Thursday morning session infoPlease note that we have a Pool System for Thursday morning only. We are giving the teachers of NETCA more choice over their professional development. We have three Opening Keynote Speakers scheduled for Thursday morning.

The three Opening Keynote Speakers will present two sessions back to back. Teachers from Pool A may choose from any of the three Opening Keynote Speakers from 9:00 a.m. until 10:10 a.m. Teachers from Pool B will be in regular sessions during this time and not attending one of the three Opening Keynote Speakers. From 10:45 a.m. until 11:55 a.m. teachers from Pool B will be in one of the Opening Keynote Speakers and Pool A will be in the regular sessions scheduled from 10:45 a.m. until 11:55 a.m. Hopefully you are not too confused. Please ask your Convention Representative if you need more clarification!

Pool A- Opening Keynote 9:00 – 10:10 Pool B – Opening Keynote 10:45 – 11:55

Aspen View Lakeland CatholicFort Vermilion NorthlandGreater St. Paul Northern Lights

THURSDAY, February 17th, 2011

Opening Address Pool A 9:00 a.m. to 10:10 a.m.Opening Address Pool B 10:45 a.m. to 11:55 a.m.

Small Group Session Pool B 9:00 a.m. to 10:10 a.m.Small Group Session Pool A 10:45 a.m. to 11:55 a.m.

First Afternoon Session All Delegates 1:30 p.m. to 2:40 p.m.Second Afternoon Session All Delegates 2:55 p.m. to 4:05 p.m.Half-Day Afternoon Workshops All Delegates 1:30 p.m. to 4:05 p.m.

FRIDAY, February 18th, 2011 Morning – First Session All Delegates 9:00 a.m. to 10:10 a.m.Morning – Second Session All Delegates 10:40 a.m. to 11:50 a.m.Morning - Half-Day Workshops All Delegates 9:00 a.m. to 11:50 a.m.Closing Keynote Address All Delegates 1:00 p.m. to 2:15 p.m.

Three Opening Keynote Presenters

9:00 a.m. to 10:10 a.m. - Group AAspen View, Fort Vermilion, Greater St. Paul

10:45 a.m. to 11:55 a.m. – Group B Lakeland Catholic, Northland, Northern Lights

Worksheets Don’t Grow Dendrites

If students don’t learn the way we teach them, then we must teach them the way they learn. Experience 20 brain compatible strategies that maximize understanding and memory. Use music, metaphor and movement to increase academic achievement for all students. Explore research that shows why these strategies are preferable to others. Ensure that brains retain key concepts, not only for tests, but for life! This Opening Keynote session repeats at 10:45.

Marcia is currently an educational consultant and has taught over 250,000 administrators, teachers, parents, and business and community leaders throughout the world. She is the author of the following five best-sellers: (1) Worksheets Don’t Grow Dendrites: 20 Instructional Strategies that Engage the Brain; (2) Sit & Get Won’t Grow Dendrites: 20 Professional Learning Strategies that Engage the Adult Brain; (3) Reading and Language Arts Worksheets Don’t Grow Dendrites: 20 Literacy Strategies that Engage the Brain; (4) Shouting Won’t Grow Dendrites: 20 Techniques for Managing a Brain-compatible Classroom; and her latest, Mathematics Worksheets Don’t Grow Dendrites: 20 Numeracy Strategies That Engage the Brain. Participants in her workshops refer to them as the best ones they have ever experienced since Marcia uses the 20 strategies outlined in her books to actively engage her audiences.

Speaker: Dr. Marcia TateRoom: Palisades1st Chairperson: Cindy Kotelko, Greater St. Paul Local2nd Chairperson: Julie Chorney, Lakeland Catholic Local

When Schools Work Well!

Great Schools – schools where students are learning and where teachers love their work – share similar attributes. At least that is what Jim Parson’s research says. As Jim notes, “All the great schools in our study did the same things differently.” Jim’s presentation will share those “same things – the findings of recent research of instructional leadership at some of Alberta’s best schools. As part of this talk, Jim will outline and discuss the five best practices of highly-effective schools, with suggestions about how these can be implemented more widely. This Opening Keynote session repeats at 10:45.heir jobs." We need people who will pull together to get the job done." -Brenda RobinsonJim Parsons received both a B.A. and an M.A. from the University of Kentucky. His Ph.D. was from The University of Texas, 1976, with a major in All Level - General Curriculum and areas of specialty in Social Studies, Literature, and Reading.

