Ever Active Schools is a registered national charity designed to create and support healthy school communities. We engage and support schools through a Comprehensive School Health framework, which addresses health and education goals to improve the social outcomes of children and youth in Alberta. Through our connections with schools and school systems across the province, as well as provincial sport organizations and faculties of education, we will bring together a variety of voices in the discussion about quality Health and Physical Education in these challenging times, and we hope to encourage our participants to share their voices as well so that we can all grow together.

Described as “inspirational, passionate & changing lives”, Susan Agrios teaches and guides thousands of people from all corners of the world on their fitness, yoga and mindfulness journeys. As the founder & CEO of AGRIOS MINDFITNESS (Mindfulness + Fitness), Susan gives kids, teens and adults tools to lead healthier lives. The positive physical, mental, emotional and social results are profound. A former K-12 School teacher, Susan saw her young students were stressed and anxious. Others had problems staying focused. Some were being bullied. Her teacher colleagues were taking leaves because of burnout. Susan wanted to help. She knew she had to do something. That was the spark. From it came beKIND Mindfulness Kits, Trainings and School Assemblies for teachers and students. Today, Susan’s programs open the door for everyone to explore their mind-body connections. They learn new skills to relax, reduce stress, self-regulate thoughts and emotions and improve concentration. Her innovative beKIND Mindfulness and beGRATEFUL School Assemblies make a measurably positive difference in schools. In 2016, Susan launched the first ever in Canada beKIND Mindfitness Triathlons in Schools. beKIND turned into an International Movement. spreading across Canada into the USA, Europe, Asia and South America with over 2000 people taking her beKIND Mindfulness Trainings and over 20,000 kids, teens and adults taking the beKIND Mindfulness Challenge. Are you next?

Emilie Aitken is a Queen's University Bachelor of Science (Honours) and University of Calgary Bachelor of Education graduate. She is 25 years old and has started her first year of teaching this year.

Natalya Austin is MSW, Registered Clinical Social Worker with the Alberta College of Social Work. She practices as a Counsellor & Brief Intervention Caregiver Support Program (BICS) supervisor at Calgary Counselling Centre. She completed her Certification of Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional - Child & Adolescent (CCATP-CA) in 2019. Natalya holds a BSW in the graduating class of 2006, & achieved her MSW in clinical studies in 2013. In addition to her 14 years of experience working with families, couples, and individuals, she also has her certification in Level 1-2 in Narrative Therapy and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, as well as Couples Developmental Model. Continued professional development and education is at the core of Natalya personal and professional practice, as she has also supervised MSW and Psych interns over the past 4 years.

Her practice is guided by a developmental and trauma-informed approach, which is influenced by an understanding of Social Constructionism, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, attachment, and child welfare

Daphne Austin is the Online Specialist for Online Learning and Ocean Literacy with Ocean Wise. Through online engagement, she helps others connect with the ocean through live programming, youth dialogues and more. With a Bachelor of Science in a combined major of oceanography and biology from the University of British Columbia, she has worked to communicate environmental awareness through Patagonia, the Vancouver Aquarium, Ocean Wise and more. She has connected Canadians to their shorelines across mainland provinces with Ocean Wise’s AquaVan 150 tour bringing the ocean to landlocked communities. Daphne grew up exploring the outdoors of the Pacific Northwest around Seattle, Wa, and is passionate about inspiring others to make positive choices for our ocean.

Vanessa Bilan is an Environmental Educator with the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS), Southern Alberta Chapter. She has broad experience with teaching; students, teachers, new immigrants and public audiences, about environmental conservation. Vanessa runs the nationwide CPAWS Action Challenge, a challenge intended to encourage and reward Canadian youth for their environmental actions. Through her role and a Hiking Guide and in-class educator with CPAWS Southern Alberta, she brings a unique perspective on how to encourage and support youth on their conservation journey.

Margaret Boersma, OCT is a teacher trainer, coach, speaker, and educational consultant. Her varied career in teaching, combined with her expertise in social/emotional learning, allows her to assimilate the affective domain (people skills) with academic curriculum goals. Having trained extensively in the arts, and with Dr. Eric Jensen in brain compatible pedagogy, Margaret’s heart is to transform classroom practice to enable students and teachers to thrive. Her innovative training programs result in students gaining leadership and communication skills while becoming compassionate citizens. She works with school districts and schools, in Canada, the U.S, and Holland and New Zealand.

Alyssa Bradac, BA, MFA is originally from Southern California. She has a MFA in Theatre Directing from the University of Calgary, though she ran away from Theatre to join the Library. She is currently a Library Supervisor with Calgary Public Library. Alyssa is one of the founders of YOUth Riot, a free playwriting program for Queer-identified youth, and is a proud member of the LGBTQ2IAA+ community in Calgary. She loves Young Adult Queer-Focused fantasy and will read any graphic novel she can. There is no greater feeling for Alyssa than matching a teen with a story they love.

Lisa-Marie Brunnen is a Library Experience Facilitator at the Giuffre Family Library and has worked for the Calgary Public Library for eight years. Her four years’ experience as a bookseller combined with her library career and vast knowledge of children and young adult novels have made her the resident readers’ advisory expert for pre-teens and teens at her home branch.

Chelsea Burke is the Education Lead with John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights. She has a degree in Education from the University of Alberta with a minor in Social Studies. She has a great passion for pursuing social justice through education and building community that promotes equitable dialogue, respect for collective wisdom, and collaboration.

Agnes Chen is a Registered Nurse at the Calgary not- for-profit Cups Calgary , who has 15 years of professional experience in the public service sector working to enhance the well-being of her clients and community. As an active member of the Trauma-Informed Care Collective, she is passionate about promoting empathy and co-creating resilient and trauma-informed communities.

TELUS Spark, Calgary’s science centre, is a city jewel. When it opened in its current location in 2011, it was the first purpose-built science centre in the country in 25 years. It houses the largest dome theatre in western Canada and attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors a year and launches blockbuster shows. It changes lives and opens doors to the world of science, technology and innovation. Spark exists to entertain people of all ages in creative encounters with science and technology. Through visits to Spark, and encounters with Spark in the community, people feel lifted up by the positive power of curiosity, experimentation and problem-solving.

Emily Downey is a fourth-year Bachelor of Health Sciences student at the University of Calgary and is majoring in Biomedical Sciences. She co-developed the Vaping Consequences Education Toolkit with MD/MSc (Neuroscience) student, Asha Hollis, and this project was funded by a microgrant from Health Canada. In addition to this role, Emily is an executive member of the Stop Addicting Adolescents to Vapes and E-cigarettes (SAAVE) campaign and has been featured/published in news interviews in an effort to advocate on behalf of the protection of children and youth. Emily has direct experience in maternal and child health promotion; In Mbarara, Uganda, Emily participated in the 2019 field school through the University of Calgary's Cumming School of Medicine and Healthy Child Uganda.

Kristin has taught second languages, including French and Spanish, for the past 11 years. She has used TPRS and comprehensible input methods since she started teaching and integrates technology frequently into her lessons! She has taught in England and Spain and now teaches grade 5-8 Spanish at Foundations for the Future Charter Academy.

Megan Emmett studied at McGill University, doing graduate work in Musicology and a BA in Music, and at the University of Calgary, BEd. Megan worked for the Calgary Board of Education for ten years as a classroom teacher, music specialist and Learning Leader. Megan has now embarked on a career in leadership with the Youth Singers of Calgary. 

Megan first joined the Youth Singers of Calgary in time to sing at the 1988 Winter Olympics. After university in Montreal and travel abroad, Megan returned to Calgary in 2001 to work for Youth Singers in production and touring. Her service continued as a board member and she joined their artistic staff as a choral director in 2013. A strong believer in the value performing arts bring to young people, Megan has also served as a board member for the Mountain View International Festival of Song and Chamber Music, and Evergreen Theatre.

