BTA Virtual LIFT Conference 2021

Event is FULL - Currently not accepting registrations

FULL - 01A - Helping Those Who Help Nurture and Maintain Resilience

THIS IS A HALF DAY SESSION REPEATED IN BOTH AM & PM

Sustaining our resilience as educators can be a challenge during times of change. Based on Dr. Ungar’s research around the world and his clinical practice, this presentation uses examples from his new book Change Your World: The Science of Resilience and the True Path to Success to explore how those who help others can avoid burnout and maintain their own career and life resilience when stressors pile up at home and on the job. Twelve factors that make us more resilient as adults will be discussed, along with practical tools participants can use to find the resources they need to cope successfully in culturally and contextually relevant ways. Using the concepts of navigation and negotiation that are key to understanding resilience in complex, changing environments, audience members will have an opportunity to reflect on their own resilience in life, as well as times at work and at home where they had the resources they needed to succeed. Be prepared for a fast-paced, story-filled presentation that will help you build new personal and social resources.

Presenter: Dr. Michael Ungar, Professor
Michael Ungar, Ph.D. is the founder and Director of the Resilience Research Centre at Dalhousie University. His ground-breaking work as a family therapist and resilience researcher is recognized around the world, with much of that work focused on the resilience of marginalized children and families, and adult populations experiencing mental health challenges at home and in the workplace. Dr. Ungar has provided consultation and training to Fortune 500 companies like Unilever and Cigna, NGOs such as Save The Children and the Red Cross, and educational institutions and government agencies on five continents. He is routinely called upon by thought leaders such as the Boston Consulting Group and Canvas8. His work emphasizes how to use the theory of resilience to increase both individual and institutional agility during crises, with numerous organizations having adopted his concept of resilience as a negotiated process that enhances wellbeing and social responsibility.

Suitable for: All Educators, Administration, Student Teachers

Platform: Zoom

Cost: $25.00 until October 4th / $30.00 after October 4th

FULL - 02A - Let's Talk: Creating a Balance Math Program

THIS IS A MORNING SESSION ONLY

We know we have all heard that emath is in a crisis and everyone is looking for a quick fix. But Math is a process and there is more to the puzzle than procedures or conceptual teaching. Teaching math is about a balance. This workshop is designed to discuss and work through a balance math program. Participants will learn about teaching for procedural and conceptual understanding, my thoughts on the various components of balanced mathematics and practical ideas for lesson development and implementation. Come ready to learn, discuss and engage with mathematics. Applicable for grades 1-12.

Presenter: Jonathan So, Teacher/Learning Environment Teacher, Peel School District
I am currently a Learning Environment Itinerant Resource Teacher for the Peel District School Board. I have taught Primary for two years and Junior for twelve years. I have been called many names: Daddy, Daddio, Dada, Jon, JoSo and some others that cannot be repeated. I am an avid runner, lover of bowties and so much more. I have completed my Masters' in Education with a focus on teaching mathematics. My thesis focused on teacher's questions and the impact they have on students learning fractions. To me, the teacher has one of the most critical roles to play in child development. Through questions, inquiry and exploration teachers can and will push students to unforeseen expectations. My passions lie in being the best teacher I can be, teaching mathematics and technology, and assessment. I also enjoy teaching through inquiry and watching the powerful impact it has on student growth and conceptual development.

In my personal life, I have a wonderful partner (Jenny) and a beautiful daughter and two energetic sons. I am always available to talk and can be reached through email (So.Jonathan1@gmail.com) or twitter (@MrSoclassroom).

Suitable for: All Educators, Student Teachers

Platform: Zoom

Cost: $25.00 until October 4th / $30.00 after October 4th

FULL - 10A - Report Card Writing

THIS IS A HALF DAY SESSION REPEATED IN BOTH AM & PM

This session is being provided for educators who are early in their career or those who are looking for some time to refresh their skills as seasoned veterans! Writing report cards is often a daunting task especially as a new teacher. This session will be presented with ideas for writing reports in all subject areas. Ways to help keep yourself organized throughout the year so that when it comes time to writing your report cards you have a head start. Our focus will be on writing parent informed comments using parent friendly language. Bring your assessments with you to this session, lets take some time to work on your reports and answer questions you may have. We will also take some time for you to be able to build up your comment bank with ideas and suggestions that you would like to use regularly.

Presenter: Kyla Cullen, Classroom Teacher, Brandon School Division
I have been teaching in Brandon School Division for 7 years now. This will be my fourth year at New Era. I currently am a general classroom teacher in Grades 7 and 8.

Suitable for: Kindergarten to Grade 8

Platform: Microsoft Teams

Cost: $25.00 until October 4th / $30.00 after October 4th

FULL - 11A - Master your Retirement

THIS IS A HALF DAY SESSION REPEATED IN BOTH AM & PM

Join us to learn key actions into securing the retirement you have always wanted. Although 2020 was a year of uncertainty, it has motivated many Canadians to rethink how they can maximize their savings and leverage their assets in new ways for retirement.

We'll discuss, with a focus on teachers and TRAF, the importance of managing your plan through market volatility, how to identify sources of retirement income to reach your retirement goals, and answer the most frequently asked questions on tax, investment considerations, and new trends impacting the way Canadians are thinking about retirement.

Presenters: Calvin Vanderschuit, Division Director at IG Wealth Management and
Jack Coulson, Consultant, IG Wealth Management
An award winning Certified Financial Planner, Cal ranks among the top 10 Division Directors at IG Wealth Management in Canada. Cal came to us from the teaching industry and uses his skills to break down complex financial concepts into easy-to-understand material for his clients so that they know and understand their IG Living Plan. He is very active in his local community of Onanole where he is a board member of the Onanole Foundation which raises donations for local charities. Cal is married to Lauren and they live on an acreage just south of Riding Mountain National Park with their dog Stella. He splits his time between the Onanole and Brandon office.

Jack is a retired teacher, (30+ years in Rolling River School Division), who has had an interest in finance and markets for many years. Following retirement from teaching, he joined IG Wealth as a Consultant and works out of the Onanole and Brandon Region Office. He enjoys helping people get their financial picture in order and taking some of the confusion out of their financial futures.

Suitable for: All Educators

Platform: Zoom

Cost: $25.00 until October 4th / $30.00 after October 4th

FULL - 12A - Using Interactive Notebooks in the Middle Years Classroom

THIS IS A HALF DAY SESSION REPEATED IN BOTH AM & PM

Tired of students struggling to take and use notes in class? Want to find a new way to provide important information to students during class time? Want to learn more about Interactive Notebooks and how to use them in the middle years classroom? Then this is the session for you. Participants will learn my planning techniques, my method of creation and my use of Interactive Notebooks in the classroom. I will provide you with some materials that I use to create my own Interactive Notebook, as well as other sources that I use. The focus will be on creating your own Interactive Notebook for your own Math classroom.

This will be a hands-on, make and take session.

NOTE: Participants should have available: grade appropriate math curriculum, a coil bound notebook, scissors, glue stick, markers, pens/pencils, colored paper, a copy of the handouts that will be provided after registration.

Presenter: Tammy Tutkaluk, Teacher, Brandon School Division
Tammy Tutkaluk has been teaching middle years in the Brandon School Division for the last 17 years. She has spent the majority of her time teaching grade 7 at Riverheights School. Tammy believes very strongly in trying to find new and creative ways to provide information to her students. She lives in Brandon with her husband, son and puppy, Teddy.

Suitable for: Middle Years, Student Teachers

Platform: Microsoft Teams

Cost: $25.00 until October 4th / $30.00 after October 4th

FULL - 13A - Teachings of the Seven Grandfathers

THIS IS A HALF DAY SESSION REPEATED IN BOTH AM & PM

Are you including the Teachings of the Seven Grandfathers in your curriculum this year?

This session - Teachings of the Seven Grandfathers comes with a variety of excellent resources and activities that can help you find numerous ways to teach your students whether if it's for literacy, numeracy, or cultural activities. The resources offer fun learning activities including lessons that can heighten student engagement and their interests on the Seven Grandfather teachings.

Participants will be introduced to free, engaging, easy and ready to use Seven Grandfathers resources and lessons.

