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

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 while supporting teachers professional responsibilities within the Teaching Quality Standard.

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

K-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 making student learning visible with digital tools, this session will provide an introduction to what's available in ECSD.

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

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 learning.
Participants will hear practical examples of how the One World…One Centre team has helped schools navigate cultural misunderstandings and build strong, trusting connections between staff and families. Teachers will also be shown where to access supports for newcomer families through SharePoint and how to connect directly with the intercultural team. In addition, the session will highlight key partnerships and resources available to assist newcomer families as they transition into the school community.

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

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 equitably. Join us as we journey through the “Oh My!” of inclusive education!

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

10:00am MDT

10:00am MDT

11:15am MDT

1:00pm MDT

2:15pm MDT

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