NCTCA 2025: Full Schedule

EVENTBRITE (PRE-REGISTERED SESSIONS) -- Get your tickets here!
Tickets go on sale Monday, December 9th at 7PM
- EVENTBRITE IS THE ONLY WAY TO SECURE YOUR SPACE IN A PRE-REG SESSION!
- ONLY add a pre-registered session to your schedule on Sched if you have purchased your Eventbrite ticket.
- Sales end Monday, January 27 at 12PM

Wednesday Social - KARAOKE NIGHT!!
Location: The Westin Hotel - Devonian Room
Time: 7PM - 10PM
Appetizers will be provided throughout the evening.

2025 Tours
Art Gallery of Alberta
"Guided Tour": Thursday February 8th 9:30AM - 11:00AM
"Guided Tour": Friday February 9th 12:00PM - 1:30PM

Telus World of Science - Edmonton
Thursday February 8th PM

Fort Edmonton Park
Thursday, February 6th 9AM - 3PM
Friday, February 7th 9AM - 3PM

Muttart Conservatory
Thursday, February 6th 12:30PM - 1:30PM
Friday, February 7th 9AM - 10AM

Royal Alberta Museum
FRENCH Classroom: Thursday, February 6th 9:30AM - 11AM
ENGLISH Classroom: Thursday, February 6th 1PM - 2:30PM
FRENCH Tour: Friday, February 7th 9:30AM - 11AM
ENGLISH Tour: Friday, February 7th 1PM - 2:30PM

2025 Partners In Education Luncheon with Scott Ervin -- Get your ticket here!
Tickets go on sale Monday, December 9th 2024 at 7PM
10:30AM Doors open
11:15AM Program begins
11:30AM Scott Ervin to speak
12:15PM Lunch will be served

2025 Venues:

The Westin Edmonton: 10135 100 St. NW
Edmonton Convention Centre: 9797 Jasper Avenue, Edmonton
Saville Community Sports Centre: 11610 65 Ave, NW, Edmonton
Art Gallery of Alberta: 2 Sir Winston Churchill Square, Edmonton
Offsite locations: There are numerous offsite locations which all require an Eventbrite ticket. All Attendees with an Eventbrite ticket will be emailed directly with a location address.

9:00am MST

Elves, Orcs, Hobbits and the Meaning of Life According to J.R.R. Tolkien: A Theological Investigation of Middle Earth

Thursday February 6, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST

ECC - Salon 15/16

The enigmatic and obscure Oxford philologist, J.R.R. Tolkien produced a corpus of writings on the world of Middle Earth that has captivated countless readers. The cinematic renderings of the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit has further popularized his works, yet readers and viewers alike are often surprised at the profound impression Tolkien’s Catholic faith has made upon his writings. C.S. Lewis, a close friend and associate whose encouragement was necessary for Tolkien to publish, wove Christian themes within his works via allegory. Tolkien, on the other hand, chose a much different and more sophisticated approach in creating the drama of the Rings of Power. This talk offers educators of Literature and Religion insight into the life and works of Tolkien and the undercurrents within thought—and how these can be made accessible to students in the classroom.

Speakers

Dr. Gerard McLarney

Dr. McLarney teaches at St. Isidore Learning Center in Sherwood Park AB., and serves as a sessional instructor at St. Joseph's College, University of Alberta. His academic interests include Religious Education, World Religions, J.R.R. Tolkien, as well as Sacred Scripture. His doctorate... Read More →

Thursday February 6, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
ECC - Salon 15/16 Edmonton Convention Centre

Religious Studies / Religion, Language Arts / Arts Langagier

Language of Presentation English
Grade Focus Division 4 (Grades 10-12)
format Lecture
Room Details ECC - Salon 15/16 (Edmonton Convention Centre, Lecture Max capacity for 72 people)
Tags English, Division 4 (Grades 10-12)

10:15am MST

The Psalms, Air Pods, and God

Thursday February 6, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am MST

ECC - Salon 15/16

Ever wonder what music is streaming in the ear buds of your students? Often woven into the cacophony of bass and treble are profound existential themes that speak to the hearts of listeners. Within the Bible’s book of Psalms, we also find a collection of song lyrics that grapple with deep questions of the soul. This talk explores the structure and themes of the Psalms, draws connections to parallel themes in contemporary music, and provides educators with suggestions for engaging both student interest and curricular outcomes in Religious Education.

