CATCA 2021: Full Schedule

Here is our VIMEO Showcase Library, where it will contain all pre-recorded sessions. Zoom recorded sessions will be released on Feb 22nd. https://vimeo.com/showcase/8117899 Password: Central21

9:00am MST

Looking Ahead - By Retired Teachers, for Retiring Teachers

THIS SESSION WILL NOT BE RECORDED.
This one-hour presentation is designed for those who are considering retirement within 5 years, or who are almost 65 years old. The realities of retirement are shared by a retiree, along with considerations for a life that is not governed by the bell. The Alberta Retired Teachers’ Association (ARTA) is introduced – what ARTA provides and the benefits of becoming a member.
While the presentation also briefly touches on retirement income considerations and your pension, this presentation is not focused on your pension. Pension questions should be directed to the Alberta Teachers’ Retirement Fund (ATRF).
The balance of this presentation is focused on the Retiree Benefits Plan offered by ARTA – the health, dental, and travel options; and how the plan is managed.

Speakers

Alberta Retired Teachers' Association

Jennifer Hope - Affiliate Marketing Advisor, Alberta Retired Teachers' Association

Have a Question? Need some more information? Or just want to chat?You are welcome to connect with us live via Zoom. Please click the link above.We will be available from 9:00 am, until 4:00pm (MST) on Thursday, February 25th and from 9:00am, until 3:00pm on Friday, February 26th.If... Read More →

Jennifer Hope

Affiliate Marketing Advisor, Alberta Retired Teachers' Association

Jennifer graduated from the University of Lethbridge with a Bachelor of Management degree with a major in marketing. Prior to joining the ARTA marketing team, she hashad a variety of marketing positions as well as media communications.Since joining ARTA Jennifer has become well-versed... Read More →

Marilyn Bossert

MARILYN BOSSERT Past President, ARTA Retirement marks the end of working for someone else and the beginning of living for yourself reads the quote on Marilyn’s favorite coffee mug. Following a rewarding career teaching junior high English, she joined her local branch, the Central... Read More →

Teachers' Convention ARTA Info Sheet pdf

Thursday February 18, 2021 9:00am - 10:15am MST
CATCA Virtual Room 058

Health and Wellness (TQS 3), Early Childhood Education (Pre K-K), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 1 (Gr 1-3), Division 4 (Gr 10-12) | Educational Research (TQS/LQS 2), Early Childhood Education (Pre K-K), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 1 (Gr 1-3), Division 4 (Gr 10-12) | Professional Issues (TQS 6), Early Childhood Education (Pre K-K), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 1 (Gr 1-3), Division 4 (Gr 10-12)

9:00am MST

The Pandemic Pulse: Rapid Research Evidence on COVID-19 Impacts Across Alberta K-12 Schools (45 min interactive session)

This session will share the key findings from a series of pandemic research activities conducted by the profession of teaching in Alberta in the Spring and Fall 2020 and Winter 2021. It will then open up small group discussions about what this tells us about the future of teaching and learning in Alberta, and what trends will begin to emerge in the months and years ahead in light of the emerging issues, forces and accelerating trends identified in the Association’s pandemic pulse research surveys. Resource: https://www.teachers.ab.ca/News%20Room/Issues/COVID-19/2020-School-Re-entry/Pages/Teacher-Pandemic-Pulse-Survey-Results--Fall-2020.aspx

Speakers

Phil McRae

Associate Coordinator - Research, Alberta Teachers' Association

Dr. Phil McRae is Executive Staff Officer and Associate Coordinator, Research with the Alberta Teachers' Association (ATA), and Adjunct Professor within the Faculty of Education at the University of Alberta, Canada where he earned his Ph.D. Phil is the past winner of the Alberta Excellence... Read More →

Thursday February 18, 2021 9:00am - 10:15am MST
Virtual (Zoom)

9:00am MST

Time Matters - Why knowing your assignment is important!

So, you discover you’ve reached 1200 hours of assigned duties in May. What next? Can you pack your bags and head to the lake?

There are limits in the collective agreement regarding how much work can be assigned to teachers. Check this session out to find out what counts for instruction, what is assignable and what are your "professional duties". Find out how to use the calculator to see how close you are to the maximums.

Now is a really good time to figure this out because no, you can’t just leave when you reach 1200 hours – any changes to your schedule should happen in the next few months to prevent you exceeding that limit.

