CATCA 2022

Now more than ever, we are witnessing the impact of trauma on the students and families we work with, and on ourselves as educators. Thankfully, the news isn’t all bad. There are strategies we can use to enhance and adapt our existing practices to respond to trauma needs within ourselves, our students, and our colleagues. In this session you will be introduced to the principles of trauma-informed practice through stories and examples of how schools in Alberta and around the world are implementing them into their classrooms. You’ll leave with practical strategies you can implement right away, and you’ll likely learn that a lot of what you’re already doing as an educator is trauma-informed.

There is both gravity and gladness to be explored when teaching the history of Black and Brown people. That exploration can be done in ways that honour their legacies and fully engage students in memorable learning. Join this session to see examples of how to do this in your classroom in a variety of content areas and a variety of grade levels. This is a pre-recorded session that is offered by TYHO (Teach Your Heart Out).To have access to this video you will need sign up with the following Google Form:https://forms.gle/UsdgGceaxX5mrMRx6

The video, which has received an award from the Association for Media and Technology in Education (AMTEC), is intended to educate young people about refugees, to help them to identify and understand the discrimination that refugees face, and the effect it has on them. Some of the biggest obstacles to acceptance - entrenched prejudices and discrimination are discussed. A Video User’s Guide and a Teacher’s Guide (available on ACLRC's website aclrc.com), give educators background information on refugees and the refugee experience, on international laws which protect refugees and Canadian laws which protect everyone against discrimination. A former refugee will be in attendance.

Participants will be introduced to a smudging circle. They will learn about the different smudges that are utilized in the different nations of Turtle Island. Each smudge utilized is also a medicine. Participants will learn more about these plants as medicines. To smudge is to bring balance of mind, body and spirit and to make a connection to the Creator. Smudging circles are a way to start a talking/sharing circle.

Continuing to make belonging the priority while so many other things are pressing.To have access to this video you will need sign up with the following Google Form:https://forms.gle/UsdgGceaxX5mrMRx6

What are you doing to help the culture in your school? Learn how adding a few things into your library can bring students in and change the dynamics of your building In this session, you will learn how to build relationships through social media, monthly contests, book clubs, interactive bulletin boards, book displays and a cozy environment. This is a pre-recorded session that is offered by TYHO (Teach Your Heart Out). To have access to this video you will need sign up with the following Google Form:https://forms.gle/UsdgGceaxX5mrMRx6

We all have scholars who may seem introverted and distant at times during lessons. Check out some strategies and tips to reach those students who may come off as resultant learners with diverse backgrounds. This is a pre-recorded session that is offered by TYHO (Teach Your Heart Out).To have access to this video you will need sign up with the following Google Form:https://forms.gle/UsdgGceaxX5mrMRx6

Using games is a great way to teach SEL (social-emotional learning) skills and Executive Functioning (EF) skills in your classroom. In this session, attendees will learn what board games can be used to promote and target different SEL and executive functioning skills to better help your students. You'll leave feeling more confident in your understanding of SEL and executive functioning and how to incorporate and teach those skills using games.To have access to this video you will need sign up with the following Google Form:https://forms.gle/UsdgGceaxX5mrMRx6

Experience the Alberta Council for Global Cooperation’s (ACGC) newest workshop, Beyond a Single Story. Created for grades 7-12, this activity prompts learners to explore the ways that intersecting identities can affect a person’s reality and quality of life. By considering the diverse viewpoints within a specific community, students will gain an understanding of the complexities of analyzing a community’s challenges and strengths. Each community case study was created in partnership with an Alberta-based international development organization, using their many years of experience working in solidarity with their partner communities. Through the case studies, students will explore challenges relating to unsafe water, gender inequality, avoidable blindness, poverty, HIV prevention, or access to education. They will analyze these challenges while considering the perspectives of various community members whose identities affect their lived experiences distinctly. ACGC will facilitate the workshop with participants, then open up a discussion on how to promote empathy-building and global citizenship in the classroom and how to approach topics such as intersectionality and diverse lived experiences.

The Rick Hansen Foundation School Program (RHFSP) believes in the importance of teaching youth about equity, inclusion and empowering students to be difference makers – we hope you do too! Learn how the RHFSP can support you in confidently covering the topics of inclusion, accessibility and disability awareness with your class. Our program offers educational resources for youth in kindergarten to grade twelve on these important topics while meeting provincial curriculum outcomes. Our lessons are designed to be easily-implemented into current lesson planning, and are available in different formats to meet your class' needs. Join us for a resource-filled session and take advantage of our unique offerings available to you, such as our engaging and impactful Ambassador Presentations!

