2020/21 Beginning Teachers Conference: Full Schedule

These online sessions were conducted on January 9 and 16, 2021. Many of these sessions will be recorded by the ATA staff for posting to various online collaboration, social media services, and platforms for use by ATA members and the general public. The recordings will be available on these services and platforms until at least (June 30, 2021). Please note that this session’s recording may be housed on servers outside Canada and beyond the ATA’s control. Your participation in this session is voluntary and indicates your consent for the collection, use, and disclosure of your personal information during the session under the provisions of the Personal Information Protection of Alberta (PIPA). The ATA privacy officer is available to answer any questions or concerns at margaret.shane@ata.ab.ca

10:00am MST

Conference Kick-Off! Welcome!

Speakers

Chris Gonsalvez

Executive Staff Officer, Professional Development, Alberta Teachers' Association

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

Joni Turville

Associate Executive Secretary, Alberta Teachers' Association

Dr. Joni Turville is a teacher of many grades and subjects and has worked in many roles including administrator, consultant, and university instructor. She is also author of numerous books, articles and chapters focused on research and instructional practices. Her latest publications... Read More →

Saturday January 9, 2021 10:00am - 10:10am MST
Virtual

Whole Group Sessions

10:10am MST

From the President

Meet President Jason Schilling who will provide opening remarks.

Speakers

Jason Schilling

President, ATA President

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

Saturday January 9, 2021 10:10am - 10:20am MST
Virtual

Whole Group Sessions

10:20am MST

Dial Before You Dig: Things Every Beginning Teacher Should Know

This session will discuss questions frequently asked by teachers new to the profession.

Saturday January 9, 2021 10:20am - 11:00am MST
Virtual

Whole Group Sessions

11:05am MST

A Brief Introduction to the Code of Professional Conduct

This session will provide a brief overview of the Code of Professional Conduct focusing on the sections of the Code that lead to requests for investigation the most often.

Speakers

Dan Coles

Executive Staff Officer, Teacher Employment Services, Alberta Teachers' Association

Hello! My name is Dan Coles. I am an Executive Staff Officer at the Alberta Teachers' Association (ATA) and have worked at the ATA since August of 2018. I currently work in the Teacher Employment Services (TES) program area. Prior to rejoining TES in September 2023, I spent 4 years... Read More →

Saturday January 9, 2021 11:05am - 11:45am MST
Virtual

ATA Session Block 1

11:05am MST

ASEBP Benefits Overview

You now have benefits provided to you by your employer. ASEBP provides you with both insurance and health, dental and vision benefits. Learn more about how you can use your benefits to ensure good health and peace of mind.

Speakers

Tanya Thiessen

Executive Staff Officer, Government, Alberta Teachers' Association

Tanya joined the Association’s executive staff in April 2021. She spent most of her 15-year career with Elk Island Catholic Schools as a high school teacher, school counsellor and administrator. Tanya was fortunate to be able to serve in many communities including Sherwood Park... Read More →

Saturday January 9, 2021 11:05am - 11:45am MST
Virtual

ATA Session Block 1

11:05am MST

Dealing with Difficult People

This presentation will focus on issues that we as teachers deal with throughout our careers. The session will offer approaches that can be utilized to deal with conflict between ourselves, peers, students and parents, while keeping our professional reputation intact!

Speakers

Alexander(Sandy) Gillis

Teacher Employment Services, Alberta Teachers Association

Sandy is a staff officer with Teacher Employment Services, Alberta Teachers Association. He has had the privilege of being in many and varied roles in education. His background in training in special education and counseling has opened doors to district work as a consultant in several... Read More →

Saturday January 9, 2021 11:05am - 11:45am MST
Virtual

ATA Session Block 1

11:05am MST

Teaching Contracts: What You Need to Know

This session will explore the different types of teaching contracts that teachers may be employed on, and what teachers’ rights and obligations are in relation to their contracts.

