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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 17, 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.

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Type: retirement clear filter
Thursday, February 20
 

09:00 MST

Extended/Long Term Disability: It’s All About the Medical
Thursday February 20, 2025 09:00 - 10:00 MST
Understanding extended disability and long-term disability benefits can be challenging. The session provides an overview of this benefit and its eligibility, a review of best practices on applying for the benefit and outlines supports the Association offers to members during the application and, potentially, the appeal process.
Thursday February 20, 2025 09:00 - 10:00 MST
Imperial 5 - HYATT Hyatt

10:20 MST

Counting Time
Thursday February 20, 2025 10:20 - 11:20 MST
Adapting a process for collecting data on hours of work, both instructional and assignable, defining assignable time, and monitoring time assignments.
Thursday February 20, 2025 10:20 - 11:20 MST
Imperial 5 - HYATT Hyatt

11:40 MST

AI Prompting for Teacher Success (title TBD)
Thursday February 20, 2025 11:40 - 12:40 MST
Discover how to harness the power of AI chatbots like ChatGPT to enhance your teaching practice! In this hands-on professional development session, you’ll learn how to craft effective prompts to get tailored, high-quality results including generating engaging lesson plans, creating differentiated instructional materials, or brainstorming new pedagogical strategies. Perfect for beginners and seasoned tech users alike, this session will equip you with practical skills to use AI as a creative collaborator and thinking partner. Leave with ready-to-use examples, prompt templates, and confidence to make AI work for you in the classroom.
Speakers
avatar for Chris Gonsalvez

Chris Gonsalvez

Executive Staff Officer, 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 →
Thursday February 20, 2025 11:40 - 12:40 MST
Imperial 5 - HYATT Hyatt

11:40 MST

Survival Tips for New Teachers
Thursday February 20, 2025 11:40 - 12:40 MST
Do you feel overwhelmed? How does a new teacher keep up with lesson preparation, engaging and managing students, grading, progress reports, parent conferencing, meeting diverse learning needs, not to mention evaluations and dealing with school administration? How can one remain enthusiastic, happy, and well-balanced when overwhelmed by these responsibilities? This hopeful session introduces principles of survival in the classroom and a medley of practical strategies for dealing with challenges. Come laugh, decompress, and learn some self-care. These tried-and-true, evidence-based tips will provide hope and make your job easier.
Speakers
avatar for Danny Bateman

Danny Bateman

Instructor, Concordia University Edmonton
Danny is currently an instructor of pre-service teachers at Concordia University of Edmonton. As an experienced and esteemed public speaker, he delivers teaching strategies and inspiration using entertaining experiences and actionable content. He has delivered hundreds of successful... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 11:40 - 12:40 MST
Macleod Hall E1 - CTCC

11:40 MST

ASEBP Benefit Overview Presentation
Thursday February 20, 2025 11:40 - 12:40 MST
Whether you are a new covered member or not, this session can help you learn about the wide range of benefits, programs and services we offer.
In this presentation you will discover how to get the most from your coverage, our different tools and platforms, the benefits of spending accounts and more!
Speakers
Thursday February 20, 2025 11:40 - 12:40 MST
Glen 206 - CTCC

13:00 MST

Harbouring Hope | honing the gift of hanging on
Thursday February 20, 2025 13:00 - 14:00 MST
How does hope play a role in our teaching and learning? Potential does not get reached. A student falls through the cracks. A teacher battles family and personal issues. Each one of us face hardship through our journey of life. When life hits us hard, it brings out one of two responses: we either give up, or fight through. It is when we fight through that growth and potential are reached. Hope enables us to fight. Building resiliency is paramount to push through hardship, and harbouring hope in our lives is vital to resiliency.
Speakers
avatar for Peter Hill

Peter Hill

CPM Enterprises
Peter is a licensed minister, author, motivational speaker, youtuber, and math teacher. During the school year, he teaches high school math in the city of Calgary. Outside of his teaching career, he is involved in the training, support, equipping and encouragement of an array of different... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 13:00 - 14:00 MST
Imperial 7 - HYATT Hyatt

13:00 MST

Tools to build your financial wellness
Thursday February 20, 2025 13:00 - 14:00 MST
Why is it crucial to prioritize our financial well-being? Being financially prepared is essential because it's not just about money; it's a fundamental aspect of overall wellness. Neglecting financial health can lead to stress and affect mental well-being, making it harder to navigate life's challenges.

