Presenters

Learn more about this year's presenters below.


Presenters
Erik Stevenson

Course Name: Making Language Classes Fun Again
Presenter: Erik Stevenson

Erik Stevenson is a French Canadian with a passion for languages and education. Born and raised in Ottawa, Canada, of Spanish mother and Canadian father, he developed an early fascination for both the French and Spanish languages and their respective cultures. This passion led him on a remarkable journey through Argentina and Spain, where he immersed himself in the local cultures and honed his language skills.

Erik pursued his higher education at the University of Ottawa, majoring in French and Spanish literature. He obtained his Bachelor's degree in both languages, demonstrating his dedication to mastering these languages. His academic journey didn't stop there; he was determined to share his love for language with others.

With a strong foundation in linguistics and literature, Erik pursued a career in language teaching. He earned a degree in French language teaching and went on to complete a Master's in Second Language Acquisition at the University of Calgary gaining in-depth knowledge of how people learn and acquire new languages.

Erik's teaching career spans over 22 years, during which he has worked with students of various age groups and levels. He has a wealth of experience teaching French and Spanish as second languages, from elementary and middle school to junior and secondary high school levels. His passion for teaching, combined with his extensive language expertise, has allowed him to inspire and empower countless students to become proficient in French and Spanish.

Erik Stevenson's unique background as a French Canadian who has lived in Argentina and Spain, studied literature in multiple languages, and holds advanced degrees in language acquisition, sets him apart as an experienced and dedicated language educator. His journey reflects a lifelong commitment to promoting the beauty and richness of the French and Spanish languages, as well as the joy of language learning.

Darcy Stetz

Course Name: Second Language Instruction using the AIM Methodology
Presenter: Darcy Stetz

I have been teaching FSL for about 18 years in Grades 1-5 and have use AIM exclusively. I have attended several AIM workshops as well as a Summer Institute and am currently completing my AIM Certification. My students thoroughly enjoy French and their parents are amazed how quickly they learn and can speak French.

Peggy Wu
Brenda Borgeson
Ruby Dhaliwal

Course Name: Supporting LP1 & 2 EAL Students in Upper Elementary and Middle School
Presenters: Peggy Wu, Brenda Borgeson, Ruby Dhaliwal

Peggy Wu
I'm from Taiwan. My family immigrated to Canada when I was 12 years old. When we moved to Vancouver, I couldn't speak any English. As an EAL student in grade 8, I experienced first hand all the difficulties of being in a foreign country, as well as all the challenges and nuances of learning a new language and culture.

In my five years of high school in Vancouver, I had to intensively study to catch up while nurturing my passion for music, eventually earning a Bachelor of Music from McGill University. While pursuing my musical interests, my growing dedication to EAL education led me to obtain a TESOL degree during my four years in Montreal. My educational journey has been diverse, including a Bachelor of Education from UBC and a Master of Arts from Columbia University's Teachers College in New York.

In the past 23 years, I've accumulated diverse teaching experiences across various settings. I spent seven years teaching in Division 2 within the VSB (Vancouver School Board). Following that, I spent seven years teaching and owning my own EFL Language Centre in Taiwan. This experience helped me gain invaluable insights into language education and management. After that, I came into the CBE and taught Div. 1 for the past 8 years. Currently, I am an EAL teacher and Learning Leader at Colonel Irvine School. It's an immense privilege to guide middle school students undergoing similar experiences to mine at their age.

Brenda Borgeson
I am in my 25th year of teaching and throughout my teaching career, I have had the privilege of teaching in many diverse learning environments. I started my career by teaching on a Hutterite colony in Saskatchewan, where I first learned the importance of supporting students whose first language was not English. Throughout my career, I have taught in Taiwan, Houston, Texas, Saskatchewan and Alberta and I have worked for the Calgary Board of Education for a total of 14 years. While living and teaching in Taiwan and trying to learn the Mandarin language myself, I quickly saw the importance of scaffolding learning, building vocabulary, and the need for support in language development. I participated in the Summer Institute for English as a Second Language training with CBE, had the privilege of being an EAL lead teacher for 2 years, and currently I teach in the Mandarin program as a Humanities teacher, a Literacy Learning Leader, participating in the Open Leadership Development series, and attending the University of Calgary Interdisciplinary Master of Education program. I have a passion for learning and helping students find success.

Ruby Dhaliwal
I graduated from the University of Alberta and completed my Bachelors of Education – Minor: Health and Major: Social Studies. I am in my 14th year of teaching and throughout my teaching career, I have had the privilege of teaching in many diverse learning environments. I started my career by teaching a specialized program – PLP and then teaching in the Bridges program. From there I was head of the Health department and breakfast program. Currently, I teach as a Humanities teacher and a Literacy Learning Leader. I have completed the Indigenous Canada course through University of Alberta Faculty of Native Studies. I love to learn and challenge myself, I am currently registered in the HLAT Writing Network and the Open Leadership Development.

Ruth Radetzky

Course Name: Le français intensif: Une approche pratique et efficace pour optimiser l’apprentissage de la langue française en salle de classe.
Presenter: Ruth Radetzky

Ruth Radetzky is a retired second-language educator. Her experience comprises 18 years as a classroom practitioner in French Immersion, 3 years as an AISI Learning Leader and 6 years as District French Specialist supporting second-language programs for the Calgary Board of Education. Depuis sa retraite, elle continue à offrir des formations sur le français intensif et l’approche neurolinguistique, une approche pédagogique aux langues secondes dans laquelle elle se spécialise depuis 14 ans.

Barragan 

webb 

 

Course Name: Road to Numeracy
Presenters: William Toro Barragan, Maria Webb

William Toro Barragan
William Toro was born in Bogota, Colombia. He received a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science with specialization in Networking. He also studied Bilingual Education, including a Master's degree in Educational Leadership. William has extensive experience in the Spanish Bilingual program as and an educator and administrator in both the US and Canada. Currently, he is a Math Learning Leader at Senator Patrick Burns school. William strongly advocates for bilingualism as a means to provide new opportunities and develop thinking skills with our students.

