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

More Than Words: The Significance of Land Acknowledgements on the Journey of Truth and Reconciliation

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

Macleod Hall E4 - CTCC

Sharing a land acknowledgement has become a common practice and there is potential for a land acknowledgement to be perceived as an empty gesture if it’s not paired with concrete actions. Throughout this session, participants will have an opportunity to reflect on the deeper meanings of a land acknowledgement and consider ways they can mobilize land acknowledgements in their own professional practice. Participants will reflect on their own connections to people and place, and consider how land acknowledgements and their associated actions can build relationships and contribute to Truth & Reconciliation.

Speakers

Gretchen Riel

Indigenous Education PD Facilitator, The Alberta Teachers' Association

Thursday February 20, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
Macleod Hall E4 - CTCC

Indigenous Education (TQS/LQS 5), 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
Presentation Language English
Is Pre-registration required No

10:20am MST

ARTA and the ARTA Benefit Plans - Looking Ahead to New ADVENTURES "Presented by Alberta Retired Teachers’ Association

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

Macleod Hall E4 - CTCC

If you are considering retirement within the next five years, then you’ve got some big decisions just around the corner. Make sure you’re ready for them! This presentation will go over everything you need to know about the Alberta Retired Teachers’ Association (ARTA), including programs and perks available to members and, of course, the nationally acclaimed Health Benefit Plans, complete with information on all the health, travel, and dental benefits ARTA offers. A current retired teacher will provide important points to consider before making the leap into retirement and will touch on some retirement lessons they’ve learned from experience. Join us to discover how ARTA can give you the support you need to begin this new, exciting adventure.

Speakers

Linda Manwarren

ARTA Representatives

Manager of Marketing and Promotions, Alberta Retired Teachers' Assocation

JENNIFER HOPE Manger of Marketing and Promotions, ARTA Jennifer holds a Bachelor of Management degree in marketing from the University of Lethbridge and recently earned her Group Benefits Associate designation. With years of ARTA experience under her belt, she is well-versed in the... Read More →

Gary Sawatzky

Thursday February 20, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
Macleod Hall E4 - CTCC

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

11:40am MST

Believing the Improbable… how misinformation shapes “other people's” minds

Thursday February 20, 2025 11:40am - 2:00pm MST

Macleod Hall E4 - CTCC

Have you noticed in discussions on Misinformation, how the Misinformed are usually “Others”, not Us? And the Misinformers… well they are not Our Media, Our Corporations or Our State. This presentation investigates that phenomenon with a quiz. Perhaps we will find that even some among Us see the world through Received Misinformation (not Us of course 😊). The Questions will seem uninteresting… but the Answers… I think will challenge many Received World Views. OK I relent, here is one Question… spoiler alert: You are probably aware of criminal gangs, corruption, drug running, violence and kidnappings in Haiti. In 2004 the highest-level Haitian official ever was kidnapped to install corrupt, drug running, violent leaders. A) what was the official’s name and position? B) name the three organizations responsible for the crime. One more? OK, “Who established the International Rules Based Order and what rules have they defended?” Bring your answers to the convention. The Quiz will include, Foreign Policy, The International Situation, War Crimes, Economics, Food, Health and The Environment.

Speakers

Greg Hunter

Social Studies

Greg Hunter taught Science in Alberta for 30 years. His talks promote an understanding and teaching of History based on Evidence and Reason and a vigilance against Dogma and Bias. Adam Hochschild, Professor at UC Berkeley and author of 'King Leopold's Ghost' said, “Greg's talks... Read More →

Thursday February 20, 2025 11:40am - 2:00pm MST
Macleod Hall E4 - CTCC

Social Studies (TQS 3), Div3 (Gr 7-9), Div4 (Gr 10-12) | 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

9:00am MST

Game Changers: Why Connection? Why Not?

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

Macleod Hall E4 - CTCC

We have all heard that the key to supporting, teaching and reaching kids lies in building connection and relationships, but why is it so important?

This session will focus on what the current research tells us about making connections, and more importantly, the conditions that make it possible! Participants will be asked to reflect on their own practices and experiences, and we will look at Siegal’s 4 roadblocks that keep us from connecting.

We will challenge these assumptions and fears and start laying the groundwork to explore classroom and kid-tested strategies and examples to empower participants to connect against all odds!

