PDTCA 2025

Hop aboard the historic Stampede Trolley and join us for an enriching hands-on workshop in the custom-designed Journey 2050 classroom. Educators will have the opportunity to construct their own microgreens growing system to take back to their classroom and gain insights into how such projects can inspire students to become stewards of our planet. Explore how to nurture these microgreens from seed to harvest. Discover the science behind their growth and the environmental benefits they offer. Delve into discussions on sustainability and food systems. Learn about how the Journey 2050 education team can help student-led projects come to life in the classroom! Cap off your experience by enjoying a sustainable snack featuring the very microgreens you've learned to grow—a delicious culmination of your efforts in fostering sustainable practices in education.

This off-site session will occur at Nutrien Western Event Centre; 1800 Stampede Trail SE and has a participant fee of $10.50. ​Pre-Registration Link​​​

"HELP! I'm supposed to teach Fashion but I don't know what I'm doing!" This session is for new (or newer) CTF/CTS Fashion teachers. You will learn sewing basics and leave with a pair of pajama shorts made by you! You will also get ideas and concrete resources that will help you plan your fashion classes so that your students waste less time, gain more valuable skills, and have a great experience.
This session will be held at George McDougall High School; 4112 3rd Ave NE; Airdrie, AB and has a participant fee of $21.00.
Pre-Registration Link

Ecole Secondaire Highwood High School.
High River, Alberta
Carpentry room #139

This session has a participant fee of $21.00. ​Pre-Registration Link​​​

A number of the staff and Banded Peak School regularly use the outdoors as a space to engage students and enrich learning. Join a group of our Grade 1-8 teachers in a day of sharing and collaboration with respect to the outdoors. Our full day session will be comprised of smaller sessions aimed at different age levels, but will be applicable to all educators interested in using the outdoors as a place to teach and learn.
Ever wanted to inspire your students by bringing the curriculum to life? This session will show how we created an outdoor garden and learning area at Banded Peak School in Bragg Creek. The learning space, which we call ‘Growing Learners’, includes six raised garden beds with pollinator houses and three huge log picnic tables. We will show you how you can meet various curricular strands by creating an outdoor gardening area, while teaching, learning, and growing outdoors. We will outline how we were applied for and won grants for funding and how we have continued to further develop the space each year. Although this project was a grade 1-2 initiative at Banded Peak School, any grade level could create an outdoor classroom such as this. We look forward to sharing this enriching project with you!
Join us for an active and insightful session on the power of Outdoor Education. Our team of Grade 3/4 educators will share their innovative approach to integrating all curricular strands, while using the outdoors as the classroom. This will include hands-on learning, approaches to physical education and wellness, practical implementation, and reflective practices. Let us show you how a week in the outdoors can enrich students’ academic understanding and overall well-being. Come prepared to spend the day outside! This session is ideal for educators looking to innovate their teaching practices and foster a deeper connection between students and the natural world. The Outdoor Leadership program has been a fundamental part of the grade 7/8 years at Banded Peak School for nearly a decade. Join us for some fun activities outside that you can use to engage your students and start an outdoor leadership program.
This session will be held at Banded Peak School, 230257 Highway 22, Bragg Creek, AB and has a session fee of $10.50. ​Pre-Registration Link​​​

This course is designed to equip educators with foundational knowledge and practical tools to support and understand students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in the classroom. The content covers a comprehensive range of topics essential for addressing the diverse needs of students with autism, including diagnostic processes, sensory processing, motor skills, theory of mind, executive functioning, and communication. Additionally, the course explores activities of daily living, family dynamics, and social life, providing a holistic approach to supporting students with autism.
This session will be held 2651 Chinook Winds Drive Southwest, Airdrie, AB (Rocky View Schools Education Centre)

Alberta Parks has teamed up with the Calgary Regional Consortium for the second year to offer multiple outdoor, land-based sessions that will inspire your teaching and support personal wellness. This year, three sessions are available at the Fish Creek Environmental Learning Centre, located at 13931 Woodpath Road, SW Calgary. Please note, teachers are encouraged to car pool as parking is limited. The sessions are offered twice (morning and afternoon) as described below:
1. Take the New K-6 Science Curriculum Outside (am and pm)
2. Exploring Literacy and Numeracy Outdoors: A Multisensory Adventure for Grades K-2 (am) / Gr 3-6 (pm)
3. Nature’s Path to Wellness – for you and your students.