Maria Webb
Maria Webb is originally from Mendoza, Argentina and has been a part of the Calgary Board of Education since 2003. She has a wide range of experience from performing arts to curriculum writing and mathematics to administration. Maria has taught grades 7-12 and is a current Learning Leader at the School (Senator Patrick Burns). She has a passion for helping students develop a positive relationship with mathematics and she has been an integral part of the development of the system and in general of our Spanish bilingual program.

Ibeth Albertazzi

Course Name: Variation Theory: Effectively teaching mathematics in an additional language.
Presenter: Ibeth Albertazzi

I am a Colombian-Canadian teacher, currently teaching math & science at Senator Patrick Burns. I am also a University of Calgary Grad student in Interdisciplinary Studies at the Werklund School of Education growing in my understanding of Teaching & Learning Mathematics.

Herrera

Course Name: Let's make a Sketchbook
Presenter: Maria G Herrera

¡Hola! I'm Maria G. Herrera, an adventurous educator with a global perspective and a passion for artistic expression, inclusive education, and multilingualism. With over 15 years of teaching experience, my journey in education has taken me across borders, including Brazil, the USA, and Spain

I earned my Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Jewelry and Metals from the Alberta College of Arts and Design and furthered my academic journey with a Bachelor of Education (BEd) from the University of Calgary, specializing in Inclusive Education.

With a rich tapestry of over 15 years of teaching across diverse cultures and educational systems, I have had the pleasure of sharing my passion for language and fostering a love for learning in students. My experience includes teaching Spanish Language Arts to grade 6, 7 and 8 students, as well as instructing Math and Science for 6th graders and Humanities for 6th and 7th graders. And currently teaching Art in Spanish to grade 6 students and Art/Photography and ceramics to 7, 8, 9 graders.

In addition to my commitment to education, I continue my professional artistic practices. I actively participate in printmaking exchanges in Germany, staying connected to the global art community and bringing fresh perspectives to my teaching.

I am dedicated to nurturing the creative talents of my students. Actively supporting and encouraging them to participate in arts competitions, both nationally and internationally, is a key aspect of my teaching philosophy. I believe in providing students with opportunities to showcase their artistic abilities and expand their horizons.

Beyond the classroom, I am actively involved in community service. I have dedicated my time to volunteering with the Distress Centre, providing support to those in need. This experience has not only enriched my understanding of mental health but has also shaped my approach to creating a compassionate and supportive learning environment for my students.

In addition to my dedication to inclusive education, I specialize in Spanish Language Arts, Fine Arts, Math, Science, and Humanities. My goal is to create a stimulating and supportive classroom environment where students can thrive academically and develop a holistic understanding of the subjects I teach.

Newburn

Course Name: Sí, y.../Yes, and...: Improvisational Drama Games for the Second Language or Bilingual Classroom
Presenter: Paisley Newburn

Paisley can currently be found at Senator Patrick Burns School, where she works as Learning Leader for the Fine Arts and CTF, teaching drama and humanities. She has previous teaching experience in kindergarten up to grade 3 as well as elementary music. When she is not acting ridiculous with her drama students, she is probably knitting another sweater, leading craft night at a local brewery or rehearsing for her next musical.

Johnson
Audrey Gelinas

Course Name: L'approche intégrée en immersion française
Presenters: Stefanie Johnson, Audrey Gelinas

Stefanie
Stefanie is a grade 5 teacher and Learning Leader at Varsity Acres School. She is completing her Masters in Education in literacy and numeracy instruction through U of A, Campus Saint-Jean. Stefanie has been teaching in French Immersion for 7 years. She was born and raised in Calgary and completed the French Immersion program herself.

Audrey
Audrey is a grade 5 teacher and Learning Leader at Varsity Acres School. She has her Masters of Education at Simon Fraser University. Audrey has been teaching for 17 years. She is originally from the province of Quebec and has a passion for teaching her first language in a minority context.

Amanwi

Course Name:How to Make Any Lesson Culturally Responsive - Practical Examples for the Classroom
Presenter: Dr. Lumbesi Amanwi

Dr. Lumbesi Amanwi is a passionate researcher in the field of education. With passion for advancing educational knowledge on Culturally Responsive Teaching, she has emerged as a teacher who cares about the success of every student. Her latest PhD research on challenges faced by teachers in their culturally diverse classrooms solidified her knowledge on how to make teaching culturally responsive. Her teaching career spans over three continents – Africa, Europe and now, North America. A combination of research and her lived experiences has moulded her into the teacher she is today. Driven by a desire to make tangible impact on her students, she has demonstrated strong commitment to student success through task design, instruction and assessment. She is currently the Student Services Learning Leader at Bob Edwards School and continues to lead the work in Math and Science at her school.

French

Course Name: Using Problem of the Week to Increase Mathematics Confidence and Competence
Presenter: Carla French

Carla French specializes in elementary mathematics teaching. She is a grade 5/6/8 math/science teacher with the CBE and a sessional instructor with the University of Alberta’s Campus Saint-Jean satellite program in Calgary. She is dedicated to helping elementary teachers deepen their pedagogical content knowledge for teaching and creating an engaged mathematics school culture. Her focus is creating systematically sequenced lessons based on variation theory with the goal of reducing cognitive load and creating a truly inclusive learning environment.

Carla has a Master’s Degree in Educational Research focusing on Mathematics and Leadership. She holds a BEd in French Immersion teaching and a BComm in Finance with a Dance minor.

Groulik

Course Name: See, Talk, Connect: Supercharge Your Language Skills!
Presenters: Laura Groulik

Laura Groulik is the International Languages Consultant with the Calgary Catholic School District.