Speakers

Dave Matson

Executive Staff Officer, Teacher Employment Services, The Alberta Teachers' Association

A rolling stone at heart, Dave’s teaching career includes experience teaching high school and International Baccalaureate Physics and Math in a variety of communities including a northern community in Saskatchewan, a rural fishing village in Nova Scotia, a metropolitan city in the... Read More →

Saturday January 9, 2021 11:05am - 11:45am MST
Virtual

ATA Session Block 1

11:05am MST

Transitioning to a Teacher Identity

Getting to the other side of the desk is a process that takes time. New teachers sometimes experience boundary issues that can result in professional issues. This session will explore these challenges, with a special focus on maintaining healthy student/teacher relationships and collegial relationships.

Speakers

Your ATA Educational Trust Fund

Executive Staff Officer, Government, Alberta Teachers' Association

Gaylene taught for 18 years in humanities and fine arts classrooms before joining the staff of the Alberta Teachers' Association. Gaylene has explored passions such as mentorship, curriculum development, professional identity and learning communities. Gaylene currently serves as an... Read More →

Saturday January 9, 2021 11:05am - 11:45am MST
Virtual

ATA Session Block 1

11:05am MST

Weaving Learning Strands for Inclusive Education

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

Speakers

Melissa Purcell

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

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

Saturday January 9, 2021 11:05am - 11:45am MST
Virtual

ATA Session Block 1

11:05am MST

Why Are You Wasting Your Time on Google?

Want to find great web resources but don’t have time to waste? Learn about the amazing resources available through your ATA Library!

Speakers

ATA Library

Librarian, The Alberta Teachers' Association

Sandra is a professional librarian who heads the ATA Library. Sandra’s passion is technological innovation and she applies this interest to all aspects of her work. She is an active voice on social media for the ATA Library and has developed web guides for teachers on dozens of... Read More →

Saturday January 9, 2021 11:05am - 11:45am MST
Virtual

ATA Session Block 1

11:50am MST

A Brief Introduction to the Code of Professional Conduct

This session will provide a brief overview of the Code of Professional Conduct focusing on the sections of the Code that lead to requests for investigation the most often.

Speakers

Dan Coles

Executive Staff Officer, Teacher Employment Services, Alberta Teachers' Association

Saturday January 9, 2021 11:50am - 12:30pm MST
Virtual

ATA Session Block 2

11:50am MST

Applying First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Foundational Knowledge: Cultural Appropriation Versus Appreciation

Misconceptions and stereotypes of Indigenous peoples can be perpetuated with appropriation of cultural practices, symbols, ceremonies and items. Teachers must be mindful when applying First Nations, Métis, and Inuit foundational knowledge into their practice so as not to misrepresent, or inaccurately convey aspects of Indigenous cultures. Throughout this session you will gain awareness of cultural appropriation and explore strategies to support authentic learning experiences.

Speakers

Melissa Purcell

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

Saturday January 9, 2021 11:50am - 12:30pm MST
Virtual

ATA Session Block 2

11:50am MST

ASEBP Benefits Overview

Speakers

Tanya Thiessen

Executive Staff Officer, Government, Alberta Teachers' Association

Saturday January 9, 2021 11:50am - 12:30pm MST
Virtual

ATA Session Block 2

11:50am MST

Just in Time—Diversity, Equity and Human Rights Resources and PD Opportunities

From Black Lives Matter protests and calls to “defund” (i.e. restructure) police services; to conversion therapy bans and transphobic comments made by celebrity authors; to COVID-accelerated issues around access to food, internet, and child care; there is a lot going on in the world that connects to the ATA’s Diversity, Equity and Human Rights (DEHR) work. Attend this session to find out more about the resources and professional development opportunities that the ATA has to offer!

