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

(Pre-Reg MAX 30) Cultivating Education: Exploring the Pros and Cons of Establishing Outdoor Schools (9:00-12:40)

Thursday February 20, 2025 09:00 - 12:40 MST

Imperial 3 - HYATT

Join us for an engaging session at the annual Teachers' Convention as we delve into the realm of outdoor education. In this thought-provoking discussion, we will explore the benefits and challenges of establishing outdoor schools, drawing inspiration from successful ventures like "The Farm" and "Building Futures".

Our session will begin by examining the transformative power of outdoor learning environments. We'll discuss how immersion in nature fosters curiosity, creativity, and a deep connection to the natural world among students. Through case studies and anecdotes, we'll highlight the academic, social, and emotional benefits experienced by learners in outdoor settings, from improved academic performance to enhanced mental well-being.
Pre-Registration Link

Speakers

Matthew Chomistek

Teacher, Rocky View Schools

Matt Chomistek has been teaching for 16 years, including 6 years in Alternative Education. He has taught three years at Building Futures in Cochrane, and four years as one of the co-founders of The Farm.

Thursday February 20, 2025 09:00 - 12:40 MST
Imperial 3 - HYATT Hyatt

Inclusive Education (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 Yes

13:00 MST

Collaboration space for Junior High and Senior High Science Teachers

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

Imperial 3 - HYATT

Don't all science teachers wish we had a list at our fingertips of proven labs or demos, rather than always trying to come up with something on our own? Join in once again in collaboration with other Junior High and High School science teachers across the districts and a variety of classrooms and divisions to share your knowledge or expertise (or sheer lived-out experience) of what works and what doesn't work. Participants are asked to come prepared with a digital list of your favourite 'go to' demos and labs (including materials and procedures) for any Div 3 or 4 science class that you teach. The intention is to collaborate with one another and to leave with a great list of labs or demos that anyone can pull from, given the amount of time and/or resources you may have.

Speakers

Robyn Calvert

Teacher, Palliser School Division

Robyn Calvert is in her 9th year teaching High School Sciences at Master’s College, with the Palliser School Division in Calgary, Alberta. Robyn has spent her whole life in Calgary, Alberta, Canada and just recently found out that she is a 4th generation Calgarian. Robyn has been... Read More →

Thursday February 20, 2025 13:00 - 14:00 MST
Imperial 3 - HYATT Hyatt

Science (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

09:00 MST

An Introduction to Restorative Practices and Restorative Circles

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

Imperial 3 - HYATT

All humans are hardwired to connect. Just as we need food, shelter and clothing, human beings also need strong and meaningful relationships to thrive.

Restorative practices is a field within the social sciences that studies how to strengthen relationships between individuals as well as social connections within communities.

As an introduction International Institute for Restorative Practices full two-day training, this session will highlight the importance and impact of restorative practices on learning environments and entire schools. Derek is a certified IIRP trainer of the full program and can answer questions as well as facilitate connections to the full two day training for those interested.

Speakers

Derek Keenan

Principal, Rocky View Schools

Derek Keenan is Principal of W.H. Croxford High School in Airdrie, Alberta. An international speaker, consultant and most importantly, father, his desire to inspire educators drives him to continue to learn and share current, engaging research with educators and students alike. With... Read More →

Friday February 21, 2025 09:00 - 10:00 MST
Imperial 3 - HYATT Hyatt

Fostering Effective Relationships (TQS/LQS 1), 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

SHS Community Greenhouse - How to take small student projects and have a large community impact!

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

Imperial 3 - HYATT

The SHS Community Greenhouse is an amazing space located in Strathmore, AB. This space has been built as a collaboration between students and community members to drive conversations around more sustainable practices. This space has a large impact but is the product of little projects along the way. We will summarize some of our student projects, identify funding sources for your own projects, and share useful principles we have learned along the way.

Speakers

Cole Hintz

Teacher, Strathmore High School, Golden Hills School Division

Cole Hintz is a teacher at Strathmore High School. Over the past three years he has overseen a project based, community focused, grant funded, greenhouse project that has become a vibrant community hub utilized by students and community members alike to further enhance the collective... Read More →

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

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

11:40 MST

Financial Literacy for Beginning Teachers

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

Imperial 3 - HYATT

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

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 →

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

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

13:00 MST

Down the Road or Just Around the Corner: Retiring with Financial Strength

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

Imperial 3 - HYATT

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

Belinda Cartwright

David Patayanikorn-Fithen

Friday February 21, 2025 13:00 - 14:00 MST
Imperial 3 - HYATT Hyatt

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