Presenters: Amie Martin, Indigenous Education Learning Specialist, Indigenous Education Learning Specialist and Nicole Semler, Teacher, Brandon School Division

Amie Martin has been with the Brandon School Division for a number of years. She is of Cree First Nation, speaks the language fluently. Before Amie joined Brandon School Division, she worked in various First Nations Schools as a teacher, education counsellor and a principal. Amie enjoys working with children and people of all cultures and ages. Amie has 40 years of teaching experience mostly working with First Nation schools. And Amie is excited to share the Seven Grandfathers teachings and its resources to participants.

Nicole Semler has worked for the past 11 years in the field of education. She studied in Missouri, Louisiana and finished her Education Degree at Brandon University. Nicole continues her work in the classroom and as part of the Indigenous Matters Committee, where her goal is to support teachers and students while integrating Aboriginal history and values through resource materials in our classrooms.

Suitable for: All Educators, Student Teachers

Platform: Microsoft Teams

Cost: $25.00 until October 4th / $30.00 after October 4th

FULL - 14A - Exploring Humanitarian Law

THIS IS A HALF DAY SESSION REPEATED IN BOTH AM & PM

Humanitarian values and norms underpin many aspects of Canadian culture. As well, Canada has an obligation to uphold International Humanitarian Law (also known as the Laws of Armed Conflict), both at home and in our roles overseas. And yet we are bombarded with images that imply that knowledge of and respect for these values is declining, and that divisiveness, lack of empathy and tolerance for violence are on the rise. Evidence shows that we can’t assume humanitarian values are inherently transmitted across generations. In fact, the Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson once said, “We have to learn and practice how to be human.” Education in this area is a proven way to help younger generations understand and respect the critical basis of these laws: to help alleviate human suffering.

If you are looking for ways to address these topics and areas of concerns into your classrooms, this workshop provides an overview of the Exploring Humanitarian Law toolkit, a free resource with over 35 hours of lessons that are ready for immediate implementation into your classes!

The workshop will introduce: The Humanitarian Perspective, Limits in Armed Conflict, The Law in Action, Dealing with Violations, Responding to the Consequences of Armed Conflict, IHL & Media, and Forced to Fight, an interactive, web-based "game" where students choose a character, and face their dilemmas in their efforts to protect human dignity.

Presenter: Danielle Zagar, Western International Humanitarian Law Coordinator OR Karyn Stone, Western International Humanitarian Law Coordinator

Danielle Zagar has been teaching high school in Maple Ridge since 1997. She teaches English, Yoga and Global Education – a program that combines Social Justice-Genocide Studies 12 with English 11-12. She has a background in Journalism, Biology and Sociology and did her MA in Post-War Reconstruction at the University of York, in the UK. She is interested in Peace and Conflict Studies, with a particular focus on International Humanitarian Law and genocide, specifically with respect to Rwanda. She has travelled and studied in Israel, Kenya, Ghana, Uganda, Rwanda, Sri Lanka and Ecuador. She also teaches a Global Competency and Human Rights course for educators through World Savvy and has been a Teacher Champion for the Exploring Humanitarian Law program for the Canadian Red Cross since 2016.

Karyn Stone is the International Humanitarian Law (IHL) Coordinator for Western Canada. She previously worked as a consultant for Geneva Call in Myanmar and for ECPAT International, a global child rights network, in Thailand. She has a MPA from the University of Manitoba with a research focus in refugee and immigration policy and issues related to forced migration. She has also worked for a number of community-based organisations in Manitoba and has been active on several volunteer boards and committees in Canada.

Suitable for: All Educators, Student Teachers

Platform: Zoom

Cost: $25.00 until October 4th / $30.00 after October 4th

FULL - 15A - Bake My Day!

THIS IS A HALF DAY SESSION REPEATED IN BOTH AM & PM

Stressed is desserts spelled backwards! Coincidence? I don't think so! Spend half a day baking your stress away.

Presenter: Des Tucker, Teacher, Brandon School Division
Baking makes me happy! The smell of something sweet baking in the oven is the best smell in the world! I have 2 daughters at home and baking together is one of our very favourite things to do! As I mentioned, I am a momma, a wife, and a teacher. I teach Grade 1, and I love to incorporate baking into my lessons and activities whenever possible.

Suitable for: All Educators

Platform: Zoom

Cost: $25.00 until October 4th / $30.00 after October 4th

FULL - 16A - Positive Behaviour Intervention Strategies

THIS IS A HALF DAY SESSION REPEATED IN BOTH AM & PM

This session will focus on strategies for increasing appropriate student behaviors in the classroom in an effort to create more positive school environments and help students to achieve social, emotional, and academic success.

Presenter: Dr. Pamela Kelso, School Psychologist, Brandon School Division
Pamela Kelso, PhD, currently works as a School Psychologist in the Brandon School Division. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts Degree (Psychology) from Brandon University in 2002, Master of Arts Degree (Clinical Psychology) from North Dakota State University in 2004, and PhD (Clinical Psychology) from the University of Manitoba in 2012. She has a special interest in working collaboratively with teachers to promote positive student behavior in classroom environments.

Suitable for: All Educators, Student Teachers

Platform: Microsoft Teams

Cost: $25.00 until October 4th / $30.00 after October 4th

FULL - 17A - Content Area Literacy in the Middle Years

THIS IS A HALF DAY SESSION REPEATED IN BOTH AM & PM

This pragmatic session will focus on engaging and supporting literacy strategies to support learning in the in content area. Strategies that will work across middle years will be explored and opportunities for differentiation and formative assessment will be discussed.

Presenters: Devin Foord, Continuous Improvement Coach/Librarian, Brandon School Division and
Cory Leigh Nevill, Literacy Specialist 5-12, Brandon School Division

Devin Foord is the Continuous Improvement Coach and Librarian at King George School in Brandon. He enjoys supporting teachers in engaging students and developing their literacy skills across the curriculum.

Cory Leigh Nevill is the Divisional Literacy Specialist 5-12. In this position she has the opportunity to work with teachers across both grades and subject areas.

Suitable for: Middle Years

Platform: Microsoft Teams

Cost: $25.00 until October 4th / $30.00 after October 4th

FULL - 18A - Understanding Indigenous Diversity

THIS IS A HALF DAY SESSION REPEATED IN BOTH AM & PM

This workshop has been designed to give a basic overview and to provide some general knowledge of Manitoba’s Indigenous people. The overall goal will be to provide understanding and several take‐aways to assist you in your work with Indigenous people. Many of you will already have experience working with Indigenous people and there will be lots of opportunity to share your knowledge during the workshop.

Key points to be presented and discussed include: basic history of Indigenous peoples, history of the Indigenous groups in Manitoba, the meaning of systemic racism, the effect of colonization on loss of cultural identity/self‐worth, contributions and participation in Canada’s development, contemporary relationships within Canada, and their subsequent implications for service provision.

Presenter: Douglas Pople, Career Planning & Placement Officer, Brandon University
Doug is a proud Métis and has a keen interest in promoting and working towards a workforce representative of our population. He values community service including previously completing 20 years as a Director of the Louis Riel Institute. Doug has been an active member of the Interprovincial Association on Native Employment (IANE) – Westman Chapter for the past 19 years and is currently the Chair. Doug earned his Bachelor of General Studies from Brandon University in 1990. He places a high value on education and is committed to professional development. Through part‐time studies, he graduated again in 2001 with a Bachelor of Arts. Doug is currently completing his Masters of Rural Development with a focus on Indigenous community development and resilience.

Commitment to his community has always been a major focus. Doug has participated in a number of community activities and initiatives including sitting on the Brandon United Way board for 7 years. Doug was an active HRMAM member for many years co‐chairing the Westman Human Resource Management Association of Manitoba Annual Fun Golf Classic. He is a proponent of youth and coached soccer, baseball and ringette for a total of 15 years. In recognition of his volunteer activities, Doug was honoured with the BU Board of Governors’ Award For Excellence In Community Service, awarded to “an individual who has made a positive impact on the quality of life in society through their community service”.

Doug is the Career Planning and Placement Officer at Brandon University. In this capacity he sees the importance education makes in peoples’ lives. He also teaches sessionally at Brandon University, previously instructed an on‐line certificate program through the Faculty of Education and taught several evening courses at ACC. He is a huge proponent of positive personal change and individual empowerment while still being aware of the historical realities in which we live.