Speakers

Dr. Gerard McLarney

Thursday February 6, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am MST
ECC - Salon 15/16 Edmonton Convention Centre

Religious Studies / Religion, Music / Musique

Language of Presentation English
Grade Focus Division 4 (Grades 10-12)
format Lecture
Room Details ECC - Salon 15/16 (Edmonton Convention Centre, Lecture Max capacity for 72 people)
Tags English, Division 4 (Grades 10-12)

11:30am MST

L'oral au secondaire en toute simplicité

Thursday February 6, 2025 11:30am - 12:30pm MST

ECC - Salon 15/16

Nous savons tous que nos élèves savent parler, mais est-ce suffisant pour être un bon communicateur? Cet atelier consiste à outiller les enseignants pour créer leur propre atelier sur la communication orale. Je leur présenterai un modèle d’enseignement efficace qui est facilement adaptable à tous les niveaux du secondaire. Ensuite, par niveau, les enseignants pourront créer une courte séquence d’enseignement sur l’un des objectifs de communication oral. Dans cet atelier, j'encourage les enseignants à travailler ensemble afin de développer une séquence qui répond aux besoins de leur niveau. Les enseignants pourront aussi maximizer les étapes de l'ensenignement efficace. Cet atelier vise les enseignants au francophone et en immersion des niveaux 7 à 12.

Speakers

Eugénie McCallan

Originaire de la petite ville d’Otterburn Park en banlieue de Montréal, Eugénie McCallan vit à Edmonton depuis 17 ans. Diplômée du programme d’Éducation secondaire du Campus Saint-Jean, elle travaille comme enseignante d’études sociales et de français à l’école Alexandre-Tach... Read More →

Thursday February 6, 2025 11:30am - 12:30pm MST
ECC - Salon 15/16 Edmonton Convention Centre

Francais, Teaching Practices/ Pédagogie

Language of Presentation French
Grade Focus Division 3 (Grades 7-9)
format Lecture
Room Details ECC - Salon 15/16 (Edmonton Convention Centre, Lecture Max capacity for 72 people)
Tags French, Division 3 (Grades 7-9)

12:45pm MST

Find Your Voice: Learn Public Speaking Skills for You and Your Students

Thursday February 6, 2025 12:45pm - 1:45pm MST

ECC - Salon 15/16

Public speaking doesn't have to be a top fear! Carmen Leibel, a former broadcast journalist, now helps people of all ages become confident public speakers. In this interactive session, you'll learn valuable tips and tricks for yourself and your students that you can implement starting next week. Concerned about the rise in online communication during the pandemic, Carmen launched "Project Five" in 2023 to teach public speaking skills. Using engaging activities and five simple steps, Project Five has empowered thousands of students, from elementary to post-secondary, to present confidently, share ideas, and excel in interviews. Join us to transform your and your students' public speaking abilities!

Speakers

Carmen Leibel

Carmen Leibel spent more than 16 years in broadcast journalism as an anchor, producer, and reporter for CTV and is now the Founder and CEO of Project Five, Communicate with Confidence! During her time with CTV, Carmen spent many years as a health journalist and progressed to the position... Read More →

Thursday February 6, 2025 12:45pm - 1:45pm MST
ECC - Salon 15/16 Edmonton Convention Centre

General Interest / Intérêt Général, Language Arts / Arts Langagier

Language of Presentation English
Grade Focus All Grades
format Lecture
Room Details ECC - Salon 15/16 (Edmonton Convention Centre, Lecture Max capacity for 72 people)
Tags English, All Grades

2:00pm MST

Effective & Inspiring Experiential Learning Activities in the Canadian Military History Classroom

Thursday February 6, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm MST

ECC - Salon 15/16

War is a complex and emotionally difficult subject to cover deeply and effectively in class, but it can be done in a caring, engaging, and inspiring manner that promotes enduring lessons learned. During this Canadian military history education session hosted by Valour Canada, attendees will observe different strategies and tactics teachers can employ in their classroom to increase student buy-in and more effectively educate about Canada's military history. Pedagogically speaking, the audience will see how hands-on, experiential learning (using scenarios presented to the students) can be used to elicit deeper critical thought from participating students. Methods for integrating discussion about positive citizenship will also be explored during this session. At least two of the following activities will be demonstrated for the audience: The Sinking of Llandovery Castle (WW1; Gr. 4 and up), The Battle of Vimy Ridge (WW1; Gr. 4 and up), and D-Day: Operation Neptune (WW2; Gr. 8 and up). All resources referenced during this presentation are freely available online.

