SEATCA / SWATCA 2022 - Southern Alberta Teachers' Convention: Full Schedule

Thanks for another great year of convention!

HOW TO ACCESS RECORDINGS

Recordings will be uploaded to SCHED by Sunday at midnight. (Sorry for the delay. It’s taking more time to edit the session recordings than anticipated.)
Log In using the link in the top right of your browser window.
Click on the title to open the session details window then click on the green "Play Recording" button to open the video.
Keynote videos are password protected. Check your email for the password.
Recordings will be available until March 30, 2022 at 11:59 pm.

FILL OUT EVALUATIONS TO WIN PRIZES!!!
To be entered in random draws to win hundreds of dollars in prizes including $500 Visa gift cards from Morgex:

Submit session feedback - Click on the sessions you attended at this year’s convention and fill out the simple smilie face and comment box feedback form. Session feedback closes on Sunday at 11:59 pm.
Complete the annual post-convention survey - This survey closes on March 11 at 11:59 pm.

Thanks again to Morgex Insurance for providing the Zoom licenses for all Alberta teachers’ conventions. There’s still time to enter to win 1 of 2 cash prizes worth $15,000 to help you explore Canada from Coast to Coast. Click here for more information.

9:00am MST

Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity in Canadian Schools

Over the past decade, LGBTQ2 youth have become more visible in K-12 schools, gay-straight alliances have increased, and many school districts now have sexual orientation and gender identity policies. Despite this progress, LGBTQ2 youth continue to remain one of the most vulnerable groups of students in our schools. This presentation highlights current research and trends documenting the experiences of LGBTQ2 youth in Canadian schools over the past 10 years and highlights four key areas for intervention. Join Dr. Wells as he discusses just how far we’ve come (not that far), and what we need to do to create safer and more inclusive schools for everyone.

Speakers

Dr. Kristopher Wells

Associate Professor and Canada Research Chair, MacEwan University

Kristopher Wells, PhD, is an Associate Professor and the Canada Research Chair (Tier II) for the Public Understanding of Sexual and Gender Minority Youth at MacEwan University. His scholarly work specializes in sexual and gender minority youth, health, education, sport, and culture... Read More →

Thursday February 24, 2022 9:00am - 10:00am MST
Link Expired

9:00am MST

2SLGBTQ+ Education and Inclusion

In this workshop participants will explore concepts and terminology regarding gender and sexual diversity. We will look at best practices for teachers to create a safer and more welcoming school for all students as well as strategies for addressing homophobia and transphobia in their classroom. Teachers will also discuss methods for developing allyship skills within their school as well as the community at large.

Speakers

Alexandra Emily Marshall

Education Coordinator, University of Alberta

Alexandra Marshall (she/her) is the Rural Education Coordinator for the Fyrefly Institute at the University of Alberta. She lectures pre-service teachers on creating inclusive classrooms, delivers professional development for in-service teachers and admin regarding best practices... Read More →

Thursday February 24, 2022 9:00am - 12:00pm MST
Link Expired

Inclusive Education, K-Gr 3, Gr 4-6, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12 | Health & Wellness, K-Gr 3, Gr 4-6, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12 | Guidance & Student Support, K-Gr 3, Gr 4-6, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12

10:15am MST

COVID-19's "Parallel Pandemic": The Mental Health Impact

The COVID-19 pandemic has created a parallel mental health pandemic causing a sharp increase in anxiety and depression symptoms among people of all ages. National award-winning speaker, author and mental health advocate, Wade Sorochan, addresses the new "mental health pandemic" and shares openly about his mental health struggles, which includes being emotionally and mentally abused and abandoned as a child, experiencing five mental breakdowns, eventually hitting rock bottom, and how he is living with mental illness today. Wade's powerful and inspiring message will connect with those who are struggling, and their supporters, providing encouragement and hope. He shares practical tips on how to maintain good mental health, especially during a challenging life event, along with facts about mental illness to help break the silence and end the stigma. Wade Sorochan is recognized as Canada's leading mental health advocate.

