Beginning Teachers September: Full Schedule

Welcome to the Beginning Teacher Conference SeriesWelcome to a year of learning, growth, and connection.
As beginning teachers in Edmonton Catholic Schools, you are called to a vocation that shapes hearts, minds, and futures. Rooted in joy and guided by faith, this conference series is designed to support you as you develop your professional practice, strengthen your confidence, and deepen your impact on student learning.
Throughout the year, we will journey together through three learning experiences:

September 10th, 2026: Called to Teach – Beginning with Purpose
Building strong foundations through planning, relationships, and classroom routines.

January 30th, 2027: Called to Respond – Seeing and Serving Every Learner
Developing responsive practices through assessment, inclusion, and student-centered learning.

April 24th, 2027: Called to Grow – Strengthening Your Voice, Vocation, and Impact
Reflecting on your growth, celebrating your accomplishments, and setting goals for the future.
Together, we are rooted in faith, called to serve, and committed to excellence in Catholic education. We are grateful that you are part of this community and look forward to learning alongside you throughout the year.

"The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness..."
Galatians 5:22

7:30am MDT

Registration and Check-in

Saturday September 12, 2026 7:30am - 8:15am MDT

Leadership Hall

Saturday September 12, 2026 7:30am - 8:15am MDT
Leadership Hall

Everyone

8:15am MDT

Liturgy

Saturday September 12, 2026 8:15am - 8:45am MDT

Leadership Hall

Saturday September 12, 2026 8:15am - 8:45am MDT
Leadership Hall

Everyone

9:00am MDT

HR and RES Keynote

Saturday September 12, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am MDT

Leadership Hall

Saturday September 12, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am MDT
Leadership Hall

Everyone

10:00am MDT

Don't Mark It All

Saturday September 12, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am MDT

This session will provide strategies and routines for teachers to provide feedback that moves students learning forward and strengthens relationships while at the same reduces the marking workload.

Speakers

Carolyn Fenrich

Curriculum Consultant, Edmonton Catholic School Division

Carolyn is a book worm with a love of the outdoors. She works as the Junior High Curriclum Consultant for Language Arts for Edmonton Catholic Schools and is a strong believer in collaboration as a means for engaging students.

Erin Ochoa Whelan

English Consultant (10-12), Edmonton Catholic School Division

Erin has been working as an educator in Edmonton for the past 21 years.With a background in both music and English education, she enjoys supporting teachers and students in finding meaning through language and story.

Saturday September 12, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am MDT
3B

7-12

10:00am MDT

Let's Get Students Talking: Strategies for Engagement and Collaboration

Saturday September 12, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am MDT

This session will explore how to get students actively involved in their learning by having them engage in discussions and collaborative tasks. You will walk away with concrete strategies and structures that will help students build the routines and habits that facilitate positive collaboration and communication.

Speakers

Stephanie Winters

French Immersion Consultant, Edmonton Catholic School Division

Kiara Smyth

Secondary Social Studies Consultant, Edmonton Catholic School Division

Saturday September 12, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am MDT
2B

7-12

10:00am MDT

Belonging Begins Here: Setting the Stage for EAL Learners

Saturday September 12, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am MDT

Participants will enjoy a hands-on session exploring how to build relationships with EAL learners and how to set up classroom spaces that foster EAL independence. We believe ALL teachers are language teachers and will benefit from these UDL strategies to serve ALL learners!

Speakers

Jacqueline Werstiuk

Secondary EAL Consultant, Edmonton Catholic School Division

Jacquie Werstiuk has over 30 years teaching and consulting experience with ECSD and earned her Masters degree in Teaching English as a Second Language from the UofA in 2014. For the past 8 years as an EAL Consultant, Jacquie has worked with ECSD high schools to program for and support... Read More →

Melissa Astle

EAL Consultant, Edmonton Catholic School Division

Melissa is an EAL consultant with Edmonton Catholic Schools. Her background includes teaching in both bilingual and second language programs in elementary and junior high setting. As a language lover and multilingual herself, she is committed to helping EAL learners find success in... Read More →

Saturday September 12, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am MDT
3A