Growing up in a bilingual environment where Polish was spoken in the home and English at school, Laura's linguistic journey evolved as she acquired proficiency in French and Spanish as well. At home, Laura’s family is immersed in Czech, her husband’s first language. This multilingual upbringing has deeply influenced her understanding of language acquisition and ignited her enduring commitment to continuous learning.

A persistent learner at heart, she continues to explore new language teaching approaches, infusing a fresh perspective into her consulting approach. Mixing personal experience, sound pedagogy, and learned tips from colleagues, Laura strives to support educators and language learners alike.

Doeve

Course Name: Community Walks 101: Start Exploring in 2024!
Presenter: Jenn Doeve

Jenn is a changemaker in the field of education who is passionate about meaningful, real world learning. She combines her classroom experience as a bilingual teacher with childhood development and placemaking to design impactful school programs focused on community. Her podcast, Step into Learning is a collection of ideas and strategies to transform learning in schools.

Vallieres

Course Name: Leçons de révision des graphèmes 4e - 7e année
Presenter: Lina Vallières

Lina Vallières has been teaching French Immersion with the CBE since 2006. Being a second language learner herself, she is passionate about language acquisition and the Science of Reading.

Jarowicz

Course Name: My students don't speak French...what's this NLA that can get them talking?
Presenter: Erika Jarowicz

I have been an FSL teacher within the CBE for 16 years. I have taught grades 5-9 FSL in both a TLC and community setting. I have been using the Neurolinguistic Approach, adapted for FSL, in my classroom for 5 years. Getting kids to speak and write in French gets me excited and inspires me to keep creating new elements of my program.

Stunell  

Salcedo 

Course Name: Pathways to Proficiency: Individualizing Immersion Instruction for English as an Additional Language students
Presenters: Lauren-Rose Stunell, Jesie Salcedo

Lauren-Rose Stunell
Lauren-Rose Stunell is a French Immersion teacher and Indigenous Education Learning Leader at Bob Edwards School and supports the French Immersion students at Mayland Heights school. Lauren has a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Education from the University of Calgary and is currently working on her Masters of Education at l'Université de l'Alberta, Campus Saint Jean. She was born and raised in Brighton, England and moved to France where she fell in love with the French language. She works alongside Jesie to support newcomers to Canada, refugees and EAL students with their development in the English language.

Jesie Salcedo
Jesie Salcedo is a Grade 7 English Humanities Teacher at Bob Edwards School. She was born and raised in Calgary. Jesie holds a Bachelor of Canadian Studies and a Bachelor of Education in English as an Additional Language from the University of Calgary. She has worked with EAL students, immigrants, newcomers, and refugees for 11 years both as a teacher and in the non-profit world. Jesie works with Lauren to support EAL learners, newcomers and refugees in their English language development for reading and writing.

Gracia

Course Name: Maestra sumergida en Canadá
Presenter: Cecilia Calderon Gracia

Cecilia is a Spanish Visiting Teacher from the Canary Islands. She has a masters degree in childhood psychology, specializing in child neuropsychology and music therapy. 

Hewitt  

McKenzie 

Robin 

Course Name: OLEP Réunis en francophonie
Presenters: Lindsey Hewitt, Sheena Abboud McKenzie, Marie-Hélène Robin

Lindsey Hewitt
French Immersion and Humanities Learning Leader at Bishop Pinkham

Sheena Abboud McKenzie
Learning Leader Grade 6 at Westgate Elementary

Marie-Hélène Robin
French Immersion Teacher at Western Canada High School

Christine Stiles

Bobbi Kivi, Sanghamitra Dhar McKenty, add Melanie Tindall

Course Name: Collaboration pour la littératie précoce
Presenters: Christine Stiles, Bobbi Kivi, Sanghamitra Dhar McKenty, Melanie Tindall

Bobbi Kivi
Principal at Janet Johnstone School (K-4), dual program school (French Immersion and Regular program) for 5 years.  A graduate of late French Immersion from CBE and has worked for the board for 25 years.  B.Ed. from the University of Calgary and M.Ed. (Curriculum and Pedagogy) from the University of Alberta.

Christine Stiles
Principal at Ecole William Reid School. WRS is a K-4 FI school. Christine attended FI as a student in Calgary.  She has been with CBE for 28 years at all levels.  Her passion is helping students at risk as she went through FI with a writing disability.  She attended the U of C and did her Master’s Degree at the Faculté St Jean at U of Alberta.

Sanghamitra Dhar McKenty
Principal at Sam Livingston School (K-4 French Immersion).  A graduate of the French Immersion program from the CBE and has worked for the board at all levels for 23 years.

Melanie Tindall
Principal at Sundance School in the SE. Sundance is a K-6 French Immersion single-track school. Passionate about languages, Melanie has been with the CBE for 23 years and was a student in French Immersion growing up in the Ottawa Valley.

Edminston

Course Name: Building Community and Relationships Through Language Learning: Middle School/Junior High Round Table OLEP Presentations
Presenter: Facilitated by Laurelle Edminston

Laurelle Edminston
Laurelle will facilitate the presentations and conversations amongst the various participants from the multiple schools.

Laurelle has been teaching and leading with the Calgary Board of Education for over 25 years. During this time she has worked in French Immersion Schools from Kindergarten to Grade 9 settings as a teacher, resource teacher, Learning Leader, Vice-Principal and Assistant Principal. She is very passionate about second language learning through literacy. Her experience in leading learning communities, calibrating with colleagues and collaborating at various levels including Alberta Learning and with CBE specialists and learning groups give her a unique perspective of teaching today's learners.

Bergerman

Course Name: Languages - Your Passport to the World
Presenter: Lucille Bergerman

Learning Leader: French Immersion and International Languages at Western Canada High School since 1992. I have taught in elementary, junior high and high school in FSL IB, French Immersion FLAIB and Spanish L&C and IB.

