REMINDER...if you DID NOT pre-register for parking prior to February 15th, please remember to check in at the PARKING KIOSK tomorrow at the doors near security when you arrive in the morning! Thank you!
LUNCH SPECIALS at the MHC! Plan ahead for some good food and a sit down visit with friends!
THURSDAY
CRAVE BUFFET ($15.00) - Chicken Penne Alfredo, Caesar Salad & Garlic Toast, Vegetarian option - Mediterranean Penne CAFETERIA CORNER ($10.00) - BBQ Beef on a bun with Potato Wedges, medium fountain pop
FRIDAY CRAVE BUFFET ($15.00) - Pulled Pork on a bun with Cole Slaw Vegetarian option - Veggie Wrap CAFETERIA CORNER ($10.00) - Soft Tacos with Tater Tots, medium fountain pop
Of course the cafeteria will be open with a full menu! REMEMBER...MHC is CASHLESS!
Please NOTE: Pre-registration for Convention Parking is now CLOSED! If you need to register your vehicle for convention parking, please stop into the Courtyard room to use a parking Kiosk.
Please click on the link below to view ATA President Jason Schillings member address.
To create an account so you can make a personal schedule, click on the Login or Signup link at the top of the screen. To find out how to make your account private, manage your profile, and get the most out of SCHED, please click on the Information link below.
Message from ATA Conventions regarding inclement weather and safe travels...
“On the two school days of your assigned teachers’ convention, you have a legal and professional responsibility to attend Convention. If you are not able to make it safely to your assigned convention, however, your collective agreement may include impassable roads or inclement weather clauses that you can access. If your collective agreement does not include language specific to road conditions or weather, you may make use of the personal leave clauses of your agreement in most cases. Please be aware that using any of these types of leave may require you to pay substitute costs, forego a portion of your salary and benefits, or report to your school or another work location in your district. Refer to your collective agreement for more information. Should you require any additional information or if you need assistance interpreting your collective agreement, please contact Teacher Employment Services at 1-800-232-7208 or 780-447-9400.”
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We will begin with movement with a slow flow to connect our bodies and breathe; After we have connected with our breath we will move into longer deeper holds to improve flexibility, reduced stress and will leave you feeling rejuvenated. Please bring your own matt, as there will only be a limited amount available to borrow.
An overview of what executive function is, what its place is in an elementary classroom, and how we can use art to aid in the building of executive function. Included are project ideas, examples, and a look at resources found at https://afunk95.wixsite.com/artinaction.
SESSION FULL - In this introductory to melt and pour soap making workshop you will produce and package your own customized honey soap bars. Includes : Creating 2 peronsal 6 oz bars of premium artisan honey soap customized with essential oils and natural ingredients. 2 customized stamped and designed gift bags. Cost $40
Come and cure your winter blues with the Botanicals Terrarium Workshop! You will be provided a mini glass terrarium and get to choose your favorite cactus and/or succulents to plant in it. Your workshop instructor will discuss the plants we are using and give you all the tips and tricks on how to care for them, then go through the process step-by-step with you to plant your new creation. You'll then get to choose from a variety of accents and decor to personalize your terrarium and make it unique. All tools and supplies are provided. No green-thumb required! Event Details: Price: $30+gst per person Date: Thursday, February 22 Times: (please choose your preferred time when booking) 9:00am - 10:00am 10:30am - 11:30am 1:00pm - 2:00pm 2:30pm - 3:30pm All workshops will begin promptly as per the start time, please arrive a few minutes early to get settled in. Botanicals workshops are non-refundable and non-transferable. Limited spots available.
The purpose of this workshop is to explore the assessment indicators within the Alberta Teaching Quality Standard. While assessment has been a topic of professional learning for over two decades, the TQS indicators provide an opportunity for participants to deepen their understanding of the principles of sound assessment practice and to make practical application of those principles to their classroom/schools.
Therapeutic counselling interventions can be tricky within school settings. Generally speaking, school counsellors can not offer goal based, ongoing, consistent and predictable counselling. School counselling is limited by crisis intervention, variety in school wellness models and staffing, the school calendar year, the school day, consent, and so on. Sandplay is a less intrusive way to allow the child to work through problems at their chosen pace, without opening issues that we may not be able to properly attend to in school counselling. This session is for wellness practioners working with all grade levels who are curious about using a sand tray in their counselling office and how to get started.
Creating activities that utilize the Five Senses as a starting point allows students to write, act, storytell through exploration. Starting with sight and touch, students also can become aware of the abilities of others who may be sight or hearing impaired. Whether for Drama or English class, these exercises are based on Brian Way’s writings and teachings. A hands-on session.
Math can be soul crushing. Believing you can't do math leads to a lack of confidence, hopelessness & many tears! By making sure your math lessons are infused with FIVE key socio-emotional principles, this session will turn you into a life-changing math teacher that inspires students to see themselves as capable of ANYTHING - even math!
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.
PresidentJason Schilling was re-elected president in 2023, following four years of service as president, twoyears of service as vice-president and more than eight years of service as district representative forSouth West. Schilling was an English and drama teacher at Kate Andrews... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
S159 (Cap 134)Medicine Hat College, 299 College Dr SE, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 3Y6, Canada
Lead by Foremost School principal Corey Steeves, school leaders will look at strategies proven to help in navigating the complexities associated with the role and ultimately flourish and succeed as school leaders.
