PDTCA 2025: Full Schedule

The PDTCA Board hopes you have an amazing Convention 2025!
Emergency Procedures Calgary Telus Convention Centre
Emergency Procedures Hyatt
Human Rights Statement
Land Acknowledgement

CALGARY TELUS CONVENTION CENTRE (CTCC) and HYATT - address

Pre-Registration will OPEN February 1, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. and CLOSE February 16, 2025 AT 8:00 p.m.

For Pre-Registered sessions please use the pre-registration link on the pre-registration page at pdtca.org. Adding the session to your Sched schedule does not mean you are pre-registered.

Reason to Create a Profile in Sched
You do not need to create a profile and log in to see sessions in Sched. However, if you want to add yourself to a session to create a schedule or evaluate a session you must be logged in.

Convention at a Glance Link will be available here in Mid-February
Off-Site Addresses are included.

Professional Responsibility
“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.”
This information is also found on the Frequently Asked Questions page on the www.ataconventions.ca website. If you have any further questions regarding this, please contact Daniel.Maas@ata.ab.ca.

09:00 MST

Intro to Building Thinking Classrooms

Thursday February 20, 2025 09:00 - 10:00 MST

Macleod Hall E2 - CTCC

Have you heard of Thinking Classrooms? Interested in experiencing and seeing if it’s an interest to you? Join us for an active session of problem solving, storytelling and pedagogy as we dive into Liljedahl’s Thinking Classrooms! This session is targeted to those new to Thinking Classrooms, but of course all are welcome to join! This session will focus on Liljedahl’s first two toolkits of implementation.

Speakers

Landry Forand

Learning Specialist, RVS

Landry Forand (he/him) serves as a Learning Specialist within the Rocky View School Division, where he collaborates with educators, classrooms, and schools spanning from kindergarten to grade 12. With a keen focus on numeracy, assessment practices, and Thinking Classroom pedagogy... Read More →

Thursday February 20, 2025 09:00 - 10:00 MST
Macleod Hall E2 - CTCC

Mathematics (TQS 3), Div1 (Gr 1-3), Div2 (Gr 4-6), Div3 (Gr 7-9), Div4 (Gr 10-12)

Session has participant fee No
Level of content General overview for novice learners
Presentation Language English
Is Pre-registration required No

09:00 MST

Menu Math: Developing Understanding In Algebra

Thursday February 20, 2025 09:00 - 10:00 MST

Macleod Hall D - CTCC

This seven-course meal provides all the nutrition necessary for students young and old to grow strong and healthy algebraic brains. This sensible approach helps all students understand algebra by taming concepts such as variable, substitution, algebraic properties, equation solving, and systems of equations. This activity has been tested and proven by hundreds of teachers in diverse classroom environments.

Speakers

Brad Fulton

Educational Consultant, Enterprise Elementary School District

Known for motivating and engaging teachers and students, Brad Fulton has co-authored over a dozen books and hundreds of resources that provide easy-to-teach yet mathematically rich activities for busy teachers. Drawing upon over four decades in education, Brad is a frequent presenter... Read More →

Thursday February 20, 2025 09:00 - 10:00 MST
Macleod Hall D - CTCC

Mathematics (TQS 3), Div2 (Gr 4-6), Div3 (Gr 7-9)

Session has participant fee No
Level of content Intermediate content
Presentation Language English
Is Pre-registration required No

09:00 MST

Pourquoi commencer l’année avec les Statistiques - 1ère à 5e année

Thursday February 20, 2025 09:00 - 10:00 MST

Glen 203 - CTCC

Lors de l’élaboration de la planification annuelle, on choisit souvent de voir l’unité de Statistiques à la fin de l’année scolaire. Malgré nos efforts, il est possible qu’on n'ait pas ou très peu de temps pour voir ces concepts. Or, il y a de nombreuses raisons pédagogiques qui montrent que l’unité de Statistiques pourrait être un excellent moyen de débuter l’année. Nous visiterons les composantes de cette unité et discuterons des bénéfices de les couvrir à l’automne plutôt qu’en juin.

