February and March PD Sessions
**MUST be an ESA member in order to participate. Non- Members will be removed**
Indigenous Alberta—The Footsteps of Our Ancestors
February 26
This workshop will introduce participants to the rich Indigenous cultural and linguistic diversity of Alberta. Topics will include terminology related to identity, recognition of territory, significant ancestral landscapes related to locations of celebrations and traditions that come to life through song and dance, addressing myths and misconceptions, and a brief historical timeline.
Register Here
You Are Valued AND Vulnerable: The Complex Experiences of Male Teachers *NEW!*
February 27
Male teachers are nearly invisible in elementary schools. Men who teach face contradictory expectations from parents, teachers and students. We are simultaneously valued AND vulnerable. Our maleness is noticed and there are conflicting expectations. How do men negotiate this world? What challenges do we face? How might we provide support for men who choose to teach? What does a new male teacher need to know to be prepared?
Gary Jones—experienced teacher, principal and researcher, sessional instructor and field supervisor at the University of Calgary—will discuss research about male teachers and share his experiences. There will be time for discussion. Women are welcome.
I am an experienced teacher, principal and researcher, now a sessional instructor at Werklund School of Education.
Register Here
Indigenous Content in the new Teaching Quality Standard: Moving from Inspiring to Requiring
February 28
The new Teaching Quality Standard requires all teachers to demonstrate foundational knowledge about First Nations, Metis and Inuit for the benefit of all students. Where should you start!? In this session, you will be introduced to short, interactive activities designed to enhance your understanding of reconciliation, resources specifically produced to build your competence and confidence; and ideas about the many paths you can pursue on your future professional Indigenous Education learning journey.
Register Here
Indigenous Matriarchy – Balance through Truth, Justice and Reconciliation
March 1
“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.”
– Audrey Siegel, The National Inquiry Elders and Grandmothers Circle
Throughout this session you will examine historical and contemporary issues, challenges and inequities for Indigenous women, girls and Two Spirit, including action to support reclaiming power and place. You will deepen your understanding of why it’s crucial to support Indigenous women, girls and Two Spirit and how you can contribute to restoring balance within education systems. Please note that this workshop includes discussions of Missing and Murdered Indigenous women and girls which will be upsetting to some.
Register Here
Addressing Diverse Learning Needs in Classrooms
March 4
While many classrooms have effectively integrated students with learning disabilities, teachers and educational assistants still strive to improve the learning environments and programming for these students. This workshop will provide the staff with an opportunity to become more knowledgeable about how to identify, plan for and respond to students with mild/moderate learning disabilities.
Register Here
Let’s Chat, Ask the Teacher (2)
March 6
17 years. Kindergarten to Grade 12. Urban, rural, public and private. I am not saying I have all the answers, but I am excited to share what I’ve learned along the way! I’ll share my stories, favorite student questions and more. Come with your questions, plus I’ll be prepared to chat about some hot topics in the field of Education!
Register Here
Journey to Human Rights: Virtual field trips at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights
March 8
Our live virtual field trips allow students from across Canada to take part in the Museum’s human rights education programs, in English or French. This 45-minute session will include a live virtual field trip of the Museum’s galleries and an overview of our programs. There will be an opportunity for questions and a brief look at other digital resources available for your classroom. Our program interpreters are ready to talk to your students about foundational human rights concepts, what it means to be an upstander, the Supreme Court of Canada and how historic violations have shaped our view of rights today. Visit www.humanrights.ca/education to learn more.
Register Here
Beginning Teacher Toolkit
March 13
Do you want to transform your classroom control by using tools applicable for immediate results? How do we move from theory into practice and effectively manage a classroom? How do we make positive connections with students? Am I following the correct procedures? Is there a formula for good teaching and best practices? How do I ask for help before I am stressed to the max? If you have ever asked even one of these questions or want to improve your classroom management, be ready to make some changes in your teaching procedures and join other teachers who struggle with the same thoughts as yourself. Join us for a session to pack your toolkit with great ideas to “lessen the stressen!”