The role of the teacher in an inclusive classroom can sometimes be a challenging role with a wide range of expectations. This session will engage teachers in a reflective dialogue focusing on elements that they can build upon in their current classrooms, along with the importance of establishing a collaborative school team as a key component for teachers to share their expertise, strategies and problem-solving. This session is intended to reinforce the teacher’s strengths and encourage them to consider possible ways to extend their practices to ensure equity for all students.

According to a study from the Government of Canada, 70% of mental health problems have their onset during childhood or adolescence.

After spending decades working on the ground with youth who struggled with addictions and mental health, our team realized a common pattern across a collection of individual stories: a profound event occurring from the ages of 11-14 that set the youth’s life on a trajectory for using. It was clear that something had to be done before these kids started using that gave them the resilience to overcome the traumatic event that would have set them on the path to being an addict.

Impact Society is an Alberta-based charitable organization with the mission to help grow the confidence and resiliency of youth so they can build long-term values that contribute to a flourishing life. Founded in 1998, Impact Society is dedicated to helping community leaders, educators, and youth workers understand the process necessary to build up young people’s strengths. By working with, supporting, and celebrating educators, we can help youth undercover their unique gifts and abilities that will allow them to impact themselves and the world around them.

Our goal is to empower 1 million children across Canada to uncover their unique gifts and abilities.

The Heroes programs are curriculum-based resources for students, communities, and families that improve youth’s mental health and well-being. The Heroes programs are strength-based and science-backed to help young people grow in their capacity to relate to others, support each other, and build a flourishing community. Our programs do not merely teach the psychology behind mental illness and addictions, but rather equip youth with the values, confidence, and resilience to overcome life’s traumatic obstacles.

Each of the Heroes programs is designed for a unique member of the educational journey. The Heroes and Heroes 2 programs are designed for youth and educators from grades 6-10. Heroes at Home is a strength-based program for caregivers looking to extend the system of support beyond the classroom. While the Heroes are Warriors program is our Heroes program with Indigenous contextualization. It is a simple but effective twelve-session character education experience that helps participants see and build what’s already inside them—greatness.


Over 200,000 students, educators, and caregivers have participated to date and through extensive research to analyze the effectiveness of our programs, we can confidently say that the Heroes program empowers youth to seize opportunities and overcome challenges. Research shows that our evidence-based Heroes programs reduce negative actions and behaviours that can be considered harmful to the community and addresses prejudice and discrimination to create more respectful, equal, and positive communities. Our research shows:

The Heroes programs inspire youth to succeed. Studies on program participants show a 16% increase in school involvement, 19% increase in commitment to learning and a 32% increase in family communication. Following the program, 67% of students feel more optimistic about life and set personal life goals.

Circumstances, fears, and labels are addressed, broken down, and turned into strengths. This is shown by a 23% increase in self-esteem and a 35% increase in self-efficacy.
Confident youth perform better in school and life. Strengths central to the commitment to learning see significant increases. The importance of achievement increases by 27%, school engagement by 17% and school work by 14%.


We understand the role that educators play in helping us achieve our goal of serving 1 million of Canada’s youth. Our programs are a cost-effective investment for educators and caregivers interested in interrupting the patterns of addictions, and instead, giving youth the tools necessary to overcome adversity and create impact.

Everyone has their own experiences and perspectives on racism and racial discrimination; we all have biases, and it is important to understand how these play out in our daily work and personal lives and how they may influence (albeit unconsciously) our interactions with others, especially students, co-workers and parents. This session will be a brief introduction to Alberta Civil Liberties Research Centre's "Understanding Anti-Racism and Racial Discriminations" workshop which is usually a minimum of 4 hours long and covers racism, the difference between racism and racial discrimination, the importance of discrimination and human rights law, terminology associated with racism and anti-racism, how unconscious biases and assumptions could affect your interactions with others, and some actions you can take.
We have presented this 4 hour workshop to many schools in Alberta and are currently working with the Anti-Racism Committee of a School District.

