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ISABC Virtual Professional Development Conference 2024
Join us for the Pro-D Conference on Friday, February 16th 2024.
At ISABC, we believe in the power of professional development to inspire growth, foster collaboration,
and drive innovation in the field of education. Our Pro-D Conference is a unique opportunity for educators,
administrators, education professionals, and parents to come together and expand their
knowledge base, exchange ideas, and enhance their practices.
The conference will focus on raising awareness, providing information and support,
and elevating the conversation around:
Mental Health and Wellbeing
Environmental Sustainability
Indigenous Education
Importantly, the day will provide practical support and information for those in the
education field and parents in their engagement with young people – as well as support
for adults in their own mental health and wellbeing,
environmental sustainability, and Indigenous education journeys.
Important Updates
While attendee registration has now closed, we are excited to host 1200 attendees for a day filled with inspiring discussions and practical workshops.
Our focus is on Mental Health and Wellbeing, Environmental Sustainability, and Indigenous Education, aiming to foster educational growth and collaboration.
Important updates:
- Registrants will receive further information in the coming weeks.
- Session selections are now final; however, attendees can log in to view their schedules.
- Click on the ATTENDEES tab for more information or keep scrolling down
Support - if you want to talk
Youth
Kids Help Phone 1-800-668-6868, Text: 686868
Kids Help Phone - Indigenous Outreach Materials
The Trevor Project (support to LGBTQ young people)
Adults
HealthLinkBC (Mental Health Resources)
Canadian Mental Health Association
Crisis Service Canada (Suicide Prevention) Phone: 1-833-456-4566, Text: 45645
SOGI 123 Parent Resources
Meet OurSpeakers
Keynote Speakers
Dr. John-Tyler Binfet
Dr. Binfet will be opening the conference this year.
Dr. Binfet is an associate professor in the Faculty of Education at the University of British Columbia. His research focus is the investigation of kindness in schools including how children, adolescents, and teachers understand what it means to be kind within a school context. Dr. Binfet’s goal is to create inclusive spaces where students are challenged to think differently and move forward through the world in creative and meaningful ways.
Richard Van Camp
Richard Van Camp will now close the ISABC Pro-D Conference due to unforeseen circumstances. A recipient of the Order of the Northwest Territories, Richard Van Camp is a proud Tlicho Dene from Fort Smith, NWT, currently residing in Edmonton, AB. Richard is an internationally renowned storyteller and best-selling author of 30 books and graphic novels including The Spirit of Denendeh series & Moccasin Square Gardens. His novel, The Lesser Blessed, was adapted into a movie by First Generation Films.
Workshop Speakers
Dr. Gabriela Ionita
Heather Mackay
Hayley Jacobs
Jessica Wollen
Kathryn Als
Kelsey Penney
Kevin Frick
Kiranjit Kaur Shoker
Lauren Dade
Lisa Cavey
Levonne Abshire
Meg Kapil
Nancy Shadlock
Nicola Doughty
Omari Newton
Piers Samson
Quinn Casey
Rae Morris
Sierra Turner
Tanya Parker
Cash Ahenakew
Christopher Britt
Ellis Herbert
Dr. Peter Cole
Dr. Shannon Leddy
Tara Skobel
Anthony Grieco
Danielle Delhaes
Daphne Austin
Holly Johnson
Isaias Hernandez
John Hannah
Michèle Andrews
Michael Cox
Sue Fairburn
Sue Switzer
Rebecca Greier Horton
Teddy Kellam
Adrian French
Alexandra Lesk
Bianca Farella
Blue Netherclift
Casey Turnpenny
John McGee
Kristina Thomson
Kyle Prior
Mackenzie Farrell
Norm Kaethler
Noah Clark
Peter Kearney
Peter Holowka
Rebecca Brunswick
Ruth Hughes
Sarah McLean
Adi Aharon
Eagle Chan
Geoff Jones
Marc Crompton and Kelley Fitzpatrick
Shirley Lee
Agenda
Agenda
February 16, 2024 08:15
Opening Keynote - Cultivating Kindness
Dr. John-Tyler Binfet will take the virtual stage to spark conversations and ideas that will resonate throughout the day with this keynote titled The Science Behind Being Kind: Implications for Educators, Students, and School Communities
John-Tyler Binfet
February 16, 2024 09:30
Session 1
Dive into Session 1, where thought leaders and innovators will take us deeper into the world of education. Select from a selection of workshops categorized into the topics of Mental Health and Wellbeing, Indigenous Education, and Environmental Sustainability. There are also further workshops surrounding AI and Educator Insights.
February 16, 2024 10:45
Conference Connections
Engage in dedicated time for Conference Connections; an opportunity to mingle, muse, and merge ideas with peers from across ISABC schools.
February 16, 2024 11:45
Session 2
Continue your education with Session 2, offering fresh perspectives and practical takeaways for your professional toolkit. Select from a selection of workshops categorized into the topics of Mental Health and Wellbeing, Indigenous Education, and Environmental Sustainability. There are also further workshops surrounding AI and Educator Insights.
February 16, 2024 13:00
Closing Keynote -Honouring Kindness Through Storytelling
Join us for an inspiring visit from an internationally renowned storyteller and proud recipient of the Order of the Northwest Territories.
Richard Van Camp
Sessions
- Indigenous Education
- Artificial Intelligence
- Environmental Sustainability
- Educator Insights
- Mental Health and Wellbeing
Developing Curriculum to Explore Colonial Praxis and Legacies
Adrian French
Session Information: This workshop explores the challenge of developing curriculum exploring the legacy of colonial praxis. It will include:
Session outcomes:
- Ideating new curricular pathways with students.
- Exploring how visual arts can help students express complex historical contexts.
- The challenge of letting go of our traditional teaching patterns.
Audience: Teachers ONLY
Format: INSPIRATIONAL: Shared Story/Personal Experience
Age-group: ["All Educators"]
Please bring: An inquisitive mindset.
Exploring Indigenous Teachings with Minecraft
Ellis Herbert
Session Information: Ellis Herbert's workshop focuses on utilizing Minecraft to explore indigenous teachings. This widely-enjoyed digital platform engages students in the rich traditional ecological knowledge of indigenous cultures and histories. It fosters understanding through interactive storytelling and gameplay.
Session outcomes:
- Teachers, whether new or familiar with Minecraft, will gain an appreciation of how the platform can immerse students in and adapt to indigenous teachings.
- Teachers will learn strategies to maximize student inquiry within this unique digital environment.
Audience: Teachers ONLY
Format: INSPIRATIONAL: Shared Story/Personal Experience
Age-group: ["All Educators"]
Please bring: Nothing.
Decolonizing Mental Health
Cash Ahenakew
Session Information: This session outlines an approach for decolonizing mental health. First, we examine settler colonial institutions and intentions; then, we shift our focus to Indigenous understandings and practices. Finally, we present these broader understandings and practices within contemporary experiences. Please be advised that this session covers some sensitive areas and might be triggering for some. Please take care of your own well-being.
Audience: Teachers ONLY
Format: INFORMATIONAL: Information, data and research driven
Age-group: ["All Educators"]
Please bring: nothing
Learn with Your Head, Lead from the Heart & Speak Your Truth: Empowering Reconcili ACTION in Schools
Christopher Britt
Session Information: Building caregivers capacity to teach about residential school history and the experience of First Nations, Metis, and Inuit Peoples.
Session outcomes:
- Learn more about residential school history
- Be introduced to Downie Wenjack Resources for delivering content and lesson plans
- Gain insight on the goals and purpose of the Downie Wenjack Fund
Audience: Teachers AND parents together
Format: INTERACTIVE WORKSHOP: Exploration of a topic and time for attendee discussion
Age-group: All Educators, All Parents
Please bring: Laptop
Cross Cultural Cross Species Environmental Justice and Storytelling
Dr. Peter Cole
Session Information: Exploring the conversational and storytelling voice, this workshop highlights its role as a vital link between words, referents, learning, and activism. Instead of focusing on prescribed learning outcomes, we delve into comprehensive interdisciplinary relationality, fostering a more dynamic and connected learning experience.
Audience: Teachers AND parents together
Format: INSPIRATIONAL: Shared Story/Personal Experience
Age-group: ["All Educators","All Parents"]
Please bring: Pencil notebook a snack a beverage
Key Principles and Pedagogies for Indigenous Education
Dr. Shannon Leddy
Session Information: This session will provide an overview of the key principles and pedagogies that can support non-Indigenous teachers working with Indigenous students and content.
Audience: Teachers AND parents together
Format: INSPIRATIONAL: Shared Story/Personal Experience
Age-group: ["All Educators","All Parents"]
Please bring: Nothing
Your Reconciliation Journey
Tara Skobel
Session Information: The “Your Reconciliation Journey” workshop is for non-Indigenous people who want to learn and build their understanding of Reconciliation while engaging in meaningful dialogue and reflection on the historical injustices and harms inflicted upon Indigenous communities. Participants will explore the complexities of Truth and Reconciliation and will be provided with the opportunity to consider their role in promoting healing and Reconciliation as they start to develop their Reconciliation journey action plan. Your Reconciliation Journey workshop includes a brief introduction to the following topics:
1. Unpacking white privilege
2. Colonization impacts on Indigenous people (the Truth)
3. Land and treaty rights
4. Decolonization (Indigenous healing)
5. Reconciling with Indigenous people
6. Your Reconciliation Journey action plan
Audience: Teachers AND Parents
Format: INTERACTIVE WORKSHOP: Exploration of a topic and time for attendee discussion
Age-group: ["All Educators","All Parents"]
Please bring: Device to access Instagram and Tiktok - please create an account before arriving if needed
Access to wifi or data
Session 1
Learn with Your Head, Lead from the Heart & Speak Your Truth: Empowering Reconcili ACTION in Schools
Christopher Britt
Session Information: Building caregivers capacity to teach about residential school history and the experience of First Nations, Metis, and Inuit Peoples.