Register Here
More Than Words: The Significance of Land Acknowledgements on the Journey of Truth and Reconciliation
March 14
Sharing a land acknowledgement has become a common practice and there is potential for a land acknowledgement to be perceived as an empty gesture if it’s not paired with concrete actions. Throughout this session, participants will have an opportunity to reflect on the deeper meanings of a land acknowledgement and consider ways they can mobilize land acknowledgements in their own professional practice. Participants will reflect on their own connections to people and place, and consider how land acknowledgements and their associated actions can build relationships and contribute to Truth & Reconciliation.
Register Here
Guidelines for Teaching the Holocaust
March 19
Holocaust history requires sensitivity and keen awareness of the complexity of the subject. The guidelines are at the core of the Museum’s pedagogical approach to teaching about the Holocaust. Together, we consider how the guidelines encourage critical thinking about your teaching practice and shape your rationale for teaching about the Holocaust. Lindsay Anderson, USMMM Museum Teacher Fellow, 2019-2020
Register Here
Classroom Design
March 21
Colours, lights, and furniture placement oh my! We will explore what research and experience says regarding creating environments students want to be in. This interactive session will provide discussion time combined with tips and tricks.
Register Here
Recognizing and Addressing Anxiety in Schools
March 26
School staff are increasingly challenged to support individuals with all levels of anxiety and related behaviours. This workshop will provide information about the most common anxiety disorders, examine how these disorders impact people, and provide participants with strategies to help support those affected cope and manage.
Register Here
The Indian Act—Historical and Contemporary Realities
March 27
The Indian Act has left a deep scar for many. Throughout this session, participants will explore foundational information about the Indian Act, and examine historical and contemporary impacts of this aggressive, assimilation tactic. Participants will leave this session with an increased understanding of the complexities of the Indian Act, including resources and strategies to contribute towards reconciliation.
Register Here
Indigenous Alberta—The Footsteps of Our Ancestors
February 26
This workshop will introduce participants to the rich Indigenous cultural and linguistic diversity of Alberta. Topics will include terminology related to identity, recognition of territory, significant ancestral landscapes related to locations of celebrations and traditions that come to life through song and dance, addressing myths and misconceptions, and a brief historical timeline.
Register Here
You Are Valued AND Vulnerable: The Complex Experiences of Male Teachers *NEW!*
February 27
Male teachers are nearly invisible in elementary schools. Men who teach face contradictory expectations from parents, teachers and students. We are simultaneously valued AND vulnerable. Our maleness is noticed and there are conflicting expectations. How do men negotiate this world? What challenges do we face? How might we provide support for men who choose to teach? What does a new male teacher need to know to be prepared?
Gary Jones—experienced teacher, principal and researcher, sessional instructor and field supervisor at the University of Calgary—will discuss research about male teachers and share his experiences. There will be time for discussion. Women are welcome.
I am an experienced teacher, principal and researcher, now a sessional instructor at Werklund School of Education.
Register Here
Indigenous Content in the new Teaching Quality Standard: Moving from Inspiring to Requiring
February 28
The new Teaching Quality Standard requires all teachers to demonstrate foundational knowledge about First Nations, Metis and Inuit for the benefit of all students. Where should you start!? In this session, you will be introduced to short, interactive activities designed to enhance your understanding of reconciliation, resources specifically produced to build your competence and confidence; and ideas about the many paths you can pursue on your future professional Indigenous Education learning journey.
Register Here
Indigenous Matriarchy – Balance through Truth, Justice and Reconciliation
March 1
“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.”
