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.

10:15am MDT

Engaging in Numeracy and Connections through First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Traditional Games (K–12)

Friday September 20, 2024 10:15am - 11:30am MDT

Cognac (Room 15)

Did you know that First Nations, Métis, and Inuit traditional games are great ways to make connections to numeracy? Traditional games can provide entry points to deeper understanding of Indigenous ways of knowing and further connections to the land. Get ready to learn about resources for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit traditional games and how to create authentic learning experiences.

Speakers

Cheryl Devin

Indigenous Association Instructor, The Alberta Teachers' Association

Cheryl is one of six Alberta Teachers’ Association Walking Together Consultants. She has over 26 years of teaching experience at the junior high level in a variety of subject areas, including language arts, social studies and science. Cheryl is Métis, with family migrating from... Read More →

Jason Schweizer

Friday September 20, 2024 10:15am - 11:30am MDT
Cognac (Room 15)

Indigenous Education, Division I, Division II, Division III, Division IV | Math, Division I, Division II, Division III, Division IV

12:30pm MDT

More Than Words: The Significance of Land Acknowledgements on the Journey of Truth and Reconciliation (K–12)

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

Chivas (Room 4)

Sharing a land acknowledgement has become a common practice and there is potential for a land acknowledgement to be perceived as an empty gesture if it’s not paired with concrete actions. Throughout this session, participants will have an opportunity to reflect on the deeper meanings of a land acknowledgement and consider ways they can mobilize land acknowledgements in their own professional practice. Participants will reflect on their own connections to people and place, and consider how land acknowledgements and their associated actions can build relationships and contribute to Truth & Reconciliation.

Friday September 20, 2024 12:30pm - 1:45pm MDT
Chivas (Room 4)

Indigenous Education, Division I, Division II, Division III, Division IV

2:00pm MDT

ᑕᐯᐧᐃᐧᐣ tapwewin Dismantling Indigenous Racism (K–12)

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

Cognac (Room 15)

This introductory workshop will encourage educators to critically reflect on concepts such as systemic racism and assimilation. Historical and contemporary examples of anti-Indigenous racism will be explored, and participants will be challenged to consider their own role in dismantling anti-Indigenous racism. Educators will leave with a foundational understanding of anti-racism with a focus on Indigenous Peoples, and will also be equipped with suggested resources for further learning. Note that portions of this workshop may be difficult for some participants, particularly for Indigenous Peoples and/or those who have experienced racism.

Speakers

Cheryl Devin

Indigenous Association Instructor, The Alberta Teachers' Association

Natalie Bear

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

Indigenous Education, Division I, Division II, Division III, Division IV | Inclusive Education, Division I, Division II, Division III, Division IV

9:00am MDT

Full Circle—Understanding Social Implications of Indigenous Realities (K–12)

Saturday September 21, 2024 9:00am - 10:15am MDT

Cognac (Room 15)

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)

Indigenous Education, Division I, Division II, Division III, Division IV | Inclusive Education, Division I, Division II, Division III, Division IV

10:30am MDT

Braiding Indigenous Content Into the Classroom (K–12)

Saturday September 21, 2024 10:30am - 11:45am MDT

Beaujolias (Room 10)

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

Glenda Vinney

Saturday September 21, 2024 10:30am - 11:45am MDT
Beaujolias (Room 10)

Indigenous Education, Division I, Division II, Division III, Division IV