Session outcomes:
- Learn more about residential school history
- Be introduced to Downie Wenjack Resources for delivering content and lesson plans
- Gain insight on the goals and purpose of the Downie Wenjack Fund
Audience: Teachers AND parents together
Format: INTERACTIVE WORKSHOP: Exploration of a topic and time for attendee discussion
Age-group: All Educators, All Parents
Please bring: Laptop
Cross Cultural Cross Species Environmental Justice and Storytelling
Dr. Peter Cole
Session Information: Exploring the conversational and storytelling voice, this workshop highlights its role as a vital link between words, referents, learning, and activism. Instead of focusing on prescribed learning outcomes, we delve into comprehensive interdisciplinary relationality, fostering a more dynamic and connected learning experience.
Audience: Teachers AND parents together
Format: INSPIRATIONAL: Shared Story/Personal Experience
Age-group: ["All Educators","All Parents"]
Please bring: Pencil notebook a snack a beverage
Developing Curriculum to Explore Colonial Praxis and Legacies
Adrian French
Session Information: The challenge developing curriculum exploring the legacy of colonial praxis
Session outcomes:
- Ideating new curricular pathways with students.
- Exploring how visual arts can help students express complex historical contexts.
- The challenge of letting go of our traditional teaching patterns.
Audience: Teachers ONLY
Format: INSPIRATIONAL: Shared Story/Personal Experience
Age-group: ["All Educators"]
Please bring: An inquisitive mindset.
Session 2
Key Principles and Pedagogies for Indigenous Education
Dr. Shannon Leddy
Session Information: This session will provide an overview of the key principles and pedagogies that can support non-Indigenous teachers working with Indigenous students and content.
Audience: Teachers AND parents together
Format: INSPIRATIONAL: Shared Story/Personal Experience
Age-group: ["All Educators","All Parents"]
Please bring: Nothing
Exploring Indigenous Teachings with Minecraft
Ellis Herbert
Session Information: Utilizing Minecraft for the exploration of indigenous teachings and harnessing this widely-enjoyed digital platform to engage students in the rich traditional ecological knowledge of indigenous cultures and histories, fostering their understanding through the medium of interactive storytelling and gameplay.
Session outcomes:
- Teachers new and familiar to Minecraft will gain an appreciation of how Minecraft can immerse and adapt to indigenous teachings.
- Teachers will gain an understanding of some strategies for maximizing student enquiry.
Audience: Teachers ONLY
Format: INSPIRATIONAL: Shared Story/Personal Experience
Age-group: ["All Educators"]
Please bring: Nothing.
Your Reconciliation Journey
Tara Skobel
Session Information: The “Your Reconciliation Journey” workshop is for non-Indigenous people who want to learn and build their understanding of Reconciliation while engaging in meaningful dialogue and reflection on the historical injustices and harms inflicted upon Indigenous communities. Participants will explore the complexities of Truth and Reconciliation and will be provided with the opportunity to consider their role in promoting healing and Reconciliation as they start to develop their Reconciliation journey action plan. Your Reconciliation Journey workshop includes a brief introduction to the following topics:
1. Unpacking white privilege
2. Colonization impacts on Indigenous people (the Truth)
3. Land and treaty rights
4. Decolonization (Indigenous healing)
5. Reconciling with Indigenous people
6. Your Reconciliation Journey action plan
Audience: Teachers AND Parents
Format: INTERACTIVE WORKSHOP: Exploration of a topic and time for attendee discussion
Age-group: ["All Educators","All Parents"]
Please bring: Device to access Instagram and Tiktok - please create an account before arriving if needed
Access to wifi or data
Decolonizing Mental Health
Cash Ahenakew
Session Information: This session outlines an approach for decolonizing mental health. First, we examine settler colonial institutions and intentions; then, we shift our focus to Indigenous understandings and practices. Finally, we present these broader understandings and practices within contemporary experiences. Please be advised that this session covers some sensitive areas and might be triggering for some. Please take care of your own well-being.
Audience: Teachers ONLY
Format: INFORMATIONAL: Information, data and research driven
Age-group: ["All Educators"]
Please bring: nothing
AI Tools for Educators
Shirley Lee
Session Information: We will explore the exciting world of Generative AI and AI tools and discover their endless possibilities for enhancing education. We will also address some of the benefits and risks of using generative AI like ChatGPT. I will also demonstrate a few AI tools that I have been using in teaching Socials 10.
Session outcomes:
- What is AI and Generative AI?
- What are the benefits and risks of ChatGpt?
- What are some useful AI tools for educators?
Audience: Teachers ONLY
Format: INTERACTIVE WORKSHOP: Exploration of a topic and time for attendee discussion
Age-group: ["Senior School Educator"]
Please bring: Laptop
AI EmpowerED: Learning in the Digital Classroom
Marc Crompton and Kelley Fitzpatrick
Session Information: AI EmpowerED: Learning in the Digital Classroom will be geared toward sharing how we utilize generative AI to enhance learning.
Session outcomes:
- We will identify opportunities for learning with generative AI tools
- We will share our experience from a junior and senior school perspective
- We will build a network of people who are using generative AI and share that with the session attendees so everyone leaves with a connection point of who to follow up with if they want to engage in a deeper conversation.
Audience: Teachers ONLY
Format: INTERACTIVE WORKSHOP: Exploration of a topic and time for attendee discussion
Age-group: ["Elementary School Educator","Senior School Educator","All Educators"]
Please bring: Laptop! Make sure you have a ChatGPT account set up already.
Teaching and Learning with AI Tools
Adi Aharon
Session Information: We'll identify what large language models are and how they work focusing on the different ways ChatGPT can be used as an educational tool, for you and your students.
Session outcomes:
- Building a balanced approach to AI use and outcomes
- Developing prompts for particular outcomes
- Generate ideas of how to use AI
Audience: Teachers ONLY
Format: INTERACTIVE WORKSHOP: Exploration of a topic and time for attendee discussion
Age-group: ["All Educators"]
Please bring: An account for ChatGPT or Bing.
Redefining Education in the Generative AI Era
Eagle Chan
Session Information: Shifting the Teacher-Student Dynamic, Fostering Critical Thinking, and Addressing Ethical Considerations
Audience: Teachers AND parents together
Format: INSPIRATIONAL: Shared Story/Personal Experience
Age-group: ["Senior School Educator","All Educators","Senior School Parent","All Parents"]
Please bring: Laptop and Google account
AI in Schools: Identifying the Benefits and Risks
Geoff Jones
Session Information: How can we safely use Artificial Intelligence (AI) within a school environment?
- Risk and Benefits
- Legal Ramifications
- Ways to migrate the risks
Audience: Teachers AND parents together
Format: INFORMATIONAL: Information, data and research driven
Age-group: ["All Educators","All Parents"]
Please bring: nothing
Session 1
AI Tools for Educators
Shirley Lee
Session Information: We will explore the exciting world of Generative AI and AI tools and discover their endless possibilities for enhancing education. We will also address some of the benefits and risks of using generative AI like ChatGPT. I will also demonstrate a few AI tools that I have been using in teaching Socials 10.
Session outcomes:
- What is AI and Generative AI?
- What are the benefits and risks of ChatGpt?
- What are some useful AI tools for educators?
Audience: Teachers ONLY
Format: INTERACTIVE WORKSHOP: Exploration of a topic and time for attendee discussion
Age-group: ["Senior School Educator"]
Please bring: Laptop
Redefining Education in the Generative AI Era
Eagle Chan
Session Information: Shifting the Teacher-Student Dynamic, Fostering Critical Thinking, and Addressing Ethical Considerations
Audience: Teachers AND parents together
Format: INSPIRATIONAL: Shared Story/Personal Experience
Age-group: ["Senior School Educator","All Educators","Senior School Parent","All Parents"]
Please bring: Laptop and Google account
Session 2
AI in Schools: Identifying the Benefits and Risks
Geoff Jones
Session Information: How can we safely use Artificial Intelligence (AI) within a school environment?
- Risk and Benefits
- Legal Ramifications
- Ways to migrate the risks
Audience: Teachers AND parents together
Format: INFORMATIONAL: Information, data and research driven
Age-group: ["All Educators","All Parents"]
Please bring: nothing
AI EmpowerED: Learning in the Digital Classroom
Marc Crompton and Kelley Fitzpatrick
Session Information: AI EmpowerED: Learning in the Digital Classroom will be geared toward sharing how we utilize generative AI to enhance learning.
Session outcomes:
- We will identify opportunities for learning with generative AI tools
- We will share our experience from a junior and senior school perspective
- We will build a network of people who are using generative AI and share that with the session attendees so everyone leaves with a connection point of who to follow up with if they want to engage in a deeper conversation.
