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

Tools to build your Financial Wellness

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

Telus 104/105 - CTCC

Why do we need to place a priority on our financial wellness? Why is being financially prepared so important?
Did you know that financial wellness is just one of the many dimensions of wellness and prioritizing a strong, healthy financial wellness can help you stay mentally healthy and able to face other life's challenges.

Teachers can get so busy taking care of the needs of others that they often don’t have time to focus on their own wellness – but it’s crucial. Financial wellness is a big part of that. 40% of Canadians in a recent study who say they’re “financially unwell” are more likely to report stress associated with their money troubles. 88% of those say they’re “often” or “sometimes” worried about their finances, 49% say it distracts them at work.

What if there was a way to easily learn tools – things you can set up in just a few minutes – to help alleviate that stress? The first step is knowing what some of these are – and that’s why this session was developed.

This session is built to give you tools to take control of your financial wellness. How to start saving - an emergency fund plus save for your future. Where and how to invest your hard earned money, we take a look at the markets and they affect your investments. Easy budgeting tips - should I pay down my debt or save for the future? Is a common question we answer here! We also look at the biggest financial risks that can happen to you and how to lessen their impact. The rising costs of long term care and the financial impact of a life changing illness are two of the most common financial risks that we may face in our lives. Being financially prepared is the key to strong financial wellness.

Speakers

Shane O'Bryan

Working from our Calgary office, Shane takes great pride in being a long term Capital Planning team member, servicing the southern half of the province.

Elizabeth Walton

Marketing and Communications Manager, Capital Planning

Capital Planning is the preferred financial planner for the Alberta Teachers' Association and the providers of the ATA Voluntary Benefits Program which includes the ATA Group Savings Plans. We have been proudly helping teachers and their families for over 40 years! At conventions... Read More →

Thursday February 20, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
Telus 104/105 - CTCC

Health & Wellness (TQS 3), Div3 (Gr 7-9), Div4 (Gr 10-12) | Professional Issues (TQS 6) [emerging topics - teacher career retirement wellness], 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

Elementary School Classroom Management for New Teachers: Learn The Art of Herding Cats

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

Telus 104/105 - CTCC

Classroom management is the foundation of effective teaching, yet many new teachers begin their careers unprepared for this critical practice. Through this session, attendees will gain insights and techniques that they can apply in their own classrooms, helping them to create a positive and productive learning environment for their students. From establishing routines and procedures and building strong relationships with your students, this session will provide new teachers with the tools they need to confidently manage their classrooms and succeed in their teaching careers.

Speakers

Sean Hartley

Sean is in his 13th year as a classroom teacher, all at the elementary level. He believes his greatest strength as a teacher is herding cats, and is passionate about supporting new teachers in living up to their full potential.

Thursday February 20, 2025 10:20am - 12:40pm MST
Telus 104/105 - CTCC

Curriculum & Pedagogy (TQS 3), Div1 (Gr 1-3), Div2 (Gr 4-6) | Fostering Effective Relationships (TQS/LQS 1), 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

1:00pm MST

ATRF Your Pension Essentials

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

Telus 104/105 - CTCC

This presentation is designed specifically for teachers that have recently joined the plan. It provides a general overview of the plan, including information about pension contributions, maintaining your pension partner and beneficiary information, the eligibility requirements for a pension, purchasing leaves of absences and substitute service, and transferring service with another pension plan.

Speakers

Marc Bisson

Pension Counsellor

Pension Counsellor, Alberta Teachers' Retirement Fund (ATRF)

A Pension Counsellor with the Alberta Teachers' Retirement Fund.

Thursday February 20, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
Telus 104/105 - CTCC

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 No

2:20pm MST

An Introduction to Restorative Practices and Restorative Circles

Thursday February 20, 2025 2:20pm - 3:20pm MST

Telus 104/105 - CTCC

All humans are hardwired to connect. Just as we need food, shelter and clothing, human beings also need strong and meaningful relationships to thrive.

Restorative practices is a field within the social sciences that studies how to strengthen relationships between individuals as well as social connections within communities.

As an introduction International Institute for Restorative Practices full two-day training, this session will highlight the importance and impact of restorative practices on learning environments and entire schools. Derek is a certified IIRP trainer of the full program and can answer questions as well as facilitate connections to the full two day training for those interested.

Speakers

Derek Keenan

Principal, Rocky View Schools

Derek Keenan is Principal of W.H. Croxford High School in Airdrie, Alberta. An international speaker, consultant and most importantly, father, his desire to inspire educators drives him to continue to learn and share current, engaging research with educators and students alike. With... Read More →

Thursday February 20, 2025 2:20pm - 3:20pm MST
Telus 104/105 - CTCC

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 General Overview for Novice learners
Presentation Language English
Is Pre-registration required No

9:00am MST

ATRF Steps to Receiving Your Pension

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

Telus 104/105 - CTCC

This presentation is designed for teachers who are planning to retire during the current year or within the next few years. It provides detailed information about deciding to retire, the Steps to Retirement process and forms, the pension options, and post-retirement considerations.

