JH/SH: ECSD DWPD Mini Conference: Full Schedule

1:50pm MST

Culturally Responsive Teaching: Embracing Unity and Diversity

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

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

Language in Action: Engaging Students and Language Learners Through Thinking Routines and Communication

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

107

In this professional learning session, educators will explore practical strategies for integrating language supports into thinking routines to enhance student engagement and critical thinking. Participants will learn how to scaffold academic language, and be provided with tools that help students articulate their ideas clearly and confidently. The session will focus on making thinking routines accessible to all learners, including English language learners and students in language programs by leveraging targeted language strategies that promote deeper thinking and collaborative learning (all materials shared will be provided in both French and English).

Speakers

Stephanie Winters

French Immersion Consultant, Edmonton Catholic School Division

Stephanie is a Saskatchewan transplant and a product of french immersion who found herself in Edmonton to continue her passion of learning in French at Campus St-Jean. Throughout her 14 years years at ECSD, she's loved working with students and teachers to help them see the wonderful... Read More →

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 →

Thursday February 20, 2025 1:50pm - 2:50pm MST
107

EAL, French Immersion

Audience 7-9

1:50pm MST

Humanities Essential Academic Terms and Skills (HEATS) (Double Block)

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

106

This session will provide teachers with structure, resources, and activities to help engage their students in the understanding and competency of sixteen common skills and terms found in the Junior High Humanities curricula. The HEATS project addresses essential skill-building by providing clarity to these terms/skills for all learners and by engaging them in meaningful opportunities to practice and develop the skills. The overall goal is for our students to become more competent and confident thinkers in any discipline or area of life.

Speakers

Carolyn Fenrich

Curriculum Consultant, Edmonton Catholic School Division

Carolyn is a book worm with a love of the outdoors. She works as the Junior High Curriclum Consultant for Language Arts for Edmonton Catholic Schools and is a strong believer in collaboration as a means for engaging students.

Chris Manderscheid

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

Chris brings over two decades of Social Studies education experience to his role at ECSD as the Junior High Social Studies consultant. He is passionate about supporting educators in enhancing their instructional and assessment strategies while fostering engaging and collaborative... Read More →

Thursday February 20, 2025 1:50pm - 4:00pm MST
106

EAL, Social Studies