Reva Faber`s entire career has been in the field of education as a teacher (elementary and junior high) and lastly as an administrator in both public and private schools. She assisted in writing Social Studies Curriculum for Alberta Education before embarking on completing her Masters Degree in Education at U of C. Following her time working in the Practicum Program at U of C, Reva became an Association Instructor with ATA.

Presently, Reva works for Alberta Independent Schools and Colleges Association as an evaluator of teachers. She is also working for St. Mary`s University as a Practicum Advisor.

Reva was commissioned by the Jewish Historical Society of Southern Alberta to write the unit of studies to be presented at CCTC.

John Felling has been an educational leader for over 35 years. He is a published author and consultant providing insight and expertise in the areas of Math, English Language Arts, Physical Education, Teaching and School Administration. He has presented at many national conferences and conventions including ASCD Conferences on Teaching Excellence, National Council of Teachers of Mathematics national and regional conventions as well as many provincial and state conventions throughout North America. He still finds time to teach in classrooms a few days each month, staying current with the challenges facing students, teachers and administrators. John's presentations provide insights and strategies along with a healthy dose of humor, helping participants to remember and apply what they learn. Participants in his sessions have consistently expressed "Awesome job! Really enjoyed your presentation. There were a lot of great activities to bring back to my class." Attend his sessions and see why.

Jane is an internationally recognized speaker in the area of games as a teaching strategy. She continues to teach K - 8 as part of her consulting work and is always developing and sharing new strategies that help you engage your students. She is the co-author of over 20 resource books for both math and literacy and continues to write and do workshops across North America.

 

Inside Education is an Alberta-based, environment and natural resource education charitable society. We are here to support you from start to finish with our full suite of no-cost teaching resources, youth summits, student programs, and full-scholarship professional development programs that are designed to support you and inspire your students.

Adrienne Gear has been an elementary teacher in the Vancouver School District for over 25 years. She is passionate about literacy, learning and inspiring teachers to reflect and refine their practice in order to best support their students. Adrienne developed Reading Power over 12 years ago and has been since working with teachers across the country. Her practical and engaging workshops are in in high demand and she presents at schools and conferences across Canada and internationally in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and Sweden. She is the author of seven professional books for teachers in the area of literacy which have been translated into French, Danish, Swedish and Chinese.

Rick Harcourt, PFA CPC leads the team that provides the ATA Voluntary Benefits Program to teachers across Alberta – the suite of financial solutions built specifically for teachers across the Province.  Rick developed the popular Financial Wellness Seminars that have been presented to hundreds of ATA members across the Province, and is the featured speaker for Pre-Retirement Seminars put on by the ATA in conjunction with ATA locals.  Rick has been a regular subject matter expert and speaker for media  including BNN, Business in Edmonton, and the CBC.  He’s been recognized as a leader on Avenue Edmonton’s Fast Growth 50 companies; was in the inaugural class of Avenue Edmonton’s Top 40 Under 40, and is involved in a wide range of community leadership initiatives, from Rotary International to his long involvement with the sport of Ultimate Frisbee.

Jodi Harding-Kuriger has been a Health and Physical Educator for 12 years and is a certified DANCEPL3Y (dance-play) instructor. She is enjoying a country life-style with her husband Mike and their three children, Aidan (gr. 2), Teegan (Sr. PreSchool) and Karlin (Jr. PreSchool). During her teaching career, Jodi has developed many resources for provincial organizations and has served many years on the Health and Physical Education Council. Jodi is dedicated to life long learning and has commenced her Doctoral studies at the University of Alberta in Elementary Physical Education. The joy of movement through Physical Literacy development, Dance, and Outdoor Play are the main foci of Jodi's personal and professional life!

Leanne Hooper is the Campus Calgary Library School Site Coordinator. In her 7 years at Calgary Public Library, Leanne has served in various capacities including community outreach to vulnerable populations, Early Literacy programming, and most recently engaging students from across Calgary in place-based education at the Central Library. Leanne loves picture books so much that she obtained a Masters Degree in Children’s Literature from Roehampton University and believes that magic happens when Public Libraries connect with schools and students to create personally meaningful experiences that enhance student engagement and learning.

Mike Hooves is a prairie queer artist working in illustration, animation, and film in Calgary, Alberta. Having received their BDes from AUArts in 2016, Mike’s work depicts human narrative, creating a normalization of varied bodies and experiences. Using inexpensive materials, they disassemble expectations of polished art while navigating the permanence of mark making. Mike explores expression through shape, colour, and gesture, playfully exploring the inner workings of life.

Jennifer graduated from the University of Lethbridge with a Bachelor of Management degree with a major in marketing. Prior to joining the ARTA marketing team, she has had a variety of marketing positions as well as media communications.

Since joining ARTA Jennifer has become well-versed in the ARTA benefits plan and has presented to a variety of groups in the education as well as public private sectors. Jennifer has a passion to ensure future retirees have the pertinent information they need to make wise choices before entering retirement.

 

Terence Houlihan, M.S. Ed., CRS, has been an educator since 1995, working in high schools and higher education institutions in NYC and Westchester County. He is currently teaching evening classes for the graduate program in organizational leadership and school counseling at the City University of NY, Lehman College, where he was awarded LUTE Instructor of the Year for 2019. He has been an adjunct instructor at the College of New Rochelle and Westchester Community College. Terence is a licensed school counselor and director of a school-wide counseling program in Westchester County and was a Certified Relationship Specialist through the American Psychotherapy Association. He has written blogposts, articles and textbook chapters for the National Association of School Superintendents, the American School Counselor Association, the National Association of College Admissions Counseling, the Westchester Business Journal and Today's Catholic Teacher. Terence has presented to audiences across the United States and other countries on strengthening relationships and brain-based interventions in the classroom, family room and the boardroom....and he's the parent of a young adult who made it through his teen years.

Greg Hunter taught Science in Alberta for 30 years. His talks promote a more scientific approach to understanding and teaching History; that is one with a regard for Evidence and Reason and a vigilance against Dogma and Bias “Greg's talks are multi-media extravaganzas that challenge teachers—and all of us—to never assume that received narratives are necessarily true. Such skepticism is the basis of real democracy... This is a marvelous, wonderfully imaginative way of putting all this material together” - Adam Hochschild, Professor at UC Berkeley and author 'King Leopold's Ghost' - "Of the 100+ speakers The Centre for Global Education host every year, Greg Hunter is among the best." - Terry Godwalt, director. “Besides the human gyroscope ride, your seminar was the most fun I had at the Convention.” Dr. Tom Angelakis, Office of the Superintendent, CBE. “What I particularly enjoyed was that this session not only described history but explained it. It made sense out of what I already knew and what I learned”; “, “It was a great talk but I think I’ll feel the bruises for quite awhile” reviewers Calgary Teachers Convention. “This is my first year teaching Social Studies, I didn’t know about these things? Do others?”; “I appreciated how effectively Greg Hunter used the Socratic method.” GETCA participants.

Lauren Hutchison is the Regional Coordinator with BOKS for Western Canada. She is passionate about the transformative power of sport and play, and pursued degrees in Sociology of Sport in both Eastern Canada and Cardiff, Wales. Lauren is a yoga instructor and practitioner, BOKS trainer, and member of the Calgary Canadian Women’s Foundation Committee. In her free time, Lauren can be found exploring the Calgary food scene, cooking for friends and family, and gathering people around her table to test her culinary creations.

 

Gael’s love of math began as a young child when she would be presented with a problem at bedtime, i.e., if you have A, B, and C, how many combinations can you make? After graduating with a B. Com. in ’89 she travelled the world for the next 20 years, ending up in Taiwan where she taught for 12 years. In 2011, she went for her B. Ed. at the University of Calgary to become a ‘real’ teacher. Gael then shared her love for math with students in elementary classrooms using JUMP Math resources. Gael is delighted to now be a member of the JUMP Math Outreach team in Alberta, helping teachers learn how effective and uncomplicated JUMP Math is to implement in the classroom.

