Beginning Teachers Sept 2024: Full Schedule

7:45am PDT

Registration and Meet and Greet (All participants, please register for this event)

Monday September 9, 2024 7:45am - 8:30am PDT

Please join us for our registration session where you can meet other beginning teachers and interact with curriculum and division experts in our carousel. Light refreshments will be provided for you to enjoy while you chat!

Monday September 9, 2024 7:45am - 8:30am PDT
Leadership Hall

K-12

8:30am PDT

Welcome to ECSD

Monday September 9, 2024 8:30am - 9:15am PDT

Chapel

Join us in the chapel as we begin our day of professional development with a welcome from our Chief Superintendent, Lynette Anderson, and an introduction to the senior administration team, setting the stage for your professional growth! Following this, we will celebrate the start of a new school year together with a short liturgy led by Father Julian. Please note that food and drink are not allowed in the chapel.

Speakers

Sandra Talarico

Manager, Religious Services, Edmonton Catholic School Division

Hello. My name is Sandra Talarico and I serve the Edmonton Catholic School Division as the Manager of Religious Education Services.I love my dog, Chloe, long walks in the river valley, time spent with family, and learning about and growing more in my faith.

Lynnette Anderson

Chief Superintendent, Edmonton Catholic School Division

Monday September 9, 2024 8:30am - 9:15am PDT
Chapel

K-12

9:15am PDT

Opening Keynote: Human Resources

Monday September 9, 2024 9:15am - 9:45am PDT

Leadership Hall

Human resources will begin the day with a keynote address focusing on teacher evaluation strategies, specifically how to gather evidence of learning throughout the school year for your evaluation as a Beginning Teacher in ECSD.

Speakers

Crystal Jones

Manager, Staffing, Edmonton Catholic School Division

Monday September 9, 2024 9:15am - 9:45am PDT
Leadership Hall

K-12

10:00am PDT

Blueprinting and Constructing Assessments (7-12)

Monday September 9, 2024 10:00am - 11:00am PDT

This session explores the process of blueprinting and constructing assessments for grades 7-12, focusing on effective strategies for aligning assessments with learning goals and standards. Participants will learn how to design clear assessment blueprints and create diverse and engaging assessment tasks to promote meaningful student learning and provide accurate feedback.

Speakers

Stephanie MacKay

Secondary Mathematics Consultant (10-12), Edmonton Catholic School Division

Stephanie MacKay has been teaching for Edmonton Catholic Schools for over 20 years. She has a passion for teaching mathematics with attention to details.

Monday September 9, 2024 10:00am - 11:00am PDT

7-12

10:00am PDT

IPPs- Blueprints for Success (K-12)

Monday September 9, 2024 10:00am - 11:00am PDT

Staff lounge

Individualized program plans are intended to paint a picture of student learning and programming needs. This session will provide a walkthrough of interacting with Special Programs IPP's while also highlighting some best practices to help ensure the development of meaningful IPP’s. Please ensure you have devices and a student in mind.

Speakers

Sarah Ostlund

Inclusive Consultant, Edmonton Catholic School Division

Sarah has been a teacher with ECSD for 15 years and has served as an Inclusive Consultant for the past 3. She is passionate about advocating for the needs of diverse learners and assisting teachers in planning and programming for students with various needs. When she’s not in work... Read More →

Nicholas Freeman

Inclusive Consultant, Edmonton Catholic School Division

I have many many passions and interests, including, but not limited to, American football, bumblebees and inclusive education.

Monday September 9, 2024 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Staff lounge Located in the basement.

K-12

10:00am PDT

Reading 101: Navigating the Foundations of Reading Instruction (K-3)

Monday September 9, 2024 10:00am - 11:00am PDT

Leadership Hall

This session offers a comprehensive introduction to the world of effective reading instruction. Delve into essential strategies, techniques, and insights that will empower you to guide your students towards reading proficiency in the K-3 classroom.

