PDTCA 2023: Full Schedule

THE PDTCA BOARD HOPES YOU HAVE AN AMAZING CONVENTION! #PDTC23!

CALGARY TELUS CONVENTION CENTRE(CTCC) and HYATT - address and driving directions

President Schilling’s 2023 Convention Greeting Link

FOR PRE-REGISTERED SESSIONS PLEASE USE THE PRE-REGISTRATION LINK IN THE SESSION DESCRIPTION. The pre-registration web page is https://www.pdtca.org/pre-registration.html Adding the session to your Sched schedule does not mean you are pre-registered. Pre-registration is now closed. The pre-registration page has an email link if you need to request to be removed from a session so someone on the waiting list can have your spot - top right of the page. For changes or signup come to the convention information desk at/after 1:00 pm on Thursday, Feb 23rd. Please kindly check Button 3. on the pre-registration page to see if a session has room for you as most of them are full.

SESSION EVALUATION:
You do not need to create a profile and log in to see sessions in Sched. However, if you want to add yourself to a session or evaluate a session you must be logged in.

NOTE TO SPEAKERS: We had planned to have a Zoom help desk, but decided against it.

PRINTABLE CONVENTION AT A GLANCE LINK - Off-Site Addresses are included.

“On the two school days of your assigned teachers’ convention, you have a legal and professional responsibility to attend convention. If you are not able to make it safely to your assigned convention, however, your collective agreement may include impassable roads or inclement weather clauses that you can access. If your collective agreement does not include language specific to road conditions or weather, you may make use of the personal leave clauses of your agreement in most cases. Please be aware that using any of these types of leave may require you to pay substitute costs, forego a portion of your salary and benefits, or report to your school or another work location in your district. Refer to your collective agreement for more information. Should you require any additional information or if you need assistance interpreting your collective agreement, please contact Teacher Employment Services at 1-800-232-7208 or 780-447-9400.”
This information is also found on the Frequently Asked Questions page on the ataconventions.ca website. If you have any further questions regarding this, please contact me by e-mail at Daniel.Maas@ata.ab.ca.

*****SESSION EVALUATIONS WILL CLOSE FRIDAY MARCH 3rd*****

8:30am MST

(PRE-REG MAX 100) OFF-SITE Democracy Bootcamp: PDTCA 2023 Presented by CIVIX

DESCRIPTION:
Democracy Bootcamp will feature experts discussing Alberta politics and challenges facing our democracy. Workshops will focus on perspectives and biases, disinformation and verification skills, and best practices for fostering constructive discussion in the classroom. Attendees will also learn about and discuss best practices for Student Vote.

Teachers will leave the day ready to facilitate political discussions in the classroom and engage their students in the Alberta provincial election.

Complimentary lunch and refreshments provided.

Delegates must use the link in the description to register.
Day-long Bootcamp will be located at:
Delta Hotel Calgary Downtown (209 4th Ave SE)

REGISTRATION:
Space is limited. Please register as soon as possible at: https://democracy-bootcamp-pdtca.eventbrite.ca

If you have any questions, please email the CIVIX team at bootcamp@civix.ca.

Speakers

CIVIX CANADA

CIVIX is a non-partisan, national registered charity dedicated to strengthening democracy through experiential civic education.We create programming and provide professional development opportunities that empower teachers to take real-life political events and turn them into teachable... Read More →

Thursday February 23, 2023 8:30am - 3:00pm MST
Off-Site Off-Site see description for address.

Keynotes and Special Events, Div2 (Gr 4-6), Div3 (Gr 7-9), Div4 (Gr 10-12) | Social Studies (TQS 3), Div2 (Gr 4-6), Div3 (Gr 7-9), Div4 (Gr 10-12)

Session has participant fee No
Level of content General Overview for Novice learners
Presentation Language English
Is Pre-registration required Yes
Pre-Registration Link www.pdtca.org/pre-registration.html
Website civix.ca/home/

11:45am MST

Holocaust Studies; Now What?

For the past two years we have joined together virtually to chat about Holocaust education, specifically about the new LDC- Holocaust Studies. Now that we're coming together we can really dig into the curriculum and the resources. During this session I will share some of my tried and true resources, students' favorite assignments, and all the free resources you can handle!