Deb Kobza is creator, presenter and educator of her unique teaching method for Canadian history. Deb's passion is for making things easy to learn, and teaching with a dramatic flair, but her careers have been in Microbiology and Professional Photography.

 

Roni Kraut is a chartered professional accountant, family physician, medical researcher, and passionate about elementary math education. She has taught accounting at the college and university level, has a certificate in adult education and has done sessions at NCTCA and CCTCA. She currently has a family medicine practice in Edmonton. Her interest in math education was spurred when using resources developed by her mother, Celia Baron, with her three children. Since then her interest has grown exponentially, and she is now leading the development of these resources

Jill Langer is a facilitator, trainer, and learning experience designer. She has over 15 years of experience, planning, designing, and facilitating learning for adults to help organizations and individuals reconnect with their curiosity, creativity, and innovation skills to solve problems. She is a co-founder of a start-up education foundation in Calgary, Canada called InceptionU. Jill has a business degree from the University of Calgary, a certificate in Adult Learning with a specialization in Workplace Learning and is a certified trainer for the bikablo® global trainer team.

Leon is a full-time high school science teacher. He recently became certified as a yoga teacher as well. He is an active member of the ATA at the Provincial, Local, and Science Special Council levels.

 

Wendy Legaarden worked as a classroom teacher, administrator, and literacy consultant in Edmonton. Her consulting work has taken her as far north as Northwest Territories and Nunavut. Wendy believes that a balanced approach to literacy instruction is the best way to offer a full range of experiences that will address students’ literacy learning needs. She currently works with school districts to support teachers in addressing the diverse learning needs in today’s classrooms. Her in-depth experience and passion for literacy are evident in her work as a literacy consultant. Wendy is proud to be a part of the writing team for Scholastic Education’s resource Literacy Place for the Early Years, K-3. – done 6/15

Dr. Brent Macdonald is a registered psychologist in Alberta, PEI, Nova Scotia, and the Northwest Territories, and is a certified teacher with over 25 years’ experience working with individuals with a variety of complex learning differences. He has taught at the junior and senior high level and was the assistant principal at an independent school for students with learning disabilities. He is a sessional instructor in the Departments of Psychology, Continuing Education, and Community, Health & Education at Mount Royal University. He is also an adjunct assistant professor with the Werklund School of Education at the University of Calgary.

Brent is a frequent guest on CBC Radio, Global Calgary Morning and Global Newshour, Breakfast Television, and CTV2’s Alberta Primetime. He is currently the lead psychologist with his own practice, Macdonald Psychology Group (complexlearners.com), which in addition to providing counselling and assessment services, also provides consultation services to educators and parents.

Charlene MacKenzie is a Calgary-based teacher and supporter of teachers. Her lengthy career included more than 25 years in public education, where she taught mainly secondary mathematics, and added roles as math lead and teacher team lead. Charlene spent many years mining the research to find a way to narrow the achievement gap for learners, and especially how to reach the most vulnerable, who she believed were equally capable of making sense of and enjoying math. Her search was rewarded when she discovered JUMP Math, a charitable organization dedicated to improving math teaching and learning. Thus in recent years, Charlene has devoted her time to a new role with JUMP Math, where she continues to advocate for teachers. Charlene is also JUMP Math’s consultant to Math Minds, a collaboration and research project led by a Werklund School of Education team at the University of Calgary.

Ryan is currently a Learning Leader at Sir John A MacDonald School in Calgary and a former Math Strategist with the Calgary Board of Education. In his current role, he collaborates with teachers, and administrators, to promote mathematics excellence for Alberta’s students through high impact practices and the development and application of conceptual understanding. His current research interests include spaced practice, how language affects conceptual understanding and exploring assessment through Depth of Knowledge.

Dr. Sheryl MacMath teaches courses in planning, assessment, classroom management, math methods, and social studies methods in the University of the Fraser Valley’s (UFV) Teacher Education Department. She is involved with the mentoring of teacher candidates during their practica, as well as leading professional development workshops for practicing teachers ensuring strong connections with school districts. Before coming to UFV, Sheryl worked as an elementary school teacher in school districts #48 and #53, as well as a sessional lecturer for the University of Victoria. Sheryl’s scholarship interests include curriculum integration, planning through assessment, effective rubric development, developing conceptual understanding in mathematics, critical thinking in social studies, Indigenizing curriculum and classrooms, and curriculum mapping in teacher education.

 

As the creator of Courageous Self-Care, Christina is passionate about helping stressed out teachers learn to lead their students, families and themselves from a place of wholeness, overflowing energy and deep self-respect. She excels at helping overwhelmed leaders revitalize their energy from the inside out so that they can be productive and peaceful at the same time.

Christina is a certified Embodiment Coach, Happy for No Reason Trainer, Energy Codes Facilitator and BEST (Bio-Energetic Synchronization Technique) Practitioner who helps you take inspired action so that you can have epic relationships, vibrant health and so much energy that people will ask you what you’ve been doing differently.

Jennifer Mason is a Children’s Librarian at the Central Library with a fondness for picture books and puppetry. An interest in yoga and meditation inspired her to share Good Night Yoga by Mariam Gates in a storytime. As she demonstrated tabletop pose (on hands and knees), the kids initiated a crawling parade under her. One of the greatest delights of being a children’s librarian is seeing the creative ways kids find to play!

AJ Matsune is a Recreation Program Coordinator at Calgary Recreation, City of Calgary with a focus on active foundations and play. She loves playing outdoors and promotes explorative play by supporting YYC Plays to build Calgary a city of play and programs like the Mobile Adventure Playground.

As teacher with the Calgary Board of Education for 13 years, Shannon is an experienced elementary music teacher with a passion for Mental Health in children and adolescents. Using her background as a performer, teacher, and researcher, Shannon hopes to support music educators in their daily work with students who have mental health challenges.

Barbara McMillan has been a librarian with Calgary Public Library since 1987, with a focus on services for children and families. An avid reader, she has children in their late teens, each with very different reading tastes. She passionately believes that children need to read the books they choose to become readers – a philosophy is best encapsulated by this quotation: “Captain Underpants and the Perilous Plot of Professor Poopypants is not the problem. Not reading is the problem.” (Ellen Hurst Burns, Why Can’t My Son Read? p. 14)

Martina Metz taught for 15 years (Grades 4-9) before leaving the classroom to complete a Ph.D. in Math Education (U. Alberta, 2012) and to embark on the adventure of parenting. Since graduating, she has been part of the Math Minds research team at the Werklund School of Education (U. Calgary). As a teacher, she enjoyed helping students find the sense in mathematical ideas that she had experienced in largely procedural ways in her own K-12 experience. Through her work with Math Minds, she is excited to be learning about and developing approaches that simultaneously make mathematics more accessible and easier to integrate and extend into increasingly powerful networks of understanding.

Natasha Millan is a Foods and Nutrition teacher at Father Mercredi High School in Fort McMurray, Alberta. She has been teaching Foods and Nutrition since 2010 and teaches grades 7 through 12 to a wide variety of learners. She holds her Bachelors of Education and a Graduate Diploma in Home Ec. Education from the University of British Colombia.

A retired teacher, Maria has been running MD Millar Publishing, her own Calgary publishing and editing company, since 2013. An experienced facilitator and presenter, she provided PD sessions to professional associations and other businesses in Calgary and Alberta. She is a published author in the fields of ESL and literacy and a self-published young adult fantasy writer.

Heather Nail has been an Orff Music Specialist for the Calgary Board of Education for 20 years. She holds Orff level three certification, and has a Master of Education degree, specializing in Elementary Music. Heather teaches the choral component of the Calgary Orff Chapter summer levels course, and in 2010 she was a semi-finalist in the Alberta Excellence in Teaching awards. She presents regularly at music conferences in Alberta, and in her spare time, Heather conducts the Westside Junior Concert Choir and is the mother of two busy, musical daughters.