Speakers

Renée Michaud

Consultante en mathématiques/Math Consultant, RLM Consulting

Renée Michaud est consultante en mathématiques. Elle présente régulièrement des sessions variées à différents congrès de différentes provinces tel qu’à APPIPC, BCAMT, APEF et nationalement à ACPI et ce, en français et en anglais. Elle travaille également pour des... Read More →

Thursday February 20, 2025 09:00 - 10:00 MST
Glen 203 - CTCC Calgary Telus Convention Centre

Mathematics (TQS 3), Div1 (Gr 1-3), Div2 (Gr 4-6)

Session has participant fee No
Level of content General overview for novice learners
Presentation Language French
Is Pre-registration required No

09:00 MST

Hands-on Minds On: The Intersection of Trades and STEM in K-12 Education (9:00-11:20)

Thursday February 20, 2025 09:00 - 11:20 MST

Telus 103 - CTCC

Dive into an Alberta-based STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) initiative in partnership with Lethbridge Polytechnic that enriches K-12 education with practical trades experience. The session features an interactive opportunity for you to be in your students’ shoes 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.

Speakers

Kiri Stolz

Lethbridge Polytechnic

Kiri Stolz is a passionate advocate for the intersection of trades and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) subjects in K-12 education. She plays pivotal roles in developing and implementing an innovative STEM initiative in collaboration with Lethbridge Polytechnic... Read More →

Matthew Prete

Matthew Prete is a passionate advocate for the intersection of trades and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) subjects in K-12 education. She plays pivotal roles in developing and implementing an innovative STEM initiative in collaboration with Lethbridge Polytechnic... Read More →

Thursday February 20, 2025 09:00 - 11:20 MST
Telus 103 - CTCC

Mathematics (TQS 3), Div1 (Gr 1-3), Div2 (Gr 4-6), Div3 (Gr 7-9), Div4 (Gr 10-12)

Session has participant fee No
Level of content General overview for novice learners
Presentation Language English
Is Pre-registration required No

10:20 MST

La modélisation en barres, la représentation qui vous manque? 1ère à 4e année

Thursday February 20, 2025 10:20 - 11:20 MST

Glen 203 - CTCC

L’usage de la modélisation en barres comme modèle de résolution de problèmes écrits permet de mieux visualiser les données et ainsi le résoudre avec plus de confiance. Cette représentation est peu présente dans les manuels d’élèves et donc, peu utilisée par les apprenants. Je vous propose de venir voir de quoi il s’agit. d'apprendre à les utiliser et d’ajouter cette stratégie à votre boîte à outils afin d’aider les élèves qui se cherchent en maths.

Speakers

Renée Michaud

Consultante en mathématiques/Math Consultant, RLM Consulting

Thursday February 20, 2025 10:20 - 11:20 MST
Glen 203 - CTCC Calgary Telus Convention Centre

Mathematics (TQS 3), Div1 (Gr 1-3), Div2 (Gr 4-6)

Session has participant fee No
Level of content General overview for novice learners
Presentation Language French
Is Pre-registration required No

10:20 MST

Math Therapy: How to Help Students Overcome Their Fear of Math!

Thursday February 20, 2025 10:20 - 11:20 MST

Macleod Hall D - CTCC

Did you know that anyone who thinks they're "not a math person" typically has math trauma they haven't worked through, and that most adults never move on from negative experiences with math? This crash course in math therapy will dive into what math trauma is, how it’s different from math anxiety, why math trauma is at the root of all math-related anxiety, and provide you with practical steps you can implement in your classroom right away to help students (and teachers!) heal their math trauma. Add "Math Therapy" to your list of teachable and change the lives of your students far beyond the classroom!