Book challenges and attempts at banning books are rapidly increasing across Canada and the United States. This is an urgent matter with vital implications for maintaining the integrity of professional judgment as certified teachers and administrators. More importantly, it’s foundational that students have equitable and professionally guided access to literature where students can learn stories of a wide diversity of people and topics. In some cases, the well being of students and staff are at stake. This is a confusing and complex topic where policy can often seem uncertain or unknown, and what to do, if it happens to you, can lead to a better outcome than one can imagine, or create a much bigger situation. Leaning on the research and experience of trusted teacher-librarian colleagues and researchers over decades, we’ll walk you through case studies and potential plans of action. There is no better time to prepare than now.
Harold Semenuk is the teacher-librarian for M.E. LaZerte High School in Edmonton, Alberta. Recently, Harold was the President or the Alberta School Learning Commons Council. Previously, Harold led a centrally developed project, “Anytime Help Anywhere” with Edmonton Public Schools... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
S108 (Cap 42)Medicine Hat College, 299 College Dr SE, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 3Y6, Canada
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. 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.
Wondering how to spend your precious time teaching and practicing spelling? We will discuss spelling strategies like drilling words, copying lists down, rainbow writing, making big words, word sorts, Wordle, and more! We will examine what works, what doesn't, and why, so that you can make informed decisions to maximize time and impact with your students.
Marnie Heintz, B.A., B.Ed., has been an Instructional Coach for MHPSD for the past 5 years. Her focus areas of research to provide professional learning, modeling in classrooms and coaching for teachers include mainly: assessment, new curriculum and literacy. Marnie has a deep understanding... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
S154 (Cap 46)Medicine Hat College, 299 College Dr SE, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 3Y6, Canada
This session will explore possibilities of using faith-based fiction in the high school English classroom. Ben Galeski, teacher and author, will detail how Catholic fiction can be a powerful medium for faith permeation in the classroom by detailing his use of Michael O'Brien's The Lighthouse in his English 10-1 classroom. As well, Ben will go through the lessons he learned through the process of writing and publishing his own novels, Starvation Cove and The Good Heart.
Mental and physical wellness has never before been such a big topic in education. Over the past decade drumming has come to the forefront as an activity that has many health and wellness benefits. This workshop will take participants through numerous games and activities that can help ease stress, anxiety, other mental health struggles, and improve feelings of community, wellness, and general wellbeing. No prior experience is necessary. We will learn basic hand drumming skills, basic rhythms, and how to improvise. Come and play the drum, we will have so much fun.
The benefits of hands-on activities for young learners are undeniable. But often with the unique challenges of the music classroom, these experiences are difficult to provide. Join me for an overview of my tried and true method for Music Centres. With a little planning and preparation, your students will be playing, exploring, and music-making with engaging and independent activities no matter your own music teacher experience. This music centre plan is easily customizable to fit with the materials and instruments you have, and can be modified in a number of ways to suit the levels and needs of your students.
Not a music specialist but teaching music? Need some new ideas for music classes that you’re currently teaching? Then this session is for you! Joyce will arm you with songs, games, activities and strategies to turn you from terrified to terrifically confident. You’ll leave with a handout filled with tips for teaching, reinforcing, and assessing music concepts and skills. If you’ve never taught music or are a reluctant singer, you will learn strategies to have you and your students loving music time!!
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 February 20, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
S145 (Cap 42)Medicine Hat College, 299 College Dr SE, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 3Y6, Canada
This is a chance to get together with other Grade 6 teachers to take a look at how to put together a scope and sequence for the new curriculum that works for you. We'll help each other make it make sense! Bring your year plans and some resources to share!
Never the same session twice! We will spin the wheel to pick a letter and then give a generative AI (Artificial Intelligence) product, hack, extension, resource or something just plain fun and interesting. This fast-paced session will provide at least one OMG! moment for everyone, from beginner to tech ninja! We will unpack tools for use with all ages and subject areas, in-person and/or online.
District Instructional Coach/ Lead, Prairie Rose School Division No. 8
Cammie is currently in her sixth year as a District Instructional Lead in southern Alberta where she works to integrate technology and innovation with rural sustainability. Before that, she spent 20 years in grade 7-12 classes as an English Language Arts and Social Studies teacher... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
F156 (Cap 95)Medicine Hat College, 299 College Dr SE, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 3Y6, Canada
All teachers are teachers of EAL learners, no matter the subject. In this hands on session, using a UDL, differentiation and language through content fusion approach teachers will learn how to teach the language of their subject to EAL learners of varying proficiency levels. Strategies to maximize language learning through content in listening, speaking, reading, and writing opportunities for academic and complementary subjects will be explored.
Stress, anxiety, and mental health issues are becoming more common in students today. As teachers we must also care for ourselves. These issues become classroom issues. This workshop will identify the issues and provide many classroom-tested strategies and resources to help teachers minimize the negative effects to themselves and their students. Time will be provided for sharing strategies and help to develop individual action plans. Wellness is a secondary element of this workshop.
It's time to redefine self-care! We've all heard the saying "you can't give from an empty cup." But as teachers who wear many hats, it can be hard to keep our cups full, and even harder to find the time or energy for conventional forms of self-care, like bubble baths, spas, and salads. What we often fail to realize is that it can be our own responses and attitudes that impact how full or empty the cup is. Why yoga? Beyond the physical benefits of yoga, learning to connect with your body on your mat by acknowledging and responding to physical sensations helps you to become more aware of how you are reacting to daily circumstances off your mat. Furthermor, the wisdom in yogic teachings and traditions can provide insight into yourself and your relationship with the world and people around you, including your students. You begin to take intentional control of your reactions towards the many challenges that you face as an educator (and a human being), leaving you feeling less drained and more fulfilled. Then, you can give fully to your students as well as model healthy mindsets and effective reactions. This half day session will include two yoga practices (different styles), meditation, and discussion of how varying yogic attitudes can be applied to the context of the school and classroom.