Did you join us last year? Come again - there will be new ideas included! Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Simply chose two sessions (morning and afternoon) from the options below.

Morning Sessions (9:00-11:30 am)
Please choose 1 session (Maximum 25/session)
Session 1: Take the New K-6 Science Curriculum Outside
Session 2: Exploring Literacy and Numeracy Outdoors: A Multisensory Adventure for Grades K-2
Session 3: Nature’s Path to Wellness – for you and your students.

Afternoon Sessions (12:30 -3:00 pm)
Please choose 1 session (Maximum 25/session)
Session 1: Take the New K-6 Science Curriculum Outside
Session 2: Exploring Literacy and Numeracy Outdoors: A Multisensory Adventure for Grades 3-6
Session 3: Nature’s Path to Wellness – for you and your students.

Session Descriptions:
Session1: Take the New K-6 Science Curriculum Outside
Did you know that the word “land” shows up 845 times in a search on the new LearnAlberta website of all subjects within the Kindergarten to Grade 6 curriculum? It’s true! What better way to learn about and from the land than to spend a day of professional learning being inspired and activated at the Fish Creek Learning Center! This half day session will be offered in the morning from 9:00 – 11:30 and a REPEAT session will take place from 1:00 – 3:30 pm. While at the Fish Creek Environmental Learning Centre, we will help answer your curriculum questions through engaging learning experiences that bring the learning to life. We’ll overview the new science curriculum and highlight possible learning outcomes you can take outside for each Organizing Idea. We will explore simple and practical ideas to help you get out of the classroom while promoting physical and mental wellness benefits for your students. Along the way, we’ll also consider opportunities to integrate other subjects like ELAL, Math and Visual Arts to make your outdoor learning experience more engaging, efficient and effective. If you’d like to help your students be more connected to the natural world this school year, then this session is for you.

Objectives for this Session:
• Honor the land on which we are learning and the Indigenous peoples who have cared for the land
• Develop a strong understanding of the K-6 Science Curriculum and consider ways to take the learning outdoors in meaningful, manageable ways
• Share stories and build community to connect us to the land
• Explore, walk and talk about pedagogy, learning outcomes and concepts that bolster our science confidence
• Play some outdoor games that connect to curricular objectives

Session 2 (am): Exploring Literacy and Numeracy Outdoors: A Multisensory Adventure for Grades K-2
Join us for an inspiring journey into the outdoors, where literacy and numeracy come alive under the open sky! In this engaging workshop, we will equip kindergarten through grade 2 teachers with strategies and practical ideas to integrate literacy and numeracy with the curriculum into an outdoor learning environment. Come prepared to be active and involved in the experiences.

Session 2 (pm): Exploring Literacy and Numeracy Outdoors: A Multisensory Adventure for Grades 3-6

Join us for an inspiring journey into the outdoors, where literacy and numeracy come alive under the open sky! In this engaging workshop, we will equip grade 3 through grade 6 teachers with strategies and practical ideas to integrate literacy and numeracy with the curriculum into an outdoor learning environment. Come prepared to be active and involved in the experiences.

Session Highlights:

1. Nature's Classroom: Discover how the great outdoors can become your classroom as we explore the benefits of taking learning beyond the four walls. We will discuss the impact of outdoor learning on student engagement, creativity, and overall well-being.
2. Literacy in the Wild: Dive into strategies for fostering literacy skills outside, including nature-based storytelling, journaling, and vocabulary development. We'll show you how to utilize the natural world to inspire a love for reading and writing.
3. Math in Motion: Explore the endless mathematical possibilities in the outdoor setting. From counting natural objects to solving problems, we'll explore math concepts through hands-on activities that make numbers and shapes truly come alive.

Session 3: Nature’s Path to Wellness- for you and your students
Alberta’s Provincial Park System and the land provides a natural space to rejuvenate and to fuel your teaching practice. This session is dedicated to fostering personal wellness through nature-based activities, which you can also implement with your students to create a balanced, healthy learning environment. During this session, you'll explore:
• Sensory Exploration: Engage in exercises that heighten awareness of your surroundings through all five senses, enhancing mindfulness and presence.
• Reflective Practices: Participate in activities like nature journaling, guided meditation, and quiet contemplation to support mental well-being and emotional balance.
• Interactive Games: Participate in games that foster teamwork, communication, and stress relief, which can be easily adapted for classroom use.
• Storytelling: Experience the use of storytelling to connect more deeply with nature and promote mindfulness, creativity, and reflection.
Immerse yourself in these activities to rejuvenate your own well-being and gather tools to foster a wellness-centered learning environment.