Speakers

Vanessa Vakharia

Known as the Lady Gaga of math education, Vanessa is the founder and director of The Math Guru, a super cool boutique math & science tutoring studio in Toronto that's changing stereotypes about what math education looks like. She is also the host of the Math Therapy podcast, author... Read More →

Thursday February 20, 2025 10:20 - 11:20 MST
Macleod Hall D - CTCC

Mathematics (TQS 3), Div1 (Gr 1-3), Div2 (Gr 4-6), Div3 (Gr 7-9), Div4 (Gr 10-12)

Session has participant fee No
Level of content General overview for novice learners
Presentation Language English
Is Pre-registration required No

11:40 MST

Les simulations Gizmos: pour développer une compréhension conceptuelle en mathématiques

Thursday February 20, 2025 11:40 - 12:40 MST

Glen 203 - CTCC

Les simulations en ligne Gizmos invitent vos élèves à penser comme des mathématiciens. Découvrez comment l'utilisation de simulations Gizmos peut favoriser la compréhension conceptuelle des apprenants grâce à la modélisation et à l'enquête. Lors de cet atelier, vous participerez à une leçon de mathématiques durant laquelle un Gizmo sera utilisé. Vous découvrirez ainsi comment les Gizmos peuvent appuyer l'atteinte des résultats d’apprentissage. L'objectif est de vous montrer comment les intégrer immédiatement dans votre salle de classe ! Si possible, les participants à cet atelier devraient apporter un appareil numérique.

Speakers

Renée Michaud

Consultante en mathématiques/Math Consultant, RLM Consulting

Thursday February 20, 2025 11:40 - 12:40 MST
Glen 203 - CTCC Calgary Telus Convention Centre

Mathematics (TQS 3), Div3 (Gr 7-9)

Session has participant fee No
Level of content General overview for novice learners
Presentation Language French
Is Pre-registration required No

11:40 MST

The Number Line Activity: Empowering Mathematical Thinking

Thursday February 20, 2025 11:40 - 12:40 MST

Glen 201/202 - CTCC

This easy-to-teach yet mathematically rich activity has been used in many classrooms to maximize mathematical understanding. Students develop incredible fluency with mental mathematics applied to fraction, decimal, and percent representations using this powerful strategy. Adaptations extend the lesson from arithmetic through algebra. A ready-for-Monday handout is available.

Speakers

Brad Fulton

Educational Consultant, Enterprise Elementary School District

Thursday February 20, 2025 11:40 - 12:40 MST
Glen 201/202 - CTCC

Mathematics (TQS 3), Div2 (Gr 4-6), Div3 (Gr 7-9)

Session has participant fee No
Level of content Intermediate content
Presentation Language English
Is Pre-registration required No

13:00 MST

Connecting the Dots - K - 4 Domino Math Games for Whole Class or Small Group Instruction

Thursday February 20, 2025 13:00 - 14:00 MST

Glen 201/202 - CTCC

Dominoes are one of our student's favorite math manipulatives and one of the easiest to find and implement into your math program. Games will cover the following concepts: counting, patterns, subitizing, basic operational fluency for +, - and x, place value, graphing, multi-digit operations and more. The handout will contain gameboards, journal masters for immediate use. Activities are easy to differentiate and can be used in whole class instruction, small groups or centers. Come and connect the dots and experience the powerful math connections sitting in a set of 28 dominoes!

Speakers

Jane Felling

Presenter, Box Cars And One-Eyed Jacks Inc

Jane is author of the award winning Box Cars and One-Eyed Jacks series of teacher resources - both for math and literacy. Jane has presented workshops across North America for over 30 years and has been a featured speaker at 100's of provincial, state, national and international conference... Read More →

Thursday February 20, 2025 13:00 - 14:00 MST
Glen 201/202 - CTCC

Mathematics (TQS 3), ECE (Pre K-K), Div1 (Gr 1-3)

Session has participant fee No
Level of content General overview for novice learners
Presentation Language English
Is Pre-registration required No

