Loading…
BTC 2024 - Edmonton has ended
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.
arrow_back View All Dates
Saturday, September 21
 

8:00am MDT

NETWORKING BREAKFAST/DISPLAYS
Saturday September 21, 2024 8:00am - 9:00am MDT
Saturday September 21, 2024 8:00am - 9:00am MDT
Ballroom D

9:00am MDT

Blank Space to Brilliance—Navigating Alberta's CTF Curriculum (4–9)
Saturday September 21, 2024 9:00am - 10:15am MDT
Are you assigned to teach a CTF or options class and don't know where to start? Do you want to integrate CTF into your core subjects? Do you feel stuck in the old "home ec" or "shop" class you took when you were in junior high? Join to follow one teacher's adventure in stepping into a new role and reinventing a course to meet their students' passions and interests. You will participate in some hands-on activities and gain ideas and resources you can hopefully implement into your class with ease.
Speakers
avatar for Courtney Albrecht

Courtney Albrecht

Courtney is a passionate CTF teacher. Currently she is working as a Consultant for EPSB in the areas of CTF and Career Pathways. She has experience working in grades 3-12 and in course design for CTF. Outside of teaching, she can often be found with her puppy at dog sports classes... Read More →
Saturday September 21, 2024 9:00am - 10:15am MDT
Piesporter (Room 5)

9:00am MDT

Making it in the Middle—Engaging and Connecting with Middle Years Learners (4–9)
Saturday September 21, 2024 9:00am - 10:15am MDT
"Understanding and responding to the unique developmental characteristics of young adolescents, 10 to 15 year olds, in culturally responsive and sustaining ways is central among the tenets of middle level education" (Bishop & Harrison, 2021). Teaching in the “Middle” is a unique and rewarding opportunity to bridge the gap for students who are just beginning to discover who they are. Education in the middle should be Responsive, Engaging, Challenging, Empowering, and Equitable for everyone. By looking after themselves first, Middle School teachers can create an environment that fosters success for all. In this session you will find out some tips and tricks to help create environments of success. You will discover what makes Middle School teachers, and the students they teach, unique. Plan to leave this session with strategies and ideas in order to make your Middle School classroom an amazing space!
Speakers
avatar for Tina Chadwick

Tina Chadwick

Secretary and Conference Registration, Middle Years Council
VL

Vicki Leong

Middle Years Council
Saturday September 21, 2024 9:00am - 10:15am MDT
Ballroom C

9:00am MDT

Engaging Students with Student-Centered Digital Activities (K–12)
Saturday September 21, 2024 9:00am - 10:15am MDT
Your students already use Google Docs, Slides, Drawings, and more, but did you know there are hundreds of templates at your fingertips to take their publications to the next level? There are also several apps and sites that will help make student demonstrations of learning more engaging. Join this session where we will look at some fun, engaging, and powerful ways students can demonstrate their understanding through images, audio, and video, and the best ways they can share that work with you! Together, we can turn learning experiences into something creative, memorable, and meaningful for students.
Speakers
avatar for Darren Maltais

Darren Maltais

Educational Technology Council
Saturday September 21, 2024 9:00am - 10:15am MDT
Bordeaux (Room 9)

9:00am MDT

Drama Productions—From Zero to Hero—NO Experience Required (4–12)
Saturday September 21, 2024 9:00am - 10:15am MDT
Are you a first-year teacher who has been, voluntold to put up the school play? Perhaps you're a drama/music teacher looking to build a drama program from the ground up. Regardless, this session is for you. This session will cover the process of choosing a show, planning and preparing a show from start to finish, tech and design, parental involvement and building a culture. This session has been presented at various conventions and PD days, in full day, half day, and one-hour sessions.
Speakers
MW

Matt White

Fine Arts Council
Saturday September 21, 2024 9:00am - 10:15am MDT
Chianti (Room 6)

9:00am MDT

25 jeux pour améliorer les compétences orales (K–6)
Saturday September 21, 2024 9:00am - 10:15am MDT
During the session, I will speak to the importance of the oral component in a French Language Program. I will briefly describe the importance of research-based approaches, such as the Neurolinguistic Approach. I will then share the program I created with support from Le Conseil Français (ATA). There will be time to explain and play some of the 25 oral games that are part of the program. All games use the Neurolinguistic Approach and are created using the new program of studies for French immersion (Grades K to 6). Participants will leave with a copy of the program
Speakers
avatar for Sophie Ducharme