Emily Neuheimer is a Calgary-based teacher of Physics, Astronomy, Science, and Yoga.

Keith O’Rourke is a well known musician, clinician and private saxophone teacher here in Calgary. Since finishing his BMus in 1997, Keith has travelled the world playing and teaching. His most recent career highlights include his latest album “Baritone Madness” sitting at #1 on the Canadian Jazz charts for three consecutive months in 2019 as well as performances at the Montreal and Ottawa International jazz festivals. Since the shutdown of many venues, Keith is busy writing new music for an upcoming trio project as well as hosting a weekly Saturday morning jazz improvisation class on Zoom. He enjoys passing on his knowledge and fostering a love of music to the next generation of players. https://www.keithorourke.ca/

As a mental health therapist for CUPS Calgary, it is Vicki Park's mission to see all people empowered and treated with dignity. Her introduction to Brain Science and her subsequent passion for trauma-informed care began in her previous role as an educator in the public school system and she now carries this passion into her daily work, as well as into her advocacy role as founder and former Co-Chair of the TIC Collective.

Daren Patterson has over 30 years of teaching experience with the Calgary Board of Education. Daren was a Literacy Program teacher responsible for working with teachers in the area of balanced literacy program development for grades K to 6.

Daren is part of the writing team for Scholastic Education’s Literacy Place for the Early Years (K-3) and Moving Up with Literacy Place, 4-6.

Robyn Paul is a third-year PhD candidate at the Schulich School of Engineering at the University of Calgary. Her work is looking at using best practices from ecofeminism to deconstruct the culture of engineering education and bring awareness to engineering’s hidden curriculum. Robyn also has a master’s degree in engineering education where she studied engineering leadership education. She workds on other projects, including integrating mental wellness modules into first-year engineering classes, and supporting teamwork and learning communities in engineering classes.

Sara Peden (B.Ed., M.Ed., R.Psych.) is a member of the Ontario College of Teachers and a Registered Psychologist with the College of Alberta Psychologists. She practiced as a school psychologist in both rural and urban Alberta school jurisdictions for well over 20 years before entering private practice. Her current practice is focussed entirely on reading/foundational literacy. She provides detailed diagnostic assessments and provides direct intervention for students who struggle with reading, especially those with dyslexia.

Vicki has been a member of the Kananaskis Country Environmental Education team for 11 years. As co-coordinator of the formal education programs, she brings experience in developing, delivering, and evaluating environmental education programs. Prior to holding this position, Vicki worked as an interpreter with Parks Canada, as a classroom teacher, and as a community outreach specialist with the Wildlife Conservation Society in Kamchatka Russia. She is passionate about celebrating and sharing her passion for nature and its mysteries with students of all ages.

 

Anita Perlau has enjoyed a varied career as an elementary music specialist, choral conductor, university lecturer and workshop clinician. Anita has advanced certificates in both the Kodály and Orff philosophies, a Master of Education (music education) and studied at the Kodály Institute in Kesckemet, Hungary. In addition to teaching early childhood music classes at Mt Royal  Conservatory, Anita is a conductor of West Winds and One Accord community choirs, and a sessional instructor at the University of Alberta. Anita is founder of Joyful Kids Music offering online early childhood music classes for infants to grade 2. Detailed handouts are provided for session attendees. Please have these onhand during our time together.

 

Jenny Peters is the Education Associate at Arts Commons. She manages programming for onsite field trips including National Geographic Live! student shows, arts-immersive field trips, the ConocoPhillop Hub for Inspired Learning in partnership with Campus Calgary, and various Teacher Professional Development programs. She also designs and manages custom school Artist-in-Residency programs in the visual and peforming arts. She is a theatre and dance practitioner with a specialization in Theatre-for-Young-Audiences and arts for the early years (children 0-6).

Arts Commons Education is proud to host workshops for Calgary Teachers Convention. Arts Commons creates memorable educational opportunities through multi-disciplinary school programs that support over 12,000 students, teachers, and education professionals each year. https://artscommons.ca/learn-engage/school-programs/

Christina Pickles has been an environmental educator for 20 years connecting people of all ages to the natural world. Six years ago, she pivoted her work, putting outdoor play at the centre. She believes play is the best way children (and adults) connect with nature, their communities, their bodies and each other.

Donna Prato taught with Edmonton Public Schools for more than 30 years before retiring from teaching to join JUMP Math team aa the regional Outreach Manager for Edmonton and Northern Alberta. She taught Junior High for all of her career, beginning in Home Economics and Language Arts, before moving into teaching Mathematics. She was also a Curriculum Coordinator, Counsellor and Assistant Principal and has a Diploma in Secondary Math. Donna loves the way JUMP Math structures lessons to ensure students are able to learn, and be excited by Math.

Owner/Operator NRG Fitness

Head Trainer/Part Owner F45 Training Franchise

Head Strength and Conditioning Coach Airdrie Martial Arts Centre

Fitness Instructor - City of Airdrie

Pro Trainer - Canfitpro

Jennifer is a well-rounded creator with a diverse set of skills and a passion for telling stories in surprising ways. A Poet, Playwright, Performer, Clown, Mover, Instructor, Aesthetic Educator, Student and Lover of life who continues to perform, train and create numerous projects. Having graduated from the U of C with a BFA in Theatre in 2002, her gravitational pull leads her ever onward toward the art of communication. This fascination with human connections is what drives her storytelling and she continues to approach her craft with great intensity, curiosity and openness. Jennifer currently works with Education at Arts Commons, in the ConocoPhillips Hub for Inspired Learning program (a partner of Campus Calgary) and leads a number of professional development workshops throughout the year. Prior this, she has been a Freelance Artist with 20 years of experience working in arts based learning, including with Learning Through the Arts (LTTA) on a prototype project to facilitate bringing artistic influence into the design of curriculum.

Barry Ronellenfitch is a Professional Engineer who has been meditating since 1975 and has over 1,000 hours of formal training on meditation. During that time, he raised a family, owned and ran a manufacturing business, and worked to maintain a sense of peace, balance and joy while surfing the wave of chaos that we all experience in our daily lives. He has provided presentations on meditation/mindfulness to public groups, corporations and industry associations.

Breanna has always had a fascination with nature. From a young age, she would obsess over wildlife shows and played outside with butterflies and bugs – to this day, not much has changed! This curiosity and passion for the environment inspired her to pursue a Bachelor of Science, with a major in Ecology. Outside of work, she spends her time kickboxing, hiking, reading, or volunteering with the Calgary Wildlife Rehabilitation Society.

Teacher, Teacherpreneur, Design thinker, Maker, inspires learners, enthusiastic videographer, robotics enthusiast, Deutsch, Chocoholic & love sparkling water!

Dr. Megan Sénéchal is a Curriculum Consultant with Edmonton Public School Board in Edmonton, Alberta. Her  research interests revolve around language education, Universal Design for Learning, and change management.

Hilary Sirman, B.A.(Hons.)/B.Ed, MPA

Hilary Sirman is the Education Director at the Centre for Suicide Prevention.

She holds Bachelor of Education and Master of Public Administration (MPA) degrees from Queen’s University, as well as Marketing and Human Resources certificates from Queen’s Smith School of Business.

Hilary joined the Centre in 2013 and has over 18 years’ experience across a variety of corporate and non-profit sectors including Health, Government, Education, Airline, Mining and Pharmaceuticals.

As Lead of the "Training Teachers to Respond to Risk" project, Hilary combines her professional and personal passions for education, youth, and mental health all in one. Hilary will present an overview of this project, as well as offer access to all child & youth suicide prevention resources that the Centre produces for educators across Alberta.

David Snider MFA, BA: For over 14 years, David has been an acting instructor for Rosebud School of the Arts, and an actor, director and sound designer for Rosebud Theatre. His focus is on approaches to performance that empower students of all ages and backgrounds to find freedom and joy in being seen and heard. Favourite roles include: Mr. Tumnus in The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe, Toad in A Wind in the Willows, Mr. Frank in The Diary of Anne Frank, Jesus in Godspell, Don Quixote in Man of La Mancha and Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof.