Speakers

Aaron Curtis

Teacher, Valour Canada

Aaron Curtis spent his childhood in the Rideau Lakes area of Eastern Ontario, primarily in Lanark, and Leeds & Grenville counties. During the mid-2000s, Aaron attended the University of Calgary where he earned a degree in Archaeology (B.Sc.) and a minor in Earth Sciences. Upon graduation... Read More →

Thursday February 6, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm MST
ECC - Salon 15/16 Edmonton Convention Centre

Social Studies / Études sociales, Teaching Practices/ Pédagogie

Language of Presentation English
Grade Focus All Grades
format Lecture
Room Details ECC - Salon 15/16 (Edmonton Convention Centre, Lecture Max capacity for 72 people)
Tags English, All Grades

9:00am MST

Propaganda: Using Canadian War Posters to Develop Critical Thinking

Friday February 7, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST

ECC - Salon 15/16

Propaganda! If there is one thing that most adults would agree on here in early 2025, it’s this: Never before in world history has propaganda been more ubiquitous and well-designed . . . in fact, the tools of the trade are now so advanced that increasing numbers of thoughtful people are beginning to wonder how much they really ‘know’ and how much of the past they accurately understood. And if that’s the case for adults, how can we expect students to be competent at thinking critically about what they observe, hear, or read? During this Canadian military history education session, attendees will observe how Canadian war posters from the First and Second World Wars can be used in their classroom to educate about propaganda, engage critical thinking, and further develop digital literacy skills. All resources referenced during this presentation are downloadable free-of-charge at ValourCanada.ca

Speakers

Aaron Curtis

Teacher, Valour Canada

Friday February 7, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
ECC - Salon 15/16 Edmonton Convention Centre

Social Studies / Études sociales, Language Arts / Arts Langagier

Language of Presentation English
Grade Focus Division 3/4
format Lecture
Room Details ECC - Salon 15/16 (Edmonton Convention Centre, Lecture Max capacity for 72 people)
Tags English, Division 3/4

10:15am MST

The Eras Tour (Elementary Art Version)

Friday February 7, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am MST

ECC - Salon 15/16

Are you “…Ready For It?” Teaching art, especially in elementary can be a struggle that many know “All Too Well”. Join me as I share ideas and ways that I not only make Art engaging, but also cross-curricular, theme based, and full of exploring. We’ll take a deep dive into the elements of art—line, shape, color, texture, form, space, and value. These foundational concepts will be discussed and broken down in ways to help children feeling empowered and able to express themselves creatively. Whether it’s through a “Blank Space” of a blank canvas or a “Love Story” of their unique ideas, you’ll find strategies to nurture and celebrate every individual’s artistic journey. And what better way to inspire creativity than by drawing parallels to Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour? Just as Swift has reinvented herself through different musical styles and eras, you’ll learn how to help your students explore various artistic “eras” and mediums. Whether it’s a “Red” vibrant paint project, a “Folklore” of subdued tones, or a “Reputation” of bold, striking sculptures, you'll discover how to keep your art lessons fresh and exciting. Join us and let’s make art education a thrilling adventure—one that leaves both you and your students excited to “Change” the way art is taught and learned.

Speakers

Thomas Meier

Kindergarten Teacher, Grande Yellowhead Public School Division

Currently teaching English Kindergarten at Ecole Westhaven School in Edson, Alberta. I am currently in my tenth year teaching, and have taught Kindergarten - Grade 6, and have been nominated for the Prime Minister's Award for Teaching Excellence. I have a passion for art, and minored... Read More →

Friday February 7, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am MST
ECC - Salon 15/16 Edmonton Convention Centre

Fine Arts, Teaching Practices/ Pédagogie

Language of Presentation English
Grade Focus Division 1/2
format Lecture
Room Details ECC - Salon 15/16 (Edmonton Convention Centre, Lecture Max capacity for 72 people)
Tags English, Division 1/2

11:30am MST

Une classe ludifiée au secondaire pour le développement langagier

Friday February 7, 2025 11:30am - 12:30pm MST

ECC - Salon 15/16

Comment continuer à contribuer au développement langagier dans les classes au secondaire ? Pourquoi ne pas essayer une classe-jeu ? Venez découvrir comment une classe ludifiée, « gamification » en anglais, a des effets positifs sur plusieurs sphères de l’apprentissage du français. Dans cette session, Francis présentera les caractéristiques de sa classe ludifiée et vous partirez avec des ressources clés en main à intégrer dans votre classe.