Audience: Teachers ONLY
Format: INTERACTIVE WORKSHOP: Exploration of a topic and time for attendee discussion
Age-group: ["Elementary School Educator","Senior School Educator","All Educators"]
Please bring: Laptop! Make sure you have a ChatGPT account set up already.
Teaching and Learning with AI Tools
Adi Aharon
Session Information: We'll identify what large language models are and how they work focusing on the different ways ChatGPT can be used as an educational tool, for you and your students.
Session outcomes:
- Building a balanced approach to AI use and outcomes
- Developing prompts for particular outcomes
- Generate ideas of how to use AI
Audience: Teachers ONLY
Format: INTERACTIVE WORKSHOP: Exploration of a topic and time for attendee discussion
Age-group: ["All Educators"]
Please bring: An account for ChatGPT or Bing.
Crafting BC's Food and Farming Story
Pat tonn, Executive Director
Session Information: Connect your students to where their food is grown, who grows it, and how they can be inspired to grow their own
- learn about hands on growing programs
- discover our resources, activities and lesson plans
- share the story of BC food and farming
Audience: Teachers ONLY
Format: INTERACTIVE WORKSHOP: Exploration of a topic and time for attendee discussion
Age-group: ["All Educators"]
Please bring:
- a small fruit or vegetable snack ( cherry tomato, strawberry, etc.)
- paper and pencil
Navigating the Emotional Impact of Climate Change with Students
Teddy Kellam
Session Information: Teachers are tasked with teaching the science of climate change, but what about the emotional impact?
Session outcomes:
- Learn to incorporate neuroscience-supported resilience practices into your classroom to support student mental health.
- Access conversation scripts, conversation starters, journaling prompts, expressive arts projects, opportunities for activism, and more.
- Develop confidence and competence in meeting these uncertain times with the students in your care.
Audience: Teachers ONLY
Format: INFORMATIONAL: Information, data and research driven
Age-group: ["All Educators"]
Please bring: Nothing
Growing a Learning Landscape at your school.
John Hannah
Session Information: How might your school grounds support biodiversity, mitigate climate change impacts and transform student relationships with the community?
- what, why, who and how
- transformative SEL and PBL
Audience: Teachers ONLY
Age-group: INSPIRATIONAL: Shared story/personal experience, All Educators, All Parents
Please bring: Nothing
Climate Change Pedagogies
Daphne Austin
Session Information:
We aim to educate teachers and provide the tools and resources to facilitate Ocean and Climate literacy within their classrooms.
Session outcomes:
- Become familiar with Ocean Wise's Education Kit resources (exploring resources and curricular tie ins).
- Increase awareness on the purpose of current climate change pedagogies and how to incorporate them into teachings.
Audience: Teachers ONLY
INTERACTIVE WORKSHOP: Exploration of a topic and time for attendee discussionAge-group: ["Elementary School Educator","Senior School Educator","All Educators"]
Please bring: Laptop, keyboard, phone
Understanding What Makes a Building "WELL"
Rebecca Greier Horton
Session Information: WELL is a performance-based system for measuring, certifying, and monitoring features of the built environment that impact human health and well-being, through air, water, nourishment, light, fitness, comfort and mind.
Session outcomes:
- Get to know the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) Standard
- Understand the IWBI WELL Framework for Human Health
- Conclusion: The Value of WELL Buildings
- -Q+A
Audience: Teachers AND parents together
Format: INFORMATIONAL: Information, data and research driven
Age-group: All Educators, All Parents
Please bring: Nothing
Nature Connectedness as a path to Hope-Filled Whole-School Climate Action
Michèle Andrews
Danielle Delhaes
Session Information: We will share examples of how connecting to nature - for all ages in a school community - can lead to greater connectedness with each other, all the rest of nature, and be a path to greater action on the climate and biodiversity crises. Participants will:
- have a greater understanding of regeneration as the goal, and the role that we must play in building a better future - inspiration from many schools on ways to create learning spaces and community engagement"Audience: Teachers AND parents together
Format: INFORMATIONAL: Information, data and research driven
Age-group: ["Elementary School Educator","Senior School Educator","All Educators","Elementary School Parent","Senior School Parent","All Parents"]
Please bring: Nothing
Exploring Biodiversity: iNaturalist, Citizen Science, and Your Classroom
Norm Kaethler
Session Information: Participants will learn how to: use iNaturalist to identify species from photos; explore biome communities around the world; set up a project to catalogue species on your campus
Audience: Teachers AND parents together
Format: INSPIRATIONAL: Shared Story/Personal Experience
Age-group: ["All Educators","All Parents"]
Please bring: iNaturalist account, 1 or 2 original digital photos of local flora or fauna
Let's go outside: Apparel Design for a Changing Climate
Sue Fairburn
Session Information: Fast Fashion and Fast consumption go beyond Fashion and the plastic-based materials many of us wear, use, and have in our homes. This session will address local issues for designers, material engineers and outdoor enthusiasts who want to meet the changing climate challenges hands-on.
Audience: Teachers AND parents together
Format: INFORMATIONAL: Information, data and research driven
Age-group: ["Senior School Educator","Senior School Parent","All Parents"]
Please bring: Nothing
The Climate Emotions Scale: Earth & Life
Isaias Hernandez
Session Information:
1.) Exploring dynamics of life through earth-based emotions
2.) how to talk about these emotions in praxis
3.) how to apply practices around emotions to actions and evidence-based hope.
Audience: Teachers AND parents together
Format: INTERACTIVE WORKSHOP: Exploration of a topic and time for attendee discussion
Age-group: ["All Parents"]
Please bring: Notebook
Resilience for Chaotic Times: Tools to Build Adult Inner Resources
Teddy Kellam
Session outcomes:
- Learn a variety of neuroscience-supported resilience tools for grappling with uncertainty
- Practice nervous system regulation techniques in order to show up in a calm state for the kids in your life
- Develop your own personal toolkit to use when you are triggered
Audience: Teachers AND parents together
Format: INFORMATIONAL: Information, data and research driven
Age-group: ["Elementary School Educator","Senior School Educator","All Educators","Elementary School Parent","Senior School Parent","All Parents"]
Please bring: A couple of colourful sticky notes to put on your refrigerator to help you remember the tools you like
Session 1
Understanding What Makes a Building "WELL"
Rebecca Greier Horton
Session Information: WELL is a performance-based system for measuring, certifying, and monitoring features of the built environment that impact human health and well-being, through air, water, nourishment, light, fitness, comfort and mind.
Session outcomes:
- Get to know the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) Standard
- Understand the IWBI WELL Framework for Human Health
- Conclusion: The Value of WELL Buildings
- -Q+A
Audience: Teachers AND parents together
Format: INFORMATIONAL: Information, data and research driven
Age-group: All Educators, All Parents
Please bring: Nothing
Crafting BC's Food and Farming Story
Pat tonn, Executive Director
Session Information: Connect your students to where their food is grown, who grows it, and how they can be inspired to grow their own
- learn about hands on growing programs
- discover our resources, activities and lesson plans
- share the story of BC food and farming
Audience: Teachers ONLY
Format: INTERACTIVE WORKSHOP: Exploration of a topic and time for attendee discussion
Age-group: ["All Educators"]
Please bring:
- a small fruit or vegetable snack ( cherry tomato, strawberry, etc.)
- paper and pencil
Nature Connectedness as a path to Hope-Filled Whole-School Climate Action
Michèle Andrews
Danielle Delhaes
Session Information: We will share examples of how connecting to nature - for all ages in a school community - can lead to greater connectedness with each other, all the rest of nature, and be a path to greater action on the climate and biodiversity crises. Participants will:
- have a greater understanding of regeneration as the goal, and the role that we must play in building a better future - inspiration from many schools on ways to create learning spaces and community engagement"Audience: Teachers AND parents together
Format: INFORMATIONAL: Information, data and research driven
Age-group: ["Elementary School Educator","Senior School Educator","All Educators","Elementary School Parent","Senior School Parent","All Parents"]
Please bring: Nothing
Exploring Biodiversity: iNaturalist, Citizen Science, and Your Classroom
Norm Kaethler
Session Information: Participants will learn how to: use iNaturalist to identify species from photos; explore biome communities around the world; set up a project to catalogue species on your campus
Audience: Teachers AND parents together
Format: INSPIRATIONAL: Shared Story/Personal Experience
Age-group: ["All Educators","All Parents"]
Please bring: iNaturalist account, 1 or 2 original digital photos of local flora or fauna
Navigating the Emotional Impact of Climate Change with Students
Teddy Kellam
Session Information: Teachers are tasked with teaching the science of climate change, but what about the emotional impact?
Session outcomes:
- Learn to incorporate neuroscience-supported resilience practices into your classroom to support student mental health.
- Access conversation scripts, conversation starters, journaling prompts, expressive arts projects, opportunities for activism, and more.
- Develop confidence and competence in meeting these uncertain times with the students in your care.
Audience: Teachers ONLY
Format: INFORMATIONAL: Information, data and research driven
Age-group: ["All Educators"]
Please bring: Nothing
Session 2
Growing a Learning Landscape at your school.
John Hannah
Session Information: How might your school grounds support biodiversity, mitigate climate change impacts and transform student relationships with the community?