The Blanket Exercise is a participatory workshop in which educators will experience over 500 years of history by taking on the roles of Indigenous Peoples in Canada. Standing on blankets that represent the land, they will walk through time and explore the impacts of colonization, treaty making and modern legislation. The Blanket Exercise is concluded by a facilitated debriefing in which participants have the opportunity to discuss the experience as a group. By engaging participants on an emotional and intellectual level, this workshop is a powerful tool for increasing empathy and understanding.
“I don’t know what to write.” Has that sentence ever been uttered in your classroom? When it comes to story writing, so many students get stuck right at the beginning. I’ll share numerous classroom-tested activities specifically designed to move your young writers from stuck to story, while at the same time enhancing their understanding of basic plot structure. You’ll leave with enough creative, engaging ideas to keep the words flowing in your classroom for the rest of the school year.
Come to chat, learn and share all things Grade 2!! We are two Grade 2 teachers wanting to collaborate with you! Let's talk new curriculum, using technology within our daily lessons and anything else that is in our Grade 2 world.
ASL - Intermediate This course is geared toward educators with some familiarity with ASL who would like to take it to the next level. After reviewing the basics, we will go deeper into the grammatical and syntactical structures of ASL, directional verbs, locational/spatial markers, and narrative organization. Participants will leave this session able to tell a joke or simple story in ASL.
This is an introduction to the game of lacrosse. The basics of the game will be explored (scooping, cradling, passing, catching and shooting). Participants will have the opportunity to learn about the game and develop the skills necessary to demonstrate and implement lacrosse.
Grade three teachers will be meeting in collaborative teams to examine, explore and deconstruct new science curricular outcomes. Our focus will be in creating shared I can statements to be used on report cards. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own planning documents, devices and to attend with colleagues that they can collaborate with. This is a work session, not a formal presentation of information.
Come and cure your winter blues with the Botanicals Terrarium Workshop! You will be provided a mini glass terrarium and get to choose your favorite cactus and/or succulents to plant in it. Your workshop instructor will discuss the plants we are using and give you all the tips and tricks on how to care for them, then go through the process step-by-step with you to plant your new creation. You'll then get to choose from a variety of accents and decor to personalize your terrarium and make it unique. All tools and supplies are provided. No green-thumb required! Event Details: Price: $30+gst per person Date: Thursday, February 22 Times: (please choose your preferred time when booking) 9:00am - 10:00am 10:30am - 11:30am 1:00pm - 2:00pm 2:30pm - 3:30pm All workshops will begin promptly as per the start time, please arrive a few minutes early to get settled in. Botanicals workshops are non-refundable and non-transferable. Limited spots available.
Alberta's apprenticeship education system is undergoing a significant modernization effort to ensure it remains relevant and effective in a rapidly changing economic landscape. Our presentation will serve as a valuable platform for educators to gain insights into these crucial developments. Attendees can expect to learn about the following key topics: 1. The Modern Apprenticeship Pathway: a. Dive deep into how apprenticeship education works in Alberta. b. Explore its modern relevance in today's dynamic job market. c. Discover its potential as a versatile and exciting post-secondary pathway. 2. New Apprenticeship Education Credentials: a. Explore the latest advancements in apprenticeship education credentials. b. Understand how these credentials set students up for lifelong learning and career advancement. 3. Beyond the Trades 4. Post-Journeyperson Laddering and Pathways a. Find out how apprenticeship can empower your students to become successful as skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, mentors, and lifeline learners in any field. b. Learn about the diverse pathways that journeypersons can take after apprenticeship to continue their education. Our presentation will feature expert speakers, including representatives from Advanced Education, who will share valuable insights, case studies, and success stories. We believe that this session will provide educators with the knowledge and tools they need to better guide their students towards successful apprenticeship and career pathways.
Kathryn Andrews is the Director of Apprenticeship Education and Pathways with Alberta Advanced Education. Kathryn has worked in the Government of Alberta for more than 17 years in the fields of apprenticeship education, career development and supporting youth. She is passionate about... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am MST
B356 (Cap 32)Medicine Hat College, 299 College Dr SE, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 3Y6, Canada
So many have begun to fear clowns, through the advent of Scary Clowns. Dispel this fear. This session covers movement, makeup, costume and scene creation though the use of classic clowning. It is a physical unit that has students up and moving, yet is appropriate for those with disabilities as well. The unit gives a physical outlet for energy while learning about the history of clowning. Also, it teaches students planning, group communication and presentation giving them the chance to improve their confidence and communication skills. As the unit does not involve verbal communication, students of all languages and abilities will be able to participate.
Therapeutic counselling interventions can be tricky within school settings. Generally speaking, school counsellors can not offer goal based, ongoing, consistent and predictable counselling. School counselling is limited by crisis intervention, variety in school wellness models and staffing, the school calendar year, the school day, consent, and so on. Sandplay is a less intrusive way to allow the child to work through problems at their chosen pace, without opening issues that we may not be able to properly attend to in school counselling. This session is for wellness practioners working with all grade levels who are curious about using a sand tray in their counselling office and how to get started. Repeat Session.
Join us for an interactive and empowering workshop that explores strategies for supporting students through challenging behaviours. This session focuses on approaches that cultivate student resilience, as well as strategies to support our own resilience as we respond to challenging moments of student behaviour. Through activities, discussion, and reflection, we will explore a variety of techniques that support students with challenging behaviour and care for our own wellbeing, at once.