If you are not teaching Holocaust Studies, this a great session for you because it will offer you a chance to look at resources that can be used for stand-alone lessons too!

BYOD- laptops are recommended for reviewing resources.

Speakers

Lindsay Anderson

Holocaust studies, classroom design

Lindsay is a passionate Holocaust educator based in High River. Through her 19 years of teaching, Lindsay has worked to include Holocaust education in her grades 5-12 humanities classrooms. In 2020, in collaboration with the Calgary Jewish Federation she developed a series of Holocaust... Read More →

Thursday February 23, 2023 11:45am - 1:00pm MST
Telus 101/102 CTCC

Social Studies (TQS 3), Div3 (Gr 7-9), Div4 (Gr 10-12)

Session has participant fee No
Level of content Intermediate content
Presentation Language English
Is Pre-registration required No

1:15pm MST

(PRE-REG MAX 20) Whimsical Folk Art Village

Become your own city planner and architect by learning how to draw quaint buildings, rolling hills, trees, streets and sidewalks to create an entire whimsical village scene. Learn how to use water-soluble markers to infuse bold bright colors into your village painting.
Not only is this session great as an art project, but it would be great for a social studies unit on villages, towns, or cities. You will create two art projects in this class.

Speakers

Sally Towers-Sybblis

artist/instructor

Sally Towers-Sybblis is a full time mixed media artist from Red Deer, Alberta. Her whimsical style of art often incorporates a combination of lettering, watercolor or acrylic. Her work has been featured in various publications including “The Lettering Arts Review”.Sally's life’s... Read More →

Project Photo pdf

How To Handout pdf

Single House Handout pdf

Village Handout pdf

Thursday February 23, 2023 1:15pm - 4:00pm MST
Ideation 4 CTCC

Art (TQS 3), Div1 (Gr 1-3), Div2 (Gr 4-6), Div3 (Gr 7-9), Div4 (Gr 10-12) | Social Studies (TQS 3), Div1 (Gr 1-3), Div2 (Gr 4-6), Div3 (Gr 7-9), Div4 (Gr 10-12)

Session has participant fee Yes
Level of content General Overview for Novice learners
Presentation Language English
Is Pre-registration required Yes
Pre-Registration Link www.pdtca.org/pre-registration.html
Website sallytowerssybblis.com/
Participant Fee Amount 35

2:45pm MST

"We Speak for the Trees"

We Speak for the Trees Presentation Overview
This session tells the story of how a class of grade six students became citizen naturalists and advocates for our trees and the environment.
This initiative is a shining example of melding the Science and Social Studies curriculum in a way that makes learning engaging and meaningful. It demonstrates how students are able to have their voices heard and ultimately make a difference for their community and our world!

Speakers

Bill Belsey

Bill Belsey is a husband, father and Canadian educator.Mr Belsey was honoured with the Prime Minster's Award for Teaching Excellence and the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for his contributions to education. He is a recipient of the Edna Dach Educator of the Year Award by... Read More →

Thursday February 23, 2023 2:45pm - 4:00pm MST
Imperial 5 Hyatt

Science (TQS 3), Div2 (Gr 4-6), Div3 (Gr 7-9), Div4 (Gr 10-12) | Social Studies (TQS 3), Div2 (Gr 4-6), Div3 (Gr 7-9), Div4 (Gr 10-12)

Session has participant fee No
Level of content General Overview for Novice learners
Presentation Language English
Is Pre-registration required No
Website www.wespeakforthetrees.ca

2:45pm MST

CANCELLED Sleight of Hand Sleight of Mind… the magic behind war propaganda

War Propagandists, like magicians, target our Cognitive Biases with Sensory and Psychological Misdirection. For example; by playing on our False Consensus Bias propagandists convince us, falsely, that our leaders’ war aims align with our Idealistic and Humanitarian beliefs. Among other Biases examined are Framing (making decisions based on how information is presented rather than substance), Attribution (attributing character failings to the intentions and behaviors of out-groups while attributing good intentions or situational causes to in-group behaviors), Availability (basing truth on what comes to mind readily), and Illusory Superiority Bias (all countries present their war aims as morally superior). War propaganda misdirects us from the reality that wars, as this session will attempt to show are not Manichean struggles of good vs evil but are based on self-interest. Dozens of examples of Misdirection are exposed to produce astonishing OMG! MOMENTS. The psychology of propaganda should be an essential part of Science, Social Studies and Language Arts curricula.