Speakers

Wade Sorochan

Owner, Wade Sorochan Communications

Wade Sorochan is an accomplished broadcaster and national award-winning speaker, author and mental health advocate. Nicknamed the “Tone Arm,” Wade became the first broadcaster in history to spontaneously use song clips to enhance a radio talk show. As a mental illness survivor... Read More →

Thursday February 24, 2022 10:15am - 11:15am MST
Link Expired

Health & Wellness, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12 | Inclusive Education, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12 | Guidance & Student Support, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12

10:15am MST

Depression, Anxiety or Bust

What do we know about Depression and how it is affecting our kids today? How does Anxiety show up in the students in our classroom? Without knowing which students are suffering with symptoms and haven't gotten help or refuse to acknowledge they need support, what can we do as teachers to get them through the year? Looking into recent research, we will explore universal methods to engage with kids who are struggling with the two most common mental illnesses in adolescents.

Speakers

Kathy Penner

Mental Health Teacher, Calgary Board of Education

Kathy Penner has been teaching with the CBE for 16 years. She has an extensive background in working with students with special needs including a specialized program for students with severe mental health diagnoses. She is currently teaching social sciences and Construction 10.

Thursday February 24, 2022 10:15am - 11:15am MST
Link Expired

Health & Wellness, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12 | Inclusive Education, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12 | Guidance & Student Support, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12

10:15am MST

How to Build School-Wide Social Emotional Support: An Unfolding Ethnography & Framework

Riding the pandemic waves has taken a toll on all of us. While there is no “one size fits all” approach to supporting staff and students alike, the Maverick Good Life committee at Charles Spencer High School in Grande Prairie has been developing a program grounded in the CASEL framework and and other resources to create opportunities for staff and students to better understand and meet our personal and professional social emotional needs. In this session, we’ll share some impactful practices and discoveries, as well as easy-to-use practical resources that you can use to create opportunities for connection, build cultural practices of belonging, and hold space for celebration in your school and classroom.

Speakers

Liz Harrison

Teacher

Liz Harrison is in her tenth teaching year and still finding joy in her students and classroom post-Covid. She is working on a Master of Education in Canadian Literacies degree and taking courses in graphic design and interactive media. Liz believes multimodality in English classrooms... Read More →

Thursday February 24, 2022 10:15am - 11:15am MST
Link Expired

School Leadership, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12 | Inclusive Education, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12

11:30am MST

Creating Calm in your Classroom with Sound

Teachers need every tool available to help facilitate learning. Now, more than ever, the distractions and chaos of this hectic North American lifestyle create negative stress and discomfort. Certain sounds helps alleviate that chaos and discomfort to boost learning potential. Based on scientific knowledge, we engage in interactive activities to illustrate how sound impacts and what sounds to choose to bring peace and calm into your classroom to facilitate more effective learning.

Speakers

Tina Thrussel

Facilitator, Best U Can B Inc

Tina Thrussell has been facilitating impactful, interactive, personal expansion experiences for 16+ years. Her light-hearted energy and contagious enthusiasm have contributed to her reputation as The Feel Good Lady. This deep lover of life has inspired thousands of people over the... Read More →

Thursday February 24, 2022 11:30am - 12:30pm MST
Link Expired

Curriculum & Pedagogy, K-Gr 3, Gr 4-6, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12 | Health & Wellness, K-Gr 3, Gr 4-6, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12 | Inclusive Education, K-Gr 3, Gr 4-6, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12

11:30am MST

Show & Tell: Creating Access Using Artifacts

Kindergarten gets it - artifacts from our lives and experiences hold our values, identities, and stories. So how do we bring this time-honoured elementary practice into a high school classroom, and what happens when we do?

In this session, we will explore the use of semiosis in the high school classroom, and the ways artifacts can create and hold space for and work with learners’ skills at their level. Learn processes that you can use on Monday morning to enhance the visibility of your students’ ideas and support their academic learning alongside their social and emotional development. Visual and oral presentation scaffolding and skills build fluency and understanding to improve written, recorded, or performed end products, while preparing your students for 21st century communication and work.