Jim has been a professor at the University of Alberta in Edmonton since 1976, and has taught courses in curriculum and instruction in secondary social studies, reading, general curriculum, writing and publishing in education, and research design.

Currently, Jim works with the Government of Alberta as the Director of the Alberta Initiative for School Improvement. Jim has taught at other Canadian and U.S. universities, including The University of New Brunswick, St. Bonaventure University, The University of Lethbridge, Royal Roads University, North American Baptist College and Seminary, Concordia Lutheran Seminary, among others. Jim has worked globally – including throughout Scotland, China, and New Zealand. He also worked throughout northern Scotland with the University of Aberdeen.

Jim has written more than 80 books – including a soon to be released book on Instructional Leadership in Alberta from a research project of highly-effective elementary schools.

Speaker: Dr. Jim ParsonsRoom: Robson/Rundle1st Chairperson: Teri Zimmerman, Aspen View Local2nd Chairperson: Donna Wesley, Aspen View Local

Cyberbullying: An Emerging Threat to the Always-on Generation

Cyberbullying has become a concern with the increasing use of technology by youth. Bill Belsey will address the issue of Cyberbullying and ways to decrease it. Bill Belsey is a father, a multiple award-winning teacher and founder of Bullying.org Canada. He is the creator of www.bulling.org, the world’s most visited and referenced Website about bullying. Mr. Belsey conceived of Canada’s annual National Bullying Awareness Week www.bullyawarenessweek.org and www.bullyingcourse.com, which offers Canada’s first online courses and Webinars about bullying and Cyberbullying for parents and educators. Often is credited with being the first person to introduce the term “Cyberbullying” and created, www.cyberbullying.ca the world’s first Website about this issue. During this session Bill will help educators understand how this issue is affecting our youth and what can be done about it. This session will repeat at 10:45.

Mr. Belsey is a winner of the Prime Minister's Award for Teaching Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Technology. Mr. Belsey was named as a Fellow of the World Technology Network in the Education category at a gala event at San Francisco’s City Hall. His print interviews have appeared in Parenting Magazine, the Globe and Mail, and the Christian Science Monitor. He has appeared numerous times on the CTV and CBC National News. He has been a consultant to “The Dr. Phil Show” and ABC News 20/20 with Diane Sawyer and “Anderson Cooper 360” on CNN. In an interview with Mr. Belsey on CBC TV’s “The National”, Peter Mansbridge referred to www.bullying.org as “One of the best Web sites in the world for children”. Mr. Belsey has presented at many conferences across Canada and around the world.

Speaker: Bill BelseyRoom: Logan1st Chairperson: Timothy Crabbe, Greater St. Paul Local2nd Chairperson: April Koziol, Northern Lights Local

FIRST SMALL GROUP SESSIONS – Thursday morning Pool B - Lakeland Catholic, Northland, Northern LightsPool A – delegates are in one of the opening keynote sessions9:00 a.m. to 10:10 a.m.

SECOND SMALL GROUP SESSIONS – Thursday morning Pool A – Aspen View, Fort Vermilion, Greater St. PaulPool B – delegates are in one of the opening keynote sessions

10:45 a.m. to 11:55 a.m.

SMART Board Introduction

This introductory session will focus on how SMART Boards and SMART Notebook software can be utilized to engage your students in their learning. Learn about the incredible resources in the Gallery Essentials, the interactive SMART notebook files you can download from SMART exchange and the interactive structures found in the Lesson Activity Tool Kit. This session repeats at 10:45.

Speaker: Robert TymofichukRoom: Emerald 1st Chairperson: Mike Rondeau, Greater St. Paul Local2nd Chairperson: John Borges, Fort Vermilion Local

Current Issues in Education - President of the ATA

The president of the Alberta Teachers’ Association, Carol Henderson, will present a review of current issues in education. Issues that are likely to affect teachers and schools as a result of government decisions and actions will be discussed. This session repeats at 10:45.

