Title
Leading Teaching and Learning & Cultural Responsiveness, Division 2 & 3
Session
1
Division
Div 2, Div 3, Leadership
Room
Language(s) of Session
English
Description
Sonia Aujla-Bhullar
This presentation will provide participants with an opportunity to deepen their understanding of culturally relevant and culturally responsive pedagogy, as well as strengthen their ability to create and implement inclusive teaching practices. This presentation will connect to inclusive practices in the language classroom by:
- building teacher capacity with an emphasis on inclusive practices for all learners
- understanding Diversity & Learning as a frame for strength-based understandings of student learning
- inclusive instructional strategies that honour diverse learning profiles
- exploring culturally responsive teaching through the unique setting of language classrooms
Registration
Title
Why Learning Languages Matters: The impact of additional language learning, research from Dr. Mary Grantham O'Brien
Session
1
Division
Leadership
Room
Language(s) of Session
English
Description
Martine Sawatzky
Martine Sawatzky will lead a conversation after watching a recording of Dr. Mary Grantham O'Brien speaking about her research and literature review on the impact of second language learning. This collaborative conversation amongst participants will be from the lens of a leader in a language program.
Registration
Title
Leading Teaching and Learning & Cultural Responsiveness, Division 4 and L&C
Session
1
Division
Div 3, Div 4, Leadership
Room
Language(s) of Session
English
Description
Kaitlyn Khubyar
This presentation will provide participants with an opportunity to deepen their understanding of culturally relevant and culturally responsive pedagogy, as well as strengthen their ability to create and implement inclusive teaching practices. This presentation will connect to inclusive practices in the language classroom by:
- building teacher capacity with an emphasis on inclusive practices for all learners
- understanding Diversity & Learning as a frame for strength-based understandings of student learning
- inclusive instructional strategies that honour diverse learning profiles
- exploring culturally responsive teaching through the unique setting of language classrooms
Registration
Title
NLA Task Design Incorporating AI
Session
1
Division
Div 1, Div 2
Room
Language(s) of Session
English
Description
Hong Shen
Interdisciplinary Task design will be the focus of this session using NLA. The high-impact strategy of the Neurolinguistic Approach emphasizes spontaneous communication skills in the target language of instruction. By creating conditions that enable learners to acquire implicit competence and communicate effectively in the target language, students develop confidence in the target language. We work through the Literacy Loop of listening, speaking, reading and writing. Teachers will collaborate with colleagues, share resources, and design NLA tasks. Using a planning template, they will develop tasks tailored to their language program classrooms.
Registration
Title
Inclusive Education: Behaviour as a Learning Opportunity
Session
1
Division
Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4, Leadership
Room
Language(s) of Session
English
Description
Michelle Chastko
Our students with complex needs react to demands and environmental stimuli, and communicate their needs in many different ways. This learning session will focus on some of the ways that we can observe and gather information in order to assist in our understanding of what our students may need, and how and when to teach a skill that will support them in communicating their needs and wants.
Registration
Title
Inclusive Education | Routines for Learning
Session
1
Division
Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4, Leadership
Room
Language(s) of Session
English
Description
Camille Haggar
Routines for learning provide valuable supports for all students and specific supports for learners with complex needs. This session will outline the specific benefits and how-tos of providing predictable learning routines.
Registration
Title
Inclusive Education | Executive Function
Session
1
Division
Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4, Leadership
Room
Language(s) of Session
English
Description
Courtney Klein-Swormink
Our brain’s executive function helps us to plan and follow through with our many activities. This session will identify the specific processes involved in EF, the impacts of lags in EF development, and specific strategies and supports for students to encourage skills development and independent learning routines.
Registration
Title
Creating AI-Enhanced Reading Texts in International Languages
Session
1
Division
Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Leadership
Room
Language(s) of Session
English
Description
Patricia Barrera
Kindergarten - grade 9 bilingual educators will explore how to use AI tools to create differentiated reading texts in their classroom using the International Language Arts Programs of Study (German, Mandarin, Spanish). The session will examine diagnostic, formative, and summative types of assessments. The session will first review the design of AI-generated prompts and the insights assessments can provide for next steps in teaching. The second part of the session will have teachers creating using the tools provided. Make sure you bring your laptop!