– Audrey Siegel, The National Inquiry Elders and Grandmothers Circle
Throughout this session you will examine historical and contemporary issues, challenges and inequities for Indigenous women, girls and Two Spirit, including action to support reclaiming power and place. You will deepen your understanding of why it’s crucial to support Indigenous women, girls and Two Spirit and how you can contribute to restoring balance within education systems. Please note that this workshop includes discussions of Missing and Murdered Indigenous women and girls which will be upsetting to some.
Register Here
Addressing Diverse Learning Needs in Classrooms
March 4
While many classrooms have effectively integrated students with learning disabilities, teachers and educational assistants still strive to improve the learning environments and programming for these students. This workshop will provide the staff with an opportunity to become more knowledgeable about how to identify, plan for and respond to students with mild/moderate learning disabilities.
Register Here
Let’s Chat, Ask the Teacher (2)
March 6
17 years. Kindergarten to Grade 12. Urban, rural, public and private. I am not saying I have all the answers, but I am excited to share what I’ve learned along the way! I’ll share my stories, favorite student questions and more. Come with your questions, plus I’ll be prepared to chat about some hot topics in the field of Education!
Register Here
Journey to Human Rights: Virtual field trips at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights
March 8
Our live virtual field trips allow students from across Canada to take part in the Museum’s human rights education programs, in English or French. This 45-minute session will include a live virtual field trip of the Museum’s galleries and an overview of our programs. There will be an opportunity for questions and a brief look at other digital resources available for your classroom. Our program interpreters are ready to talk to your students about foundational human rights concepts, what it means to be an upstander, the Supreme Court of Canada and how historic violations have shaped our view of rights today. Visit www.humanrights.ca/education to learn more.
Register Here
Beginning Teacher Toolkit
March 13
Do you want to transform your classroom control by using tools applicable for immediate results? How do we move from theory into practice and effectively manage a classroom? How do we make positive connections with students? Am I following the correct procedures? Is there a formula for good teaching and best practices? How do I ask for help before I am stressed to the max? If you have ever asked even one of these questions or want to improve your classroom management, be ready to make some changes in your teaching procedures and join other teachers who struggle with the same thoughts as yourself. Join us for a session to pack your toolkit with great ideas to “lessen the stressen!”
Register Here
More Than Words: The Significance of Land Acknowledgements on the Journey of Truth and Reconciliation
March 14
Sharing a land acknowledgement has become a common practice and there is potential for a land acknowledgement to be perceived as an empty gesture if it’s not paired with concrete actions. Throughout this session, participants will have an opportunity to reflect on the deeper meanings of a land acknowledgement and consider ways they can mobilize land acknowledgements in their own professional practice. Participants will reflect on their own connections to people and place, and consider how land acknowledgements and their associated actions can build relationships and contribute to Truth & Reconciliation.
Register Here
Guidelines for Teaching the Holocaust
March 19
Holocaust history requires sensitivity and keen awareness of the complexity of the subject. The guidelines are at the core of the Museum’s pedagogical approach to teaching about the Holocaust. Together, we consider how the guidelines encourage critical thinking about your teaching practice and shape your rationale for teaching about the Holocaust. Lindsay Anderson, USMMM Museum Teacher Fellow, 2019-2020
Register Here
Classroom Design
March 21
Colours, lights, and furniture placement oh my! We will explore what research and experience says regarding creating environments students want to be in. This interactive session will provide discussion time combined with tips and tricks.
Register Here
Recognizing and Addressing Anxiety in Schools
March 26
School staff are increasingly challenged to support individuals with all levels of anxiety and related behaviours. This workshop will provide information about the most common anxiety disorders, examine how these disorders impact people, and provide participants with strategies to help support those affected cope and manage.
Register Here
The Indian Act—Historical and Contemporary Realities
March 27
The Indian Act has left a deep scar for many. Throughout this session, participants will explore foundational information about the Indian Act, and examine historical and contemporary impacts of this aggressive, assimilation tactic. Participants will leave this session with an increased understanding of the complexities of the Indian Act, including resources and strategies to contribute towards reconciliation.
Register Here