Speaker: Carol HendersonRoom Amethyst1st Chairperson: Randy Proskiw, District Representative NE2nd Chairperson: Randy Proskiw, District Representative NE

Effective Assessment Practices for First Nations, Metis and Inuit Students

As with any group of students, great variations in how individual Frist Nations, Metis and Inuit students demonstrate their learning exists. There are, however, some common cultural traits that FNMI students often share. This workshop draws on current research to identity approaches to ensure that assessments for FNMI students truly represent their learning, that is fair and that considers their cultural differences. Specific ideas for culturally sensitive assessment will be provided. This session repeats at 10:45.

Speaker: Patrick LoyerRoom Maligne1st Chairperson: Jason MacDonald, Fort Vermilion Local2nd Chairperson: Randy Chernipeski, Northland Local

Using SMART Response to Assess Reading Comprehension

2008 Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Teaching winner, and SMART Exemplary Educator, Milissa Gavel will speak on her experience integrating SMART products into her classroom, becoming a designated SMART Showcase School. This workshop will provide a brief introduction to the SMART Response System and model how it can transform student learning and increase engagement in the area of assessment. Participants will engage in a model lesson focused on collecting instantaneous data representing reading comprehension. Educators will observe ease of use and the impact of engagement. Participants will learn that reading assessments can be quick, interactive and enjoyable. This session repeats at 10:45.

Speaker: Milissa GavelRoom: Morraine1st Chairperson: Marina Powell, Lakeland Catholic Local2nd Chairperson: Lenore Lemouche, Aspen View Local

Supporting Struggling Writers using Assistive Technology

Do you have students who struggle with writing? In this session, we will discuss how technology can be used to support students of all ages with the writing process. We will demonstrate how computer hardware and software, iPod touch/iPads, digital recorders and other common low tech technology can be used to support students who may have weak spelling skills, difficulty getting information down or who have difficulty using conventional writing tools (pen/paper). This session is applicable to all grade levels. This session repeats at 10:45.

Speaker: Bonnie-Lynn David/ Sharan de WaalRoom Banff1st Chairperson: Rochelle Kendoussi, Northland Local2nd Chairperson: Jodi Rebkowich, Northern Lights Local

Collaborating to Enhance Mathematics Performance

By working collaboratively, teachers and researchers are engaged in conducting research around Aboriginal student performance in mathematics. These presenters will share what they have learned, how they have learned about it, and the ways our learning have impacted our practices. Our professional colleagues, Dwayne Donald, Gladys Sternberg, and Florence Glanfield were recently awarded the 2009/10 ATA Educational Research Award and they are very excited to share their research about this topic. This session repeats at 10:45.

Speaker: Dr. Florence Glanfield (University of Alberta)Room Jasper1st Chairperson: Diane Hennig, Great St. Paul Local2nd Chairperson: Marj Farris, Fort Vermilion Local

Educating for Democratic Citizenship in an Oil-Dependent Economy

This presentation will provide an overview of recent new events of oil sands, the public understanding of energy, followed by a critical assessment of the kinds of messages students and educators are receiving through professional development activities and curriculum currently being promoted in the K-12 school system. A hands-on activity that has been field tested by educators is then used to show how educators can successfully develop energy and environmental literacy programs that promote democratic citizen ship while simultaneously fulfilling components of the curriculum. This session repeats at 10:45.

Speaker: Andrew Hodgkins (University of Alberta)Room: 2201/2203 1st Chairperson: TBA2nd Chairperson: Tim Urlacher, Northern Lights Local

Box Cars - Dice and Dominoes (K- Gr. 3)

Come prepared to play math games that integrate the use of dominoes and dice. Some of our newest Box Cars ideas will focus on the operations, place value, number sense, problem solving and patterns. Reproducible game boards will be provided. This session repeats at 10:45.