Registration
Title
NLA Task Design Planning Division 1&2
Session
1
Division
Div 1, Div 2
Room
Language(s) of Session
English
Description
Stefanie Johnson
This session will guide educators in using the Neurolinguistic Approach (NLA) to plan for language acquisition across all subjects in early and elementary grades. Participants will explore a practical planning guide and structured framework designed to support students’ natural language development while engaging with subject content. Through hands-on strategies, teachers will learn how to create lessons that integrate movement, brain-based activities, and interactive techniques to enhance comprehension, retention, and confidence in learners at all stages of language acquisition.
Registration
Title
NLA Planning Division 3&4
Session
1
Division
Div 3, Div 4
Room
Language(s) of Session
English
Description
Audrey Gelinas
This session is designed to help educators implement the Neurolinguistic Approach (NLA) in middle and high school classrooms to support language acquisition across subject areas. Participants will receive a structured planning guide that emphasizes brain-based strategies, interactive learning, and the development of academic language skills. The session will provide practical tools for designing lessons that engage learners, support memory and comprehension, and integrate subject-specific content with targeted language development, helping all students achieve success and language proficiency in cognitively demanding tasks.
Registration
Title
Accessing the Thinking Brain: Wellbeing for Learning Readiness
Session
1
Division
Div 1, Div 2, Leadership
Room
Language(s) of Session
English
Description
Allison Hull & Shannah Ernest
This session shares our school’s journey in intentionally embedding structures that foster a culture of well-being and inclusion within our French Immersion program. Through thoughtful planning, we have integrated daily blocks dedicated to wellbeing lessons and developed a year-long framework to guide teachers and support staff. Students (and staff) practice learned strategies to access the “thinking part” of their brain, preparing them to learn with confidence.
Registration
Title
Using Data to Inform Scheduling and PD
Session
1
Division
Leadership
Room
Language(s) of Session
English
Description
Chad Edmonds
This presentation will look at how we identify students' learning and social-emotional needs and how we address them in the classroom, in the school and with families.
Registration
Title
Math in Inclusive Language Classrooms: Thinking Protocols for Every Learner
Session
1
Division
Div 2
Room
Language(s) of Session
English
Description
Radhika Shah
Looking for simple, effective ways to get all students talking and thinking in math—especially in bilingual or second-language classrooms?
This session introduces short (5–15 minute) dialogue routines that promote inclusive participation and ensure every learner has meaningful access to mathematical thinking—such as thinking protocols like 'What do you notice?' 'What do I wonder?' 'True or False?' 'Which One Doesn’t Belong?' 'Two Truths and a Lie'. Thinking protocols provide multiple entry points for students to engage in mathematical thinking/discourse in the classroom.
These protocols will help student thinking become visible and therefore support formative assessments. Dialogic discourse addresses common gaps in understanding (e.g., Is 0.5 equal to 0.50? This is depicted pictorially) as they build a culture of collective thinking.
Designed for second-language settings (English/French), these protocols integrate content and language learning, strengthening mathematical understanding while building positive bi/multilingual identities. Teachers will leave with a ready-to-use toolkit to use in the classroom the very next day!
Registration
Title
Inclusive Practice Through the Language Lens
Session
1
Division
Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4, Leadership
Room
Language(s) of Session
English
Description
Jacquelyn Michaud & Laurelle Edmiston
This session will explore the continuum of supports available for students in language programs. We will examine how to effectively support neurodiverse learners, with a focus on executive functioning and strategies that promote success in bilingual and multilingual contexts. Participants will also consider how recognizing behaviour as a form of communication can lead to more thoughtful and collaborative planning. By deepening our understanding of learner needs, we can create more inclusive, responsive, and supportive learning environments.