K-12

10:00am MDT

Beyond the Template: Writing IPPs that Make a Difference

Saturday September 12, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am MDT

Leadership Hall

Writing an IPP can feel overwhelming for new teachers, but it is one of the most powerful tools for supporting student success. This session will break down the essential components of IPPs, how to navigate Special Programs and provide practical strategies for writing meaningful goals and choosing appropriate accommodations. Participants will learn how strong IPPs connect to inclusive practices...
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Saturday September 12, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am MDT
Leadership Hall

K-12

10:00am MDT

September Ready: Turning Curriculum Outcomes into Meaningful Lessons

Saturday September 12, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am MDT

Session Materials

Starting a new school year can feel overwhelming, especially when trying to turn curriculum outcomes into meaningful learning experiences. This interactive session will support beginning teachers in developing practical lesson-planning skills while providing an overview of the resources and supports available within our division. Participants will explore key components of effective lesson...
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Speakers

Anne Simpson

Elementary Social Studies Consultant (K-6), Edmonton Catholic School Division

Saturday September 12, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am MDT
2A

K-6

11:15am MDT

HEATS - Humanities Essential Academic Terms and Skills

Saturday September 12, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm MDT

This session will provide teachers with activities to have students practice the academic vocabulary they encounter in English and Social Studies.

Speakers

Carolyn Fenrich

Curriculum Consultant, Edmonton Catholic School Division

Chris Manderscheid

Secondary Social Studies Consultant (7-9), Edmonton Catholic School Division

Chris brings over two decades of Social Studies education experience to his role at ECSD as the Junior High Social Studies consultant. He is passionate about supporting educators in enhancing their instructional and assessment strategies while fostering engaging and collaborative... Read More →

Kiara Smyth

Secondary Social Studies Consultant, Edmonton Catholic School Division

Saturday September 12, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm MDT
2B

4-12

11:15am MDT

Fostering Relationships of Faith and Community in and out of the Classroom

Saturday September 12, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm MDT

This session explores practical and meaningful ways to foster strong relationships rooted in faith, both inside and beyond the classroom. Participants will reflect on the role of faith in building authentic connections with students, colleagues, and the wider school community. Through discussion and actionable strategies, teachers will learn how to create environments that nurture belonging,...
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Speakers

Vernon Brady

Consultant, Religious Services, Edmonton Catholic School Division

Vernon serves as the Secondary Religious Education Consultant for Edmonton Catholic Schools, bringing over 30 years of experience teaching junior and senior high Social Studies, Math, and Religion. Striving to be the hands and feet of Jesus, Vernon embodies his Catholic faith as... Read More →

Saturday September 12, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm MDT
3A

7-12

11:15am MDT

Getting Started with Tech in ECSD: A Beginner's Guide to Teachers

Saturday September 12, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm MDT

Leadership Hall

Are you new to teaching in ECSD? Not sure where to start with all the technology? This session is designed just for you! This is your essential crash course in educational technology across the division. This session is designed specifically for beginning teachers to get up and running with the core digital platforms and tools we use in ECSD classrooms. From using AI to support your planning, to...
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Speakers

Nicole Cunningham

Emtech, Edmonton Catholic School Division

Nicole Cunningham is an Educational Technology Consultant with Edmonton Catholic Schools for the past 3 years, supporting teachers from Kindergarten to Grade 12. She designs and delivers professional learning and at the elbow planning and in-class support that helps educators purposefully... Read More →

Joel Kristiansen

Emerging Technology Consultant, Edmonton Catholic School Division

Joel Kristiansen has been part of the EmTech team for the past 3 years. Joel finds inspiration in working with teachers to incorporate technology in feasible ways to make learning more accessible, exciting, and long lasting. Before that, Joel spent over a decade in K-9 schools where... Read More →

Saturday September 12, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm MDT
Leadership Hall

K-12

11:15am MDT

Building Belonging: Proactive Circles in K–6 Classrooms

Saturday September 12, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm MDT

This session introduces K–6 educators to the intentional use of Proactive Circles as a foundational practice for building community, strengthening relationships, and fostering a sense of belonging in the classroom. Grounded in restorative practices, participants will explore how proactive circles create safe, inclusive spaces where every student’s voice is heard. Teachers will experience...
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Speakers