Stephanie Southgate is a certified teacher and worked as an elementary teacher in the UK. Since moving to Calgary, Stephanie has worked as an environmental educator with the Calgary Zoo and the City of Calgary’s Waste and Recycling team, and more recently managed the Youth Wavemakers environmental education program with CAWST. She has also worked with the Alberta Council for Environmental Education to campaign for more environmental topics to be included in the Alberta curriculum. Stephanie is currently studying for MSc Outdoor, Environmental and Sustainability Education through the University of Edinburgh, as well as working as an Environmental Education Specialist with Green Calgary.

Kelly Stinn, BA, MLIS is a Librarian with the Calgary Public Library. For the last seven years she has predominately worked with newcomer families and vulnerable populations. Kelly is dedicated to offering exceptional and non-judgmental Reader’s Advisory to all ages and strives to get the right book to the right reader at the right time. She holds a Master of Library and Information Studies from the University of Alberta and believes there is always time for books about teenage girl assassins and Batman.

Wellness Educator Joyce Sunada has over 30 years experience as an educator. During that time she was a teacher, an administrator, university instructor and provincial leader, who helped create and support healthy school communicates.

Joyce was also the recipient of the “Health Promoting Schools Champion” award from the national Physical & Health Education organization, (PHE Canada). And she is a former a sessional instructor with the Werklund School of Education at the University of Calgary.

During covid quarantine, Joyce stepped away from presenting workshops for a few months to identify what was truly important to her. This allowed her to established sustainable lifestyle practices so she can better walk her talk and support others.

The one piece of advice Joyce wants all educators to know is, “If you don’t take time for your wellness, you will be forced to take time for your illness.”

Allison is an elementary music teacher (K-5) in the Peel District School Board in Mississauga, Ontario. She is passionate about teaching music using the Orff Approach. Her Orff groups perform regularly including at the National Orff Conference. Allison is a yogi and currently teaches at Power Yoga Canada and she is a Baptiste Certified Yoga Instructor. She started incorporating yoga and mindbody practices in her music classes and realized how this connection can be applied to the Orff way. Allison is thrilled to share her passions of yoga at Calgary City.

Chelsey has been an educator for the past 13 years. She has taught across all divisions in a variety of settings, including in a face-to-face classroom, online, and in a homeschooling shared responsibility program. She has a passion for unique education settings and exploring alternative ways of teaching.

Elizabeth runs the communications and marketing programs for the ATA Voluntary Benefits Program.  This includes designing and developing all the communication materials for the program, helping teachers and their families to understand the options available to them – like the ATA Group RRSP, TFSA, RESP, Life Insurance and Critical Illness insurance programs.  She works with School Boards, ATA Locals and the Alberta Teachers’ Association to help to spread the word. 

Elizabeth is a graphic designer by training and has since undertaken extensive professional development in digital communication, social media, and content development.

In addition, she coordinates the educational events offered by Capital, including popular Financial Wellness Sessions offered through ATA locals across the Province, and Retirement Seminars for teachers looking at their post-teaching life.

With a love for gardening and running - Elizabeth is either out in the garden or ultra-running to complete her goal to “run across the Prairies” (virtually) this Spring.

Please contact Elizabeth if you would like materials to share with colleagues; would like to plan a Financial Wellness session with your local or would like more information on the ATA Voluntary Benefits Program.

Kristina Wasyleczko is a science and math teacher at Chestermere High School.

Carrie Watson is the founder and primary facilitator at Whispering Equine. As a former high school teacher, Carrie worked with a variety of students . It was during this time that she witnessed the struggles in the lives of her students and staff members, which is what ultimately led her to pursue a new career in Equine Facilitated Wellness. When creating Whispering Equine, Carrie was determined to provide youth and adults with an equine guided experience, to help bring awareness to aspects of them self that may need nurturing and ultimately help lead them to discover their true potential in life. Carrie uses horse behavior and herd dynamics of horses as an effective model for building upon and developing inner courage, respectful leadership and clear communication skills. Her passion is to empower people of any age, to live from their heart by developing a positive horse-human relationship and connection.

Margaret is a registered nurse working part-time at the Alberta Children’s Hospital and has her degree in nursing from the U. of Manitoba, with 36 years of working in her profession. Margaret was a victim of crime and she brings years of research from bibliotherapy for her own healing. Margaret teaches on brain functioning, the impact of PTSD on the brain & body and how to assist a victim of crime. Her teaching a includes trauma training and resiliency training for compassion fatigue and burnout.. Margaret’s has a heart for those whose who are struggling to make sense of their world and a passion to see many find wholeness and healing from the brokenness of their lives. She has a heart to bring hope to those who feel there is none and like her discover beauty in this world. Margaret teaches alongside Mia Klassen in a volunteer position not connected with AHS.

Email: margieruth70@gmail.com or cell: 403-617-2080

For Mia Klassen:    klassenmia4@gmail.com or cell:  403-827-9206

 

Jason Zackowski (Zedscience) is a science/chemistry teacher with LTCHS and currently the curriculum leader for Science there. He has done “Extreme-Science” videos with 106.7 the Drive, a radio station, and currently delivers high octane Science Assemblies to Central Alberta Schools. He is the host of "The Science Pawdcast", a podcast that mixes dogs, science and fun, and the dog dad of the Twitter Famous Bunsen Berner- A Bernese Mountain Dog!

 

This session is part of the Arts Commons Symposium.

Using principles around aesthetic education, the arts lens is a tool for exploring students curiosities. It is that spark of curiosity that creates endless opportunities for engaging students with all aspects of curriculum in core subjects such as math, science and the humanities. From students small to tall in person or for virtual platforms

Led by Brian Batista, a Calgary-based artist, animator and instructor, this session will explore the powerful features that After Effects provides to create entertaining and professional-looking animation. This will be a fast-paced, hands-on session designed to introduce you to new creative options with the potential to enhance your own presentations along with your students’ work. Programs like After Effects put the power to animate in your students’ hands. From animated life-cycles to infographics, mathematical patterns and creative expression, access to After Effects can help bring your units to life, while giving students direct experience with the same software used by industry professionals. This is a hands-on session intended for teachers who have little to no experience with Adobe After Effects.

Led by Brian Batista, a Calgary-based artist, animator and instructor, this session will explore the powerful features that After Effects provides to create entertaining and professional-looking animation. This will be a fast-paced, hands-on session designed to introduce you to new creative options with the potential to enhance your own presentations along with your students’ work. Programs like After Effects put the power to animate in your students’ hands. From animated life-cycles to infographics, mathematical patterns and creative expression, access to After Effects can help bring your units to life, while giving students direct experience with the same software used by industry professionals. This is a hands-on session intended for teachers who have little to no experience with Adobe After Effects.

All Hands on Deck - we never play with a full deck and you don't need to either! Cards are one of the easiest to use and easiest to differentiate math manipulatives, a student favorites and are easy to find and use in our math program. Come prepared to play our favorite cards games that help teach the following math concepts: review of basic facts, mixed operations, multi-digit operations and place value including decimals. The games can be used in work stations, whole class and they can also be sent home for practice. If you are still teaching virtually the ideas are easy to segway into your lessons. Gameboards, student samples, journal writing extensions will be shared throughout. Ideas for differentiating the activities will be shown. IF THIS SESSION GOES VIRTUAL ALL PARTICIPANTS WILL NEED TO HAVE A DECK OF CARDS, A PAIR OF REGULAR DICE AND A COPY OF THE PDF HANDOUT.

A comprehensive workshop tailored for teaching professionals to increase skills to positively support students struggling with anxiety. We will share proven, evidence-based, step-by-step approaches and concepts. Attendees will learn fundamental ways to develop strong, confident, problem-solvers who can handle ongoing challenges of personal development.