Registration
Title
Linguistic Bridges | Bridging Language Learning Theories Into Practice
Session
1
Division
Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4, Leadership
Room
Language(s) of Session
English
Description
Cindy Chin
Participants will be guided through two case studies that examine second (and more!) language acquisition theories. How can educators identify barriers and create the path towards impactful language teaching in the classroom? This will be reviewed and discussed during the session. Lesson plan ideas and future trends will also be reviewed. Participants will have practical support from the deeper understanding of language acquisition theories that explore the WHY behind our impact.
Registration
Title
Working Collaboratively on Developing a Progressive Discipline Continuum of Support
Session
1
Division
Leadership
Room
Language(s) of Session
English, French
Description
Guillaume Comeau and Krista Schmitt
This Working Session for Leaders will be collaborative in nature as we continue to build capacity for Progressive Discipline to best support inclusive practices in our Languages program classrooms.
Registration
Title
Les arts et la littérature jeunesse
Session
1
Division
Div 1, Div 2
Room
Language(s) of Session
English, French
Description
Kimberly Collins and Anne Cloarec
Incorporating littérature jeunesse and art to communicate a story inspired by one studied together, connecting art, story, and movement to create multiple access points for our diverse learners. Providing access through the NLA approach, as well as through creativity and movement, to help students understand and connect with storytelling.
Registration
Title
Serving our Neurodivergent Students in a Language-Learning Classroom - Dispelling Myths and Leveraging Strengths
Session
1
Division
Div 1, Div 2, Leadership
Room
Language(s) of Session
English
Description
Rayna Bergerman
This presentation focuses on key, research-informed understandings of ASD and ADHD and how they may present in the classroom and school environments. We will clarify similarities and differences in presentation, address common misconceptions, and connect best practices to everyday teaching decisions. Participants will also explore neurodivergent strengths and how to design language-learning experiences that allow those strengths to shine. Teachers will leave with clearer insight into student needs and practical strategies for creating learning environments and instruction that support students with ASD and ADHD while benefiting all learners.
Registration
Title
Creating collaborative leadership and inclusive practices in a bilingual setting
Session
1
Division
Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4, Leadership
Room
Language(s) of Session
English
Description
Harald Ludvigsen and Elena Moreno
We created a school culture at SPB that supports inclusive practices by having collaborative leadership structures. We will outline how we have improved inclusive practices in all areas by introducing collaborative leadership structures.
Registration
Title
Middle School SMATH OLEP Round Table
Session
1
Division
Div 3
Room
Language(s) of Session
English
Description
Aliki Avdicos
French Immersion middle school teachers will collaborate with colleagues to design math and science tasks that incorporate NLA competencies within their content. This session will provide an opportunity to co-create meaningful, engaging tasks and share expertise that supports the inclusion of all students in the language classroom by building vocabulary to construct understanding.Teachers are asked to bring their computers, as this will mainly be a working session.
Registration
Title
Languages Symposium | Blackfoot Knowledge in Language Learning
Session
1
Division
Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4, Leadership
Room
Language(s) of Session
English
Description
Ahstanskiaki (Sandra) Many Feathers
Ahstanskiaki 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’s vision for the future includes young Blackfoot people speaking the language fluently, and she is committed to making this a reality. Please join Sandra in this session, as she shares her perspective on language teaching and learning, and how we can create a welcoming and safe space for all language learners.
Registration
Title
Outcome Based Assessment | FLA/SLA/FSL/Language & Culture Courses (High School)
Session
2
Division
Div 4
Room
Language(s) of Session
English
Description
Jacquelyn Michaud and Laurelle Edmiston
Teachers will be guided through the calibration of rubrics in Language programs. An optional working session will follow, with the intention of supporting task planning.
