PDTCA 2025: Full Schedule

THE PDTCA BOARD HOPES YOU HAVE AN AMAZING CONVENTION!
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES CTCC
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES HYATT
HUMAN RIGHTS STATEMENT
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

CALGARY TELUS CONVENTION CENTRE(CTCC) and HYATT - address and driving directions

PRE-REGISTRATION WILL OPEN ON JANUARY 11, 2024 AT 8:00P.M. and CLOSE FEBRUARY 11 AT 8:00 P.M.
We have decided to start pre-registration on January 11th to make sure everyone is informed of the start time and has time to check out the sessions as the first week back to school can be quite hectic.
FOR PRE-REGISTERED SESSIONS PLEASE USE THE PRE-REGISTRATION LINK BELOW THE SESSION DESCRIPTION IN SCHED. Adding the session to your Sched schedule does not mean you are pre-registered. The number in the title shows how many will be allowed to attend the session. We do allow more names to be added, but they will be on the waiting list. This is explained on the pre-registration page.
https://www.pdtca.org/pre-registration.html

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.

9:00am MST

Explore the Nature of Science

Thursday February 20, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST

Co-Lab 111 - CTCC

This interactive, hands-on session will introduce teachers to a number of classroom-ready activities that encourage students of all ages to think like scientists as they collaborate and communicate to answer curiosity-driven questions. The focus of the activities is to model the Nature of Science: making observations, drawing inferences, testing models, modifying models, and extending models to make test-able predictions. All the resources used in the session will be available in English and in French, although the session will be presented in English. The resources are available from the Perimeter Institute.

Speakers

Brett Eustergerling

Brett Eustergerling is a science teacher at the Foothills Digital School.

Kristina Wasyleczko

Science Teacher

Kristina Wasyleczko is a high school math and science teacher who is dedicated to a student-centered, rich learning environment. She values and encourages students' deeper understanding through intentional pedagogy and thoughtful assessment.

Thursday February 20, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
Co-Lab 111 - CTCC

Science (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 Intermediate content
Presentation Language English
Is Pre-registration required No

10:20am MST

Formative Assessment in Physics

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

Co-Lab 111 - CTCC

This session will involve participants completing classroom-ready activities designed for Physics 20-30 that encourage students to struggle with difficult concepts and develop understanding through collaboration with others. Participants will discuss implementation of peer-driven formative assessments, adapting existing materials to suitable formative activities, and creating outcome-based formative assessments.

Speakers

Laura Pankratz

Laura Pankratz has been actively interested in helping students be successful for many years. She has been working to develop classroom-ready resources that teachers can use for general science and for high school physics setting.

Kristina Wasyleczko

Science Teacher

Thursday February 20, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
Co-Lab 111 - CTCC

Science (TQS 3), Div4 (Gr 10-12)

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

11:40am MST

Steel Drums & Handbell Fun

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

Co-Lab 111 - CTCC

A chance to explore Student Steel Drums, Hand Bells and Chimes. A wonderful way to add kinesthetic movement to a Music Class!

Speakers

Teena Trick-Wilks

Music Teacher, Ross Ford Elementary

Teena Trick-Wilks enjoys sharing the Love of Music!With an extensive Music Teaching Background since 16 years of age -Teena hopes to share some ideas with you today!

Thursday February 20, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
Co-Lab 111 - CTCC

Music & Band (TQS 3), Div1 (Gr 1-3), Div2 (Gr 4-6), Div3 (Gr 7-9), Div4 (Gr 10-12) | Music & Band (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

1:00pm MST

(Pre-Reg 30) A1: Engaging Students using Unorthodox Board Games

Thursday February 20, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST

Co-Lab 111 - CTCC

In the last two decades, a tabletop gaming revolution has occurred. From Dungeons and Dragons, to hundreds of Euro-Style games, like Settlers of Catan. People are more commonly coming together to socialize through tabletop games. These games engage students in higher level thinking, collaboration/competition, and literacy/numeracy skills. But with the number of games out there, teachers who casually game (or don't) may find looking for the right game for their classes overwhelming. In this session, we will be introducing various board games that can engage students in the classroom. Be prepared to step outside of your comfort zone, and try a game that's not Monopoly.