Speaker: John FellingRoom: 2204/22061st Chairperson: Karen Kirby, Fort Vermilion Local2nd Chairperson: Terra Lee Gratton, Greater St. Paul Local

Healthy Interactions – Alberta Teachers’ Association

Healthy Interactions is a communications and conflict-resolution program that the Alberta Teachers’ Association offers in collaboration with individual school jurisdictions. The program has been successfully implemented in a number of jurisdictions in the province. The Healthy interactions Program trains teachers in the communication and conflict-resolution skills they need to handle parental complaints and other concerns. Participants finish the program with increased confidence in dealing with concerns. This is a nine hour in-service training session that will take place all day on Thursday as well as Friday morning. Teachers who register for this session must commit to completing all of the training to receive a certificate. Pre-register with Myrna McLean at myrnalin@telus.net . This session runs all day Thursday and Friday morning!

Speaker: Dr. Wayne Harlton and Maureen Ference Room: 22051st Chairperson: Albert Van Doomselaar, Fort Vermilion Local

Power to Play Makes Teaching Health Fun

Power to Play is a cross-curricular, Alberta approved resource for K-3 teachers. Join Brock Lee and Coco Lait on their superhero adventures. All teachers attending the session will receive all program materials free of charge. For a sneak peak at a workshop or to view program material visit about Power to Play please visit www.powertoplay.com. This session repeats at 10:45.

Speaker: Lee FinellRoom 22071st Chairperson: Deidre Keller, Aspen View Local2nd Chairperson: Lori Cox, Fort Vermilion Local

Scaffolding For Student Success

What do we do when students don’t understand? This session will feature new resource materials developed by the Alberta Assessment Consortium (AAC) that are designed to support and scaffold student learning. These practical tools support students through self-reflection and peer coaching processes that put the theory of assessment for learning into practice. This session repeats at 10:45.

Speaker: Catherine CoyneRoom 2208/22101st Chairperson: Jenn Friesen, Northland Local2nd Chairperson: Melissa Lapage, Lakeland Catholic Local

A Taste of FMS (K-6)

Looking for support for your elementary physical education classes? Get ready to participate in activities to take back to your staff? Using the ABCD’s of Physical Education and the philosophy of Physical Literacy, participants will walk away with the tools to teach FUNdamental Movement Skills (FMS). The FMS provide the basic motor skills that are the foundation to all later movement in life whether sport specific, active living or recreation. Come join Ever Active School in this active session for a ‘taste’ of developing physically literate students through FUNdamentals. This session repeats at 10:45.

Speaker: Ever Active SchoolRoom: Mezzanine Room, Trade Centre1st Chairperson: TBA2nd Chairperson: Jody Burgess, Greater St. Paul Local

Personal Pension Interviews – 15 Minute Interviews – Thursday and Friday

Personal interviews with a representative of the ATRF will be available. Pension matters of a personal nature may be discussed. Please bring any recent ATRF communications with you, such as a Contributor Record and/or a Pension Estimate. If you are planning to retire in the near future, please bring both the originals and copies of your birth certificate, your marriage certificate, and your spouse's birth certificate where applicable. Prior to Convention 2010 delegates may register for a pension interview at the ATRF website. www.atrf.com

Speaker: Dana Adams, ATRFRoom: Please ask at the registration desk.

SMALL GROUP SESSIONS (Thursday afternoon)Thursday, February 17th, 20111:30 p.m. to 2:40 p.m.

Reading & Language Arts Worksheets Don’t Grow Dendrites

According to experts in the field, reading and language arts skills are best acquired when students are actively engaged in their own learning. Reading and Language Arts Worksheets Don’t Grow Dendrites focuses on brain-based literacy strategies for Grade K-12, structured around the International Reading Association and National Council of English standards. Unless students are involved and actively engaged in learning, true learning rarely occurs. Invite your students to use their higher-level thinking skills, increase their comprehension and make the learning their own!

Speaker: Dr. Marcia TateRoom: Palisade Chairperson: Jodi Rebkowich, Northern Lights Local

2008 Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Teaching Winner, Milissa Gavel

This session will speak to the importance of sharing what we are doing in the area of technology and the power of collaboration with our colleagues. Being an early adopter of SMART technology, Gavel quickly realized the educational benefits and was excited about the opportunity to share them with her colleagues. Ms. Gavel will show how her school achieved some major milestones in the area of technology. 2008 Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Teaching winner, and SMART Exemplary Educator, Milissa Gavel will speak on her experience integrating SMART products into her classroom, becoming a designated SMART Showcase School and the effects that SMART product adoption has had on the Province of Saskatchewan. This session repeats at 2:55.