Suitable for: All Educators, Student Teachers

Platform: Microsoft Teams

Cost: $25.00 until October 4th / $30.00 after October 4th

FULL - 19A - Little Hands in Motion: Developing Fine Motor Skills Through Play-Based Learning

THIS IS A HALF DAY SESSION REPEATED IN BOTH AM & PM

With the increase in numbers of children entering Kindergarten who are presenting with diverse fine motor skill and little exposure to a school-based setting, this workshop will provide classroom strategies and exploration activities with a play-based approach to build on fine motor skill foundations. We will explore creative ways to manage this in your teaching schedules as well as look at tools and available school resources to help you with implementing adaptations and small fine motor groups. Be prepared to discuss, learn and play!

Presenter: Jennifer Morrison, Kindergarten Teacher, Brandon School Division
Jen is currently working as the Kindergarten teacher at Maryland Park School in Brandon School Division. She has been a kindergarten teacher for over 10 years. She has worked as an Early Diverse Learning Consultant for Kindergarten in Instructional Services for the Calgary Catholic School Division and has presented Professional Development to Early Years and Kindergarten teachers. Jen was nominated for the Excellence in Teaching Award in the province of Alberta and was selected as one of 11 teachers to receive the semi finalist award. She has a Bachelor of Education degree from Brandon University and is currently working on her Master’s degree in Education and Administration. She is passionate about play based learning and supporting the learning and growth of our school communities and students. She has 2 active boys and a doodle. She infuses health and wellness into her classroom by teaching yoga to her students and trains/ instructs indoor cycling classes at a local spin studio.

Suitable for: Early Years, Student Teachers

Platform: Microsoft Teams

Cost: $25.00 until October 4th / $30.00 after October 4th

FULL - 20A - Promoting Fine Motor Skill Development in the Covid Era Classroom

THIS IS A HALF DAY SESSION REPEATED IN BOTH AM & PM

In this session, the importance of foundational building blocks in the development of fine motor skill success will be reviewed. Participants will be introduced to individual and COVID era classroom-based tier one strategies for integrating fine motor opportunities into daily literacy and numeracy activities.

Presenter: Sarah Belcher, Occupational Therapist
Sarah graduated from the University of Manitoba in 2004 with a Bachelor of Medical Rehabilitation in Occupational Therapy. Over the course of her career, she has provided direct and consultative care to children from birth to age 21 and currently works with the school-aged population. Sarah is level 1 certified in "Learning without Tears" and has provided many educational sessions on fine motor skill development.

Suitable for: Kindergarten, Early Years, Resource, Clinicians, Student Teachers

Platform: Microsoft Teams

Cost: $25.00 until October 4th / $30.00 after October 4th

FULL - 22A - Roving Campus: Engaging the Disengaged

*THIS IS A SATELLITE SESSION HOSTED BY PORTAGE LA PRAIRIE TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION*
THIS IS A HALF DAY SESSION REPEATED IN BOTH AM & PM

The Roving Campus is a high school program that reduces barriers to student attendance. The presenters will discuss strategies for engaging reluctant high school students through an understanding of essential standards.

Presenter: James Kostuchuk, Instructional Coach, Portage la Prairie School Division
James Kostuchuk is an instructional coach for the Portage la Prairie School Division. He is a past recipient of the Prime Minister's Award for Teaching Excellence, and a three time recipient of the Portage Teachers' Association innovative teaching award. He recently completed a 6-year term with the MTS Teacher-Led Learning Team and is currently completing a master's degree in instructional design. He is a frequent contributor to Prairie History and recently published his first book.

Suitable for: Senior Years, Administrators, Resource/Specialty, Student Teachers

Platform: Zoom

Cost: $25.00 until October 4th / $30.00 after October 4th

FULL - 23A - Becoming Anti-Racist

*THIS IS A SATELLITE SESSION – HOSTED BY MOUNTAIN VIEW TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION*
THIS IS A HALF DAY SESSION REPEATED IN BOTH AM & PM

An exploration of racism in school institutions, and how to actively become anti-racist and anti-oppressive in our schools. Topics covered will be terminology, difficult conversation strategies, and recognizing and reacting to problematic statements and situations. Let's start doing the work now, and not later.

Presenters: Wade Houle, Teacher, Kristjana Michaluk, Teacher, and Cam Bennet, Teacher, Mountain View School Division

Wade Houle has been an educator for 15 years. He has a passion for Indigenous Education and currently works as the DRCSS as well.

Kristjana Michaluk is currently a Resource teacher at the DRCSS in Dauphin and has been an educator for 6 years.

Cam Bennet has 30 years of teaching experience in the Dauphin area with technology, sciences and math. He is a firm believer in teaching kids, not content.

Suitable for: All Educators

Platform: Microsoft Teams

Cost: $25.00 until October 4th / $30.00 after October 4th

FULL - 24A - Art Made Simple

*THIS IS A SATELLITE SESSION – HOSTED BY MOUNTAIN VIEW TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION*
THIS IS A HALF DAY SESSION REPEATED IN BOTH AM & PM

Fine arts for the classroom, grades K-5. You will leave with lessons for all grades as well as practical and hands on experience with a variety of materials.

Presenter: Brianne Lytwyn, Teacher, Mountain View School Division
I am a Kindergarten teacher with a Fine Arts background. I have multiple creative outlets including painting, drawing, sewing and scrapbooking.

Suitable for: Early Years

Platform: Microsoft Teams

Cost: $25.00 until October 4th / $30.00 after October 4th

FULL - 25A - Towards Trauma-Sensitive Classrooms

*THIS IS A SATELLITE SESSION – HOSTED BY PORTAGE LA PRAIRIE TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION*
THIS IS A HALF DAY AM SESSION ONLY

Participants will explore the impact adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) has on students’ learning and how teachers can shift their thinking and classroom practices to support the diverse needs of all their students.

Topics: ACEs; trauma in the classroom; learning-ready state vs survival mode; setting up an environment for all students to thrive; and vicarious trauma.

Presenters: Members of Manitoba Teachers’ Society Teacher Led Learning Team
The TLLT team respects the knowledge, skills, and experience that participants bring, and our aim is to offer new information about a topic and invite participants to connect with each other, the topic, and their learning goals.

Suitable for: All Educators

Platform: Zoom

Cost: $25.00 until October 4th / $30.00 after October 4th

FULL - 26A - Current LGBTQ+ Realities

THIS IS A HALF DAY AM SESSION ONLY

Participants will learn strategies for developing LGBTQ inclusive classrooms and schools.

Topics: Terminology; gender and sexual identities; societal norms of sex, gender, orientation and gender expression; supporting students who are coming out; starting and maintaining a GSA; and addressing everyday discrimination.

Presenters: Members of Manitoba Teachers’ Society Teacher Led Learning Team
The TLLT team respects the knowledge, skills, and experience that participants bring, and our aim is to offer new information about a topic and invite participants to connect with each other, the topic, and their learning goals.

Suitable for: All Educators, Student Teachers

Platform: Zoom

Cost: $25.00 until October 4th / $30.00 after October 4th

FULL - 27A - "They Liked and Re-Tweeted That? Now What Do We Do?" School Division Response to Teachers and Personal Use on Social Media

THIS IS A HALF DAY AM SESSION ONLY

Self-expression and self-promotion are very much a part of our lives today. With the evolution of social media, teacher’s lives have become extensively more public as they express themselves on many social platforms. Social media has given teachers forums to express opinions and views on varying topics as well as openly share their private lives. School districts have traditionally had to balance the values of the community and teacher’s rights to expression. Utilizing current Canadian case law as a framework, this presentation will examine the relationship between community values and teacher’s personal lives. When teachers have been disciplined, suspended, or had their contracts terminated, school districts, and in turn the courts, have sited “community disruption” and “a loss of public confidence” as reasons for their actions and decisions. Defining a “disruption” or measuring “public confidence” is a delicate task. Teachers should expect to be free from actions of discrimination and have a reasonable right to freedom of thought, opinion and expression. This presentation will focus on how school districts have responded as well as recent court decisions that will provide for a glimpse at this evolving issue.

