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

Effective & Inspiring Experiential Learning Activities in the Canadian Military History Classroom

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

Macleod Hall E3 - CTCC

War is a complex and emotionally difficult subject to cover deeply and effectively in class, but it can be done in a caring, engaging, and inspiring manner that promotes enduring lessons learned.
During this Canadian military history education session hosted by Valour Canada, attendees will observe different strategies and tactics teachers can employ in their classroom to increase student buy-in and more effectively educate about Canada's military history. Pedagogically speaking, the audience will see how hands-on, experiential learning (using scenarios presented to the students) can be used to elicit deeper critical thought from participating students. Methods for integrating discussion about positive citizenship will also be explored during this session.
At least two of the following activities will be demonstrated for the audience: The Sinking of Llandovery Castle (WW1; Gr. 4 and up), The Battle of Vimy Ridge (WW1; Gr. 4 and up), and D-Day: Operation Neptune (WW2; Gr. 8 and up). All resources referenced during this presentation are freely available online.

Speakers

Aaron Curtis

Teacher, Valour Canada

Aaron Curtis spent his childhood in the Rideau Lakes area of Eastern Ontario, primarily in Lanark, and Leeds & Grenville counties.During the mid-2000s, Aaron attended the University of Calgary where he earned a degree in Archaeology (B.Sc.) and a minor in Earth Sciences. Upon graduation... Read More →

Thursday February 20, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
Macleod Hall E3 - CTCC

Social Studies (TQS 3), Div2 (Gr 4-6), Div3 (Gr 7-9), Div4 (Gr 10-12) | Curriculum & Pedagogy (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

Empowering Teachers for Alberta’s Clean Energy Transition

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

Macleod Hall E3 - CTCC

Join Inside Education for an empowering workshop where you will gain innovative teaching strategies and curriculum integration approaches to teaching about Alberta’s clean energy transition, along with gaining access to our new “Energy Innovation Poster Resource.” In this session we will highlight the research, innovation, and implementation of alternative fuels; explore innovations like carbon capture and storage; and showcase the role these technologies play in the energy transition. Discover how to effectively incorporate the engaging poster resource and other related resources into your lessons, sparking engaging discussions on energy, air quality, and sustainability. After this session, you will be equipped with the knowledge and tools to inspire the next generation of energy leaders in Alberta. Join us and recharge your teaching about Alberta’s energy transition!

Speakers

Inside Education

Inside Education is an Alberta-based, environment and natural resource education charity. We have been supporting teachers and students to think critically about environmental topics since 1985! With our no-cost teaching resources, youth summits, in-class and field programs, and professional... Read More →

Kat Hill

Colin King

Education Team Lead, Inside Education

Inside Education is an Alberta-based, environment and natural resource education charitable society. We have been supporting teachers and inspiring students to think critically about natural resource topics since 1985! With our full suite of no-cost teaching resources, youth summits... Read More →

Mila Mezei

Education Program Coordinator, Inside Education

Kathryn Wagner

Program Director, Inside Education

Kathryn is an enthusiastic, experienced science educator, who loves to play a role in creating aha moments for others. When light bulbs start going on, you know Kathryn is in her element, engaging others in learning. Which makes the future bright and full of promise.

Thursday February 20, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
Macleod Hall E3 - CTCC

Science (TQS 3), Div1 (Gr 1-3), Div2 (Gr 4-6), Div3 (Gr 7-9), Div4 (Gr 10-12) | Environmental & Outdoor Education (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

Balancing All The Things - How to Bring University Planning into the Real Classroom! A Workshop for Beginning Teachers

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

Macleod Hall E3 - CTCC

So you got the job, now you’re HIT with a tidal wave of expectations and responsibilities. How do you manage the expectations of teaching in the classroom, student behaviours, communicating with families, becoming a part of the school environment and maybe having a life beyond your job. How do you balance everything while still planning quality curriculum-driven experiences for students?

Universities provide foundational instruction on scaffolded planning, curriculum-aligned instruction, and quality assessment. While this learning is irreplaceable, beginning teachers continue to struggle with the realities of the classroom. This session is aimed to provide you, as a beginning teacher, with an opportunity to link your learning from university with the reality and organization of experience.

This is not a sit and get session, I wish to provide support, templates and guidance to HELP YOU build your own understanding of planning in the REAL CLASSROOM. This is a working session, please be prepared to participate in conversations, planning, and group work.

You don’t have to feel alone or drowning your first years of teaching.