- what, why, who and how
- transformative SEL and PBL
Audience: Teachers ONLY
Age-group: INSPIRATIONAL: Shared story/personal experience, All Educators, All Parents
Please bring: Nothing
Let's go outside: Apparel Design for a Changing Climate
Sue Fairburn
Session Information: Fast Fashion and Fast consumption go beyond Fashion and the plastic-based materials many of us wear, use, and have in our homes. This session will address local issues for designers, material engineers and outdoor enthusiasts who want to meet the changing climate challenges hands-on.
Audience: Teachers AND parents together
Format: INFORMATIONAL: Information, data and research driven
Age-group: ["Senior School Educator","Senior School Parent","All Parents"]
Please bring: Nothing
The Climate Emotions Scale: Earth & Life
Isaias Hernandez
Session Information:
1.) Exploring dynamics of life through earth-based emotions
2.) how to talk about these emotions in praxis
3.) how to apply practices around emotions to actions and evidence-based hope.
Audience: Teachers AND parents together
Format: INTERACTIVE WORKSHOP: Exploration of a topic and time for attendee discussion
Age-group: ["All Parents"]
Please bring: Notebook
Climate Change Pedagogies
Daphne Austin
Michael Cox
Session Information:
We aim to educate teachers and provide the tools and resources to facilitate Ocean and Climate literacy within their classrooms.
Session outcomes:
- Become familiar with Ocean Wise's Education Kit resources (exploring resources and curricular tie ins).
- Increase awareness on the purpose of current climate change pedagogies and how to incorporate them into teachings.
Audience: Teachers ONLY
INTERACTIVE WORKSHOP: Exploration of a topic and time for attendee discussionAge-group: ["Elementary School Educator","Senior School Educator","All Educators"]
Please bring: Laptop, keyboard, phone
Resilience for Chaotic Times: Tools to Build Adult Inner Resources
Teddy Kellam
Session outcomes:
- Learn a variety of neuroscience-supported resilience tools for grappling with uncertainty
- Practice nervous system regulation techniques in order to show up in a calm state for the kids in your life
- Develop your own personal toolkit to use when you are triggered
Audience: Teachers AND parents together
Format: INFORMATIONAL: Information, data and research driven
Age-group: ["Elementary School Educator","Senior School Educator","All Educators","Elementary School Parent","Senior School Parent","All Parents"]
Please bring: A couple of colourful sticky notes to put on your refrigerator to help you remember the tools you like
Adventures in Partnered Reading: Action Research in light of ChatGPT and Proficiency Scales
Alexandra Lesk
Session Information: I will share the surprising success (and the odd pitfall) of an experiment in how to foster a love of reading through partnered novel choices, meaningful homework accountability and developing a portfolio of curriculum-linked evidence of proficiency for learning standards.
Participants will leave with a/n:
- outline of how to implement this approach at any point in the year
- shared documentation method for student ownership and responsibility of learning and accountability
- an empowering opportunity to support student choice and voice
Audience: Teachers ONLY
Format: INFORMATIONAL: Information, data and research driven
Age-group: All Educators
Please bring: Laptop
Self-Hatred: The True Cause of Romeo's Suicide?
John McGee
Session Information: John will question the common critical assumption that Romeo kills himself for love, pointing out that there are many instances of foreshadowing tying Romeo's self-murder at the end to his love-melancholy at the beginning.
Session outcomes:
- Insight into Shakespeare’s ideas on anti-social and self-destructive behavior
- Introduction to the Renaissance treatise on depression and “best book ever written,” Robert Burton’s Anatomy of Melancholy (1621)
- Ideas for assignments for a more skeptical approach to Romeo & Juliet
Audience: Teachers ONLY
Format: INFORMATIONAL: Information, data and research driven
Age-group: ["All Educators"]
Please bring: Nothing
Coaching in the Classroom - How to Ask Effective Questions
Kristina Thomson
Session outcomes:
- Participants will understand what coaching is and is not
- Participants will learn how to ask Effective Questions to increase student awareness and agency
- Participants will practice asking Effective Questions and being more coach-like in conversations with students
Audience: Teachers ONLY
Format: INTERACTIVE WORKSHOP: Exploration of a topic and time for attendee discussion
Age-group: ["All Educators"]
Please bring: Curiosity and an open mind. No other materials are needed, participants will be given the resources after the session.
Empowering Educators: Professional Development and Growth Using 360-Degree Reviews
Mackenzie Farrell
Session Information: Discover the advantages of 360-degree reviews for educators and leaders, and learn how these practices enhance self-awareness, foster collaboration, provide insights into targeted professional development, and promote growth-driven, feedback-rich educational communities
Session outcomes:
- An understanding of the benefits of embracing 360-degree reviews and how these transform leadership capabilities and educational communities
- An understanding of how 360-reviews benefit students
- Tips and tools for implementing 360-degree feedback in an educational community in the short- and long-term.
Audience: Teachers ONLY
Format: INTERACTIVE WORKSHOP: Exploration of a topic and time for attendee discussion
Age-group: ["Elementary School Educator","Senior School Educator","All Educators"]
Please bring: Nothing
Coaching Conversation Cafe: Educators Seeking Better Balance
Sarah McLean
Session Information: This session uses the Conversation Cafe dialogue framework to host a structured roundtable discussion exploring balance for educators. Together we will surface the challenges we experience as we navigate the multiple roles we all hold and seek support in one another as we identify solutions.
Session outcomes:
- identify why educators in independent schools struggle to find balance in their professional and personal lives.
- gain support from a community of other educators experiencing similar challenges.
- explore opportunities to create more balance and identify an action step you can take.
Audience: Teachers ONLY
Format: INTERACTIVE WORKSHOP: Exploration of a topic and time for attendee discussion
Age-group: ["Elementary School Educator","Senior School Educator","All Educators"]
Please bring: Laptop, journal and pen.
The World's Best Digital Library (Archive.org)
John McGee
Session Information: Introduction to a free online library whose motto is “universal access to all knowledge”
Session outcomes:
- An incredible resource for teachers and students alike, with almost all books ever written, in every language, available to be checked out in 1hr increments
- A gold-mine for primary sources, including searchable newspaper and magazine content
- Productivity apps to expedite digital research and note-taking
Audience: Teachers ONLY
Format: INFORMATIONAL: Information, data and research driven
Age-group: ["All Educators"]
Please bring: Laptop
A Beginner's Guide to using a Coaching Approach to lead your conversations with care
Sarah McLean
Session Information: This session introduces educators to coaching tools as a leadership approach, helping them to improve the quality of their conversations with team members, colleagues and students.
Session outcomes:
- understand what a coach approach is and how it can foster care and trust in your teams.
- practice using the coach approach method when leading a conversation.
- develop ideas to take this approach back to your team, classroom or wider school.
Audience: Teachers ONLY
Format: INTERACTIVE WORKSHOP: Exploration of a topic and time for attendee discussion
Age-group: ["Elementary School Educator","Senior School Educator","All Educators"]
Please bring: Bring a notepad and pen; bring an example of a challenge you are currently experiencing e.g. in the classroom, on your team, with your own work-life balance.
Student Choice - Blended Learning in the Mathematics Classroom
Kyle Prior
Peter Kearney
Noah Clark
Session Information:
Blended learning is an educational model which provides students the choice to select a supported self-study learning model instead of attending a regular in-person class. In this session we will:
- Explore different blended learning models - from action research projects.
Session outcomes:
- Discuss how a blended learning approach can help support a student's mental health and well being through personalization of learning.
- Explore the technology used - pros and cons
Audience: Teachers AND parents together
Format: INFORMATIONAL: Information, data and research driven
Age-group: ["Senior School Educator","Senior School Parent"]
Please bring: Nothing
Inquiry and Blended Learning Programs With BC Based "Live It Earth"
Blue Netherclift
Session Information: Dive into a world of engaging education with our Live It Earth library: 100% Canadian, fully bilingual, enriched with Indigenous perspectives, and seamlessly connected to your curriculum – it's blended learning that empowers both students and teachers!
Session outcomes:
- Seamlessly navigate the platform
- Ignite student enthusiasm with compelling K-8 programs
- Customize programs that resonate across 8 subject areas
- Access classroom-ready activities with video prompts
- Harness the power of the (BC) curriculum search engine
- Implement the inquiry learning-based guide
- Leverage curriculum assessment tools
- Engage in live Q&A sessions with a panel of experts
Audience: Teachers AND parents together
Format: INSPIRATIONAL: Shared Story/Personal Experience
Age-group: ["Elementary School Educator","Elementary School Parent"]
Please bring: Nothing
Amplifying Inclusion and Environmental Sustainability through IT Practices
Peter Holowka
Session Information: This session is about how school practices with technology can be both inclusive and environmentally sustainable --and often save schools money while simultaneously achieving these ends.
Audience: Teachers AND parents together
Format: INFORMATIONAL: Information, data and research driven
Age-group: ["Elementary School Educator","Senior School Educator","All Educators","Elementary School Parent","Senior School Parent","All Parents"]
Please bring: Nothing
SOGI In Schools
Rebecca Brunswick
Session Information:
-Learn about the role of SOGI Education In Schools
-Cover basic vocabulary
-Look at ways to actively support students
Audience: Teachers AND parents together
Format: INTERACTIVE WORKSHOP: Exploration of a topic and time for attendee discussion
Age-group: ["All Educators","All Parents"]
Please bring: Nothing
Balancing Wellbeing and High-Performance as a Student Athlete
Bianca Farella
Session Information: Explore strategies and insights to empower student-athletes to maintain a balance between their physical and mental wellbeing while excelling in their high-performance pursuits.