This session has a participant fee of $10.50 for the day.
Pre-Registration Link

Everyone from Indigenous Elders to behavioural psychologists are providing proof that ‘time in nature’ is pivotal to whole health and well-being. As educators, you've been told that everything from creativity to calmness is cultivated by quality time spent amongst the trees, birds, creeks and clouds. But where and how do you best transition kids and curriculum into the great outdoors? What if it's cold? And what if you're cranky?

Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS) has your back! Join us for a hands-on session of 'tried 'n tenacious' outdoor teaching practices, grasslands gratitude and wide-eyed wonder—inspiration and rejuvenation await!

OFF-SITE LOCATION, ADDRESS & INSTRUCTIONS:
Nose Hill Park – Calgary Winter Club Parking Lot: 4611 14 St NW, Calgary, T2K 1J7

Meet at the Nose Hill Park parking lot located behind the Calgary Winter Club. CPAWS will be on-site 30 minutes ahead of session start time to welcome and gather everyone together. You will need to arrange your own transportation. If you are late, lost, or cannot make it, please text or call Sheri @ 403-921-2314.

WHAT TO BRING:
As detailed in the safety section below, please come prepared to be active outside for 3 hours – i.e., wearing appropriate clothing & footwear, and outfitted with water & snacks.

SAFETY:
Please consult local weather forecasts and come equipped with wind & temperature appropriate clothing and footwear, e.g., comfortable winter boots, ice cleats, gloves, mittens, hats, scarves and instant handwarmers/heat packs.

If there are any medical concerns (allergies/injuries) that CPAWS should be aware of, please be in-touch with Sheri via text @ 403-921-2314 in advance of the program’s start time. This will ensure that she can customize the route and activities for everyone’s needs.

All participants that require medical equipment/medication, such as an EpiPen and/or an inhaler, are expected to have these with them during the program in accordance with our risk management policy.

WAIVERS:
CPAWS has a master agreement with Rocky View Schools. So, if you are a Rocky View Schools teacher you DO NOT need to sign a waiver.

If you are NOT a Rocky View Schools employee, please download from this session's 'handout section' and bring along a completed CPAWS waiver. We will collect them at the start of our session. Extra blank waivers will be available on-site, just in case!

Looking forward to learning on the land with you!
This session has a participant fee of $10.50. Pre-Registration Link

Learn how math is at work at the zoo! While viewing our unique creatures we will identify how math goes into the caring for these animals. Through calculating area from schematic drawings, analyzing population trends and reproductive rates, to ensuring a healthy diet we will learn new ways to bring real world math to the classroom.
This off-site session will be at the Wilder Calgary Zoo, 210 St. George's Drive NE, Calgary, AB, and has a participant fee of $10.50. ​Pre-Registration Link​​​

Giddy up! Hop aboard the historic Stampede Trolley to experience the excitement of the newly opened Sam Centre from the perspective of a student. You will experience the Calgary Stampede's legendary tales through interactive exhibits, hands-on learning, a behind-the-scenes tour of the collections room, and storytelling from Calgary Stampede experts celebrating western hospitality and the spirit of Southern Alberta! Discover rodeo! Discover midway! Discover fun! Discover Sam!

This location for this session is Sam Centre; 632 13 Ave SE with pickup at the Hyatt Hotel, and has a participant fee of $10.50.
​Pre-Registration Link​​​

This session will take place off site at WH Croxford High School, Airdrie, AB, in the Culinary Arts lab. We will learn 2 recipes; Chana Dal and Chicken Biriyani. After we create our food together, you can enjoy your creations! Grab your aprons and your taste buds and enjoy the ride!
This session has a participant fee of $10.50. ​Pre-Registration Link​​​

Immerse yourself in the zoo, while its resident animals inspire you in this workshop that will demonstrate strategies and techniques that combine art with scientific inquiry and open the door to descriptive writing. Be prepared to have fun and discover your inner artist as you slow down and appreciate the finer details around you. No previous artistic experience necessary, just a willingness to have a go!
PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN UNLINED SKETCHPAD / JOURNAL, AND WRITING/COLOURING UTENSILS
This session will be held at Wilder Calgary Zoo, 210 St. George's Drive NE, and has a participant fee of $10.50.
​Pre-Registration Link​​​

Description:

"Beyond the Classroom: Nurturing Teacher Wellbeing" is a unique workshop aimed at equipping educators with effective tools to improve their mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing. This hands-on experience combines mindfulness practices, including yin yoga, guided meditation (yoga nidra), and breathing techniques, with creative expression through art. These activities are designed to help teachers build resilience and enhance self-awareness, ultimately supporting their overall wellness in both personal and professional contexts.

