(Alberta Teachers' Association wesbite)

By Alessia Proietti

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Central Alberta teachers at annual convention this week

Feb 21, 2024 | 11:20 AM

Teachers in the region will be attending the annual Central Alberta Teachers’ Convention Association (CATCA) at Red Deer Polytechnic this Thursday and Friday.

From February 22-23 beginning at 9 a.m., more than 1,750 delegates will attend over 395 workshops and seminars in 30 different topics. This year, CATCA is also offering several off-site sessions, helping connect teachers with resources to support Health and Wellness outcomes, as well as networking and bonding activities.

“Conventions give teachers the opportunity to develop the competencies identified in the professional practice standards by learning about innovative pedagogical practices and new educational research,” said the ATA on the CATCA website.

Some notable speakers include:

• Susan Aglukark – February 22, 9 a.m.:
  Award-winning Inuk singer-songwriter Susan Aglukark is deemed one of Canada’s most unique artists. Through songs, stories, film, photos and music videos, Aglukark will take guests on the journey of the Canadian Inuit over the last several thousand years shedding light on some of the psychological and cultural impacts of rapid change in the North.
• Laurie McIntosh – February 22, 11:40 a.m. and 1 p.m.:
  McIntosh says some of the best lessons are taught in the moments between literacy and numeracy. With the stories she held writing Teachers These Days with Dr. Jody Carrington and her two appearances on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, McIntosh strives to bring teachers together in community and to define and exemplify what it truly means to be a “teacher these days.”
• Tyler Smith – February 23, 9 a.m.:
  Smith shares his experiences navigating mental health and grief in the face of tragedy. He will share details about his life over the last five years, the experiences he’s gone through, and the lessons he’s learned along the way. Smith co-hosts a podcast with NHL veteran Riley Sheahan of the Buffalo Sabres called ‘Speak Your Mind’. They hope to continue to normalize conversations around mental health with a wide variety of guests from the sports world, entertainment space and many more.
• Phyllis Webstab: The Orange Shirt Story – February 22, 11:40 a.m.:
  Webstab is the founder of Orange Shirt Day. She’ll speak about her life before residential school, what it was like to lose her orange shirt and the complex work of healing. Webstab is well respected for her work as an ambassador for the Orange Shirt Day, her courage and for striving to heal communities and Nations through speaking her truth.

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This year, attendees can also participate in a virtual GooseChase scavenger hunt to win prizes such as a three-hour private room rental at Troubled Monk, Visa gift cards, Family Pizza combo gift certificates, artwork, merchandise from local breweries, Tim Horton’s gift cards, and more.

CATCA covers all public, separate and francophone teachers in the Red Deer City, Red Deer Catholic, Timberline, Wolf Creek and Chinook’s Edge school divisions and all active ATA members under contract have a legal and professional obligation to attend convention.

“The two-day convention is an essential component of our professional responsibility for lifelong learning,” said CATCA on their website.

The Alberta Teachers’ Retirement Fund Board (ATRF) will also have a booth near the Forum to discuss pension needs.

The ATA says teachers’ conventions are an annual winter tradition in Alberta, organized by teachers who voluntarily serve on convention association boards. With at least one convention held every Thursday and Friday in February and early March, there are nine scheduled across the province this year. The events are fully funded by teachers through their Association fees.

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