GETCA 2025

Yoga is more than just being flexible and bending yourself into a pretzel whilst wearing the most form fitting clothes you own. Only to watch a yoga teacher do their class at the front of a room while you try to keep up and learn and relax all at the same time. Yoga is an excellent moving meditation in which we move with the breath. In this class, we will discuss the importance of balance in our bodies and in our minds. We will work to understand the importance of grounding ourselves to create a solid safe place for ourselves. Then we will work on three different types of pranayama breathing that can be done in the classroom or at home or even in the car driving to work. Finally from our seats we will move through a series of effective stretches for the shoulders, hips, back and legs. We will also practice one standing balance once we understand the fundamentals of balance and bring all we have discussed together.

Across Alberta, more and more students of African descent (hailing from Somali, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Jamaica, Trinidad, other Canadian provinces, and elsewhere) are in our classrooms. In Edmonton Public Schools, they’re 11 percent of all students. And, unfortunately, extensive research demonstrates they face a three-pronged crisis of under-achievement, down-streaming, and dropping out. But what if schools had a simple approach that had the power to improve the lives not only of African students, but to give educational, career, and business opportunities that are—literally—worth billions of dollars, and which massively contribute to quality of life and community for all? The standard approach of “anti-racism” isn’t designed to do any of that. But aspirational Africentric education is. Join award-winning author and journalist Malcolm Azania of the aspirational Africentric education company Project Saqqara for an innovative, data-drive discussion and strategy to increase belonging and boost achievement for students of all backgrounds. Emerge energized and empowered with practical tools you can use your very next class!

Relationships are the foundation of effective education. In this session, Kevin shares strategies for building strong connections with colleagues, parents, and school staff. Like directors of blockbuster movies, successful educators thrive on relationships and collaboration. This session is divided into two parts. Part 1 focuses on creating a vision for school-wide cooperation. Part 2 will be full of ideas to motivate your school's staff and helping to reignite your school's culture! Kevin gets everyone out of their seats, engaging in laughter and team-building activities that teachers can also use with their students. Games like Egg Roulette, Frozen T-shirt, Lies in a Box, Last One Standing, and more will invigorate your team and provide practical ideas that can also be brought back to the classroom.

How do you spark a person’s curiosity? Whether you’re engaging a client, a colleague, or a trainee, that first step of getting them to “lean in” can be the ticket for meaningful engagement. In this captivating and humorous talk, Dan Riskin breathes life into the subject of curiosity through storytelling, while sharing his personal journey from insecure science student to Discovery Channel TV host. Initially plagued by imposter syndrome and fear, Riskin quit academics for a time, giving up on his dreams and working instead as a waiter. But something pulled him back, and while doing his PhD on vampire bats, Riskin was bitten — yes, by a few bats but also by a fundamental fact about curiosity that transformed his life. From that moment on, Riskin was unstoppable, publishing his research in top journals, appearing as a science expert on Jay Leno and Craig Ferguson’s late night talk shows, then ultimately taking the helm as the host of his own TV shows on Animal Planet and The Discovery Channel. What’s the secret? It's the profound understanding that people engage best with content when they are emotionally connected to it. (Riskin knows this from experience, but also because he can point to the scientific papers that explain why it happens.) That realization transformed his career trajectory and empowered him to achieve remarkable success. And since Riskin’s talk is carefully crafted to stoke the emotions of your audience, his message has the power to change them, too. That emotional engagement is why Riskin’s talk will be unforgettable for your group, and why it can permanently alter their perspective on their own professional paths.

Why is it important to prioritize our financial well-being? Being financially prepared is essential because it's not just about money; it's a fundamental aspect of overall wellness. Neglecting financial health can lead to stress and affect mental well-being, making it harder to navigate life's challenges. For educators, who often prioritize the needs of others over their own, focusing on personal wellness, including financial wellness, is imperative. Studies show that 40% of financially unstable Canadians experience stress related to their finances. This stress permeates their work life, with 88% reporting frequent worries and 49% admitting it affects their job performance. But what if there were simple tools that could alleviate this stress? This session aims to provide such tools, offering practical steps that can be implemented easily. In this session, you will learn how to identify any financial gaps that you may have, how to prepare for the unknown (financial emergencies and unexpected costs), and how to plan for your expected financial needs (home downpayment, kids' post-secondary tuition, additional retirement funds). We will explore investment options, look at market dynamics, and using our core strategies we will set you up to make informed financial decisions. Being financially prepared isn't just about avoiding financial pitfalls; it's about building resilience and understanding and securing peace of mind in the face of life's uncertainties. Financial Wellness high-overview 1. Identifying financial gaps that you may have 2. Plan for the unknown 3. How to get started 4. Investment and insurance options to help close the gaps 5. Core strategies for success