Speakers

Liz Harrison

Teacher

Thursday February 24, 2022 11:30am - 12:30pm MST
Link Expired

Curriculum & Pedagogy, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12 | Language Arts & Literacy, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12 | Inclusive Education, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12

11:30am MST

Dealing with Grief, Naturally

Did you know that grief does not just apply to the death of a loved one? The definition of Grief is the emotion we feel or experience when someone (friend, family, co-worker, pet) or something (job, marriage, worker) we are attached to is no longer as it was (Death, Caregiving, Loss of income). COVID has caused grief for so many. Come learn the stages of grief and some natural coping mechanisms. You are not alone.

Speakers

Susanne Heaton

Owner, Motivated by Nature

For over 11 years, Susanne worked in the corporate world doing team building, public speaking, negotiating, marketing and sales. She took a total leap of faith after having some life changing wake-up calls and left the corporate world to start her own company, Motivated by Nature... Read More →

Thursday February 24, 2022 11:30am - 12:30pm MST
Link Expired

Health & Wellness, K-Gr 3, Gr 4-6, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12 | Inclusive Education, K-Gr 3, Gr 4-6, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12 | Guidance & Student Support, K-Gr 3, Gr 4-6, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12

11:30am MST

Overcome Perfectionism

When asked the interview question “what’s your greatest weakness,” if you said, “I work too hard,” this session is for you. Over-achieving, driven personalities with extremely high standards are more likely to work longer hours, get overwhelmed, and ultimately suffer from teacher burnout. For those willing to change, adopt new systems of efficiency, and work on releasing the underlying emotional causes of perfectionism, the potential benefits of this session are enormous. We will dive into overcoming ego-based mindset, procrastination from fear of failure, and letting go of what activities can be allowed to remain less-than-perfect.

Speakers

Grace Martin

Teacher

Grace Martin is a multi-passionate author, science teacher, and wellness mentor.

Thursday February 24, 2022 11:30am - 12:30pm MST
Link Expired

Health & Wellness, K-Gr 3, Gr 4-6, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12 | Inclusive Education, K-Gr 3, Gr 4-6, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12 | Guidance & Student Support, K-Gr 3, Gr 4-6, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12

11:30am MST

Stress is a Habit - Let's Make It a Good One

We tend to respond to stress in the same way each time. We have our habitual coping mechanisms, and we have habits that increase our stress. In this workshop we do a deep dive on how your habits can be shifted to not only cope better with stress, but to proactively decrease stress from occurring in the first place. We also talk about the core principles to make or break habits.

Speakers

Victoria Smith

Stress Less Ladies Ltd.

After contracting shingles twice before the age of thirty, Victoria Smith knew she had to recalibrate her relationship to stress. As the founder of Stress Less Ladies Ltd, Victoria helps women to significantly reduce their stress so that they can thrive personally and professionally... Read More →

Thursday February 24, 2022 11:30am - 12:30pm MST
Link Expired

Health & Wellness, K-Gr 3, Gr 4-6, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12 | Inclusive Education, K-Gr 3, Gr 4-6, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12 | Guidance & Student Support, K-Gr 3, Gr 4-6, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12

11:30am MST

From Anxiety to Empowerment: Engaging Secondary Students in Climate Solutions

Climate change is one of the most pressing issues we face, and students know this. A 2020 survey of over 500 Alberta youths revealed that a strong majority of students are concerned about their future as a result of climate change and want to learn what we can do to address it. In this highly engaging session, learn how to steer clear of gloom and doom and instill confidence and optimism about the future by focusing on climate solutions. In the words of climate activist Greta Thunberg, "The climate crisis has already been solved. We already have all the facts and solutions. All we have to do is to wake up and change." Join us as we demonstrate how exploring real-world climate solutions is a fun and engaging way to build hope and agency in your students, equip them with the knowledge and skills to become the environmental leaders of tomorrow, and introduce them to exciting careers of the future. We’ll also share connections to the Alberta curriculum and many high-quality resources you can use immediately with your students.