Speaker: Milissa GavelRoom: Logan Chairperson: Erin Murphy, Lakeland Catholic Local

Walking After Midnight – the Story of BobKaty is a concerned parent and restorative justice advocate with a compelling, real life story. In her very personalized presentation, entitled Walking after Midnight: The Story of Bob, Katy clearly describes how alcohol and other drug use, bullying, peer pressure and misguided choices in an unchaperoned setting caused devastation to her family. Through a powerful and poignant multi-media presentation, Katy shares how this traumatic even impacted her as a wife and as a mother of two young children. Her personal and interactive presentation is designed to explore the dynamic that led to the events that changed everything for her and her family, and to empower communities to make healthier choices so similar tragedies can be prevented. Most importantly, she explores the power of forgiveness and describes her own grassroots quest for restorative justice. This session repeats at 2:55.

Speaker: Katy HutchisonRoom: Robson/Rundle Chairperson: Shelley Addis, Greater St. Paul Local

Pod – What? An Introduction to Podcasting in Any Classroom

You’ve probably heard the word podcasting in your school or on the news and you might even have heard how useful and wonderful it is to use in the classroom, but how does it really work? Who can do it and what is a podcast made of?  This session will provide an introduction to podcasting in the classroom for any age, grade, or subject.  You will listen to examples of student podcasts, learn about the software and equipment needed for a successful podcast (for both Mac and PC), and will also learn about what makes a good podcast – segments for different students, different audiences, and different classes. Step Away from the Book!

Speaker: Beth AllanRoom: Emerald Chairperson: Justin Barlow, Lakeland Catholic Local

When Being Absent from School is Necessary……If circumstances require a teacher to take time away from teaching, does the teacher get paid for the day? Teachers have access to a variety of leaves, such as sick leave, jury duty, personal, compassionate and family medical leave. What circumstances govern the use of leaves? When can the employer refuse to grant a leave? What right to privacy do teachers have when requesting leaves? How much medical information should be provided? When are leaves without pay?

Speaker: Catherine MoirRoom: AmethystChairperson: Andrew McInnis, Aspen View Local

Teaching Quality Physical Education – Grades 7-12

If you need quality PE lessons that meet the expectations of the program of study, then this workshop is for you! EAS has gathered one set of lesson plans including five Division III units and has packaged them into an easy to follow and use resource. Participants will come away from this workshop with quality lesson plans and strategies for physical education and an understanding of the ABCE’S of PE.

Speaker: Ever Active SchoolsRoom: MaligneChairperson: Hank Smid, Greater St. Paul Local

Math 10 C – My First Semester Experience

Come out and listen to the first semester experiences of a teacher that has taught the entire Math 10C course. Course sequence, timing, assessment: we will discuss it all!! Come armed with questions and concerns so we can discuss those as well.

Speaker: Terry KaminskiRoom: MoraineChairperson: Terri Lynn McLeod, Northland Local

Drama – Warm Up Games and Ice Breakers

Bruce MacDonald has been teaching Drama for 20 years at Edwin Parr High School in Athabasca. He is the backstage festival director for the Alberta High School Drama Festival Association and has won the Prime Minister’s Award for Teaching Excellence in 2001-2002. Through participation in games you will gain knowledge of warm up games and ice breakers to develop a positive atmosphere in the class. A list of games, along with their descriptions, will be provided for your files. Speaker: Bruce MacDonaldRoom: BanffChairperson: Julie Norton, Fort Vermilion Local

Introduction to Read & Write Gold

Read & Write Gold has been implemented throughout the province to assist student learning. This session will focus on using Read & Write Gold to accommodate struggling students. We will explore the many features on the toolbar that support reading, studying as well as writing.

Speaker: Lisa Boone (Aroga Group)Room: JasperChairperson: Judy Bilak, Greater St. Paul Local

Developing Assets – Empowering Students to Lead

Do you ever wonder why you can’t get students/staff to become involved in the events you plan for your school? This workshop will give ideas as to how to remedy this situation. Are the basic needs, as per Maslow’s Hierarch, being met? Perhaps you need to have a look at ‘personal inventories’? Join Brent Allan, President of the Canadian Association of Student Council Advisors (C.A.S.A.A.), and learn from his experiences of working with student activities. A teacher for 30 years and currently the Assistant Principal at the Wainwright High School, Mr Allen has built a reputation with regards to program development, implementation and evaluation of student mentorship programs.

