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

Culturally Responsive Teaching (K–12)

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

Chivas (Room 4)

This workshop explores approaches for examining beliefs, attitudes, policies, structures and practices to enable schools to effectively work cross-culturally. Participants will begin to learn how to develop a greater capacity to engage in cultural self-assessment and become more conscious of the dynamics of intercultural interactions.

Speakers

Christy Haggarty

Friday September 20, 2024 10:15am - 11:30am MDT
Chivas (Room 4)

Inclusive Education, 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

Take a LEAP—Unlearning Racial Bias (K–12)

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

Chivas (Room 4)

Join this session to explore the complex dynamics between unconscious beliefs, bias, and the impact these factors have on educational environments. Focused on building a deeper understanding of how these factors can perpetuate stereotypes and hinder student growth, this session includes discussions and practical exercises that will challenge assumptions that perpetuate labels and stereotypes. By embracing a ‘LEAP’ approach—actively listening, engaging, asking questions, and providing support we will work together to enhance our own understanding of diversity, inclusion, and anti-racism.

Speakers

Nancy Bromley

Association Instructor, The Alberta Teachers' Association

Nancy Bromley - A passionate public speaker, administrator, nature lover, and mother, Nancy uses her 30+ years as an educator to motivate you to think about teaching as a way of exploring the world and creating true agents for change. She’s passionate about encouraging educators... Read More →

Friday September 20, 2024 2:00pm - 3:15pm MDT
Chivas (Room 4)

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

9:00am MDT

Pass the Mic—Let's Talk About Racism (K–12)

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

Chivas (Room 4)

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

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)

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

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)