Registration
Title
Leading Teaching and Learning & Cultural Responsiveness, Division 4 and L&C
Session
2
Division
Div 4, Leadership
Room
Language(s) of Session
English
Description
Kaitlyn Khubyar
This presentation will provide participants with an opportunity to deepen their understanding of culturally relevant and culturally responsive pedagogy, as well as strengthen their ability to create and implement inclusive teaching practices. This presentation will connect to inclusive practices in the language classroom by:
- building teacher capacity with an emphasis on inclusive practices for all learners
- understanding Diversity & Learning as a frame for strength-based understandings of student learning
- inclusive instructional strategies that honour diverse learning profiles
- exploring culturally responsive teaching through the unique setting of language classrooms
Registration
Title
Leading Teaching and Learning & Cultural Responsiveness, Division 2&3
Session
2
Division
Div 2, Div 3, Leadership
Room
Language(s) of Session
English
Description
Sonia Aujla-Bhullar
This presentation will provide participants with an opportunity to deepen their understanding of culturally relevant and culturally responsive pedagogy, as well as strengthen their ability to create and implement inclusive teaching practices. This presentation will connect to inclusive practices in the language classroom by:
- building teacher capacity with an emphasis on inclusive practices for all learners
- understanding Diversity & Learning as a frame for strength-based understandings of student learning
- inclusive instructional strategies that honour diverse learning profiles
- exploring culturally responsive teaching through the unique setting of language classrooms
Registration
Title
Voices and Perspectives: Mentorship to ensure the well-being of pre-service teachers
Session
2
Division
Leadership
Room
Language(s) of Session
English
Description
Dr. Katherine Mueller
In this session, we will explore the challenges faced by mentor teachers and their pre-service teachers during their practicum experiences, with a view to facilitating the process and ensuring the success of pre-service teachers. Our team is composed of one practicum supervisor and two experienced mentor teachers. We will share anecdotes and insights about our experiences with pre-service teachers, and we will address the following questions: What are the expectations and concerns of pre-service teachers? What role does well-being play in the retention of new teachers? What are the best practices to ensure their successful entry into the profession?
Registration
Title
Scope & Sequence | French
Session
2
Division
Div 1, Div 2, Leadership
Room
Language(s) of Session
French
Description
Audrey Gelinas
This session offers French Immersion teachers the opportunity to participate in a collaborative working group focused on the first revision of the in-progress FILAL (French Immersion Language Arts and Literacy) scope and sequence draft. Participants will review the draft, provide feedback, and discuss strategies to ensure the document effectively supports language development, curriculum alignment, and classroom implementation. Attendees will engage in hands-on, collaborative work to shape a practical and coherent resource for French Immersion programs.
Registration
Title
Scope & Sequence | Spanish, Mandarin & German
Session
2
Division
Div 1, Leadership
Room
Language(s) of Session
English
Description
Patricia Barrera and Hong Shen
This session will focus on reviewing the K–3 Scope and Sequence for Spanish, Chinese, and German, aligned with the Alberta Programs of Study. Teachers will examine grade-level outcomes, language skills (listening and speaking), and progression across K–3 for the school year. Through collaborative discussion, teachers will provide feedback on clarity, pacing, and classroom applicability. Teacher input will be used to update and strengthen the scope and sequence to better support instruction and student learning.
Registration
Title
How the Land can Help with Language Learning (Outdoor experience and stories to facilitate language learning)
Session
2
Division
Div 1
Room
Language(s) of Session
English
Description
Andrea Batchelor
The presenter will provide examples of stories and activities that can be used with elementary students outdoors to develop rich language. The session will address the development of basic vocabulary for EAL learners, as well as opportunities for enriched language for students whose first language is English.
Registration
Title
Inclusive Education: Behaviour as a Learning Opportunity
Session
2
Division
Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4
Room
Language(s) of Session
English
Description
Danielle Godbout
Our students with complex needs react to demands and environmental stimuli, and communicate their needs in various ways. This learning session will focus on strategies for observing and gathering information to better understand what our students may need, and on determining how and when to teach skills that support them in communicating their needs and wants.
Registration
Title
Inclusive Education | Routines for Learning
Session
2
Division
Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4, Leadership
Room
Language(s) of Session
English
Description
Danielle Outhet
Routines for learning provide valuable supports for all students, as well as targeted supports for learners with complex needs. This session will outline the specific benefits of predictable learning routines and practical strategies for implementing them.
Registration
Title
Inclusive Education | Executive Function
Session
2
Division
Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4, Leadership
Room
Language(s) of Session
English
Description
Sheri Bullough
Our brain’s executive function helps us plan and follow through with our many activities. This session will identify the specific processes involved in executive function, the impacts of delays in its development, and strategies and supports to help students build these skills and foster independence.