Speakers

Tiffany Harris

With over 10 years of classroom experience, Tiffany Harris utilizes her organizational skills and strong creativity to craft effective experiences for her students. She has a passion for supporting new teachers as they learn how to lead and inspire young children. As a mentor, coach... Read More →

Thursday February 20, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
Macleod Hall E3 - CTCC

Curriculum & Pedagogy (TQS 3), ECE (Pre K-K), Div1 (Gr 1-3), Div2 (Gr 4-6), Div3 (Gr 7-9), Div4 (Gr 10-12) | Assessment (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

9:00am MST

EcoSchools in Alberta: A Curriculum Linked Framework for Environmental,Climate&Sustainability Action

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

Macleod Hall E3 - CTCC

Are you an educator in Alberta passionate about integrating environmental, climate, and sustainability action into your school curriculum? Join us for an engaging workshop that focuses on the EcoSchools program—a curriculum-linked initiative designed to empower students, educators, and schools to take meaningful environmental action. Discover practical strategies, resources, and best practices for implementing EcoSchools in your educational setting and fostering a culture of environmental stewardship and sustainability.

Speakers

Amy Thompson

Alberta Council for Environmental Education

The Alberta Council for Environmental Education (ACEE) works collaboratively to advance environmental education in Alberta. Although we embrace and support environmental education for all audiences in Alberta, we're particularly interested in supporting young people: we believe that... Read More →

Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
Macleod Hall E3 - CTCC

Environmental & Outdoor Education (TQS 3), Div1 (Gr 1-3), Div2 (Gr 4-6), Div3 (Gr 7-9), Div4 (Gr 10-12) | Curriculum & Pedagogy (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

10:20am MST

Design Thinking for Environmental Education

Friday February 21, 2025 10:20am - 12:40pm MST

Macleod Hall E3 - CTCC

Design thinking has garnered a lot of buzz in recent years, but how might it be applied to your teaching practice? Join facilitators from the Alberta Council of Environmental Education in exploring how to use the Design Thinking process to answer the question, “How might students explore environmental careers?” Using the lens of Environmental Stewardship, this hands-on session will give teachers an understanding of the design thinking process and how to implement it in their classrooms.

Though targeted at CTF teachers wanting to explore Environmental Stewardship, this collaborative and hands-on workshop, is applicable no matter which grade or subject area you teach. Work through a crash course in the design thinking process and come away with an outline for integrating environmental education and sustainability approaches throughout your school year.

Speakers

Amy Thompson

Alberta Council for Environmental Education

Friday February 21, 2025 10:20am - 12:40pm MST
Macleod Hall E3 - CTCC

Environmental & Outdoor Education (TQS 3), Div1 (Gr 1-3), Div2 (Gr 4-6), Div3 (Gr 7-9), Div4 (Gr 10-12) | Career & Technology Studies/Foundations (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

Magic the Gathering: Bringing Students Together Through the Power of Cards

Friday February 21, 2025 1:00pm - 3:20pm MST

Macleod Hall E3 - CTCC

Magic The Gathering is a card game from Wizards of the Coast that was started in 1993 by Richard Garfield. It is a strategy game where you and your opponent(s) build decks that will help you reduce the opposition's life total to 0. More than a game, in a school setting, it provides students with fundamental skills such as Reading, Math, Logic, History, and art appreciation. It provides teachers with new ideas for Social Studies, English, and Art assignments, as students can learn by creating their cards.
The most important aspect of the Magic The Gathering game is how it brings kids together from all different socioeconomic backgrounds. It does not discriminate on age, gender, race, or social class, for where can you find the twelfth-grade high school quarterback sitting across from the captain of the ninth-grade coding club, discussing strategies and laughing and learning together. In this session, you will learn how to intergrade this game into your class by learning how to play. All levels of players are welcome to learn and play together.

*** If you have Commander Decks, please feel free to bring them with you. There is a group that would love to meet new people and see different decks!!!!
*** If you are just learning, We will use “Jump Start” product to help learning how to play.

Speakers

Ryan Hatch

PDTCA Board Member / Principal Carbon School

Ryan Hatch is a Principal at Carbon School in Carbon, Alberta, for Golden Hill School Division. He has been a teacher for 17 years, where he has taught a multitude of classes and coached just as many sports. He started playing Magic The Gathering in 2010, where he has played with... Read More →

Robert Metcalfe

Robert Metcalfe is a Humanities Teacher at Drumheller Valley Secondary School. Robert can either be found snowboarding Alberta mountains in the winter or camping throughout the summer. He has hosted a popular games club at DVSS introducing students to a multitude of board and card... Read More →

Jason Rasmussen

Friday February 21, 2025 1:00pm - 3:20pm MST
Macleod Hall E3 - CTCC

Fostering Effective Relationships (TQS/LQS 1), 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