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.

12:30pm MDT

Outcomes, Triangulation and Gradebooks—OH MY! (K–12)

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

Piesporter (Room 5)

We know that tests and traditional grading are not necessarily the most effective for assessing and reporting student learning, but how to make the transition from what we’ve always done to what we want to do? This session will share ideas and resources for tracking student progress, setting up an outcome based gradebook and reporting achievements in a way that meaningfully describes what students know and can do.

Speakers

Julie Arsenault

Science Lead Teacher, Science Council

After receiving her Bachelors and Masters degrees in Microbiology and Biotechnology, Julie entered the Faculty of Education at the U of A to pursue teaching. She has been with EPS since 2002 and has developed a passion for incorporating authentic, project-based learning experiences... Read More →

Friday September 20, 2024 12:30pm - 1:45pm MDT
Piesporter (Room 5)

Science, Division I, Division II, Division III, Division IV | Curriculum Pedagogy, Division I, Division II, Division III, Division IV

2:00pm MDT

Science 101 (4–12)

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

Piesporter (Room 5)

You’re teaching science—congratulations! Now how do you get started? Whether you are the only science teacher at your school or part of a team, it can all seem a little overwhelming. Learn some tried and tested methods for approaching science teaching and learning to ensure you are not only giving your students meaningful learning opportunities but also ensuring that you aren’t reinventing the wheel. Topics covered include: breaking down the curriculum into manageable units and lessons, planning for hands-on activities and projects (examples will be provided) throughout the year, field trip ideas (both in-school and site-based), and developing an inventory of supplies. Amanda Green and Julie Arsenault bring with them a collective four decades of experience to help you be successful in your science teaching experience!

Speakers

Julie Arsenault

Science Lead Teacher, Science Council

Friday September 20, 2024 2:00pm - 3:15pm MDT
Piesporter (Room 5)

Science, Division II, Division III, Division IV

9:00am MDT

Oreo Cookies and the Scientific Method (4–9)

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

Madeira (Room 7)

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

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)

Science, Division II, Division III

10:30am MDT

Computer Science and Computational Thinking in the Elementary Curriculum (K–6)

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

Bordeaux (Room 9)

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

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)

Ed Tech, Division I, Division II | Science, Division I, Division II

10:30am MDT

Teaching on a Hutterite Colony in Alberta (K–12)

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

Chivas (Room 4)

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

Laura-Lee Toews

Saturday September 21, 2024 10:30am - 11:45am MDT
Chivas (Room 4)