Speakers

Dan Grassick

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

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

Saturday January 9, 2021 11:50am - 12:30pm MST
Virtual

ATA Session Block 2

11:50am MST

Réduire, réutiliser et recycler

Réduisez le temps passé à penser à des activités interactives pour transmettre les résultats d’apprentissage aux élèves. Dans cette présentation, Monique vous proposera des ressources en français à réutiliser dans vos cours à l’élémentaire et au secondaire. Venez découvrir des ressources existantes que vous pouvez recycler et qui vous seront utiles pour l’enseignement de plusieurs différentes matières.

Speakers

Monique Gravel

Associate Coordinator, Professional Development, Alberta Teachers' Association

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

Saturday January 9, 2021 11:50am - 12:30pm MST
Virtual

ATA Session Block 2

11:50am MST

Teachers and Educational Assistants

The working relationship between teachers and the role of their Educational Assistants will be viewed through the lens of the teacher’s professional responsibilities.

Speakers

Alexander(Sandy) Gillis

Teacher Employment Services, Alberta Teachers Association

Saturday January 9, 2021 11:50am - 12:30pm MST
Virtual

ATA Session Block 2

11:50am MST

Teaching Contracts: What You Need to Know

This session will explore the different types of teaching contracts that teachers may be employed on, and what teachers’ rights and obligations are in relation to their contracts.

Speakers

Dave Matson

Executive Staff Officer, Teacher Employment Services, The Alberta Teachers' Association

Saturday January 9, 2021 11:50am - 12:30pm MST
Virtual

ATA Session Block 2

11:50am MST

Transitioning to a Teacher Identity

Speakers

Your ATA Educational Trust Fund

Executive Staff Officer, Government, Alberta Teachers' Association

Saturday January 9, 2021 11:50am - 12:30pm MST
Virtual

ATA Session Block 2

11:50am MST

Why Are You Wasting Your Time on Google?

Want to find great web resources but don’t have time to waste? Learn about the amazing resources available through your ATA Library!

Speakers

ATA Library

Librarian, The Alberta Teachers' Association

Saturday January 9, 2021 11:50am - 12:30pm MST
Virtual

ATA Session Block 2

12:30pm MST

ASEBP Benefits Drop In Q & A

Staff will be available to answer delegate questions on ASEBP Benefits Drop in and out of as many rooms as you like.

Speakers

Tanya Thiessen

Executive Staff Officer, Government, Alberta Teachers' Association

Saturday January 9, 2021 12:30pm - 1:00pm MST
Virtual

ATA Q&A Sessions

12:30pm MST

ATA Library Drop In Q & A Session

Staff will be available in to answer questions on a variety of topics related to the library. Drop in and out of as many rooms as you like.

Speakers

ATA Library

Librarian, The Alberta Teachers' Association

Saturday January 9, 2021 12:30pm - 1:00pm MST
Virtual

ATA Q&A Sessions

12:30pm MST

Dealing with Difficult People/Working with Educational Assistants Drop In Q & A Session

Staff will be available to answer delegate questions on Dealing with Difficult People/Working with Educational Assistants. Drop in and out of as many rooms as you like.

Speakers

Alexander(Sandy) Gillis

Teacher Employment Services, Alberta Teachers Association

Saturday January 9, 2021 12:30pm - 1:00pm MST
Virtual

ATA Q&A Sessions

12:30pm MST

Diversity, Equity and Human Rights Resources Drop In Q & A Session

Staff will be available to answer questions on Diversity, Equity and Human Rights Resources. Drop in and out of as many rooms as you like.

Speakers

Dan Grassick

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

Saturday January 9, 2021 12:30pm - 1:00pm MST
Virtual

ATA Q&A Sessions

12:30pm MST

E-Liability Q & A Drop In Session

Staff will be available to answer questions on E-Liability. Drop in and out of as many rooms as you like.

