Workshop Descriptions & Presenter Biographies
Scroll down and check out the categories for descriptions of each workshop we will be hosting, as well as biographies for each presenter. To find out when each presenter will be leading their workshop please check out our conference schedule.
There will be a limited number of seats in each workshop, and participation will be on a first-come-first-serve basis. When you arrive to the conference for sign-in each day, you will be able to pick which workshops you attend.
Please Note: This list is currently under development so check back often for updates!
There will be a limited number of seats in each workshop, and participation will be on a first-come-first-serve basis. When you arrive to the conference for sign-in each day, you will be able to pick which workshops you attend.
Please Note: This list is currently under development so check back often for updates!
Categories: (Keep in mind that some workshops are cross-curricular)
Aboriginal Education
Exceptional Learners
Fine Arts
Health, Social & Personal Development
Language Arts
Math
Physical Activity
Professional Development
Science
Technology
Aboriginal Education
Inclusive Schools and Teaching Practices for Aboriginal Students
Day: Sunday 10:30am -12:30pm
These workshops provide ways to have our schools be inviting and welcoming for Aboriginal people. If Aboriginal students are to be more successful in all aspects of school, there must be involvement and communication between schools and Aboriginal parents in order to address their children’s education. Part 2 focuses on English-as-a-second-dialect, what programs are taking place across BC, and explores how we implement the program given that we might not be Aboriginal. These workshops offer ways to build a working relationship between the school and the community as well as to enhance our professional practice working with Aboriginal
learners and communities.
Cindy Hoover with the BCTF
BCTF - The British Columbia Teachers' Federation (BCTF), established in 1917, is the union of professionals representing 41,000 public school teachers in the province of British Columbia, Canada. All public school teachers belong to the BCTF and their local teachers' association.
Day: Sunday 10:30am -12:30pm
These workshops provide ways to have our schools be inviting and welcoming for Aboriginal people. If Aboriginal students are to be more successful in all aspects of school, there must be involvement and communication between schools and Aboriginal parents in order to address their children’s education. Part 2 focuses on English-as-a-second-dialect, what programs are taking place across BC, and explores how we implement the program given that we might not be Aboriginal. These workshops offer ways to build a working relationship between the school and the community as well as to enhance our professional practice working with Aboriginal
learners and communities.
Cindy Hoover with the BCTF
BCTF - The British Columbia Teachers' Federation (BCTF), established in 1917, is the union of professionals representing 41,000 public school teachers in the province of British Columbia, Canada. All public school teachers belong to the BCTF and their local teachers' association.
Exceptional Learners
Dyslexia 101 (All grade levels)
Day: Sunday 11:35 - 12:30pm
This workshop will cover:
-What is Dyslexia?
-How the brain reads
-Brain/Genetic Research on Dyslexia
-Warning Signs of Dyslexia
-What to do if you suspect Dyslexia
-Tutoring that works for Dyslexics
Leslie is a 'reformed' computer scientist now working as a Dyslexia Specialist at Maria Montessori Academy . Leslie has been working in the Montessori system for 15 years as a classroom aide, Learning Assistant and now Dyslexia Specialist. Her passion is working with struggling readers and helping them to succeed!
Learning: Through the Eyes of the Learner (All grade levels)
Day: Saturday 1:30pm - 2:25pm
Learning tends to be theorized, in research and curriculum practice, from the perspective of the known and seen, as is apparent in the idea that learners intentionally “construct” knowledge. We need to ask, however, how students who do not know the learning object (what the teacher wants them to know) can orient towards this unknown, unseen, and therefore unforeseen knowledge. The purpose of this presentation is to bring the problematic of this learning paradox into sharp relief by drawing on empirical examples from my research in a variety of settings. I then exhibit some core aspects of my findings, which, most importantly, highlight (a) the simultaneously active and passive aspects involved in any (perceptual) learning and (b) how the world and the objects it contains becomes independent of perception. I conclude by articulating some of the advantages that come with theorizing learning from the perspective of the learner – i.e., the perspective of the learning object as unknown, unseen, and unheard-of – including the often-forgotten emotional component.