Speakers

Anne-Marie Huizing

Anne-Marie joined the Association’s Teacher EmploymentServices (formerly Teacher Welfare) executive staff in 2018.Anne-Marie holds a BA in International Relations, a BEd inElementary French Immersion and a MEd in EducationalTechnology for Schools, all from the University of Calgary... Read More →

Thursday February 18, 2021 9:00am - 10:15am MST
Virtual (Zoom)

9:00am MST

Rising Strong™ After Setbacks*THIS SESSION WILL NOT BE RECORDED*

*THIS SESSION WILL NOT BE RECORDED*
Representing Dr. Brené Brown’s latest research on vulnerability and shame, the Rising Strong™ workshop, will provide insights into:
• Rising after failure, disappointment, and loss, and the process for moving through them
• The physics of vulnerability and guidelines for rising after a fall
• How stories have power in your life to drive emotions, thoughts, and behaviours
• What it means to rumble with emotions like shame, guilt, anxiety, blame, accountability, resentment, grief, forgiveness, and perfectionism
• Emotional offloading strategies and how they move us away from our values
• Recognizing and capturing the stories we make up when faced with struggle
• Writing your own daring endings to tough stories
• Daring people fall. Own your story of falling to write your own bold ending.
This program is for anyone looking to rise from setbacks, losses and disappointments with greater courage in any area of their professional and personal life.

Speakers

Kimberly Knull

Owner, Courageous Leadership

Kimberly Knull is a former teacher, Registered Psychologist, motivational speaker and trained by Brené Brown as a Dare to Lead™ and Daring Way™ facilitator. She’s the co-founder of Momentum Walk-In Counselling Society, recognized as one of Avenue magazine’s Top 40 Under 40... Read More →

Values Clarification Exercise pdf

Thursday February 18, 2021 9:00am - 12:00pm MST
CATCA Virtual Room 072

Health and Wellness (TQS 3), Division 1 (Gr 1-3), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Division 3 (Gr 7-9) | Professional Issues (TQS 6), Division 1 (Gr 1-3), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Division 3 (Gr 7-9) | Counselling & Student Support (TQS/LQS 4), Division 1 (Gr 1-3), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Division 3 (Gr 7-9)

10:45am MST

Forecasting the Future & Identifying Four Strong Forces of Change for Society (45 min interactive session)

Societies around the world are in the midst of a period of change and transformation unlike any other time over the last 100 years. In this conversation, Dr. McRae will highlight four significant trends (a return of walls, environmental sustainability, automation and digital networks, and artificial intelligence in education) that will change the landscape of schools around the world over the next two decades. This interactive conversation will also discuss new research in small groups from a partnership with Harvard Medical School and Sesame Workshop on the world’s largest study of technology, health and learning and how digital technologies are actively (re)shaping our societies. Most importantly, Dr. Phil will share advice on how we might all achieve a fine balance in a rapidly changing and digitally saturated world. Resource: https://www.teachers.ab.ca/SiteCollectionDocuments/ATA/Publications/Alberta's-Education-System/Changing%20Landscape%202020-2040%20Final%20Document.pdf

Speakers

Phil McRae

Associate Coordinator - Research, Alberta Teachers' Association

Thursday February 18, 2021 10:45am - 12:00pm MST
Virtual (Zoom)

12:30pm MST

Occupational Health & Safety - Back to a Safe and Healthy Future

This session provides an overview of Occupational Health and Safety legislation in Alberta and reviews the responsibilities work site parties, including teachers and school leaders, have under that legislation. The workshop will review the important rights of teachers and school leaders, including the right to know, the right to participate and the right to refuse unsafe work and will review the steps that should be followed when there are concerns that working conditions are unsafe.

Speakers

Konni deGoeij

Associate Coordinator, Teacher Employment Services, Alberta Teachers' Association

Konni deGoeij has worked as schoolteacher, school based administrator, teacher educator, researcher, and policy advisor in Alberta. Konni joined the Alberta Teachers’ Association as an executive staff officer in the Member Services program area in 2004 and in 2006 became the Associate... Read More →

Thursday February 18, 2021 12:30pm - 1:45pm MST
Virtual (Zoom)

12:30pm MST

Productivity and Organization Working at Home, School, and Everywhere In-Between *PRE-RECORDED*

This session will explore how to build effective personal and professional structures to be your most productive self, cut-out distractions, and find joy in all you do. Professional artist, bestselling author, and work-from-home addict, Alexis Marie Chute shares tips and tricks for scheduling your time, organizing your to-do list, getting more done, and finding your highest level of work and home balance for greatest life-fulfillment. In an age where you may be asked to switch your work environment without notice, this session will help you be agile, adaptable, and find pleasure in unpredictability.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE VIDEO

Speakers

Alexis Marie Chute

Author, Artist, Filmmaker, Curator, Alexis Marie Productions Inc.