Speakers

Justin Acierto

Justin Acierto is a math and robotics teacher at W. H. Croxford and has been with Rocky View Schools for twelve years. He also worked as a Games master at a Board Game Café. Justin helped to redefine the Tabletop gaming portion of the Calgary Expo. He has incorporated board games... Read More →

Duane Sovyn

Duane Sovyn is a high school Culinary Arts teacher who has taught for over twenty years. He has been gaming with his students since day one, providing them with opportunities to play RPGs in his classroom. He has also instituted a gaming club whilst working at BCHS and currently... Read More →

Thursday February 20, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
Co-Lab 111 - 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 Intermediate content
Presentation Language English
Is Pre-registration required Yes

2:20pm MST

(Pre-Reg 30) A3: Gamifying Your Classroom

Thursday February 20, 2025 2:20pm - 3:20pm MST

Co-Lab 111 - CTCC

In the year 1974 TSR created a table-top game called Dungeons and Dragons. The game incorporated story-telling, probability, cartography, art, collaboration, improvisation and most of all adventure with your friends. It has grown through the years as a hub for pop culture. Popular TV shows such as Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Stranger things have jumped on its success. The creation of a character and the desire to obtain experience and ascend in levels provides a great basis for a classroom theme, where youth can take their character sheet and journey through the curriculum, completing quests and battling major opponents (exams). Come and learn how you can Gamify your classroom and set you students on their individual adventure.

Speakers

Aaron Nisbett

Aaron Nisbett has been a high school English teacher in the Rockyview School Division for nearly fifteen years. While he has only been playing table-top roleplaying games (TTRPGs) for a couple of years, he has always been a lover of stories, and finding a way to incorporate those... Read More →

Duane Sovyn

Thursday February 20, 2025 2:20pm - 3:20pm MST
Co-Lab 111 - CTCC

English Language Learning (TQS/LQS 4), Div1 (Gr 1-3), Div2 (Gr 4-6), Div3 (Gr 7-9), Div4 (Gr 10-12)

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

9:00am MST

A Principal’s Guide to a Functional Fundraising Association

Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST

Co-Lab 111 - CTCC

Well-meaning parents in school communities are often eager to contribute to the success of students through much-appreciated fundraising initiatives providing funds intended to enhance students’ educational experiences. Principals and those well-meaning parents are sometimes not aware of their legal responsibilities, and potential liabilities that may result from their efforts. Join ASCA to discover more about the parent’s, and the principal’s, roles, responsibilities, and authority with a registered, incorporated fundraising association. This interactive session will also introduce how to identify, and mitigate, financial, functional, and relational, risks.

Speakers

Wendy Keiver

Suzanne Lynch

Instructor, Alberta School Councils Association

Suzanne has been self-employed for 33 years as an aesthetician. She continues her passion for learning and personal growth, earning her licence as a Realtor and graduating with an Addictions and Community Service diploma. She has a great love for helping others reach their true potential... Read More →

Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
Co-Lab 111 - CTCC

Fostering Effective Relationships (TQS/LQS 1), Div1 (Gr 1-3), Div2 (Gr 4-6), Div3 (Gr 7-9), Div4 (Gr 10-12) | School Leadership (LQS 1-9), Div1 (Gr 1-3), Div2 (Gr 4-6), Div3 (Gr 7-9), Div4 (Gr 10-12)

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

10:20am MST

Problem Solving and Mathematics

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

Co-Lab 111 - CTCC

As mathematics teachers, we enjoy the process of doing mathematics and far too often we no longer actively do mathematics ourselves. This session is designed for you to come and do mathematics yourself and work on problems that you do not immediately know the answers to. Involve and immerse yourself in doing mathematics for a short time.

