This event is open to all teachers with fewer than two years of experience and is designed to support and strengthen early‑career educators as they continue to develop their practice.
This session explores the key foundations needed to create a successful and engaging primary classroom. With over 25 years of classroom experience, I will share practical routines, songs, rhymes, and mentor texts that support classroom management, literacy development, and strong daily structures. The session highlights the importance of building classroom community, creating language-rich learning opportunities, and providing relevant, engaging experiences that support student success. Examples of cross-curricular projects incorporating mixed-media art will also be shared.
Teacher - Father Michael Mireau, Edmonton Catholic School Division
With 29 years of experience in primary grades, Michelle is a Grade 2 teacher who sees the power of relationships in supporting children’s growth and creativity, and views children as capable and competent. She creates a positive, inclusive, and engaging environment where every child... Read More →
Saturday May 23, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am MDT Room 2a
In this professional learning session, educators will explore practical strategies for integrating language supports into thinking routines to enhance student engagement and critical thinking. Participants will learn how to scaffold academic language, and be provided with tools that help students articulate their ideas clearly and confidently. The session will focus on making thinking routines accessible to all learners, including EAL learners and students in language programs by leveraging targeted language strategies that promote deeper thinking and collaborative learning (all materials shared will be provided in both French and English).
French Immersion Consultant, Edmonton Catholic School Division
Stephanie is a Saskatchewan transplant and a product of french immersion who found herself in Edmonton to continue her passion of learning in French at Campus St-Jean. Throughout her 16 years years with ECSD, she's loved working with students and teachers to help them see the wonderful... Read More →
Secondary EAL Consultant, Edmonton Catholic School Division
Vanessa Gavin is an EAL Consultant with Edmonton Catholic Schools. She has a background in teaching junior high and high school math and science, which has given her a unique perspective on language learning potential across different content areas. Vanessa believes in empowering... Read More →
Saturday May 23, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm MDT Room 2a
This session highlights a collection of engaging, easy‑to‑implement activities designed to keep learning purposeful and enjoyable as the school year winds down. Participants will explore high‑engagement, low‑preparation activities that work across subject areas and fit naturally into secondary classrooms. Each activity is crafted to spark curiosity, sustain meaningful learning, and help teachers maintain positive momentum during a time when student attention can drift.
Secondary Science Consultant, Edmonton Catholic School Division
Monica is Edmonton Catholic School Division's Secondary Science Consultant with over 20 years of experience teaching junior and senior high math and science. Her multimodal teaching strategies boost student engagement, understanding and achievement; a catalyst for scientific curi... Read More →
Secondary Science Consultant, Edmonton Catholic School Division
Susie is one of Edmonton Catholic School Division's Secondary Science Consultant with extensive experience teaching all four disciplines of Science. She is passionate about getting kids excited about science and helping them to achieve success, particularly if they have struggled... Read More →
SEL Changes Lives! Leave this session with research-informed practices you can embed into any subject/grade level STARTING TOMORROW that support Mental Health and Wellness and boost engagement.
Inclusive Consultant, Edmonton Catholic School Division
Kimberly is an Inclusive Education Consultant with Edmonton Catholic Schools, bringing over 20 years of experience in education, including classroom teaching at the elementary level, instructional coaching, and school-based leadership. With a passion for supporting diverse learners... Read More →
Inclusive Consultant, Edmonton Catholic School Division
Michelle is an ECSD Inclusive Education Consultant with 22 years experience as an elementary teacher, learning/instructional coach, Mental Health advocate, and assistant principal in both French Immersion, English, and Bilingual programs. She is passionate about collaborating with... Read More →