Session outcomes:
- An introduction to a unique coaching methodology to help students maintain high-performance, enhance their resilience, and focus on their wellbeing.
- Tools and strategies to manage student stress, prioritize self-care, and maintain physical and mental health while balancing academic and athletic commitments.
- A strengthened awareness of the interconnectedness between student wellbeing and athletic performance and how to work towards achieving a sustainable balance in all aspects of their lives.
Audience: Teachers AND parents together
Format: INSPIRATIONAL: Shared Story/Personal Experience
Age-group: ["Elementary School Educator","Senior School Educator","All Educators","Senior School Parent"]
Please bring: Nothing
Session 1
Student Choice - Blended Learning in the Mathematics Classroom
Kyle Prior
Peter Kearney
Noah Clark
Session Information:
Blended learning is an educational model which provides students the choice to select a supported self-study learning model instead of attending a regular in-person class. In this session we will:
- Explore different blended learning models - from action research projects.
Session outcomes:
- Discuss how a blended learning approach can help support a student's mental health and well being through personalization of learning.
- Explore the technology used - pros and cons
Audience: Teachers AND parents together
Format: INFORMATIONAL: Information, data and research driven
Age-group: ["Senior School Educator","Senior School Parent"]
Please bring: Nothing
Adventures in Partnered Reading: Action Research in light of ChatGPT and Proficiency Scales
Alexandra Lesk
Session Information: I will share the surprising success (and the odd pitfall) of an experiment in how to foster a love of reading through partnered novel choices, meaningful homework accountability and developing a portfolio of curriculum-linked evidence of proficiency for learning standards.
Participants will leave with a/n:
- outline of how to implement this approach at any point in the year
- shared documentation method for student ownership and responsibility of learning and accountability
- an empowering opportunity to support student choice and voice
Audience: Teachers ONLY
Format: INFORMATIONAL: Information, data and research driven
Age-group: All Educators
Please bring: Laptop
Inquiry and Blended Learning Programs With BC Based "Live It Earth"
Blue Netherclift
Session Information: Dive into a world of engaging education with our Live It Earth library: 100% Canadian, fully bilingual, enriched with Indigenous perspectives, and seamlessly connected to your curriculum – it's blended learning that empowers both students and teachers!
Session outcomes:
- Seamlessly navigate the platform
- Ignite student enthusiasm with compelling K-8 programs
- Customize programs that resonate across 8 subject areas
- Access classroom-ready activities with video prompts
- Harness the power of the (BC) curriculum search engine
- Implement the inquiry learning-based guide
- Leverage curriculum assessment tools
- Engage in live Q&A sessions with a panel of experts
Audience: Teachers AND parents together
Format: INSPIRATIONAL: Shared Story/Personal Experience
Age-group: ["Elementary School Educator","Elementary School Parent"]
Please bring: Nothing
Coaching Conversation Cafe: Educators Seeking Better Balance
Sarah McLean
Session Information: This session uses the Conversation Cafe dialogue framework to host a structured roundtable discussion exploring balance for educators. Together we will surface the challenges we experience as we navigate the multiple roles we all hold and seek support in one another as we identify solutions.
Session outcomes:
- identify why educators in independent schools struggle to find balance in their professional and personal lives.
- gain support from a community of other educators experiencing similar challenges.
- explore opportunities to create more balance and identify an action step you can take.
Audience: Teachers ONLY
Format: INTERACTIVE WORKSHOP: Exploration of a topic and time for attendee discussion
Age-group: ["Elementary School Educator","Senior School Educator","All Educators"]
Please bring: Laptop, journal and pen.
Empowering Educators: Professional Development and Growth Using 360-Degree Reviews
Mackenzie Farrell
Session Information: Discover the advantages of 360-degree reviews for educators and leaders, and learn how these practices enhance self-awareness, foster collaboration, provide insights into targeted professional development, and promote growth-driven, feedback-rich educational communities
Session outcomes:
- An understanding of the benefits of embracing 360-degree reviews and how these transform leadership capabilities and educational communities
- An understanding of how 360-reviews benefit students
- Tips and tools for implementing 360-degree feedback in an educational community in the short- and long-term.
Audience: Teachers ONLY
Format: INTERACTIVE WORKSHOP: Exploration of a topic and time for attendee discussion
Age-group: ["Elementary School Educator","Senior School Educator","All Educators"]
Please bring: Nothing
Self-Hatred: The True Cause of Romeo's Suicide?
John McGee
Session Information: John will question the common critical assumption that Romeo kills himself for love, pointing out that there are many instances of foreshadowing tying Romeo's self-murder at the end to his love-melancholy at the beginning.
Session outcomes:
- Insight into Shakespeare’s ideas on anti-social and self-destructive behavior
- Introduction to the Renaissance treatise on depression and “best book ever written,” Robert Burton’s Anatomy of Melancholy (1621)
- Ideas for assignments for a more skeptical approach to Romeo & Juliet
Audience: Teachers ONLY
Format: INFORMATIONAL: Information, data and research driven
Age-group: ["All Educators"]
Please bring: Nothing
Coaching in the Classroom - How to Ask Effective Questions
Kristina Thomson
Session outcomes:
- Participants will understand what coaching is and is not
- Participants will learn how to ask Effective Questions to increase student awareness and agency
- Participants will practice asking Effective Questions and being more coach-like in conversations with students
Audience: Teachers ONLY
Format: INTERACTIVE WORKSHOP: Exploration of a topic and time for attendee discussion
Age-group: ["All Educators"]
Please bring: Curiosity and an open mind. No other materials are needed, participants will be given the resources after the session.
Session 2
Amplifying Inclusion and Environmental Sustainability through IT Practices
Peter Holowka
Session Information: This session is about how school practices with technology can be both inclusive and environmentally sustainable --and often save schools money while simultaneously achieving these ends.
Audience: Teachers AND parents together
Format: INFORMATIONAL: Information, data and research driven
Age-group: ["Elementary School Educator","Senior School Educator","All Educators","Elementary School Parent","Senior School Parent","All Parents"]
Please bring: Nothing
SOGI In Schools
Rebecca Brunswick
Session Information:
-Learn about the role of SOGI Education In Schools
-Cover basic vocabulary
-Look at ways to actively support students
Audience: Teachers AND parents together
Format: INTERACTIVE WORKSHOP: Exploration of a topic and time for attendee discussion
Age-group: ["All Educators","All Parents"]
Please bring: Nothing
Balancing Wellbeing and High-Performance as a Student Athlete
Bianca Farella
Session Information: Explore strategies and insights to empower student-athletes to maintain a balance between their physical and mental wellbeing while excelling in their high-performance pursuits.
Session outcomes:
- An introduction to a unique coaching methodology to help students maintain high-performance, enhance their resilience, and focus on their wellbeing.
- Tools and strategies to manage student stress, prioritize self-care, and maintain physical and mental health while balancing academic and athletic commitments.
- A strengthened awareness of the interconnectedness between student wellbeing and athletic performance and how to work towards achieving a sustainable balance in all aspects of their lives.
Audience: Teachers AND parents together
Format: INSPIRATIONAL: Shared Story/Personal Experience
Age-group: ["Elementary School Educator","Senior School Educator","All Educators","Senior School Parent"]
Please bring: Nothing
A Beginner's Guide to using a Coaching Approach to lead your conversations with care
Sarah McLean
Session Information: This session introduces educators to coaching tools as a leadership approach, helping them to improve the quality of their conversations with team members, colleagues and students.
Session outcomes:
- understand what a coach approach is and how it can foster care and trust in your teams.
- practice using the coach approach method when leading a conversation.
- develop ideas to take this approach back to your team, classroom or wider school.
Audience: Teachers ONLY
Format: INTERACTIVE WORKSHOP: Exploration of a topic and time for attendee discussion
Age-group: ["Elementary School Educator","Senior School Educator","All Educators"]
Please bring: Bring a notepad and pen; bring an example of a challenge you are currently experiencing e.g. in the classroom, on your team, with your own work-life balance.
The World's Best Digital Library (Archive.org)
John McGee
Session Information: Introduction to a free online library whose motto is “universal access to all knowledge”
Session outcomes:
- An incredible resource for teachers and students alike, with almost all books ever written, in every language, available to be checked out in 1hr increments
- A gold-mine for primary sources, including searchable newspaper and magazine content
- Productivity apps to expedite digital research and note-taking
Audience: Teachers ONLY
Format: INFORMATIONAL: Information, data and research driven
Age-group: ["All Educators"]
Please bring: Laptop
Destigmatizing "Problem Behaviours" in Students with Complex Trauma: Applying Curiosity, Compassion and Connection to Facilitate Student Resilience and Success
Kathryn Als
Session Information: This session explores the depths of child & youth complex trauma, some of the driving factors behind student behaviour in the classroom and how teachers can utilize a trauma-savvy approach to support these students.