Claudia Pederson

EDIAR Manager, Edmonton Catholic School Division

Claudia Pederson leads the Creating Communities of Belonging department, supporting schools in fostering environments where every student and staff member feels valued, safe, and connected. Her work focuses on strengthening inclusive practices, building staff capacity, and advancing... Read More →

Linda Hoang-Rackel

Saturday September 12, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm MDT
2A

K-6

11:15am MDT

Ready, Set, Write! Planning a Week of Writing

Saturday September 12, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm MDT

Take the guesswork out of teaching writing. In this session, teachers will map out a full week of writing instruction that supports student success and engagement. Using a clear and manageable structure that can be repeated throughout the year, participants will plan daily mini-lessons, student practice opportunities, and simple assessment strategies. By the end of the session, teachers will leave...
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Speakers

Brandi Clark

English Language Arts Consultant (K-6), Edmonton Catholic School Division

I have been working in the division for over 25 years. I have a Masters in Elementary Language Arts. My passions are reading and writing across a variety of genres and topics. I live in a house of artists and writers, specifically, my husband, two adult kids, a pug and two cats. I... Read More →

Venessa Chalifoux

Elementary ELA consultant, Edmonton Catholic School Division

Venessa Chalifoux is one of the Elementary English Language Arts Consultants. She has been teaching for 20 years in grades 1-6 with experience as English as an Additional Language Designate. She has a passion for making learning engaging and fun for students and is an avid reader... Read More →

Saturday September 12, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm MDT
3B

K-6

12:15pm MDT

LUNCH BREAK

Saturday September 12, 2026 12:15pm - 1:00pm MDT

Leadership Hall

Come enjoy lunch together!

Saturday September 12, 2026 12:15pm - 1:00pm MDT
Leadership Hall

Everyone

1:00pm MDT

Spark Thinking: Simple Moves, Big Impact

Saturday September 12, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm MDT

Energize your classroom with practical thinking routines, activators, and instructional nudges that get students engaged and thinking deeply. This session offers quick, ready-to-use strategies to move learning beyond the surface. Aligned with Optimal Learning, explore how to balance joy and rigour to keep students both challenged and motivated. Strategies also support differentiation, providing...
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Speakers

Monica Posteraro

Secondary Science Consultant, Edmonton Catholic School Division

Monica is Edmonton Catholic School Division's Secondary Science Consultant with over 20 years of experience teaching junior and senior high math and science. Her multimodal teaching strategies boost student engagement, understanding and achievement; a catalyst for scientific curi... Read More →

Susie Sirman

Secondary Science Consultant, Edmonton Catholic School Division

Susie is one of Edmonton Catholic School Division's Secondary Science Consultant with extensive experience teaching all four disciplines of Science. She is passionate about getting kids excited about science and helping them to achieve success, particularly if they have struggled... Read More →

Saturday September 12, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm MDT
3A

7-12

1:00pm MDT

Building Relationships with Newcomer Families to Support Student Success

Saturday September 12, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm MDT

All ECSD schools welcome newcomer students. This session introduces the services provided by the One World…One Centre department to support your students, their families, and your school community. New teachers will learn foundational strategies for effective intercultural communication and explore how cultural brokering can strengthen relationships with newcomer families to enhance student...
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Speakers

Melanie Kidder

Coordinator Comm. Engagement, Edmonton Catholic School Division

Cheryl Shinkaruk

Manager Programs & Projects, Edmonton Catholic School Division

Saturday September 12, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm MDT
3B

K-12

1:00pm MDT

Starting Strong with Science

Saturday September 12, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm MDT

Session Materials

This session explores how to design science learning experiences that are accessible, rigorous, and meaningful for all students through the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL). Beginning teachers will learn how to plan with the Skills and Procedures verbs at the forefront, creating authentic opportunities for students to engage in the doing of scientific literacy while exploring...
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Speakers