Speakers

Melanie Hoffman

Program Manager, Capital Region EcoSchools, Alberta Council for Environmental Education

As Program Manager for Capital Region EcoSchools with the Alberta Council for Environmental Education, Melanie Hoffman supports teachers and learners in connecting Alberta curriculum to community-engaged environmental and climate action! Having directed community climate action projects... Read More →

Thursday February 24, 2022 11:30am - 12:30pm MST
Link Expired

Outdoor/Global/Environmental Education, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12 | Science, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12 | Social Studies, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12 | Inclusive Education, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12 | Health & Wellness, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12

1:00pm MST

5 Keys to Building Resilience

Resilience is a buzzword going around, but what does it mean? Can it be built? And what is it made up of? Resilience isn't about pushing through until you burnout, so how do we build resilience without becoming exhausted? In this workshop we will cover all of that and more so that you learn how to build resilience at home and in the workplace. We share tangible strategies so that you can start building your resilience today, so that you bounce back faster, better, and stronger tomorrow.

Speakers

Victoria Smith

Stress Less Ladies Ltd.

Thursday February 24, 2022 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
Link Expired

Health & Wellness, K-Gr 3, Gr 4-6, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12 | Inclusive Education, K-Gr 3, Gr 4-6, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12 | Guidance & Student Support, K-Gr 3, Gr 4-6, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12

1:00pm MST

Stressed Out? Take a Break, Naturally!

How are you coping with all the stressors on your plate? In this interactive session, learn the effects of stress on your body, some types of stress and natural and easy ways to decrease the stress in your life. Your body will thank you for it!

Speakers

Susanne Heaton

Owner, Motivated by Nature

Thursday February 24, 2022 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
Link Expired

Health & Wellness, K-Gr 3, Gr 4-6, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12 | Inclusive Education, K-Gr 3, Gr 4-6, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12 | Guidance & Student Support, K-Gr 3, Gr 4-6, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12

1:00pm MST

Rethinking Challenging Kids - An Introduction to Collaborative Problem Solving

Working with children and teens struggling with challenging behaviours can be a very difficult and stressful part of teaching. Collaborative Problem Solving (CPS) is an evidence based, trauma informed, neurobiological approach that provides a philosophy and tools for working with children and youth with challenging behaviours. This session is an introductory training on CPS. During the session we will explore what causes challenging behaviours and provide an overview of the three key components of the approach. This training is a foundation for professionals and parents interested in learning more about CPS. For more information about CPS please visit www.thinkkids.org.

Speakers

Matt Sticksl

Teacher

Matt Sticksl is a Think:Kids CPS Certified Trainer in the Collaborative Problem Solving® approach and receives ongoing supervision from Think:Kids. He is also a teacher and parent living in Calgary, Alberta (Treaty 7). Matt is currently teaching in a Student Services role in a K-9... Read More →

Thursday February 24, 2022 1:00pm - 2:15pm MST
Link Expired

1:00pm MST

The Trauma-Informed Classroom

Now more than ever, we are witnessing the impact of trauma on the students and families we work with, and on ourselves as educators. Thankfully, the news isn't all bad. There are strategies we can use to enhance and adapt our existing practices to respond to trauma needs within ourselves, our students, and our colleagues. In this session you will be introduced to the principles of trauma-informed practice through stories and examples of how schools in Alberta and around the world are implementing them into their classrooms. You'll leave with practical strategies you can implement right away, and you'll likely learn that a lot of what you're already doing as an educator is trauma-informed.

Speakers

Angela Hill

Senior Facilitator, Imagine Institute for Learning

Angela has been with Imagine Institute for Learning since 2012. A professional facilitator since 2005, Angela believes in personalized, engaging learning experiences that support both personal and professional growth. She is grateful to be able to create those experiences with her... Read More →

Thursday February 24, 2022 1:00pm - 4:00pm MST
Link Expired

Health & Wellness, K-Gr 3, Gr 4-6, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12 | Inclusive Education, K-Gr 3, Gr 4-6, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12 | Guidance & Student Support, K-Gr 3, Gr 4-6, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12

9:00am MST

Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity in Canadian Schools

Speakers

Dr. Kristopher Wells

Associate Professor and Canada Research Chair, MacEwan University

Friday February 25, 2022 9:00am - 10:00am MST
Link Expired

9:00am MST

Mindfulness for Health, Peace and Ease (Even in your Classroom!)

