BTC 2024 - Edmonton: Full Schedule

WELCOME TO THE 2024 EDMONTON BEGINNING TEACHERS’ CONFERENCE!

Teachers new to the profession are invited to attend the 2024 Beginning Teachers’ Conference, September 20-21, Fantasyland Hotel, Edmonton. There is no registration fee. Space is limited; apply early.

School principals, school jurisdictions and local associations work together to provide substitute teacher coverage as per the collective agreement to facilitate the attendance of beginning teachers at the conference. Substitute teacher coverage must be organized and approved in advance. Please ensure you meet with your school principal to discuss release time and obtain the appropriate absence code to attend this conference.

Teachers in charter, federal and private schools must be associate members of the Association to be eligible to attend the Beginning Teachers Conference.

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12:30pm MDT

How to Teach ELA When It’s Not Your Specialty (7-9)

Friday September 20, 2024 12:30pm - 1:45pm MDT

Chablis (Room 12)

Get a crash course on English Language Arts and learn how to leverage the curriculum to lean into your specialty strengths. Whether you are trying to find ways to make cross-curricular connections with Social Studies, Science, Math, or Fine Arts in order to support literacy in every class, or if you are a newcomer to ELA just trying to find your bearings, this session will offer practical strategies on how to teach Jr High ELA with adaptation considerations for lower and higher grades.

Speakers

Alyssa Backs

Teacher, English Language Arts Council

Backs is the Central Region Representative for the ATA’s English Language Arts Council. She holds a B. Ed in Secondary Education with a major in Social Studies and a minor in ELA through the University of Alberta. She recently completed her master’s degree in Library and Information... Read More →

Friday September 20, 2024 12:30pm - 1:45pm MDT
Chablis (Room 12)

Language Arts, Division III

2:00pm MDT

Foundations for Success—Strategies for Building Classroom Community in a Primary Classroom (K–3)

Friday September 20, 2024 2:00pm - 3:15pm MDT

Madeira (Room 7)

Come ready to learn, and create! In this presentation, we will explore the vital foundations that contribute to a respectful classroom community, focusing on the implementation of effective routines, smooth transitions, clear expectations, and consistent practices. You will learn how these elements work together to create an environment where students feel safe, respected, and engaged. Fostering positive relationships between students is vital. This presentation will provide example mentor texts, writing activities, Google slide examples, projects and transition songs that contribute to a respectful and engaging classroom community in a primary classroom. Participants will also create an art activity with plasticine that can be used in a cross curricular project with your students.

Speakers

Michelle Bezubiak

Early Childhood Education Council

With 26 years of experience in education, I am a dedicated educator with experience teaching Kindergarten through to Grade 3.Through my years in the field, I have witnessed the transformative impact that nurturing connections can have on students' growth and development. I strive... Read More →

Friday September 20, 2024 2:00pm - 3:15pm MDT
Madeira (Room 7)

Inclusive Education, Division I | Language Arts, Division I | Fine Arts, Division I

2:00pm MDT

Survival Strategies for English Language Arts Teachers (7–12)

Friday September 20, 2024 2:00pm - 3:15pm MDT

Chablis (Room 12)

Your first few years in English language arts can be intimidating: the marking, the planning, the reading... the marking! This engaging, casual session with two experienced ELA teachers and department heads will give you real-world strategies for not just surviving your first few years, but for finding the joy in them, too.

Speakers

Chandra Hildebrand

Friday September 20, 2024 2:00pm - 3:15pm MDT
Chablis (Room 12)

Language Arts, Division III, Division IV

2:00pm MDT

Unlocking Literacy—Practical Strategies for Implementing the Science of Reading in an Inclusive Classroom (K–3)

Friday September 20, 2024 2:00pm - 3:15pm MDT

Beaujolias (Room 10)

Guided by research-backed methodologies, we'll navigate through the intricacies of language acquisition, decoding, comprehension, and fluency. Through a blend of theory and practical application, educators will gain valuable insights into how to foster robust reading skills in students of all ages and abilities.

Speakers

Misty Berube

Inclusive Lead Teacher, St Lorenzo Ruiz

Friday September 20, 2024 2:00pm - 3:15pm MDT
Beaujolias (Room 10)

Language Arts, Division I | Inclusive Education, Division I