For educators, who often prioritize the needs of others over their own, focusing on personal wellness, including financial wellness, is imperative. Studies show that 40% of financially unstable Canadians experience stress related to their finances. This stress permeates their work life, with 88% reporting frequent worries and 49% admitting it affects their job performance.

But what if there were simple tools that could alleviate this stress? This session aims to provide such tools, offering practical steps that can be implemented easily.

In this session, you will learn how to take charge of your financial wellness, including setting up emergency funds and saving for the future. We'll explore investment strategies, understanding market dynamics, and making informed decisions. Budgeting tips will address common dilemmas like balancing debt repayment with savings. Additionally, we'll delve into mitigating major financial risks, such as the escalating costs of long-term care and the financial impact of unexpected illnesses.

Being financially prepared isn't just about avoiding financial pitfalls; it's about building resilience and securing peace of mind in the face of life's uncertainties.
Speakers
avatar for Shane O'Bryan

Shane O'Bryan

Capital Planning
Shane is our Southern Alberta leader! Working from our Calgary office, Shane takes great pride in being a long-term Capital Planning team member, servicing the southern half of the province.
Thursday February 20, 2025 13:00 - 14:00 MST
Glen 206 - CTCC

13:00 MST

14:20 MST

ARTA and the ARTA Benefit Plans - Looking Ahead to New ADVENTURES "Presented by Alberta Retired Teac
Thursday February 20, 2025 14:20 - 15:20 MST
If you are considering retirement within the next five years, then you’ve got some big decisions just around the corner. Make sure you’re ready for them! This presentation will go over everything you need to know about the Alberta Retired Teachers’ Association (ARTA), including programs and perks available to members and, of course, the nationally acclaimed Health Benefit Plans, complete with information on all the health, travel, and dental benefits ARTA offers. A current retired teacher will provide important points to consider before making the leap into retirement and will touch on some retirement lessons they’ve learned from experience. Join us to discover how ARTA can give you the support you need to begin this new, exciting adventure.
Speakers
avatar for Jennifer Hope

Jennifer Hope

Manager of Marketing and Promotions, Alberta Retired Teachers' Assocation
The Alberta Retired Teachers’ Association (ARTA) was founded in 1963 as a member run, non-profit organization set on addressing the needs of retired teachers around the province. Today, ARTA is over 31,000 members strong and offers a long list of services, including one of the best... Read More →
avatar for Gordon Cumming

Gordon Cumming

Alberta Retired Teachers' Association
After thirty-seven years as a teacher and administrator with the Calgary Board of Education, Gordon launched into retirement in 2002. He has contributed to the lives of former colleagues through his involvement with the Calgary Retired Teachers Association, the Alberta Retired Teachers... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 14:20 - 15:20 MST
Glen 206 - CTCC

14:20 MST

Face Time Without the Phone | rekindling the lost art of communication
Thursday February 20, 2025 14:20 - 15:20 MST
We all want to be heard. We want to know someone cares about what we have to say. As teachers, this may be one of our most important roles in the profession – showing those around us that we are listening. These communication skills are often hard to find in the middle of the noise of life around us, and yet vital for the healthy functioning of a school. Peter takes a look at some of the fundamental principles of communication. Examples, stories, and role playing with one another will help us all sharpen these vital skills.
Speakers
avatar for Peter Hill

Peter Hill

CPM Enterprises
Peter is a licensed minister, author, motivational speaker, youtuber, and math teacher. During the school year, he teaches high school math in the city of Calgary. Outside of his teaching career, he is involved in the training, support, equipping and encouragement of an array of different... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 14:20 - 15:20 MST
Imperial 7 - HYATT Hyatt

14:20 MST

Help, I’m a teacher with ADHD!
Thursday February 20, 2025 14:20 - 15:20 MST
Maybe you’ve always known about your ADHD, or maybe you’ve just been diagnosed. Maybe you don’t even have a formal diagnosis yet—the fact remains that having ADHD is hard. Having ADHD as a teacher can be especially challenging.