Session outcomes:
- Understand the "why" behind student behaviour through the lens of trauma and trauma-informed care
- Explore the depths of Adverse Childhood Experiences (what they are, risk factors, preventative factors and how they present in the classroom)
- Identify the benefits of applying curiosity, compassion and connection to form meaningful relationships with students
Audience: Teachers ONLY
Format: INTERACTIVE WORKSHOP: Exploration of a topic and time for attendee discussion
Age-group: ["All Educators"]
Please bring: Nothing
Recognizing and Addressing Compassion Fatigue among Educators
Rae Morris
Session Information: This session will share information for educators on compassion fatigue and compassion satisfaction in teaching as potential outcomes of supporting student mental health.
Session outcomes:
- Define compassion fatigue and compassion satisfaction as relates to educators of children and youth
- Identify risks and protective factors associated with compassion fatigue among those working in education
- Reflect on strategies for reinforcing individual and collective self-care and compassion satisfaction
Audience: Teachers ONLY
Format: INTERACTIVE WORKSHOP: Exploration of a topic and time for attendee discussion
Age-group: ["Elementary School Educator","Senior School Educator","All Educators","Elementary School Parent","Senior School Parent","All Parents"]
Please bring: Nothing
Safe Spaces are Brave Spaces – Creating Classrooms that Foster Belonging
Hayley Jacobs
Session Information: In this session, I will distill and share from my lived experiences, education, and training what I believe creates classrooms centered in belonging.
• Why I and why we should be taking about belonging in the classroom
• How to foster classroom belonging
• A Case Study - Belonging in practice
Audience: Teachers ONLY
Format: INTERACTIVE WORKSHOP: Exploration of a topic and time for attendee discussion
Age-group: ["Elementary School Educator","Senior School Educator","All Educators"]
Please bring: Notepad or laptop
An Introduction to PreVenture: An Effective Evidenced-Based Mental Health (e.g. anxiety, worry, and impulsivity) Support and Substance Use Prevention Program
Lauren Dade
Session Information: This session will highlight factors that can impact mental health and wellbeing, and give an overview of the evidence-based PreVenture program, which effectively reduces concerning ways of coping and leads to better mental health outcomes.
Audience: Teachers and parents
Format: INFORMATIONAL: Information, data and research driven
Age-group: ["All Educators","Senior School Parent"]
Please bring: Nothing
Supporting Neurodiversity through an Emotional Regulation Approach
Kelsey Penney
Session Information: Compliance is not the goal. This session will provide educators with the tools and strategies they need to shift from behaviour management to emotional regulation.
• Educators will explore a shift in perspective in how they approach challenging behaviours
• Educators will learn about how changes to the environment, and their own interactions can impact and support neurodiverse studetnts
Audience: Teachers AND parents together
Format: INTERACTIVE WORKSHOP: Exploration of a topic and time for attendee discussion
Age-group: All Educators, All Parents
Please bring: Nothing
Creating Belonging by Leading with Care
Kevin Frick
Session Information: In this session, we will explore how things that bring joy and core values can lead to a personal mission statement that can guide interaction to create belonging with diverse populations in the classroom and beyond. The goals include (1) exploring methods of developing a joy and valued-based personal mission statement and (2) identifying key values that help to create belonging for students being taught or teams being worked with.
Audience: Teachers AND parents together
Format: INSPIRATIONAL: Shared Story/Personal Experience
Age-group: ["All Educators","All Parents"]
Please bring: Nothing
Supporting Marginalized Students Mental Health Through Voice
Kiranjit Kaur Shoker
Session Information: Using an asset based pedagogical approach, identifying practices that empower voice, acknowledge the structures that inhibit student wellness, and build agency in students.
Session outcomes:
- Explore the relationship between mental health and marginalized students
- Identifying how asset-based pedagogical approaches uplift our students especially those who are historically oppressed for their differences
Audience: Teachers AND parents together
Format: INTERACTIVE WORKSHOP: Exploration of a topic and time for attendee discussion
Age-group: ["All Educators","All Parents"]
Please bring: Nothing
Flourishing at School: Stress, Mental Health, and Learning
Meg Kapil
Session Information: Flourishing at school is supported by how the puzzle pieces of stress regulation, mental health, and learning fit together, this session will address:
• The role of stress and stress regulation in mental health, learning, and flourishing at school
• How to grow mental health and wellbeing for students and how this impacts learning
• How to manage both school related stress and stressors together for flourishing at school
Audience: Teachers AND parents together
Format: INFORMATIONAL: Information, data and research driven
Age-group: ["Elementary School Educator","Senior School Educator","All Educators","Elementary School Parent","Senior School Parent","All Parents"]
Please bring: Nothing
Brains and Screens: Parenting and Teaching through the Attention Economy
Adi Aharon
Session Information: How do harmful aspects of technology impact the growing brain, and what are some solutions and ideas for minimizing these impacts?
- Learn about the attention economy
- Explore current research on how brains are impacted by screens
- Outline possible solutions
Audience: Teachers AND parents together
Format: INFORMATIONAL: Information, data and research driven
Age-group: ["All Educators","All Parents"]
Please bring: Nothing
The Privilege of Being Trans
Quinn Casey
Session Information: The Privilege of Being Trans is about flipping the script so that cisgender people understand that this fight for transgender people's safety is actually for them too-- and, rather, for all of us-- not just transgender people.
Session outcomes:
- To guide people on how to support the minds and futures of trans people inside and outside of schools
- To raise awareness and provide academic information about why trans people's stories and the dialogues we co-construct on this topic are necessary for the wellbeing of not just trans people but cis people as well
- To humanize and localize transphobic oppression through storytelling
Audience: Teachers AND parents together
Format: INSPIRATIONAL: Shared Story/Personal Experience
Age-group: ["All Educators","All Parents"]
Please bring: Nothing.
Dance & Mental Health
Tanya Parker
Session Information: In this interACTIVE workshop, you’ll gain a better understanding of mental health and the factors that affect it by experiencing practical dances that use purposefully designed movements to promote and foster positive mental health, addressing the cognitive, social, physical and emotional domains of wellbeing.
Audience: Teachers AND parents together
Format: INTERACTIVE WORKSHOP: Exploration of a topic and time for attendee discussion
Age-group: ["All Educators","Elementary School Parent"]
Please bring: Running Shoes, Athletic attire, Water bottle
Supporting Children and Teens Manage Stress and Anxiety
Dr. Gabriela Ionita
Session Information: Providing practical tools to help you support children and teens in managing stress and anxiety.
Audience: Teachers AND parents together
Format: INFORMATIONAL: Information, data and research driven
Age-group: ["All Educators","All Parents"]
Please bring: Nothing
Walk a Mile in Their Shoes: DEI roleplaying experience
Nancy Shadlock
Session Information: This unique experience brings people together, building empathy and understanding. Through the powerful equalizer of play, participants are invited to try on a different identity/characteristic that might be much more diverse than their own. The positive effects of this approach will be felt in your school long after the event has ended.
Session outcomes:
- Learning a greater sense of empathy to support students, staff and parents with, build resilience and create higher retention rates.
- Creating safe space for people of other races, sexualities and genders to share who they truly are.
Audience: Teachers AND parents together
Format: INTERACTIVE WORKSHOP: Exploration of a topic and time for attendee discussion
Age-group: ["Elementary School Educator","Senior School Educator","All Educators","Elementary School Parent","Senior School Parent","All Parents"]
Please bring: Joining from a laptop rather than a phone is preferred. Engagement is required to participate in this session.
Unpacking Social Media
Omari Newton
Session Information: "Unpacking Social Media” is both a Digital Citizenship & Anti-(Cyber)Bullying presentation. OWTA is proud to present “Unpacking Social Media”, a virtual presentation that examines the origins and influence that Social Media has on young people today. Using OWTA’s trademark edutainment style that combines video, slam poetry, and audience participation & interaction, the presentation explores the power and pitfalls associated with navigating popular social media platforms. Participants will discover the responsibility of being a digital citizen.
Audience: Teachers AND parents together
Format: INFORMATIONAL: Information, data and research driven
Age-group: ["All Educators","All Parents"]
Please bring: Nothing
Build Capacity to Teach Sexuality Education and Healthy Relationships Skills to Youth
Jessica Wollen
Session Information: Learn how to teach comprehensive health education to teenagers using the Circuit. The Circuit is an inclusive and comprehensive Sexual Health Education Program for students aged 14-18 years old.
Session outcomes:
- Learn how the Circuit works
- Play some healthy relationship games from the Circuit toolkit
- Identify how healthy relationship skills could impact your school community
Audience: Teachers AND parents together
Format: INTERACTIVE WORKSHOP: Exploration of a topic and time for attendee discussion Senior School Educator
Age-group: All Educators, Senior School Parent, All Parents
Please bring: Nothing
Your Nervous System, Toxic Positivity, and Finding Your Authentic Self
Nicola Doughty
Session Information: Expectations for self-care have put undue pressure on individuals to prove their commitment to well-being at the expense of true, gentle self-awareness and acceptance. Participants will come away with a solid understanding of their own nervous system and how to approach self-care from the inside out!
Audience: Teachers AND parents together
Format: INTERACTIVE WORKSHOP: Exploration of a topic and time for attendee discussion
Age-group: ["All Educators","All Parents"]
Please bring: Nothing
Health and Wellness of Neuro-Diverse students: what do they experience and what supports are effective?
Piers Samson
Session Information: The common aspects of health and wellness of those with a neuro-diverse background (FASD, ASD, ADHD and Learning Disabilities) will be explored along with a variety of supports that can help prevent and/or support healing.