Speakers

Greg Hunter

Thursday February 23, 2023 2:45pm - 4:00pm MST
Imperial 1 Hyatt

Social Studies (TQS 3), Div3 (Gr 7-9), Div4 (Gr 10-12) | Science (TQS 3), Div3 (Gr 7-9), Div4 (Gr 10-12)

Session has participant fee No
Level of content Intermediate content
Presentation Language English
Is Pre-registration required No

8:30am MST

Article 23 de la Charte canadienne des droits et libertés (Droits à l’instruction dans la langue de la minorité) : un exemple de droit collectif de la minorité francophone en Alberta

Lors de cet atelier, il sera question des décisions politiques qui ont mené aux premières écoles et à la création des premiers conseils scolaires publics et catholiques, depuis la création des Territoires du Nord-Ouest (1870) jusqu’à aujourd’hui, et ainsi mieux comprendre l’importance que représente l’article 23 de la Charte canadienne des droits et libertés pour les Francophones de l’Alberta. Il sera question des luttes, des victoires mais aussi des défis qui continuent d’avoir un impact sur la vie de la communauté francophone.
Cet atelier suscitera l’intérêt de tous les enseignants qui veulent en savoir davantage sur l’histoire de l’éducation en Alberta. Il permettra surtout aux enseignants de 9ème année de mieux faire comprendre aux élèves le RAS 9.1.7 du programme des Études Sociales : « Explorer d’un œil critique comment la demande croissante pour la reconnaissance des droits collectifs a eu des répercussions sur le processus législatif au Canada, en étudiant les questions d’enquête suivantes et en y réfléchissant :
• Comment la Charte canadienne des droits et libertés répond-elle aux besoins des minorités francophones au Canada? »

Speakers

Simon Pagé

Enseignant à la retraite

Bonjour! Je m'appelle Simon Pagé et j'ai pris ma retraite de l'enseignement en 2020, après avoir été impliqué dans le domaine de l'éducation pendant 32 ans. Je suis né à Montréal et j'ai étudié à l'Université de l'Alberta à Edmonton (B.Ed 1988 / M.Ed 1998). J'ai enseign... Read More →

Friday February 24, 2023 8:30am - 9:45am MST
Macleod Hall E3 CTCC

Social Studies (TQS 3), Div3 (Gr 7-9), Div4 (Gr 10-12) | French & International Languages (TQS 3), Div3 (Gr 7-9), Div4 (Gr 10-12)

Session has participant fee No
Level of content Intermediate content
Presentation Language French
Is Pre-registration required No

8:30am MST

(PRE-REG MAX 30) Nose Hill LIBRARY (Program Room) OFF-SITE Why Grasslands CAN and WILL save the world!

***IMPORTANT UPDATE - Wed. Feb. 22***
Despite frigid February temperatures forecast for Friday…
…the power and wonder of the grasslands goes on, and our CPAWS PDCTA workshop is moving INDOORS:

Why Grasslands CAN and WILL save the world!
Friday, February 24th
9:30 AM - 11:30 AM*
Nose Hill LIBRARY (Program Room)**
(1530 Northmount Dr NW, Calgary, AB T2L 0G6).
PLEASE NOTE: *new time & **new location
***END OF UPDATE***

Alberta's grasslands provide gifts of vast biodiversity, rich cultural heritage and essential ecosystem services. And yet, less than 2% of this amazing natural region is protected. What gives??? And how and why should you and your students care? Meet CPAWS at Nose Hill Park to unearth how relationships lie at the heart of ‘why grasslands’ matter now and
forever...