Wolff-Michael Roth is Lansdowne Professor of applied cognitive science at the University of Victoria. His research concerns the learning of science and mathematics across the life span. His most recent works include First person methods: For a rigorous approach to the study of lived experience (Sense Publishers, 2012), Passibility: At the limits of the constructivist metaphor (Springer, 2011), Geometry as objective science in elementary classrooms: Mathematics in the flesh (Routledge, 2011), and, with L. Radford, A cultural-historical perspective on mathematics teaching and learning (Sense Publishers, 2011).
Day: Sunday 11:35 - 12:30pm
This workshop will cover:
-What is Dyslexia?
-How the brain reads
-Brain/Genetic Research on Dyslexia
-Warning Signs of Dyslexia
-What to do if you suspect Dyslexia
-Tutoring that works for Dyslexics
Leslie is a 'reformed' computer scientist now working as a Dyslexia Specialist at Maria Montessori Academy . Leslie has been working in the Montessori system for 15 years as a classroom aide, Learning Assistant and now Dyslexia Specialist. Her passion is working with struggling readers and helping them to succeed!
Learning: Through the Eyes of the Learner (All grade levels)
Day: Saturday 1:30pm - 2:25pm
Learning tends to be theorized, in research and curriculum practice, from the perspective of the known and seen, as is apparent in the idea that learners intentionally “construct” knowledge. We need to ask, however, how students who do not know the learning object (what the teacher wants them to know) can orient towards this unknown, unseen, and therefore unforeseen knowledge. The purpose of this presentation is to bring the problematic of this learning paradox into sharp relief by drawing on empirical examples from my research in a variety of settings. I then exhibit some core aspects of my findings, which, most importantly, highlight (a) the simultaneously active and passive aspects involved in any (perceptual) learning and (b) how the world and the objects it contains becomes independent of perception. I conclude by articulating some of the advantages that come with theorizing learning from the perspective of the learner – i.e., the perspective of the learning object as unknown, unseen, and unheard-of – including the often-forgotten emotional component.
Wolff-Michael Roth is Lansdowne Professor of applied cognitive science at the University of Victoria. His research concerns the learning of science and mathematics across the life span. His most recent works include First person methods: For a rigorous approach to the study of lived experience (Sense Publishers, 2012), Passibility: At the limits of the constructivist metaphor (Springer, 2011), Geometry as objective science in elementary classrooms: Mathematics in the flesh (Routledge, 2011), and, with L. Radford, A cultural-historical perspective on mathematics teaching and learning (Sense Publishers, 2011).
Fine Arts
Improv in the Classroom
Day: Sunday 10:30-11:25am
We improvise everyday. Whether were taking an alternative route home, or writing a paper we know little about. The truth is that improvisation is an integral part of life and we take that fact for granted. So how do we become aware of improvisation? And how can we as educators use it to our advantage? Join me as I attempt to show you ways we can fail, laugh, and have complete mental breakdowns that will help make us more aware of how to improvise on the spot. This one-hour workshop consists of very little talking, and plenty of games that you can use in daily transitions, in language arts, or just for the sake of it. Come with an open mind and prepared to fail. Because in improve there are no mistakes, only bad follow-throughs.
Shahin Mohammadi is in his final year of the B.Ed program at Uvic. He is passionate about alternative approaches to how we organize and prioritize education. After taking a few courses here in Victoria, he is familiar with improvisation, and found that he could take what he is learning and transpose it into an educational context. He has a deep passion for learning, and re-learning anything he can. He believes that when you teach others a certain concept, you consequently solidify that concept in your own mind and that is what he is hoping to do.