Speakers

Kathleen Ruff

Kindergarten Programming Consultant, Edmonton Catholic School Division

Kathleen Ruff is a Kindergarten Programming Consultant with Edmonton Catholic Schools. She enjoys providing professional development to the teachers of the youngest learners in school divisions, focusing on combining play and curricular programming in one. She is a baker, coffee drinkers... Read More →

Stephanie Pedersen

English Language Arts Consultant (K-6), Edmonton Catholic School Division

Stephanie is an Elementary English Language Arts consultant with ECSD. She is passionate about literacy and establishing effective reading and writing instruction. In her spare time you can find her visiting with friends and family; likely sharing her love of podcasts, plants, and... Read More →

Monday September 9, 2024 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Leadership Hall

K-3

10:00am PDT

Catholic Calculations: Counting on Faith! (K-6)

Monday September 9, 2024 10:00am - 11:00am PDT

Room 11

Welcome to a unique journey where we delve into the union of Catholic faith and elementary mathematics. This session uncovers how foundational principles of faith can permeate through mathematics instruction and classroom culture. Join us as we share ideas on how to engage all students mathematically through the Catholic lens.

Speakers

Anita Hanneman

Elementary Mathematics Consultant, Edmonton Catholic School Division

Anita makes up one fifth of the elementary mathematics team. Her passion and giddiness for mathematics grows with each article read, teacher conversation, and interaction with students. On her spare time Anita enjoys spending time with her family, dancing, being in nature, pina coladas... Read More →

Kathleen Nguyen

Elementary Religious Education Consultant, Edmonton Catholic School Division

Kathleen Nguyen finds joy in sharing our Catholic faith and accompanying people on their faith journey. Kathleen loves to spend time with her family and is a great aunt; literally. This is a term she loves to use quite liberally and makes her friends call her Kathleen, the Great... Read More →

Monday September 9, 2024 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Room 11 Located behind Leadership Hall

K-6

11:15am PDT

Permeating Programs of Study (7-12)

Monday September 9, 2024 11:15am - 12:15pm PDT

Room 11

Participants in this session will delve into the rationale behind permeating curriculum in a Catholic school division, understand student stages of faith development, and connect these concepts to a subject's learning outcomes. Through this holistic approach, educators will learn to infuse faith-based perspectives into their teaching practices.

Speakers

Susanna Kaup

Secondary Religious Education Consultant, Edmonton Catholic School Division

I have been an educator for 29 years, and I have spent most of that career as a classroom teacher. For the past 6 years, I have been privileged to be the Secondary Religious Education Curriculum Consultant. Throughout this, I have worked diligently to bring more clarity to the importance... Read More →

Mathew Gunderson

Secondary Science Consultant (7-9), Edmonton Catholic School Division

Matt is part of the secondary science crew, he's into science, outdoors, and the Seahawks too. But when the sun sets and the day is through, he's with The Lumineers finding a rhythm that's true.

Monday September 9, 2024 11:15am - 12:15pm PDT
Room 11 Located behind Leadership Hall

7-12

about I have been an educator for 29 years, and I have spent most of that career as a classroom teacher. For the past 6 years, I have been privileged to be the Secondary Religious Education Curriculum Consultant. Throughout this, I have worked diligently to bring more clarity to the importance of catholic curriculum, how it can work beautifully in our schools, and to lessen some of the fear that accompanies teaching it

11:15am PDT

Unlocking Success Together: Building a Collaborative Partnership Between Teachers, Educational Assistants, and Therapeutic Assistant Behavioural Therapists for Student Success (K-12)

Monday September 9, 2024 11:15am - 12:15pm PDT

Staff lounge

So, you have an educational assistant or TABT in your classroom, now what? Inclusive classrooms are busy places! When teachers, educational assistants and therapeutic assistants work as a team, student inclusion is enhanced and professional job satisfaction and sense of community increases. This session is for school teams who share a classroom and who want to ensure that they are working collaboratively to support the needs of all learners. This session will look at the collaborative partnership, roles and responsibilities and offer best practices for co-teaching in the inclusive classroom.

Speakers

Patricia Aguilar-Dydak

Inclusive Consultant, Edmonton Catholic School Division

Patricia Aguilar-Dydak is an Inclusive Consultant with Edmonton Catholic Schools. She is passionate about inclusive teaching practices and an advocate for a strength based approach to education. When not supporting student programming, she is a coffee enthusiast that enjoys spending... Read More →

Monday September 9, 2024 11:15am - 12:15pm PDT
Staff lounge Located in the basement.