Please note: this is a three hour recording.

Teachers need every tool available to help facilitate learning. Now, more than ever, the distractions and chaos of this hectic North American lifestyle create chaos and discomfort. Learn simple, effective mindfulness tools, such as meditative and breathing techniques - for you and your students - to improve learning conditions in your classroom.

Mindfulness can increase: Presence; Calm; Peace; Focus; Performance; and Co-operation. Thirty+ years of research shows that Mindfulness can also provide Stress Reduction, Reduced Depression, Improved Attitudes & Behaviours, and Strengthened Relationships. Learn a variety of techniques and tools, including ways to improve sleep!

Speakers

Tina Thrussel

Facilitator, Best U Can B Inc

Friday February 25, 2022 9:00am - 12:00pm MST
Link Expired

Health & Wellness, K-Gr 3, Gr 4-6, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12 | Inclusive Education, K-Gr 3, Gr 4-6, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12

10:15am MST

Bolstering Resilience in Turbulent Times

Learn how to thrive amid adversity. Come relax and learn some coping strategies that will bring peace and focus amid stress and adversity. Centuries of research tells us that there are four experiences that make us resilient. Discover specific strategies and skills that build resilient attributes in ourselves and our students. Learn how to transform challenges and adversity into growth and motivation.

"You are not born with a fixed amount of resilience. Like a muscle, you can build it up and draw on it when you need it." - Sheryl Sandberg

Speakers

Danny Bateman

Dan is currently an instructor at Concordia University of Edmonton in the Faculty of Education. As an experienced and esteemed public speaker, he delivers teaching strategies and inspiration using entertaining experiences and actionable content. He has delivered hundreds of successful... Read More →

Friday February 25, 2022 10:15am - 11:15am MST
Link Expired

Health & Wellness, Gr 4-6, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12 | Inclusive Education, Gr 4-6, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12 | Guidance & Student Support, Gr 4-6, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12

10:15am MST

Addressing Secondary Eco-Anxiety Through Solutions-Focused Challenges

Complex environmental issues have led to the rise in 'eco-anxiety' among youth. What is this phenomena and how can we address it in our grade 9-12 students? This session will explore how solution-focused environmental challenges can empower and inspire students about the future. Taking a look at GreenLearning's Energy Revealed, Re-Energy and Flood:Ed programs, educators will walk away with a toolbox of free digital lessons, activities and tools to help them address the growing eco-anxiety among youth today. Be part of the solution and take action with GreenLearning!

Speakers

Sidney Howlett

Crossing Curriculums for Climate Change/Science

Sidney Howlett is on a mission to empower youth to take climate action through education. Trained as a teacher, she has a diverse professional background leading outreach to post-secondary students, teaching in elementary and French immersion schools across Ontario and establishing... Read More →

Friday February 25, 2022 10:15am - 11:15am MST
Link Expired

Outdoor/Global/Environmental Education, Gr 10-12 | Science, Gr 10-12 | Social Studies, Gr 10-12 | Inclusive Education, Gr 10-12 | Health & Wellness, Gr 10-12

10:15am MST

Building Resilience for Educators Through Trauma-Informed Practice

As an educator your mental health and emotional wellbeing sets the tone of your life in and out of the classroom . There are so many pressures on teachers and now more than ever resilience is essential to navigate the adversities of these times. During the pandemic the cost of caring has led to greater stress, burnout, compassion fatigue and vicarious trauma. These impacts directly affect you and your students. Learn to recognize the signs and what to do about them. This 75 min session will help you understand what impacts resilience, determine what increases resilience and explore trauma-informed practice as a resilience practice.

Speakers

Ernestina Malheiro

Founder, Trauma-Informed Educator, Uplift Learning Inc.