Speakers

Dan Coles

Executive Staff Officer, Teacher Employment Services, Alberta Teachers' Association

Saturday January 9, 2021 12:30pm - 1:00pm MST
Virtual

ATA Q&A Sessions

12:30pm MST

Employment Contracts Drop In Q & A Session

Staff will be available to answer delegate questions on Employment Contracts. Drop in and out of as many
rooms as you like.

Speakers

Dave Matson

Executive Staff Officer, Teacher Employment Services, The Alberta Teachers' Association

Saturday January 9, 2021 12:30pm - 1:00pm MST
Virtual

ATA Q&A Sessions

12:30pm MST

Inclusive/Indigenous Education Drop In Q& A Session

Staff will be available in breakout rooms to answer questions on Inclusive/Indigenous Education. Drop in and out of as many rooms as you like.

Speakers

Melissa Purcell

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

Saturday January 9, 2021 12:30pm - 1:00pm MST
Virtual

ATA Q&A Sessions

12:30pm MST

Mental Health Drop In Q & A Session

Staff will be available to answer questions on Mental Health. Drop in and out of as many rooms as you like.

Speakers

Shelley Magnusson

Executive Staff Officer, Teacher Employment Services, Alberta Teachers' Association

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

Saturday January 9, 2021 12:30pm - 1:00pm MST
Virtual

ATA Q&A Sessions

12:30pm MST

Séance de questions et réponses – Services en français

Staff will be available to answer questions on French services. Drop in and out of as many rooms as you like.

Speakers

Monique Gravel

Associate Coordinator, Professional Development, Alberta Teachers' Association

Saturday January 9, 2021 12:30pm - 1:00pm MST
Virtual

ATA Q&A Sessions

12:30pm MST

Teacher Qualification Services Drop In Q & A Session

Staff will be available to answer questions on Teacher Qualification Services. Drop in and out of as many rooms as you like.

Speakers

Susan Wilson

Teacher Qualifications Service Manager, The Alberta Teachers Association

Saturday January 9, 2021 12:30pm - 1:00pm MST
Virtual

ATA Q&A Sessions

10:00am MST

Séance d’ouverture

Speakers

Monique Gravel

Associate Coordinator, Professional Development, Alberta Teachers' Association

Saturday January 16, 2021 10:00am - 10:15am MST
Virtual

Whole Group Sessions

10:00am MST

Welcome! Opening Session!

Speakers

Chris Gonsalvez

Executive Staff Officer, Professional Development, Alberta Teachers' Association

Saturday January 16, 2021 10:00am - 10:15am MST
Virtual

Whole Group Sessions

10:15am MST

Adventure Time! Getting your Students Outside and Having Them Lead the Way! (K–9)

Let your students lead the way to their own adventures!

In this extremely engaging session we will be learning how an active classroom indoors or out can provide learners with:
—Authentic wonderment and opportunities for inquiry
—Self-awareness, resilience and independence
—An immersive curriculum where students are and engaged and empowered
—Increased community connections and environmental stewardship
—The opportunity to be mindful-to be still

Host

Chris Gonsalvez

Executive Staff Officer, Professional Development, Alberta Teachers' Association

Speakers

Court Rustemeyer

President, GEOEC

Court has been a full time Outdoor Education teacher at Vincent Massey Junior High School in Calgary, Alberta for the past 15 years. He is also on the Board of Directors for the Outdoor Council of Canada (OCC) were he serves as the Director of the Prairies. Court is also a Field Leader... Read More →

Saturday January 16, 2021 10:15am - 11:00am MST
Virtual

Council Session Block 1

10:15am MST

Classroom Management—What Works! (K–12)

This workshop has been developed with beginning and novice teachers in mind. Participants will review what classroom management is and why it is important, starting with the impact of positive and authentic relationships. From there, participants will move into looking at rules, routines, procedures and strategies. The goal is to help participants create classrooms in which both the students and the teachers can be successful.

