PDTCA 2025

In the midst of numerous demands on educators' time, adapting teaching practices can be a daunting task. However, we invite educators to embark on a journey toward grading reform success, emphasizing incremental changes and practical strategies. Recognizing the pivotal role grading practices play in shaping student learning experiences, this session is crafted to equip educators with the necessary tools and insights for implementing impactful reforms in their classrooms. Join us as we empower educators to navigate the path toward effective grading practices and enhance student learning outcomes.

During this session, participants will review how school staff can Recognize, Respond, Report, and Record suspected child abuse. Included in this session will be specific information to help school-based staff identify and report suspected abuse. Including, who to call, the specific questions that you will be asked when making a report, and what happens after a report is made. This session will provide templates and resources for responding to current safeguarding trends.
Pre-Registration Link

Did you know you can do so 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 be guided through new.LearnAlberta.ca where you can view new curriculum implementation supports and find available resources for students, parents and for teachers. Please bring a device to explore new.LearnAlberta.ca.

Join me for an insightful presentation on "Reimagining Lunchtime: Empowering Social-Emotional Skills in Alberta Classrooms." We'll explore how Alberta elementary teachers perceive the importance of building social-emotional skills during lunchtime. Discover key findings on the use of technology, the necessity of setting clear expectations, and the challenges posed by limited lunchtime. Learn about the value of social interactions, strategies for adapting to diverse student needs, and practical recommendations for optimizing lunchtime to foster a supportive and inclusive environment for all students. Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your understanding and practices around school lunchtime!

So many kids need help - where do you possibly start? Tracey will help guide you through the process, starting with easy diagnostic assessments then how to use that data to set up simple treatment plans for your small groups (Tier 2 or 3) Suggestions for resources, timetable/staff organization and evidence-based intervention materials will be discussed. Be prepared to share organizational routines and resources that have worked for you! Handouts for this session will be available at https://mackjacklearning.ca/academy/ (under "Workshop Handouts").

All humans are hardwired to connect. Just as we need food, shelter and clothing, human beings also need strong and meaningful relationships to thrive.

Restorative practices is a field within the social sciences that studies how to strengthen relationships between individuals as well as social connections within communities.

As an introduction International Institute for Restorative Practices full two-day training, this session will highlight the importance and impact of restorative practices on learning environments and entire schools. Derek is a certified IIRP trainer of the full program and can answer questions as well as facilitate connections to the full two day training for those interested.

Discover practical strategies and activities that make language learning more effective and enjoyable for your students. We will explore a variety of techniques and provide demonstrations on how to implement them in your classroom. Participants will have the opportunity to try out activities firsthand and discuss their experiences. Learn how to use things like Embedded Readings, MovieTalk, and Easy Reader Novels to enhance comprehension and engagement. This interactive session is designed to equip you with valuable insights and practical tips to improve your second language instruction.

Your retirement, your way. If you're starting to think about retirement, you might be wondering what your benefit options will look like. Our flexible solutions will meet your needs for the next stage of your life, so you can: BE FLEXIBLE. Choose the coverage that suits your needs for extended health benefits, prescription drugs and dental care. FEEL CONFIDENT. Enjoy your retirement with peace of mind that your coverage is secure with a brand you know and trust. TRAVEL FAR. Enjoy worry-free vacations with our emergency travel coverage and up to 120 days per trip. LIVE WELL. Stay happy and healthy by taking advantage of personal, nutritional and financial counseling through our wellness programs. Learn what to expect and plan for in retirement; from government sponsored programs to personal benefit options. This is a great opportunity to plan early for the retirement you always envisioned.

In this explosive talk, Jesse Wente brings his national bestselling book Unreconciled: Family Truth and Indigenous Resistance to life.

Learn how math is at work at the zoo! While viewing our unique creatures we will identify how math goes into the caring for these animals. Through calculating area from schematic drawings, analyzing population trends and reproductive rates, to ensuring a healthy diet we will learn new ways to bring real world math to the classroom.
This off-site session will be at the Wilder Calgary Zoo, 210 St. George's Drive NE, Calgary, AB, and has a participant fee of $10.50. ​Pre-Registration Link​​​

Place value is at the heart of our math curriculum and a deep understanding is necessary for success in all concepts taught. Come prepared to play our favorite place value games and learn strategies that help develop the following: playing with 10, composing/decomposing numbers, comparing PV to 100, 1000 up to 100 000's, using number lines to compare numbers and estimate sums and differences, early rounding strategies. Games will incorporate the use of dice, cards, place value dice, red solo cups and number lines. Handout will contain games, concept skill checklists for assessment and journal ideas. Games are easy to differentiate and use whole class or in small groups. This session is suitable for upper elementary teachers who feel their class needs review and practice with primary place value.

