BTC 2026 - Calgary: Full Schedule

WELCOME TO THE 2026 CALGARY BEGINNING TEACHERS’ CONFERENCE!

Teachers new to the profession are invited to attend the 2026 Beginning Teachers’ Conference, October 2-3, Best Western Premier Calgary Plaza Hotel & Conference Centre, Calgary. There is no registration fee. Space is limited; apply early.

School principals, school jurisdictions and local associations work together to provide substitute teacher coverage as per the collective agreement to facilitate the attendance of beginning teachers at the conference. Substitute teacher coverage must be organized and approved in advance. Please ensure you meet with your school principal to discuss release time and obtain the appropriate absence code to attend this conference.

Teachers in charter, federal and private schools must be associate members of the Association to be eligible to attend the Beginning Teachers Conference.

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10:15am MDT

Being in Good Relations - An Introduction to Cultural Protocols (K–12)

LIMITED

Friday October 2, 2026 10:15am - 11:30am MDT

Horizons Ballroom

Limited Capacity seats available

Join this introductory workshop to learn more about Cultural Protocols for engaging with Indigenous ways of knowing, being and doing. Rather than a "prescriptive guide" or a "checklist of dos and don'ts", this conversation-based workshop is an opportunity to be introduced to foundational concepts for developing and strengthening relationships with Indigenous Peoples and Indigenous systems of knowledge.

Speakers

Diane Litman

Indigenous Education PD Facilitator, The Alberta Teachers' Association

Friday October 2, 2026 10:15am - 11:30am MDT
Horizons Ballroom

Indigenous Education, Division I, II, III and IV

12:30pm MDT

Engaging in Numeracy and Connections through First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Traditional Games (K-12)

LIMITED

Friday October 2, 2026 12:30pm - 1:45pm MDT

Horizons Ballroom

Limited Capacity seats available

Did you know that First Nations, Métis, and Inuit traditional games are great ways to make connections to numeracy? Traditional games can provide entry points to deeper understanding of Indigenous ways of knowing and further connections to the land. Get ready to learn about resources for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit traditional games and how to create authentic learning experiences.

Speakers

Tessa Ethier

Indigenous Education PD Facilitator

Friday October 2, 2026 12:30pm - 1:45pm MDT
Horizons Ballroom

Indigenous Education, Division I, II, III and IV

2:00pm MDT

Student Led Learning with 5 Minute Field Trips—How to make time for fun and games in any classroom! (K–12)

LIMITED

Friday October 2, 2026 2:00pm - 3:15pm MDT

Horizons Ballroom

Limited Capacity seats available

Who doesn’t enjoy playing games and running activities with their classes? As teachers and instructors, these games and activities can not only be the highlight of a student’s day in school but serve meaningful and powerful purposes behind the scenes. Team building activities help create positive group norms, foster a sense of community and inclusive social climates, and get work done in fun, cooperative ways. Without even knowing, when classes take part in these activities, they are teaching risk management, basic skill development, impart knowledge and allow for a meaningful wellness break. Skilled instructors will know that these skills are often accomplished all at the same time, without the participants (students) even knowing that they are learning it! We will go through a variety of games, activities and resources to get your students outdoors, active and leading the way! Why wait for a PE class that might only be a few days a week!

Speakers

Court Rustemeyer

President, Global, Environmental & Outdoor Education Council

For almost 20 years, Court Rustemeyer has been inspiring youth and educators to connect with nature through daily exploration and adventure. A passionate advocate for outdoor learning, he creates opportunities for leadership, resilience, and stewardship through immersive experiences... Read More →

Friday October 2, 2026 2:00pm - 3:15pm MDT
Horizons Ballroom

Physical Education, Division I, II, III and IV | Outdoor Education, Division I, II, III and IV

BTC 2026 - Calgary

10:15am MDT

Diane Litman

12:30pm MDT

Tessa Ethier

Indigenous Education PD Facilitator

2:00pm MDT

Court Rustemeyer

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