Presenter: Dr. Tom Skinner, Associate Profession, Brandon University
Dr. Skinner has been involved in education for the last forty years. He has experience as a teacher from kindergarten to grade 12 including multi-grade and special education classrooms. As well, his professional experience includes twelve years as a school principal in four Manitoba school divisions, including rural, urban, and northern divisions. Currently, he is an associate professor in the Faculty of Education at Brandon University where he lectures in both the undergrad program and the graduate program. He has served on a number of provincial and national committees focused on policy and legislative development in education and has presented papers at the provincial and national levels, focusing on education law, leadership, and team building. He graduated with a Doctor of Education degree from the University of Toronto in 2002, specializing in Theory and Policy Studies in Education Administration. The doctorate was preceded by a Masters’ degree in Education Administration from the University of Manitoba.

Suitable for: All Educators, Administration

Platform: Zoom

Cost: $25.00 until October 4th / $30.00 after October 4th

FULL - 28A - "Sext Ed" - Youth Sexual Development and Consensual Literacy

THIS IS A HALF DAY AM SESSION ONLY

Sexuality is a core component of healthy youth development, which is increasingly happening online. This training focuses on how to reduce the risks and increase the benefits of online sexuality through an essential life skill: consensual literacy. Service providers will leave with understandings of the legal aspects of viewing and sending sexual material and ways to have open, non-judgmental conversations about sexuality and technology with youth.

Presenters: Kaitlyn White and Amanda Hamm, Sexuality & Reproductive Health Facilitators Sexuality Education Resource Centre
Kaitlyn White and Amanda Hamm have both worked as Sexuality & Reproductive Health Facilitators with SERC for over a decade. They have a combined wealth of experience delivering inclusive, non-judgmental sexual health education sessions to youth in the Westman area, including rural and remote communities. Working from an anti-oppression, sex positive, and harm reduction approach, Kaitlyn and Amanda are both passionate about ensuring youth have access to relevant sexual health education and information that meets their needs.

Suitable for: Middle Years, Senior Years, Student Teachers

Platform: Zoom

Cost: $25.00 until October 4th / $30.00 after October 4th

FULL - 29A - Project 11 Positive Mental Wellness Program K-8

THIS IS A HALF DAY AM SESSION ONLY

Project 11 is an engaging cross-curricular proactive program targeting Manitoba’s English Language Arts and Health outcomes. Weekly lessons and daily activities have been designed to help support students and teachers in bringing mental health awareness, along with positive coping skills. It is available to support students in Kindergarten to grade 8 (French and English) with virtual tutorials educating students about Mental Wellness. In addition to the Mental Wellness lessons, there are over 200 daily activities promoting healthy lifestyle practices that teachers can access and incorporate into their class. Project 11 uses concepts such as practicing focusing the mind, increasing self-awareness of feelings and strengths, and building positive relationships.

Presenters: Members of the True North Youth Foundation - Project 11 Team

Suitable for: Early and Middle Years

Platform: Zoom

Cost: $25.00 until October 4th / $30.00 after October 4th

FULL - 30A - Cyber Risk Management/Bullying

THIS IS A HALF DAY AM SESSION ONLY

Part A: We will discuss the best practices of strong cyber risk management (Human Firewall).
Part B: We will be providing a walkthrough of Handling Bullying Incidents in Schools.
Each topic will be approximately one hour followed by Q & A.

Presenters: Darren Thomas, Risk Manager, Manitoba School Boards Association and Sara Solleveld, Commercial Account Advisor
Darren Thomas is a Risk Manager for Manitoba School Boards Association and Sara Solleveld is a Commercial Account Advisor.

Suitable for: All Educators, Student Teachers

Platform: Zoom

Cost: $25.00 until October 4th / $30.00 after October 4th

FULL - 31A - Promoting STEM in the School

THIS IS A HALF DAY AM SESSION ONLY

This half-day session will explore a variety of opportunities that are available to teachers and students in the STEM fields. Participants will be introduced to a number of teacher programmes that are available, including those at CERN and the Perimeter Institute, what a STEM program can look like in your school, and opportunities that can be promoted to students to help encourage the growth of STEM in your building.

Presenter: Christopher Sarkonak, Teacher, Brandon School Division
Christopher Sarkonak is a Physics teacher at Crocus Plains Regional Secondary School and was the first Canadian high school teacher to be selected by CERN to attend their International High School Teacher Programme in 2019. He is also a member of the Perimeter Institute Teacher Network and has been working to promote STEM at Crocus Plains by acting as a teacher mentor for the STEM for Girls program and STEM Club and is trying to promote a wide variety of opportunities to students, such as the ESA Moon Camp Challenge.

Suitable for: Senior Years, Student Teachers

Platform: Microsoft Teams

Cost: $25.00 until October 4th / $30.00 after October 4th

FULL - 32A - L'art à distance

THIS IS A HALF DAY AM SESSION ONLY

Enseigner l’art à la distance, ou lorsque les élèves ne peuvent pas partager les matériaux est un défi. Dans cet atelier, vous allez apprendre à surmonter les difficultés afin de fournir à vos élèves des expériences en arts qui sont riches et significatives.

Presenter: Melanie McComb, French Immersion Teacher, Brandon School Division
Melanie is a French Immersion teacher at École Harrison in Brandon. She enjoys teaching art to her students and sharing it with colleagues as well.

Suitable for: Grades 3-8

Platform: Microsoft Teams

Cost: $25.00 until October 4th / $30.00 after October 4th

FULL - 03 - First Aid / CPR Certification *NOTE: THIS SESSION IS ONLY FOR BRANDON SCHOOL DIVISION TEACHERS

*NOTE: THIS SESSION IS ONLY FOR BRANDON SCHOOL DIVISION TEACHERS*

Certified Red Cross First Aid/CPR Training for BSD Staff only – THIS SESSION WILL BE IN PERSON
This course is geared towards the employees in the BSD who would like to be certified in CPR/1st aid.

Presenter: Blake Stephens
Blake Stephens is the Physical Education Specialist for the Brandon School Division.

Suitable for: All Educators

Location: In-person, McLaren Room, Brandon School Division, 1031 - 6th Street

Cost: $50.00 until October 4th / $60.00 after October 4th

FULL - 04 - Success with Online Learning

THIS IS AN ALL DAY SESSION

What is a Learning Management System? What are Web-Based Courses? What is Blended Learning? This session will help you create an engaging learning environment with online and blended learning using Manitoba’s provincial Learning Management System.

Presenter: Chris Fredrickson
Chris Fredrickson, Web Based Course Consultant, Manitoba Education
Chris has been a Consultant with Manitoba Education for the past 4 years. His focus is on support and implementation of the Provincial Learning Management System, Brightspace.

Suitable for: Senior Years

Platform: Microsoft Teams

Cost: $50.00 until October 4th / $60.00 after October 4th

FULL - 05 - Being Trauma Informed

THIS IS AN ALL DAY SESSION

This session will focus on the impact of trauma on students' academic, social, and emotional functioning and will also offer participants an overview of practices, interventions, and philosophies which are trauma informed.

Presenter: Stephane Touzin, School Psychologist, Brandon School Division
I have been a School Psychologist in the Brandon School Division for 18 years. My current position with the school division as Behaviour Intervention Support Services Provider supports student behaviour from a whole school/trauma informed perspective.

Suitable for: All Educators, Student Teachers

Platform: Microsoft Teams

Cost: $50.00 until October 4th / $60.00 after October 4th

FULL - 06 - Great Books for Great Kids

THIS IS AN ALL DAY SESSION

Together, Sally and Don will share some new illustrated books, information books, poetry, picture books, biographies and graphic novels. They might even sneak in a few of their old favourites.

Come join them for a day filled with great books for great kids!

Presenters: Sally Bender and Don Cuggy, Retired Teachers
Sally is a retired teacher with a wealth of knowledge and a passion for books.

Don is also a retired teacher fortunate to have a kind friend like Sally patient enough to put up with him for these many years.

Suitable for: Kindergarten, Early Years, Middle Years, Student Teachers

Platform: Zoom

Cost: $50.00 until October 4th / $60.00 after October 4th

FULL - 07 - 2STLGBQ+ Diversity and Inclusion

THIS IS AN ALL DAY SESSION

Through this workshop, we will discuss current 2STLGBQ+ language and terminology, experiences of youth, resources, and how to create an inclusive culture in our schools. We will look at curricular outcomes and how to achieve these within the classroom, across grade levels. We will aim to have the session as interactive as possible and welcome discussion from participants!