Allan

Course Name: New Physical Education Curriculum: How to teach, evaluate and integrate language into your Physical Education lessons
Presenter: Tanis Allan

Tanis Allan is a Learning Leader and the Physical Education specialist for division 2 students at Westgate School. She has had various roles throughout her career with the CBE and has her Physical Education Degree from University of Manitoba, Education Degree from Université de Saint-Boniface and Masters in Language and Culture Studies from Faculté Saint-Jean. She is proud to be a product of the French Immersion program and has been teaching with the CBE for almost 20 years.

Mueller

Course Name: Implementation of the NLA in CBE Mandarin Bilingual classrooms
Presenter: Katherine Mueller

Katherine Mueller is an Assistant Professor (Teaching) at the Werklund School of Education at the University of Calgary. She presents frequently for the CBE on the Neurolinguistic Approach and on the development of oral language for Immersion and Bilingual programs.

McCarthy

Course Name: The Neurolinguistic Approach in an FSL context
Presenter: Joanna McCarthy

FSL teacher at Fairview School.

Gillespie

Course Name: Translanguaging in French Immersion - Does it really work? How?
Presenter: Marissa Gillespie

Marissa Gillespie has been teaching middle school for the last 16 years and has taught grades 6 to 9 within the French Immersion program. Currently she is teaching grade 7 French Humanities. She completed her Masters of Education with the University of Calgary in 2022 with a specialization in school leadership, the calls to action, and French Immersion pedagogy. When not teaching, she can be found enjoying being outside with her husband, daughter, and dog.

Molinan 

Park 

Sastre 

Course Name: Tuning In: Exploring 'Locura de marzo' and 'Manie Musicale' for Language Development, Cultural Connection and School-wide Engagement
Presenters: Esther Molina, Sarah Park, Elena Moreno Sastre

Esther Molina
Esther Molina is a Spanish bilingual teacher who has been teaching in the bilingual program for the last 10 years. She has a Bachelor of Kinesiology in Pedagogy and a Bachelor of Education, both from the University of Calgary. Esther is always looking for ways to have kids experience different aspects of the Spanish culture and has used the Locotubre and Locura de Marzo music competitions in her physical education classes, as well as in her Spanish classroom.

Sarah Park
Sarah Park is a pre-service teacher from the University of Calgary’s Secondary Languages Bachelor of Education program, currently completing her third and fourth field experiences at Crescent Heights High School. She considers herself fortunate to have had field experiences at different grade levels in CBE’s Spanish Bilingual Program, with the first being at Canyon Meadows and the second at Senator Patrick Burns. During Sarah's time as a student teacher at Senator Patrick Burns School, she used the Locura de Marzo platform in the grade six classroom to help students express opinions and to be able to have conversations about the songs they had listened to.

Elena Moreno Sastre
Elena Moreno Sastre is a language enthusiast turned translator turned language teacher. She started her educator journey in Spain as an English teacher, and moved to Calgary eight years ago to teach in the Spanish bilingual program. She has a masters degree in Bilingual Education and is finishing a masters degree in Applied Languages. As a life-long language learner herself, she has experienced the challenge of mantaining motivation, and is always looking for ways to support her students to keep the engagement and love for languages.

Barrera

Course Name: The Impact of Everyday Language on Students' Mathematical Learning, Including Potential Misconceptions
Presenter: Patricia Barrera

Patricia Barrera is a highly qualified and experienced educator with a Bachelor's degree and a Master's degree in Education. With over 15 years of teaching experience, she has gained invaluable expertise in the field of education. Patricia is particularly passionate about mathematics and is dedicated to helping students learn and succeed.

Laroche 

 

Course Name: Debate Games for your Language Classroom
Presenters: Guillaume Laroche, Martin Poirier

Guillaume Laroche
Guillaume is the CBE's Specialist for secondary French immersion and FSL. He also supports the elementary German bilingual program. He is the former Head Coach of Debate at Western Canada High School and has led workshops for debate learning across the country and abroad. Guillaume is a past President of the Alberta Debate & Speech Association and was the 2020 recipient of the John Baty Award for outstanding contributions to debate in Alberta.

Martin Poirier
Martin Poirier is the CBE's Director for Area 6 and Languages. He is the former Head Coach of Debate at William Aberhart High School. He also served as the lead Coach of Team Canada, our country's national debate team. Martin is a past President of the Alberta Debate & Speech Association and was the 2003 recipient of the John Baty Award for outstanding contributions to debate in Alberta.

Gutierrez

Course Name: Neurodiverse Students in Language Programs
Presenter: Cecilia Gutiérrez

Cecilia Gutiérrez is the Assistant Principal of Canyon Meadows School. She has been teaching and learning in the CBE Spanish Bilingual Program for more than 15 years. Cecilia holds a Masters degree in Education with a focus on Children and Adolescent Mental Health and Educational Neuroscience.

no image

Course Name: Blackfoot Language and Story in the Classroom
Presenters: Tracy Evans, Kelsey Fraser, Sandra Manyfeathers, Jacqueline Brown

Sandra Manyfeathers
Ahstanskiaki (Sandra) Manyfeathers is a fluent Blackfoot speaker and a proud member of the Kainai nation. She is the Academic Coordinator/Instructor of Blackfoot Language & Culture Programs at Werklund School of Education, University of Calgary and previously created curriculum and taught Blackfoot Language. Sandra received three of her degrees from the University of Calgary including a BA in Canadian Studies, a BEd, an MEd, and is currently working toward her Doctor of Education in Learning Sciences. With Blackfoot as her first language, Sandra has received many awards for language teaching include the YMCA Volunteer of the Year Award, Global TV’s Woman of Vision Award & the Chief David Crowchild Memorial Award from the City of Calgary for her work on Blackfoot Language Revitalization.  Sandra’s vision for the future includes young Blackfoot people speaking the language fluently and she is committed to making this a reality. 