Speakers

Anna Liza Ponce

Association Instructor, The Alberta Teachers' Association

Jennifer Smith

Teacher

Jennifer Smith may be one of the most common names you ever hear, however, this Jennifer is anything but common. Jennifer enjoys sewing quilts without using math, uncomfortable situations, and half an hour in the morning before anyone is up. Always up for a challenge, Jennifer moved... Read More →

Saturday January 16, 2021 10:15am - 11:00am MST
Virtual

Council Session Block 1

10:15am MST

Indigenous Education Resources—Where Do I Start? (K-12)

This session will support educators in using resources that accurately reflect and demonstrate the strength and diversity of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit. You will learn about culturally responsive resources to increase your capacity in foundational knowledge about First Nations, Métis, and Inuit. In addition, you will leave with tools to consider for critically reviewing First Nations, Métis, and Inuit resources for classroom and professional use.

Speakers

Billie-Jo Grant

ATA Indigenous Education Facilitator/Associate Director Métis Education and Lifelong Learning, The Alberta Teachers Association

Billie-Jo Grant is a proud Métis educator with over 20 years of classroom experience teaching K-9 students in both the Public and Catholic school divisions. She was the recipient of a 2017 Indspire National Award in the role model category for Indigenous education and also received... Read More →

Gretchen Riel

Indigenous Education PD Facilitator, The Alberta Teachers' Association

Saturday January 16, 2021 10:15am - 11:00am MST
Virtual

Council Session Block 1

10:15am MST

L'évaluation en salle de classe (French LA 9)

L'évaluation en classe est une expérience d'apprentissage tant pour les élèves que les enseignants. Rejoignez cette session pour découvrir des trucs et astuces qui vous permettront de développer des évaluations significatives pour les classes de FLA et de français. Vous quitterez cette session avec des modèles à adapter.

Host

Monique Gravel

Associate Coordinator, Professional Development, Alberta Teachers' Association

Speakers

Leticia Nadler

Saturday January 16, 2021 10:15am - 11:00am MST
Virtual

Council Session Block 1

10:15am MST

Making Meaning Across the Curriculum (4–12)

This session puts a spotlight on the importance of making meaning across the curriculum and on the belief that the deliberate development of students' literacy skills is a shared responsibility. The Language Arts teacher, although a crucial driver of literacy learning, is but one member of the academic team whose role it is to embed authentic literacy --reading, talking and writing to know and understand -- in her subject discipline. Teachers will be given a few practical techniques and resources they can apply in their classrooms tomorrow.

Host

Mark Swanson

Coordinator, Professional Development, Alberta Teachers' Association

Dr. Mark Swanson is the Coordinator of Professional Development at the Alberta Teachers’ Association. Mark has extensive experience in the Alberta education system. He has worked as a teacher and school leader, overseen teacher certification as the Registrar for Alberta Education... Read More →

Speakers

Tannis Niziol

Tannis is currently supporting Alberta teachers as a Professional Learning Consultant with the Edmonton Regional Learning Consortium. She recently served as a Curriculum Consultant for the Edmonton Catholic School Division. Throughout her 30-year career as an educator, in both Edmonton... Read More →

Saturday January 16, 2021 10:15am - 11:00am MST
Virtual

Council Session Block 1

10:15am MST

Purposeful Play (K–3)

PLAY. A simple four letter word for a dynamic concept that carries enormous possibility. In response to the recent pivots in education, play offers magnificent opportunities to bring joy into Early Childhood classrooms. This session is for Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 3 educators who are interested in exploring the physical, social, emotional and educational benefits of play to inspire their learners without using worksheets. Participants can anticipate leaving this session with a smile on their face and strategies to benefit in class and online learning.