Presenter: Racheal Wu, 2STLGBQ+ Program Facilitator, Sexuality Education Resource Centre
Racheal has worked at the Sexuality Education Resource Centre for two years, providing education to youth, community, and service providers relating to the 2STLGBQ+ community. She grew up in rural Manitoba and understands and values the experiences of individuals in these settings. Racheal has a degree from Brandon University and also spent time working in the domestic violence advocacy field prior to joining SERC.

Suitable for: All Educators, Student Teachers

Platform: Zoom

Cost: $50.00 until October 4th / $60.00 after October 4th

FULL - 08 - Preparation is the Key to Report Cards (satellite session hosted by Mountain View Teachers' Association)

THIS IS AN ALL DAY SATELLITE SESSION – HOSTED BY MOUNTAIN VIEW TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION

This session is designed to help educators plan for report card season. We will discuss charts, notes, methods, time-management, expectations, and writing styles. As part of the session, we will review the provincial report card document, other curricular/assessment documents, and learn how to effectively use some of Microsoft Word’s features to help organize our thoughts and guide our report card comments. Time and guidance will be given to create usable tables and forms to make writing quality report card comments more efficient and succinct for busy educators.

Presenter: Katrina Mitchell, Teacher, Mountain View School Division
Katrina Mitchell has been an educator for over 25 years. She has taught every grade from grade 1 to 12, spent 3 years as a principal, has spent the last year as a remote-learning teacher, and has worked in schools whose population exceeded 700 to a school that had 17 registered students. Katrina has always been drawn to middle years though. She is known for organization and logical reasoning. Her most important skill is her vision; she is a global planner who looks to the future. In the past, Ms. Mitchell has hosted sessions for teachers involving: fractions, First Steps in Math, and the use of technology in the classroom. Katrina is a leader among her grade 6 team at Mackenzie Middle School and respected throughout Mountain View School Division.

Suitable for: Middle Years

Platform: Microsoft Teams

Cost: $50.00 until October 4th / $60.00 after October 4th

FULL - 09 - Teacher Wellness

THIS IS AN ALL DAY SATELLITE SESSION HOSTED BY MOUNTAIN VIEW TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION

This session will provide educators with information and ideas of how to reduce stress for themselves as well as their students. Educators will be engaged in yoga and learn about health benefits as well as how to incorporate yoga in the classroom. Meditation, mindfulness, and journaling will be introduced and practiced to gather a deeper understanding of the uses in our own lives as well as how to implement with students. Tapping into our core values leads us to living an authentic, fulfilling life. Learn how to identify these values and what it means to live true to yourself. Come join us for a relaxing experience and gain some valuable insight about yourself!

Presenters: Lori Ash, Teacher and Guildane Counsellor and Nicole Bileski, Teacher, Mountain View School Division
My name is Lori Ash. I have been married for 25 years and have two beautiful adult daughters whom I have received my greatest lessons from. I have been teaching for 26 years. I attained my Master’s of Education: Guidance and Counselling in 2018 and am presently the Guidance Counsellor at Gilbert Plains Collegiate and Gilbert Plains Elementary, as well as the Grade 8 ELA teacher. I am passionate about mental health and well-being, and believe that learning begins when the mind is well. Everyone has mental health, and as teachers we tend to take care of others before we take care of ourselves. I believe we cannot pour from an empty cup, and need to take care of ourselves in order to provide for others.

I am Nicole Bileski and I live in Gilbert Plains, Manitoba. I am married to my husband, Tyler Bileski, and together, we have two amazing little men in our lives that we have the privilege to call our sons. I am a grade 8 Social Studies, Science, and Art teacher, as well as the 1-8 Physical Education teacher at Gilbert Plains Elementary School. I have been teaching for 13 years in total. My experience starts at grade two and reaches up to grade eight, as well as guidance. However, my main passion has always been in Physical Education. I have taken a special approach in my homeroom, by creating a warm space for students and focusing on the importance of social-emotional learning. I have completed my Master’s of Education: Administrative stream, and aspire one day to be a principal and leader.

Suitable for: All Educators

Platform: Zoom

Cost: $50.00 until October 4th / $60.00 after October 4th

FULL - 01B - Helping Those Who Help Nurture and Maintain Resilience

THIS IS A HALF DAY SESSION REPEATED IN BOTH AM & PM

Sustaining our resilience as educators can be a challenge during times of change. Based on Dr. Ungar’s research around the world and his clinical practice, this presentation uses examples from his new book Change Your World: The Science of Resilience and the True Path to Success to explore how those who help others can avoid burnout and maintain their own career and life resilience when stressors pile up at home and on the job. Twelve factors that make us more resilient as adults will be discussed, along with practical tools participants can use to find the resources they need to cope successfully in culturally and contextually relevant ways. Using the concepts of navigation and negotiation that are key to understanding resilience in complex, changing environments, audience members will have an opportunity to reflect on their own resilience in life, as well as times at work and at home where they had the resources they needed to succeed. Be prepared for a fast-paced, story-filled presentation that will help you build new personal and social resources.

Presenter: Dr. Michael Ungar, Professor
Michael Ungar, Ph.D. is the founder and Director of the Resilience Research Centre at Dalhousie University. His ground-breaking work as a family therapist and resilience researcher is recognized around the world, with much of that work focused on the resilience of marginalized children and families, and adult populations experiencing mental health challenges at home and in the workplace. Dr. Ungar has provided consultation and training to Fortune 500 companies like Unilever and Cigna, NGOs such as Save The Children and the Red Cross, and educational institutions and government agencies on five continents. He is routinely called upon by thought leaders such as the Boston Consulting Group and Canvas8. His work emphasizes how to use the theory of resilience to increase both individual and institutional agility during crises, with numerous organizations having adopted his concept of resilience as a negotiated process that enhances wellbeing and social responsibility.

Suitable for: All Educators, Administration, Student Teachers

Platform: Zoom

Cost: $25.00 until October 4th / $30.00 after October 4th

FULL - 02B - Leveraging the Power of Online Tools for Student Engagement

THIS IS AN AFTERNOON SESSION ONLY

Going virtual has thrown many of us for a loop, students, and teachers a like. This presentation we will be investigating ways to leverage the amazing online tools that are at our fingertips. We may not know what 2021 holds but whether in person or virtual this session will show you various tools that we as educators can leverage to help engage students in learning. Come ready to explore various online tools (Scratch, FlipGrid, Teams, Microsoft Tools, Google workspace, and others) in order to engage our students both online and
in-person.

Presenter: Jonathan So, Teacher/Learning Environment Teacher, Peel School District
I am currently a Learning Environment Itinerant Resource Teacher for the Peel District School Board. I have taught Primary for two years and Junior for twelve years. I have been called many names: Daddy, Daddio, Dada, Jon, JoSo and some others that cannot be repeated. I am an avid runner, lover of bowties and so much more. I have completed my Masters' in Education with a focus on teaching mathematics. My thesis focused on teacher's questions and the impact they have on students learning fractions. To me, the teacher has one of the most critical roles to play in child development. Through questions, inquiry and exploration teachers can and will push students to unforeseen expectations. My passions lie in being the best teacher I can be, teaching mathematics and technology, and assessment. I also enjoy teaching through inquiry and watching the powerful impact it has on student growth and conceptual development.

In my personal life, I have a wonderful partner (Jenny) and a beautiful daughter and two energetic sons. I am always available to talk and can be reached through email (So.Jonathan1@gmail.com) or twitter (@MrSoclassroom).

Suitable for: All Educators, Student Teachers

Platform: Zoom

Cost: $25.00 until October 4th / $30.00 after October 4th

FULL - 10B - Report Card Writing

THIS IS A HALF DAY SESSION REPEATED IN BOTH AM & PM

This session is being provided for educators who are early in their career or those who are looking for some time to refresh their skills as seasoned veterans! Writing report cards is often a daunting task especially as a new teacher. This session will be presented with ideas for writing reports in all subject areas. Ways to help keep yourself organized throughout the year so that when it comes time to writing your report cards you have a head start. Our focus will be on writing parent informed comments using parent friendly language. Bring your assessments with you to this session, lets take some time to work on your reports and answer questions you may have. We will also take some time for you to be able to build up your comment bank with ideas and suggestions that you would like to use regularly.