Speakers

Marc Bisson

Pension Counsellor

Pension Counsellor, Alberta Teachers' Retirement Fund (ATRF)

A Pension Counsellor with the Alberta Teachers' Retirement Fund.

Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
Telus 104/105 - CTCC

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 No

10:20am MST

Bullying and Other Concerns

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

Telus 104/105 - CTCC

How do we move our youth from FEAR to FREEDOM when the silence is as deafening as the yelling? Come on a story-telling journey with me to understand what's going on behind the scenes with our kids. No wonder mental health concerns are through the roof and suicide has become a permanent solution to a temporary problem. We can do something different, together. It's worth it!

Speakers

Elizabeth Bennett

Author, speaker, ElizabethBennettGroup

Elizabeth Bennett helps parents navigate the world of teenager. Some call her the Teen Genie ~ who’s unlocked the secret of how to confidently connect with teenagers, gleaned from her 35-year career in schools as an educator, administrator, coach and Principal.Elizabeth offers a... Read More →

Friday February 21, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
Telus 104/105 - CTCC

Fostering Effective Relationships (TQS/LQS 1), Div1 (Gr 1-3), Div2 (Gr 4-6), Div3 (Gr 7-9), Div4 (Gr 10-12) | Counselling & Student Support (TQS/LQS 4), Div1 (Gr 1-3), Div2 (Gr 4-6), Div3 (Gr 7-9), Div4 (Gr 10-12)

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

11:40am MST

Agriculture and the Environment

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

Telus 104/105 - CTCC

Take a deep dive into how agriculture and the environment work together to benefit each other and the science behind it. Take a look at the importance of biodiversity, soil, water, air and sustainability and what farmers are doing to help the environment. Learn about how you can help your students understand the important role agriculture plays in protecting the environment with this curriculum related resource, which is free for teachers!

Speakers

Nanita Blomquist

Education Manager, Agriculture For Life

Nanita grew up on a farm in central Alberta, where she still resides and farms with her family. With a passion for Agriculture, Nanita completed her B.Sc in Agriculture at the University of Alberta. With over 20 years of experience in the Agriculture industry, Nanita had the opportunity... Read More →

Friday February 21, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
Telus 104/105 - CTCC

Science (TQS 3), Div2 (Gr 4-6), Div3 (Gr 7-9) | Career & Technology Studies/Foundations (TQS 3), Div2 (Gr 4-6), Div3 (Gr 7-9)

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

1:00pm MST

I have a Story to Tell

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

Telus 104/105 - CTCC

This presentation is Jay’s story, specifically their experience with school, mental health, having a learning disability, and being a part of the 2S/LGBTQIA+ community. Jay will share challenges they have experienced during their schooling and, how they’ve made an impact on their life, as a student leader. As a student leader, Jay’s area of passion is to prevent these challenges from occurring in other schools and communities. Jay will conclude this session with suggested ways we can all contribute to creating sustainable, inclusive learning environments.

Speakers

Jay Knopf

Kim Tackaberry

Designer of Professional Learning, Calgary Regional Consortium

Jay Knopf is 18 years old and is attending Foothills Academy as a grade 12 student. Throughout high school and junior high, they always had a passion for talking about issues that have an impact on others. They also value educating themselves on topics outside of their own experience... Read More →

Friday February 21, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
Telus 104/105 - CTCC

Inclusive Education (TQS/LQS 4), 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

2:20pm MST

La gestion des comportements

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

Telus 104/105 - CTCC

Au cours de notre carrière d’enseignant, nous avons tous eu des années plus difficiles que d’autres pour différentes raisons. Il est important, lorsque cela nous arrive, de prendre un temps d’arrêt pour réfléchir aux pratiques que nous utilisons en salle de classe et aux stratégies que nous pouvons mettre en place pour aider nos élèves. Que nous soyons un enseignant débutant ou un enseignant d’expérience, parfois ce temps d’arrêt s’impose. Lors de cet atelier, nous explorerons des stratégies préventives et correctives. Nous insisterons sur l’importance de revenir aux stratégies efficaces pour tous les élèves avant de mettre en place des interventions ciblées et spécifiques.

Speakers

Isabelle Rioux

Conseillère pédagogique, Conseil scolaire FrancoSud

Madame Rioux est détentrice d’un baccalauréat en sciences de l’éducation et d’une maîtrise en éducation - spécialisation en administration scolaire. Elle œuvre dans le milieu de l’éducation depuis 20 ans et occupe présentement le poste de conseillère pédagogique... Read More →

Andrée-Anne Robert

Madame Robert est détentrice d’un baccalauréat en sciences de l’éducation et elle réalise présentement une maîtrise en éducation - spécialisation en efficacité de l'enseignement et des écoles. Elle œuvre dans le milieu de l’éducation depuis près de 18 ans et occupe... Read More →

Friday February 21, 2025 2:20pm - 3:20pm MST
Telus 104/105 - CTCC

Inclusive Education (TQS/LQS 4), ECE (Pre K-K), Div1 (Gr 1-3), Div2 (Gr 4-6), Div3 (Gr 7-9), Div4 (Gr 10-12) | Inclusive Education (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 French
Is Pre-registration required No