Host

Melissa Purcell

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

Speakers

Anita Sterne

Provincial PD Chair, Early Childhood Education Council

Anita Sterne is passionate about community, culture and the power of play. She is a Kindergarten and Early Learning Consultant with Edmonton Public Schools and is the provincial Professional Development Chair for the Early Childhood Education Council, a specialist council of the ATA... Read More →

Saturday January 16, 2021 10:15am - 11:00am MST
Virtual

Council Session Block 1

10:15am MST

Reading Culture in the Middle Grades—Tips and Tricks to Get Kids Reading! (4–8)

Struggling to get your middle schoolers to love reading? Come learn some simple tips and tricks to create a culture of bookloving students and teachers in your classroom. You will leave this session with simple ideas you can add to your classroom on Monday. There will also be numerous book suggestions to engage every middle schooler in your classroom!

Host

Jeff Johnson

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

Speakers

Bailey Almberg

English Language Arts Council

Bailey is a Literacy Coordinator at Prairie Land Schools in East Central Alberta. In her role, she has the pleasure of working side-by-side with educators, solving tricky problems and developing engaging and authentic learning opportunities for their students. She's a lover of good... Read More →

Kelsey Graham

English Language Arts Council

Kelsey is a middle school teacher in central Alberta. She is passionate about engaging students in reading and writing through diverse texts and a literacy-rich classroom.

Saturday January 16, 2021 10:15am - 11:00am MST
Virtual

Council Session Block 1

10:15am MST

Teaching ELLs Online: An Online Unit Exemplar (7–9)

Using an online unit created to support ELLs, we will look at how to target all four strands of the ESL Benchmarks using various embedded digital platforms for synchronous and asynchronous instruction and assessment. Participants will receive a copy of the exemplar unit.

Host

Mark Yurick

Former Coordinator, Professional Development, The Alberta Teachers Association

Dr. Yurick's portfolio within the Association includes work in teacher education and certification, teacher professional growth, school leadership, and the role of the profession in Practice Review. Prior to joining the Alberta Teachers’ Association as a staff officer in professional... Read More →

Speakers

Paulina Nowak

English as a Second Language Council

Canadian Wildlife Lesson 2 Alphabet Boxes pdf

Canadian Wildlife Lesson 4 Comparing People and Animals pdf

Canadian Wildlife Lesson 3 Name those animals pdf

Canadian Wildlife Lesson 3 Animal body parts vocabulary pdf

Canadian Wildlife Lesson 3 How do animals move pdf

ONLINE ELD Unit Plan Canadian Wildlife pdf

Saturday January 16, 2021 10:15am - 11:00am MST
Virtual

Council Session Block 1

10:15am MST

Teaching the Flipped Classroom (9–12)

In 2012 I decide to take on a new way of teaching by adopting the flipped classroom model. In the years since I have modified this technique to fit the needs of my students. I will share with you what I have learned along the way, and show you access to all of my online resources (so you can have a lesson ready for Monday morning).

Host

Dan Grassick

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

Speakers

Jennifer Williams

Social/Flipped Classrooms, Social Studies Council President

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

Saturday January 16, 2021 10:15am - 11:00am MST
Virtual

Council Session Block 1

10:15am MST

When Are We Going to Teach Health as if Each Child's Life Depends On It

This session will be live or pre-recorded (conference committee choice) and will be a synopsis of the HPEC book club’s thoughts and implementations of Duncan Van Dusen’s book: “When Are We Going To Teach Health? Let’s Teach Health As If Each Child’s Life Depends On It - Because It Does”. We will share our thoughts on the books and promising practices in Health Education.

Speakers

Joni Turville

Associate Executive Secretary, Alberta Teachers' Association

Jodi Harding Kuriger

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

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

Saturday January 16, 2021 10:15am - 11:00am MST
Virtual

Council Session Block 1

11:15am MST

Building Better Readers and Writers in the ESL Classroom (9–12)

Participants will have an opportunity to use tools and resources that can be easily incorporated into tasks designed to engage learners in a meaningful way. A curated set of tools including, but not limited to, G Suite (including Google Classroom, Forms, and Docs), Mentimeter, PollEverywhere, ED Puzzle, Padlet, Quizizz, Flip Grid, and website resources including podcasts and Ted Talks will be discussed and practical examples provided. From the session, participants will take away a set of innovative ideas for incorporating digital tools into their practice.