Alexis Marie Chute is an award-winning artist, photographer, filmmaker, gallery curator, and bestselling author of four books. She is an outside-the-box innovator, passionate storyteller, cultural connector, and engaging, international public speaker. She has her Bachelor of Fine... Read More →

Thursday February 18, 2021 12:30pm - 1:45pm MST
Online (Pre-Recording)

Professional Issues (TQS 6), Division 1 (Gr 1-3), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 4 (Gr 10-12) | Health and Wellness (TQS 3), Division 1 (Gr 1-3), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 4 (Gr 10-12)

12:30pm MST

President Schilling: Unplugged

Limited Capacity seats available

This session will offer the opportunity to meet with President Schilling in a group setting to discuss matters and issues that are of importance to you and your colleagues. The session will open with a few focus questions from President Schilling followed by an opportunity to have open dialogue on topics generated by the discussion.

Speakers

Jason Schilling

President, Alberta Teachers' Association

Jason Schilling was elected president in 2019 following two years of service as vice-president and more than eight years of service as district representative for South West. As vice-president, Schilling chaired the Central Table Bargaining Committee and the Finance Committee, served... Read More →

Thursday February 18, 2021 12:30pm - 1:45pm MST
Virtual (Zoom)

Professional Issues (TQS 6), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Early Childhood Education (Pre K-K), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 1 (Gr 1-3) | School Leadership (LQS 1-9), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Early Childhood Education (Pre K-K), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 1 (Gr 1-3)

2:15pm MST

Micro Retreat for Teachers Who Have No Clue What to Do With Retirement

Our profession is loaded with meaning and identity; who are you outside of teaching? Who will you be when you retire? Are you contemplating a different career? How will you make meaning for yourself if you aren't a teacher. I'd like to provide some things to think about in a microscopic retreat not for kids but for us. This is a chance for you to be quiet for a while and think about you.

Speakers

Vincent Mireau

Teacher & Counselling Psychologist

Vince Mireau is a clinical/educational psychologist working in the greater Whitecourt, Alberta region. His expertise is in creatively meeting the complex needs of children using play and biologically respectful approaches. He started his teaching career with Edmonton Catholic Schools... Read More →

Thursday February 18, 2021 2:15pm - 3:30pm MST
CATCA Virtual Room 070

Health and Wellness (TQS 3), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 1 (Gr 1-3) | Professional Issues (TQS 6), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 1 (Gr 1-3) | Reflection/Collaboration (TQS/LQS 2), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 1 (Gr 1-3)

2:15pm MST

Dealing with Volatile Situations

Teachers have hundreds of interactions with parents, students and colleagues every day. Sometimes, those interactions involve conflict in dynamic and delicate circumstances. This session will explore common types of conflict, causes of conflict, legal rights and obligations of individuals in school-related conflict, and strategies for managing and resolving conflict effectively. A discussion of sample scenarios will help tie learnings to common conflict situations in the school context.

Speakers

Konni deGoeij

Associate Coordinator, Teacher Employment Services, Alberta Teachers' Association

Thursday February 18, 2021 2:15pm - 3:30pm MST
Virtual (Zoom)

Professional Issues (TQS 6), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Early Childhood Education (Pre K-K), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 1 (Gr 1-3) | Health and Wellness (TQS 3), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Early Childhood Education (Pre K-K), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 1 (Gr 1-3) | Counselling & Student Support (TQS/LQS 4), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Early Childhood Education (Pre K-K), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 1 (Gr 1-3)

9:00am MST

ᑕᐯᐧᐃᐧᐣ tapwewin: Dismantling Anti-Indigenous Racism

This introductory workshop will encourage educators to critically reflect on concepts such as white privilege, 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

