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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9:00am MDT

Care and Connect—Social and Emotional Learning

LIMITED

Saturday October 3, 2026 9:00am - 10:15am MDT

Horizons Ballroom

Limited Capacity seats available

Now, more than ever, there is a need to look at practices and systems that nurture the social and emotional health of all members of the school community. This workshop was developed to enhance the social-emotional skills of adults within a school environment so that they can more effectively model and teach SEL to their students. This interactive workshop can be facilitated over a series of sessions in which participants will learn and apply practical, powerful strategies to enhance social and emotional competence within themselves and their students.

Speakers

John Houston

ATA Learning Facilitator, The Alberta Teachers' Association

Saturday October 3, 2026 9:00am - 10:15am MDT
Horizons Ballroom

Teacher Wellness, Division I, II, III and IV

10:30am MDT

Start Small, Think Big: Build a Fibre Arts Program That Works (4-12)

LIMITED

Saturday October 3, 2026 10:30am - 11:45am MDT

Horizons Ballroom

Limited Capacity seats available

Looking to launch a fibre arts program but not sure where to start—or how to afford it? This hands-on session is designed specifically for teachers who want practical, classroom-ready ideas they can use right away. Using simple, low-cost materials like donated fabrics, felt, and socks, you'll learn how to guide students in creating eye-catching, meaningful textile projects—without stretching your budget. We'll focus on approachable hand-stitching techniques that build student confidence and creativity, making fibre arts accessible for beginners at any grade level. Leave with ready-to-use project ideas, skill-building strategies, and the confidence to start your fibre arts program as soon as Monday.

Speakers

Darrin Wilson

President, ATA Fine Arts Council

Darrin Wilson is the President of the ATA's Fine Arts Council (FAC) and has worked within the Calgary Board of Education (CBE) since 2008, focusing mostly on teaching English language arts, visual arts, and drama to middle school students. He has a Diplôme d'Études Collégiales... Read More →

Saturday October 3, 2026 10:30am - 11:45am MDT
Horizons Ballroom

CTS/CTF; Fine Arts; Teacher Wellness, Division II Division III Division IV

BTC 2026 - Calgary

9:00am MDT

John Houston

10:30am MDT

Darrin Wilson

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