Host

Dan Grassick

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

Speakers

Tracey Allan

Member at Large Edmonon, English as a Second Language Council

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

Saturday January 16, 2021 11:15am - 12:00pm MST
Virtual

Council Session Block 2

11:15am MST

Feedback and Formative Assessment in the Digital Classroom (4–12)

Feedback and Assessment doesn't have to take up all of your time and energy! We'll talk about ways to make feedback a simpler part of your work within Google Classroom. Explore strategies by leaving formative comments, using Screencastify to record more detailed feedback, and using Peer Feedback to build a culture of growth in your classroom!

Host

Mark Swanson

Coordinator, Professional Development, Alberta Teachers' Association

Speakers

Bailey Almberg

English Language Arts Council

Saturday January 16, 2021 11:15am - 12:00pm MST
Virtual

Council Session Block 2

11:15am MST

Finding Our Way in Indigenous Education—Connecting Hearts and Minds (K–12)

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

Speakers

Billie-Jo Grant

ATA Indigenous Education Facilitator/Associate Director Métis Education and Lifelong Learning, The Alberta Teachers Association

Gretchen Riel

Indigenous Education PD Facilitator, The Alberta Teachers' Association

Saturday January 16, 2021 11:15am - 12:00pm MST
Virtual

Council Session Block 2

11:15am MST

Inclusive Physical Education (IPE)

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

Host

Joni Turville

Associate Executive Secretary, Alberta Teachers' Association

Speakers

Jodi Harding Kuriger

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

Saturday January 16, 2021 11:15am - 12:00pm MST
Virtual

Council Session Block 2

11:15am MST

Les centres de mathématiques au primaire (K–3)

Les centres de mathématiques ont été conçus spécialement pour les salles de classes d'immersion française en tenant compte des défis que la lecture et l'écriture peuvent représenter chez un apprenant du premier cycle. Les ateliers sont basés sur une structure de classe autonome avec un support minimal de l'enseignant, ce qui permet aux apprenants de manipuler une variété d'outils servant au développement de la numératie chez les jeunes apprenants d'immersion. Cet atelier va vous fournir une grande diversité d'outils pratiques, facilement mises en place dans votre salle de classe!

Host

Monique Gravel

Associate Coordinator, Professional Development, Alberta Teachers' Association

Speakers

Alexandra Gravel-Miles

Rédactrice en chef du Coffre aux trésors, Conseil français

Je suis la rédactrice en chef de périodique officiel, Le coffre aux trésors, du Conseil français (CF) de l’Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA). Il s’agit d’un périodique destiné aux enseignants, aux leadeurs scolaires et aux autres professionnels qui contribuent à l’évolution... Read More →

Saturday January 16, 2021 11:15am - 12:00pm MST
Virtual

Council Session Block 2

11:15am MST

Mathematics—All are Welcome! All Belong! (K–12)

Come and play with math!! That is right...PLAY!!

In the session we will explore some of the best strategies to engage math students at all levels. From dice chats to visual patterns and all the way to engaging rich math tasks - Math will truly come alive.

You will leave knowing that we are all math people!

Host

Chris Gonsalvez

Executive Staff Officer, Professional Development, Alberta Teachers' Association

Speakers

Dave Martin

Mathematics Council

Dave Martin has a Masters of Mathematics, a Degree in Education, and a love for prime numbers. He has been teaching for 12 years, during which time, he was nominated for Teacher of Excellence in Alberta, has spoken across North America, and has successfully removed grades in most... Read More →

Saturday January 16, 2021 11:15am - 12:00pm MST
Virtual

Council Session Block 2

11:15am MST

Survival Tips in the CTS/CTF Classroom (5–12)

If you are a CTF or CTS teacher, then this session is for you! Teaching the complimentary classes can be very different from teaching core academic classes. It brings with it a different set of lesson plans, organizational skills, classroom management skills, assessment, resources and never-ending projects requiring their own sets of tools, equipment and materials, and let's not forget about the health and safety component! Join Deborah MacFadyen and Tim Kilburn to review some basic survival tips and skills to help you get through some of the more challenging days ahead in the CTF and CTS classroom. Come network with new colleagues, learn new strategies and share ideas!