Learn how to unlock your brain’s natural teaching superpowers and gather strategies to face your most common challenges (like the mounds of papers stacked on your desk).
Speakers
avatar for Kendall Delamont

Kendall Delamont

The ADHD Toolkit
Kendall holds a B.A. in Behavioural Sciences, a B.Ed., and is an ADHD Certified Educator. She spent 8 years teaching grade 4 and has since developed The ADHD Toolkit; a series of courses for people with ADHD and the people who love and support those with ADHD. Through her own ADHD... Read More →
Thursday February 20, 2025 14:20 - 15:20 MST
Macleod Hall C - CTCC

14:20 MST

Teacher Safety Net
Thursday February 20, 2025 14:20 - 15:20 MST
Over many years the Association has been able to construct a safety net for teachers and their families. This presentation provides an overview of what teachers have in regard to sick leave and other leaves through the collective agreement, extended disability, life insurance, other benefit plan provisions, as well as pension and death benefits. This is a light-hearted presentation that is intended to be presented to local teachers in order to provide very relevant and necessary information on existing entitlements.
Thursday February 20, 2025 14:20 - 15:20 MST
Imperial 5 - HYATT Hyatt
 
Friday, February 21
 

09:00 MST

ASEBP MyRetiree Plan Presentation
Friday February 21, 2025 09:00 - 10:00 MST
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.
Speakers
Friday February 21, 2025 09:00 - 10:00 MST
Glen 206 - CTCC

09:00 MST

I need to stretch- where to start
Friday February 21, 2025 09:00 - 10:00 MST
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.
Speakers
avatar for Kendra Silk

Kendra Silk

Teacher, Christ the Redeemer School Division
Kendra Silk is a veteran teacher with 17 years of experience within a K-12 school in Canmore, AB. The focus of her high energy sessions are teacher wellness and student creativity. These two touchstones are the guiding principles behind sessions that will leave teachers excited to... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 09:00 - 10:00 MST
Glen 208/209 - CTCC Calgary Telus Convention Centre

09:00 MST

11:40 MST

ATRF Steps to Receiving Your Pension
Friday February 21, 2025 11:40 - 12:40 MST
This presentation is designed for teachers who are planning to retire during the current year or within the next few years. It provides detailed information about deciding to retire, the Steps to Retirement process and forms, the pension options, and post-retirement considerations.
Speakers
avatar for Linda Lau

Linda Lau

Pension Counsellor, Alberta Teachers' Retirement Fund (ATRF)
tbd
Friday February 21, 2025 11:40 - 12:40 MST
Glen 206 - CTCC

11:40 MST

Exchanges: Embark on a journey that will inform, inspire and transform your teaching or leadership journey
Friday February 21, 2025 11:40 - 12:40 MST
Interested in a short-term exchange with a colleague in Spain, Germany, Mexico, Australia, Iceland or with one of Alberta’s International Accredited Schools across the globe?

Come to this session and learn how to build your own teaching or leadership adventure with an exciting in-person short term (1-2 week) exchange or a virtual one (4 week). Carolyn Freed will be your guide in this fantastic new world! The experience and realities of teaching and school leadership are constantly in transition- an exchange can bring a wealth of insights to the work you do here in Alberta.

Exchanges are a unique professional peer-to-peer development opportunity for teachers and school administrators to collaborate within their profession. Open the door and get out of your comfort zone, engage in meaningful and critical conversations, and experience first-hand how your peers engage with best practices.
Speakers
avatar for Carolyn Freed

Carolyn Freed

Alberta Teachers' Association
Friday February 21, 2025 11:40 - 12:40 MST
Imperial 5 - HYATT Hyatt

11:40 MST

Financial Literacy for Beginning Teachers
Friday February 21, 2025 11:40 - 12:40 MST
The journey of a new teacher is both rewarding and challenging. As they step into the classroom to shape young minds, they are also faced with the realities of managing their personal finances. Recognizing this need, we are excited to dedicate a session on financial literacy specifically designed for beginning teachers. The primary objective of this session is to equip new teachers with essential financial knowledge and skills so they can effectively manage their finances, navigate loan repayments, plan for the future and achieve financial stability. Participants will have the opportunity to engage with experienced financial advisors and educators who can provide personalized guidance and support. Let’s empower our educators not only in the classroom but also in their financial lives.
Speakers
avatar for Belinda Cartwright

Belinda Cartwright

With a Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Lethbridge, Belinda dedicated 25 years to shaping young minds within the Rocky View Schools, first at the middle school level teaching English and Social Studies, then teaching English at the high school level. In June 2023... Read More →
avatar for David Patayanikorn-Fithen

David Patayanikorn-Fithen

David had a successful 18-year career with both Edmonton Public and Rocky View Schools, primarily focusing on science but also teaching math, physical education, and CTS. In his last five years, he served as an assistant principal, contributing to the opening of two new schools. David's... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 11:40 - 12:40 MST
Imperial 3 - HYATT Hyatt