Speakers

Rita Kruger

CMJHS STAFF, Crowther Memorial Junior High

As a student with ADHD, mental health difficulties and behavioral issues, Rita experienced the impact a dedicated professional could make. She obtained a BSc/BEd with a Special Education Specialization, and now teaches at a Junior High Behavioral Outreach program.Rita’s passion... Read More →

Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
Macleod Hall E4 - CTCC

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 No

10:20am MST

Game Changers: Breaking Down Barriers Part 1

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

Macleod Hall E4 - CTCC

This 2 for 1 session will be an overview of the first two barriers to connection highlighted in the Connecting Against All Odds presentation.

Barrier 1: "Why can't you 'control' your class?!?": How a fear of being judged by our colleagues, supervisors and community keeps us from connecting.
Shifting our thinking from a position of fear to one of expertise and success is key! This section will focus on working WITH students to find success. We will cover specific strategies and look at personal experience and stories that reinforce the powerful practice of empowering or most difficult students!

Barrier 2: “What if all the kids start to think it is OK to act that way?”: How worrying about reinforcing behaviour is keeping us from seeing the bigger picture!
Behaviour is Communication! We will spend time breaking behaviour down and working on developing our translating skills. Shifting our thinking and looking at each “crisis” as an opportunity to build connection. More on the ground strategies and great stories here!

Speakers

Rita Kruger

CMJHS STAFF, Crowther Memorial Junior High

Friday February 21, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
Macleod Hall E4 - CTCC

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 No

11:40am MST

Game Changers: Breaking Down Barriers Part 2

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

Macleod Hall E4 - CTCC

This 2 for 1 session will be an overview of the first two barriers to connection highlighted in the Connecting Against All Odds presentation.
Barrier 3: “I just don’t have time for this right now!”: How being overwhelmed by schedules, obligations and a lack of “time” turn molehills into mountains!
Having a solid and structured plan and a consistent set of expectations are a key element to setting up a space where everyone can feel safe. Where we often go “off the rails” is either by expecting too much or being so committed to a “plan” that we cannot be flexible. This session will focus on strategies for evaluating the environment and the impacts it has on behaviour and skills for balancing consistency with flexibility.
Barrier 4: “I am just done, I have had ENOUGH!”- The importance of self-regulation and the role it plays in co-regulation! When your tank is empty, you are not going anywhere!
Self-regulation is the key to successful co-regulation. Looking at recommended strategies for keeping ourselves calm so that we can help others to learn to regulate their own emotions.

Speakers

Rita Kruger

CMJHS STAFF, Crowther Memorial Junior High

Friday February 21, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
Macleod Hall E4 - CTCC

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 No

1:00pm MST

(Pre-Reg 30) Suspect Child Abuse - now what! When to call, what happens next?

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

Macleod Hall E4 - CTCC

During this session participants will be provided with an overview of the Child Intervention System, who Children's Services serve and how they strive to build safe communities for Alberta Children and Youth. Recent changes in reporting processes and guidelines will be described.
Included in this session will be specific strategies to help to identify and report suspected child abuse. Information such as the specific questions that you will be asked when making a report will be presented. Finally, participants will discover if their call is truly confidential, and what happens after they have made the report.

Speakers

Sandi Pineda-Selva

Linda Shima

Linda Shima is a social worker with Children’s Services and is part of the Luna Child and Youth Advocacy Multidisciplinary Team. Her portfolio includes Intake and Triage for The Joint Investigative Child Abuse Team (JICAT). Linda has been actively involved in Child Protection Services... 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 →

Friday February 21, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
Macleod Hall E4 - CTCC

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

2:20pm MST

(Pre-Reg 30) We need to talk about consent, exploitation & Internet safety.

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

Macleod Hall E4 - CTCC

During this session, participants will be provided with an overview of the Criminal and Youth Justice perspective on consent. Tools will be presented that may be used by school staff to explain consent to youth and case studies will be reviewed.

During this interactive session, participants will have the opportunity to review and book an RCMP presentation geared to students in grades 6-12. Participants will be encouraged to pose questions to gain strategies for addressing and responding to concerns regarding consent, internet safety, exploitation, and peer-on-peer sexual abuse among youth in their schools.

Speakers

Sandi Pineda-Selva

Brenda Straw

Education Liaison, Luna Child and Youth Advocacy Centre

Anita Swanson

Cpl. Anita Swanson has been a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) for the past 17 years. She has worked the past 4 years overseeing serious crimes perpetrated on children and youth. Her team services all the communities in southern Alberta outside of the City of Calgary... Read More →

Friday February 21, 2025 2:20pm - 3:20pm MST
Macleod Hall E4 - CTCC

Professional Issues (TQS 6) [emerging topics - teacher career retirement wellness], Div2 (Gr 4-6), Div3 (Gr 7-9), Div4 (Gr 10-12) | 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 Yes