Lights, Camera, Action! Socio-Dramatic Play in the Kindergarten (Primary - Grades K)
Day: Saturday 10:30am - 12:30am
Imagination and children's ideas inspire the rich socio-dramatic play within the daily life of Kindergarten classrooms. From the dramatic play corner to miniature world play the possibilities are endless and dramatic play scenarios can be a focal point of your curriculum planning. Rich conversations, problem-solving and expressive play flow readily with the teacher acting as a play partner and appreciative audience. Photo documentation and teacher observations gleaned from these events can offer profound information concerning young learners. Indeed these crucial -observations serve to inform the teacher about where, when and how to move
children's learning forward.
Pamela Quigg taught for 37 years in Saanich School District. During her career she also taught overseas in Germany for two years and worked as an Elementary Curriculum Consultant, in SD #63, for a period of five years. She has authored numerous articles and books. She was a member of several author teams writing Science, Math and Social Studies materials for various publishers, namely , Harcourt, Fitzhenry and Whiteside, Oxford University Press, and Thomson-Nelson throughout the years. She was a member of the writing team for Rick Hansen's BC Life Skills program. Pamela has a particular interest in Kindergarten /Early Learning and Science education. She has presented workshops across Canada and in the Yukon. She is currently a sessional instructor at UVic.
Story Drama Structure(All Grades)
Day: Sunday 10:30am - 12:30pm
"Drama is the act of crossing into the world of story. . . . Storying provides students with a natural human process for finding essential meanings in the life experiences of themselves and others." David Booth, l995 Story drama structures offer a powerful way of putting language into action. This workshop provides an innovative approach to using drama with a children’s picture book to augment and/or redefine our understanding of language arts learning. Josepha: a prairie boy’s story (Mc Gugan, 1995), set one hundred years ago, can be used to provoke reflection on the present conditions of education and discussion of the kinds of human qualities that lie beyond knowledge and skills. The world of school a century ago is not all that different from the world of school today, and immigrant children still experience the realities of building a life in a new country. “A wealth of knowing to be reaped”, the story drama we will explore, can engage us in authentic encounters with ideas and dilemmas of everyday life and highlights the multiple aspects of literacy, expanding opportunities for students to represent their understanding through experiential engagement. Participants will be provided with a detailed copy of the structure to use in their own classrooms.
Carole Miller, professor emeritus, Department of Curriculum & Instruction, Faculty of Education and Juliana Saxton, professor emeritus, Department of Theatre, University of Victoria, Canada, hold adjunct appointments at the University of Sydney, Australia; each is the recipient of an excellence in teaching award and they continue to teach internationally and publish extensively. Their collaborative research is primarily situated in pre-service teacher education with a focus on inquiry-based instruction, exploring pedagogies that engender competent, confident and comfortable classroom educators in drama. Articulating the relationship of literacy and drama practice to current post-modern curricula, they have recently been exploring how learners bring together a multifaceted range of metalanguages through real and fictional conversations of experience. Their award-winning text, Into the Story: Language in Action through Drama is used widely by both elementary and secondary classroom teachers in Canada and abroad.
Visual Thinking Strategies --- Art is for everyone!
Day: Saturday 11:35am - 12:30pm
In order to teach art we need to help students learn to look at and respond to art and other visual media. Teachers will learn techniques to facilitate an art investigation in the classroom by practicing with original works of art from the collection of Art Gallery of Greater Victoria.
Gillian Booth is an Art Educator at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria where she designs and facilitates school programs focussing on building students abilities to look at and respond to art. She holds a BFA in Visual Art and an MA in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Victoria.
Day: Sunday 10:30-11:25am
We improvise everyday. Whether were taking an alternative route home, or writing a paper we know little about. The truth is that improvisation is an integral part of life and we take that fact for granted. So how do we become aware of improvisation? And how can we as educators use it to our advantage? Join me as I attempt to show you ways we can fail, laugh, and have complete mental breakdowns that will help make us more aware of how to improvise on the spot. This one-hour workshop consists of very little talking, and plenty of games that you can use in daily transitions, in language arts, or just for the sake of it. Come with an open mind and prepared to fail. Because in improve there are no mistakes, only bad follow-throughs.