Melissa Purcell

Executive Staff Officer, Indigenous Education, Alberta Teachers' Association

Melissa Purcell is Denesuline and a member of Smith's Landing First Nation in Treaty 8 territory. She is an Executive Staff Officer, Professional Development, Indigenous Education with the Alberta Teachers’ Association and continues to lead Walking Together: Education for Reconciliation... Read More →

Friday February 19, 2021 9:00am - 10:15am MST
Virtual (Zoom)

Indigenous Education (TQS/LQS 5), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Early Childhood Education (Pre K-K), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 1 (Gr 1-3) | Professional Issues (TQS 6), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Early Childhood Education (Pre K-K), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 1 (Gr 1-3)

9:00am MST

How did we get here? Understanding the basics of anti-racism

How have we arrived at this moment of reckoning in with race and racism in our schools and what should we do now? This session will include a brief introduction to critical social justice pedagogy and critical race theory which will help teachers and school leaders begin to understand how to engage constructively in anti-racist pedagogy with direct application for their classrooms and schools. Antiracism resources and upcoming events available through the ATA will be shared.

Speakers

Dr. Farha Shariff

Understanding the Basis of Anti-Racism, University of Alberta PhD

Farha Shariff, PhD @drfarha077 on Twitter & InstagramIntersectional feminist / unapologetic critical social justice and anti-racist educator / educational consultantDaughter of immigrants, mama to three bossy women who will run the world one day. Closet nerd, academic and prof... Read More →

Dan Grassick

Executive Staff Officer, Professional Development, The Alberta Teachers Association

Dan Grassick (they/them) is an Executive Staff Officer in the Alberta Teachers' Association's Professional Development program area. Among Dan's main responsibilities are leading the ATA's Diversity, Equity, and Human Rights (DEHR) work, supporting the teachers' conventions in Southern... Read More →

Friday February 19, 2021 9:00am - 10:15am MST
Virtual (Zoom)

12:30pm MST

A Call to Action for Advancing Indigenous Women in Education: Restoring Balance through Truth, Justice and Reconciliation

“For our young women, for our grandmothers, for our women who travel with us, we are sacred because we exist. We are sacred because we have survived.” Throughout this session you will examine historical and contemporary issues, challenges and inequities for Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA peoples including action to support reclaiming power and place. You will deepen your understanding of why it’s crucial to support Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA peoples and how you can contribute to restoring balance within education systems.

Speakers

Melissa Purcell

Executive Staff Officer, Indigenous Education, Alberta Teachers' Association

Friday February 19, 2021 12:30pm - 1:45pm MST
Virtual (Zoom)

12:30pm MST

Amplifying Black Voices- A conversation with the Black Teachers’ Association *PRE-RECORDED*

What began 10 months ago when a handful of Black teachers asked themselves, “Who represents the voice of Black teachers in the province?” has grown into the Black Teachers Association (BTA) of Alberta; a network of 50+ Black educators and 100+ allies from all corners of the province! BTA members are united by a shared commitment to amplify the voices of Black students and teachers and a passion to make Alberta’s classrooms, schools, and communities more inclusive and socially just. February is Black History Month. What better way to spend part of your convention meeting members of the BTA and learning about Black history, culture, arts, and community? All are welcome.
To download this video, CLICK HERE

Speakers

Dan Grassick

Executive Staff Officer, Professional Development, The Alberta Teachers Association

Matthew Sauer

A Conversations With the Black Teachers' Association

Born and raised in Calgary, Matt Sauer has been teaching High School ELA in the Calgary Catholic School District for 13 years. His father of German descent was also born in Calgary while his mother moved to Calgary with her family from Trinidad. He has always gravitated to his West... Read More →

Andrew Parker

Co-Founder, A Conversation with the Black Teachers' Association

Andrew G. Parker (BA, BEd) is a 20 year community basketball coach in Edmonton and he is also the Director of the 11th annual Pride of the North Basketball Tournament in North Edmonton. Andrew is also a member of the University of Alberta Golden Bears basketball alumni and a former... Read More →

Gail-Ann Wilson

A Conversation with the Black Teachers' Association

Gail-Ann Wilson is a Social Studies Curriculum Resource Writer and teacher with eighteen years of senior high experience for Edmonton Public Schools. She is a diversity, equity and social justice educator, professional development presenter, and a member of the Black Teachers Association... Read More →