Registration
Title
Scope & Sequence | Late French Immersion
Session
2
Division
Div 3
Room
Language(s) of Session
English, French
Description
Sylvie Matheusik
The Late French Immersion Program provides students entering grade 7 with the opportunity to become highly functional in speaking, reading, writing, listening and communicating in French. The Community of Practice has been supporting grade 7 & 8 teachers in this program. The shift to using a Locally Developed Course (LDC) for Language Arts was implemented last year, and this session will continue to deepen educators' understanding of the progression of this program. All French immersion educators in a junior high setting are invited to join and review the Draft of the scope and sequence.
Registration
Title
Inclusive FSL: Practical Strategies for All Learners
Session
2
Division
Div 1, Div 2
Room
Language(s) of Session
English
Description
Dana Popic
In this session, I will share practical, classroom-tested strategies used in elementary FSL to create an inclusive environment where every student can participate successfully. These include visual-first instruction, scaffolded speaking routines, differentiated creative projects, culturally responsive connections, low-anxiety participation strategies, and flexible assessment practices. Examples from Grades 3–6 will illustrate how these approaches support students with varying levels of readiness and proficiency in French. Participants will leave with ready-to-use ideas that can be easily adapted to their own language classrooms.
Registration
Title
Why Learning Languages Matters: The impact of additional language learning, research from Dr. Mary Grantham O'Brien
Session
2
Division
Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4, Leadership
Room
Language(s) of Session
English
Description
Martine Sawatzky
Martine Sawatzky will lead a conversation following a recording of Dr. Mary Grantham O'Brien discussing her research and literature review on the impact of second language learning. This collaborative discussion among participants will be approached from the perspective of teaching in a language program.
Registration
Title
Middle School SMATH OLEP Working Session
Session
2
Division
Div 3
Room
Language(s) of Session
French
Description
Aliki Avdicos
This working session will continue to build from the engagement in Session Block 1. French Immersion middle school teachers will collaborate with colleagues on designing math and science tasks using NLA competencies within content. This session will provide an opportunity to co-create meaningful, engaging tasks and share expertise that supports the inclusion of all students in the language classroom by building vocabulary to construct understanding. Teachers are asked to bring their computers, as this will mainly be a working session.
Registration
Title
La science de l'écriture: la recherche de Kim Lockhart
Session
2
Division
Div 1
Room
Language(s) of Session
French
Description
Heather White
Participants will be led through the NetWORDING Presentation of Kim Lockhart from October 2025. This video is available for only a short time! Participants will review the writing process and the practical applications of the science of writing in a French Immersion setting.
Registration
Title
Worlds in Sync: Multimodal Worlding Through Music Videos for Inclusive Language Teaching and Learning
Session
2
Division
Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4, Leadership
Room
Language(s) of Session
English
Description
Eve Moreau
In language education, ‘worlding’ emphasizes learning as a relational, embodied, and creative process, where students leverage their full linguistic repertoires and multimodal resources to express their complex identities and ideas. This presentation highlights current research and provides a workshop-style session for teachers to explore using music videos and multimodal methods in language instruction. Complex representations will be considered through the inclusion of Canadian immigrant artists who represent various languages and cultures within our educational context. Please bring your laptop and headphones.
Registration
Title
Supporting Language Learning through Orff in the Bilingual Elementary Classroom (12:30-3:10 PM)
Session
2
Division
Div 1, Div 2
Room
Language(s) of Session
English
Description
Carolina Buttner Heath
This session will focus on an Orff-based approach to teaching music to children while supporting language acquisition of the target language in a bilingual setting. Activities will be conducted in Spanish and explained in English. In this session, Carolina will share processes, lessons, and ideas that you can adapt to the target language in your elementary school.
Registration
Title
From Cogs to Connectors: Re-centering Community, Purpose, and Place in Education
Session
2
Division
Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4, Leadership
Room
Language(s) of Session
English
Description
Jenn Doeve | Yellow Steps
You’ve got the basics of teaching down pat (even in two languages!), but you really want your lessons to make a difference. You want your students to see the impact of their learning in today’s complex world, but it feels like the priorities are all backwards and out of order. Under these circumstances, it’s easy for you (and your students) to begin feeling like cogs in the big education machine.
