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

Creativity in Your Second Language Classroom

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

Imperial 3 - HYATT

Teaching Spanish, French, American Sign Language, or any other world language? This session is the perfect place to be! Welcome to an engaging and interactive discussion where two passionate teachers will share their love for language education. Lauren and Sheldon have successfully developed and expanded language programs at their high school, ensuring that their students are actively involved, making connections, and enjoying the process of learning a new language. Join us for a session filled with learning, collaboration, and idea sharing. Prepare to be inspired and equipped with practical takeaways that you can implement in your own classroom next week!

Speakers

Sheldon Betts

Teacher, Rockyview Schools

Sheldon Betts has been teaching Sign Language, Creative Writing, Psychology, Language Arts, and Social Studies for 15 years at a high school in Cochrane, AB (and originally Fort McMurray). When he's not in the classroom, Sheldon enjoys exploring the majestic mountains, playing goalie... Read More →

Lauren Price

Teacher

Lauren Price has been sharing her passion for French and Spanish with high school students in Cochrane, AB for over a decade. Not only does she excel in her teaching role, but she also finds joy in her adorable fluffy dogs and practicing yoga during her free time.

Thursday February 20, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
Imperial 3 - HYATT HYATT

French & International Languages (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

10:20am MST

(Pre-Reg 30) Is this Burnout? How caring for others can impact educators.

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

Imperial 3 - HYATT

During this session, Dr. Hartwick will define how Trauma can impact both students and those who care for them.
Participants will learn how to recognize students who might be showing symptoms such as PTSD and Toxic Stress and learn how to respond in trauma-informed ways.
Educators will learn how the trauma experiences of others can result in Vicarious Trauma, Compassion Fatigue, and Burnout. Strategies for self-monitoring, self-care, and comfort will be provided.

Speakers

Dr. Cailey Hartwick

Dr. Cailey Hartwick works as a Clinical Psychologist for the AHS Child Abuse Service within the Luna partnership. Her primary focus is on providing therapy for psychological trauma to children and youth who have experienced child maltreatment. She is also the Research Coordinator... Read More →

Brenda Straw

Education Liaison, Luna Child and Youth Advocacy Centre

Brenda Straw is a certified teacher on secondment to Luna Child and Youth Advocacy Centre (CYAC) from the Calgary Catholic School District (CSSD) where she previously held the position of Diverse Learning Coordinating Teacher. As part of school leadership teams, Brenda coordinated... Read More →

Thursday February 20, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
Imperial 3 - HYATT HYATT

Counselling & Student Support (TQS/LQS 4), ECE (Pre K-K), Div1 (Gr 1-3), Div2 (Gr 4-6), Div3 (Gr 7-9), Div4 (Gr 10-12) | Professional Issues (TQS 6) [emerging topics - teacher career retirement wellness], 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 Yes

11:40am MST

(Pre-Reg 30) Trauma Informed Responses to Child Abuse

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

Imperial 3 - HYATT

The Luna Child and Youth Advocacy Center provides services to children and youth who have experienced sexual abuse and maltreatment. Participants will be guided through an intake process at Luna to experience the direct and easy-to-implement strategies employed at Luna to address the impacts of toxic stress while building resilience in young people who have experienced trauma.

Dr. Sarah Macdonald and her canine partner Axel will guide you through the fascinating world of Forensic Interviewing, Memory as evidence, and how Facility Dogs are engaged and interact with children and youth at the Luna Child and Youth Advocacy Centre

Speakers

Dr. Sarah Macdonald

Dr. Sarah MacDonald specializes in memory and forensic interviewing at the Luna Child & Youth Advocacy Centre in Calgary. She conducts forensic interviews on request for cases of sexual and physical assault for police organizations in Southern Alberta. She regularly provides education... Read More →

Sandi Pineda-Selva

Brenda Straw

Education Liaison, Luna Child and Youth Advocacy Centre

Thursday February 20, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
Imperial 3 - HYATT HYATT