11:40 MST

(Pre-Reg MAX 30) Sexualized Behaviours in Elementary Schools
Friday February 21, 2025 11:40 - 12:40 MST
Problematic Sexualized Behaviour (PSB) is a behavior that is sexual that is displayed by children aged 7-11 years old. During this session, participants will gain an understanding of PSB by reviewing sexual behavior from a developmental perspective.
During this interactive workshop case scenarios related to the elementary school environment will be presented and discussed. Classroom and school strategies for responding to PSB will be reviewed including safety planning, case management, and caregiver communication. Finally, community support and the referral process will be presented.
Pre-Registration Link​​​

Speakers
avatar for Brenda Straw

Brenda Straw

Education Liaison, Luna Child and Youth Advocacy Centre
Brenda Straw is a teacher on secondment to Luna Child and Youth Advocacy Centre (CYAC) from the Calgary Catholic School District (CSSD). As a certified teacher stationed at a Child and Youth Advocacy Center in Alberta, Brenda collaborates with district leadership in Southern Alberta... Read More →
KZ

Katarina Zunjic

Katarina Zunjic, MSW, RSW is a therapist at the Child Abuse Service, Alberta Health Services, who provides assessment and treatment to children and youth who experience trauma and abuse as well as children and their families who are referred for sexual behaviour concerns.
Friday February 21, 2025 11:40 - 12:40 MST
Imperial 1 - HYATT Hyatt

11:40 MST

Code of Professional Conduct: Navigating the Alberta Teaching Profession’s Processes.
Friday February 21, 2025 11:40 - 12:40 MST
This session will outline the new discipline process in place relating to complaints of unprofessional conduct and incompetence. Teachers will learn about the stages of the new discipline process, new requirements in the Code of Professional Conduct and some strategies to avoid being the subject of a complaint.
Speakers
avatar for Tim Jeffares

Tim Jeffares

Alberta Teachers' Association
Friday February 21, 2025 11:40 - 12:40 MST
Telus 104 - CTCC Calgary Telus Convention Centre

13:00 MST

Down the Road or Just Around the Corner: Retiring with Financial Strength
Friday February 21, 2025 13:00 - 14:00 MST
Are you a teacher who is thinking about retirement after a rewarding career? Maybe you have questions about how your pension really works, how to build and protect wealth, retire debt free or understand how you will pay the bills and play, too! Or perhaps you have new goals to conquer in a second career or a new project you have been dreaming about starting! Whether you are years away from retirement or it is on the horizon, now is the right time to inquire about the knowledge, strategies and tools needed to enjoy a secure retirement. Understanding financial planning, investment strategies, insurances and retirement benefits becomes crucial for maintaining financial stability and achieving personal goals. Come explore in a safe and supportive environment, where you can ask questions, share experiences, and take away ideas that will contribute significantly to your well-being as you plan to embark on this new chapter of your life.
Speakers
avatar for Belinda Cartwright

Belinda Cartwright

With a Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Lethbridge, Belinda dedicated 25 years to shaping young minds within the Rocky View Schools, first at the middle school level teaching English and Social Studies, then teaching English at the high school level. In June 2023... Read More →
avatar for David Patayanikorn-Fithen

David Patayanikorn-Fithen

David had a successful 18-year career with both Edmonton Public and Rocky View Schools, primarily focusing on science but also teaching math, physical education, and CTS. In his last five years, he served as an assistant principal, contributing to the opening of two new schools. David's... Read More →
Friday February 21, 2025 13:00 - 14:00 MST
Imperial 3 - HYATT Hyatt

13:00 MST

Promote Yourself: Resumes and Cover Letters that Get Noticed
Friday February 21, 2025 13:00 - 14:00 MST
Are you interested in learning how to communicate the story of your teaching career and showcase your educational, professional, leadership and volunteer experience to pique employers’ interest? In this session, the presenter will share advice on how to edit your resume and write a strong cover letter to improve your chances of getting an interview.
Speakers
avatar for Dan Grassick

Dan Grassick

Alberta Teachers' Association
Friday February 21, 2025 13:00 - 14:00 MST
Imperial 2 - HYATT Hyatt

14:20 MST

Using AI to Enhance Human-Centered Work
Friday February 21, 2025 14:20 - 15:20 MST
Join this workshop to explore strategies that leverage AI to enhance communication and connection. We will explore the intersection of AI and our social and emotional world, professional considerations for leveraging AI tools for human-centered work, and versatile strategies that work with a variety of AI tools. Participants are encouraged to bring a device, such as a laptop or tablet, for the hands-on activities included in this workshop.
Speakers
avatar for Dan Grassick

Dan Grassick

Alberta Teachers' Association
Friday February 21, 2025 14:20 - 15:20 MST
Imperial 5 - HYATT Hyatt
 


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