K-Gr3, Gr 4-6, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12

12:30pm MST

Artificial Intelligence in K-12 Education

Friday February 21, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm MST

TH241

This session will cover what AI is, where it came from so abruptly, and ideas for ways to leverage the power of AI to give teachers a WIN from this new technological advancement.

SESSION HOST: Christopher Ward

Speakers

Michelle Baragar

Michelle is a doctoral scholar at the University of Calgary who serves as the coordinator of educational technology for Chinook's Edge School Division. She spent 22 years as a classroom teacher in Alberta before moving to her current role. Her area of research is AI in K-12 class... Read More →

Friday February 21, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm MST
TH241

Curriculum & Pedagogy (TQS 3), K-Gr3, Gr 4-6, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12

12:30pm MST

Unlock the Potential of new.learnalberta.ca

Friday February 21, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm MST

AH118

Did you know you can do much more than just view curriculum on new.LearnAlberta.ca? This session will explore how you can make new.LearnAlberta.ca work for you. You’ll see how to view a scope and sequence, find sample lesson plans, explore professional learning supports, and learn how to use Boards, a teacher planning tool. Participants are invited to bring a digital device to this session.

SESSION HOST: Lenore Tarcon

Speakers

ATA Staff Session

Friday February 21, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm MST
AH118

Curriculum & Pedagogy (TQS 3), K-Gr3, Gr 4-6, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12

12:30pm MST

Using AI to Enhance Teacher Professional Practice

Friday February 21, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm MST

PE264

Come and learn how to use AI in a way that enhances your teacher efficacy and professionalism while saving you time so you can take care of your own wellness.

SESSION HOST: Fleur Sweetman

Speakers

Sharon Skretting

Sharon Skretting has been education for too many years to count! She has served in the classroom, as an assessment coach at the district level, as an administrator, and now as an educational consultant and coach. She has recently delved into the realm of AI software development and... Read More →

Friday February 21, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm MST
PE264

Curriculum & Pedagogy (TQS 3), K-Gr3, Gr 4-6, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12 | Assessment (TQS 3), K-Gr3, Gr 4-6, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12

12:30pm MST

Empowering Teachers for Alberta’s Clean Energy Transition

Friday February 21, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm MST

M1030

Join Inside Education for innovative teaching strategies, curriculum approaches, and access to our new "Alternative Fuels Poster Resource." Leave feeling inspired and recharged about teaching Alberta’s energy transition!

This session needs a host! To host, complete the form linked here and include your name and the session title in the form.

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 →

Friday February 21, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm MST
M1030

Curriculum & Pedagogy (TQS 3), K-Gr3, Gr 4-6, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12 | Environmental & Outdoor Education (TQS 3), K-Gr3, Gr 4-6, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12 | Science (TQS 3), K-Gr3, Gr 4-6, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12

12:30pm MST

Professional Semester III - Professional Inquiry Projects

Friday February 21, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm MST

L1170G

Alex McEwan - AI Socratic Seminars and other AI Utilizations
Bennett Kubitz - Teaching Students How to Use ChatGPT Without Getting Caught
Matthew Morrison - The Quiet Revolution: The Place of Mindfulness in the Classroom

Friday February 21, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm MST
L1170G

Education Research (TQS/LQS 2)

12:30pm MST

Specialist Council - Alberta Colony Educators Special Interest Group - ACE - ESLC

Friday February 21, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm MST

TH143

This workshop will give more information about the Alberta Colony Educators Special Interest Group for all colony educators in the province. We will discuss the upcoming ACE Conference, PD opportunities for colony teachers and principals. There will also be time for sharing and collaborating with other colony teachers from surrounding school divisions.

SESSION HOST: Adara Morrow

Speakers

Karl Peterson

Division Colony Principal, Westwind School Division

Karl Peterson is a division colony principal of 19 colonies in Westwind School Division. He has also taught at colonies. He was the past president of the Alberta Colony Educators Special Interest Group of the ATA. Karl helped organize the last two provincial conferences for colony... Read More →

Friday February 21, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm MST
TH143 DON'T DELETE

English Language Learning (TQS/LQS 4), K-Gr 3, Gr 4-6, Gr 7-9

12:30pm MST

Everyone Belongs in Nature: Ecojustice in Outdoor Education

Friday February 21, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm MST

AH176

Nature is wellness that belongs to each and every one of us - both student AND educator! Join CPAWS Southern Alberta to learn how to make your outdoor and environmental education lessons more accessible and beneficial for your entire school community!