Presenter: Kyla Cullen, Classroom Teacher, Brandon School Division
I have been teaching in Brandon School Division for 7 years now. This will be my fourth year at New Era. I currently am a general classroom teacher in Grades 7 and 8.

Suitable for: Kindergarten to Grade 8

Platform: Microsoft Teams

Cost: $25.00 until October 4th / $30.00 after October 4th

FULL - 11B - Master Your Retirement

THIS IS A HALF DAY SESSION REPEATED IN BOTH AM & PM

Join us to learn key actions into securing the retirement you have always wanted. Although 2020 was a year of uncertainty, it has motivated many Canadians to rethink how they can maximize their savings and leverage their assets in new ways for retirement.

We'll discuss, with a focus on teachers and TRAF, the importance of managing your plan through market volatility, how to identify sources of retirement income to reach your retirement goals, and answer the most frequently asked questions on tax, investment considerations, and new trends impacting the way Canadians are thinking about retirement.

Presenters: Calvin Vanderschuit, Division Director at IG Wealth Management and Jack Coulson, Consultant, IG Wealth Management
An award winning Certified Financial Planner, Cal ranks among the top 10 Division Directors at IG Wealth Management in Canada. Cal came to us from the teaching industry and uses his skills to break down complex financial concepts into easy-to-understand material for his clients so that they know and understand their IG Living Plan. He is very active in his local community of Onanole where he is a board member of the Onanole Foundation which raises donations for local charities. Cal is married to Lauren and they live on an acreage just south of Riding Mountain National Park with their dog Stella. He splits his time between the Onanole and Brandon office.

Jack is a retired teacher, (30+ years in Rolling River School Division), who has had an interest in finance and markets for many years. Following retirement from teaching, he joined IG Wealth as a Consultant and works out of the Onanole and Brandon Region Office. He enjoys helping people get their financial picture in order and taking some of the confusion out of their financial futures.

Suitable for: All Educators

Platform: Zoom

Cost: $25.00 until October 4th / $30.00 after October 4th

FULL - 12B - Using Interactive Notebooks in the Middle Years Classrooms

THIS IS A HALF DAY SESSION REPEATED IN BOTH AM & PM

Tired of students struggling to take and use notes in class? Want to find a new way to provide important information to students during class time? Want to learn more about Interactive Notebooks and how to use them in the middle years classroom? Then this is the session for you. Participants will learn my planning techniques, my method of creation and my use of Interactive Notebooks in the classroom. I will provide you with some materials that I use to create my own Interactive Notebook, as well as other sources that I use. The focus will be on creating your own Interactive Notebook for your own Math classroom.

This will be a hands-on, make and take session.

NOTE: Participants should have available: grade appropriate math curriculum, a coil bound notebook, scissors, glue stick, markers, pens/pencils, colored paper, a copy of the handouts that will be provided after registration.

Presenter: Tammy Tutkaluk, Teacher, Brandon School Division
Tammy Tutkaluk has been teaching middle years in the Brandon School Division for the last 17 years. She has spent the majority of her time teaching grade 7 at Riverheights School. Tammy believes very strongly in trying to find new and creative ways to provide information to her students. She lives in Brandon with her husband, son and puppy, Teddy.

Suitable for: Middle Years, Student Teachers

Platform: Microsoft Teams

Cost: $25.00 until October 4th / $30.00 after October 4th

FULL - 13B - Teachings of the Seven Grandfathers

THIS IS A HALF DAY SESSION REPEATED IN BOTH AM & PM

Are you including the Teachings of the Seven Grandfathers in your curriculum this year?

This session - Teachings of the Seven Grandfathers comes with a variety of excellent resources and activities that can help you find numerous ways to teach your students whether if it's for literacy, numeracy, or cultural activities. The resources offer fun learning activities including lessons that can heighten student engagement and their interests on the Seven Grandfather teachings.

Participants will be introduced to free, engaging, easy and ready to use Seven Grandfathers resources and lessons.

Presenters: Amie Martin, Indigenous Education Learning Specialist and Nicole Semler, Teacher, Brandon School Division
Amie Martin has been with the Brandon School Division for a number of years. She is of Cree First Nation, speaks the language fluently. Before Amie joined Brandon School Division, she worked in various First Nations Schools as a teacher, education counsellor and a principal. Amie enjoys working with children and people of all cultures and ages. Amie has 40 years of teaching experience mostly working with First Nation schools. And Amie is excited to share the Seven Grandfathers teachings and its resources to participants.

Nicole Semler has worked for the past 11 years in the field of education. She studied in Missouri, Louisiana and finished her Education Degree at Brandon University. Nicole continues her work in the classroom and as part of the Indigenous Matters Committee, where her goal is to support teachers and students while integrating Aboriginal history and values through resource materials in our classrooms.

Suitable for: All Educators, Student Teachers

Platform: Microsoft Teams

Cost: $25.00 until October 4th / $30.00 after October 4th

FULL - 14B - Exploring Humanitarian Law

THIS IS A HALF DAY SESSION REPEATED IN BOTH AM & PM

Humanitarian values and norms underpin many aspects of Canadian culture. As well, Canada has an obligation to uphold International Humanitarian Law (also known as the Laws of Armed Conflict), both at home and in our roles overseas. And yet we are bombarded with images that imply that knowledge of and respect for these values is declining, and that divisiveness, lack of empathy and tolerance for violence are on the rise. Evidence shows that we can’t assume humanitarian values are inherently transmitted across generations. In fact, the Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson once said, “We have to learn and practice how to be human.” Education in this area is a proven way to help younger generations understand and respect the critical basis of these laws: to help alleviate human suffering.

If you are looking for ways to address these topics and areas of concerns into your classrooms, this workshop provides an overview of the Exploring Humanitarian Law toolkit, a free resource with over 35 hours of lessons that are ready for immediate implementation into your classes!

The workshop will introduce: The Humanitarian Perspective, Limits in Armed Conflict, The Law in Action, Dealing with Violations, Responding to the Consequences of Armed Conflict, IHL & Media, and Forced to Fight, an interactive, web-based "game" where students choose a character, and face their dilemmas in their efforts to protect human dignity.

Presenters: Danielle Zagar, Western International Humanitarian Law Coordinator OR Karyn Stone, Western International Humanitarian Law Coordinator

Danielle Zagar has been teaching high school in Maple Ridge since 1997. She teaches English, Yoga and Global Education – a program that combines Social Justice-Genocide Studies 12 with English 11-12. She has a background in Journalism, Biology and Sociology and did her MA in Post-War Reconstruction at the University of York, in the UK. She is interested in Peace and Conflict Studies, with a particular focus on International Humanitarian Law and genocide, specifically with respect to Rwanda. She has travelled and studied in Israel, Kenya, Ghana, Uganda, Rwanda, Sri Lanka and Ecuador. She also teaches a Global Competency and Human Rights course for educators through World Savvy and has been a Teacher Champion for the Exploring Humanitarian Law program for the Canadian Red Cross since 2016.

Karyn Stone is the International Humanitarian Law (IHL) Coordinator for Western Canada. She previously worked as a consultant for Geneva Call in Myanmar and for ECPAT International, a global child rights network, in Thailand. She has a MPA from the University of Manitoba with a research focus in refugee and immigration policy and issues related to forced migration. She has also worked for a number of community-based organisations in Manitoba and has been active on several volunteer boards and committees in Canada.

Suitable for: All Educators, Student Teachers

Platform: Zoom

Cost: $25.00 until October 4th / $30.00 after October 4th

FULL - 15B - Bake My Day!

THIS IS A HALF DAY SESSION REPEATED IN BOTH AM & PM

Stressed is desserts spelled backwards! Coincidence? I don't think so! Spend half a day baking your stress away.

Presenter: Des Tucker, Teacher, Brandon School Division
Baking makes me happy! The smell of something sweet baking in the oven is the best smell in the world! I have 2 daughters at home and baking together is one of our very favourite things to do! As I mentioned, I am a momma, a wife, and a teacher. I teach Grade 1, and I love to incorporate baking into my lessons and activities whenever possible.

Suitable for: All Educators

Platform: Zoom

Cost: $25.00 until October 4th / $30.00 after October 4th

FULL - 16B - Positive Behaviour Intervention Strategies

THIS IS A HALF DAY SESSION REPEATED IN BOTH AM & PM

This session will focus on strategies for increasing appropriate student behaviors in the classroom in an effort to create more positive school environments and help students to achieve social, emotional, and academic success.