During this session, you will be invited into the heart of our prairie home and experience first-hand how our acclaimed CPAWS Why Grasslands? program engages all eight of Alberta’s core competencies. Journeying alongside ecological inquiry and prairie-sense-of-place, you will fully experience how your students will:

learn about Alberta’s geological formations
study Indigenous connections to the grasslands
discover the interrelationships of grassland organisms
learn about basic grassland ecological processes
explore current environmental issues
apply new knowledge to conserve and protect the environment

Join us for a journey of wonder and connection, and discover how grasslands CAN and WILL save the world!

Please come prepared to be active outside for 3 hours - appropriate clothing, footwear, water, and snacks. Further details will be provided to all registrants within 2 weeks of the session.

Speakers

Sheri Tarrington

Interpretation and Experience Manager, CPAWS Southern Alberta

For the past two decades, environmental education and conservation communications positions with Parks Canada and CPAWS Southern Alberta, have bolstered Sheri's belief that all humans are better humans when they wander, wonder and play outdoors! Possessing an honours degree in Canadian... Read More →

Vanessa Bilan

Vanessa Bilan, Environmental Education SpecialistVanessa is certified as an Apprentice Interpretive Hiking Guide with the Interpretive Guides Association (IGA). Childhood trips to the mountains grew into a passion and lead her to complete a Bachelor of Health and Physical Education... Read More →

Friday February 24, 2023 8:30am - 11:15am MST
Nose Hill LIBRARY (Program Room)

Science (TQS 3), Div2 (Gr 4-6), Div3 (Gr 7-9) | Social Studies (TQS 3), Div2 (Gr 4-6), Div3 (Gr 7-9)

Session has participant fee No
Level of content Intermediate content
Presentation Language English
Is Pre-registration required Yes
Pre-Registration Link www.pdtca.org/pre-registration.html
Website cpaws-southernalberta.org/education

8:30am MST

CANCELLED The Causes of War, Realism and The New Cold War (Part 1)

The session’s thesis is that; “Idealistic Rhetoric aside, the causes of war can be reduced to self-interest and for the greater part, the self-interests of Realism.” Realism states that The International System has no governing authority, International Law is a reflection of power and therefore each state is required to make survival, security, power and wealth its priorities. In practice however a state’s policies are influenced by the self-interests of the ruling elite whose interests may or may not reflect the interests of the state. Where they do not, the Ruling Elite usually assume a faux Realist position as in Nixon and Kissinger’s continuance of the Vietnam War for personal political power (The Anna Chennault Affair) and in the Neoconservatives’ War in Iraq for ideological and financial self-interests. A contrary example of the elite taking a non-Realist stance is the offshoring of industry to China for corporate self-interests, which has led to China’s rise. Evidence from past wars, including Canada’s, will be given to support this thesis and participants will be asked to contribute their evidence that may confirm or contradict it. Those opposing war should know that arguing that a war will not accomplish professed humanitarian goals will have no effect on war planners, for humanitarian goals are not actual causes. Those supporting war should also know that professed humanitarian goals are not actual causes. And both should know that actual causes lie within the structure of the International System and some combination of the perceived self interests of nations, leaders and to some extent, citizens. Attendees will participate in a “student” activity discovering analogies between Historical and Current Conflicts and Realist Concepts, such as: Territorial Expansion, Hegemony, Appeasement, Vassalage, Divide & Conquer, Shifting Alliances, Balancing, Bandwagoning, Balance of Power, Rising Power, The Security Dilemma etc. The session and its concepts are very straightforward and suitable for all levels of knowledge.

Speakers

Greg Hunter

Friday February 24, 2023 8:30am - 11:15am MST
Imperial 5 Hyatt

Social Studies (TQS 3), Div3 (Gr 7-9), Div4 (Gr 10-12) | Science (TQS 3), Div3 (Gr 7-9), Div4 (Gr 10-12)

Session has participant fee No
Level of content Intermediate content
Presentation Language English
Is Pre-registration required No