This session needs a host! To host, complete the form linked here and include your name and the session title in the form.

Speakers

Jaclyn Angotti

Education Director, CPAWS Southern Alberta

Friday February 21, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm MST
AH176

Environmental & Outdoor Education (TQS 3) Health & Wellness (TQS 3) CALM (TQS 3)

12:30pm MST

Stop Vaping Before It Starts: What Teachers Need to Know

Friday February 21, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm MST

L1050

AHS health professionals will discuss vaping use amongst youth. Best practices for e-cigarette use and vaping related school-based initiatives will be explored. Effective strategies to help students will also be looked at.

This session needs a host! To host, complete the form linked here and include your name and the session title in the form.

Speakers

Courtnay Epp

Courtnay Epp is a Health Promotion Facilitator on the Healthy Schools Team with Alberta Health Services (AHS). She has been with AHS for over 10 years and is passionate about improving student health through evidence-informed actions in school-based settings. Courtnay has a keen... Read More →

Chloe Trautman

Friday February 21, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm MST
L1050

Health & Wellness (TQS 3), Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12 | CALM (TQS 3), Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12

12:30pm MST

Raising Buffalo Consciousness for Truth and Reconciliation

Friday February 21, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm MST

M1040

The session will explore the story of the buffalo as a wonderful entry point for students and teachers to learn about land, indigenous ways of knowing, being, and doing, and the truth and reconciliation process. The session will explore the Buffalo Treaty and the work of the International Buffalo Relations Institute (IBRI) in raising buffalo consciousness. The session will also share ideas and resources to support student learning in the classroom, as well as teacher professional learning.

This session needs a host! To host, complete the form linked here and include your name and the session title in the form.

Speakers

Craig Findlay

Teacher, Lethbridge School Division

Katira Crow Shoe

Friday February 21, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm MST
M1040

Indigenous Education (TQS/LQS 5), Gr 4-6, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12 | Social Studies (TQS 3), Gr 4-6, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12

12:30pm MST

I Am Alive

Friday February 21, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm MST

PE275

Christine Holubec-Jackson is a 3 time hemorrhagic stroke and brain surgery survivor. Her message includes insights into life with a brain injury and finding hope, resiliency, and finding our own personal superpower even in the face of overwhelming challenges.

SESSION HOST: Genevieve Ahart

Speakers

Christine Holubec-Jackson

Author/Storyteller

Christine is a multiple hemorrhagic stroke and brain surgery survivor. Like many people, she never thought it could happen to her. She has written two personal memoirs, two children’s books, one about stroke and one about concussion, and hosted a podcast series, all with a focus... Read More →

Friday February 21, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm MST
PE275

Keynotes & Featured Speaker, K-Gr3, Gr 4-6, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12

12:30pm MST

Speak Up: Performance Activities to Build Your Students’ Confidence

Friday February 21, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm MST

L1170B

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.

SESSION HOST: Laura Pearce

Speakers

Miranda Krogstad

Friday February 21, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm MST
L1170B

Language Arts (TQS 3), Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12

12:30pm MST

What’s New in Books? The K-5 Edition

Friday February 21, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm MST

PE250

Join the UofL Bookstore ladies as they book talk new and upcoming titles that will get you and your students excited about reading!

SESSION HOST: Meagan Logie

Speakers

Becky Colbeck

Kari Tanaka

Friday February 21, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm MST
PE250

Language Arts (TQS 3), K-Gr 3, Gr 4-6

12:30pm MST

A Principal's Guide to Functional Fundraising Association

Friday February 21, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm MST

M1060

Join ASCA to learn how to identify and mitigate risks while supporting the parent’s, and the principal’s, roles, responsibilities, and authority with a registered, incorporated fundraising association.