Sophie Ducharme

Teacher and Learning Leader
Je suis enseignante et leader d'apprentissage pour le Calgary Board of Education depuis 22 ans. Je suis passionnée de littératie, plus particulièrement tout ce qui concerne les compétences en lecture et à l'oral. Je termine cette année une Maîtrise en éducation au Campus... Read More →
Saturday September 21, 2024 9:00am - 10:15am MDT
Champagne (Room 16)

9:00am MDT

Making Learning Meaningful—Hands-On Activities to Spark Creativity, Ignite Conversations and Promote Problem-Solving (K–12)
Saturday September 21, 2024 9:00am - 10:15am MDT
Join us for this engaging session as we delve into the world of meaningful, hands-on activities that will spark creativity, ignite conversations, and promote problem-solving skills. Be prepared to embark on a cross-curricular journey of discovery, armed with a wide array of practical resources and innovative ideas. Participants are guaranteed to leave the workshop with a collection of carefully curated activities and lessons that you can seamlessly integrate into your classroom, starting as early as Monday morning.
Speakers
avatar for Chris Gonsalvez

Chris Gonsalvez

Executive Staff Officer, ATA
Teacher. Administrator. PD Leader. Chris is an executive staff officer with the Alberta Teachers' Association and passionate about working with teachers and being involved in professional development. Spending most of his teaching career in Southern Alberta, he loved being a middle... Read More →
Saturday September 21, 2024 9:00am - 10:15am MDT
Ballroom D

9:00am MDT

Managing Professional Relationships—Dealing with Difficult People and Difficult Issues (K–12)
Saturday September 21, 2024 9:00am - 10:15am MDT
Hostile conversations with adults in school settings are becoming more commonplace and more intense, and are deemed to be extremely stressful for educators. What can schools do to safeguard the school and effectively communicate with those individuals who have a propensity toward volatility? This presentation gives an overview of the rights and responsibilities of students, parents, teachers and school leaders with an emphasis on the knowledge and skills for effective conflict management and conflict resolution. This session also provides a brief introduction to the Healthy Interactions Program.
Speakers
avatar for Dave Matson

Dave Matson

Executive Staff Officer, Teacher Employment Services, Alberta Teachers' Association
A rolling stone at heart, Dave’s teaching career includes experience teaching high school and International Baccalaureate Physics and Math in a variety of communities including a northern community in Saskatchewan, a rural fishing village in Nova Scotia, a metropolitan city in the... Read More →
Saturday September 21, 2024 9:00am - 10:15am MDT
Chablis (Room 12)

9:00am MDT

Free Tools and Kits for Use with Students (K–12)
Saturday September 21, 2024 9:00am - 10:15am MDT
Imagine your classroom with challenges to solve, opportunities to create and students who are engaged. In this session, participants will have HANDS ON experience with a number of engaging kits to promote interactive learning. Throughout the session, you will have an opportunity to EXPLORE, CREATE and PLAY! Any member can sign out all demonstrated kits and books FREE from the ATA library. Participants should come armed with a mobile device to navigate the Association library and begin requesting materials before they leave the workshop. Every teacher is guaranteed a take-away!
Speakers
avatar for Dan Grassick

Dan Grassick

Executive Staff Officer, Professional Development, The Alberta Teachers' Association
Dan Grassick (they/them) is Executive Staff Officer in the Alberta Teachers’ Association Professional Development program area where their main responsibilities include supporting the Association's specialist councils and teachers’ conventions, and working with Alberta teacher... Read More →
Saturday September 21, 2024 9:00am - 10:15am MDT
Ballroom A/B