We must continually ask:
How do we connect with our communities?
Structured programs and one-size-fits-all resources have a purpose, but we need to focus on authentic and experiential learning that directly benefits our communities and invites students to explore their unique role in the world.
In this double session, Jenn Doeve will reframe the function of community in education. You’ll learn how to meaningfully connect with your own and how to purposefully center it in your instruction. Come prepared for an outdoor walking component (45 min.)
Registration
Title
Translanguaging/AI in language programs through Inclusive lens
Session
2
Division
Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4, Leadership
Room
Language(s) of Session
English
Description
Alejandra Fleischer, Kristal Derbyshire, Sarah Soltesz, Kristen Sunohara, and Courtney Keen
This presentation is grounded in the belief that inclusive language classrooms are intentionally designed to reduce barriers and offer multiple pathways for students to demonstrate understanding. The session explicitly connects to inclusive practices by demonstrating how AI can enhance a teacher’s ability to respond to a wide range of learner profiles—cognitive, linguistic, behavioural, and cultural.
Registration
Title
Making Mathematics Vocabulary Meaningful
Session
2
Division
Div 1, Div 2, Div 3
Room
Language(s) of Session
English
Description
Carla French
In this session, we will explore how to make mathematics vocabulary conceptually meaningful for students. Applying word morphology strategies during instruction can help students move beyond rote memorization of math terminology and enhance conceptual understanding. For example, the word ‘coefficient’ does not have to be intimidating or memorized; understanding that the prefix ‘co’ means ‘together’ and ‘efficient’ refers to being productive helps. The coefficient ‘cooperates efficiently’ with the variable, allowing us to use our equation to find a variety of possible solutions. Analogies and similes can also be used effectively during instruction to enhance student understanding. Anchor charts are currently being developed and will be shared.
Registration
Title
Blackfoot Knowledge in Language Learning
Session
2
Division
Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4, Leadership
Room
Language(s) of Session
English
Description
Ahstanskiaki (Sandra) Many Feathers
Ahstanskiaki 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’s vision for the future includes young Blackfoot people speaking the language fluently, and she is committed to making this a reality. Please join Sandra in this session, as she shares her perspective on language teaching and learning, and how we can create a welcoming and safe space for all language learners.
Registration
Title
Créer de l’espace pour les études sociales : concevoir et partager des ressources favorisant les apprentissages par la langue, le territoire et la communauté
Session
2
Division
Div 1, Div 2
Room
Language(s) of Session
French
Description
Lauren-Rose Stunell & Sébastien Blais
Cette séance invite les enseignants de langues à explorer comment le nouveau programme d’études sociales de l’Alberta s’harmonise naturellement avec un apprentissage holistique et riche en apprentissages langagiers.
Registration
Title
Aligning Mathematics Pedagogy with the Science of Learning
Session
3
Division
Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4, Leadership
Room
Language(s) of Session
English, French
Description
Carla French
Learn how to improve student understanding in mathematics by applying evidence-based principles from the Science of Learning. In this session, we will explore how to structure lessons and use research-informed instructional practices.
This includes:
using micro-scaffolding to reduce cognitive load and build on students’ prior understanding to strengthen connections between mathematical concepts; applying Rosenshine’s Principles of Instruction to establish effective routines and support impactful teaching; creating inclusive classrooms by intentionally and systematically addressing gaps in understanding.
Participants will leave with a clear understanding of evidence-based instruction and practical strategies they can apply immediately in the classroom.
Registration
Title
Inclusive Education: Behaviour as a Learning Opportunity
Session
3
Division
Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4, Leadership
Room
Language(s) of Session
English
Description
Marissa Gillespie
Our students with complex needs respond to demands and environmental stimuli, and communicate their needs in various ways. This learning session will focus on ways we can observe and gather information to understand better what our students may need, and how and when to teach skills that support them in communicating their needs and wants.