Math can be soul crushing. Believing you can't do math leads to a lack of confidence, hopelessness & many tears! By making sure your math lessons are infused with FIVE key socio-emotional principles, this session will turn you into a life-changing math teacher that inspires students to see themselves as capable of ANYTHING - even math!
Join us for an engaging and thought-provoking session that delves into the intricate landscape of school leadership. In this interactive guided conversation, we will explore the multifaceted opportunities and challenges faced by school leaders today. Moreover, we are interested in hearing how YOUR Association can provide the most effective and tailored support to empower school leaders, enabling them to lead with confidence and resilience.
Associate Executive Secretary, Government, Alberta Teachers' Association
Dr. Elissa Corsi is one of two Associate Executive Secretaries for the Alberta Teachers' Association and is the Coordinator of the Association's Government Services program area. She worked as a teacher and administrator in Alberta schools, both in English and French Immersion, before... Read More →
CANCELLED - Picture books are an amazing resource for teachers in all subject areas and grades, offering students opportunities to explore their own lives and the world around them. Picture books are also wonderful mentor texts to inspire writers, giving them opportunities to take risks with their own pieces. Join me as I share some of my favourite picture books to use with students. This session, and prizes, are provided by the English Language Arts Specialist Council.
Poetry can be a tough sell to students who would rather be on Instagram or listening to the top 40. But what if they didn’t have to choose between the two? What if Instagram poets and chart-topping hits were studied alongside sonnets and haikus? What if it were less about teaching kids how to write poetry and more about learning the limitless styles there are to choose from? Whatever the style or personality of the student, this workshop explores how to create a versatile and open-ended poetry unit that allows these young poets to find their voice.
Explore ways to build a strong connection between school and home in order to impact literacy development. When schools and parents partner, the positive effects on students are great. This relies upon communication, relationships, and the right information and resources.
Marnie Heintz, B.A., B.Ed., has been an Instructional Coach for MHPSD for the past 5 years. Her focus areas of research to provide professional learning, modeling in classrooms and coaching for teachers include mainly: assessment, new curriculum and literacy. Marnie has a deep understanding... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am MST
S154 (Cap 46)Medicine Hat College, 299 College Dr SE, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 3Y6, Canada
This session will explore possibilities of using faith-based fiction in the high school English classroom. Ben Galeski, teacher and author, will detail how Catholic fiction can be a powerful medium for faith permeation in the classroom by detailing his use of Michael O'Brien's The Lighthouse in his English 10-1 classroom. As well, Ben will go through the lessons he learned through the process of writing and publishing his own novels, Starvation Cove and The Good Heart.
The benefits of hands-on activities for young learners are undeniable. But often with the unique challenges of the music classroom, these experiences are difficult to provide. Join me for an overview of my tried and true method for Music Centres. With a little planning and preparation, your students will be playing, exploring, and music-making with engaging and independent activities no matter your own music teacher experience. This music centre plan is easily customizable to fit with the materials and instruments you have, and can be modified in a number of ways to suit the levels and needs of your students.
Get ready to clap, stomp, snap and play! In this interactive session, Joyce will demonstrate a variety of fun activities to teach, reinforce and assess rhythms concepts for Div. I and II music. She’ll also show you fun ways to incorporate rhythm instruments to get your students playing and learning.
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 February 20, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am MST
S145 (Cap 42)Medicine Hat College, 299 College Dr SE, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 3Y6, Canada
In the AERA’s Youth Teams in Education Research program, a team of four high school students from Alberta will report on a study examining (a) how newcomer students’ lived experiences can inform best education practices and (b) how the mandated COVID-19 social isolation affected the mental health/ well-being of newcomer students during resettlement. These two interrelated issues have sparked an increased research demand to recognize and address newcomer families’ unique barriers and challenges (Zaidi et al., 2019), and the roles advocacy and activism play in their quest for acceptance and viability in their new homeland. The study was guided by the perspective that these challenges related to race, culture, language, or religion that newcomer adolescents experience can sometimes be overcome by confronting them (Anderson et al., 2019). In addition, the study was informed by the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic, which intensified any pre-existing racial or cultural injustices, and further exacerbated the inequalities already being experienced by racialized students in their educational and social lives (James, 2021). An educational research team with 22 visible minority students (50 percent from 1.5 Generation Canadians of African or Southeast Asian descent and 50 percent from newcomers) participated in four bi-weekly focus groups. Using Pimenta’s (2005) “Collaborative Action Research” approach, the discussions included student participants reflecting on how their personal narratives can pave the way for future students and how they can use this opportunity to be a leader in their school and community. The data revealed a variety of challenges, pressures, and inequalities that newcomer students face including (a) the lack of recognition and awareness about religion (e.g., holiday observances and prayer times), (b) self and family pressure to perform, (c) racism, (d) fear of backlash for cultural/ religious events, and (e) lack of involvement/ connection to the school. In addition, data uncovered about the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated an exacerbated level of resultant stress and racist encounters, further complicating their lives. Based on this data, and the themes identified from a survey (given to all the newcomer and 1.5 generation students), students were invited to join a working group of their choice where they created multimodal responses to the highlighted issues. These included a social media campaign and province-wide advocacy initiatives to further inform and highlight challenges and barriers. Drawing on the findings, an Advisory Board was created, including five volunteer participants from the focus groups. Here, they identified urgent issues of equity, diversity, and inclusion and suggested proactive measures. The research offers a critical contribution to the field, based on Rodriguez’s (2022) model that enables a better understanding of three distinct, but related levels: the micro (classroom, school), the meso (community), and the macro (provincial and/or national level practices and policies). This multilevel analysis gives us the opportunity to hear and react to students’ stories of racialization, stress, and isolation, and how these affect their mental and physical well-being. 2 Additionally, it informs how best educational practices still need to be addressed for newcomer students and pre-/inservice educators.