Tracy Evans
Tracy is the Assistant Principal at David Thompson school and has been an educator in K-8 classrooms for 23 years. She has worked in French Immersion classrooms as a teacher and learning leader and as a strategist with the CBE’s Indigenous Education team. Tracy is passionate about pedagogies of story and land and how these approaches honour students at the center of their learning journey. She is interested in how language connects learners with their identities. She speaks English, French and is currently working to learn Michif and Blackfoot

Jacqueline Brown
Jacqueline is a classroom teacher at Piitoayis Family School. When she isn’t teaching she is chasing and racing her two boys around outside!
Babin

Course Name: "Thrift n' Chat", a TBLT Approach to Language Learning!
Presenter: Claudia Babin

I'm a French and Spanish high school teacher rooted in Calgary, approaching 5 years of teaching experience (though thanks to the challenges of those 3 COVID-teaching years, it feels more like a decade!). As a travel enthusiast and language-learning nerd currently learning a 6th language, I am passionate about imparting my love for languages to students. I strive to design authentic learning experiences, always attempting to infuse real-world contexts into lessons to make language acquisition a rich and meaningful journey for my students.

Korpela 

Comeau 

Course Name: OLEP Funding Project Sharing - Proposal Ideas and Winning Practices
Presenters: Isabelle Korpela, Guillaume Comeau

Isabelle Korpela
Principal of Mayland Heights School,

Bilingual Administrator, originally from Québec, having taught in more than 3 provinces.

Over 28 years experience in multiple school systems (English, French Immersion and Francophone K-12). Passionate about language programs and bringing out the best in each and every learner.

Guillaume Comeau
École Chinook Park School Principal

Guillaume is a proud acadian originally from New Brunswick. He worked in the CBE for 14 years in multiple French immersion Dual-Track settings.

Starlight

Course Name:Tsúūt’ínà Gūnáhà Násʔághà
Presenter: Ellison Starlight

Dzinisi guja, Sizi Ellison Starlight at’a, Tsúūt’ínà uwa Gooji-tii istłini at’a, I am the Tsúūt’ínà Gūnáhà Teacher Coordinator for the Tsúūt’ínà Gūnáhà Násʔághà, and I started in my new role in November 2022. I started working with Tsúūt’ínà Gūnáhà Institute in August 2010 as the Junior and Senior high school Tsuut’ina language teacher for grades six to twelve; the population of students increased, and I mainly taught high students. The language level for the high school students' main goal is to attempt to carry on an entire conversation by asking questions and answering while teaching a bit of traditional knowledge with crafts and outdoor learning

no image

Course Name: Cultural Inclusion-Positive Identity-Enhancing Belonging
Presenter: Teresa Woo-Paw, Patti Pon

Teresa Woo-Paw is the Founder & Chair of the Asian Heritage Foundation /ACT2EndRacism Network. Patti Pon is the President & CEO of Calgary Arts Development.

Litzy Baeza

Course Name: Cultural Intelligence for Inclusive Leadership
Presenter: Litzy Baeza

Litzy has worked in the field of international education for the past 20 years managing a variety of projects overseas, primarily in Latin America. Presently, Litzy is a full-time equity, diversity and inclusion consultant & educator. She also teaches Cultural Intelligence for college students, develops curriculum and programs related to EDI, helps implement and develop EDI strategies with various organizations across Canada and also works on international development projects as a gender equity specialist

Vaugeois 

Pitts 

Course Name: Une valise équipée pour la lecture partagée
Presenters: Carmen Vaugeois, Suzanne Pitts

Carmen Vaugeois est une conseillère pédagogique pour les programmes d’immersion française au Edmonton Catholic Schools en Alberta. Elle enseigne depuis 16 ans à l’élémentaire. Elle a terminé ses études au Campus Saint-Jean à l’Université de l’Alberta. Depuis quelques annnées, elle travaille avec le consortium MERFIP (Metropolitan Edmonton Regional French Immersion Programs) pour collaborer et développer des ressources qui appuient les enseignants dans le programme d’immersion en Alberta. Elle adore partager ses expériences comme apprenante de langue et le développement des nouveaux enseignants lui tient à cœur

Suzanne Pitts est une conseillère pédagogique au Edmonton Catholic Schools en Alberta. Elle enseigne depuis 12 ans au primaire. Originaire du Nouveau-Brunswick, elle a fait ses études dans un programme francophone qui lui a servi lors de ses études à l'Université de Moncton et à l'Université de l'Alberta. Elle a aussi complété sa maîtrise à Newman Theological College à Edmonton. Elle est passionnée par l'acquisition d'une deuxième langue et espère partager ses expériences et des stratégies gagnantes avec vous lors de cette session.

Newburn

Course Name: Weave Got You Covered
Presenter: Paisley Newburn

Paisley currently works at Senator Patrick Burns School as the Learning Leader for the Fine Arts and CTF. Previously, she has taught kindergarten to grade 3 as well as elementary music. When she isn't teaching, she can be found knitting another sweater, leading craft night at a local brewery or rehearsing for a community theatre musical.

French

Course Name: Using variation to spark conceptual understanding in mathematics Presenter: Carla French

Carla French specializes in elementary mathematics teaching. She is a grade 5/6/8 math/science teacher with the CBE and a sessional instructor with the University of Alberta’s Campus Saint-Jean satellite program in Calgary. She is dedicated to helping elementary teachers deepen their pedagogical content knowledge for teaching and creating an engaged mathematics school culture. Her focus is creating systematically sequenced lessons based on variation theory with the goal of reducing cognitive load and creating a truly inclusive learning environment.

Carla has a Master’s Degree in Educational Research focusing on Mathematics and Leadership. She holds a BEd in French Immersion teaching and a BComm in Finance with a Dance minor.

Doeve 

Riquelme 

Course Name:Less is Far More: Establishing a Culture of Community Exploration and Fieldwork
Presenters: Jenn Doeve, Andrea Riquelme

Jenn
Is a changemaker in the field of education who is passionate about meaningful, real world learning. She combines her classroom experience as a bilingual teacher with childhood development and placemaking to design impactful school programs focused on community. Her podcast, Step into Learning is a collection of ideas and strategies to transform learning in schools.