Registration
Title
Inclusive Education | Executive Function
Session
3
Division
Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4, Leadership
Room
Language(s) of Session
English
Description
Sophie Chen
Our brain’s executive function helps us to plan and follow through with our many activities. This session will identify the specific processes involved in EF, the impacts of lags in EF development, and specific strategies and supports for students to encourage skills development and independence.
Registration
Title
Inclusive Education | Routines for Learning
Session
3
Division
Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4, Leadership
Room
Language(s) of Session
English
Description
Yasmina Rivas
Routines for learning provide valuable supports for all students and specific supports for learners with complex needs. This session will outline the specific benefits and how-tos of providing predictable learning routines.
Registration
Title
Activités simplistes en utilisant l'approche neurolinguistique
Session
3
Division
Div 4
Room
Language(s) of Session
French
Description
Fleur Laroque et Cody Anderson
L'animatrice partagera quelques activités qu'elle a réalisées dans la salle de classe, ainsi qu’une activité qui concerne toute l’école, particulièrement les élèves en immersion. This session will introduce participants to classroom and school-wide activities designed for French Immersion high school students using the Neurolinguistic Approach (NLA). Attendees will learn strategies to engage learners, enhance language acquisition, and integrate brain-based, interactive techniques that support comprehension, retention, and meaningful use of French across subjects.
Registration
Title
Engaging Vocabulary Lessons Across Content
Session
3
Division
Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4
Room
Language(s) of Session
English
Description
Ivonne Bayona
In every subject, new vocabulary can be a barrier to many students’ success. Without a deep understanding and connection to key words, students may miss opportunities to engage critically and master new content. Join us to explore playful and engaging ways to pre-teach vocabulary that students will love.
Registration
Title
Literacy Resources for Inclusive Learning (Pre-made & Easy-to-Use)
Session
3
Division
Div 1, Div 2
Room
Language(s) of Session
English, French
Description
Isabel Heschel-Smith and Katie Verughese
Have you ever wished you could assess all aspects of literacy in a quick and easy way? Wouldn't it be nice to have an up-to-date snapshot of each child's reading comprehension, oral comprehension, spelling, and reading—all in one place—that could be easily and routinely shared with parents?
Registration
Title
Collaborative German Working Group
Session
3
Division
Div 1, Div 2
Room
Language(s) of Session
English, German
Description
Wanda Smith
Educators will review their ongoing work to collaborate and calibrate as they integrate inclusive practices into their tasks.
Registration
Title
Turbocharging Language Learning through Explicit Strategies
Session
3
Division
Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4, Leadership
Room
Language(s) of Session
English
Description
Joan Waringer
Some students use language learning strategies naturally; most do not. Through explicit teaching and practice of these strategies, teachers can turbocharge language learning, resulting in lessons that boost student engagement and motivation. High-impact language learning strategies will be demonstrated so participants can implement them immediately in their settings.
Registration
Title
Outcome Based Assessment | FLA/SLA/FSL/Language & Culture Courses (High School)
Session
3
Division
Div 4
Room
Language(s) of Session
English
Description
Jacquelyn Michaud and Laurelle Edmiston
Teachers who calibrated rubrics in Language programs during the previous Outcome-Based Assessment session will continue their collaboration with intentional Task Planning.
Registration
Title
French As a Second Language (FSL) Working Session
Session
3
Division
Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4
Room
Language(s) of Session
English, French
Description
The collaboration of the FSL community of practice will continue to be developed in this practical working session. Teachers will have an opportunity to review problems of practice in collaborative groups to develop tasks to use in their inclusive classroom settings the next week.
Registration
Title
Creating AI-Enhanced Reading Texts in International Languages (Repeated session)
Session
3
Division
Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Leadership
Room
Language(s) of Session
English
Description
Patricia Barrera
Kindergarten - grade 9 bilingual educators will explore how to use AI tools to create differentiated reading texts in their classroom using the International Language Arts Programs of Study (German, Mandarin, Spanish). The session will examine diagnostic, formative, and summative types of assessments. The session will first review the design of AI-generated prompts and the insights assessments can provide for next steps in teaching. The second part of the session will have teachers creating using the tools provided. Make sure you bring your laptop!
