JH/SH: ECSD DWPD Mini Conference: Full Schedule

1:50pm MST

Reporting on Assessments in Diverse Classrooms

Thursday February 20, 2025 1:50pm - 2:50pm MST

Diversity is the norm in our classrooms; therefore, we can leverage different approaches to ensure accurate and meaningful assessment for all students, including embracing UDL principles, providing accommodations, and using adapted programming. But how do we ensure that our PowerTeacher Pro gradebook both reflects the supports students are accessing and is set up in a way that enables flexible assessment practices? This session will connect UDL, accommodations, and adaptations to the reporting that happens in PowerTeacher Pro.

Speakers

Lori Arksey

Inclusive 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 →

Thursday February 20, 2025 1:50pm - 2:50pm MST
105

Assessment

Audience 7-12

1:50pm MST

How to integrate Career and Passion Connections into all classes, without sacrificing time or curriculum!

Thursday February 20, 2025 1:50pm - 2:50pm MST

201

Are you passionate about the courses you teach and eager to make the material more meaningful for your students? Do you want to inspire them to see how what they’re learning applies to their futures? We understand the challenges: the curriculum is packed, time is tight, and ensuring they meet learning objectives is always the priority.

In this session, we’ll explore practical strategies to seamlessly integrate real-world careers and passions into your teaching—without sacrificing curriculum goals. Using examples from a variety of grade 7-12 courses, you’ll learn how to subtly and consistently connect what you’re teaching to how students can use it beyond the classroom. Join us to reimagine how we inspire our students while keeping the curriculum front and center and not losing any time!

Speakers

Philip Scott

Curriculum Consultant, Edmonton Catholic School Division

Philip Scott has been in Education for over 20 years (well, closer to 30 now), proving that teachers don't get to fully graduate! In his current role as a consultant with Edmonton Catholic as a Careers Specialist, he's constantly juggling opportunities to support staff and students... Read More →

Thursday February 20, 2025 1:50pm - 2:50pm MST
201

Careers

Audience 7-12

1:50pm MST

Culturally Responsive Teaching: Embracing Unity and Diversity

Thursday February 20, 2025 1:50pm - 2:50pm MST

102

In this session, teachers will deepen their understanding of culture, while exploring principles of culturally responsive teaching that promote equity, connection, and engagement. Through discussions and practical exercises, participants will learn strategies for fostering inclusive environments that celebrate diversity and enhance relationships within classrooms.

Speakers

Angelica Tan

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

Angelica Tan is an Elementary English as an Additional Language Consultant with Edmonton Catholic Schools. Growing up as a multilingual learner, she developed a deep passion for languages. She holds a Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Alberta, majoring in French... Read More →

Jacqueline Werstiuk

Secondary EAL Consultant, Edmonton Catholic School Division

Jacquie Werstiuk has over 30 years teaching and consulting experience with ECSD and earned her Masters degree in Teaching English as a Second Language from the UofA in 2014. For the past 8 years as an EAL Consultant, Jacquie has worked with ECSD high schools to program for and support... Read More →

Thursday February 20, 2025 1:50pm - 2:50pm MST
102

EAL

Audience 7-12

1:50pm MST

Courageous Conversations with Students

Thursday February 20, 2025 1:50pm - 2:50pm MST

112

Student learning is impacted by their ability to be included, feel safe and have a sense of belonging. In this session we will explore a framework for courageous conversations about inclusion, human dignity and the common good. Join us to dive into strategies to help students understand what it means to be created in the image and likeness of God and what it means to be a person in a relationship with others. Participants will be provided with key strategies that help students of all abilities thrive in their environment alongside their peers.

Speakers

Shireen Mohammed

EDIAR Specialist, Edmonton Catholic School Division

Shireen has been in education for 30+ years as a teacher, consultant, counsellor, and assistant principal. She is truly passionate about students and how we can improve our practices to fully support them in all areas of their lives. Shireen is originally from Trinidad which is... Read More →

Thursday February 20, 2025 1:50pm - 2:50pm MST
112

EDIAR

Audience 7-12

1:50pm MST

Mastering Materials: Practical Approaches to Batik and Ceramics for Secondary Teachers

Thursday February 20, 2025 1:50pm - 2:50pm MST

244/246

Join us for a hands-on professional development session focused on two exciting visual art techniques: Batik and Ceramics. In the art room, explore the traditional art of Batik, using wax and dyes to create vibrant fabric designs, and learn how to incorporate it into your curriculum. In the ceramics room, dive into the basics of Ceramics, from hand-building and glazing to understanding kiln operations, providing practical tips for teaching clay projects to students. This session will equip you with new skills, resources, and techniques to inspire creativity in your classroom. No prior experience required!