09:00 MST

(Pre-Reg MAX 30 Off-Site) Wilder Institute Calgary Zoo: Numeracy at the Zoo

Friday February 21, 2025 09:00 - 10:00 MST

Off-Site

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

Speakers

Wilder Institute Calgary Zoo

Our conservation education staff have backgrounds in biology, natural history, zoology and ecology. With experience ranging from animal husbandry to field research, our team is comprised of qualified informal educators who are passionate about bringing the natural world to life and... Read More →

Friday February 21, 2025 09:00 - 10:00 MST
Off-Site

Mathematics (TQS 3), Div1 (Gr 1-3), Div2 (Gr 4-6), Div3 (Gr 7-9)

Session has participant fee No
Level of content General overview for novice learners
Presentation Language English
Is Pre-registration required Yes

09:00 MST

Maximize Impact by Aligning Mathematics Teaching with the Science of Learning

Friday February 21, 2025 09:00 - 10:00 MST

Macleod Hall E3 - CTCC

Learn how to maximize student understanding by applying evidence-based principles from the Science of Learning to your mathematics teaching. In this session we will investigate how to structure content during lessons and how to apply research-based principles of instruction. This includes:

- using a micro-scaffolding approach that builds upon student prior understanding and connects mathematics concepts;
- reducing cognitive load and creating a truly inclusive classroom;
- applying Rosenshine’s principles of instruction to ensure your teaching is impactful.

You will leave this session with a new understanding of evidence-based instruction and a variety of strategies to immediately apply in the classroom.

Speakers

Carla French

Teacher, Calgary Board of Education

Carla French specializes in elementary mathematics teaching. She is currently a grade 5/6/8 math/science teacher with CBE and a sessional instructor with the University of Alberta’s Campus Saint-Jean satellite program in Calgary. Carla is dedicated to helping teachers develop their... Read More →

Friday February 21, 2025 09:00 - 10:00 MST
Macleod Hall E3 - CTCC

Mathematics (TQS 3), Div1 (Gr 1-3), Div2 (Gr 4-6), Div3 (Gr 7-9)

Session has participant fee No
Level of content Intermediate content
Presentation Language English
Is Pre-registration required No

09:00 MST

POWER PLAY - EMPOWER YOUR PRIMARY STUDENTS WITH PLACE VALUE GAMES AND STRATEGIES

Friday February 21, 2025 09:00 - 10:00 MST

Glen 201/202 - CTCC

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.

Speakers

Jane Felling

Presenter, Box Cars And One-Eyed Jacks Inc

Friday February 21, 2025 09:00 - 10:00 MST
Glen 201/202 - CTCC

Mathematics (TQS 3), Div1 (Gr 1-3), Div2 (Gr 4-6)

Session has participant fee No
Level of content General overview for novice learners
Presentation Language English
Is Pre-registration required No

09:00 MST

The Hundreds Chart from Arithmetic to Algebra

Friday February 21, 2025 09:00 - 10:00 MST

Macleod Hall E4 - CTCC

Students encounter the 100’s chart in the primary grades. Learn how to build upon their understanding of simple arithmetic to foster a deep understanding of algebraic skills. A seamless transition from arithmetic to algebra will have all students engaged in learning. Students will finish by creating their own algebra project based on the chart. A classroom-ready handout is available.

Speakers

Brad Fulton

Educational Consultant, Enterprise Elementary School District

Friday February 21, 2025 09:00 - 10:00 MST
Macleod Hall E4 - CTCC

Mathematics (TQS 3), Div3 (Gr 7-9)

Session has participant fee No
Level of content Intermediate content
Presentation Language English
Is Pre-registration required No

10:20 MST

Fast Facts and Fractions

Friday February 21, 2025 10:20 - 11:20 MST

Macleod Hall D - CTCC

Mastering multiplication facts and fraction operations are two common obstacles that hinder the success of middle and high school students. See how I helped my lowest performing students master all fraction operations and learn their multiplication facts in just five minutes per day. A ready-for-Monday handout is included.