Using generative AI tools in our classrooms poses ethical and practical challenges that need to be addressed. How can we ensure that the generated content is accurate, appropriate, and respectful? How can we protect the privacy and security of our students and ourselves? How can we evaluate the quality and impact of the generated content? We will explore this shifting landscape and provide samples of what it might look like for students to learn alongside AI, especially considering that most AI tools have an under-18 limit. We will look at creative and impactful classroom applications for some of the AI tools that you may be hearing about.
District Instructional Coach/ Lead, Prairie Rose School Division No. 8
Cammie is currently in her sixth year as a District Instructional Lead in southern Alberta where she works to integrate technology and innovation with rural sustainability. Before that, she spent 20 years in grade 7-12 classes as an English Language Arts and Social Studies teacher... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am MST
F156 (Cap 95)Medicine Hat College, 299 College Dr SE, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 3Y6, Canada
In this highly engaging and interactive circle discussion with HPEC (Health and Physical Education Council) we will delve into the pressing issues and challenges faced by physical education and wellness teachers in today's dynamic educational landscape. Join us for a thought-provoking conversation that aims to empower educators with innovative solutions, strategies, and best practices to elevate their teaching and ultimately improve the overall wellness of their students. Teaches will also come away with province-wide resources.
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.
Nancy is a teacher, wanderer and wonderer, with 31 years of experience that includes: 7 schools, 4 towns, courses in grades K–12, roles as Assistant Principal and Principal and 8 years at the ATA. Nancy comes from a small farming community and that upbringing instilled in her values... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am MST
F1008 (Cap 35)Medicine Hat College, 299 College Dr SE, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 3Y6, Canada
SESSION FULL - In this introductory to melt and pour soap making workshop you will produce and package your own customized honey soap bars. Includes : Creating 2 peronsal 6 oz bars of premium artisan honey soap customized with essential oils and natural ingredients. 2 customized stamped and designed gift bags. Cost $40.
Please email Stella at purehoney@sasktel.net to request to be on a waiting list in case of a cancellation.
Come and cure your winter blues with the Botanicals Terrarium Workshop! You will be provided a mini glass terrarium and get to choose your favorite cactus and/or succulents to plant in it. Your workshop instructor will discuss the plants we are using and give you all the tips and tricks on how to care for them, then go through the process step-by-step with you to plant your new creation. You'll then get to choose from a variety of accents and decor to personalize your terrarium and make it unique. All tools and supplies are provided. No green-thumb required! Event Details: Price: $30+gst per person Date: Thursday, February 22 Times: (please choose your preferred time when booking) 9:00am - 10:00am 10:30am - 11:30am 1:00pm - 2:00pm 2:30pm - 3:30pm All workshops will begin promptly as per the start time, please arrive a few minutes early to get settled in. Botanicals workshops are non-refundable and non-transferable. Limited spots available.
Are you looking for no-prep and low-prep ways to engage your students? Join us for a dynamic session where we will explore 20 versatile no-prep and low-prep activities you can implement in any subject and grade level. Be ready to engage with interactive activities and explore practical applications for these strategies in your teaching context.
Nancy is a teacher, wanderer and wonderer, with 31 years of experience that includes: 7 schools, 4 towns, courses in grades K–12, roles as Assistant Principal and Principal and 8 years at the ATA. Nancy comes from a small farming community and that upbringing instilled in her values... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
F1008 (Cap 35)Medicine Hat College, 299 College Dr SE, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 3Y6, Canada
This presentation is designed specifically for teachers that have recently joined the plan. It provides a general overview of the plan, including information about pension contributions, maintaining your spouse/beneficiary information, the eligibility requirements for a pension, purchasing leaves of absences and substitute service, and transferring service with another pension plan.
The new Code of Professional Conduct outlines minimum expectations for teaching certificate holders, including teachers, teacher leaders and superintendents. The code applies to the conduct of teachers in both on-duty and off-duty contexts. Drawing on scenarios from various typical employment matters, this presentation describes the standards of professional conduct expected of teachers and teacher leaders and explains the complaint process.
Executive Staff Officer, Teacher Employment Services, The Alberta Teachers' Association
Phil is an executive staff officer in the Teacher Employment Service program area based out of the Association's Calgary office. Phil's career spans many years of teaching, school leadership, and legal expertise. He has served as the principal of Ecole Notre-Dame des Monts in Canmore... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
F1009 (Cap 35)Medicine Hat College, 299 College Dr SE, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 3Y6, Canada
Join CAREERS as we work to promote opportunities for students in the Off-Campus world. View our new portal system that students, teachers and employers can all access to discover internship opportunities available in the local area. We will also discuss the new CAREERS secondee program that has been rolled out to the school divisions and how these roles will help in the Off-Campus programming at schools.
Benchmarks 2.0 is an effective way to assess and monitor English language proficiency of EAL learners. In this session learn about the differences between Benchmarks 1.0 and 2.0, the Annual Assessment competencies (Vocabulary, Sentence Structure and Transition and Connections), the supporting competencies, and how to use the new Benchmarks.
What must educators know to effectively use the Science of Reading (SoR) in a diverse elementary classroom? My research set out to identify the essential elements of the SoR for teachers and clarify how these elements can be utilized and enhanced to support English as an Additional Language Learners. Many programs claim to be SoR-based but only provide one piece of the puzzle for effective reading instruction. Educators must be able to see past the publishers' sales pitch and analyze programs to implement effective literacy instruction.
