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

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

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

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.

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

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 practical resources, planning tools, and assessment strategies that build confidence and support effective science instruction.

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

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

11:15am MDT

1:00pm MDT

2:15pm MDT

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