Maybe you have heard it called Cultural Responsiveness, Cultural Bias or perhaps, Diversity and Inclusion...whatever you may call it, how do you know if you are nailing it? Relationship building, cultural acceptance, school climate and engagement all go hand in hand. So, just like anything else, there needs to be a clear vision of what that looks like in your classroom. In this session, we will address what culture really is; how do we create an environment of high engagement and loving curiosity where teachers and students feel valuable in classrooms and schools WITHOUT ignoring who they truly are.
To have access to this video you will need sign up with the following Google Form:https://forms.gle/UsdgGceaxX5mrMRx6

Bryce as a Texas Teacher wants to share stories and what he sees regularly in schools regarding LGBTQ++ students. This is a pre-recorded session that is offered by TYHO (Teach Your Heart Out). To have access to this video you will need sign up with the following Google Form:https://forms.gle/UsdgGceaxX5mrMRx6

Using an interactive learning style test to differentiate instruction to all learning styles. Attendees will learn how to infuse pop culture, sports, and real-world experiences into lessons, as well as how to use each class’ unique culture to create meaningful lessons. J.R. Rivera will also discuss how to reach the unreachable students.To have access to this video you will need sign up with the following Google Form:https://forms.gle/UsdgGceaxX5mrMRx6

Session: Who are our English Language Learners?
The purpose of this session is to give teachers the background knowledge necessary to help support the needs of the ELLs in mainstream classes. A holistic understanding of who these students are and where they are coming from will enable teachers to form more meaningful connections. While we are not focused on any one particular ethnic or language group, we will include information on Islam as many of our new students are devout Muslims. Our topics will include the family culture and home environment of our families. We will touch on the causes for their migration to Canada and some of the adverse experiences that led to that move. We will discuss student and familial attitudes toward school and behavioural expectations. In addition, we will talk about the diversity of these students’ formal education before coming to our school district. Finally we will discuss some divisions teachers may notice playing out in their classrooms. We are happy to provide additional information on our presentation if that would be helpful in this process.

This session is designed for participants to explore several authentic recommended Métis educational materials that help to create teachable moments and provide foundational learning opportunities. Building your foundational knowledge about Métis will empower you to select authentic, accurate resources that honour distinct Métis perspectives. Together we will explore resources designed by Métis educators that integrate Métis voices into purposeful lessons and engaging activities.

This workshop was developed and is delivered in partnership with an RSW (Registered Social Worker)who has over 10 years of experience in child protection and adoptions work. Being educated and aware of the role that Child Family Services plays in our community is an essential responsibility that all ECE's share. This workshop explains how CFS works to ensure the safety and well-being of vulnerable children and struggling families, and how and when schools may require their support. It includes discussions surrounding how children's emotional well-being and their behavior may be impacted by family conflict, instability, and residency transitions (such as being placed in foster care or with a family member). Using the Behavior Wayfinding Framework, this workshop provides strategies of how programs and educators can provide support.

In this workshop participants will explore concepts and terminology regarding gender and sexual diversity. We will look at best practices for teachers to create a safer and more welcoming school for all students as well as strategies for addressing homophobia and transphobia in their classroom. Teachers will also discuss methods for developing allyship skills within their school as well as the community at large.

Join Elders and Ever Active Schools for knowledge sharing about developing a meaningful Land Acknowledgement as a beautiful starting point for reconciliation, environmental stewardship and wellbeing. As our organization continues to journey on our own pathway in this work, we look forward to sharing our machitowin: our starting points, and offer you ideas on how you might find your own personal starting point and ways you might invite your students to find their own mâchitowin.

School leaders are charged with not only leading teachers but students and their families as well, despite their race, origin or background. In this session, we will discuss how leaders can support teachers by creating a school climate where racism is not tolerated and children are loved, supported, and uplifted regardless of the colour of their skin. To have access to this video you will need sign up with the following Google Form:https://forms.gle/UsdgGceaxX5mrMRx6

It is no secret that everyone holds bias. In this session, you will explore the origins of bias and how it affects our interactions with our
students. You will leave this session with application tools to start the school year off with a fresh approach to students who may not be like you. This is a pre-recorded session that is offered by TYHO (Teach Your Heart Out). To have access to this video you will need sign up with the following Google Form:https://forms.gle/UsdgGceaxX5mrMRx6

Global evidence suggests that children, parents, and families are presenting to all levels of educational systems with increasingly complex psychosocial needs from a variety of forms of trauma. Therefore, future success of classrooms of all ages will be dependent on the need for continually seeking out creative trauma informed interventions.

This workshop will include discussions from both a trauma informed therapeutic parent and a trauma informed family counsellor to link specific trauma informed literature bases for students of all ages. Strategies and interventions discussed will be suitable for implementation level for both individuals students as well as entire school systems.

Sexuality and gender is an essential aspect of growth that is embedded in all areas of childhood development; it is present in their social, physical, intellectual, and emotional well-being.
This workshop discusses how sexuality is an essential aspect of the development of children and how significant an educators’ role is in providing support. The core factors that are discussed include: knowledge about a child’s developing self, working with families, answering children’s questions, understanding age appropriate behaviour, and how you can support early childhood sexual education and diversity in the classroom.