You chose to be an educator, which says much about you. You care for others before yourself, find meaning and purpose in the success of others, and live a life of service. Just like a llama! It also means you are exhausted with all the “extras” of teaching that steal your time, energy, and teaching spirit. You spend more time working on improvements rather than embracing your gifts and talents and time with students. This session is a call back to why you chose education and leaning into the things you love about yourself and education. Through group discussion, reflection, and purposeful consideration, you will be rejuvenated in your call and emboldened in your role as a teacher, counselor, leader, and coworker. Llamas are funky and have no business doing the job they do. Yet, they are perfect for it.

Ever wondered about teaching overseas at an International School? Come learn about the opportunities that are available as well as the challenges you may face, from someone who did it for 14 years.

Teach yoga to your students by just using their chair and space around them. Help de-stress your kiddos by doing simple shapes in and around the classroom.

Participants will learn strategies and best practices to lead successful student trips and participate in an Amazing Race.

Finding Nemo. How to Train Your Dragon. Apollo 13. There are big ideas and big moments in big movies: ideas that can pinpoint key instances of learning and transfer. We’ll examine these moments (and more) and bridge them into classroom learning. Teachers will learn about transfer theory and ways to use movies to explicitly teach for transfer of understanding. This session includes a support package of takeaways, teaching tips, and graphic organizers teachers can use in their classrooms.

“Do I have to do this?”  “Is this going to be on the test?”  Motivation and engagement are critical factors in helping our students find success in school.  This session will feature simple ways to keep students actively plugged into teaching efforts. Participants will learn how to facilitate lessons that help students not only pay better attention in class, but also better retain the content being taught.

As educators, we know that we are not in control of everything all the time and this can be a challenge in general: personally as well as professionally. This presentation is a based on an unexpected life lesson I learned as my father was in the process of dying as well as ongoing life hurdles. This theme is universal in that struggle is an inevitable part of the human condition. Using this pretext as a way to offer insight, direction and consolation, this presentation is told within a story format that is relatable and sometimes even humorous. This presentation has some faith based elements.

When I was a child in elementary school there wasn't such a thing as ADHD, but I definitely struggled with it. I was officially diagnosed in my fifties. I always thought I was dumb until I ended up in education. As a teacher for over 30 years, and a University Instructor of pre-service teachers for 6 years, I have learned how to navigate the ups and downs of a neurodiverse brain. If you, or someone close to you, struggles with ADHD then this is session for you. I promise that you will not be bored!

Looking to unwind and relax? This style of yoga encourages physical, mental, and emotional relaxation. Appropriate for all levels, restorative yoga is practiced at a slow pace, focusing on stillness and conscious breathing.

In this session we will go through a variety of games, activities and resources to get your students outdoors and active. Why wait for a PE class that might only be a few days a week!? Let’s help show teachers and students the purpose of daily fresh air and some simple games to help lead them.

“Do I have to do this?”  “Is this going to be on the test?”  Motivation and engagement are critical factors in helping our students find success in school.  This session will feature simple ways to keep students actively plugged into teaching efforts. Participants will learn how to facilitate lessons that help students not only pay better attention in class, but also better retain the content being taught.

This session is perfect for first-year teachers looking to build strong foundations for personal and professional well-being. Together, we'll explore essential strategies for organizing your time and life to foster teacher wellness. Topics will include effective time management, stress reduction techniques, and creating a calm classroom environment. Let’s work smarter, not harder, to ensure that we take care of ourselves just as well as we take care of our students.

Explore the transformative potential of AI in education with Amanda Bickerstaff, founder of AI for Education. This session envisions the classroom of tomorrow, where AI powers personalized learning, immersive experiences, and global collaboration. Discover how AI will redefine the roles of educators and students alike while learning strategies to build essential AI literacy and prepare for an AI-integrated educational landscape. Whether you're an AI novice or an early adopter, join us to learn, experiment, and innovate with Gen AI!