Registration
Title
Screener assessment in the Languages classroom - What does it tell us and how to use it to inform our practice?
Session
3
Division
Div 1, Leadership
Room
Language(s) of Session
English
Description
Audrey Gelinas
In this session, participants will explore how literacy and learning screeners can guide teaching practice and support student growth. We will examine how screener data provides insights into student strengths and areas of need, helping educators adapt instruction and plan targeted next steps. Participants will learn practical strategies for interpreting screener results and using the information to inform differentiated instruction, monitor progress, and make data-driven decisions that enhance learning outcomes for all students.
Registration
Title
Translanguaging/AI in language programs through Inclusive lens - Working Session
Session
3
Division
Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4, Leadership
Room
Language(s) of Session
English
Description
Alejandra Fleischer, Kristal Derbyshire, Sarah Soltesz, Kristen Sunohara, and Courtney Keen
Teachers and leaders are welcome to stay and participate in the working session to deepen their understanding of how to apply ideas from the session Translanguaging and AI in Language Programs through an Inclusive Lens. This hands-on opportunity will allow participants to explore practical applications, collaborate with peers, and continue developing strategies that support inclusive and linguistically responsive assessment design.
Registration
Title
Reading Circles: A Way to Inclusive Reading
Session
3
Division
Div 2, Div 3, Div 4
Room
Language(s) of Session
English
Description
Cristina Hernández
Following the Indigenous practice of Talking Circles, ‘Reading Circles’ provides a low-floor, high-ceiling environment where students’ reading comprehension skills can develop in a safe and supportive space.
Registration
Title
Structured Conversations
Session
3
Division
Div 1, Div 2
Room
Language(s) of Session
English
Description
Lindsay Wolkowski
Structured Conversations are a daily conversation time for students to practice their oral communication skills. Each month, there is a focus on a different conversational skill. During structured conversations, students practice composing a complete and grammatically correct answer to a prompt each day. They also practice active listening as they need to listen to their partner’s answer and revoice what their partner shared. Structured Conversations is a valuable practice for EAL students as well as English-speaking students. This has been part of our SDP key practices and has also been used by French teachers in FI classrooms. Structured Conversations is an inclusive practice that enables all students to improve their speaking and listening skills while also increasing their confidence and engagement in having conversations with others.
Registration
Title
Making Space for Social Studies: Learning Through Language, Land, and Community
Session
3
Division
Div 1, Div 2, Leadership
Room
Language(s) of Session
English
Description
Lauren-Rose Stunell & Sébastien Blais
This session invites language teachers to explore how the new Alberta Social Studies curriculum aligns naturally with holistic, language-rich learning. Participants will examine accessible ways to embed land-based learning and social studies concepts while supporting student identity, voice, and belonging. Designed for language teachers navigating a new curriculum with limited resources, this presentation focuses on practical task creation through everyday classroom opportunities.
Registration
Title
Blackfoot Knowledge in Language Learning
Session
3
Division
Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Div 4, Leadership
Room
Language(s) of Session
English
Description
Ahstanskiaki (Sandra) Many Feathers
Ahstanskiaki 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’s vision for the future includes young Blackfoot people speaking the language fluently, and she is committed to making this a reality. Please join Sandra in this session, as she shares her perspective on language teaching and learning, and how we can create a welcoming and safe space for all language learners.
Registration
Title
“Debi Tirar Mas Fotos”: Using short films to analyze and challenge cultural perspectives in the Spanish Bilingual Classroom.
Session
3
Division
Div 3, Div 4
Room
Language(s) of Session
English, Spanish
Description
Graciela Arenas
How can we challenge students to examine current social and cultural shifts in society while building language capacity in the second language classroom? Inspired by Bad Bunny's newest Album and Short Film 'DtmF' (Debi Tirar Mas Fotos), this presentation will walk you through my scaffolded unit (and materials) to examine the effects of colonialism, gentrification and cultural resistance in Latin America. This unit is intentionally designed to support inclusive practices by ensuring that all learners, regardless of language proficiency, cultural background, or prior knowledge, have meaningful access to both content and language learning.
Registration