Shahin Mohammadi is in his final year of the B.Ed program at Uvic. He is passionate about alternative approaches to how we organize and prioritize education. After taking a few courses here in Victoria, he is familiar with improvisation, and found that he could take what he is learning and transpose it into an educational context. He has a deep passion for learning, and re-learning anything he can. He believes that when you teach others a certain concept, you consequently solidify that concept in your own mind and that is what he is hoping to do.
Lights, Camera, Action! Socio-Dramatic Play in the Kindergarten (Primary - Grades K)
Day: Saturday 10:30am - 12:30am
Imagination and children's ideas inspire the rich socio-dramatic play within the daily life of Kindergarten classrooms. From the dramatic play corner to miniature world play the possibilities are endless and dramatic play scenarios can be a focal point of your curriculum planning. Rich conversations, problem-solving and expressive play flow readily with the teacher acting as a play partner and appreciative audience. Photo documentation and teacher observations gleaned from these events can offer profound information concerning young learners. Indeed these crucial -observations serve to inform the teacher about where, when and how to move
children's learning forward.
Pamela Quigg taught for 37 years in Saanich School District. During her career she also taught overseas in Germany for two years and worked as an Elementary Curriculum Consultant, in SD #63, for a period of five years. She has authored numerous articles and books. She was a member of several author teams writing Science, Math and Social Studies materials for various publishers, namely , Harcourt, Fitzhenry and Whiteside, Oxford University Press, and Thomson-Nelson throughout the years. She was a member of the writing team for Rick Hansen's BC Life Skills program. Pamela has a particular interest in Kindergarten /Early Learning and Science education. She has presented workshops across Canada and in the Yukon. She is currently a sessional instructor at UVic.
Story Drama Structure(All Grades)
Day: Sunday 10:30am - 12:30pm
"Drama is the act of crossing into the world of story. . . . Storying provides students with a natural human process for finding essential meanings in the life experiences of themselves and others." David Booth, l995 Story drama structures offer a powerful way of putting language into action. This workshop provides an innovative approach to using drama with a children’s picture book to augment and/or redefine our understanding of language arts learning. Josepha: a prairie boy’s story (Mc Gugan, 1995), set one hundred years ago, can be used to provoke reflection on the present conditions of education and discussion of the kinds of human qualities that lie beyond knowledge and skills. The world of school a century ago is not all that different from the world of school today, and immigrant children still experience the realities of building a life in a new country. “A wealth of knowing to be reaped”, the story drama we will explore, can engage us in authentic encounters with ideas and dilemmas of everyday life and highlights the multiple aspects of literacy, expanding opportunities for students to represent their understanding through experiential engagement. Participants will be provided with a detailed copy of the structure to use in their own classrooms.
Carole Miller, professor emeritus, Department of Curriculum & Instruction, Faculty of Education and Juliana Saxton, professor emeritus, Department of Theatre, University of Victoria, Canada, hold adjunct appointments at the University of Sydney, Australia; each is the recipient of an excellence in teaching award and they continue to teach internationally and publish extensively. Their collaborative research is primarily situated in pre-service teacher education with a focus on inquiry-based instruction, exploring pedagogies that engender competent, confident and comfortable classroom educators in drama. Articulating the relationship of literacy and drama practice to current post-modern curricula, they have recently been exploring how learners bring together a multifaceted range of metalanguages through real and fictional conversations of experience. Their award-winning text, Into the Story: Language in Action through Drama is used widely by both elementary and secondary classroom teachers in Canada and abroad.
Visual Thinking Strategies --- Art is for everyone!
Day: Saturday 11:35am - 12:30pm
In order to teach art we need to help students learn to look at and respond to art and other visual media. Teachers will learn techniques to facilitate an art investigation in the classroom by practicing with original works of art from the collection of Art Gallery of Greater Victoria.