Presenter: Dr. Pamela Kelso, School Psychologist, Brandon School Division
Pamela Kelso, PhD, currently works as a School Psychologist in the Brandon School Division. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts Degree (Psychology) from Brandon University in 2002, Master of Arts Degree (Clinical Psychology) from North Dakota State University in 2004, and PhD (Clinical Psychology) from the University of Manitoba in 2012. She has a special interest in working collaboratively with teachers to promote positive student behavior in classroom environments.

Suitable for: All Educators, Student Teachers

Platform: Microsoft Teams

Cost: $25.00 until October 4th / $30.00 after October 4th

FULL - 17B - Content Area Literacy in the Middle Years

THIS IS A HALF DAY SESSION REPEATED IN BOTH AM & PM

This pragmatic session will focus on engaging and supporting literacy strategies to support learning in the in content area. Strategies that will work across middle years will be explored and opportunities for differentiation and formative assessment will be discussed.

Presenters: Devin Foord, Continuous Improvement Coach/Librarian, Brandon School Division and
Cory Leigh Nevill, Literacy Specialist 5-12, Brandon School Division

Devin Foord is the Continuous Improvement Coach and Librarian at King George School in Brandon. He enjoys supporting teachers in engaging students and developing their literacy skills across the curriculum.

Cory Leigh Nevill is the Divisional Literacy Specialist 5-12. In this position she has the opportunity to work with teachers across both grades and subject areas.

Suitable for: Middle Years

Platform: Microsoft Teams

Cost: $25.00 until October 4th / $30.00 after October 4th

FULL - 18B - Understanding Indigenous Diversity

THIS IS A HALF DAY SESSION REPEATED IN BOTH AM & PM

This workshop has been designed to give a basic overview and to provide some general knowledge of Manitoba’s Indigenous people. The overall goal will be to provide understanding and several take‐aways to assist you in your work with Indigenous people. Many of you will already have experience working with Indigenous people and there will be lots of opportunity to share your knowledge during the workshop.

Key points to be presented and discussed include: basic history of Indigenous peoples, history of the Indigenous groups in Manitoba, the meaning of systemic racism, the effect of colonization on loss of cultural identity/self‐worth, contributions and participation in Canada’s development, contemporary relationships within Canada, and their subsequent implications for service provision.

Presenter: Douglas Pople, Career Planning & Placement Officer, Brandon University
Doug is a proud Métis and has a keen interest in promoting and working towards a workforce representative of our population. He values community service including previously completing 20 years as a Director of the Louis Riel Institute. Doug has been an active member of the Interprovincial Association on Native Employment (IANE) – Westman Chapter for the past 19 years and is currently the Chair. Doug earned his Bachelor of General Studies from Brandon University in 1990. He places a high value on education and is committed to professional development. Through part‐time studies, he graduated again in 2001 with a Bachelor of Arts. Doug is currently completing his Masters of Rural Development with a focus on Indigenous community development and resilience.

Commitment to his community has always been a major focus. Doug has participated in a number of community activities and initiatives including sitting on the Brandon United Way board for 7 years. Doug was an active HRMAM member for many years co‐chairing the Westman Human Resource Management Association of Manitoba Annual Fun Golf Classic. He is a proponent of youth and coached soccer, baseball and ringette for a total of 15 years. In recognition of his volunteer activities, Doug was honoured with the BU Board of Governors’ Award For Excellence In Community Service, awarded to “an individual who has made a positive impact on the quality of life in society through their community service”.

Doug is the Career Planning and Placement Officer at Brandon University. In this capacity he sees the importance education makes in peoples’ lives. He also teaches sessionally at Brandon University, previously instructed an on‐line certificate program through the Faculty of Education and taught several evening courses at ACC. He is a huge proponent of positive personal change and individual empowerment while still being aware of the historical realities in which we live.

Suitable for: All Educators, Student Teachers

Platform: Microsoft Teams

Cost: $25.00 until October 4th / $30.00 after October 4th

FULL - 19B - Little Hands in Motion: Developing Fine Motor Skills Through Play-Based Learning

THIS IS A HALF DAY SESSION REPEATED IN BOTH AM & PM

With the increase in numbers of children entering Kindergarten who are presenting with diverse fine motor skill and little exposure to a school-based setting, this workshop will provide classroom strategies and exploration activities with a play-based approach to build on fine motor skill foundations. We will explore creative ways to manage this in your teaching schedules as well as look at tools and available school resources to help you with implementing adaptations and small fine motor groups. Be prepared to discuss, learn and play!

Presenter: Jennifer Morrison, Kindergarten Teacher, Brandon School Division
Jen is currently working as the Kindergarten teacher at Maryland Park School in Brandon School Division. She has been a kindergarten teacher for over 10 years. She has worked as an Early Diverse Learning Consultant for Kindergarten in Instructional Services for the Calgary Catholic School Division and has presented Professional Development to Early Years and Kindergarten teachers. Jen was nominated for the Excellence in Teaching Award in the province of Alberta and was selected as one of 11 teachers to receive the semi finalist award. She has a Bachelor of Education degree from Brandon University and is currently working on her Master’s degree in Education and Administration. She is passionate about play based learning and supporting the learning and growth of our school communities and students. She has 2 active boys and a doodle. She infuses health and wellness into her classroom by teaching yoga to her students and trains/ instructs indoor cycling classes at a local spin studio.

Suitable for: Early Years, Student Teachers

Platform: Microsoft Teams

Cost: $25.00 until October 4th / $30.00 after October 4th

FULL - 20B - Promoting Fine Motor Skill Development in the Covid Era Classroom

THIS IS A HALF DAY SESSION REPEATED IN BOTH AM & PM

In this session, the importance of foundational building blocks in the development of fine motor skill success will be reviewed. Participants will be introduced to individual and COVID era classroom-based tier one strategies for integrating fine motor opportunities into daily literacy and numeracy activities.

Presenter: Sarah Belcher, Occupational Therapist
Sarah graduated from the University of Manitoba in 2004 with a Bachelor of Medical Rehabilitation in Occupational Therapy. Over the course of her career, she has provided direct and consultative care to children from birth to age 21 and currently works with the school-aged population. Sarah is level 1 certified in "Learning without Tears" and has provided many educational sessions on fine motor skill development.

Suitable for: Kindergarten, Early Years, Resource, Clinicians, Student Teachers

Platform: Microsoft Teams

Cost: $25.00 until October 4th / $30.00 after October 4th

FULL - 21B - Inspiring Your Inclusive Classroom

THIS IS A HALF DAY SESSION REPEATED IN BOTH AM & PM

We believe in the importance of teaching youth about equity, inclusion and empowering them to be difference makers – we hope you do too! Learn how the Rick Hansen Foundation School Program can support you in confidently covering the important topics of inclusion and accessibility with your students. Join the Rick Hansen Foundation School Program for a resource-filled session on improving student wellbeing and fostering an inclusive classroom environment by building disability awareness, inclusion and citizenship skills in your classroom and school community.

You will also learn about the cornerstone of our program – our Ambassador Presentations! Our RHF Ambassadors are speakers with lived experience with disability. They give engaging and impactful presentations to students across the country, sharing their own personal story and always make a positive impact.

The Rick Hansen Foundation School Program is:
• A comprehensive collection of K-12 resources;
• Available in French, English and is accessible to screen reader technology;
• Available at no cost to educators;
• Easy to incorporate into current lesson planning;
• Connected to provincial education priorities and curriculum outcomes.

Presenter: Anne-Marie Dolinar, Senior Outreach Coordinator, Rick Hansen Foundation School Program
Anne-Marie Dolinar began her career as a Registered Dietitian where she educated clients about nutrition, delivered food literacy programming in schools, and instructed dietetics courses at the post-secondary level. After sustaining a life-altering spinal cord injury, the need for improved accessibility and inclusion became abundantly clear to Anne-Marie. This ultimately led her to her role with the Rick Hansen Foundation School Program. She wholeheartedly believes in the potential of young people to be difference makers and the vision of creating a world where everyone can go everywhere. In her spare time, Anne-Marie can usually be found on a tennis court – she competes as a wheelchair tennis athlete and is our current Canadian Women’s National Champion.