Andrea
Andrea has worked within the CBE Spanish Bilingual program since starting her career as a teacher and Learning Leader at Canyon Meadows in 2007, teaching across grades 1, 3, 4 and grade 3-4 multiage, as well as Resource. Andrea began her journey as a school-based administrator in 2016 at Eugene Coste, taking up a combined Assistant Principal-Kindergarten role and later full time AP.  In 2021, she assumed the role of Principal at Eugene Coste, believing that strong relationships are key to collective efficacy. Andrea holds a Bachelor of Arts in Cultural Anthropology, a Master of Arts in Spanish (Latin American Literature) as well the post-graduate B.Ed, all from the University of Calgary.

Kelsey

Course Name: Incorporating Technology into the Second Language Classroom
Presenter: Jennifer Kelsey

Jennifer is the Music Specialist and Learning Leader at Eugene Coste School. She is currently working on her Master's Degree in Education with focus on Technology. Before becoming the Music Specialist, Jennifer taught a Grade 2/3 multi-age class at Eugene Coste. Besides teaching music, Jennifer also provides learning intervention in both Math and Literacy.

Daher  


Course Name: Les enjeux de la lecture chez l’apprenti-lecteur au secondaire
Presenters: Roula Daher

Roula
Roula Daher est une étudiante en doctorat à l'université de Calgary. Sa recherche est centrée sur le domaine de l'éveil aux langues et de la littératie. Roula est chef de département et enseigne les humanités et le français langue seconde à l'école F.E.Osborne.

OLeary  

Mechelse 

Course Name: Valley Creek’s OLEP collaboration project with Hidden Valley School
Presenters: Chelsea O'Leary, Renée Mechelse

Chelsea O'Leary
Chelsea O'Leary is a grade 8 & 9 French Immersion teacher and learning leader at Valley Creek School. Passionate about developing student's scientific vocabulary and French oral skills

Renée Mechelse
Renée Mechelse is Grade 6 French Immersion and Physical Education teacher. She is a French Department Learning Leader at Valley Creek School. She enjoys all things fitness, food related and French language learning.

Shah

Course Name: Intentional task design to connect numeracy to literacy
Presenters: Radhika Shah

Radhika Shah
Radhika Shah has taught in an Elementary setting and is currently teaching Math and Science in Junior High at Georges P. Vanier. She is crazy about teaching Math and enjoys bringing in creative instructional design to her classroom.

Mejia

Course Name: Teaching Language and Culture through Popular Culture
Presenter: Ximena Mejia

Ximena has been teaching Spanish, Social Studies, and French for only two years, but is such a great teacher it seems like she has been teaching for way longer. Ximena graduated from the University of Lethbridge in 2021 with a bachelors of education and a bachelors of arts in history. Born in Mexico city, her parents made the decision to move to Louisiana in 2006. Then in 2013 they moved to Calgary and she finished high school. In 2021 she graduated from the University of Lethbridge, then after moved back to Calgary to start her teaching career. Ms.Mejia has taught Spanish 10 and 20. Her passion for her language and culture is reflected in her teaching practices.

Duan  

Hildisheim 

Course Name: Language Learning Games for the Classroom
Presenters: Tina Duan, Fan Hildisheim

Tina Duan
Teaching grades 7-9 at Harold Panabaker School. Has been part of the Mandarin Bilingual Program for nearly 10 years.

Fan Hildisheim
Mandarin Bilingual School Grade 1 teacher, Lead Teacher

Hernández

Course Name: NLA Loop: A Journey
Presenter: Cristina Hernández

Cristina Hernández has worked in bilingual programs both in Spain and Canada since 2005. Cristina’s teaching journey has taken her to lead international projects in Europe providing her with a unique teaching and learning vision that Cristina continues to expand as a Learning Leader. Collaborating to support and strengthen the integrity of the CBE Spanish Bilingual Program is a passion Cristina would like to share with you during this session.

Chastko  

Robb 

Clarke 

 

Course Name: Math Talks: Using Conversations as an Assessment Tool
Presenters: Michelle Chastko, Allison Robb, Geneviève Clarke

Michelle Chastko (Principal), Allison Robb (Assistant Principal) and Geneviève Clarke (Learning Leader) from HIdden Valley School

Wang

Course Name: Chinese Games and the Curriculum
Presenters: Shu Wang, Hui Li, Huong Ly

Shu Wang
Grade four teacher at Marion Carson School who is teaching both the English and Mandarin components of the Chinese Bilingual program

Hui Li
Grade two teacher at Marion Carson School teaching the English component of the Chinese Bilinugal Program

Huong Ly
Assistant Principal at Marion Carson School which houses both a K-6 Community English program and a K-4 Mandarin Bilingual program.

Stafford 

Godsman 

Course Name: La littérature jeunesse au service de l'ANL en immersion
Presenters: Laurien Stafford, Nim Godsman

Laurien Stafford
Enseignante de 4e année en immersion française à Banff Trail, Laurien est passionnée pour la littérature jeunesse. Elle est toujours à la recherche de beaux livres qui offrent de multiples possibilités pédagogiques à ses élèves

Nim Godsman
Je suis enseignante d'immersion française en 3ème année a Banff Trail. Je m'intéresse aux meilleures pratiques d'acquisition de langues secondes.

Laroche  

Gillespie 

Course Name: La référenciation: un outil flexible pour le FLA!
Presenters: Guillaume Laroche, Marissa Gillespie

Guillaume Laroche is the CBE Languages Specialist for secondary French Immersion. Over the course of his career, he has taught everything from elementary music to high school IB History. From 2020 to 2022, he was seconded from CBE to the Department of National Defence's Overseas Schools division, teaching the children of Canadian and NATO soldiers in the Netherlands. Guillaume is an avid skier and traveller.