10:00am MST

Les voyageurs et la présence des Canadiens-Français en Alberta

Lors de cet atelier, il sera question de l’importance des voyageurs dans l’exploration de l’Ouest canadien et de la présence continue des Canadiens-Français, particulièrement en Alberta.
Qui étaient ces voyageurs? Comment ont-ils exploré les Pays-d’en-Haut? À quoi ressemblait leur quotidien? Quels étaient leurs défis et leurs plaisirs? Connaissez-vous quelques-unes de leurs traditions? Avez-vous entendu parler de la légende de la Chasse-Galerie? Quelles « traces » avons-nous encore aujourd’hui de leur présence?
Cet atelier suscitera l’intérêt de tous les enseignants qui veulent en savoir davantage sur l’histoire des voyageurs, des explorations et de la présence des Canadiens-Français dans l’Ouest canadien. Il permettra surtout aux enseignants de 5ème année de mieux faire comprendre aux élèves le RAS 5.2.3 du programme des Études Sociales : « Explorer d’un œil critique les modes de vie en Nouvelle-France en étudiant les questions d’enquête suivantes et en y réfléchissant :
• Comment les récits et les légendes entourant les « coureurs des bois » et les voyageurs reflètent-ils l’histoire, la culture et la présence des Francophones partout au Canada? »

Speakers

Simon Pagé

Enseignant à la retraite

Friday February 24, 2023 10:00am - 11:15am MST
Macleod Hall E3 CTCC

Social Studies (TQS 3), Div2 (Gr 4-6), Div3 (Gr 7-9) | French & International Languages (TQS 3), Div2 (Gr 4-6), Div3 (Gr 7-9)

Session has participant fee No
Level of content Intermediate content
Presentation Language French
Is Pre-registration required No

11:30am MST

(PRE-REG MAX 30) OFF-SITE Calgary Zoo: Plant Trek

LOCATION: Calgary Zoo: 210 St. George's Dr NE; Calgary; T2E 7V6
Ever wondered where we get our food, the fibre for our clothes or even different building materials? Join us as we bring you through our conservatory to learn about our plants and their histories. Through this session we will provide you with an example of what our Edu-Trek field trips are like as well as provide additional project focuses to examine the link between science and social.

Speakers

Conservation-Educators Calgary-Zoo

Jaclyn Colville's passion is in designing engaging learning opportunities for students that foster curiosity. Jaclyn has experience in both formal and non-formal education settings and was awarded the Exemplary Practice Award in 2021 for her work on the Nature Documentary Film Festival... Read More →

Friday February 24, 2023 11:30am - 12:45pm MST
Off-Site Off-Site see description for address.

Science (TQS 3), Div2 (Gr 4-6), Div3 (Gr 7-9), Div4 (Gr 10-12) | Social Studies (TQS 3), Div2 (Gr 4-6), Div3 (Gr 7-9), Div4 (Gr 10-12)

Session has participant fee No
Level of content General Overview for Novice learners
Presentation Language English
Is Pre-registration required Yes
Pre-Registration Link www.pdtca.org/pre-registration.html
Website www.calgaryzoo.com/programs/school-programs

11:30am MST

CANCELLED The Causes of War, Realism and The New Cold War (Part 2)

This session tests the thesis that, Idealistic rhetoric aside, “the causes of war can be reduced to self-interest and for the greater part, the self-interests of Realism” (summarized by Thucydides as, “Right, as the world goes, is only in question between equals in power, while the strong do what they will and the weak suffer what they must”). Participants will be asked to comment on how well this thesis applies to New Cold War conflicts, including Canada’s role, in Panama, The Balkans, Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Haiti, Venezuela, Ukraine and China. These case studies will illustrate Realist principles including, Balancing, Hegemony, Divide and Rule, Buck Passing, Appeasement, Vassal, Rising Power, Bleeding, the Security Dilemma, Offensive and Defensive Realism. Those opposing war should know that arguing that the war will not accomplish professed humanitarian goals will have no effect on war planners, for humanitarian goals are not actual causes. And those supporting war should also know that professed humanitarian goals are not actual causes. The session and its concepts are very straightforward and suitable for all levels of knowledge.

Speakers

Greg Hunter

Friday February 24, 2023 11:30am - 2:15pm MST
Imperial 5 Hyatt

Social Studies (TQS 3), Div3 (Gr 7-9), Div4 (Gr 10-12) | Science (TQS 3), Div3 (Gr 7-9), Div4 (Gr 10-12)

Session has participant fee No
Level of content Intermediate content
Presentation Language English
Is Pre-registration required No