Ernestina’s lived experience with resilience and trauma has inspired her vision of creating a kinder and more compassionate society that is Trauma-Informed. As a Curriculum and Instructional Designer, she’s had the privilege of working with dozens of subject matter experts. They’ve... Read More →

Friday February 25, 2022 10:15am - 11:45am MST
Link Expired

Health & Wellness, K-Gr 3, Gr 4-6, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12 | Inclusive Education, K-Gr 3, Gr 4-6, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12 | Guidance & Student Support, K-Gr 3, Gr 4-6, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12

11:30am MST

A Protocol for Schools to Address Suicidal Ideation Amongst Students

School staff play a vital role in the identification of student mental health concerns, including the identification of risk for suicide and supporting students to seek help when they express suicidal thoughts or behaviour. However, school staff often report feeling uncertain about how to best support a student in these circumstances. To address this need, a School-based Suicidal Ideation Response Protocol (SI Protocol) was launched in August 2019 by Alberta Health Services and is highlighted in the Alberta Government’s Pathways to hope: Best practices in suicide prevention for Alberta schools. The SI Protocol offers a standardized and structured approach for all roles within a school (i.e., school teachers, support staff, school mental health staff and school administrators). Between 2019 and 2021, a number of school authorities across Alberta have implemented the protocol. They have provided positive feedback about its impact to date. This presentation will provide an overview of the SI Protocol, describe the benefits experienced by early adopters, and highlight evaluation findings.

Speakers

Ryley Hatchard

Deinera Exner

Friday February 25, 2022 11:30am - 12:30pm MST
Link Expired

Health & Wellness, K-Gr 3, Gr 4-6, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12 | Inclusive Education, K-Gr 3, Gr 4-6, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12 | Guidance & Student Support, K-Gr 3, Gr 4-6, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12

11:30am MST

The Octagon of Life: Mental Health Care for Students and Teachers

In this 60-minute workshop, Jason will briefly overview his experiences living with a severe mental illness, bipolar I disorder. His experiences includes a three-month-long manic episode, a 57-day stay in the acute psychiatry ward and a 7-month long severe depression, which resulted in 22 different medication changes and adjustments. The overview is done so attendees can understand what certain behaviours may indicate that a student struggles with their mental health (ex. manic symptoms, depression, stress, etc.). The session will then detail how Jason regained control of his life with The Octagon of Life: eight areas of life to focus on for health, happiness, and fulfilment. The eight areas of the Octagon of Life include Exercise, Nutrition, Exposure Therapy, Cognitive Therapy, Relationships, Career, Finances, and Mental Health Balance. These eight areas will be explained in the context of Education and how it relates to student and teacher wellness. The session will conclude with a question-and-answer period.

Speakers

Jason Wegner

Friday February 25, 2022 11:30am - 12:30pm MST
Link Expired

Health & Wellness, K-Gr 3, Gr 4-6, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12 | Inclusive Education, K-Gr 3, Gr 4-6, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12 | Guidance & Student Support, K-Gr 3, Gr 4-6, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12

11:30am MST

Practical Strategies for Struggling Students

What works for all students in the inclusive classroom? This entertaining session will provide teachers with a smorgasbord of instructional tips and tools designed to engage reluctant learners. You will also be introduced to some universal strategies that work well for all students. Once we understand these students and their struggles, we can teach the way they learn. Come learn practical tactics and effective approaches that work with struggling students. While many of these strategies come from the field of inclusive education, they are beneficial for all students.

Speakers

Danny Bateman

Friday February 25, 2022 11:30am - 12:30pm MST
Link Expired

Inclusive Education, K-Gr 3, Gr 4-6, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12 | Guidance & Student Support, K-Gr 3, Gr 4-6, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12 | Curriculum & Pedagogy, K-Gr 3, Gr 4-6, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12

11:30am MST

Thinking Outside the Box- Developing a Program for Students you Struggle to Reach

“If a child can't learn the way we teach, maybe we should teach the way they learn”- Ignacio Estrada.

All teachers have students who they struggle to reach in their classrooms. Greg and Kaylen will engage with teachers around inclusive programming and reimagining how universal strategies can support our most diverse learners. Specifically, the presentation will focus on student-centered and motivational programming, the importance of clear structures and routines and its impact on the classroom environment, the power of visuals at all grade levels, ensuring solid transition plans, and understanding that all behaviour is communication. If you have a tricky student, this presentation will help both you and your student feel success.