This presentation is designed for teachers who are planning to retire during the current year or within the next few years. It provides detailed information about deciding to retire, the Steps to Retirement process and forms, the pension options, and post-retirement considerations.

This interactive session develops participants’ comprehensive foundational understanding, builds practical skills, and explores the ethical considerations necessary for responsibly adopting GenAI tools into teaching practices. Overview of GenAI: Develop a common understanding and foundation of GenAI by delving into the essentials, debunking common myths, and tracing the evolution of AI. Ethical Considerations: Discuss the ethical implications of GenAI, focusing on academic integrity and responsible use in educational settings. Applying AI to Your Practice: Dive into how GenAI tools can support your practice with hands-on time to use tools to solve a current problem of practice.

In today's educational landscape, the traditional methods of assessment often fall short in capturing the full spectrum of student capabilities. This session is designed to spark a paradigm shift in our approach to evaluation, advocating for the integration of performance-based and outcome-driven assessment while challenging the conventional reliance on grades. From project-based assessments to competency-based frameworks, we will showcase diverse approaches that empower students to showcase their abilities authentically and cultivate a growth mindset. Whether you're an educator, administrator, or curriculum developer, this session will offer you invaluable insights and actionable strategies to reimagine assessment practices and unlock the full potential of learners. Together, let's embark on a journey towards assessment innovation and student-centered excellence.

Teaching while navigating a mental or physical health condition can often feel isolating, exhausting, and at times, overwhelming. This one-hour session is designed to validate your experiences, providing a supportive environment for educators facing similar challenges to connect and share. We will explore practical strategies for managing your well-being and sustaining your passion for education. Christine, who manages an autoimmune disease, and Sara, who navigates living with a severe mental illness, will draw from their personal journeys to equip you with tools to prioritize your health without diminishing your impact in the classroom. They will also share research and insights into imposter syndrome and how we can come together to reduce the stigma of living with an ongoing health condition. You are more than your condition, and this session will assist you in reclaiming control of both your personal and professional life.

This session is for contract teachers and administrators; How can we best support the substitute teachers in our schools and keeping them coming back?

Your retirement, your way. If you're starting to think about retirement, you might be wondering what your benefit options will look like. Our flexible solutions will meet your needs for the next stage in your life, so you can: BE FLEXIBLE. Choose the coverage that suits your needs for extended health benefits, prescription drugs and dental care. FEEL CONFIDENT. Enjoy your retirement with peace of mind that your coverage is secure with a brand you know and trust. TRAVEL FAR. Enjoy worry-free vacations with our emergency travel coverage and up to 90 days per trip. LIVE WELL. Stay happy and healthy by taking advantage of personal, nutritional and financial counseling through our wellness programs Learn what to expect and plan for in retirement; from the government sponsored programs to personal options. This is a great opportunity to plan for early for retirement and get information.

Canadian recording artist Marco Corbo has dealt with depression and anxiety for many years. These conditions have led to low self-esteem, isolation, loneliness, and shame. They have taken him down some dark roads. Marco’s presentation intertwines storytelling with songs composed throughout his journey. Marco has managed to overcome these challenges and have a successful career as a teacher, as well as becoming an accomplished singer-songwriter. Marco is sharing his story, hoping to help end the stigma surrounding mental health. He hopes that opening up about his own struggles will encourage kids and adults alike, to talk about mental health openly, and to seek help when they need it.