9:00am MDT

Pass the Mic—Let's Talk About Racism (K–12)
Saturday September 21, 2024 9:00am - 10:15am MDT
Children notice and think about race. Being silent about issues surrounding race reinforces racism by letting children draw their own conclusions without a safe space to ask questions. Teachers can play a powerful role in helping children develop positive attitudes about race and embrace diversity, promoting a more just future for all people. Pass the Mic: Let’s Talk About Racism is designed to aid teachers in having important conversations about racism, how to be anti-racist, microaggressions, bias and privilege.
Speakers
avatar for Sarah Adomako-Ansah

Sarah Adomako-Ansah

Manager, Education Outreach, Canadian Museum for Human Rights
Sarah Adomako-Ansah is a graduate of the University of Alberta, B. Ed (’13). She is a former teacher with the Edmonton Catholic School Division, teaching grades three through six from 2013 until 2021. She was the Division’s first Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Anti-Racism Consultant... Read More →
Saturday September 21, 2024 9:00am - 10:15am MDT
Chivas (Room 4)

9:00am MDT

How to Intentionally Support Mental Health through PE (K–12)
Saturday September 21, 2024 9:00am - 10:15am MDT
Using the four domains of physical literacy (physical, cognitive, affective, and emotional), we will play and dissect each activity to go beyond simply playing. Come join in activities that will explore ways to help implement the new Physical Education and Wellness (PEW) program of studies and/or support the existing one. This session is suitable for all grade levels as activities will be laid out to accommodate all ages and levels of ability.
Saturday September 21, 2024 9:00am - 10:15am MDT
Medoc (Room 14)

9:00am MDT

Full Circle—Understanding Social Implications of Indigenous Realities (K–12)
Saturday September 21, 2024 9:00am - 10:15am MDT
This workshop will examine core causes of intergenerational trauma, challenge common myths and misconceptions, as well as explore activities to foster effective relationships with First Nations, Métis and Inuit students, families and community. Participants will explore assimilation strategies that have contributed to many current realities of Indigenous students, families and community. You will gain an increased understanding of physical, mental, social and spiritual impacts, and strength-based initiatives to contribute to the advancement of the reconciliation process.
Saturday September 21, 2024 9:00am - 10:15am MDT
Cognac (Room 15)

9:00am MDT

Oreo Cookies and the Scientific Method (4–9)
Saturday September 21, 2024 9:00am - 10:15am MDT
With the advent of a new science curriculum, there are new units. There are various ways to teach the organizing ideas and incorporate higher levels of thinking in Bloom’s taxonomy. One could teach them each as separate units or a teacher could incorporate the scientific method into any of the other organizing ideas. How? Science Inquiry. Can you let go of sage on the stage and help guide your students through an engaging investigation? How can one incorporate the knowledge from the unit with the organizing idea of “Scientific Method”? Let me show you how with this highly engaging investigation. We will then explore ways that scientific inquiry can be incorporated into other organizing ideas for various grade levels.
Speakers
avatar for Michelle Savoie

Michelle Savoie

Science Council
Michelle Savoie is a passionate science teacher of grade 6-9 students at Eleanor Hall School in Clyde for the last 16 years. She lives in Edmonton with her husband and son. When not spending time with her family, she enjoys advocating for our colleagues as the local president for... Read More →
Saturday September 21, 2024 9:00am - 10:15am MDT
Madeira (Room 7)

9:00am MDT

School Leadership—Things you Want to Know, But are Afraid to Ask (K–12)
Saturday September 21, 2024 9:00am - 10:15am MDT
Curious about the daily life of school leaders or contemplating a future in educational leadership? Join us for an insightful session where we'll delve into the multifaceted world of school leadership through the lens of beginning teachers. Throughout our discussion, we'll explore a range of topics essential for understanding the role, from navigating evaluations to effectively managing challenging situations and embracing informal leadership roles within the school community. This interactive session provides a platform for your questions and discussions, offering valuable insights and fostering connections with fellow educators. Don't miss this opportunity to gain deeper understanding and engage in meaningful dialogue about the exciting possibilities in educational leadership.
Speakers
Saturday September 21, 2024 9:00am - 10:15am MDT
Beaujolias (Room 10)

10:15am MDT

BREAK
Saturday September 21, 2024 10:15am - 10:30am MDT
Saturday September 21, 2024 10:15am - 10:30am MDT
Lobby & Common Areas Outside Meeting Rooms

