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

Inclusive Classrooms for Neurodivergent Students

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

Imperial 1 - HYATT

“If you’ve met one person with Autism, you’ve met one person with autism” – Dr. Stephen Shore.

Session attendees will gain a better general understanding of autism and neurodiversity through a neuro-affirming, strengths-based lens. We will provide fast facts about autism and neurodiversity, and discuss how these differences can show up in educational environments like the classroom. This foundational information will then guide us into discussing some key realistic and attainable strategies that support all students.

We will use an audience engagement tool called Slido, so participants will need access to a device (smartphone, laptop, etc.)

Speakers

Amy Tatterton

Amy Tatterton is the Director of Learning and Connection at The Sinneave Family Foundation. Amy provides leadership to the foundation's various learning activities and community engagement initiatives. This work helps Sinneave fulfill its mission of reducing barriers and enhancing... Read More →

Thursday February 20, 2025 09:00 - 10:00 MST
Imperial 1 - HYATT Hyatt

Inclusive Education (TQS/LQS 4), 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

10:20 MST

Understanding Islam to Better Support Your Muslim Students and Colleagues (10:20-12:40)

Thursday February 20, 2025 10:20 - 12:40 MST

Imperial 1 - HYATT

Understanding Islam to Better Support Your Muslim Students and Colleagues

This presentation will provide a foundational understanding of Islam and Muslims to support culturally sensitive spaces for diverse Muslim groups. Areas of discussion will include an overview of Islam and Muslims, emphasizing religious and cultural beliefs and practices that may impact life on campus or work, such as prayer and fasting. Participants will:

Learn about Muslim demographics in Alberta

Gain a better understanding of Islamic cultures and values.

Learn relevant aspects and considerations for the practice of Islam within public spaces, including prayer.

Be able to ask questions and engage in discussions around the support and needs of Muslim students within schools, or peers in the workplace.

Speakers

Youssra Badr

Youssra is a passionate advocate for diversity, inclusion, and anti-racism, drawing from her rich cultural heritage as an Arab African Muslim Canadian. With over 15 years of experience in education, she has made significant contributions in various roles, including front-line mental... Read More →

Thursday February 20, 2025 10:20 - 12:40 MST
Imperial 1 - HYATT Hyatt

Diversity, ECE (Pre K-K), Div1 (Gr 1-3), Div2 (Gr 4-6), Div3 (Gr 7-9), Div4 (Gr 10-12) | Equity & Human Rights (TQS/LQS 4), 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

13:00 MST

180 Days of Structured Word Inquiry

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

Imperial 1 - HYATT

Are you interested in trying SWI with your class, but not sure where to start? I'll share the daily lessons and games that I used with a Grade 2 class to help us learn about word families and the logic of spelling.

Speakers

Amber Cahill

Teacher, Edmonton Public Schools

Amber Cahill is a teacher with Edmonton Public Schools. She has 19 years experience as a classroom teacher and has completed a Master's Degree in Special Education with a focus on Reading, Writing, and Oral Language Disabilities. She has been incorporating Structured Word Inquiry... Read More →

Thursday February 20, 2025 13:00 - 14:00 MST
Imperial 1 - HYATT Hyatt

Language Arts (TQS 3), ECE (Pre K-K), 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

14:20 MST

Phonological and Morphological Awareness Using SWI

Thursday February 20, 2025 14:20 - 15:20 MST

Imperial 1 - HYATT

Structured Word Inquiry investigates English spelling to find the logic of the spelling system. It is known for building morphological awareness, but it also embeds many phonological awareness activities. Come see how you can use spelling work to build phonological awareness in your students.

Speakers

Amber Cahill

Teacher, Edmonton Public Schools

Thursday February 20, 2025 14:20 - 15:20 MST
Imperial 1 - HYATT Hyatt

Language Arts (TQS 3), ECE (Pre K-K), 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

Embracing the Chaos - Teaching as a Neurodiverse Music Educator

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

Imperial 1 - HYATT

Are you a neuro-diverse music educator? Discover the hidden strengths within neuro-diverse educators and join in the conversation around transforming challenges into opportunities in this session. Join Sarah Seymour a self-proclaimed Neuro-Spicey music educator and together delve into why being neuro-diverse is a gift to both students and the teaching profession. Explore strategies to enhance executive functioning, organization, and sensory issues, while gaining valuable tools for planning and teaching. This session not only empowers educators to excel but provides insights that can benefit their students as well. Participants will depart with fresh ideas, suggested apps, and resources to bolster their teaching, and the invaluable chance to connect and exchange ideas with like-minded individuals. Embrace the chaos and thrive as a neuro-diverse music educator!

Link to Presentation Content
https://sites.google.com/rvschools.ab.ca/embracing-the-chaos/home

Speakers

Sarah Seymour

Sarah Seymour graduated from the University of Lethbridge with a Bachelor of Music and a Bachelor of Education in 2000. Sarah is a Conductor (both choral and instrumental) Pianist, Soprano, plays her Trumpet "Felix", Euphonium "Brunhilde" and is a Percussionist. She is the proud mom... Read More →

Friday February 21, 2025 09:00 - 10:00 MST
Imperial 1 - HYATT Hyatt

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 Intermediate content
Presentation Language English
Is Pre-registration required No

10:20 MST

Failure First, a Growth Mindset Approach to Teaching Beginning Band

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

Imperial 1 - HYATT

“Be Brave Enough to Suck at Something New!”, This session will provide a space to explore innovative approaches to supporting and encouraging young musicians in their musical journey. Participants will gain insights into fostering a growth mindset and developing resilience in beginning first year band students, along with practical strategies, resources, and activities. By the end of the session, participants will be equipped with new perspectives and actionable ideas to enhance their teaching and empower their students to embrace challenges and grow from failure. Practice makes Progress!

Speakers

Sarah Seymour

Friday February 21, 2025 10:20 - 11:20 MST
Imperial 1 - HYATT Hyatt

Music & Band (TQS 3), Div3 (Gr 7-9)

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

11:40 MST

(Pre-Reg MAX 30) Sexualized Behaviours in Elementary Schools

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

Imperial 1 - HYATT

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

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 →

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

Professional Issues (TQS 6) [emerging topics - teacher career, ECE (Pre K-K), Div1 (Gr 1-3), Div2 (Gr 4-6) | retirement, ECE (Pre K-K), Div1 (Gr 1-3), Div2 (Gr 4-6) | wellness], ECE (Pre K-K), 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 Yes

13:00 MST

A Teacher's Guide to Health Inspectors - An Ally for Your Schools and Classroom

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

Imperial 1 - HYATT

Oh no, the Health Inspector is here! Should you panic? Absolutely not! Please join this session to receive an overview of how Environmental Public Health can assist your schools with the mutual goal of keeping staff and students healthy and safe. Topics that will be addressed include our favourite, Food Safety Information and Courses, as well as Air Quality and Radon, Art & Craft Safety, Emergencies, Handwashing Information and Resources for Teachers, Health Advisories, Drinking Water, Outbreak Management and Playground Safety.

Speakers

Sarah Yusuf Bawa

Sarah has been a public health inspector for 15 years with Alberta Health Services, and has particular expertise in areas including vulnerable populations such as childcare and shelters, personal services such as tattoo and piercing, as well as salons, community medical inspections... Read More →

Friday February 21, 2025 13:00 - 14:00 MST
Imperial 1 - HYATT Hyatt

Career & Technology Studies/Foundations (TQS 3), 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