Retirement can no doubt be both exciting and daunting. Between all the paperwork and planning, let us make one of the items on your checklist a little easier!
During this presentation, you will learn the ins and outs of your health benefits during retirement. From eligibility requirements to different types of coverage, ASEBP has got you covered—literally.

This session is for teachers who are noticing that their bodies are interested in living with a larger range of mobility but are unsure where to start. Using the practice of yoga this one-hour session will give 3x15min stretch routines which target upper body, legs and spine. All of these sequences can be used as a purposeful body break for you and your class or just on your own. No experience with yoga is needed- this class is physically moderate and athletic wear is recommended. Please bring your own mat and water bottle.

Update on ATA.

Since its appearance in 14th century France, the Shroud of Turin has garnered great attention and scrutiny. Devotees claim it is burial cloth of Jesus Christ, detractors dismiss it as a medieval forgery, while the Vatican remains largely agnostic on the subject.
After a photographic negative revealed a detailed face on the Shroud, swathes of experts have poured over its fabric to make sense of the phenomenon given its lack of pigment or other obvious means of instilling a negative image. The extensive analysis from forensic pathologists, physicists, botanists, microbiologists, and statisticians explored in this talk provides Religious Educators with a model for considering the fruitful relationship between faith and reason while exploring how science can illumine and intersect with religious claims.

Does your school have robots but you’re not sure how to use them in your classroom? Strengthen your students’ problem-solving skills and engage creatively with the curriculum through robotic exploration! This session will provide you with the foundational knowledge to help your students code a robot through block-based coding. Learn how computational thinking skills such as pattern recognition, algorithm design, and debugging are necessary when coding and how to connect robotics to curricular concepts in any subject. Get hands-on experience with a robot and walk away with a few project ideas to use in your classroom!
The skills learned in this workshop will be transferrable to whatever robots your school has access to.

Devices will be supplied for this session.

Alex from Trickster Theatre shows the process of bringing science learning to life in a fun, interactive way. With years of experience in Theatre for Young Audiences, Trickster gets kids on their feet and active, acting out the science in a memorable way.
In this Session, Alex will show how Trickster Theatre is tackling the New Science Curriculum, adding an interactive program to teaching Science which increases students retention by animating the scientific concepts and learning through movement.
To put it plainly, he will show you how he gets kids on their feet and active to learn science in a different way- one that has them acting out the science to help learn.
Starting with looking at your Organizing Idea and Guiding Questions, this program involves an easy and fun way to approach science, with the entirety of the new science curriculum available for kindergarten through grade 6.
But the best part? Alex is gonna show how Trickster can go over an entire Unit in Two Days!

Propaganda! If there is one thing that most adults would agree on here in early 2025, it’s this: Never before in world history has propaganda been more ubiquitous and well-designed . . . in fact, the tools of the trade are now so advanced that increasing numbers of thoughtful people are beginning to wonder how much they really ‘know’ and how much of the past they accurately understood. And if that’s the case for adults, how can we expect students to be competent at thinking critically about what they observe, hear, or read?

During this Canadian military history education session, attendees will observe how Canadian war posters from the First and Second World Wars can be used in their classroom to educate about propaganda, engage critical thinking, and further develop digital literacy skills.

All resources referenced during this presentation are downloadable free-of-charge at ValourCanada.ca

Pre-k-Grade 2 teachers: Do you teach in a faith-based context? Do you want to learn about a great writing and art cross-curricular project? Learn about this beautiful and engaging project that your students can prepare for Christmas. First, you will hear how to have your students re-tell the Christmas story in their own words, moving from brain-storming to rough and good copies. In this session, we will discuss writing techniques and breaking things up into small, manageable sections results in a beautiful keepsake gift for parents.. Accompanying this written story, we will then create a matching candle project to round out the gift. While the focus of this session will be on the first Christmas, this could be used for Easter or any other holiday, event or any writing focus!
This session has a participant fee of $5.25. ​Pre-Registration Link​​​

Giddy up! Hop aboard the historic Stampede Trolley to experience the excitement of the newly opened Sam Centre from the perspective of a student. You will experience the Calgary Stampede's legendary tales through interactive exhibits, hands-on learning, a behind-the-scenes tour of the collections room, and storytelling from Calgary Stampede experts celebrating western hospitality and the spirit of Southern Alberta! Discover rodeo! Discover midway! Discover fun! Discover Sam!