Gillian Booth is an Art Educator at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria where she designs and facilitates school programs focussing on building students abilities to look at and respond to art. She holds a BFA in Visual Art and an MA in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Victoria.
Health, Social & Personal Development
Anxiety Disorders in Children and Adolescents (All grade levels)
Day: Sunday 10:30am - 12:30pm
In this two-hour presentation you will learn valuable information about the different kinds of anxiety disorders and ways to support children and youth with anxiety. Attendees will learn about the cognitive-behavioural approach to treating anxiety, with a focus on helping children learn tools to manage their symptoms and realize their resilience.
Dr. Magali Brulot, a Victoria based registered psychologist.
Body Smart: Right From the Start (Primary - Grades 1-3)
Day: Sunday 10:30-11:25am
In this workshop we will discuss the reasons why we teach sexual health from a very young age.1. To increase abuse resistance in children.
2. To build a foundation for the development of positive attitudes about sexuality and themselves as sexual beings.
3. To feel good about themselves as males and females and be aware of opportunities available regardless of their gender.
4. To receive accurate, age-appropriate information about the questions they are likely to ask.
5. To gain control of their small world by naming it. With each new word, the child grows in understanding and power. Once a sexual part is named, the child can talk about it, ask questions about it, understand its specialness.
Age appropriate resources and activities will be shared.
Kerri Isham is a knowledgeable, experienced and passionate educator, coach and facilitator dedicated to excellence and committed to the empowerment of young people. She is a skilled presenter and excellent communicator. Her primary goal is to make exploring sexual health fun and meaningful, and to alleviate the shame and embarrassment sometimes associated with this extremely important topic. Kerri completed the Sexual Health Educator Certification program through Options for Sexual Health in Vancouver.
Body Smart: From Child to Teen (Intermediate: Grades 4-7)
Day: Sunday 11:35am-12:30pm
When teachers talk openly and honestly about sexuality, students will have the comfort, knowledge and support they need to achieve healthy sexual lives. Puberty can be a scary and challenging time. As a teacher, you have the unique opportunity to make puberty an exciting right of passage for your students. With fun, meaningful and hands-on activities, our students can learn to be open and confident with these sensitive topics. This workshop will be entertaining, engaging and informative.
Kerri Isham is a knowledgeable, experienced and passionate educator, coach and facilitator dedicated to excellence and committed to the empowerment of young people. She is a skilled presenter and excellent communicator. Her primary goal is to make exploring sexual health fun and meaningful, and to alleviate the shame and embarrassment sometimes associated with this extremely important topic. Kerri completed the Sexual Health Educator Certification program through Options for Sexual Health in Vancouver.
Body Smart: Decision-Making for Teens (Secondary - Grades 8-12)
Day: Sunday 1:30-3:30pm
When teachers talk openly and honestly about sexuality, students will have the comfort, knowledge and support they need to achieve healthy sexual lives.
As a teacher, you have the unique opportunity to help guide decision-making in the teen years. Once we have built relationships with our students, we are able to discuss topics such as gender, sexual orientation, sexting, pornography, condom negotiation, the effects of alcohol on decision-making, etc.
With fun, meaningful and hands-on activities, our students can learn to be open and confident with these sensitive topics.
This workshop will be entertaining, engaging and informative.
Kerri Isham is a knowledgeable, experienced and passionate educator, coach and facilitator dedicated to excellence and committed to the empowerment of young people. She is a skilled presenter and excellent communicator. Her primary goal is to make exploring sexual health fun and meaningful, and to alleviate the shame and embarrassment sometimes associated with this extremely important topic. Kerri completed the Sexual Health Educator Certification program through Options for Sexual Health in Vancouver.