Speaker: Brent AllenRoom: 2201/2203

Chairperson: Julie Norrie, Lakeland Catholic Local

Box Cars – Play on Words

This is a hands-on workshop that integrates reading, spelling and literacy skill through the use of cooperative games. Games incorporate the use of alphabet and literacy dice, moveable letter tiles, sight word decks and more. Come prepared to play. Reproducible game boards provided and student samples will be shared. This session repeats at 2:55.

Speaker: John FellingRoom 2204/2206Chairperson: TBA

Performance for Assessment

Performance assessment is a valuable tool to engage students deeply in their learning and provide teachers with credible evidence about what students know and can do. With its focus on the big ideas of the curriculum, performance assessment plays a vital role in a balanced classroom assessment program. Come explore the new AAC website and find out how performance assessment can engage your students in learning.

Speaker: Sherry BennetRoom: 2208/2210Chairperson: Kara Bonikowsky, Lakeland Catholic Local

Block Print (K-12)

Block printing is more than just stamping. Come learn several methods for making a relief print – from cardboard cut-outs to Solar Plates. We will cover tips for creating multiple images and the importance of color choices. Project ideas such a calendars, textiles and print exchanges will also be discussed. No experience required. Students will take home a couple of prints and full instructions. Kim Fjordbotten has a BFA in Art and Design and she has traveled around Alberta working with school teachers for the past decade.

Speaker: Kim FjordbottenRoom: Mezzanine, Trade Centre UpstairsChairperson: Heather Hempstock, Northland Local

SMALL GROUP SESSIONS – HALF Day WorkshopsThursday, February 17th, 20111:30 p.m. to 4:05 p.m.

Tour the Legislative Building and Witness the Legislative Assembly in Action!

Make democracy come alive! Learn, lead and teach parliamentary democracy in an engaging and interactive environment. First step inside the Alberta Legislature and broaden your personal knowledge and understanding of Alberta history, parliamentary traditions and symbols along with the legislative process. Then discover a wealth of program opportunities and resources to support your classroom teaching. This session includes a comprehensive guided build tour, observation of the Assembly (25 seats have been reserved in the Legislative Gallery if government is in session). There will be a presentation as well as a question-and-answer period geared to teachers’ professional opportunity to view the student program venues. Transportation from the Mayfield Inn to the Legislative Assembly will be available. This is a pre-registered session for the first 25 delegates. Please email myrnalin@telus.net to register.

Speaker: Diane Brayman/Diana Panizzon

Room: 2208/2210Chairperson: Dawn Thompson, Fort Vermilion Local

The Basics of Negligence, Liability and Risk Management - AIAAA

The AIAAA was developed by the Alberta Schools’ Athletic Association (ASAA) in 2008 after many years of discussion about assisting athletic directors in Alberta schools. The AIAAA is now a stand-alone organization, which enjoys close ties with, and financial support from, the ASAA. This course covers liability, negligence, and risk management practices for athletic administrators. Legal concepts will be introduced to athletic administrators through the use of case law, case studies, and guided discussion. Appropriate risk management documentation procedures for athletic administrators will be identified. Enrolees will benefit from discussing real-life case law scenarios and defining the duties and standards of care that the law requires of athletic administrators. Enrolees will leave the course with new knowledge and actionable strategies for managing risk. Participants will need to pay a fee $79.00 for members and $99.00 for non-members to receive their certification. This course is four hours long and must start at 1:00 p.m. and will finish at 5:00 p.m. This course requires pre-registration. Please contact myrnalin@telus.net.