Marissa Gillespie has been teaching middle school for the last 16 years and has taught grades 6 to 9 within the French Immersion program. Currently she is teaching grade 7 French Humanities. She completed her Masters of Education with the University of Calgary in 2022 with a specialization in school leadership, the calls to action, and French Immersion pedagogy. When not teaching, she can be found enjoying being outside with her husband, daughter, and dog.

Wiwchar 

Brar 

Metheral 

Course Name: Manie Musicale
Presenters: Meaghan Wiwchar, Neha Brar, Judy Metheral

Meaghan
Is a Grade 3 teacher and Learning Leader at Hidden Valley school. She has taught French Immersion most of her career and is teaching in an English classroom this year.

Neha Brar
Neha is a Grade 3 teacher at Hidden Valley school. She has been teaching since 2014 and loves to find new ways to bring the curriculum alive for her students.

Judy Metheral
Judy is a Grade 3 French Immersion teacher at Hidden Valley School. As a Francophone from Fredericton, New Brunswick, she is thrilled to be teaching in her first language.

Olivella  

Switzer 

Course Name: Números y Más: Exploring the Power of Numeracy in a Bilingual World
Presenters: Stephanie Olivella, Kelly Switzer

Stephanie Olivella
Grade 5 Spanish teacher with a passion for making learning fun! With a background in linguistics and speech-language sciences, Ms. Olivella brings language to life in the classroom. Her academic background gives her a unique perspective on how language shapes our thoughts and connects us to one another. She's dedicated to creating an inclusive and engaging learning environment where every student feels empowered to express themselves in Spanish.

Kelly Switzer
Kindergarten Spanish teacher with a passion for literacy. With a background in linguistics and second-language acquisition, Mrs. Switzer enjoys making learning visible for her students. She enjoys spending time with her family and traveling to new and exciting places. She's dedicated to creating an inclusive and engaging learning environment where every student feels empowered to express themselves in Spanish.

Fleischer 

Colin Haydu 

Coulombe 

Coulombe 

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Course Name: Integrating Research-Based Pedagogies into Everyday Content and Language Learning
Presenters: Alejandra Fleischer, Sarah Soltész, Camille Coulombe, Colin Haydu, Courtney Keen

Alejandra Fleischer
She has a Bachelor Degree in Applied Chemistry followed with a Bachelor Degree in Education. After teaching language and content for a couple of years Alejandra decided to specialize in Language Teaching taking a Masters of Education in Language Learning and Creativity in Education.

Alejandra has held a variety of positions within the Calgary Board of Education including Language Learning Leader, System Wide Language Specialist, and Administrator at the elementary level and middle school level.

Alejandra has had the opportunity to lead several training sessions for Language Teachers and Bilingual School Administrators in the areas of Dual Language Pedagogies, Translanguaging, Content and Language Integrated Learning, and the Neurolisnguistic Approach.

Sarah Soltész
I am Srta. Soltész and I am the grade 8 and 9 Spanish language arts teacher. I have a Masters in Language & Diversity and over a decade of experience teaching in the Spanish bilingual program. As a team, the Robert Warren teachers collaborate to design tasks that engage students in worthwhile work that is authentic to the discipline, and connects students to the world beyond the school.

Camille Coulombe
I am Camille Coulombe, a 6th grade Spanish Language Arts, Math and Science teacher at Robert Warren School. I graduated in 2019 from the University of Alberta where I obtained my Bachelor of Education degree in Secondary Education. I majored in French and minored in Spanish. As part of my studies, I was able to participate in three different Study Abroad programs. I studied French in Lille, France and in La Rochelle, France and I studied Spanish in Granada, Spain. After I obtained my degree, I moved to Madrid, Spain for two years where I taught English as a language assistant. Upon my return to Canada, I started working with the Calgary Board of Education and I have taught at both the high school and elementary levels.I am Camille Coulombe, a 6th grade Spanish Language Arts, Math and Science teacher at Robert Warren School.

I graduated in 2019 from the University of Alberta where I obtained my Bachelor of Education degree in Secondary Education. I majored in French and minored in Spanish. As part of my studies, I was able to participate in three different Study Abroad programs. I studied French in Lille, France and in La Rochelle, France and I studied Spanish in Granada, Spain.After I obtained my degree, I moved to Madrid, Spain for two years where I taught English as a language assistant. Upon my return to Canada, I started working with the Calgary Board of Education and I have taught at both the high school and elementary levels.

Colin Haydu
Colin is the Principal of Robert Warren School

Courtney Keen
Courtney is currently a grade 6 humanities teacher and mental health leading teacher at Robert Warren.  She is very passionate about how to support students’ mental health and how to foster resiliency in her students. She grew up in Mexico and that is where she became passionate about language education.  

Courtney completed her Bachelor of Arts in Spanish, Bachelor of Arts in Drama, and Bachelor of Education at the University of Calgary.  

In today's diverse and interconnected world, language plays a crucial role in shaping students' identities, cognition, and overall development. This presentation aims to explore various approaches and strategies that can be cohesively integrated to promote multilingual language instruction and foster inclusive education. We will delve into the Neurolinguistic Approach (NLA) for Teaching and Learning Languages, oral language error correction, intentional translanguaging within dual language pedagogies, and more. By combining these effective methods, educators can support students in harnessing the power of language for cognitive growth and academic success, ensuring they have equitable access to learning opportunities while honoring their linguistic diversity.

Rugama  

Valji 

Krickhan 

Avdicos 

Course Name: Le métissage - Fostering Cognitive and Emotional Engagement in Adolescent Language Learning
Presenters: Jasmine Rugama, Sarah Valji, Marlene Krickhan, Aliki Avdicos

Jasmine Rugama
Jasmine is the Bilingual Humanities Learning Leader at École Woodman School. She leads professional collaboration for all English/French teachers within a Gr. 5-9, triple track middle school. Jasmine is a native Spanish speaker with strong cultural ties to Latin-America; she is also a graduate of the French Immersion program of the Calgary Board of Education and has been teaching within the program for 7 years. This background allows her to model (and share with you!) what ethical citizenship, social justice, celebration of diversity, and using all language-tools available can look like within the bilingual/multilingual classroom.