Katerina Campbell

Elementary Science Consultant, Edmonton Catholic School Division

Katerina is an elementary Science consultant at Edmonton Catholic Schools. She loves all things Science, exploring natural phenomena and will never stop asking “why?” Katerina is a self proclaimed maker and cardboard collector. She is a proud promoter of inquiry based learning... Read More →

Natalie Zuberbuhler

Elementary Science Consultant, Edmonton Catholic School Division

Natalie Zuberbuhler: Elementary Science Curriculum and Assessment Consultant with Edmonton Catholic Schools lives for Science and supporting her teacher colleagues. Natalie always has great recommendations on books, tips for catching fish, and how to incorporate computer science to... Read More →

Saturday September 12, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm MDT
2B

K-6

1:00pm MDT

Unpacking Assessment Toolkits and the NEW Levels of Proficiency and Achievement

Saturday September 12, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm MDT

Leadership Hall

This session introduces the Division’s assessment toolkits and explores how they support effective planning, instruction, and reporting. Teachers will examine how learning intentions, success criteria, question progressions, and proficiency scales can be used to gather meaningful evidence of learning and strengthen instructional decision-making. Participants will also consider how these...
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Speakers

Leanne Hemphill

Curriculum and Assessment, Edmonton Catholic School Division

As an Assessment Consultant with Edmonton Catholic School Division, I support schools in developing responsive, curriculum-aligned assessment and reporting practices that leverage technology to enhance learning. I collaborate with educators and administrators to build capacity in... Read More →

Alyson Gabucci

Curriculum and Assessment Consultant, Edmonton Catholic School Division

As an Assessment Consultant with Edmonton Catholic School Division, I support schools in developing responsive, curriculum-aligned assessment and reporting practices through the lens of instructional coaching. I collaborate with educators and administrators to build capacity in assessment... Read More →

Saturday September 12, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm MDT
Leadership Hall

K-9

1:00pm MDT

“Can I use this?”: K-9 Indigenous Education Resource Selection

Saturday September 12, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm MDT

This hands-on session is designed to empower Elementary and Junior High teachers to select accurate, strengths-based, and diverse Indigenous education resources to address KUSPs across subject areas. Using criteria from Jo Chrona's 2022 book Wayi Wah!, participants will critically assess print and digital resources and will leave with the confidence to apply these criteria to their own...
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Speakers

Shannon Loutitt

Indigenous Learning Services Consultant, Edmonton Catholic School Division

Shannon is a Métis auntie and educator who is passionate about the weaving of Indigenous Knowledges and ways of knowing into K-6 curriculum. Anti-racism, the ongoing effects of colonization, and Indigenous student wellbeing are also areas of interest.

Saturday September 12, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm MDT
2A

K-9

2:15pm MDT

Cooperative Conundrums - Cooperative games

Saturday September 12, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm MDT

Cooperative games provide students with opportunities to build communication, problem-solving, teamwork, and leadership skills through engaging and active play. This session will explore a variety of easy-to-learn cooperative games that can be adapted across multiple grade levels and played in either gymnasium or classroom spaces. Be prepared to get moving promote inclusion and critical thinking.

Speakers

Brett Baron

Health & Phys Ed Consultant, Learning Services, ECSD

Brett is the Health & Physical Education Consultant. He loves all things baseball, hiking, and outdoors.

Saturday September 12, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm MDT
3A

4-12

2:15pm MDT

From Worksheets to Participation: What Math and Language Arts Have in Common

Saturday September 12, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm MDT

Leadership Hall

New teachers often feel pressure to prioritize correct answers, completed worksheets, and quiet classrooms. But deep learning—especially in mathematics and language arts—requires something different: risk-taking, voice, and ownership. This session reframes both math and language learning as acts of communication, where listening, speaking, and meaning-making take precedence over grammar rules...
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Speakers

Stephanie Winters

French Immersion Consultant, Edmonton Catholic School Division

Carole-Anne Brule

Junior High Math Consultant, Edmonton Catholic School Division

Carole-Anne Brûlé is a math consultant with 10 years of experience teaching and supporting learners from Grade 5 to Grade 12. Passionate about fostering curiosity and helping students see the beauty and power of mathematics, she brings a strong understanding of math pedagogy to... Read More →