Host

Jeff Johnson

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

Speakers

Deborah MacFadyen

Vice President, Career and Technology Education Council

Deborah MacFadyen, currently with Calgary Board of Education as the Site Leader of Westbrook Outreach School, is an experienced K-12 educator, administrator, PD facilitator and published author whose academic credentials include B.Sc., B.Ed., and M.Ed. in Teaching, Learning and Supervision... Read More →

Tim Kilburn

President, Career and Technology Education Council (CTEC)

Tim is currently the Technology consultant for Fort McMurray Catholic Schools as well as the President of the Career & Technology Education Council. He taught Junior and Senior High computer courses for over 25 years before taking on the role as Technology Consultant. Tim is an Apple... Read More →

Saturday January 16, 2021 11:15am - 12:00pm MST
Virtual

Council Session Block 2

11:15am MST

Teaching Elementary Music 101 (K–6)

You have dreamed about this for years and now here you are, teaching music! This session looks at teaching ideas for elementary music programs, incorporating instruments and movement along with singing skills. Discussion of assessment ideas and strategies will also be discussed.

Host

Cheryl O'Brien

Administrative Officier, Professional Development, The Alberta Teachers Association

Speakers

Kimberly Friesen Wiens

Fine Arts Council (FAC)

Kim Friesen Wiens is an elementary music specialist with Edmonton Public Schools. She has taught for over twenty years, including many early learning settings. Currently she is working on her PhD at the University of Alberta. Kim serves as editor of A Fine Facta, which is the... Read More →

Saturday January 16, 2021 11:15am - 12:00pm MST
Virtual

Council Session Block 2

11:15am MST

The Top Five Strategies to Support ELLs (K–12)

Transform student learning by purposefully focusing on five key strategies: visuals, use of home language, targeting vocabulary, multiple points of access, and differentiating output. This session will focus on highlighting these five strategies, designed to increase the English Language Learner's ability to access curriculum in the classroom.

Speakers

Mark Yurick

Former Coordinator, Professional Development, The Alberta Teachers Association

Lisa Smith

PD Director South, English as a Second Language Council

Lisa Smith works as an ELL Consultant with Calgary Catholic School Division. In her role, she works to support school communities in providing safe, welcoming environments which offer meaningful classroom instruction to English Language Learners. She believes that the instructional... Read More →

Differentiated Output by ELL Level Div. 4 docx

Unit Scaffold Outline Gr.1 3 docx

Unit Scaffold Outline JH docx

Unit Scaffold Outline 4 6 docx

The Top 5 Strategies to Support ELLs Resources and Materials docx

The Top 5 Strategies to Support ELLs pdf

Saturday January 16, 2021 11:15am - 12:00pm MST
Virtual

Council Session Block 2

11:15am MST

To Behave or Not to Behave (K–12)

This comprehensive presentation will provide educators with the skill sets and training required to work successfully with students displaying behavioural challenges. The resource is a strength-based, proactive approach intended to provide educators with an understanding of the positive behaviour strategies essential to working with students with severe emotional and behavioural challenges. Keeping students and staff safe, begins with educators acquiring knowledge and understanding students behaviour as well as their own. The application and analysis of this knowledge can then be implemented to successfully create a safe classroom and a safe school. A broad range of lesson plans and visual supports are provided for the immediate application of the positive behaviour strategies into classrooms and schools.

Host