Malicounda invite les enseignants(es) à participer à un atelier virtuel musical et rythmique unique. Au moyen d'instruments maison : seau, bâtons, bols en plastique, bocaux / sacs de riz ou de haricots, cuillères ou votre propre tambour, cette session fournit aux enseignants(es) les outils nécessaires pour animer un cercle de percussion en utilisant une méthode d’improvisation novatrice créée il y a plus de 25 ans. 

Ce cours est conçu pour un environnement d'apprentissage à distance et permet aux enseignants de participer à des activités rythmiques, de percussion corporelle, de chanson en quatre langues (français, espagnol, anglais et dialectes) et de danse traditionnelle. 

Les enseignants(es) quittent cet atelier avec une riche expérience culturelle, des techniques de facilitation et du matériel pédagogique adapté à chaque groupe d'âge.

The presentation will include information on beneficiaries, pensionable service and salaries, calculating your pension, your pension options and steps to retirement. You are encouraged to bring your most recent Annual Statement. I will follow up on the date and time on or before December 7.

Humans are visual creatures. Hieroglyphs and other visual depictions are the oldest forms of communication. In this half-day workshop, teachers will be introduced to the bikablo technique, which is a simple, structured way of drawing and visualizing information. Participants will learn the foundations of this technique through a series of demonstrations and hands-on exercises and then design a learning artifact they can incorporate into their teaching in the classroom.

Come prepared to play games that use double-six standard dominoes that teach the following concepts: all operations including multi-digit work, place value including decimals, fractions, graphing and probability, problem solving, patterns and mental math strategies. This manipulative is easy to integrate into your math program, use whole class, small group/centers and if you are still teaching virtually, works perfect for at home practice. This workshop will show you the powerful math connections that can be made with domino games. You will receive gameboards, ideas for management and assessment. Games are easily transferable to at home, family math nights, and in person settings. NOTE: IF THIS WORSKHOP GOES VIRTUAL PARTICIPANTS NEED TO HAVE ON HAND A SET OF DOUBLE-SIX DOMINOES AND A COPY OF THE PDF.

PRE-RECORDED VIDEOS WILL BE AVAILABLE STARTING ON FEBRUARY 9 AT 11:59 PM UNTIL MARCH 15, 2021.

Exploring the process of building a large form project that spans variable lesson durations. Taking into consideration different ways to deploy information and instruction that helps create both engagement and application with a capstone goal that showcases new skills.

This session is part of the Arts Commons Symposium.

A toolkit of drama games and activities to help focus your students through movement, inspire creativity, build positive relationships with classmates and develop new perspectives. Learn how to build principles into making plays with students in the classroom. We'll adapt for virtual environment but also talk about the games when this time of social distancing is over.

THIS IS A PRE-RECORDED, SCHEDULED SESSION. This is the ONLY time the session will be available during convention. The speaker is scheduled to answer questions you may have during viewing via ‘session chat’ and ‘Q&A’.

This session is for K - 7 teachers looking for ways to assess their students when teaching remotely. Strategies for ELA, math, social studies, and science will be prioritized. Easy to use apps and programs will be included along with additional resources.

The 2020 school year has definitely been one that will be remembered for a very long time. Many will think about the disruption, the challenges as well as the constant change experienced by educators across the globe. Stress levels, anxiety and uncertainty sky rocketed, mental illness rose and conversations about the importance of educators’ wellness were top of mind. 

Perhaps we needed a global pandemic to put things into perspective and honour what we know to be true, “If you don’t take time for your wellness, you will be forced to take time for your illness.” 

Join Wellness Educator Joyce Sunada as she has you experience 6 wellness practices you can implement NOW to improve your well-being. After all, your life depends on it. As a result of attending this session you will come away empowered, hopeful and prepared to focus on your wellness.

PRE-RECORDED VIDEOS WILL BE AVAILABLE STARTING ON FEBRUARY 9 AT 11:59 PM UNTIL MARCH 15, 2021.

This session is part of the Arts Commons Symposium.

You may that know yellow and blue makes green, red and yellow makes orange... but beyond that things get a bit muddy? This workshop may be for you! By exploring how colours interact, you can learn to mix dynamic and sophisticated colour beyond the basics. Jenny will demonstrate some of the differences between student-grade and professional-quality acrylics, and lead you through colour mixing exercises you can do at home with almost any type of paint: acrylics, watercolours, gouache, even oil paints. The knowledge you gain through this workshop will be most directly applicable with students in the Grades 6-7 and higher, although some younger students may also benefit. To get the most out of this video, please see the recommended supply list.

PRE-RECORDED VIDEOS WILL BE AVAILABLE STARTING ON FEBRUARY 9 AT 11:59 PM UNTIL MARCH 15, 2021.

In this talk, teachers will learn how high-performing nations like Singapore turned key pedagogical research and learning theories into a successful, world-class system of mathematics education. Discover how it promotes classroom engagement and attainment, as well as the essential mastery techniques that underpin effective lesson structure, classroom practice and student assessment. Leave with a new perspective on the role content, collaborative learning and individual practice plays in establishing deep conceptual understanding in all learners.

All Keynote sessions will be recorded. The recordings will not be available before February 18, as they must be edited before posting. The Keynote recordings will be available until March 15, 2021.

Carol Ann Tomlinson, EdD, is a faculty member at the University of Virginia Curry School of Education. She is a William Clay Parrish Jr. professor and chair of educational leadership, foundations, and policy. Dr. Tomlinson codirects the university’s Institutes on Academic Diversity. She was named Outstanding Professor in the Curry School of Education in 2004 and received an All University Teaching Award in 2008. As a consultant, trainer, and presenter, Dr. Tomlinson works throughout the United States and abroad with teachers to develop more responsive, heterogeneous classrooms. Her education experience includes 21 years as a public school teacher and 12 years as a program administrator of special services for struggling and advanced learners. Dr. Tomlinson has been recognized by the state of Virginia as Teacher of the Year. She has focused on a number of critical issues throughout her career, including curriculum and instruction for struggling and advanced learners, effective instruction in heterogeneous settings, and encouraging creative and critical thinking in the classroom.

Dr. Tomlinson is a reviewer for eight journals and author of more than 200 articles, book chapters, books, and professional development materials. Her books on differentiation have been translated into 12 languages.

She has a bachelor’s degree from the University of South Carolina and a master’s degree and doctor of education degree from the University of Virginia. Dr. Tomlinson’s presentation is a Keynote Presentation in conjunction with Mount Royal University’s Inclusive Education Symposium.

All Keynote sessions will be recorded. The recordings will not be available before February 18, as they must be edited before posting. The Keynote recordings will be available until March 15, 2021.

Sixty years ago, Jane Goodall first set foot on the shores of what is today Tanzania’s Gombe National Park to begin her pioneering study of chimpanzee behaviour. For six decades, her research has transformed scientific perceptions about the relationship between humans and animals. And now her mission has evolved and grown into a quest to inspire, empower and motivate others to make the world a better place. Founder of the Jane Goodall Institute and United Nations Messenger of Peace: Dr. Jane Goodall.

PRE-RECORDED VIDEOS WILL BE AVAILABLE STARTING ON FEBRUARY 9 AT 11:59 PM UNTIL MARCH 15, 2021.

With the hiatus of professional performance and a pivot to online content, explore the possibilities of online content with Timepoint Ensemble’s Artistic Director Mathew James. The session will focus on ways to create content that goes beyond a live-stream. Timepoint has always been a community first ensemble so come explore the ways Timepoint has continued to pursue community online during recent times.

Who knew there was so much inside dollar store pill containers filled with dice? Come play a wide variety of math shaker games and activities that help you teach the following concepts: all operations, place value including decimals, fractions, mixed operations and balanced equations, probability, stats and more. This manipulative has proven to be the most popular for both students and teachers. The math shake break allows students to move, incorporate all learning channels and practice in an engaging way. The ideas are easy to differentiate and are easy to implement in small group/centers, or whole class. They are easy to modify and use in a virtual home setting if you are still having to teach this way next school year. Music list, gameboards and student samples will be shared. Come prepared to shake, dance and do the math! NOTE: IF THIS SESSION GOES VIRTUAL PARTICIPANTS WILL NEED TO HAVE ON HAND 7 REGULAR DICE AND A COPY OF THE PDF HANDOUT.