Play fosters creativity, independence, problem solving and ownership in learning. This workshop will provide you with ways to successfully incorporate play into any class and give you ideas to use in your next lesson.
Andrea Paquette, President of the Stigma-Free Society, is a passionate advocate for mental health and wellness with over a decade of experience. Diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 2005, her inspiring journey emphasizes the importance of understanding and acceptance. Andrea's dynamic presentations have reached over 75,000 students and educators, fostering a more inclusive and compassionate environment. She champions the Stigma-Free School Program, which equips schools with resources and tools to address mental health challenges and reduce stigma. Her work extends to the Student Mental Health Toolkit, Virtual Stigma-Free Presentations, Professional Development Day sessions, Educators Peer Support Training, and Student-led Stigma-Free Clubs, all designed to empower students and educators. Andrea Paquette's dedication to mental health advocacy in educational settings makes her an expert in mental health education for students, inspiring positive change in schools and communities. Join her on this transformative journey towards a stigma-free future.
Did you know that First Nations, Métis, and Inuit traditional games are great ways to make connections to numeracy? Traditional games can provide entry points to deeper understanding of Indigenous ways of knowing and further connections to the land. Get ready to learn about resources for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit traditional games and how to create authentic learning experiences.
Brigette is the first First Nations hockey player to be named to Canada's National Women's Team. She tells her story on resilience, determination, goal setting, racism, her 7 year sobriety and mental health.
So often our perception of what we believe to be required of being a leader prevents us from pursuing and accepting a leadership role. In this session, we will explore what our assumptions are, the resources we have, as well as what is within our control to thrive in leadership positions. We have a lot more control than we give ourselves credit for! Together, we will address assumptions and create a plan to embrace the leader within ourselves.
ATA PD Workshop Facilitator, Alberta Teachers Association
Crystal Atkinson is passionate about helping others foster their inner leader! She is an Association Instructor for the ATA and an Instructional Coach for Grasslands Public Schools. Crystal is also a certified Maxwell Leadership Team member. Prior to this, she was an administrator... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
F160 (Crowfoot Room)Medicine Hat College, 299 College Dr SE, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 3Y6, Canada
Are the students in your class struggling with comprehension? Are they having a hard time putting their thoughts together when you ask them, "What was that about"? Use writing! Research has shown that writing instruction supports student reading, and has positive impacts on comprehension. Tim Shanahan says, "Readers, who are writers, can end up with insights about what authors are up to and how they exert their effects, something of great value in text interpretation." This session will provide you with 8 practical strategies to get your kids writing about their experiences as a means to build their writing skills and comprehension.
Optimal Learning Coach, Medicine Hat Public School Division
I have been teaching since 2009. In that time, I have had the opportunity to work in elementary schools in Edmonton and Calgary, focusing on students with special needs and learning disabilities in reading and writing. I joined MHPSD in 2021 as an Optimal Learning Coach, where I have... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
S154 (Cap 46)Medicine Hat College, 299 College Dr SE, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 3Y6, Canada
If the thought of a rap battle has your knees weak and arms heavy, this workshop can turn things around. Breaking down this seemingly off-the-cuff art form into teachable techniques, you will learn that it is more formula than freestyle. From writing rhyme charts to fabricating fill-in-the-blank lines, the appearance of improv can be backed by hours of preparation. This workshop is a glimpse into some activities and support materials that will give you and your students the ability to lose yourself in the music. Gradually scaling up from the foundation, this structure is meant to cater to even the most hesitant performers. The activity-heavy nature of the session will give you practical exercises to bring back to the classroom, starting with stressless behind the scenes work and moving closer to center stage with each step. Beginning with brainstorming and prep, allowing for group work and other social comforts, moving into shorter and more independent prep periods before the beat drops, and slowly scaling into full-fledged battle mode, the strategies are made to tiptoe seamlessly towards the mic.
“I don’t know what to write.” Has that sentence ever been uttered in your classroom? When it comes to story writing, so many students get stuck right at the beginning. This session will show you how to walk your students through a process that will take them from stuck to story. Not only will it get your writers unstuck, but it will teach them plot structure and character development at the same time. You’ll go through the process yourself, and leave with a complete teaching unit that you can begin in your classroom on Monday. (Or Tuesday, if you prefer.)
Teaching and reinforcing musical concepts, social skills, multicultural music - all of this can happen in the context of music games - and while having fun in the process!! Additionally, games are one of the most effective ways to engage reluctant singers. In this session, Joyce will introduce new game material and some “greatest hits” game activities which will bring enjoyment and learning to your music room.
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 February 20, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
S145 (Cap 42)Medicine Hat College, 299 College Dr SE, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 3Y6, Canada
In this session, we dive into the innovative world of Canva Education to enhance your teaching experience. Discover how Canva can revolutionize your lesson and resource planning, allowing you to spend less time organizing and more time engaging with your students. Learn how Canva can be the central hub for delivering the entire learning experience to your students, from lessons to assignments. Engage your students with thousands of FREE ready-to-teach lessons and resources. Get ready to unlock the full potential of Canva Education and transform the way you teach! To maximize hands-on learning it is recommended that you bring a personal device such as a Chromebook to this session.
Kelli-Ann Nixdorf is a District Instructional Coach at Prairie Rose Public Schools. With a rare blend of expertise, she stands as one of very few Canadian Canvassadors and one of Alberta's select few TimeSlips™ Certified Facilitators. As a certified trainer with Magic School AI... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
F156 (Cap 95)Medicine Hat College, 299 College Dr SE, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 3Y6, Canada
In this session, we will walk through all the Azrieli Foundation’s interactive resources and education material, with a focus on The First Step, a guide that can help teachers best prepare themselves prior to teaching about the Holocaust. The First Step helps teachers create a working definition of the Holocaust, a clear rationale statement, find credible sources for information gathering and a sense of the current best practices (the Do’s and Don’t’s) in Holocaust education. We will also present Re:Collection, an educational tool for exploring the history of the Holocaust through firsthand accounts of survivors. This innovative digital resource combines video interviews with memoir excerpts, photos and artifacts, and features interactive timelines and maps to place survivors’ stories in historical and geographic context.