10:30am MDT

Books for Belonging—Inclusive Texts for All Subject (K–6)
Saturday September 21, 2024 10:30am - 11:45am MDT
Looking for fresh resources for your K–6 students? In this workshop, you will explore a bin of incredible books curated by Alberta teacher-librarians. These books are applicable to a variety of subject-areas and K–6 grade levels. Through activities and discussions, you will work with these resources to explore best practices for choosing and using resources for your classroom, including factors related to social, community, and academic fit.
Speakers
avatar for Courtney Albrecht

Courtney Albrecht

Courtney is a passionate CTF teacher. Currently she is working as a Consultant for EPSB in the areas of CTF and Career Pathways. She has experience working in grades 3-12 and in course design for CTF. Outside of teaching, she can often be found with her puppy at dog sports classes... Read More →
Saturday September 21, 2024 10:30am - 11:45am MDT
Piesporter (Room 5)

10:30am MDT

Computer Science and Computational Thinking in the Elementary Curriculum (K–6)
Saturday September 21, 2024 10:30am - 11:45am MDT
Are you an elementary teacher wondering how to teach the new computer science learning outcome's within your science curriculum? There are so many fun ways to incorporate coding and robotics into your science classes, as well as ways to make computational thinking an everyday habit for your students. Let's make computer science something to look forward to! We'll look at the big picture ideas behind computer science in an easy to digest progression, then we'll play with some physical hardware like robots and micro:bits and look at a few tools like Scratch Jr, Code.org, and CS First that will make teaching computer science a breeze!
Speakers
avatar for Sydney Munsterman

Sydney Munsterman

Educational Technology Council
Meet Sydney Munsterman (she/her), a dedicated Grade 6 teacher at Elk Island Public Schools and former Educational Technology Consultant. Currently pursuing her Masters of Education, Sydney is deeply committed to staying at the forefront of educational advancements. Her mission is... Read More →
Saturday September 21, 2024 10:30am - 11:45am MDT
Bordeaux (Room 9)

10:30am MDT

A Year in the Life of a Music Teacher—Let's Talk Plans (K–9)
Saturday September 21, 2024 10:30am - 11:45am MDT
Welcome to a workshop on year plans, unit plans and making them work together to make your year go smoothly. We will talk tips and tricks and look at a few examples. Along the way we will hit topics like assessment and technology. Let’s make those long-range plans and unit plans workable documents that you refer to all year long. Bring a device if possible.
Speakers
avatar for Amanda Clark

Amanda Clark

music representative, Fine Arts Council
Amanda Clark has been an elementary music teacher in Leduc for more than 10 years where she teaches in both French and English. She also teaches private lessons including the Music for Young Children program. She completed a Bachelor of Music at University of Alberta Augustana Campus... Read More →
Saturday September 21, 2024 10:30am - 11:45am MDT
Medoc (Room 14)

10:30am MDT

Improving Teaching and Learning Through Professional Growth Plans (K–12)
Saturday September 21, 2024 10:30am - 11:45am MDT
This session will provide teachers with an opportunity to reflect on their understanding of provincial legislation, policy and other requirements related to teacher professional growth, promote awareness of the effective components of a professional growth plan, and share materials and tools that can be accessed to assist in the development of those plans. The session will also address the implications for teacher evaluation and permanent certification.
Speakers
avatar for Nancy Luyckfassel

Nancy Luyckfassel

Coordinator, Professional Development, ATA
Nancy is a teacher, wanderer and wonderer, with 31 years of experience that includes: 7 schools, 4 towns, courses in grades K–12, roles as Assistant Principal and Principal and 8 years at the ATA. Nancy comes from a small farming community and that upbringing instilled in her values... Read More →
Saturday September 21, 2024 10:30am - 11:45am MDT
Ballroom D

10:30am MDT

Optimiser l’enseignement et l’apprentissage grâce aux plans de croissance professionnelle (K–12)
Saturday September 21, 2024 10:30am - 11:45am MDT
Cette session offre à chacun l’occasion de réfléchir aux cadres juridiques, à la politique, et aux autres exigences relatives à la croissance professionnelle des enseignants; de se familiariser avec les composantes essentielles et efficaces du plan de croissance; et de découvrir les documents d’appuis et les outils à la disposition des enseignants pour élaborer un plan de croissance professionnelle. Le processus d’évaluation des enseignants et les exigences pour l’obtention du brevet d’enseignement permanent seront également abordés pendant la session.
Speakers
avatar for Stacey Hannay