Session outcomes:
- Examination of the incidence and most common issues in mental health and wellness of a variety of kinds of students with learning disabilities.
- Commonalities in home life for the neuro-diverse students.
- What kinds of experiences can harm outcomes for those with neuro-diversity?
- What kinds of life experiences can protect outcomes for those with neuro-diversity?
- What interventions can help change outcomes for those with neuro-diversity?
- Personal experiences and stories from work will be used to help with a practical understanding of the theoretical knowledge described.
Audience: Teachers AND parents together
Format: INFORMATIONAL: Information, data and research driven
Age-group: ["All Educators","All Parents"]
Please bring: Nothing
All of Me: Whole-Person Approach to Supporting ADHD Students
Meg Kapil
Session Information: ADHD encompasses the whole person and includes several important components that need to be managed together, this session outlines a neurodiversity affirming approach to supporting mental health and success for the whole person with ADHD including:
• Strategies for stress and emotion regulation for ADHD minds
• Support for ADHDers regarding healthy relationships and strong self-worth
• Strategies and practices for facilitating adaptive learning practices and executive function for ADHD minds
Audience: Teachers AND parents together
Format: INFORMATIONAL: Information, data and research driven
Age-group: ["All Educators","All Parents"]
Please bring: Nothing
Parenting & the Pressure to be Perfect
Lisa Cavey
Session Information: We’ll be diving into a topic that resonates with many of us—navigating the societal pressures for parental perfection. In our fast-paced world, we often find ourselves grappling with unrealistic standards imposed by society. This includes how we perceive ourselves as parents and the expectations we place upon our parenting journey. This presentation will focus on empowering parents with insights and strategies to navigate societal pressures for perfection in today's world.
Audience: Teachers AND parents together
INFORMATIONAL: Information, data and research driven
Age-group: ["All Educators","All Parents"]
Please bring: Nothing
Resilience at Work: Addressing Burnout and Compassion Fatigue
Levonne Abshire
Session Information: Resilience has become a buzzword as organizations seek ways to support their staff to stay productive in turbulent, complex, and pressurized workplaces.
Resilience assists employees and teams to:
» Adapt to frequent change and uncertainty
» Stay productive, despite increasing demands to deliver more with less
» Manage expectations that may exceed delivery capabilities
» Maintain physical and emotional wellbeing despite job pressures.
Audience: Teachers AND parents together
Format: INTERACTIVE WORKSHOP: Exploration of a topic and time for attendee discussion
Age-group: ["All Educators","All Parents"]
Please bring: Paper and pen or laptop to take notes if desired
Incorporating Neurodiversity-Affirming Practices to Support Student Mental Health and Wellness
Rae Morris
Session Information: This session will share information for educators about the neurodiversity-affirming practices and ways to incorporate neurodiversity into student mental health and wellness initiatives.
Session outcomes:
- Define neurodiversity and other relevant terminology
- Reflect on common experiences of neurodivergent students in the school and classroom
- Reflect on strategies for incorporating neurodiversity into mental health and wellness initiatives, for the benefit of all students
Audience: Teachers AND parents together
Format: INTERACTIVE WORKSHOP: Exploration of a topic and time for attendee discussion
Age-group: ["Elementary School Educator","Senior School Educator","All Educators","Elementary School Parent","Senior School Parent","All Parents"]
Please bring: Nothing
Addressing Anxiety in Children and Teens by Changing our Behaviour
Dr. Gabriela Ionita
Session Information: This workshop will focus on changing adult behaviour to help children build resilience to stress and anxiety through strategies such as scaffolding, supportive statements, and increasing confidence.
Audience: Teachers AND parents together
Format: INFORMATIONAL: Information, data and research driven
Age-group: ["All Educators","All Parents"]
Please bring: Large: more than 75 participants
Supporting Gender Transition: One Family's Heartwarming Story
Heather Mackay
Session Information: Gain profound insights into the lived experiences of a family navigating the complexities of gender identity and explore how parents and educators can foster an environment of inclusivity and belonging.
Session outcomes:
- Develop a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by students and the critical need for genuine empathy and support.
- Experience greater motivation and empowerment to foster inclusive settings for students of diverse genders.
- Build confidence and comfort in interacting with and supporting gender diverse students and their families.
Audience: Teachers AND parents together
Format: INSPIRATIONAL: Shared Story/Personal Experience
Age-group: ["All Educators","All Parents"]
Please bring: Nothing.
Session 1
Destigmatizing "Problem Behaviours" in Students with Complex Trauma: Applying Curiosity, Compassion and Connection to Facilitate Student Resilience and Success
Kathryn Als
Session Information: This session explores the depths of child & youth complex trauma, some of the driving factors behind student behaviour in the classroom and how teachers can utilize a trauma-savvy approach to support these students.
Session outcomes:
- Understand the "why" behind student behaviour through the lens of trauma and trauma-informed care
- Explore the depths of Adverse Childhood Experiences (what they are, risk factors, preventative factors and how they present in the classroom)
- Identify the benefits of applying curiosity, compassion and connection to form meaningful relationships with students
Audience: Teachers ONLY
Format: INTERACTIVE WORKSHOP: Exploration of a topic and time for attendee discussion
Age-group: ["All Educators"]
Please bring: Nothing
An Introduction to PreVenture: An Effective Evidenced-Based Mental Health (e.g. anxiety, worry, and impulsivity) Support and Substance Use Prevention Program
Lauren Dade
Session Information: This session will highlight factors that can impact mental health and wellbeing, and give an overview of the evidence-based PreVenture program, which effectively reduces concerning ways of coping and leads to better mental health outcomes.
Audience: Teachers and parents
Format: INFORMATIONAL: Information, data and research driven
Age-group: ["All Educators","Senior School Parent"]
Please bring: Nothing
Supporting Neurodiversity through an Emotional Regulation Approach
Kelsey Penney
Session Information: Compliance is not the goal. This session will provide educators with the tools and strategies they need to shift from behaviour management to emotional regulation.
Session outcomes:
- Educators will explore a shift in perspective in how they approach challenging behaviours
- Educators will learn about how changes to the environment, and their own interactions can impact and support neurodiverse studetnts
Audience: Teachers AND parents together
Format: INTERACTIVE WORKSHOP: Exploration of a topic and time for attendee discussion
Age-group: All Educators, All Parents
Please bring: Nothing
Creating Belonging by Leading with Care
Kevin Frick
Session Information: In this session, we will explore how things that bring joy and core values can lead to a personal mission statement that can guide interaction to create belonging with diverse populations in the classroom and beyond. The goals include (1) exploring methods of developing a joy and valued-based personal mission statement and (2) identifying key values that help to create belonging for students being taught or teams being worked with.
Audience: Teachers AND parents together
Format: INSPIRATIONAL: Shared Story/Personal Experience
Age-group: ["All Educators","All Parents"]
Please bring: Nothing
Supporting Marginalized Students Mental Health Through Voice
Kiranjit Kaur Shoker
Session Information: Using an asset based pedagogical approach, identifying practices that empower voice, acknowledge the structures that inhibit student wellness, and build agency in students.
Session outcomes:
- Explore the relationship between mental health and marginalized students
- Identifying how asset-based pedagogical approaches uplift our students especially those who are historically oppressed for their differences
Audience: Teachers AND parents together
Format: INTERACTIVE WORKSHOP: Exploration of a topic and time for attendee discussion
Age-group: ["All Educators","All Parents"]
Please bring: Nothing
Flourishing at School: Stress, Mental Health, and Learning
Meg Kapil
Session Information: Flourishing at school is supported by how the puzzle pieces of stress regulation, mental health, and learning fit together, this session will address:
• The role of stress and stress regulation in mental health, learning, and flourishing at school
Session outcomes:
- How to grow mental health and wellbeing for students and how this impacts learning
- How to manage both school related stress and stressors together for flourishing at school
Audience: Teachers AND parents together
Format: INFORMATIONAL: Information, data and research driven
Age-group: ["Elementary School Educator","Senior School Educator","All Educators","Elementary School Parent","Senior School Parent","All Parents"]
Please bring: Nothing
Recognizing and Addressing Compassion Fatigue among Educators
Rae Morris
Session Information: This session will share information for educators on compassion fatigue and compassion satisfaction in teaching as potential outcomes of supporting student mental health.
Session outcomes:
- Define compassion fatigue and compassion satisfaction as relates to educators of children and youth
- Identify risks and protective factors associated with compassion fatigue among those working in education
- Reflect on strategies for reinforcing individual and collective self-care and compassion satisfaction
Audience: Teachers ONLY
Format: INTERACTIVE WORKSHOP: Exploration of a topic and time for attendee discussion
Age-group: ["Elementary School Educator","Senior School Educator","All Educators","Elementary School Parent","Senior School Parent","All Parents"]
Please bring: Nothing
Brains and Screens: Parenting and Teaching through the Attention Economy
Adi Aharon
Session Information: How do harmful aspects of technology impact the growing brain, and what are some solutions and ideas for minimizing these impacts?
- Learn about the attention economy
- Explore current research on how brains are impacted by screens
- Outline possible solutions
Audience: Teachers AND parents together
Format: INFORMATIONAL: Information, data and research driven
Age-group: ["All Educators","All Parents"]
Please bring: Nothing
The Privilege of Being Trans
Quinn Casey
Session Information: The Privilege of Being Trans is about flipping the script so that cisgender people understand that this fight for transgender people's safety is actually for them too-- and, rather, for all of us-- not just transgender people.