Suitable for: All Educators, Student Teachers

Platform: Zoom

Cost: $25.00 until October 4th / $30.00 after October 4th

FULL - 22B - Roving Campus: Engaging the Disengaged

*THIS IS A SATELLITE SESSION – HOSTED BY PORTAGE LA PRAIRIE TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION*
THIS IS A HALF DAY SESSION REPEATED IN BOTH AM & PM

The Roving Campus is a high school program that reduces barriers to student attendance. The presenters will discuss strategies for engaging reluctant high school students through an understanding of essential standards.

Presenter: James Kostuchuk, Instructional Coach, Portage la Prairie School Division
James Kostuchuk is an instructional coach for the Portage la Prairie School Division. He is a past recipient of the Prime Minister's Award for Teaching Excellence, and a three time recipient of the Portage Teachers' Association innovative teaching award. He recently completed a 6-year term with the MTS Teacher-Led Learning Team and is currently completing a master's degree in instructional design. He is a frequent contributor to Prairie History and recently published his first book.

Suitable for: Senior Years, Administrators, Resource/Specialty, Student Teachers

Platform: Zoom

Cost: $25.00 until October 4th / $30.00 after October 4th

FULL - 23B - Becoming Anti-Racist

*THIS IS A SATELLITE SESSION – HOSTED BY MOUNTAIN VIEW TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION*
THIS IS A HALF DAY SESSION REPEATED IN BOTH AM & PM

An exploration of racism in school institutions, and how to actively become anti-racist and anti-oppressive in our schools. Topics covered will be terminology, difficult conversation strategies, and recognizing and reacting to problematic statements and situations. Let's start doing the work now, and not later.

Presenters: Wade Houle, Teacher, Kristjana Michaluk, Teacher, and Cam Bennet, Teacher, Mountain View School Division

Wade Houle has been an educator for 15 years. He has a passion for Indigenous Education and currently works as the DRCSS as well.

Kristjana Michaluk is currently a Resource teacher at the DRCSS in Dauphin and has been an educator for 6 years.

Cam Bennet has 30 years of teaching experience in the Dauphin area with technology, sciences and math. He is a firm believer in teaching kids, not content.

Suitable for: All Educators

Platform: Microsoft Teams

Cost: $25.00 until October 4th / $30.00 after October 4th

FULL - 24B - Art Made Simple

*THIS IS A SATELLITE SESSION – HOSTED BY MOUNTAIN VIEW TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION*
THIS IS A HALF DAY SESSION REPEATED IN BOTH AM & PM

Fine arts for the classroom, grades K-5. You will leave with lessons for all grades as well as practical and hands on experience with a variety of materials.

Presenter: Brianne Lytwyn, Teacher, Mountain View School Division

I am a Kindergarten teacher with a Fine Arts background. I have multiple creative outlets including painting, drawing, sewing and scrapbooking.

Suitable for: Early Years

Platform: Microsoft Teams

Cost: $25.00 until October 4th / $30.00 after October 4th

FULL - 33B - Brandon University - Dept. of Physical Education Studies

THIS IS A HALF DAY PM SESSION ONLY

Evidence based exercise hacks for health and fitness – Dr. Scott Forbes
Exercise is the most important factor for health. This presentation will showcase the latest exercise hacks to enhance health and performance. Have you thought: How much exercise do we actually need to enhance health or fitness? What type of exercise is best for longevity and to prevent chronic diseases? Does a burst of activity repeated throughout a day actually improve fitness? I will answer these questions and more! (Resource/Speciality Educators)

Bang Your Head? - Return To Learn Post-Concussion – Schad Richea
In this session, Schad Richea will present the current research and evidence-based guidelines to accommodate adolescent students, who are recovering from a concussion, to help them return to learn. (All Educators/Student Teachers)

Optimization and utilization of contraction types in training and sport – Joel Krentz
This talk will review the three unique types of muscular contractions and discuss how to maximize the use of each contraction type to optimize both health and performance. (Senior Years Educators)

Presenters: Dr. Scott Forbes, Associate Professor, Brandon University
Schad Richea, Athletic Therapist – Dept. Chair BPES, Brandon University
Dr. Joel Krentz – Associate Professor, Brandon University

Dr. Scott Forbes is an associate professor at Brandon University in the department of physical education studies. His primary research interest is in exercise science and has focused on various nutritional and training interventions to enhance muscle performance. In addition, he has expertise examining nutritional and exercise interventions for optimal muscle and brain health in older adults. He is a clinical exercise physiologist, has published extensively in high impact journals, written several book chapters, and speaks regularly at international conferences. He has also worked as a personal trainer as well as an athlete consultant for several professional and varsity level sport teams.

Schad Richea is a Certified Athletic Therapist and brings 22 years of experience to the area and issues related to concussion treatment, rehabilitation, return to play, and return to learn. Schad received a Master of Education from University of Washington, Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from the University of Waterloo and is dually Certified by both the CATA (NATA). Schad has worked in 3 professional sports in Canada (MLB, NHL, CFL), as well as in 2 academic institutions. Currently, he is responsible for all medical aspects of Bobcats student-athletes and has been the Department Chair of Physical Education Studies in the Faculty of Education at BU since 2018. In 2009, he was part of scholarly research group that validated the Sport Concussion Assessment Tool (SCAT) for the The 3rd International Conference on Concussion in Sport held in Zurich, Switzerland. Schad and his partner Rosalie live on an acreage just outside Brandon where he has a stable of award winning Mopar Muscle Cars.

Joel Krentz (Ph.D., CSEP-CEP) is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physical Education at Brandon University. Originally from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan he completed his Ph.D. in Kinesiology with a specialization in applied exercise physiology from the University of Saskatchewan. In addition to his academic work as a professor, Dr. Krentz is a Clinical Exercise Physiologist through the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (CSEP), serves on the Manitoba Advisory Board for the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), and has worked as a strength and conditioning coach with numerous professional and high-level amateur athletes.

Suitable for: All Educators, Student Teachers

Platform: Zoom

Cost: $25.00 until October 4th / $30.00 after October 4th

FULL - 34B - It's All About You! Planning for Teacher & Student Success

THIS IS A HALF DAY PM SESSION ONLY

Thinking proactively about teacher approaches can change classrooms. Topics options may include: 3P’S of teaching (passion, presence, power), classroom routines and other considerations, the Brain Trumps, and intervention strategies.

Presenters: Members of Manitoba Teachers’ Society Teacher Led Learning Team
The TLLT team respects the knowledge, skills, and experience that participants bring, and our aim is to offer new information about a topic and invite participants to connect with each other, the topic, and their learning goals.

Suitable for: All Educators, Student Teachers

Platform: Zoom

Cost: $25.00 until October 4th / $30.00 after October 4th

FULL - 35B - Art at a Distance

THIS IS A HALF DAY PM SESSION ONLY

Teaching art during through distance learning, or when students can’t share materials is challenging. In this session, you’ll learn to overcome those challenges and bring meaningful art experiences to your students.

Presenter: Melanie McComb, French Immersion Teacher, Brandon School Division
Melanie is a French Immersion teacher at École Harrison in Brandon. She enjoys teaching art to her students and sharing it with colleagues as well.

Suitable for: Grades 3-8

Platform: Microsoft Teams

Cost: $25.00 until October 4th / $30.00 after October 4th

FULL - 36B - The Importance of Going Off-Topic in General Science

THIS IS A HALF DAY PM SESSION ONLY

In this half-day session participants will discuss interesting topics that can be included that can be used to enrich or that are outside of the curriculum. These discussions with students are what helps to foster an interest and passion for science and can sometimes be just as important, if not more so, than some of the outcomes prescribed. Discussions will include the work done at CERN, Grade 5-12 resources that are freely available from the Perimeter Institute, and it is encouraged that teachers come with their own ideas to share with the group or in small breakout groups.

Presenter: Christopher Sarkonak, Teacher, Brandon School Division
Christopher Sarkonak is a teacher at Crocus Plains Regional Secondary School and is part of the Perimeter Institute’s Teacher Network. In 2019, he was the first Canadian high school teacher to be selected by CERN to attend their International High School Teacher Programme.

Suitable for: Middle Years, Senior Years, Student Teachers

Platform: Microsoft Teams

Cost: $25.00 until October 4th / $30.00 after October 4th