Professional Issues (TQS 6) [emerging topics - teacher career retirement wellness], ECE (Pre K-K), Div1 (Gr 1-3), Div2 (Gr 4-6), Div3 (Gr 7-9), Div4 (Gr 10-12) | Counselling & Student Support (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 Yes

1:00pm MST

Let's talk about boys' education and the 'boy crisis'

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

Imperial 3 - HYATT

This session explores the ‘boy crisis’ in education and potential ways an approach that addresses gender bias can improve academic achievement and wellness outcomes for boys in K-12 schools. First, we will discuss the issues impeding boys' achievement in schools and the impact an approach without gender bias can have on boys' educational outcomes. The largest impact on boys' underachievement in schools is, more broadly, unhealthy perceptions of masculinity in school and society. Therefore, an approach to addressing the ‘boy crisis’ needs to be done by shifting stereotypes of masculinity and boyhood. This session will share current research in the field that first considers the ‘boy crisis’ and then speak to the importance of an intersectional lens when examining boys' education.

Speakers

Dr. Teresa Fowler

Assistant Professor, Concordia University of Edmonton

Dr. Teresa Anne Fowler is an assistant professor at Concordia University of Edmonton and an adjunct assistant professor at Werklund School of Education. She previously worked in Rocky View School District. Her research is focused on masculinities, hockey culture, and environmental... Read More →

Thursday February 20, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
Imperial 3 - HYATT HYATT

Inclusive Education (TQS/LQS 4), Div1 (Gr 1-3), Div2 (Gr 4-6), Div3 (Gr 7-9), Div4 (Gr 10-12) | Health & Wellness (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

2:20pm MST

Purpose Driven Writing

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

Imperial 3 - HYATT

This session is for teachers at any grade level looking to enhance any method of teaching for both keen and reluctant writers. The underlying goal of purpose driving writing is simple — motivate students with a ‘Story Ninja’ approach that encourages the fun of creating content for essays, reports, personal narratives and stories that interests them and connects with readers, then help reduce their fear of mistakes when they write to deliver that content.

Speakers

Sigmund Brower

Author, Rock and Roll Literacy

As the bestselling author of dozens of titles, with over 4 million books in print in multiple languages, Sigmund Brouwer has won the Arthur Ellis Award for Best Young-Adult Mystery in Canada, as well as being a finalist twice in the prestigious TD Children's Literature Awards, along... Read More →

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

Language Arts (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

9:00am MST

Coping Strategies for Prioritizing Teacher Mental Health

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

Imperial 3 - HYATT

This session offers practical ways that educators can build their catalog of coping strategies for mental well-being. A former teacher turned mental health counsellor takes you through exercises that can take between a few seconds to a few minutes to intentionally practice self-nourishing habits on a daily basis. Learn about some of the science behind the power of mindfulness and self-regulation for overall well-being. Practice fine tuning coping strategies to be adaptive and tailored to your specific needs. Coping strategies range from cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) derived material to holistic mind-body connection practices. Participants will leave with some key strategies to monitor and help prevent/manage burnout symptoms and a handout with easy-to-use techniques that can be applied both in and outside of school.

Speakers

Meg Lindemulder

Clinical Director, Founder, Curio Counselling

Meg Lindemulder is a Canadian Certified Counsellor and educator who holds a B.Ed in Secondary English Language Arts and a Master of Counselling in Applied Psychology. With her experiences as both a private and public school teacher, and her current career as a mental health therapist... Read More →

Megan Oviatt

Registered Provisional Psychologist, Curio Counselling

Megan Oviatt is a Registered Provisional Psychologist and educator who completed her undergraduate degree in Educational Psychology and holds a Master of Counselling Psychology. She previously worked as an elementary school teacher and is currently practicing as a mental health therapist... Read More →

Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
Imperial 3 - HYATT HYATT

Health & Wellness (TQS 3), ECE (Pre K-K), Div1 (Gr 1-3), Div2 (Gr 4-6), Div3 (Gr 7-9), Div4 (Gr 10-12) | Professional Issues (TQS 6) [emerging topics - teacher career retirement wellness], 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

