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.

7:45am MDT

BREAKFAST

Friday October 2, 2026 7:45am - 8:45am MDT

Plaza 1

Friday October 2, 2026 7:45am - 8:45am MDT
Plaza 1

Meals & Breaks

8:45am MDT

CONFERENCE KICK OFF AND WELCOME

Friday October 2, 2026 8:45am - 9:00am MDT

Plaza 1

Friday October 2, 2026 8:45am - 9:00am MDT
Plaza 1

Plenary Sessions

9:00am MDT

WELCOME FROM THE PRESIDENT

Friday October 2, 2026 9:00am - 9:15am MDT

Plaza 1

Friday October 2, 2026 9:00am - 9:15am MDT
Plaza 1

Plenary Sessions

9:15am MDT

YOUR ASSOCIATION AND YOU: THINGS EVERY BEGINNING TEACHER SHOULD KNOW

Friday October 2, 2026 9:15am - 10:00am MDT

Plaza 1

Please submit your questions at www.menti.com and use code 8870 1164. If your question isn't answered during this session, you can find the answer during the social question and answer time at 4 pm today or you can call 1-800-332-1280 and ask to speak to an ATA staff officer.

Panelists:

Professional Development – Nancy Luyckfassel
Teacher Employment Services – Genevieve Blais
Government – Dr. Elissa Corsi

Friday October 2, 2026 9:15am - 10:00am MDT
Plaza 1

Plenary Sessions

10:15am MDT

Building Confidence Through Numeracy Routines: Creating Safe and Engaging Math Classrooms (K-12)

LIMITED

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

Plaza 1

Limited Capacity seats available

This interactive session explores how purposeful numeracy routines can build student confidence, strengthen mathematical thinking, and create positive classroom culture in Grades K–12. Participants will experience a variety of practical, low-prep routines that encourage communication, reasoning, flexibility in thinking, and student engagement while supporting diverse learners. The session will also examine the impact of math trauma and anxiety, highlighting how predictable and low-risk instructional structures can help students rebuild confidence and develop a healthier mathematical identity. Educators will leave with ready-to-use routines, implementation strategies, and ideas for embedding meaningful numeracy conversations into everyday classroom practice.

Speakers

Patricia Shoemaker

Friday October 2, 2026 10:15am - 11:30am MDT
Plaza 1

Mathematics; Inclusion, Division I, II, III and IV

12:30pm MDT

Navigating the New K–6 Social Studies Curriculum

LIMITED

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

Plaza 1

Limited Capacity seats available

Feeling overwhelmed by the new K–6 Social Studies curriculum? Together, we will unpack the curriculum, explore the foundations of quality social studies learning developed by the ATA Social Studies Council, and examine practical frameworks that can guide planning and instruction. Participants will leave with access to curated book lists, teacher created resources (no need to purchase worksheet bundles!), project ideas and assessment experiences, and connections to organizations, field trips, and educational learning partners that can bring social studies to life in the classroom. Whether you are searching for engaging cross-curricular inquiry opportunities, rich assessment ideas, or simply wondering where to begin, this session will help you navigate the curriculum with greater confidence.

Speakers

Jen Perry

Social Studies Council

Hey there! I am the CCSD Elementary Social Studies Consultant. Come chat with me about all things new social studies curriculum implementation. I’m also the Calgary President of the ATA Social Studies Council & am eager to connect with K-12 social studies teachers to share resources... Read More →

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

Social Studies, Division I, Division II | English Language Arts, Division I, Division II | Indigenous, Division I, Division II

2:00pm MDT

Rhythmic Fun: Engaging Elementary Music Students with Hand Clapping Games (K-6)

LIMITED

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

Plaza 1

Limited Capacity seats available

Elementary music teachers, dive into the rhythm of hand clapping games in this interactive session. Explore how to weave these fun activities into your lessons, drawing from playground traditions and youth culture. Get ready to clap, stomp, and bring the playground spirit to your music room!

Speakers

Lorna Walker

Fine Arts Council

Connie Ohlman

Web Manager, Fine Arts Council

Friday October 2, 2026 2:00pm - 3:15pm MDT
Plaza 1

Fine Arts, Division I, Division II

3:30pm MDT

Calgary Public—Your Representatives and You (Mandatory)

Friday October 2, 2026 3:30pm - 4:15pm MDT

Plaza 1

We’re thrilled to have you join us for this session where you’ll have the opportunity to meet and engage directly with your representatives. This is your moment to connect, ask questions and share insights.

Attendance and sign-in for Grant-In-Aid (GIA) to your local.

Locals

Calgary Public Teachers Local 38

Friday October 2, 2026 3:30pm - 4:15pm MDT
Plaza 1

Hot Topics for Professionals

9:00am MDT

Surviving Your First Five Years as a Music Teacher (K-12)

LIMITED

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

Plaza 1

Limited Capacity seats available

The first years of teaching music can feel exciting, overwhelming, exhausting, and inspiring all at once. This practical and encouraging session focuses on realistic strategies for classroom management, concert preparation, assessment, organization, and teacher wellness.

Speakers

Amanda Clark

Fine Arts Council

Saturday October 3, 2026 9:00am - 10:15am MDT
Plaza 1

Fine Arts; Teacher Wellness, Division I, II, III and IV

10:30am MDT

Intentional Read Alouds: Mentor Texts for K–5

LIMITED

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

Plaza 1

Limited Capacity seats available

Discover mentor texts that earn a permanent place on your classroom shelf. This session will highlight diverse K–5 picture books that support reading, writing, inquiry, and inclusive classroom conversations. Teachers will leave with practical ideas, ready-to-use applications, and a growing list of books they can bring directly into their classrooms.

Speakers

Katie Maclean

Saturday October 3, 2026 10:30am - 11:45am MDT
Plaza 1

English Language Arts; Inclusion, Division I Division II

7:45am MDT

8:45am MDT

9:00am MDT

9:15am MDT

10:15am MDT

12:30pm MDT

2:00pm MDT

3:30pm MDT

9:00am MDT

10:30am MDT

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