Speaker: Dale Henderson (www.aiaaa.ca)Room: Barnett House (11010 142 Street)Chairperson: David Schellenberg, Fort Vermilion Local

CTS – Truss Roof Framing Performance TaskIntroduction and demonstrations of an integrated learning unit based in CTS pulling from many elements of the DIV 3 Curriculums. In this performance task students each construct a full 1/16 inch scale 3 bedroom home. The techniques, skills, knowledge and applications used in this program are nearly identical to those used in framing and construction but scaled down to a manageable size for the classroom. Included in this presentation will be eveything a teacher would need to implement this program in their school including: assessments, programing and curriculum links, budgets and material take-offs, sequence and scope.

Speaker: Bradley BarrRoom: 2207Chairperson: Shane Ennest, Northern Lights Local

SMALL GROUP SESSIONS (Thursday afternoon)Thursday, February 17th, 20112:55 p.m. to 4:05 p.m.

Shouting Won’t Grow Dendrites: 20 Techniques for Managing a Brain-compatible Classroom

Have you ever noticed that the louder some teachers get when reprimanding students, the louder the students also become? Assist teachers in managing a brain-compatible classroom without ever raising their voices. Show them how to alleviate at least 50% of their behavior problems just by the way they set up the physical environment and deliver engaging lessons, another 40% by developing a comprehensive plan and the most challenging 10% by using strategies for chronic behavior disorders such as oppositional or conduct disorder.

Participants in this session will learn to: Identify the characteristics of a proactive classroom manager; Create a classroom environment conducive to learning and a home environment

which alleviates stress; Develop instructional activities which foster student engagement; Develop a management plan with rituals, celebrations, and consequences; and

Gain confidence in dealing with the most difficult behavior challenges.

Speaker: Dr. Marcia TateRoom: Palisade Chairperson: Linda Woychenko, Aspen View Local

2008 Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Teaching Winner, Milissa Gavel

This session will speak to the importance of sharing what we are doing in the area of technology and the power of collaboration with our colleagues. Being an early adopter of SMART technology, Gavel quickly realized the educational benefits and was excited about the opportunity to share them with her colleagues. Ms. Gavel will show how her school achieved some major milestones in the area of technology. 2008 Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Teaching winner, and SMART Exemplary Educator, Milissa Gavel will speak on her experience integrating SMART products into her classroom, becoming a designated SMART Showcase School and the effects that SMART product adoption has had on the Province of Saskatchewan.

Speaker: Milissa GavelRoom: Logan Chairperson: Allen Spelrem, Fort Vermilion Local

Walking After Midnight – the Story of BobKaty is a concerned parent and restorative justice advocate with a compelling, real life story. In her very personalized presentation, entitled Walking after Midnight: The Story of Bob, Katy clearly describes how alcohol and other drug use, bullying, peer pressure and misguided choices in an unchaperoned setting caused devastation to her family. Through a powerful and poignant multi-media presentation, Katy shares how this traumatic event impacted her as a wife and as a mother of two young children. Her personal and interactive presentation is designed to explore the dynamic that led to the events that changed everything for her and her family, and to empower communities to make healthier choices so similar tragedies can be prevented. Most importantly, she explores the power of forgiveness and describes her own grassroots quest for restorative justice.

Speaker: Katy HutchisonRoom: Robson/Rundle Chairperson: Karie Becker, Fort Vermilion Local

Integrating Technology into the Junior High Language Arts Classroom

Everyone (mostly) has seen or heard of the many new tools and the neat websites for you to use in your general classrooms, but how do they work in the Language Arts classroom, specifically? This session will focus on ways to implement new technology into your junior high Language Arts classes to create engaging, hands-on, and meaningful learning experiences for your students.  Come and see exemplars of student work, pick up some rubrics and assignments that you can adapt, and learn how to take these wonderful

websites and use them to help students step away from the book and step toward integrating a variety of 21st Century Literacy skills in their lives.

Speaker: Beth AllanRoom: Emerald Chairperson: Fred Kirby, Fort Vermilion Local

Administrators and the Collective AgreementNot only are principals’ allowances contained in collective agreements, but administrators are often required to work within collective agreement provisions. In this workshop, principals will hear about language which provides benefit to them as well as assistance in sorting out which articles in the teachers’ collective agreement they should actively administer and how to avoid pitfalls.