Speakers

Brad Fulton

Educational Consultant, Enterprise Elementary School District

Friday February 21, 2025 10:20 - 11:20 MST
Macleod Hall D - CTCC

Mathematics (TQS 3), Div2 (Gr 4-6), Div3 (Gr 7-9)

Session has participant fee No
Level of content General overview for novice learners
Presentation Language English
Is Pre-registration required No

10:20 MST

SHAKE UP YOUR OPERATIONAL FLUENCY - GAMES AND STRATEGIES FOR ADDITION AND EARLY MULTIPLICATION

Friday February 21, 2025 10:20 - 11:20 MST

Glen 201/202 - CTCC

Come prepared to shake, rattle and roll and learn our best games and activities for practicing addition and early multiplication. Dice are highly motivating and engaging to learners for focused practice, are easy to differentiate to meet the needs of all your students. Games and strategies will cover: doubles, make 10, count on and back, commutative and associative properties for both + and x, skip counting, square facts, using arrays. Handout will contain strategies, gameboards, concept skill checklists for assessment. Differentiation ideas will be shared throughout the play. This is a fast paced workshop with ideas that can be used first thing Monday!

Speakers

Jane Felling

Presenter, Box Cars And One-Eyed Jacks Inc

Friday February 21, 2025 10:20 - 11:20 MST
Glen 201/202 - CTCC

Mathematics (TQS 3), Div1 (Gr 1-3), Div2 (Gr 4-6)

Session has participant fee No
Level of content General overview for novice learners
Presentation Language English
Is Pre-registration required No

10:20 MST

Top 10 Numeracy Activities for Preschool/Kindergarten

Friday February 21, 2025 10:20 - 11:20 MST

Telus 101/102 - CTCC

Join our interactive session of our top 10 numeracy activities for the preschool and kindergarten classroom. These activities are easy to implement, cross-curricular, low-cost, and fun! And you will be able to use them in the classroom the next day.

Speakers

Carly Abraham

Carly Abraham has taught math at a junior high and high school level and has gained experience in elementary mathematics as her children have just gone through the elementary years. She has a Masters of Education, specializing in curriculum, learning and teaching. Carly also has experience... Read More →

Friday February 21, 2025 10:20 - 11:20 MST
Telus 101/102 - CTCC

Mathematics (TQS 3), ECE (Pre K-K)

Session has participant fee No
Level of content Intermediate content
Presentation Language English
Is Pre-registration required No

11:40 MST

Demystifying desmos

Friday February 21, 2025 11:40 - 12:40 MST

Macleod Hall E4 - CTCC

Desmos.com is more than just a graphing calculator - it also has a collection of amazing resources for use in online or face-to face learning that stimulates great reasoning and active learning among students. If you have heard of desmos, but haven't tried it out yet in your classroom, this session will give go over the basics of how to use the desmos teacher tools and go over some of the best activities in their collection so you don't have to spend hours surfing the website so find activities that match your curriculum (grade 7 - 9). Participants will need to bring their own laptop or other device so that they can participate in this active session.

Speakers

Melanie Fricot

Melanie Fricot has taught Math from grade 1 to first year university (in Bhutan). She has spent the last decade teaching grade 6, and then grades 7 - 9 Math. She is passionate about encouraging students to be confident problem solvers in the Mathematics classroom

Friday February 21, 2025 11:40 - 12:40 MST
Macleod Hall E4 - CTCC

Mathematics (TQS 3), Div3 (Gr 7-9)

Session has participant fee No
Level of content General overview for novice learners
Presentation Language English
Is Pre-registration required No