Workshop Highlights:
Mindful Movement and Breath work:
Start your journey with gentle yin yoga and stress-reducing breathing techniques, setting a foundation for relaxation and presence.

Guided Meditation:
Delve deeper into relaxation and mental clarity through a guided meditation or yoga nidra session, introducing the concept of sankulpa (intention) for personal growth.

Art as a Path to Wellness:
The highlight of our workshop is an engaging acrylic painting activity. Participants will create two "sister paintings" - one representing what they're releasing, and another depicting what they're manifesting or intending. This creative process offers numerous benefits:
- Enhances self-awareness and promotes non-judgmental self-reflection
- Encourages mindfulness and present-moment focus, reducing stress about past or future
- Provides a joyful, childlike experience that nurtures the spirit
- Offers insights into self-perception and acceptance through the contrast between the two paintings
- Serves as a powerful tool for stress reduction and emotional expression
The art session is designed to be a meditative experience, with background music encouraging participants to go within and connect with their creative selves. This activity not only serves as a stress-reliever but also as a catalyst for personal insights and growth.

Reflection and Goal-Setting:
Conclude the day by sharing experiences, discussing insights gained from the art activity, and setting concrete wellness goals for the upcoming school term.

This workshop offers a unique blend of mindfulness practices and creative expression, providing teachers with a holistic approach to wellbeing. By engaging in art creation, participants will tap into a powerful tool for stress reduction, self-discovery, and emotional processing. The skills and insights gained will extend far beyond the classroom, enriching both personal and professional lives.

Join us for a day focused on teacher wellness, combining practical self-care techniques with creative activities. This workshop aims to help you reconnect with your passion for teaching and improve your overall wellbeing, which in turn can positively impact your students' learning experience.

Duration: 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Location: The Red Barn: 253253 Bearspaw Road, Calgary, AB
Participant Instructions:
Dear Participant,

Welcome to our off-site teacher wellbeing workshop. To ensure you get the most out of this experience, please:

1. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing suitable for gentle yoga/ movement. Wear clothes that aren't precious to you, as you will be working with various mediums in the art activity.
2. Bring a yoga mat.
3. Bring a water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the day.
4. Pack a light, nutritious lunch or snacks for the break(s).
5. Bring a journal or notebook and pen for reflective exercises.
6. Come with an open mind and willingness to engage in self-reflection and group discussions.
7. Feel free to bring a small cushion or blanket for added comfort during meditation.
8. Most importantly, be prepared to prioritize yourself and your wellbeing for the day.

We look forward to guiding you through this journey of self-discovery and rejuvenation.

This session has a participant fee of $31.50. ​Pre-Registration Link​​​

Embark on a photographic adventure at École Secondaire Highwood High School, nestled in the serene backdrop of Alberta's foothills. This session is designed to acquaint educators with Lumix bridge cameras and their role as an affordable, durable, and performance-oriented camera for students to explore the world of photography.  During this session, educators will learn the basic operation of the camera, as well as delve into its advanced manual mode where they can manipulate the "Photography Triangle" - the three fundamental elements of exposure control: aperture, ISO, and shutter speed. Complemented by Adobe Lightroom Classic, this workshop aims to provide a source of inspiration for educators to design their own photography program in the context of their own 7-12 learning environments.

This session has limited seating (16) and will be a full day session at École Secondaire Highwood High School, 1401 10 St SE, High River, AB T1V 1S1. The session will begin at 9:00AM. Lunch will not be provided however there are several excellent lunch locations located in High River.