Saturday September 12, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm MDT
Leadership Hall

4-12

2:15pm MDT

Accommodation, Adapted and Modified - Oh My! Demystifying the Big Three in Student Support

Saturday September 12, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm MDT

The terms accommodations, adaptations, and modifications are used interchangeably at times—but each plays a distinct role in supporting diverse learners. In this engaging and informative session, we’ll break down the definitions, purposes, and practical applications of each term. Through examples and clear criteria, you’ll gain the confidence to differentiate instruction effectively and...
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Speakers

Carole Carby

Inclusive Education Consultant, Edmonton Catholic Schools

Carole Carby is an Inclusive Consultant with Edmonton Catholic Schools who is deeply committed to supporting inclusive, student-centered learning. With 14 years of experience as a teacher and instructional coach, she partners with educators, families, and support teams to create responsive... Read More →

Lindsay Lott

Inclusive Consultant, Edmonton Catholic School Division

Lindsay Lott is an Inclusive Consultant with Edmonton Catholic Schools, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience to her role. With 15 years of classroom experience both abroad and here in Edmonton, Lindsay has developed a deep understanding of diverse educational environments... Read More →

Saturday September 12, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm MDT
2B

K-12

2:15pm MDT

Beginning with Insight: Understanding Your Class Through Numeracy

Saturday September 12, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm MDT

Leadership Hall

Session Materials

Getting to know a new class means more than learning names — it means understanding how each student makes sense of numbers, where they feel confident, and where they may need support. Numeracy screeners offer a clear, manageable way to gather this insight so the first weeks of school are grounded in purpose and direction. This session explores how numeracy data gathered from the Alberta...
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Speakers

Amy Swinkels

Math Consultant, Edmonton Catholic School Division

Amy is a Math convert! Being a child that hated Math and was highly unsuccessful in Math, it became her absolute passion to help make Math fun, meaningful and successful for all students. When not championing Math, Amy is either reading absolute garbage on a beach or running marathons... Read More →

Saturday September 12, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm MDT
Leadership Hall

K-5

2:15pm MDT

Reading Roadmaps: What Reading Looks Like In Your Grade

Saturday September 12, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm MDT

This session helps bring clarity to what reading looks like from Kindergarten through Grade 6 in the Alberta ELAL curriculum. We’ll explore grade-level expectations, look closely at what students should know and be able to do within each organizing idea, and consider how assessment, texts, and instructional tools can help teachers build a clear picture of each reader. Participants will leave...
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Speakers

Carilynn Salisbury

English Language Arts Consultant (K-6), Edmonton Catholic School Division

English Language Arts Consultant, K-6

Stephanie Denman

English Language Arts Consultant (K-6), Edmonton Catholic School Division

Stephanie is a newbie joining the ELA Elementary team. She has been an Educator for 15 years with ECSD and completed her Masters in Religious Education. Stephanie has a passion for building powerful literacy classrooms where all learners experience success. She loves reading, traveling... Read More →

Stephanie Pedersen

English Language Arts Consultant (K-6), Edmonton Catholic School Division

English Language Arts Consultant, K-6

Saturday September 12, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm MDT
2A

K-6

2:15pm MDT

Art as SEL: Supporting Student Well-Being and Identity

Saturday September 12, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm MDT

Session Materials

This session explores how Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) is naturally embedded in the visual arts through making and reflection. Teachers will experience simple creative activities that show how choice, routine, and reflection support student well-being, identity, and belonging. They will leave with practical strategies for integrating SEL into everyday art instruction, including warm-ups,...
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Speakers

Jenny Culbertson

Visual Art Consultant (K-12), Edmonton Catholic School Division

Edmonton Catholic Schools Visual Art Consultant **Jenny Culbertson** works with students and educators across all grade levels, from pre-K to Grade 12. With 26 years of experience teaching art, she brings a deep commitment to arts education and meaningful arts integration. Outside... Read More →

Saturday September 12, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm MDT
3B

K-9

7:30am MDT

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