Speakers

Jenny Culbertson

Visual Art and Drama Consultant, Learning Services, ECSD

Jenny Culbertson is the Visual Art and Drama Consultant for Edmonton Catholic Schools and works with all levels from pre-K-12. She has been teaching art for 24 years and is passionate about art education and integration. When she's not deeply engaged in the world of art, Jenny finds... Read More →

Thursday February 20, 2025 1:50pm - 2:50pm MST
244/246

Fine Arts

Audience 7-12

1:50pm MST

Quest to Universal Design for Learning

Thursday February 20, 2025 1:50pm - 2:50pm MST

202

In this professional development session, educators will receive an overview of the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Framework and learn how to apply its three principles to enhance student engagement. The session includes interactive discussions, case studies, and hands-on practice to help create inclusive Junior High and High School classrooms.

Speakers

Stephanie Power

Caroline El Cid

Inclusive Consultant, Edmonton Catholic School District

Kathleen Guillermo

Thursday February 20, 2025 1:50pm - 2:50pm MST
202

Inclusive

Audience 7-12

1:50pm MST

Regulation and Executive Functioning for Neuro Diverse Learners

Thursday February 20, 2025 1:50pm - 2:50pm MST

203

In this session, participants will explore practical strategies to support neuro-diverse students, especially those with ADHD. Participants will examine regulation and executive functioning strategies to help students manage their emotions and improve organizational skills. Through interactive activities and discussions, educators will gain valuable tools to create an inclusive and supportive classroom environment.

Speakers

Sarah iori

Thursday February 20, 2025 1:50pm - 2:50pm MST
203

Inclusive

Audience 7-12

1:50pm MST

Supporting Student Peer Support Circles

Thursday February 20, 2025 1:50pm - 2:50pm MST

103

During this session we will discuss the possibilities of using circle approaches in our school community to build student peer relationships. Circles are a great way to connect, share, support one another, and provide encouragement. Peer support circles provide time and space for sharing of feelings, thoughts, and experiences, which promotes emotional and mental health. Join us in circle to learn about how to support your students to create effective peer circles based on respect, shared responsibility and mutual agreement of expectations.

Speakers

Donita Large

Four Directions Wellness Specialist, Edmonton Catholic School Division

Thursday February 20, 2025 1:50pm - 2:50pm MST
103

Indigenous

Audience 7-12

1:50pm MST

Bringing UDL to Life in Secondary FSL and Language & Culture Programs

Thursday February 20, 2025 1:50pm - 2:50pm MST

101

In this hands-on workshop, FSL and Language & Culture teachers will explore the power of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) in creating vibrant, inclusive classrooms that celebrate unity and diversity through a language lens. Through interactive activities and lesson examples, participants will explore ways that UDL and diversity can be seamlessly integrated into planning and the secondary classroom environment.

Speakers

Amy Leavitt

French as an Additional Language Consultant, Edmonton Catholic School District

Amy is the "one and only" French as a Second Language consultant at ECSD. A runner and self-proclaimed "language nerd" who has studied 6 languages, Amy loves to share her passion of language learning with others. She is thrilled to continue bringing her smalltown, farm girl spunk... Read More →

Thursday February 20, 2025 1:50pm - 2:50pm MST
101

Languages

Audience 7-12

1:50pm MST

Parametric Precision: Teaching Quick & Practical 3D Design with Autodesk Fusion (Double Block)

Thursday February 20, 2025 1:50pm - 4:00pm MST

236

Learn the basics of 3D design with this hands-on, practical introduction to Autodesk Fusion. This session focuses on the essential skills to create functional, dimensionally accurate 3D parts, and how Fusion Team for Education enables whole classes to learn and collaborate together. Participants will learn the tools and techniques to get started without delving into the extensive features of Fusion. Whether you are new to 3D design or seeking a streamlined approach, this session provides a clear, time-effective pathway to success.

Speakers

Daniel Paquin

CTF/CTS Consultant, Learning Services, ECSD

Daniel has taught physics and electro-technologies with ECSD for over 10 years. He now supports CTF and CTS programming across the Division in his role as consultant. Please feel free to contact Daniel through Division email.

Megan Yakimets

CTF/CTS Consultant, Learning Services, ECSD

Megan enjoys supporting ECSD teachers and students through her role as CTF/CTS consultant. She has taught a variety of subject areas including Fashion Studies, Foods, Comm. Tech., Math, English, WIN, Art, and Religion. Please feel free to contact Megan via division email.

Thursday February 20, 2025 1:50pm - 4:00pm MST
236

CTF/CTS