PDTCA 2020

• Pre-Registration is required.
In the last two decades, a tabletop gaming revolution has occurred. From Dungeons and Dragons, to hundreds of Euro-Style games, like Settlers of Catan. People are more commonly coming together to socialize through tabletop games. These games engage students in higher level thinking, collaboration/competition and literacy/numeracy skills. But with the number of games out there, teachers who casually game (or don’t) may find looking for the right game for their classes overwhelming. In this session, we will be introducing various board games that can engage students in the classroom. Be prepared to step outside of your comfort zone, and try a game that’s not Monopoly.

• Pre-Registration is required.
“You pause at the bottom of the stairs. You evaluate the unfinished horseshoe-shaped, earthen room. Light from your torch shifts on the far wall. Clay walls are supported by moss-covered beams and supports. Deep crevasses are hollowed out of the sides and center walls. Dressed skeletons and mummified bodies lay on the shelves. This is an Ossuary. The skeletons begin to stir. Your party reaches for their weapons. Roll for initiative.”

We inadvertently teach students how to work together. We create group projects, put students in pre-assigned teams, and force them to collaborate and function as a cohesive unit. However, too much emphasis is placed on the activity and assessment and not much in terms of how to collaborate. Luckily, board games, especially in this day in age, have a stronger focus on collaboration including; turn-taking, leadership and problem-solving, all the while working towards a common goal. In this session, we will be taking a look at collaborative gaming, from the simple games to the complex RPGs. Be prepared to work together, and remind ourselves of the skills needed to work together. So, grab your dice, the adventure is about to begin!

This one-hour presentation is designed for those who are considering retirement within 5 years, or who are almost 65 years old. The realities of retirement are shared by a retiree, along with considerations for a life that is not governed by the bell. The Alberta Retired Teachers’ Association (ARTA) is introduced – what ARTA provides and the benefits of becoming a member. _x000D_
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While the presentation also briefly touches on retirement income considerations and your pension, this presentation is not focused on your pension. Pension questions should be directed to the Alberta Teachers’ Retirement Fund (ATRF)._x000D_
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The balance of this presentation is focused on the Retiree Benefits Plan offered by ARTA – the health, dental, and travel options; and how the plan is managed.

The experience of a lifetime -- spend a year teaching in Australia! Find out what to expect including the highs and lows of a year down under. Teachers can exchange with the ATA at www.ieep.ca. Spend this session talking with a teacher that just got back from a 2018 exchange.

Discussion topics will include:
-The exchange process
-Travel options
-What to expect: Acquaintance night... what is that?
-Funny stories: Mr. Cove doesn't know what recess is; the great mandarin orange debate.
-New friends for life
-Many, many pictures and videos -- koala holding, scary spiders and endless beaches will be included!

We will explore a holistic approach to using the design science of permaculture to make decisions and solve problems not just for a homestead dream, but how we can put these ideas to use within our schools and curriculum. It is not just the garden, rainwater, school, families, and students, but the connections between the whole we live in to create thriving ecosystems where minds are engaged and empowered. A creative and inclusive approach to community building that is rooted in the most basic principles of life and social sciences.

In the current landscape of technology and connectivity, parents and caregivers are becoming more interested in their role in their student's education. Unfortunately, families are busier than ever, and parents often seem unavailable or disconnected from their child’s academic journey. Information is wide and varying, and parents often come to teachers frustrated and overwhelmed in trying to determine their role. As teachers, it can be difficult to know how to best support and manage parent involvement.

Using current research in child developmental psychology, parenting and education, we can develop an understanding of the unique and valuable role of parents in a student's educational success. We can also determine the best ways to communicate and advise parents about their role, minimizing conflict and fostering relationship.

Dealing with parents can be a time-consuming and frustrating part of the teaching process. Despite this, most teachers know that parent involvement and support is one of the most influential and advantageous parts of fostering student success. By better understanding the parental role in a child's education and development, and working proactively to create strong relationships and communication with families and caregivers, we can greatly reduce teacher stress and workload in addressing parent concerns.

In strengthening the relationships between families and their education providers, and helping parents to better understand their unique role, we can reduce redundancy, frustration and conflict, allowing both teachers and caregivers to play their own role in raising kids who successfully navigate their education.


In this session, we will examine the current landscape of parenting, the common struggles teachers face in dealing with parents and caregivers and some creative new ways to support and involve parents in a constructive way.

So many times, we look at people and wonder how they live a particular situation that seems extremely hard, and possibly impossible, you may feel like you have no reference of where to even start to support them. This will give you a glimpse of a mother's journey of almost loosing her 6 week old son and raising his twin and two older brothers in the Ronald MacDonald House and their journey home with a medically fragile child. As we explore this, we will collaborate on ways we can support our students, co-workers, families, friends, or a random stranger. We will approach what it means to have a village and what the "village" looks like in today's world.