Speakers

Kaylen Christiansen

Medicine Hat Public School Division

Kaylen Christiansen is a passionate educator who has spent most of her career working alongside students with diverse and complex learning needs. Kaylen holds a Masters of Science with a focus in Applied Behavior Analysis and is also a Theory Trainer for the Low Arousal Approach... Read More →

Greg Ferris

Vice Principal, Medicine Hat Public School Division

Gregory Ferris is a dedicated and enthusiastic educator who has spent most of his career supporting students with diverse learning needs. Greg holds a Masters in Educational Leadership with a focus in Inclusive Education and is a trainer in the Supporting Individuals Through Valued... Read More →

Friday February 25, 2022 11:30am - 12:30pm MST
Link Expired

11:30am MST

Leading for Equity in an Inclusive School

This session is relevant to all leaders who lead an inclusive school and are interested in continuing to further develop their current structures and practices. An inclusive culture will be explored through a variety of avenues, including the alignment of the school’s foundational statements including mission, vision, values and commitments. Leaders will be encouraged to first reflect on their personal beliefs of equity for all and then extend their thinking on how they engage their students, staff, families and communities to have clarity of the school’s purpose and values. Specific structures and instructional leadership strategies will be examined that support an inclusive school, with leaders having tools and resources to take away and immediately begin to implement in their schools.

Speakers

Lana Nogue

Learning Associate, Jigsaw Learning

As a Learning Associate with Jigsaw Learning, Lana Nogue has extensive experience in system planning and supporting schools and districts in strategically designing areas of focus and planning forward. Lana is integral to supporting schools and districts in implementing their Collaborative... Read More →

Friday February 25, 2022 11:30am - 12:30pm MST
Link Expired

Inclusive Education, K-Gr 3, Gr 4-6, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12 | Social Studies, K-Gr 3, Gr 4-6, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12 | School Leadership, K-Gr 3, Gr 4-6, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12

1:00pm MST

Transforming Classrooms - Gaining Skills to be Effective in the K-12 Class and Beyond

This session is applicable to K-12 teachers and administration. In this seminar, you will begin to learn the skills which will help you to Introduce you to the purpose and passion of SILA Skills. Show the background of DBT Skills, of which SILA Skills workshops are based. Share the superhero powers gained through a SILA Skills Workshop. Give you a taste of the skills you will learn in a SILA Skills Transforming Classrooms workshop. Demonstrate the transformative effect that a SILA Skills Workshop can bring to your everyday life. At the conclusion of this session, you will have some practical skills you can start using as soon as you leave the workshop. You will leave feeling hopeful and inspired to do things differently in your classrooms on Monday. When you take a SILA Skills Transforming Classrooms Workshop, you will effectively address the Alberta Teacher Quality Standards #1 Fostering Effective Relationships and #4 Establishing Inclusive Learning Environments.

Speakers

Susan Mukanik

SILA Skills

Kelly Maxwell

Faciliator/Co-Founder, the SILA Skills Group

Kelly Maxwell (B.Ed ‘89, M.Ed ‘16) is an elementary school teacher in rural Alberta. After 30-plus years of teaching, her passion for educating continues. She has been and continues to be involved with professional development within her school district and at local Teachers... Read More →

Friday February 25, 2022 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
Link Expired

Curriculum & Pedagogy, K-Gr 3, Gr 4-6, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12 | School Leadership, K-Gr 3, Gr 4-6, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12 | Inclusive Education, K-Gr 3, Gr 4-6, Gr 7-9, Gr 10-12

1:00pm MST

Teaching for Equity in an Inclusive Classroom

The role of the teacher in an inclusive classroom can sometimes be a challenging role with a wide range of expectations. This session will engage teachers in a reflective dialogue focusing on elements that they can build upon in their current classrooms, along with the importance of establishing a collaborative school team as a key component for teachers to share their expertise, strategies and problem-solving. This session is intended to reinforce the teacher’s strengths and encourage them to consider possible ways to extend their practices to ensure equity for all students.

Speakers

Lana Nogue

Learning Associate, Jigsaw Learning

Friday February 25, 2022 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
Link Expired