This location for this session is Sam Centre; 632 13 Ave SE with pickup at the Hyatt Hotel, and has a participant fee of $10.50.
​Pre-Registration Link​​​

Congratulations on landing the job! Now that you're in the thick of it, you're likely feeling overwhelmed by the flood of expectations and responsibilities: managing student behaviors, organizing assemblies, adapting to last-minute schedule changes, attending staff meetings, coordinating volunteers, arranging field trips, communicating with parents, addressing Individualized Program Plans (IPPs), participating in committees, and the list goes on. How do you juggle all these tasks while still ensuring that your curriculum remains high-quality and aligned with educational standards?

Universities provide foundational instruction on scaffolded planning, curriculum-aligned instruction, and quality assessment. While this learning is irreplaceable, beginning teachers continue to struggle when faced with the vast demands on time within the real classroom. Together we will explore the curriculum, develop a year plan, then bring this plan into the realities of the day-to-day happenings within the classroom. This session is aimed to facilitate quality collaboration around planning and implementing research-based learning methods through an interactive working session.

Come prepared to engage in conversations and bring along a copy of the curriculum you're working with—we'll be diving deep into its intricacies together.

Immerse yourself in the zoo, while its resident animals inspire you in this workshop that will demonstrate strategies and techniques that combine art with scientific inquiry and open the door to descriptive writing. Be prepared to have fun and discover your inner artist as you slow down and appreciate the finer details around you. No previous artistic experience necessary, just a willingness to have a go!
PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN UNLINED SKETCHPAD / JOURNAL, AND WRITING/COLOURING UTENSILS
This session will be held at Wilder Calgary Zoo, 210 St. George's Drive NE, and has a participant fee of $10.50.
​Pre-Registration Link​​​

Description:

"Beyond the Classroom: Nurturing Teacher Wellbeing" is a unique workshop aimed at equipping educators with effective tools to improve their mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing. This hands-on experience combines mindfulness practices, including yin yoga, guided meditation (yoga nidra), and breathing techniques, with creative expression through art. These activities are designed to help teachers build resilience and enhance self-awareness, ultimately supporting their overall wellness in both personal and professional contexts.

Workshop Highlights:
Mindful Movement and Breath work:
Start your journey with gentle yin yoga and stress-reducing breathing techniques, setting a foundation for relaxation and presence.

Guided Meditation:
Delve deeper into relaxation and mental clarity through a guided meditation or yoga nidra session, introducing the concept of sankulpa (intention) for personal growth.

Art as a Path to Wellness:
The highlight of our workshop is an engaging acrylic painting activity. Participants will create two "sister paintings" - one representing what they're releasing, and another depicting what they're manifesting or intending. This creative process offers numerous benefits:
- Enhances self-awareness and promotes non-judgmental self-reflection
- Encourages mindfulness and present-moment focus, reducing stress about past or future
- Provides a joyful, childlike experience that nurtures the spirit
- Offers insights into self-perception and acceptance through the contrast between the two paintings
- Serves as a powerful tool for stress reduction and emotional expression
The art session is designed to be a meditative experience, with background music encouraging participants to go within and connect with their creative selves. This activity not only serves as a stress-reliever but also as a catalyst for personal insights and growth.

Reflection and Goal-Setting:
Conclude the day by sharing experiences, discussing insights gained from the art activity, and setting concrete wellness goals for the upcoming school term.

This workshop offers a unique blend of mindfulness practices and creative expression, providing teachers with a holistic approach to wellbeing. By engaging in art creation, participants will tap into a powerful tool for stress reduction, self-discovery, and emotional processing. The skills and insights gained will extend far beyond the classroom, enriching both personal and professional lives.

Join us for a day focused on teacher wellness, combining practical self-care techniques with creative activities. This workshop aims to help you reconnect with your passion for teaching and improve your overall wellbeing, which in turn can positively impact your students' learning experience.