10:20am MST

Classroom Mental Health Strategies: Grounding in the Classroom for Teens

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

Imperial 3 - HYATT

This workshop offers practical ways that you can build grounding into your daily classroom routine. Learn and practice strategies specifically adapted for junior high and high school students. We will explore the leading evidence-based strategies for classroom stressors including managing test anxiety, trouble with focus/concentration, and emotional dysregulation. You will leave with a toolbox of strategies to incorporate grounding in your classroom, which can help students of all backgrounds and abilities. Strategies range from quick 10-second techniques, daily habits, longer exercises, and tips for how to create sensory-friendly classrooms without spending a lot of money.

Speakers

Meg Lindemulder

Clinical Director, Founder, Curio Counselling

Megan Oviatt

Registered Provisional Psychologist, Curio Counselling

Friday February 21, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
Imperial 3 - HYATT HYATT

Health & Wellness (TQS 3), Div3 (Gr 7-9), Div4 (Gr 10-12) | Counselling & Student Support (TQS/LQS 4), 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

11:40am MST

Emotional Regulation in the Classroom for Elementary Students

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

Imperial 3 - HYATT

This workshop offers practical ways that you can build emotional regulation into your daily classroom routine. Learn and practice strategies specifically adapted for elementary school students. We will explore the leading evidence-based strategies for emotional regulation and how to spot and manage dysregulation in your students. You will leave with a toolbox of strategies to incorporate regulation exercises in your classroom, which can help students of all backgrounds and abilities. Strategies range from quick 10-second techniques, daily habits, longer exercises, and tips for how to create sensory-friendly classrooms without spending a lot of money. Creating an inclusive classroom with effective teacher-student connections begins with understanding and implementing emotional regulation; fine tune your practice with us!

Speakers

Meg Lindemulder

Clinical Director, Founder, Curio Counselling

Megan Oviatt

Registered Provisional Psychologist, Curio Counselling

Friday February 21, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
Imperial 3 - HYATT HYATT

Health & Wellness (TQS 3), ECE (Pre K-K), Div1 (Gr 1-3), Div2 (Gr 4-6) | Counselling & Student Support (TQS/LQS 4), 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

1:00pm MST

Lessons in Inclusion: Applying Online Learning Strategies in the Classroom

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

Imperial 3 - HYATT

Having now completed over three years as online teachers, we have learned a lot about inclusion and meeting students where they are at. We have also explored a variety of different strategies to create inclusive online learning spaces for all students. Join us as we reflect on these experiences and what we have learned in online classrooms that can be applied to in-person classrooms.

Speakers

Alicia Berger

Alicia, Alex and Nicole all shifted to online instruction during Covid after over a decade in traditional in-person classrooms and they have remained online since then. As teachers in Rocky View Schools' first-ever elementary and middle online school, they are uniquely poised to reflect... Read More →

Alex Galbraith

Alex is a teacher at Discovery Trails Online School - Rocky View Schools. She is currently teaching a grade 1/2 split as well as 1-6 Art, and 7-9 CTF: FSL. Over the past 27 years, Alex has instructed students from Kindergarten through Grade 9 in both English and French Immersion... Read More →

Nicole Londry

Friday February 21, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
Imperial 3 - HYATT HYATT

Inclusive Education (TQS/LQS 4), Div1 (Gr 1-3), Div2 (Gr 4-6), Div3 (Gr 7-9) | Technology (TQS/LQS 2), 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 No

2:20pm MST

Instructional Leadership to Optimize Student Learning and Staff Development

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

Imperial 3 - HYATT

Research tells us that the role of the principal as instructional leader is an extremely important one in today’s schools. In this workshop, participants will look at ways to build staff capacity, cultivate a positive school culture and environment, foster strong relationships, and support evidence-informed teaching practices.

Speakers

Shanley Nguyen

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

School Leadership (LQS 1-9), 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
Presentation Language English
Is Pre-registration required No