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

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

Thursday February 20, 2025 09:00 - 10:00 MST

Telus 104/105/106 - 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 09:00 - 10:00 MST
Telus 104/105/106 - CTCC Calgary Telus Convention Centre

Social Studies (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

10:20 MST

Fun, Fast, Fresh, Free! New Resources for Teaching K-6 Physical Education and Wellness

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

Telus 104/105/106 - CTCC

Come explore Ever Active Schools NEW suite of digital resources, now available for free through new.LearnAlberta.ca. These Physical Education and Wellness resources are locally developed for K-6 Learners in both English and French and aligned to the new K-6 Physical Education and Wellness Programs of Study. Participants will preview the suite of resources, sample activities and have the opportunity to give feedback.

Speakers

Kalli Green

Kalli is on the Ever Active Schools Educator Advisory Council. Kalli has been teaching for 10 years, and currently teaches PE, Health, French, and Science. She coaches many sports, and is passionate about getting kids active and outdoors! In her spare time Kalli enjoys running, hiking... Read More →

Thursday February 20, 2025 10:20 - 11:20 MST
Telus 104/105/106 - CTCC Calgary Telus Convention Centre

Physical Education (TQS 3), Div1 (Gr 1-3), Div2 (Gr 4-6)

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

11:40 MST

Bringing Visible Thinking to Life in the Classroom (11:40-14:00)

Thursday February 20, 2025 11:40 - 14:00 MST

Telus 104/105/106 - CTCC

Join us to engage in some visible thinking! Walk away with visible thinking routines to try out in your classroom. Peter and Amanda will share how visible thinking has impacted their practice. Visible thinking offers a platform that engages students in the authentic journey of learning.

Speakers

Peter Ehrman

Peter is an educator who has a passion for creating a culture of curiosity and a community of engaged thinkers!

Amanda Ball

Amanda is an educator who strives to open the door to learning for all her students!

Thursday February 20, 2025 11:40 - 14:00 MST
Telus 104/105/106 - CTCC Calgary Telus Convention Centre

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

14:20 MST

AI in Literacy: Engaging and Empowering K-8 Students

Thursday February 20, 2025 14:20 - 15:20 MST

Telus 104/105/106 - CTCC

Explore practical ways artificial intelligence (AI) enhances K-8 literacy education. Join me to discover how AI tools personalize learning, boost student interest, and make teaching easier. Discover user-friendly AI literacy tools that improve reading, writing, and language skills by adapting to each student's needs. Imagine receiving instant feedback on student work and using interactive programs that keep kids excited about learning. Consider how Ai might be used to engage ELL students. By attending, you will gain simple strategies to integrate AI into your lessons, making teaching more effective and engaging while also helping you make informed decisions based on student progress data. Don't miss this chance to learn how AI can revolutionize literacy teaching, creating a vibrant learning environment that inspires students to excel.

Speakers

Michelle Bechthold

Teacher, Rocky View Schools

Michelle Bechthold is a dedicated educator with 20 years of experience teaching K-8 students. She holds a Master's in Education and a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Communications and a minor in English. Over the past three years, Michelle has been integrating AI into classrooms... Read More →

Thursday February 20, 2025 14:20 - 15:20 MST
Telus 104/105/106 - CTCC Calgary Telus Convention Centre

Language Arts (TQS 3), Div2 (Gr 4-6), Div3 (Gr 7-9)

Session has participant fee No
Level of content Intermediate content
Presentation Language English
Is Pre-registration required No