Speaker: Catherine MoirRoom: AmethystChairperson: Terry Gibson, Fort Vermilion Local

Health Promoting Schools

Research shows that healthier students are better prepared to learn and are more successful in school. Schools are in the business of providing programming and resources to ensure student success and a quality Health Promoting Schools (HPS) program does just that! The HPS program (also known as Comprehensive School Health) is a school-wide approach that links health and education and connects the home, school and communities. Ever Active Schools is an innovative, evidence-based program that promotes healthy, active school communities. Come leant the Ever Active Schools Program and the steps to success in creating a healthy learning environment.

Speaker: Ever Active SchoolsRoom: MaligneChairperson: Collin Kupchenko, Greater St. Paul Local

Enhancing Education through Technology This session will involve using computers to enhance the learning experience for students. Students use technology every day and as teachers we need to be able to bring their everyday experiences into the classroom. Activities will be presented to show teachers how students are able to get engaged into a lesson using the computer. The presenters will talk about different computer programs as well as some easy to use web 2.0 tools.  The subjects that will be focused on will be English and Social Studies.

Speaker: Julie ChorneyRoom: MorraineChairperson: Murray Boratynec, Greater St. Paul Local

Drama: Improve with Improv Techniques Bruce MacDonald has been teaching Drama for 20 years at Edwin Parr High School in Athabasca, he is the backstage festival director for the Alberta High School Drama Festival Association and has won the Prime Minister’s Award for Teaching Excellence in 2001-2002. Through participation in various Improv Techniques you will gain an understanding of the basics of Improv and how you could use this exiting art form in many different classes. A list of games will provided with description for your files.

Speaker: Bruce MacDonald

Room: BanffChairperson: Benjamin Stevens, Northland Local

Why Care About Medicare: A Teaching Unit for Grade Nine Social StudiesMedicare- Canada’s publically funded universal healthcare system has become one of the most salient markers of our unique national identity and continues to be a matter of on-going debate. This workshop will help teachers understand and interact with the Aspen Foundation’s new resource, Canada’s Public Healthcare System Medicare: Past to Present. Mix and match lessons to address learning outcomes related to Canada’s social policies and programs. Each participant will receive a hardcopy of the resource guide and learn about finding the links on the Aspen Foundation website.

Speaker: Barb MaheuRoom: Jasper Chairperson: Greg Cruickshank, Aspen View Local To Wonder and to Wander: An Inquiry Journey through Personal History

The audience will travel back through time and place with the presenter, following a complex line of inquiry, from southern England in the 1880’s to Wales and then to central Alberta in 1927 and through to 2000. Research methodologies will be described: personal interviews, internet sites, archives, libraries and individuals’ memories that were tapped for information. As results coalesce, the realities faced by an immigrant family – the Thurston’s in Irma, Alberta come together in a colourful portrait, subsequently published in the prize winning book No Corner Boys Here.

Speaker: Jean CrozierRoom: 2201/2203Chairperson: Stuart Robson, Fort Vermilion Local Play on Words – Literacy Games

Are you a teacher who is seeking multi-sensory integrated language activities? This game workshop incorporates the use of unique literacy dice and letter tiles. There are many practical take home ideas for use in the classroom. Game boards are provided.

Speaker: John FellingRoom 2204/2206Chairperson: Jose Lapointe, Lakeland Catholic Local

Engaging Students in Authentic Performance Assessment

Performance assessment is a valuable tool to engage students deeply in their learning and provide teachers with credible evidence about what students know and can do. With its focus on the big ideas of the curriculum, performance assessment plays a vital role in a balanced classroom assessment program. Come explore the new AAC website and find out how performance assessment can engage your students in learning.

Speaker: Sherry BennetRoom: 2208/2210Chairperson: Nancy Coussett, Lakeland Catholic Local

Screen Print (Gr. 7-12)

This introduction to screen printing will cover the basics from screen preparation to printing. You will learn the process including stencil making methods, multi-color registration, ink mixing, and printing on various substrates. The lecture/demonstration will be followed by some hands-on pulling of prints. Participants will go home with a prints and full instructions.  Kim Fjordbotten has a BFA in Art and Design and she has traveled around Alberta working with school teachers for the past decade.

Speaker: Kim FjordbottenRoom: Mezzanine, Trade Centre UpstairsChairperson: TBA