13:00 MST

Intervention in Math: Getting the Big Ideas Right

Friday February 21, 2025 13:00 - 14:00 MST

Macleod Hall E3 - CTCC

Some things aren't a big deal… you can get them wrong now, and yet still do well on everything else. But other things are so important that their loss means the learner is handicapped at learning new ideas. Sometimes, you can't let weak understandings slide. Enter the need for Intervention in Math. Based on the work of Marilyn Burns, Do The Math is a series of targeted interventions, aligned with a Mathematical Learning Progression, that leverages the power of Manipulatives, Models, Direct and Guided Instruction, along with the engaging power of games to help remediate and strengthen student performance where it counts... on the Big Ideas of Math. Use these ideas for Intervention, Remediation, or everyday Instruction to build strong learners that leverage strong mathematical foundations to tackle new situations.

Speakers

Gerry Varty

Pearson Canada

"For over 35 years, Gerry has been a classroom teacher, school and district leader, and tireless advocate for professional learning support. A leader in K-12 Mathematics education, Assessment, and Instructional Design initiatives, Gerry loves working with teachers to make success... Read More →

Friday February 21, 2025 13:00 - 14:00 MST
Macleod Hall E3 - CTCC

Mathematics (TQS 3), Div1 (Gr 1-3), Div2 (Gr 4-6)

Session has participant fee No
Level of content Intermediate content
Presentation Language English
Is Pre-registration required No

13:00 MST

Make the Most of each Moment - engaging routines to open and close your Math classes

Friday February 21, 2025 13:00 - 14:00 MST

Macleod Hall E4 - CTCC

Amplify the power of the first or last few minutes of your Math class. This session will showcase a variety of Math routines that are simple to implement and that encourage students to engage collaboratively or independently. Encourage different modes of thinking and long term learning as you spiral through the different strands of the curriculum on a regular basis. This session is intended to complement Math curriculum for grades 4 - 9.

Speakers

Melanie Fricot

Friday February 21, 2025 13:00 - 14:00 MST
Macleod Hall E4 - CTCC

Mathematics (TQS 3), Div2 (Gr 4-6), Div3 (Gr 7-9)

Session has participant fee No
Level of content Intermediate content
Presentation Language English
Is Pre-registration required No

14:20 MST

Building solid mathematical understandings with Mathology 7-9

Friday February 21, 2025 14:20 - 15:20 MST

Macleod Hall E3 - CTCC

"Built around the K-9 Learning Progression developed at the U of A by Dr Lynne McGarvey, Pearson's Mathology is a one-stop, integrated resource that aims to transform the way students approach and engage with math, fostering a deeper appreciation and mastery of key concepts.

If you're tired of using restrictive resources that don't fit you or your class, or weary of spending your time searching online for those mix-and-match ideas, materials, and tools, join Gerry for a conversation about how Mathology's editable and adaptable instructional materials, planning and assessment tools, and pedagogical supports can simplify resource choices for today's Middle-School Teachers and Learners."

Speakers

Gerry Varty

Pearson Canada

Friday February 21, 2025 14:20 - 15:20 MST
Macleod Hall E3 - CTCC

Mathematics (TQS 3), Div3 (Gr 7-9)

Session has participant fee No
Level of content Intermediate content
Presentation Language English
Is Pre-registration required No

14:20 MST

Numeracy with Cuisenaire Rods

Friday February 21, 2025 14:20 - 15:20 MST

Telus 104 - CTCC

Cuisenaire rods are an exceptional visual and tactile tool to help students make sense of math. In the session we will show you the many ways they can be used in your classroom from kindergarten to grade 6 including understanding numbers 0-10, part-part whole thinking, basic facts, multiplication, fractions, area, and decimals.

Speakers

Carly Abraham

Friday February 21, 2025 14:20 - 15:20 MST
Telus 104 - CTCC Calgary Telus Convention Centre

Mathematics (TQS 3), ECE (Pre K-K), Div1 (Gr 1-3), Div2 (Gr 4-6)

Session has participant fee No
Level of content Intermediate content
Presentation Language English
Is Pre-registration required No