Sarah Adomako Ansah

Co-Founder, Black Teachers' Association

E. Patrick Powell

A Conversation with the Black Teachers' Association

E. Patrick Powell, is a Jamaican Canadian and veteran teacher. After completing his BEd from the University of Alberta in 1982, Powell taught at Victoria School in Edmonton. In 1987, he completed an MEd at Oregon State University and started teaching at Harry Ainlay High School where... Read More →

Friday February 19, 2021 12:30pm - 1:45pm MST
Online (Pre-Recording)

12:30pm MST

Self-Care for Sanity *PRE-RECORDED*

Avoid burn-out! Everyone learns more through example, than words. This full day session provides interactive experiences that illuminate the principles of self-compassion and mindfulness, to help teachers truly embrace self-care so they are at their best for their students & families, role-modelling HOW to be in the world, as much as what to do. Teachers learn how to create windows of peace and calm in their day, to be a peaceful influence in their classroom, to keep themselves healthy – mentally, physically and emotionally.

Speakers

Tina Thrussel

Self-Care for Sanity, Best U Can B Inc

Tina Thrussell has been facilitating impactful, interactive, personal expansion experiences for more than 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... Read More →

Friday February 19, 2021 12:30pm - 3:30pm MST
Online (Pre-Recording)

Health and Wellness (TQS 3), Early Childhood Education (Pre K-K), Division 1 (Gr 1-3), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 4 (Gr 10-12) | Professional Issues (TQS 6), Early Childhood Education (Pre K-K), Division 1 (Gr 1-3), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 4 (Gr 10-12) | School Leadership (LQS 1-9), Early Childhood Education (Pre K-K), Division 1 (Gr 1-3), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 4 (Gr 10-12)

12:30pm MST

Stress, Drugs & Rock 'n' Roll: Managing Stress & the Work-Life Balance

Stress looks and feels different for everyone, but we all know what it’s like to be overwhelmed, burnt out and ready to throw the stapler! Come learn about your brain on stress, why work-life balance doesn't exist (wait….what??), and how to win at work and life anyway. We will explore the dynamics of mental health and mental illness and how we can support both helping us all understand ourselves and each other a bit better. Information, humor and some practical and strategic “life-hacks” make this session just what the doctor ordered!

Speakers

Ariel Haubrich

Consultant/ Trainer/ Private Practitioner, Mental Wellness

Ariel Haubrich works in school & community mental health as a counsellor and program manager, and also as a consultant, presenter and private practitioner with government, businesses, teams and individuals working toward personal and organizational development. She is a Certified... Read More →

Friday February 19, 2021 12:30pm - 3:30pm MST
CATCA Virtual Room 059

Professional Issues (TQS 6), Early Childhood Education (Pre K-K), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 1 (Gr 1-3), Division 4 (Gr 10-12) | Health and Wellness (TQS 3), Early Childhood Education (Pre K-K), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 1 (Gr 1-3), Division 4 (Gr 10-12)

2:15pm 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). Co-Vid has caused grief for so many. Come learn the stages of grief and some natural coping mechanisms.

Speakers

Susanne Heaton

Owner, Coping with Covid and Dealing With Grief

For over 11 years, I worked in the corporate world doing team building, public speaking, negotiating, marketing and sales. I took a total leap of faith after some wake-up calls and left the corporate world to start my own company, Motivated by Nature. I am a huge advocate for the... Read More →

Friday February 19, 2021 2:15pm - 3:30pm MST
CATCA Virtual Room 067

Health and Wellness (TQS 3), Division 1 (Gr 1-3), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Early Childhood Education (Pre K-K) | Professional Issues (TQS 6), Division 1 (Gr 1-3), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Early Childhood Education (Pre K-K) | Counselling & Student Support (TQS/LQS 4), Division 1 (Gr 1-3), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Early Childhood Education (Pre K-K)

2:15pm MST

Weaving Learning Strands for Inclusive Education

The new Teaching Quality Standard requires all teachers to “establish, promote and sustain inclusive learning environments where diversity is embraced and every student is welcomed, cared for, respected and safe”. Where should you start!? In this session, you will be introduced to short, interactive activities designed to enhance your understanding of inclusive education, resources specifically produced to build your competence and confidence; and ideas about the many paths you can pursue on your future professional inclusive education learning journey.

Speakers

Melissa Purcell

Executive Staff Officer, Indigenous Education, Alberta Teachers' Association

Friday February 19, 2021 2:15pm - 3:30pm MST
Virtual (Zoom)