This session needs a host! To host, complete the form linked here and include your name and the session title in the form.

Speakers

Alberta School Councils' Association

Friday February 21, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm MST
M1060

Leadership (LQS 1-9), K-Gr 3, Gr 4-6, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12

12:30pm MST

Brain Breaks with Whacky Wizards: Magically Making Music with Boomwhackers percussion tubes.

Friday February 21, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm MST

TH173

Learn how online resources can help you offer meaningful, engaging, and fun Brain/Body Breaks from Leo Brooks - award-winning educator, Boomwhacker guru, and founder of www.whackywizards.com.

SESSION HOST: Katie Walker

Speakers

Leo Brooks

Leo has worked as a music teacher for two decades. He’s enriched the musical lives of thousands of children through his rhythm and percussion based classes and workshops. His recent graduate research project in music education technology earned him the 2023 Governor General’s... Read More →

Friday February 21, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm MST
TH173

Music & Band (TQS 3), K-Gr 3, Gr 4-6, Gr 7-9

12:30pm MST

Collective Bargaining for Teachers - How it Works

Friday February 21, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm MST

L1168

This session will review relevant sections of the Labour Relations Code and the changes to collective bargaining as governed by the Public Education Collective Bargaining Act (PECBA). Participants will be introduced to new processes, such as list bargaining and central table bargaining, as well as reviewing how the new process impacts the traditional work of local bargaining. This session will help teachers stay informed about bargaining and express their opinions on bargaining goals and actions.

SESSION HOST: Juliana Richard

Speakers

Shelley Magnusson

Executive Staff Officer, Teacher Employment Services

Shelley has been with the Alberta Teachers’ Association for 11 years, 10 of which was spent in communications. Prior to joining the ATA, Shelley was the director of member engagement with APEGA, and a program manager with Alberta Education. First and fore most Shelley is a teacher... Read More →

Friday February 21, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm MST
L1168

Professional Issues (TQS/LQS 6), K-Gr3, Gr 4-6, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12

12:30pm MST

Le Code de conduite professionnelle: de quoi s'agit-il et en quoi me concerne-t-il?

Friday February 21, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm MST

AH117

Le nouveau Code de conduite professionnelle précise les exigences minimales auxquelles doivent répondre les titulaires d’un brevet d’enseignement, y compris les enseignants, les leadeurs scolaires et les directions générales. Le Code s’applique au comportement des enseignants dans une variété de contextes, au travail comme à l’extérieur du travail. Cette présentation s’appuie sur des scénarios inspirés de situations courantes en milieu de travail pour décrire les normes de conduite professionnelle que les enseignants et leadeurs scolaires doivent respecter, en plus d’expliquer le processus de dépôt d’une plainte.

This session needs a host! To host, complete the form linked here and include your name and the session title in the form.

Speakers

Genevieve Blais

ATA Staff Session

Friday February 21, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm MST
AH117

Professional Issues (TQS/LQS 6), K-Gr3, Gr 4-6, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12

12:30pm MST

Grade 7 - Our Greatest Hits How to Make Canadian History interesting and engaging! Mid 1700-1900

Friday February 21, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm MST

M1090

Interactive and simulation based learning for Canadian History mid 1700's-1900. Resources, lesson plans and tasks will be included.

SESSION HOST: Jessica Johnson

Speakers

Nicholle Morrison

Joanna Zakus

Friday February 21, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm MST
M1090

Social Studies (TQS 3), Gr 7-9

2:30pm MST

Honor Band Performance

Friday February 21, 2025 2:30pm - 4:00pm MST

University Theatre

Come explore wind band literature that could be used to teach musical elements, form and structure, technique development, and fostering enjoyment and understanding through active "listening" to the repertoire itself. Repertoire for this year's honour band includes Flex-band writing, a piece that focuses on pandiatonicism, bitonality and minimalism, as well as core band repertoire.

SESSION HOST: Juliana Richard

Speakers

Honor Band

Chee Meng Low

Guest Conductor

Friday February 21, 2025 2:30pm - 4:00pm MST
University Theatre