Duration: 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Location: The Red Barn: 253253 Bearspaw Road, Calgary, AB
Participant Instructions:
Dear Participant,

Welcome to our off-site teacher wellbeing workshop. To ensure you get the most out of this experience, please:

1. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing suitable for gentle yoga/ movement. Wear clothes that aren't precious to you, as you will be working with various mediums in the art activity.
2. Bring a yoga mat.
3. Bring a water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the day.
4. Pack a light, nutritious lunch or snacks for the break(s).
5. Bring a journal or notebook and pen for reflective exercises.
6. Come with an open mind and willingness to engage in self-reflection and group discussions.
7. Feel free to bring a small cushion or blanket for added comfort during meditation.
8. Most importantly, be prepared to prioritize yourself and your wellbeing for the day.

We look forward to guiding you through this journey of self-discovery and rejuvenation.

This session has a participant fee of $31.50. ​Pre-Registration Link​​​

Embark on a photographic adventure at École Secondaire Highwood High School, nestled in the serene backdrop of Alberta's foothills. This session is designed to acquaint educators with Lumix bridge cameras and their role as an affordable, durable, and performance-oriented camera for students to explore the world of photography.  During this session, educators will learn the basic operation of the camera, as well as delve into its advanced manual mode where they can manipulate the "Photography Triangle" - the three fundamental elements of exposure control: aperture, ISO, and shutter speed. Complemented by Adobe Lightroom Classic, this workshop aims to provide a source of inspiration for educators to design their own photography program in the context of their own 7-12 learning environments.

This session has limited seating (16) and will be a full day session at École Secondaire Highwood High School, 1401 10 St SE, High River, AB T1V 1S1. The session will begin at 9:00AM. Lunch will not be provided however there are several excellent lunch locations located in High River.

The full day session will have the following sections:

-Introduction to the Lumix Bridge Camera and Adoble Lightroom Classic
-Basic Camera Controls and Manual Mode: gain hands-on experience on how to leverage aperture, shutter speed, and ISO for creative control in any environment
-Photography Time in Highwood's Indigenous Learning Landscape and other nearby green spaces including a skate park (weather permitting)
-Post processing time in Adobe Ligthroom Classic
-Photo sharing and discussion
-Course component examples
-Brainstorming and design time for participants to begin imagining photography offerings in the context of their own school environment

This session has a participant fee of $10.50. ​Pre-Registration Link​​​

Students with dyslexia and other learning disabilities can face challenges in the inclusive classroom that require strategies and supports to be successful in their learning and development. This professional development session aims to equip educators with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively teach students with dyslexia and other learning disabilities. The session will cover the DSM criteria that psychologists use to diagnose learning disabilities, universal teaching strategies applicable to all students, targeted strategies tailored to students, and individualized strategies to meet the unique needs of each student.

Off-site location: Rocky View Schools Education Centre - Wildrose C (2651 Chinook Winds Drive SW, Airdrie, Alberta, T4B 0B4)
Pre-Registration Link

We are presenting a workshop on Indigenous Perspectives that includes "hands-on" experiential sessions with teachers actively participating in an "Educational Teaching" Sweat Lodge, Indigenous games and traditions, and discussions with regards to the application of foundational knowledge regarding Alberta Education's curriculum and First Nations, Metis, and Inuit.

What: Our planned Indigenous Perspectives workshop will include the following:
1.) Teaching/Educational Sweat Lodge Experience conducted by Indigenous Elders
2.) Indigenous Traditional games and talking circle
3.) Applying Foundational Knowledge about First Nations, Metis, Inuit and curriculum connections.

George Taven of Seeds Connections will be hosting the day and coordinating the logistics. Walter White Bear will be the Keynote speaker and Sweat Lodge Elder.

Walter will also engage several other locally recognized and respected elders to assist with the other sessions throughout the day.

KEY POINTS

1.) This workshop will be conducted from 8:30am - 3:00 pm . Teachers are responsible for their own transportation.

3.) We can have up to 50 people register.

4.) It is vital to read the attachments which are descriptions of each of the sessions as well as expectations and appropriate dress and details of what people should be aware of if they are planning to participate in the Educational Teaching Sweat Lodge.

5.) Teachers need to bring their own bag lunches. Participants should bring their own water bottle.

6.) Teachers wanting to participate in the Teaching Sweat must bring appropriate change of clothes and towel.

7.) We will require each participant to fill out and sign an Acknowledgement of Risk form when they first arrive.

Location:
241001 Range Road 42
Calgary, AB, Canada
T3Z 2X5

This site was formerly known as Kamp Kiwanis

This session has a participant fee of $10.50. ​Pre-Registration Link​​​

In this session, teachers will be guided through a pathway to introduce pickleball into their curriculum. Participants are asked to come ready to learn through play! All equipment will be provided.

This session will take place at