Stacey Hannay

Executive Staff Officer / Cadre Supérieure, ATA - ESO - PD
Stacey Hannay holds a Ph.D. with expertise in the area of theorizing curriculum and teacher professional development. Specifically, her area of research lies with: Teachers conceptualizations of physical literacy. She is one of the newest Executive Staff Officers with the Alberta... Read More →
Saturday September 21, 2024 10:30am - 11:45am MDT
Champagne (Room 16)

10:30am MDT

Your Online Presences and Your Job—Safeguarding Your Online Activities to Protect Your Employment (K–12)
Saturday September 21, 2024 10:30am - 11:45am MDT
Increasingly teachers are facing employment discipline resulting from their use of school computers, laptops, internet connections and cellphones. Also, teachers' posting on their own computers on such social networking sites as Facebook, Twitter or blogs are increasingly facing employer disciplinary action. Integration and use of electronic media and communication in classrooms can present some unique opportunities together with some employment risks. How do teachers use these technologies without jeopardizing their career? This session will also look at cyberharassment or cyberlibel directed at teachers by students or parents and the steps to take in these circumstances.
Speakers
avatar for Dave Matson

Dave Matson

Executive Staff Officer, Teacher Employment Services, Alberta Teachers' Association
A rolling stone at heart, Dave’s teaching career includes experience teaching high school and International Baccalaureate Physics and Math in a variety of communities including a northern community in Saskatchewan, a rural fishing village in Nova Scotia, a metropolitan city in the... Read More →
Saturday September 21, 2024 10:30am - 11:45am MDT
Ballroom C

10:30am MDT

Unlock the Potential with new.LearnAlberta.ca (K–6)
Saturday September 21, 2024 10:30am - 11:45am MDT
Did you know you can do much more than just view curriculum on new.LearnAlberta.ca? This session will explore how you can make new.LearnAlberta.ca work for you. You’ll see how to view a scope and sequence, find sample lesson plans, explore professional learning supports, and learn how to use Boards, a teacher planning tool.
Saturday September 21, 2024 10:30am - 11:45am MDT
Chablis (Room 12)

10:30am MDT

Recognizing and Addressing Anxiety in Schools (K–12)
Saturday September 21, 2024 10:30am - 11:45am MDT
Teachers are increasingly challenged to support individuals with all levels of anxiety and related behaviours. This workshop will provide information about the most common anxiety disorders, examine how these disorders impact people, and provide participants with strategies to help support those affected cope and manage.
Speakers
AM

Ashley Mullan

Association Instructor, The Alberta Teachers' Association
Saturday September 21, 2024 10:30am - 11:45am MDT
Ballroom A/B

10:30am MDT

Teaching on a Hutterite Colony in Alberta (K–12)
Saturday September 21, 2024 10:30am - 11:45am MDT
Are you looking for a unique and rewarding teaching career, right here in Alberta? Have you ever wanted to teach in a one-room school. Come and learn about the opportunity to teach in one of Alberta's growing number of Hutterite Colonies. Learn about the Hutterites, who they are, about their culture, and some history. How to organize and operate a multi-multi-grade classroom. Get some resources to help navigate getting through the curriculum.
Speakers
Saturday September 21, 2024 10:30am - 11:45am MDT
Chivas (Room 4)

10:30am MDT

Braiding Indigenous Content Into the Classroom (K–12)
Saturday September 21, 2024 10:30am - 11:45am MDT
Explore the art of braiding Indigenous content into your classroom to cultivate a sense of belonging for every learner. While incorporating Indigenous perspectives into your daily lessons may seem daunting, it holds the potential to profoundly influence students' sense of belonging. Studies reveal that students who feel connected to their learning environment excel academically and exhibit higher levels of engagement. In this session, delve into diverse strategies for effortlessly braiding Indigenous content into your curriculum, guided by the wisdom of an elder and the experiences of a seasoned teacher. Discover how this approach can empower all students in your future classrooms to embark on a transformative journey towards reconciliation.
Speakers
Saturday September 21, 2024 10:30am - 11:45am MDT
Beaujolias (Room 10)

