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

Yoga Jam for Beginnerrs

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

Imperial 4 - HYATT

Is your convention leaving you feeling stiff, sore but still ready for more? Perhaps it is time to give yoga a try? This session is for teachers who are new to the practice to find a way to get ACTIVE within their day. The session will lead through some basic postures as well as integrate ways that you can incorporate some movement into your classroom environment. Please wear active attire, bring a water bottle and a mat to this one-hour session. Prepare to laugh, move and leave feeling recharged to take on convention.

Speakers

Sabrina Grecu

Kendra Silk

Teacher, Redeemer

Kendra Silk is a fine arts teacher in Canmore, AB. Her personal work has a tremendous ( almost shameful) amount of colour and is designed to share joy. Kendra has taught for 14 years and has a Master in Education from the University of Calgary where she focused on Sustainability and... Read More →

Thursday February 20, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
Imperial 4 - HYATT HYATT

Physical Education (TQS 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

Yoga Jam intermediate/advanced

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

Imperial 4 - HYATT

Do you ever feel like the world is just upside down? Perhaps some handstands and backbends may help you align your perspectives? This ACTIVE session is for the intermediate/advanced yoga practitioner ( or just someone who is confident in their range of motion and likes to test their edge). We will have a vigorous warm up followed by some partner inversion play as well as looking at how play and safe-risk can be a part of our physical education classes. This session is mainly for participants to have an opportunity to focus on their own physical health within convention time. Please wear active attire, bring a water bottle as a mat to this one-hour session. You have been looking for an excuse to feel great- this may be it.

Speakers

Sabrina Grecu

Kendra Silk

Teacher, Redeemer

Thursday February 20, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
Imperial 4 - HYATT HYATT

Physical Education (TQS 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

11:40am MST

Reimagining Education: Fostering Radical Love, Emotional Intelligence, and Anti-Oppression in the Classroom

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

Imperial 4 - HYATT

In today's rapidly evolving educational landscape, it is imperative that we critically examine traditional power structures within the classroom and foster an environment that promotes equity and progressive educational practices. This session aims to engage educators in a transformative experience that explores decentring the teacher and reimagining hierarchical structures in the classroom while centring pedagogical approaches rooted in radical love, emotional intelligence, and anti-oppression. By embracing these principles, we can embark on a journey toward reimagining the educational experience and empowering our students to become active participants in shaping their own learning journey.

The proposed session seeks to ignite a paradigm shift within education. By engaging in this session, participants will gain valuable insights, practical strategies, and inspiration to reimagine their classrooms and become catalysts for positive change in the educational landscape. Together, we can create inclusive, empowering, and transformative learning spaces that nurture the potential of every student and unlock a brighter future.

Speakers

alicia huculak

rvs

Olivia Nannan and Alicia Huculak are both teachers at Muriel Clayton Middle School at Rocky View Schools in Airdrie, Alberta. Both are passionate educators and change agents committed to dismantling systemic racism and other systems of oppression personally and professionally. Olivia's... Read More →

olivia nannan

Thursday February 20, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
Imperial 4 - HYATT HYATT

Diversity 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) | Fostering Effective Relationships (TQS/LQS 1), 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

1:00pm MST

L'improvisation, au coeur de la communication orale

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

Imperial 4 - HYATT

L'improvisation est une activité théâtrale dans laquelle les joueurs sont invités à jouer une courte histoire à partir d'un thème donné. Ce type d'activité permet le développement du langage spontané en français. Dans cet atelier, vous apprendrez sur le déroulement d'une partie d'improvisation ainsi que des idées d'activités à faire avec les élèves. Vous aurez aussi la chance de nous montrer vos talents d'improvisateurs si le coeur vous en dit.

Speakers

Yoan Barriault

Yoan Barriault cumule 22 ans d'expérience comme enseignant, dont la majorité en milieu francophone minoritaire. Il a passé plus de 10 ans à Iqaluit, où il a fondé la Ligue d'improvisation francophone du Nunavut (LIFN). En Alberta depuis 2016, il enseigne depuis ce temps l'improvisation... Read More →

Genevieve Lamoureux

Conseil scolaire FrancoSud

Geneviève Lamoureux est une enseignante de 15 ans d'expérience au primaire. Ayant travaillé au conseil scolaire FrancoSud depuis le début de sa carrière, elle a toujours été grandement impliquée en pédagogie culturelle et en construction identitaire au sein de ses écoles... Read More →

Thursday February 20, 2025 1:00pm - 3:20pm MST
Imperial 4 - HYATT HYATT

Drama & Dance (TQS 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 French
Is Pre-registration required No

9:00am MST

Stepping Into Your Groove

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

Imperial 4 - HYATT

Whether you are teaching Physical Education or Drama, this session will provide you with the tools to help students find their groove and discover their capacity through movement. Participants in this session will gain skills to facilitate creative movement and dance through structured choreography and improv activities, which supports student confidence and overall well-being. This session is open to all teachers who are keen to step out of their comfort zone and explore their own capacity to move and groove in new ways!