Speakers

Francis Lamoureux

Enseignant

Francis enseigne les sciences et les maths de la 10e à la 12e année à l’école Beauséjour de Plamondon. Passionné des jeux de rôles depuis son adolescence, et il a joué et animé plusieurs styles de jeux de rôle différents. Il anime également un club de jeux à son école... Read More →

Friday February 7, 2025 11:30am - 12:30pm MST
ECC - Salon 15/16 Edmonton Convention Centre

Teaching Practices/ Pédagogie, Francais

Language of Presentation French
Grade Focus Division 3/4
format Lecture
Room Details ECC - Salon 15/16 (Edmonton Convention Centre, Lecture Max capacity for 72 people)
Tags French, Division 3/4

12:45pm MST

Enhance Well-being, Enhance Learning: The CSH Approach

Friday February 7, 2025 12:45pm - 1:45pm MST

ECC - Salon 15/16

Healthy students learn better and achieve better outcomes. The comprehensive school health (CSH) framework is Alberta’s roadmap for school health and wellness. CSH begins with you, right in your classroom! Join us for an engaging discussion on hot topics that directly impact you and your students. Together, let’s demystify CSH and explore strategies that enhance well-being and learning for students and staff in your classroom – leading to meaningful and lasting change.

Speakers

David Knechtel

Health Promotion Facilitator Healthy Schools, Alberta Health Services

David is a Health Promotion Facilitator with the Healthy Schools team at Alberta Health Services. He partners with school authorities and other stakeholders to implement effective and coordinated initiatives that improve wellbeing in schools using a Comprehensive School Health framework... Read More →

Matthew Mitschke

Health Promotion Facilitator, Healthy Schools, AHS

Matt is a Health Promotion Facilitator with the Healthy Schools team at Alberta Health Services. He partners with school authorities and other stakeholders to implement effective and coordinated initiatives that improve wellbeing in schools using a Comprehensive School Health framework... Read More →

Rodney Snaterse

Health Promotion Facilitator, Healthy Schools, Alberta Health Services

Rod is a Health Promotion Facilitator with the Healthy Schools team at Alberta Health Services. He partners with school authorities and other stakeholders to implement effective and coordinated initiatives that improve wellbeing in schools using a Comprehensive School Health framework... Read More →

Friday February 7, 2025 12:45pm - 1:45pm MST
ECC - Salon 15/16 Edmonton Convention Centre

Health - CALM / Santé, General Interest / Intérêt Général

Language of Presentation English
Grade Focus All Grades
format Lecture
Room Details ECC - Salon 15/16 (Edmonton Convention Centre, Lecture Max capacity for 72 people)
Tags English, All Grades

2:00pm MST

Let’s Talk About Food: Reframing messaging for an inclusive classroom

Friday February 7, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm MST

ECC - Salon 15/16

Have you ever wondered how to respond to your students' comments about food? Most of us grew up hearing foods described as “healthy” or “unhealthy,” but categorizing foods this way can harm our relationship with food and cause stress about eating. So how do we flip the script on this conversation with students? Join our Registered Dietitians in this interactive session exploring practical examples and strategies of how to have inclusive conversations around all foods with your students. Come and be part of the conversation!

Speakers

Jaclyn Chute

Registered Dietitian, Teach Nutrition

Jaclyn Chute, RD, M.Ed. Jaclyn is is a Registered Dietitian with Teach Nutrition at Dairy Farmers of Canada. She is passionate about helping others cultivate a healthy relationship with food and themselves. She enjoys finding creative ways to share the message that eating can be nourishing... Read More →

Friday February 7, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm MST
ECC - Salon 15/16 Edmonton Convention Centre

Health - CALM / Santé, Inclusive Education / Éducation Inclusive

Language of Presentation English
Grade Focus All Grades
format Lecture
Room Details ECC - Salon 15/16 (Edmonton Convention Centre, Lecture Max capacity for 72 people)
Tags English, All Grades