Sarah Valji
Sarah Valji is a grade 7 and 8 Late French immersion humanities Teacher at Elboya. She holds a Master’s degree in language teaching from the University of Ottawa and completed her bachelor’s degree at The University of Alberta’s francophone campus - Campus Saint Jean. Her passion has always been language learning as it is so heavily linked to diversity and inclusion. Prior to Elboya, she gained experience at Bob Edwards and Nose Creek, teaching the Intensive French and French immersion programs.

Marlene Krickhan
Marlene is a lover of languages and of adolescent learners. Together, this combination has resulted in many happy years of leadership within language learning environments. Whether in English, Spanish or French settings, she has understood that teacher identity, student investment, and a holistic/intentional pedagogical approach can unleash a powerful set of positive influences in the lives and language learning of our youth.

Aliki Avdicos
Aliki has been a principal for over 10 years in dual track schools. Most of her career has been in French Immersion settings, within CBE. She’s passionate about adapting and creating supportive environments knowing all students can reach their full potential, starting with building strong relationships.

Ron Sperling 

Gwendolyn Shone 

Course Name: Indigenous perspective in the HS L&C class
Presenter: Ron Sperling & Gwendolyn Shone

Gwendolyn Shone
Gwendolyn Shone is an Albertan educator who values plurality:
having three daughters in a Francophone minority context, an immigrant father, and two Indigenous sisters adopted during the Sixties Scoop. She holds a Graduate certificate and M.Éd. from Campus Saint-Jean, University of Alberta. Her experience includes Francophone and French immersion teacher, Alberta Education curriculum consultant, Francophonie newcomer services, researcher, new French teacher consultant, and Assistant Professor.

Ron Sperling
Ron Sperling is a first-generation Canadian with German and Uruguayan heritage. He holds a B.Ed. in German and French, and a B.A. in Political Science (Globalization & Governance) from the University of Alberta. He taught German and Spanish Language and Culture, and French as a Second Language at the high school level since 1996, and is currently a language consultant.


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Tracy Evans 



Course Name: Promoting Late Immersion

Presenter: Natasha Andrews, Tracy Evans

Natasha Andrews
Natasha received a BA in French Studies from the University of Western Ontario, and then went on receive a BEd from Ambrose University. She is passionate about second language learning and lifts student-centered pedagogies in the classroom. She currently teaches grades 7 and 8 early and late French humanities, and is engaged in growing the late immersion program by lifting student voice in the work. In her spare time, she likes to go for long walks with her dog, Charlie, and enjoys being outside and connecting with the land.

Tracy Evans
Tracy is the Assistant Principal at David Thompson school and has been an educator in K-8 classrooms for 23 years. She has worked in French Immersion classrooms as a teacher and learning leader and as a strategist with the CBE’s Indigenous Education team. Tracy is passionate about pedagogies of story and land and how these approaches honour students at the center of their learning journey. She is interested in how language connects learners with their identities. She speaks English, French and is currently working to learn Michif and Blackfoot.

Erika Scholz 

Hedieh Hosseini 



Course Name: Soutenir la transition vers le secondaire en immersion française - Combler les lacunes de l'apprentissage

Presenter: Erika Scholz, Hedieh Hosseini

Erika Scholz
Erika Scholz has a Bachelor of Science as well as a Bachelor in Education, with a specialization in secondary science. Since the start of her career, she has been teaching middle school math and science in French Immersion. She is also currently working at Georges P. Vanier school in order to co-teach math with other colleagues in support of immersion students’ math learning. Erika’s passion involves sparking students’ curiosity in math and science and inspiring them to look at the world with wonder.

Hedieh Hosseini
Hedieh Hosseini has a MA in French Language and French Literature and a BEd in Education. For the past six years, she has been teaching humanities at the junior high level. Hedieh Hosseini is currently the Continuous & Late French Immersion Language Arts & Social Studies Learning Leader at Georges P. Vanier middle school with the Calgary Board of Education. Her passion lies in shifting instructional practices to meet the outcomes of the program of studies while supporting the academic achievement of learners and facilitating their transition to high school; this led to her collaboration in the OLEP project “Soutenir la transition vers le secondaire en immersion française - combler les lacunes de l’apprentissage”.

Steeve Mercier 

Course Name: 25 years of the Neurolinguistic Approach: origin, outcomes, expansion and current experiments

Presenter: Steeve Mercier

Steeve Mercier est spécialiste de neurodidactique d’une L2, d’acquisition d’une L2, de correction phonétique et de phonologie. Il est habilité à enseigner, à former des enseignants et à organiser des stages de formations de formateurs conformément aux principes et stratégies de l’Approche Neurolinguistique (ANL).
Il occupe actuellement les fonctions de directeur scientifique, de conseiller pédagogique expert et de formateur au sein du CiFRAN. M. Mercier travaille également comme chargé de cours en linguistique, didactique d’une L2 et en français L2 à l’Université Laval, comme chargé de cours en linguistique et en français langue maternelle à l’Université du Québec à Rimouski et comme professeur de francisation des immigrants au ministère de l’Immigration, de la Diversité et de l’Inclusion du Québec.

Michelle Roussy 

Shannah Ernest 

Course Name: OLEP Funding Project: French Immersion Inter-School Collaboration within the CBE

Presenter: Michelle Roussy and Shannah Ernest

Michelle Rousy
Michelle is a Learning Leader and has been working in French Immersion for the past five years within the CBE and loves to learn all about second languages! She is keen to share this project with other teachers, and administrators, in hopes to inspire and support in developing teacher capacity. 

Shannah Ernest
Shannah is a Learning Leader and has been working in French Immersion for the past seven years within the CBE. She is passionate about teaching and learning in a second language. This is her second year participating in this type of project and is looking forward to sharing her experience as a participant and as an organizer.