"1, 2 Make Up Your Own!" Sometimes it works, other times we get chaos, or nobody knows what to play! Improv is not a switch to be flipped but a dial that can be adjusted based on the needs of your group. The improv dial moves from "Constrained" (safety) to "Unconstrained" (risk) and back again. Constraints are not the limitations of creativity but the foundations of it. Constraints allow creative types to work their ideas into form and allow others to move from safety to risk with the rest of the group
Come to chat, learn and share all things Grade 2!! We are two Grade 2 teachers wanting to collaborate with you! Let's talk new curriculum, using technology within our daily lessons and anything else that is in our Grade 2 world.
Attention all Colony Teachers! Come join us as we unpack pedagogy, planning and assessment practices, & curriculum planning for the multi-grade ELL environment. If you have something to share, please bring it along as we will have time to collaborate with our peers!
A brief summary of experiences and practices that I wish I had learned earlier, particularly focused on managing challenging behaviour. This is a more fun/sharing oriented session that encourages colleagues to reflect on their practice, to change the things that are critical and changeable, and to accept some dimensions that are ever-present in the business.
This session will focus on three key areas: differentiation, planning, and question creation. We will explore how AI can assist teachers in providing differentiated instruction to meet the diverse learning needs of students. This includes personalized learning plans and adaptive assessments that can be efficiently generated through AI technology. Furthermore, we will discuss how AI can streamline the planning process for teachers, enabling them to organize and design engaging lessons more effectively. We will explore various AI tools and resources available to assist with curriculum development and instructional design. Lastly, we will delve into the benefits of using AI in question creation. We will explore how AI algorithms can help teachers generate a wide range of high-quality questions, ensuring a more comprehensive assessment of student understanding and critical thinking skills.
ASL - Intermediate This course is geared toward educators with some familiarity with ASL who would like to take it to the next level. After reviewing the basics, we will go deeper into the grammatical and syntactical structures of ASL, directional verbs, locational/spatial markers, and narrative organization. Participants will leave this session able to tell a joke or simple story in ASL.
As a teacher you set the stage for quality learning through student engagement, questioning, discussions, etc. The focus of this workshop will be to strengthen your classroom skills to better enable your students to learn, retain, and apply concepts. Many brain-based classroom tested strategies will be presented. Time will be given for you to reflect and apply information to your teaching style.
This session will provide PE teachers with a stronger understanding of the basic skills needed to teach lacrosse in their classroom. Additionally we will be talking about the history of lacrosse and how we can modify and adapt the game to be played in Physical education classes from grade 7-12.
This session is at the Wilson Learning Centre Gymnasium.
The address: 751 Strachan Rd SE Medicine Hat, AB T1B 4X3
I am a teacher in the Grasslands School Division, currently teaching junior high in Rosemary. I have played many roles in the lacrossse community over the last 20 years I have been a player, coach and referee for over 15 years. I am currrently part of the Brooks Lacrosse Association... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 1:00pm - 3:30pm MST
Wilson Learning Centre Gym751 Strachan Rd SE, Medicine Hat, AB T1B 4X3
Grade three teachers will be meeting in collaborative teams to examine, explore and deconstruct new science curricular outcomes. Our focus will be in creating shared I can statements to be used on report cards. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own planning documents, devices and to attend with colleagues that they can collaborate with. This is a work session, not a formal presentation of information.
THIS SESSION IS FULL! Please check out another time slot if you are interested in this session!!!
Come and cure your winter blues with the Botanicals Terrarium Workshop! You will be provided a mini glass terrarium and get to choose your favorite cactus and/or succulents to plant in it. Your workshop instructor will discuss the plants we are using and give you all the tips and tricks on how to care for them, then go through the process step-by-step with you to plant your new creation. You'll then get to choose from a variety of accents and decor to personalize your terrarium and make it unique. All tools and supplies are provided. No green-thumb required! Event Details: Price: $30+gst per person Date: Thursday, February 22 Times: (please choose your preferred time when booking) 9:00am - 10:00am 10:30am - 11:30am 1:00pm - 2:00pm 2:30pm - 3:30pm All workshops will begin promptly as per the start time, please arrive a few minutes early to get settled in. Botanicals workshops are non-refundable and non-transferable. Limited spots available.
SESSION FULL! Please use the link below to register and submit payment.
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.
Executive Staff Officer, Teacher Employment Services, The Alberta Teachers' Association
Phil is an executive staff officer in the Teacher Employment Service program area based out of the Association's Calgary office. Phil's career spans many years of teaching, school leadership, and legal expertise. He has served as the principal of Ecole Notre-Dame des Monts in Canmore... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm MST
F1009 (Cap 35)Medicine Hat College, 299 College Dr SE, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 3Y6, Canada
This session is for teachers who would like to take a look at old, current, and new CALM curriculum and content. Be sure to bring your course outline/powerschool modules/new assignments to the session!
Ingrid Rose has been teaching CALM at a local high school for 15 years. She is passionate about real life experiences, developing the CALM program at her school, and setting her students up for success outside of the classroom.