When it comes to dealing with stress, one size does not fit all. If you are wanting to explore new ways to cope during these unprecedented times, join us to learn about acupressure. It is a practice that has been around for over 5000 years that, for some, is a highly effective (and easy) way to help feel calmer during times of stress. 

Participants will explore: 

• What is “stress” for you? 

• Understanding the biological & neurological impacts of stress 

• How your stress affects the decisions you make and your workplace and emotional resiliency 

• What is acupressure? 

• 7 Stress Releasing Acupressure Points.

Come prepared to play games that incorporate the use of cards and dice that teach the following K - early Grade 1 concepts: counting, comparing #'s, early addition and subtraction concepts including make 10, count on and back, numbers to 20 and 100, odd and even. Participants will learn how to create differentiated and engaging math centers, start journals, and how to use student work for assessment. Greatfor special ed primary teachers as well. The ideas and games Jane will teach will transfer to virtual instruction if are still teaching this way in the new school year. NOTE: IF THIS WORKSHOP GOES VIRTUAL PARTICIPANTS SHOULD HAVE A DECK OF CARDS, A RULER, SPOTTED REGULAR DICE AND A COPY OF THE PDF HANDOUT.

Come prepared to play hands-on literacy games that are perfect for centers, whole class instruction, or your virtual teaching if still in place in the new year. Games use literacy dice, letter tiles and word decks and help teach the following concepts: learning the alphabet and its' sounds, rhyme and word families, vocabulary development, spelling simple CVC and multi-syllable words. Participants will receive gameboards, see student samples and ideas for journals and assessment. the activities are great for regular, ESL, special and upper elementary resource teachers.

Number lines and place value dice are easy to find, versatile and great for teaching many concepts at the primary level. Come prepared to play games and learn strategies for the following concepts: using benchmark 10 and 100's on a number line, reading, ordering and comparing numbers to 100 1000, adding and subtracting multiples of 10, 100, patterns, estimation, mental math, early rounding concepts and more. Gameboards provided, student work, journal writing extensions will be shared as well as ideas for differentiating the games will be taught so you can meet the needs of all learners. NOTE: IF THIS WORKSHOP IS PRESENTED VIRTUALLY PLEASE HAVE ON HAND PLAYING CARDS, REGULAR SPOTTED DICE, AND IF YOU HAVE ANY, PLACE VALUE 0 - 9 DICE., A COPY OF THE PDF HANDOUT

Come play with Jane's favorite manipulative - a math shaker. This manipulative has proven to be the most popular with students and teachers alike. The math shake break activities incorporate all learning channels, allow students to move and learning in your daily math programs and throughout the day. The activities are easy to differentiate and use either whole class, small group or oin centers. GREAT NEWS - the ideas can easily be done in a virtual setting if you are teaching this way still. Concepts covered: subitizing, patterns, operational fluency strategies doubles, doubles + 1, make 10, commutative and associative properties, place value, early multiplication. Shake break music list and lots of practical, engaging activities will be shared. NOTE: IF THIS WORKSHOP GOES VIRTUAL PLEASE HAVE 7 REGULAR DICE ON HAND AND A COPY OF THE PDF HANDOUT.

Rediscover your inner resource of calm, creative energy! Learn how regular meditation & mindfulness can bring clarity of mind, joy to your heart and connection in your relationships. Over 50 years of research demonstrates that meditation & mindfulness releases stress, improves health and increases well-being. In this session you will learn basic yet effective meditation and mindfulness techniques. Through direct experience and discussion, you will understand how to meditate, how mindfulness works and how it can benefit your personal and professional life. Nourish yourself and your teaching practice by increasing your effectiveness and strengthening your sense of joyful purpose!

We’ve heard it a million times “Just a take a deep breath” … as annoying as it is to hear, it is still good advice. Let’s dive into the science behind it, explore how it really works and how it can help you cope during these unprecedented times both at work and home. 

Participants will explore: 

•  What is “stress” for you? 

• Understanding the biological & neurological impacts of stress 

• How your stress affects the decisions you make and your workplace and emotional resiliency 

• 4 Stress Busting Breathing Techniques

Who knew regular dice could be used to teach so many areas of the math curriculum? The games taught in this workshop are both our favorites and our students' favorites. The games are easy to differentiate use whole class, small group/centers, and if you are still working virtually adaptable to home settings. Games will focus on the following concepts: addition ad subtraction, early multiplication, place value, graphing and problem solving. Learn ways to engage and motivate your primary students with some of Jane's all time favorite games that allow for meaningful and engaging fact fluency practice. Gameboards provided. NOTE: IF THIS WORKSHOP GOES VIRTUAL PARTICIPANTS WILL LEARN HOW TO DO OUR DICE TRAY GAMES USING 7 REGULAR DICE - BRING REGULAR DICE AND A COPY OF THE PDF FOR THE WORKSHOP.

THIS IS A PRE-RECORDED, SCHEDULED SESSION. This is the ONLY time the session will be available during convention. The speaker is scheduled to answer questions you may have during viewing via ‘session chat’ and ‘Q&A’.

During this session, we will explore the many different clues that local wildlife species leave behind, and delve into a variety of ways to engage your students in outdoor wildlife-focused science. Through track and scat ID, bird calls and feather patterns, your students will investigate the amazing variety of animals present in their school yards and backyards, and learn more about how they can assist their local wildlife species.

Come prepared to play card games that help your primary students achieve success in basic number sense, operations and place value. This strategy based workshop will provide you with many easy to implement games and strategies to teach operational concepts including doubles, doubles + 1, + 9 and - 9, make 10 and 20, commutative and associative properties, place value and more. Reproducible gameboard, journal writing ideas and extensions, student samples will be shared throughout. Activities are easily adaptable to whole class, small group in class teaching and are also excellent for virtual teaching. All families can find a deck of cards to do these games at home! NOTE: If this session goes to virtual format, all participants need to have on hand a deck of cards and 2 regular dice, and a copy of the PDF handout.

PRE-RECORDED VIDEOS WILL BE AVAILABLE STARTING ON FEBRUARY 9 AT 11:59 PM UNTIL MARCH 15, 2021.

In this talk, teachers will discover the steps and strategies required to develop powerful problem-solving skills in students. Gain insight into why well-developed problem-solving skills are a mainstay of the Maths — No problem! approach, and how they foster resilience and confidence in all students. Learn go-to problem-solving strategies like bar modelling and number bonds as they relate to solving word problems, and how these tools help students develop exploratory, adaptive mindsets. Leave with practical classroom strategies that empower students to think flexibly and tackle tough word problems with confidence.

PRE-RECORDED VIDEOS WILL BE AVAILABLE STARTING ON FEBRUARY 9 AT 11:59 PM UNTIL MARCH 15, 2021.

Using an online unit created to support ELLs, we will look at how to target all four strands of the ESL Benchmarks using various embedded digital platforms for syncronous and asynchronous instruction and assessment. Participants will receive a copy of the exemplar unit.

PRE-RECORDED VIDEOS WILL BE AVAILABLE STARTING ON FEBRUARY 9 AT 11:59 PM UNTIL MARCH 15, 2021.

Gain an understanding of how students can develop both relational fluency and comprehension with fractions. Learn how to introduce fractions in the classroom using the Maths — No Problem! step-by-step progression. Discover core concepts and strategies that help children develop a clear understanding of equal parts and equivalence, and why grasping these concepts is integral for both teachers and students. Leave with a solid understanding of fraction naming and notation, and how teaching fractions in key phases gives students a strong foundation for tackling concepts related to fractions.