K-12

11:15am PDT

A Framework for Meaningful Mathematical Moments- "Things that make you go MMM!" (K-3)

Monday September 9, 2024 11:15am - 12:15pm PDT

Leadership Hall

Join us to discover the vital importance of cultivating an engaging math environment and harness the power of high-impact practices to captivate young minds. Explore instructional moves that empower students to become confident problem solvers, effective communicators, and creative thinkers of mathematics. Let's explore how to revolutionize math instruction, inspire young mathematicians, and create a vibrant math-learning community that will set them on a path to mathematical greatness!

Speakers

Amy Swinkels

Elementary Math Consultant, Edmonton Catholic School Division

Amy is a Math convert! Being a child that hated Math and was highly unsuccessful in Math, it became her absolute passion to help make Math fun, meaningful and successful for all students. When not championing Math, Amy is either reading absolute garbage on a beach or running marathons... Read More →

Caroline Lepps

Elementary Math Consultant, Edmonton Catholic School Division

Caroline Lepps is 1/5 of the Elementary Mathematics Consultant team with Edmonton Catholic Schools. When she is not playing with mathematics, she enjoys an ever-changing list of hobbies that currently include experimenting with fun foodie recipes, minimalist art, perplexing puzzles... Read More →

Monday September 9, 2024 11:15am - 12:15pm PDT
Leadership Hall

K-3

11:15am PDT

Gathering Evidence of Learning (K-6)

Monday September 9, 2024 11:15am - 12:15pm PDT

Room 3a

In this dynamic and interactive professional development session, educators will delve into effective strategies for gathering robust evidence of student learning to enhance assessment practices. Participants will explore the concepts of assessment FOR, AS, and OF learning, understanding their distinct purposes and applications in the classroom.

Speakers

Leanner Hemphill

Curriculum and Assessment, Edmonton Catholic School Division

Leanne is a tech enthusiast and new assessment consultant! Her passion lies in revolutionizing how assessments are conducted, making them engaging and insightful for all. When she's not diving deep into assessment strategies, Leanne can be found gliding through the water with the... Read More →

Alyson Gabucci

Curriculum and Assessment Consultant, Edmonton Catholic School Division

Alyson Gabucci is an Assessment & Reporting consultant at Edmonton Catholic Schools. She is passionate about eating, mainly salty carbohydrates, working out because of those salty carbohydrates, and you can often find her with her nose in a book either learning more about assessment... Read More →

Monday September 9, 2024 11:15am - 12:15pm PDT
Room 3a Located in St. Anthony's Meeting Centre, on the main level.

K-6

about Alyson Gabucci is an Assessment & Reporting consultant at Edmonton Catholic Schools. She is passionate about eating, mainly salty carbohydrates, working out because of those salty carbohydrates, and you can often find her with her nose in a book either learning more about assessment practices, or entranced in her favourite genre of psychological thrillers!

12:15pm PDT

Lunch

Monday September 9, 2024 12:15pm - 1:00pm PDT

Leadership Hall

Please join us for a delicious lunch where, after finishing your meal, you may continue to meet and greet curriculum and division experts in our carousel.

Monday September 9, 2024 12:15pm - 1:00pm PDT
Leadership Hall

K-12

1:00pm PDT

Building Bridges to Success: Scaffolding Strategies for English Language Learners (7-12)

Monday September 9, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT

Staff lounge

In this session, you will discover practical and research-based techniques that will empower you to scaffold instruction effectively for EALs (English as an additional language) in your classroom. Through engaging discussions, hands-on activities, and examples, we will explore a range of strategies that promote language development, content comprehension, and academic achievement for EALs at the junior high and high school levels.

Speakers

Jacquie Werstiuk

Secondary EAL Consultant, Edmonton Catholic School Division

A passionate pupil of all things language, Jacquie has over 30 years of teaching and learning experience. She enjoys time with family, yoga and music!