Introduction: Educators say Canada's teacher shortage is at a crisis level, and that sustainable solutions are desperately needed. Despite being on the frontline of student support, the effects of secondary trauma on teachers are under-researched. Background: Since the 1990s, the concepts of vicarious trauma vicarious trauma and secondary traumatic stress have been recognized in various helping professions, including journalism, clergy, counseling, police officers, firefighters and healthcare. These conditions arise from indirect exposure to trauma through helping or wanting to help a traumatized person. However, teachers are often the first point of contact for students outside of their homes, and despite this reality, public educators have only recently been acknowledged as susceptible to these forms of trauma. Impact on Teachers: With the increasing prevalence of bullying, community-based violence, and abuse affecting students, teachers frequently encounter traumatic narratives. If we accept that trauma directly affects students' lives and their abilities in the classroom, we can anticipate that it will have some effect on teachers as well. Proposed Session Content: Detailed Explanation of vicarious trauma and secondary traumatic stress: Define and distinguish between vicarious trauma and secondary traumatic stress, providing context and relevance to the teaching profession. Impact on Educators: Discuss research findings, including those from my graduate-level thesis, on how vicarious trauma and secondary traumatic stress manifest in teachers. Preventive and Mitigative Strategies: Explore evidence-based approaches to prevent or ameliorate the symptoms of vicarious trauma and secondary traumatic stress among educators. Resource Sharing: Provide participants with practical resources to help them manage and mitigate vicarious trauma and secondary traumatic stress in their professional practice. Learning Outcomes: Learners will: Build knowledge of vicarious trauma and secondary traumatic stress and how they impact teaching Acquire evidence-based strategies to prevent and mitigate vicarious trauma and secondary traumatic stress. Access practical resources for managing secondary trauma in their daily practice. Conclusion: By recognizing and addressing the impacts of vicarious trauma and secondary traumatic stress, we can better support the mental health of teachers, ultimately fostering a healthier educational environment for both educators and students. Every profession has inherent risks; however, we cannot put protection in place for a risk that we do not acknowledge. Join us to learn how you can safeguard your well-being and continue to provide exceptional support to your students.

Introduction: Teacher burnout and attrition have long been concerns in education, but an often-overlooked factor is the impact of student-reported trauma on educators. Educational leaders play a crucial role in recognizing and addressing the effects of vicarious trauma and secondary traumatic stress on their staff. This session aims to equip educational leaders with the knowledge and tools to support their teachers' well-being effectively. Background: Since the 1990s, vicarious trauma and secondary traumatic stress have been recognized in various helping professions, such as journalism, clergy, counseling, law enforcement, and healthcare. These conditions result from indirect exposure to trauma through assisting or wanting to help traumatized individuals. Despite teachers being a primary point of contact for students outside their homes, the susceptibility of public educators to vicarious trauma and secondary traumatic stress has only recently been acknowledged. Impact on Teachers: With increasing incidents of bullying, community-based violence, and abuse affecting students, teachers frequently encounter traumatic narratives. If trauma significantly impacts students' lives and classroom performance, it logically follows that it would similarly affect teachers exposed to these stories. Proposed Session Content: What is Vicarious Trauma and Secondary Traumatic Stress? Developing an Understanding: Define and distinguish between vicarious trauma vicarious trauma and secondary traumatic stress, providing context and relevance to the educational environment. Manifestation in Educators: Discuss how vicarious trauma and secondary traumatic stress manifest in teachers. How to Prevent Vicarious Trauma and Secondary Traumatic Stress? Preventive Strategies: Explore evidence-based approaches and best practices to prevent vicarious trauma and secondary traumatic stress among educators. Organizational Support: Highlight the role of school leadership in creating a supportive environment that mitigates the risks of vicarious trauma and secondary traumatic stress. How to be Vicarious Trauma and Secondary Traumatic Stress Aware? Awareness and Recognition: Provide guidelines for educational leaders to recognize signs of vicarious trauma and secondary traumatic stress in their staff. Ongoing Support: Discuss strategies for ongoing support and professional development to foster resilience and well-being among educators. Learning Outcomes: Learners will: Build knowledge of vicarious trauma and secondary traumatic stress and how they impact teaching Recognize signs of vicarious trauma and secondary traumatic stress in their staff. Acquire evidence-based strategies to prevent and mitigate vicarious trauma and secondary traumatic stress. Create a organizational culture that reduces the impact of student-reported trauma. Conclusion: By understanding and addressing the impacts of vicarious trauma and secondary traumatic stress, educational leaders can better support their teachers' mental health, fostering a healthier and more productive educational environment. Every profession has inherent risks, but without acknowledgment and proactive measures, effective protections cannot be implemented. Join us to learn how you can lead with resilience and support your educators in providing exceptional support to their students.

This session is guided by the following focusing questions; What kinds of feedback do substitute teachers need for their reflective practice? How can substitute teachers obtain quality feedback on their teaching practice? What kinds of feedback can substitute teachers provide?

Interested in traveling and volunteering? This session is about my experience doing both! Burundi English School provides opportunities for teachers in Alberta to mentor teachers and students who are following the Alberta curriculum. Come listen to how you can make a difference for people on the other side of the world while having an opportunity to travel to beautiful South East Africa.