Travis Boser is an educator, actor, and podcaster. Three years ago he started Canada Out of the Closet to give people a space to both share and hear the coming out stories of 2SLGBTQ+ Canadians. These stories have helped people in the closet to find their way out, while also allowing a glimpse into the queer experience for those who have not experienced it themselves. In this session, Boser will share some of these stories and help other educators discover how they can become authentic allies for the students in their buildings.
Vocabulary, Vocabulary, Vocabulary! It's all about the words all learners acquire each year. EAL learners need explicit instruction and intentional implicit exposure to words to have those words become part of their lexicon. In this session teachers will learn practical strategies to support vocabulary acquisition in the subject that they teach.
CANCELLED - Are your students dysregulated or anxious? What about you? If you’re overwhelmed by how to support your classroom community, this session is for you! Learn the evidence behind why relationships are foundational to wellness, student learning, and cultivating a positive classroom environment. Through facilitated discussion and sharing, we will explore strategies that help nurture relationships, support regulation, and build resiliency for you and your students. Let's get inspired to make a change!
Brigette is the first First Nations hockey player to be named to Canada's National Women's Team. She tells her story on resilience, determination, goal setting, racism, her 7 year sobriety and mental health.
So often, the thought of all the demands of communicating can be overwhelming. In this session, participants will explore four of the 16 Undeniable Laws of Communication by John C Maxwell to practice their own reflections on these key areas. These reflections will be helpful in situations from interviews to instructional leadership and everything in between!
ATA PD Workshop Facilitator, Alberta Teachers Association
Crystal Atkinson is passionate about helping others foster their inner leader! She is an Association Instructor for the ATA and an Instructional Coach for Grasslands Public Schools. Crystal is also a certified Maxwell Leadership Team member. Prior to this, she was an administrator... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm MST
F160 (Crowfoot Room)Medicine Hat College, 299 College Dr SE, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 3Y6, Canada
You arrive at school filled with enthusiasm, ready to mold young minds. But then comes ELA class. Story writing. “Woe is me!” you lament. “So many of my students hate writing. They just sit and stare at their papers! If only there was a former teacher who is now a writer who could help me.” Good news: there is! In this session, he’ll share creative tips for helping students get "unstuck" when it comes to writing, and you’ll leave with a bunch of ideas for immediate use in your classroom.
“You don’t bait the hook with what the fisherman likes; you bait the hook with what the fish likes." A Lethbridge, AB high school English teacher shares her experience creating, proposing, and delivering a Grade 10 ELA class with a sports-themed-texts focus in attempt to encourage students who don't read books because they “do sports” to “do books” that can help them “make connections, anticipate possibilities, reflect upon and evaluate ideas, and determine courses of action,” as required in the Program of Study (2003, p. 2).
The National Reading Panel has identified phonics as one of the 5 key pillars of reading instruction. Phonics teaches the relationship between the sounds in words and the letters that spell them. Once students understand these relationships, they can apply them when reading and spelling. Phonics instruction needs to be explicit and systematic. This means that teachers tell their students what they're going to learn, and model how they're expected to learn it. These skills and concepts are taught in a logical and progressive sequence that builds on previously learned skills, and teachers provide multiple opportunities for students to practice as they work towards mastery. This session will focus on the most impactful way to bring phonics instruction into your classroom, using a structured phonics lesson plan. We will discuss the key elements of a structured phonics lesson and how to put all of the pieces of the puzzle together to get your students on the road to reading and writing!
Optimal Learning Coach, Medicine Hat Public School Division
I have been teaching since 2009. In that time, I have had the opportunity to work in elementary schools in Edmonton and Calgary, focusing on students with special needs and learning disabilities in reading and writing. I joined MHPSD in 2021 as an Optimal Learning Coach, where I have... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm MST
S154 (Cap 46)Medicine Hat College, 299 College Dr SE, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 3Y6, Canada
Dive into an Alberta-based STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) initiative in partnership with Lethbridge College that enriches K-12 education with practical trades experience. The session features an nteractive opportunity for you to explore and engage with our free digital and hands-on resources. We'll start with a brief overview of the project and its connections to the mathematics and science curricula and industry. You will then spend the majority of the session interacting with the activities and resources that can be immediately implemented into your practice. We will seek your feedback on classroom application and potential resources. You’ll leave better equipped to answer the question of “Why do I need to learn this?” by connecting mathematics and science concepts to students’ everyday lives.
Embark on a creative journey with Canva's Magic Studio in this session crafted for educators. Unleash the potential of AI with hands-on exploration of Magic Design for tailored posts and presentations, and Magic Write for text generation. Dive into Magic Media to convert text to captivating visuals and explore Magic Edit, Magic Grab, Magic Expand for seamless image editing. This session empowers educators to efficiently integrate Canva's AI technology into their teaching materials, enhancing creativity and engagement. To maximize your learning experience it is recommended that you bring a personal device such as a Chromebook to this session and have some prior experience using Canva (not required).
Kelli-Ann Nixdorf is a District Instructional Coach at Prairie Rose Public Schools. With a rare blend of expertise, she stands as one of very few Canadian Canvassadors and one of Alberta's select few TimeSlips™ Certified Facilitators. As a certified trainer with Magic School AI... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm MST
F156 (Cap 95)Medicine Hat College, 299 College Dr SE, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 3Y6, Canada
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.
Nancy is a teacher, wanderer and wonderer, with 31 years of experience that includes: 7 schools, 4 towns, courses in grades K–12, roles as Assistant Principal and Principal and 8 years at the ATA. Nancy comes from a small farming community and that upbringing instilled in her values... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm MST
F1008 (Cap 35)Medicine Hat College, 299 College Dr SE, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 3Y6, Canada