The full day session will have the following sections:

-Introduction to the Lumix Bridge Camera and Adoble Lightroom Classic
-Basic Camera Controls and Manual Mode: gain hands-on experience on how to leverage aperture, shutter speed, and ISO for creative control in any environment
-Photography Time in Highwood's Indigenous Learning Landscape and other nearby green spaces including a skate park (weather permitting)
-Post processing time in Adobe Ligthroom Classic
-Photo sharing and discussion
-Course component examples
-Brainstorming and design time for participants to begin imagining photography offerings in the context of their own school environment

This session has a participant fee of $10.50. ​Pre-Registration Link​​​

Join Vicki Perkins, Alberta Park’s Environmental Education Specialist for this full day snowshoeing session at Chester Lake in Kananaskis Country! This session is designed for teachers who want to deepen their understanding of snow science and winter safety while embracing their personal health and wellness. We’ll profile winter outdoor activities, stories, and resources that you can adapt to your specific learning environments. Our journey includes snowshoeing on and off trail covering a distance of 5 km with an elevation gain of 380 m. Please come prepared to be outside with warm winter clothing, winter boots, lunch and a thermos of hot beverage. Snowshoes required.
Location: Chester Lake Snowshoe trail, Peter Lougheed Provincial Park.

Transportation: Teachers are required to provide their own transportation. Please consider car pooling.

Directions
From Calgary head west on Hwy 1. Turn south on HWY 40 (by the Stoney Nakoda Casino). Continue south on Hwy 40 for approximately 45 min/51km to the winter highway closure in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park. Turn right onto Kananaskis Lakes Trail. Follow the KLT for 2 km until you reach the Smith Dorrien Trail junction (Hwy 742). Drive approximately 21 km north of this intersection. The parking lot is marked by a blue sign and will be on your right-hand side. We will meet you in the Chester Lake parking lot.
Note:
• there is no cell coverage at this location.
• Outhouse facilities are in the parking lot.
• Maps will be sent to registered participants.

This session has a participant fee of $10.50. ​Pre-Registration Link​​​

Students with dyslexia and other learning disabilities can face challenges in the inclusive classroom that require strategies and supports to be successful in their learning and development. This professional development session aims to equip educators with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively teach students with dyslexia and other learning disabilities. The session will cover the DSM criteria that psychologists use to diagnose learning disabilities, universal teaching strategies applicable to all students, targeted strategies tailored to students, and individualized strategies to meet the unique needs of each student.

Off-site location: Rocky View Schools Education Centre - Wildrose C (2651 Chinook Winds Drive SW, Airdrie, Alberta, T4B 0B4)
Pre-Registration Link

We are presenting a workshop on Indigenous Perspectives that includes "hands-on" experiential sessions with teachers actively participating in an "Educational Teaching" Sweat Lodge, Indigenous games and traditions, and discussions with regards to the application of foundational knowledge regarding Alberta Education's curriculum and First Nations, Metis, and Inuit.

What: Our planned Indigenous Perspectives workshop will include the following:
1.) Teaching/Educational Sweat Lodge Experience conducted by Indigenous Elders
2.) Indigenous Traditional games and talking circle
3.) Applying Foundational Knowledge about First Nations, Metis, Inuit and curriculum connections.

George Taven of Seeds Connections will be hosting the day and coordinating the logistics. Walter White Bear will be the Keynote speaker and Sweat Lodge Elder.

Walter will also engage several other locally recognized and respected elders to assist with the other sessions throughout the day.

KEY POINTS

1.) This workshop will be conducted from 8:30am - 3:00 pm . Teachers are responsible for their own transportation.

3.) We can have up to 50 people register.

4.) It is vital to read the attachments which are descriptions of each of the sessions as well as expectations and appropriate dress and details of what people should be aware of if they are planning to participate in the Educational Teaching Sweat Lodge.

5.) Teachers need to bring their own bag lunches. Participants should bring their own water bottle.

6.) Teachers wanting to participate in the Teaching Sweat must bring appropriate change of clothes and towel.

7.) We will require each participant to fill out and sign an Acknowledgement of Risk form when they first arrive.

Location:
241001 Range Road 42
Calgary, AB, Canada
T3Z 2X5

This site was formerly known as Kamp Kiwanis

This session has a participant fee of $10.50. ​Pre-Registration Link​​​

This session will be hosted at the West Bragg Creek Day Use Area. I will be sharing skills and management techniques to successfully have your students learn to XC ski with confidence. I will introduce techniques/drills to develop student confidence on the snow and progress to leading the group for a ski tour using existing groomed trails. Participants need to be prepared for outdoor activities. Cross country ski packages are available for rent for $25 donation to the Westmount School Outdoor Education program.

This session has a participant fee of $10.50. ​Pre-Registration Link​​​

In this session, teachers will be guided through a pathway to introduce pickleball into their curriculum. Participants are asked to come ready to learn through play! All equipment will be provided.

This session will take place at