Award-winning artist, Alexis Marie Chute will share the broad creative and expressive possibilities of portraiture and self-portraiture. Through many examples, discover how portraits can visualize the often inexpressible parts of the human experience, making seen what is frequently unseen. Discover how different art materials and techniques can communicate various mental and emotional states, plus unexpected ways to combine these into complex and emotive portraits. We live in an age where empathy and compassion are needed more than ever. Through an exploration of portraiture and self-portraiture, learn how this artistic genre can grapple with coming of age, identity, mental health, struggle, and triumph.

“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” A British rhyme meant to help children stand up to bullying and intimidation. But is that really true? As adults, we know that words DO hurt and that the painful feeling lasts a long time. While words do hurt us, intimidation and bullying do not have to be verbal: the dismissive flick of the hand, the rolling of the eyes, the crossing of the arms on the chest, the “see through you” attitude. The “silent”, non-verbal bullying hurts more, especially when we try to figure out “what we did wrong”.
Based on the latest research in the fields of non-violent communication and emotional intelligence, as well as through case studies and situation analysis, Maria will give you the necessary tools to decipher and deal with the situations in a professional way. Through examples taken from her personal and professional life and by having an open, honest conversation, Maria will demonstrate how you, as a leader, as well as a team member, can promote a safe working environment where people are not afraid to give honest feedback, while you lead them mindfully.

Games and culturally relevant stories that deliver a lesson can capture our students' imagination and inspire emotional engagement while also providing context for the lesson. We will cover how to use cultural stories and gamification in your classes or staff training program to improve engagement, comprehension, and retention – as well as active utilization of the new information. Step by step how-to can make your teaching more emotionally engaging starting tomorrow.

Key Takeaways:
* How and why culturally relevant stories improve interest, comprehension, and retention of the lesson
* How to improve emotional engagement in your classes using cultural stories and gamification
* Key components of a good cultural story to inspire your students
* Tips on integrating cultural stories and gamification into your classes starting tomorrow and see the difference immediately

A lack of emotional engagement is a significant factor in attention span as well as interest level on the part of the student – in both virtual and in-person learning environments. We have all heard students say “when will I ever use this?” or “this is so boring” because they feel that it doesn’t apply to them or their interests. However, there is a way to captivate their interest and inspire excitement.

Three powerful motivators for passionate learning and any having an enriching experience are: Autonomy (the ability to choose how you navigate a situation), Progress (and sense of improving in your performance), and Belonging (being a part of something that is bigger than just you).

Culturally relevant stories provide context for experiences, motivate students to learn more about the subjects being explored, and create ownership over the outcome due to a sense of belonging to something larger than themselves. Gamification (adding game elements to a lesson) helps focus students by providing a strong sense of tangible progress as well as a level of autonomy in how they navigate the event.

Teachers and curriculum designers are provided with step-by-step instructions on how to design, plan, and run story-based "adventures" that excite students and provide applicable context for the experience or lesson.

Games and culturally relevant stories that deliver a lesson can capture our students' imagination and inspire emotional engagement while also providing context for the lesson. We will cover how to use cultural stories and gamification in your classes or staff training program to improve engagement, comprehension, and retention – as well as active utilization of the new information. Step by step how-to can make your teaching more emotionally engaging starting tomorrow.

Key Takeaways:
* How and why culturally relevant stories improve interest, comprehension, and retention of the lesson
* How to improve emotional engagement in your classes using cultural stories and gamification
* Key components of a good cultural story to inspire your students
* Tips on integrating cultural stories and gamification into your classes starting tomorrow and see the difference immediately

A lack of emotional engagement is a significant factor in attention span as well as interest level on the part of the student – in both virtual and in-person learning environments. We have all heard students say “when will I ever use this?” or “this is so boring” because they feel that it doesn’t apply to them or their interests. However, there is a way to captivate their interest and inspire excitement.

Three powerful motivators for passionate learning and any having an enriching experience are: Autonomy (the ability to choose how you navigate a situation), Progress (and sense of improving in your performance), and Belonging (being a part of something that is bigger than just you).

Culturally relevant stories provide context for experiences, motivate students to learn more about the subjects being explored, and create ownership over the outcome due to a sense of belonging to something larger than themselves. Gamification (adding game elements to a lesson) helps focus students by providing a strong sense of tangible progress as well as a level of autonomy in how they navigate the event.

Teachers and curriculum designers are provided with step-by-step instructions on how to design, plan, and run story-based "adventures" that excite students and provide applicable context for the experience or lesson.