10:30am MDT

Conversations On and Off the Page: Annotation and Discussion in the Secondary English Classroom (7-12)
Saturday September 21, 2024 10:30am - 11:45am MDT
In this session, participants will discover how to leverage annotation and discussion techniques to deepen student understanding and appreciation of literature. We will share strategies for selecting engaging representational texts that resonate with students. Through hands-on activities and group discussions, attendees will gain practical insights into fostering meaningful classroom dialogue and critical thinking skills.
Speakers
avatar for Amanda Bourassa

Amanda Bourassa

English Language Arts Council
Saturday September 21, 2024 10:30am - 11:45am MDT
Cognac (Room 15)

10:30am MDT

Mathematics—All Are Welcome! All Belong! (K-12)
Saturday September 21, 2024 10:30am - 11:45am MDT
Did you get the delightful task to teach mathematics to students?  Does the word "fractions" frighten you?  Are you worried that you might struggle with teaching mathematics and meeting the diverse needs of your students?  This session is for you!!! Whether you are teaching Grade 1 counting or Grade 12 calculus, come and learn some high leverage strategies that will allow all your young mathematicians to flourish! We will work on some intriguing and enjoyable problems, share some ways to reach the edges of your classroom and end with the power of visualization in math class.

Be ready to see math come alive and experience a truly joyful math class.
Speakers
avatar for Dave Martin

Dave Martin

Mathematics Council
Dave Martin has a Masters of Mathematics, a Degree in Education, and a love for prime numbers. He has been teaching for 12 years, during which time, he was nominated for Teacher of Excellence in Alberta, has spoken across North America, and has successfully removed grades in most... Read More →
Saturday September 21, 2024 10:30am - 11:45am MDT
Madeira (Room 7)

10:30am MDT

Student Led Learning with 5 Minute Field Trips—How to make time for fun and games in any classroom! (K–12)
Saturday September 21, 2024 10:30am - 11:45am MDT
Who doesn’t enjoy playing games and running activities with their classes? As teachers and instructors, these games and activities can not only be the highlight of a student’s day in school but serve meaningful and powerful purposes behind the scenes. Team building activities help create positive group norms, foster a sense of community and inclusive social climates, and get work done in fun, cooperative ways. Without even knowing, when classes take part in these activities, they are teaching risk management, basic skill development, impart knowledge and allow for a meaningful wellness break. Skilled instructors will know that these skills are often accomplished all at the same time, without the participants (students) even knowing that they are learning it! We will go through a variety of games, activities and resources to get your students outdoors, active and leading the way! Why wait for a PE class that might only be a few days a week!
Speakers
avatar for Court Rustemeyer

Court Rustemeyer

President, GEOEC
Court has been a full time Outdoor Education teacher at Vincent Massey Junior High School in Calgary, Alberta for the past 15 years. He is also on the Board of Directors for the Outdoor Council of Canada (OCC) were he serves as the Director of the Prairies. Court is also a Field Leader... Read More →
Saturday September 21, 2024 10:30am - 11:45am MDT
Chianti (Room 6)

11:45am MDT

LUNCH
Saturday September 21, 2024 11:45am - 1:00pm MDT
Saturday September 21, 2024 11:45am - 1:00pm MDT
Ballroom D

1:00pm MDT

CLOSING AND PRIZES
Saturday September 21, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm MDT
Speakers
avatar for Nancy Luyckfassel

Nancy Luyckfassel

Coordinator, Professional Development, ATA
Nancy is a teacher, wanderer and wonderer, with 31 years of experience that includes: 7 schools, 4 towns, courses in grades K–12, roles as Assistant Principal and Principal and 8 years at the ATA. Nancy comes from a small farming community and that upbringing instilled in her values... Read More →
Saturday September 21, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm MDT
Ballroom D
 

Share Modal

Share this link via

Or copy link

Filter sessions
Apply filters to sessions.
Filtered by Date -