Speakers

Carolyn Pawelko

A high school mathematics teacher for many years who loves taking about and doing mathematics in many different areas.

Friday February 21, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
Co-Lab 111 - CTCC

Mathematics (TQS 3), Div3 (Gr 7-9), Div4 (Gr 10-12)

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

11:40am MST

AI & ChatGPT: The Future of Education

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

Co-Lab 111 - CTCC

Artificial intelligence has emerged as a transformative force in today’s digital world. Among these revolutionary advancements is ChatGPT. This interactive presentation will exhibit how the use of AI can elevate your educational prowess, leaving a meaningful and long lasting impact on your students' lives.

In this comprehensive session, participants will learn:
How to Build Effective Prompts: We'll guide you through the art and science of building prompts that solicit informative, educational responses from ChatGPT.

How to Implement ChatGPT: Discover concrete, practical ways you can use ChatGPT, the best new tool in your teaching arsenal.

Common Concerns: We'll address any questions surrounding the use of AI tools like ChatGPT, including privacy, content moderation, and potential misuse.

By the end of this presentation you will walk away with a comprehensive understanding of ChatGPT, empowering you with the confidence and the knowledge you need to harness this revolutionary new tool, and enhance your students' learning experience.

Speakers

Ethan Bell

Ethan Bell is a ChatGPT consultant who has worked with several businesses on how ChatGPT can improve their productivity and success. Ethan also works for Inclusion Alberta working with young adults and, as a person with a disability, understands and advocates for how technology can... Read More →

Friday February 21, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
Co-Lab 111 - CTCC

Technology (TQS/LQS 2), ECE (Pre K-K), 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

1:00pm MST

The teenage brain: What is going on inside their head?

Friday February 21, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST

Co-Lab 111 - CTCC

Are you a teacher or parent of teenagers? Do you often feel frustrated or stuck when it comes to understanding them? Come learn about basic brain structures and what happens to the brain during adolescence. Topics such as: neuroplasticity and how the brain learns, executive function and, behavioural changes in teens will be broached. Leave with some ready-to-use tools and resources to help support the teens in your life.

Speakers

Veronica Doyle

Veronica Doyle is in her first year as an Assistant Principal with RockyView school. Prior to that, she was a a French Immersion 1-5 teacher. In her spare time, she is usually reading a book or hanging out with her family. Chelsea and Veronica recently completed their Master of Education... Read More →

Chelsea Wilson

Chelsea Wilson is a teacher with Chinooks Edge and has been teaching middle years since 2016. In her spare time, she runs after her toddler and runs a farm with her family. Chelsea and Veronica recently completed their Master of Education in Teaching, Learning, and Neuroscience at... Read More →

Friday February 21, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
Co-Lab 111 - CTCC

Inclusive Education (TQS/LQS 4), Div2 (Gr 4-6), Div3 (Gr 7-9), Div4 (Gr 10-12) | Educational Research (TQS/LQS 2), Div2 (Gr 4-6), Div3 (Gr 7-9), Div4 (Gr 10-12)

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

2:20pm MST

Executive Function: The air traffic control of learning

Friday February 21, 2025 2:20pm - 3:20pm MST

Co-Lab 111 - CTCC

During this session we will focus on answering the following questions:
- What is executive function?
- Why is it important?
- How to improve it?
- Classroom applications.

Participants will walk away with practical strategies and ideas for helping students with executive function deficits and what they can do for all students to develop their executive functioning abilities.

Speakers

Veronica Doyle

Friday February 21, 2025 2:20pm - 3:20pm MST
Co-Lab 111 - CTCC

Inclusive Education (TQS/LQS 4), ECE (Pre K-K), Div1 (Gr 1-3), Div2 (Gr 4-6), Div3 (Gr 7-9), Div4 (Gr 10-12) | Educational Research (TQS/LQS 2), ECE (Pre K-K), Div1 (Gr 1-3), Div2 (Gr 4-6), Div3 (Gr 7-9), Div4 (Gr 10-12)

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