Session outcomes:
- To guide people on how to support the minds and futures of trans people inside and outside of schools
- To raise awareness and provide academic information about why trans people's stories and the dialogues we co-construct on this topic are necessary for the wellbeing of not just trans people but cis people as well
- To humanize and localize transphobic oppression through storytelling
Audience: Teachers AND parents together
Format: INSPIRATIONAL: Shared Story/Personal Experience
Age-group: ["All Educators","All Parents"]
Please bring: Nothing.
Dance & Mental Health
Tanya Parker
Session Information: In this interACTIVE workshop, you’ll gain a better understanding of mental health and the factors that affect it by experiencing practical dances that use purposefully designed movements to promote and foster positive mental health, addressing the cognitive, social, physical and emotional domains of wellbeing.
Audience: Teachers AND parents together
Format: INTERACTIVE WORKSHOP: Exploration of a topic and time for attendee discussion
Age-group: ["All Educators","Elementary School Parent"]
Please bring: Running Shoes, Athletic attire, Water bottle
Supporting Children and Teens Manage Stress and Anxiety
Dr. Gabriela Ionita
Session Information: Providing practical tools to help you support children and teens in managing stress and anxiety.
Audience: Teachers AND parents together
Format: INFORMATIONAL: Information, data and research driven
Age-group: ["All Educators","All Parents"]
Please bring: Nothing
Walk a Mile in Their Shoes: DEI roleplaying experience
Nancy Shadlock
Session Information: This unique experience brings people together, building empathy and understanding. Through the powerful equalizer of play, participants are invited to try on a different identity/characteristic that might be much more diverse than their own. The positive effects of this approach will be felt in your school long after the event has ended.
Session outcomes:
- Learning a greater sense of empathy to support students, staff and parents with, build resilience and create higher retention rates.
- Creating safe space for people of other races, sexualities and genders to share who they truly are.
Audience: Teachers AND parents together
Format: INTERACTIVE WORKSHOP: Exploration of a topic and time for attendee discussion
Age-group: ["Elementary School Educator","Senior School Educator","All Educators","Elementary School Parent","Senior School Parent","All Parents"]
Please bring: Joining from a laptop rather than a phone is preferred. Engagement is required to participate in this session.
Unpacking Social Media
Omari Newton
Session Information: "Unpacking Social Media” is both a Digital Citizenship & Anti-(Cyber)Bullying presentation. OWTA is proud to present “Unpacking Social Media”, a virtual presentation that examines the origins and influence that Social Media has on young people today. Using OWTA’s trademark edutainment style that combines video, slam poetry, and audience participation & interaction, the presentation explores the power and pitfalls associated with navigating popular social media platforms. Participants will discover the responsibility of being a digital citizen.
Audience: Teachers AND parents together
Format: INFORMATIONAL: Information, data and research driven
Age-group: ["All Educators","All Parents"]
Please bring: Nothing
Session 2
Supporting Gender Transition: One Family's Heartwarming Story
Heather Mackay
Session Information: Gain profound insights into the lived experiences of a family navigating the complexities of gender identity and explore how parents and educators can foster an environment of inclusivity and belonging.
Session outcomes:
- Develop a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by students and the critical need for genuine empathy and support.
- Experience greater motivation and empowerment to foster inclusive settings for students of diverse genders.
- Build confidence and comfort in interacting with and supporting gender diverse students and their families.
Audience: Teachers AND parents together
Format: INSPIRATIONAL: Shared Story/Personal Experience
Age-group: ["All Educators","All Parents"]
Please bring: Nothing.
Build Capacity to Teach Sexuality Education and Healthy Relationships Skills to Youth
Jessica Wollen
Session Information: Learn how to teach comprehensive health education to teenagers using the Circuit. The Circuit is an inclusive and comprehensive Sexual Health Education Program for students aged 14-18 years old.
Session outcomes:
- Learn how the Circuit works
- Play some healthy relationship games from the Circuit toolkit
- Identify how healthy relationship skills could impact your school community
Audience: Teachers AND parents together
Format: INTERACTIVE WORKSHOP: Exploration of a topic and time for attendee discussion Senior School Educator
Age-group: All Educators, Senior School Parent, All Parents
Please bring: Nothing
Your Nervous System, Toxic Positivity, and Finding Your Authentic Self
Nicola Doughty
Session Information: Expectations for self-care have put undue pressure on individuals to prove their commitment to well-being at the expense of true, gentle self-awareness and acceptance. Participants will come away with a solid understanding of their own nervous system and how to approach self-care from the inside out!
Audience: Teachers AND parents together
Format: INTERACTIVE WORKSHOP: Exploration of a topic and time for attendee discussion
Age-group: ["All Educators","All Parents"]
Please bring: Nothing
Health and Wellness of Neuro-Diverse students: what do they experience and what supports are effective?
Piers Samson
Session Information: The common aspects of health and wellness of those with a neuro-diverse background (FASD, ASD, ADHD and Learning Disabilities) will be explored along with a variety of supports that can help prevent and/or support healing.
Session outcomes:
- Examination of the incidence and most common issues in mental health and wellness of a variety of kinds of students with learning disabilities.
- Commonalities in home life for the neuro-diverse students.
- What kinds of experiences can harm outcomes for those with neuro-diversity?
- What kinds of life experiences can protect outcomes for those with neuro-diversity?
- What interventions can help change outcomes for those with neuro-diversity?
- Personal experiences and stories from work will be used to help with a practical understanding of the theoretical knowledge described.
Audience: Teachers AND parents together
Format: INFORMATIONAL: Information, data and research driven
Age-group: ["All Educators","All Parents"]
Please bring: Nothing
All of Me: Whole-Person Approach to Supporting ADHD Students
Meg Kapil
Session Information: ADHD encompasses the whole person and includes several important components that need to be managed together, this session outlines a neurodiversity affirming approach to supporting mental health and success for the whole person with ADHD including:
• Strategies for stress and emotion regulation for ADHD minds
• Support for ADHDers regarding healthy relationships and strong self-worth
• Strategies and practices for facilitating adaptive learning practices and executive function for ADHD minds
Audience: Teachers AND parents together
Format: INFORMATIONAL: Information, data and research driven
Age-group: ["All Educators","All Parents"]
Please bring: Nothing
Parenting & the Pressure to be Perfect
Lisa Cavey
Session Information: We’ll be diving into a topic that resonates with many of us—navigating the societal pressures for parental perfection. In our fast-paced world, we often find ourselves grappling with unrealistic standards imposed by society. This includes how we perceive ourselves as parents and the expectations we place upon our parenting journey. This presentation will focus on empowering parents with insights and strategies to navigate societal pressures for perfection in today's world.
Audience: Teachers AND parents together
INFORMATIONAL: Information, data and research driven
Age-group: ["All Educators","All Parents"]
Please bring: Nothing
Safe Spaces are Brave Spaces – Creating Classrooms that Foster Belonging
Hayley Jacobs
Session Information: In this session, I will distill and share from my lived experiences, education, and training what I believe creates classrooms centered in belonging.
• Why I and why we should be taking about belonging in the classroom
• How to foster classroom belonging
• A Case Study - Belonging in practice
Audience: Teachers ONLY
Format: INTERACTIVE WORKSHOP: Exploration of a topic and time for attendee discussion
Age-group: ["Elementary School Educator","Senior School Educator","All Educators"]
Please bring: Notepad or laptop
Resilience at Work: Addressing Burnout and Compassion Fatigue
Levonne Abshire
Session Information: Resilience has become a buzzword as organizations seek ways to support their staff to stay productive in turbulent, complex, and pressurized workplaces.
Resilience assists employees and teams to:
» Adapt to frequent change and uncertainty
» Stay productive, despite increasing demands to deliver more with less
» Manage expectations that may exceed delivery capabilities
» Maintain physical and emotional wellbeing despite job pressures.
Audience: Teachers AND parents together
Format: INTERACTIVE WORKSHOP: Exploration of a topic and time for attendee discussion
Age-group: ["All Educators","All Parents"]
Please bring: Paper and pen or laptop to take notes if desired
Incorporating Neurodiversity-Affirming Practices to Support Student Mental Health and Wellness
Rae Morris
Session Information: This session will share information for educators about the neurodiversity-affirming practices and ways to incorporate neurodiversity into student mental health and wellness initiatives.
Session outcomes:
- Define neurodiversity and other relevant terminology
- Reflect on common experiences of neurodivergent students in the school and classroom
- Reflect on strategies for incorporating neurodiversity into mental health and wellness initiatives, for the benefit of all students
Audience: Teachers AND parents together
Format: INTERACTIVE WORKSHOP: Exploration of a topic and time for attendee discussion
Age-group: ["Elementary School Educator","Senior School Educator","All Educators","Elementary School Parent","Senior School Parent","All Parents"]
Please bring: Nothing
Addressing Anxiety in Children and Teens by Changing our Behaviour
Dr. Gabriela Ionita
Session Information: This workshop will focus on changing adult behaviour to help children build resilience to stress and anxiety through strategies such as scaffolding, supportive statements, and increasing confidence.
Audience: Teachers AND parents together
Format: INFORMATIONAL: Information, data and research driven
Age-group: ["All Educators","All Parents"]
Please bring: Large: more than 75 participants