Speakers

Sabrina Grecu

Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
Imperial 4 - HYATT HYATT

Drama & Dance (TQS 3), Div3 (Gr 7-9), Div4 (Gr 10-12) | Physical Education (TQS 3), 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

How can CALM class help students lead a good life?

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

Imperial 4 - HYATT

Do you want your students to have a happy life, a good life or a successful life. What is the difference between HAVING a good life and LEADING a good life? The Career and Life Management curriculum has such great potential to help students transition into adulthood and yet so many say that CALM is a waste of time, or they become adults and ask, “why didn’t we learn that in school?” Michael will share his insight and lead a conversation about how to pack value and inspiration into CALM class.

Speakers

Michael Koehler

Teacher, FSD

Michael Koehler is a much better CALM teacher now that he has been married, had children, finished an Apprenticeship and taught in Australia. After 30 years of teaching CALM, math, construction, automotives and off-campus programing, Michael knows how to look at a curriculum and pull... Read More →

Friday February 21, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
Imperial 4 - HYATT HYATT

Curriculum & Pedagogy (TQS 3), Div4 (Gr 10-12) | Health & Wellness (TQS 3), 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

How to find a job, get a job, keep a job...and help students lead a good life in CALM class

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

Imperial 4 - HYATT

What are employers looking for when a student applies for a job? What can you do to help students be successful in their job search? This session will consist of a panel discussion and question period with CAREERS: the Next Generation and MCG Careers ; two organizations operating across Alberta to help youth and families write resumes and cover letters, find jobs in their communities and talk with employers with confidence. Join this session to broaden your ability to help students enter the workforce and gain a community contact to enhance your CALM class.

Speakers

Michael Koehler

Teacher, FSD

Friday February 21, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
Imperial 4 - HYATT HYATT

Curriculum & Pedagogy (TQS 3), Div4 (Gr 10-12) | Health & Wellness (TQS 3), 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

Talking about Addictions and the Law...and helping students lead a good life in CALM class

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

Imperial 4 - HYATT

The best way to learn is from experience, but there are some things in the CALM curriculum that are much too painful or costly to learn that way. The next best way to learn is from someone who has been through it before. This session will consist of a panel discussion and question period with Alberta Adolescent Recovery Centre (AARC) and The Alberta Seventh Step Society; two local not-for-profit community organizations that have wisdom and experience to help students learn from the experience of others. Join this session to broaden your ability to talk with students about addictions and gain a community contact to enhance your CALM class.

Speakers

Michael Koehler

Teacher, FSD

Friday February 21, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
Imperial 4 - HYATT HYATT

Curriculum & Pedagogy (TQS 3), Div4 (Gr 10-12) | Health & Wellness (TQS 3), 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

Mindfulness & Relaxation for the Busy Teacher

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

Imperial 4 - HYATT

This session allows teachers to take a well-deserved hour for mindfulness and relaxation. Former teachers turned mental health counsellors guide you through some of the leading research on mindfulness and relaxation techniques for mental well-being. The majority of the session will be spent on practicing these strategies including mindfulness meditations, breathwork, somatic relaxation practices, and gentle movement. A yoga mat and/or blanket is recommended for your comfort. Taking time for oneself as a teacher is key to maintaining balance and avoiding burnout - use this hour during your teacher’s convention experience to do just that, and then take what you have learned to your daily teacher life! The presenters will also show you some simplified versions of these exercises that can be done in a short amount of time and can be worked into your schedule. All experience levels and abilities are welcomed, and modifications will be offered for every participant’s comfort and safety.

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 →

Jordan Renz

Jordan Renz is a Canadian Certified Counsellor who holds a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology and a Bachelor of Arts in Social and Cultural Anthropology. She has experience working with individuals from culturally diverse backgrounds and those within the LGBTQ2IA+ community... Read More →

Friday February 21, 2025 2:20pm - 3:20pm MST
Imperial 4 - 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)

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