Do you find it challenging to routinely enact effective ways to teach math that sufficiently address necessary outcomes without becoming mired in the seemingly meaningless procedures typical of the experiences many of us had as students? In this session, you will be invited to engage in mathematical tasks that start in familiar places, then extend in ways that gradually integrate and expand what came before. You’ll experience tasks that are varied in ways that support emerging understanding as well as press the boundaries of what is known. You will leave with exciting new insights into how mathematics is connected as well as proven strategies for engaging and supporting diverse learners in your own classrooms.

PRE-RECORDED VIDEOS WILL BE AVAILABLE STARTING ON FEBRUARY 9 AT 11:59 PM UNTIL MARCH 15, 2021.

For teachers who want to expand and solidify their understanding of math instruction, this talk goes deep into the techniques and theories behind the math mastery approach to whole number teaching. Examine the principles that support number sense, beginning with a review of core ideas and ending with an overview of all operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication and division) as they relate to whole numbers. Leave with proven practical teaching techniques you can immediately try out in your own classroom.

The professional development session is a fast-paced, interactive and informative overview of adolescent development and the best ways for educators to connect with kids and teens to optimize learning. Employing cutting-edge data from neuroscience, educational research and the psychology of communication, the specific areas addressed are the impact of brain development and hormonal changes on adolescent behavior, memory and academic performance. Attendees will have a chance to practice strategies on how to connect with teenagers, using effective classroom management and de-escalation techniques, all while having some fun.

PRE-RECORDED VIDEOS WILL BE AVAILABLE STARTING ON FEBRUARY 9 AT 11:59 PM UNTIL MARCH 15, 2021.

Personal photography projects can help you to see your own strength and resilience. Join accomplished photographer, Kristy Wolfe, in learning how she uses her camera and personal photography projects to process her family's medical story. Kristy is an advocate of reflecting on experiences and using photo voice in order to heal and build resilience following traumatic events. Throughout the session, you will build a storytelling plan to help you focus in on your purpose and the details you want to document, while simultaneously developing your photography skills.

Click here to view The Lowdown on the Health Benefits of Canola and Pulses

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Calling all elementary Social, Health, and Science Teachers! Do you have what it takes to explain the new Canadian Food Guide, sustainability, and environmental stewardship to your kiddos?

When did you last consider including canola and pulses in your plans to explain Alberta’s geography and varying vegetative regions? Do you struggle to convince kids pulses really are good for them and how to work them into their healthy diet?!? Come explore how both canola and pulses can spice your next class on plant growth, plus other various topics.

Alberta Canola Producers and Alberta Pulse Growers present an interactive session about the significance of these commodities to agriculture and Alberta’s curriculum. Bring your best game face and join us for fun during our session!

PRE-RECORDED VIDEOS WILL BE AVAILABLE STARTING ON FEBRUARY 9 AT 11:59 PM UNTIL MARCH 15, 2021.

Clinton fought the New Cold War under Humanitarian banners. His support of Yeltsin’s election and “shock doctrine” (Neoliberal Economics) facilitated Russian social, economic and military decline. His rejection of peace proposals in the Balkans as described by Gen. L. Mackenzie and Chomsky, led NATO into its first war to contain Russia (Truman Doctrine). Clinton significantly enlarged NATO into the former Warsaw Pact. In moves that hearkened back to Great Power Rivalries in Africa he armed Uganda and the RPF to replace French Influence in Rwanda and Congo as described by Boutros-Ghali. He continued George H W Bush’s war on Iraq (The Carter Doctrine). He continued the subjugation of Haiti (Monroe Doctrine of regional hegemony) with a restricted democracy by reinstalling the leftist Aristide while at the same time supporting right wing politicians and death squads. ”). The Second Thirty Years War flouts the International Laws established at the end of the First, especially the principle of Westphalian sovereignty. A semi-anarchic system where “the strong do what they will” seems set to continue with no Peace of Westphalia in sight. bit.ly/newcoldwarforum

This session describes the New Cold War (NCW) in Great Power Realist terms. The NCW continues US policy signed in 1950 in NSC-68 (Truman Doctrine), i.e. containment of Russia and China and procurement of resources and wealth. After the fall of the Berlin Wall the Panama Invasion set the stage (and perhaps was a rehearsal) for thirty years of war with the US as unrivalled Superpower. Documents show Bush rejected Peace Proposals in favor of the First Gulf War. The coup against Aristide in Haiti was a continuation of the Monroe Doctrine and US Regional Hegemony. Global Hegemony seemed possible. The Second Thirty Years War flouts the International Laws established at the end of the First, especially the principle of Westphalian sovereignty. A semi-anarchic system where “the strong do what they will” seems set to continue with no Peace of Westphalia in sight. bit.ly/newcoldwarforum

Humanitarian rhetoric aside it is not a coincidence that actions and inactions in the New Cold War (NCW) align with Realist Doctrines. Hybrid Warfare against Venezuela, Haiti, Honduras, Bolivia, Brazil and Argentina continued the Monroe Doctrine’s pursuit of Tribute, Subservience and Regional Hegemony. The NCW continued the policy of Containment of Russia with hybrid warfare in Ukraine, and of both Russia and Iran in Syria. The destruction of Libya defeated the economic and geostrategic threat of Pan Africanism (a united and independent Africa acting in its own interest). The NCW’s current fronts include the containment of Russian integration with Europe, Russian and Iranian Petroleum and China’s New Silk Road with its proposed integration of Eurasia and Africa. The US has no peer rivals in its hemisphere but will struggle to prevent the rise of a hegemonic state or coalition in Europe, (Russia and Germany) and in Asia (China). The New Cold War will not be entirely, perhaps even not primarily military; let us hope so at least. The Second Thirty Years War flouts the International Laws established at the end of the First, especially the principle of Westphalian sovereignty. A semi-anarchic system where “the strong do what they will” seems set to continue with no Peace of Westphalia in sight. bit.ly/newcoldwarforum

PRE-RECORDED VIDEOS WILL BE AVAILABLE STARTING ON FEBRUARY 9 AT 11:59 PM UNTIL MARCH 15, 2021.

Transform student learning by purposefully focusing on five key strategies: visuals, use of home language, targetting vocabulary, multiple points of access and differentiating output. This session will focus on highlighting these 5 strategies, designed to increase the English Language Learner's abilty to access curriculum in the classroom and online.

PRE-RECORDED VIDEOS WILL BE AVAILABLE STARTING ON FEBRUARY 9 AT 11:59 PM UNTIL MARCH 15, 2021.

Join an interactive cultural learning experience that will support your understanding of the traditional use and teachings of the Tipi. Join Elder Phillip Campiou, from Treaty 8, as we share in the setting up of a full size tipi. We will share stories of the past and understand how these stories provide insight for us in the present moment. Learn some history of the tipi, both Cree and Blackfoot, and how you can incorporate this learning into your classroom and your daily life.

Malicounda invites teachers to participate in a unique virtual music & rhythm workshop. Using “home-grown” instruments: bucket, sticks, plastic bowls, jars/bags of rice or beans, spoons or your own drum, this session will provide teachers with the necessary tools to facilitate a drum circle using an innovative method created 25 years ago. 

Malicounda presents live drumming, dance, songs in four languages, rhythmic games, stories, and improvisation techniques from around the world. The session rests on a foundation of traditional rhythms to teach ensemble playing. 

This course is designed for the remote learning environment and allows teachers to participate through body percussion, songs, dance, or using home-grown instruments. Workshop participants will leave with tools and ideas to encourage children to explore their sense of rhythm and celebrate community!

PRE-RECORDED VIDEOS WILL BE AVAILABLE STARTING ON FEBRUARY 9 AT 11:59 PM UNTIL MARCH 15, 2021.

Join Allison, certified Baptiste Power Yoga Instructor for a one hour all levels yoga session. This session is an ALL LEVELS class with a slow and flowing pace. New yogis are welcome.