Vanessa Gavin

Secondary EAL Consultant, Edmonton Catholic School Division

Vanessa Gavin is an EAL Consultant with Edmonton Catholic Schools. She has a background in teaching junior high and high school math and science, which has given her a unique perspective on language learning potential across different content areas. Vanessa believes in empowering... Read More →

Monday September 9, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Staff lounge Located in the basement.

7-12

1:00pm PDT

Gathering Evidence of Learning (7-12)

Monday September 9, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT

Room 3a

Speakers

Alyson Gabucci

Curriculum and Assessment Consultant, Edmonton Catholic School Division

Kiara Smyth

Curriculum and Assessment Consultant, Edmonton Catholic School Division

Kiara is passionate about assessment and getting students engaged in the process of learning! With a high school humanities background, she also loves to talk literature and current events. Outside of work, her favourite activity is traveling the world, but when she's closer to... Read More →

Monday September 9, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 3a Located in St. Anthony's Meeting Centre, on the main level.

7-12

1:00pm PDT

Thinking Routines for Student Engagement (K-12)

Monday September 9, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT

Leadership Hall

Welcome to your first year of teaching! In this professional development session, you'll learn the importance of Visible Thinking routines and how to develop a culture of thinking in your classroom for grades Kindergarten-12. Through interactive activities and collaborative discussions, you'll gain practical strategies to foster an environment where thinking is visible, valued, and actively encouraged. By the end of the session, you'll have a toolkit of routines to create a vibrant, thinking-centered classroom.

Speakers

Anne Simpson

English Language Arts Consultant (K-6), Edmonton Catholic School Division

I am a mom to two children and two fur babies. I love to travel, read, do anything creative and spend time with friends and family (especially in cold hockey arenas and very hot soccer centers).

Natalie Zuberuhler

Elementary Science Consultant, Edmonton Catholic School Division

Natalie Zuberbuhler lives for Science and supporting her teacher colleagues. Natalie always has great recommendations on books, tips for catching fish, and how to incorporate computer science to support ALL learners!

Monday September 9, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Leadership Hall

K-12

about Presentation:https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1FbxH7UvDAo8mZnXYqoACYuQr0Aa4QAuDlZ7j2R6dKVQ/edit?usp=sharing

1:00pm PDT

Indigenous Education through the Humanities (K-6)

Monday September 9, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT

Room 11

This hands-on session is designed for beginning elementary teachers seeking to incorporate Indigenous perspectives into their teaching across various subject areas. Inspired by Elder Albert Marshall’s concept of Two-Eyed Seeing, we explore the enriching process of viewing education through both Indigenous and Western lenses. This approach not only respects but interweaves the strengths of both perspectives to enhance students' understanding and appreciation of the world

Speakers

Katerina Campbell

Elementary Science Consultant, Edmonton Catholic School Division

Katerina is an elementary Science consultant at Edmonton Catholic Schools. She loves all things Science, exploring natural phenomena and will never stop asking “why?” Katerina is a self proclaimed maker and cardboard collector. She is a proud promoter of inquiry based learning... Read More →

Samantha Davidson

Elementary Social Studies Consultant, Edmonton Catholic School Division

Samantha Davidson is the Elemenraty Social Studies consultant. She loves movies and will use movie quotes and songs whenever possible.

Shannon Loutitt

Indigenous Learning Services Consultant, Edmonton Catholic School Division

Monday September 9, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 11 Located behind Leadership Hall

K-6

2:15pm PDT

Indigenous Education Through the Humanities (7-12)

Monday September 9, 2024 2:15pm - 3:15pm PDT

Room 11

Based on Competency 5 of the Alberta Teacher Quality Standard, key outcomes from the secondary English and Social Studies Programs of Studies, and insights from Jo Chrona’s Wayi Wah!, this session will provide practical guidance on integrating local Indigenous knowledge, perspectives, and authentic resources into your classrooms.

Speakers

Shannon Loutitt

Indigenous Learning Services Consultant, Edmonton Catholic School Division

Chris Manderscheid

Secondary Social Studies Consultant (7-9), Edmonton Catholic School Division

Chris has been working with ECSD for 21 years and has a wealth of experience in Social Studies at the junior and senior high school levels. As the new Junior High Social Studies consultant, he is ready to help you bring out the best in your teaching and your students' learning... Read More →

Erin Ochoa-Whelan

English Consultant (10-12), Edmonton Catholic School Division

Erin Ochoa Whelan has been a high school English teacher for 19 years and currently works for Edmonton Catholic Schools as a high school English Curriculum Consultant.

Jason Geis

Secondary Social Studies Consultant (10-12), Edmonton Catholic School Division

Jason is an experienced educator who has taught in all divisions of ECSD. He is deeply committed to Truth and Reconciliation, advocating for the acknowledgement and healing of historical injustices. With an interest in history, society, and politics, Jason brings a comprehensive understanding... Read More →

Monday September 9, 2024 2:15pm - 3:15pm PDT
Room 11 Located behind Leadership Hall

7-12

2:15pm PDT

Culturally Responsive Teaching (K-12)

Monday September 9, 2024 2:15pm - 3:15pm PDT

Leadership Hall

In this session, we will explore key strategies for culturally responsive teaching through hands-on practice tailored for new teachers. Learn to foster an inclusive classroom that celebrates student diversity.

Speakers

Angelica Tan

English Language Arts Consultant (K-6), Edmonton Catholic School Division

Angelica is an elementary EAL consultant with Edmonton Catholic Schools. Her multilingual journey fuels her passion for additional language pedagogy. Her background includes teaching in French immersion and in sheltered EAL classes.

Fitzroy Ford

EDIAR Consultant, Edmonton Catholic School Division

As the EDIAR Consultant my goal is to make the uncomfortable comfortable, to open the circle wider, and to help us feel good about doing this much needed good work.

Monday September 9, 2024 2:15pm - 3:15pm PDT
Leadership Hall

K-12

Area K-12

2:15pm PDT

Active Engagement - Getting Students Moving to Learn (K-6)

Monday September 9, 2024 2:15pm - 3:15pm PDT

Staff lounge

Join us to explore the power of active engagement in the classroom. During this session you will discover how prioritizing relationships can enhance student learning and gain knowledge about using Social Emotional Learning to foster engagement between students, teachers, and curriculum content.

Speakers

Brett Barron

Physical Education and Wellness Consultant, Edmonton Catholic School Division

Brett has been a teacher for over 15 years with experience in elementary, junior high, and high school Health and Physical Education classrooms. Currently he serves the larger community as the Health and Physical Education consultant for Edmonton Catholic School Division. His teaching... Read More →

Jacqueline Koval

Physical Education and Wellness Consultant, Edmonton Catholic School Division

Jackie is a Physical Education and Wellness consultant with Edmonton Catholic schools. She is an elementary trained teacher who has taught both in Edmonton and internationally. Over a twenty-year career, Jackie has taught preschool through to grade six. Her greatest pleasure when... Read More →

Monday September 9, 2024 2:15pm - 3:15pm PDT
Staff lounge Located in the basement.

K-6

2:15pm PDT

Writing 101: Ignite Your Teaching Career with Fantastic Writing Instruction! (K-6)

Monday September 9, 2024 2:15pm - 3:15pm PDT

Room 3a

Good news! Brandi and Steph have got you covered! Get ready for engaging activities, and a whole lot of fun as we explore the key components of a comprehensive writing program. We'll tackle common challenges faced by beginning teachers of writing and share valuable strategies and resources. Say goodbye to teaching jitters and hello to renewed confidence in your ability to teach writing effectively!

Speakers

Stephanie Denman

English Language Arts Consultant (K-6), Edmonton Catholic School Division

Stephanie is a newbie joining the ELA Elementary team. She has been an Educator for 15 years with ECSD and completed her Masters in Religious Education. Stephanie has a passion for building powerful literacy classrooms where all learners experience success. She loves reading, traveling... Read More →

Brandi Clark

English Language Arts Consultant (K-6), Edmonton Catholic School Division

I have been working in the division for almost 25 years. I have a Masters in Elementary Language Arts. My passions are reading and writing across a variety of genres and topics. I live in a house of artists and writers, specifically, my husband, two adult kids, a pug and two cats... Read More →

Monday September 9, 2024 2:15pm - 3:15pm PDT
Room 3a Located in St. Anthony's Meeting Centre, on the main level.

K-6