Choose Your Voice (All grade levels)
Day: Saturday 1:30-3:30pm
A dynamic, evocative anti-racism workshop using profound and practical teaching resources (free lesson plans & DVD). FAST – will present and discuss "Choose Your Voice", an antiracism and antisemitism education program that empowers students to speak out against all forms of discrimination. First launched in September 2005 in Ontario, "Choose Your Voice" is offered at no cost to educators across Canada and has reached over one million eight hundred thousand students in almost all provinces and territories. The program has been distributed in British Columbia schools since 2008, has been reviewed and approved by ERAC, and meets curriculum requirements in Social Studies, Language Arts and the Arts for grades 6 and up. Many different racial groups are profiled in CYV’s 28 fact sheets, such as Asian, First Nation, Jewish, Black Canadian, French Canadian and more. The workshop will explore the need for programs such as "Choose Your Voice" and the impact it has on students. Workshop participants will have an opportunity to discuss issues they have faced regarding racism and exclusion and what that may look like within their classroom. Choose Your Voice can be downloaded and consists of a Teacher’s Guide with 4 lesson plans, Graphic organizers, Fact Sheets, Rubrics and an assessment strategy, as well as an educational DVD that will be viewed and discussed during the workshop. "Choose Your Voice" won the Award of Excellence 2010 from the Canadian Race Relations Foundation.
Jodi Derkson is a BC Certified teacher, with over fifteen years of professional teaching experience in the public school system. Throughout her fulfilling career she has worked very diligently to keep her students engaged, focused, and enthusiastic about their own education and their place in the world. Jodi holds a Masters of Education in Curriculum and Instruction Planning and always introduced topics of discrimination, racism, and bullying into her classroom lessons. In her experience, doing so created safe classrooms where students treated each other with more respect and compassion. Jodi is very proud to be the BC Coordinator for FAST: Choose Your Voice and wholeheartedly believes that opening the dialogue on such sensitive topics is an effective way to reduce racism in the future.
Safer and Inclusive Classrooms: Skills for Preventing Gender-based Violence(All Grades)
Day: Sunday 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Facilitated by a youth-adult team, this workshop is designed to equip teachers to create safer, more inclusive classrooms. Through critical discussion, interactive activities and reflective theatre, participants will build skills to address and prevent common forms of gender-based violence, such as homophobia, transphobia and slut-shaming. Participants will explore issues of gender, power and responsibility within the classroom and practice skills for intervening effectively as bystanders. This workshop will provide resources and skills to challenge heteronormativity and sexism, and create a more positive learning environment for all students.
Based out of the Victoria Sexual Assault Centre’s Project Respect, the Rhizome Youth Social Action Team is an award-winning collective of young people from across Victoria dedicated to engaging diverse community members in understanding and addressing the root causes of gender-based violence. Their goal is to build safer, more inclusive communities free from violence by creating innovative, cutting edge, community-based social action projects. http://www.yesmeansyes.com/
Social Justice in the Classroom
Day: Sunday 11:35-12:30pm
Carol collaborated with local teacher, Sherri Norbury, to design a unit of study around Social Justice and Canadian Children's Literature. Students in the Grade Three-Four class became Young Social Justice League Investigators to critically examine their environment for evidence of social conscience. Parents were invited to contribute via home interviews.
The presentation will be held in the Curriculum Library so that Carol can share examples of student work (currently on display). She will share the process and lead a discussion about introducing tough topics in the classroom.
Carol Nahachewsky is the new Educator in the Curriculum Library. Her teaching experiences include:
Using Your WITS To Deal With Cyberbullying
Day: Saturday 1:30 - 3:30pm
This presentation will explore the WITS program and the current cyberbullying issues and helpful resources. Specific emphasis will focus on the conditions underlying cyberbullying, developing a curricular framework for your students and the best Canadian based free materials available for you to use.
Kathreen Riel is a teacher currently working with UVic's WITS Research Team to develop curricular resources, cultivate social media collaborations and deliver online training to educators and community leaders. Kathreen has extensive instructional experience in teaching children and adults in traditional and online environments.
Day: Sunday 10:30am - 12:30pm
In this two-hour presentation you will learn valuable information about the different kinds of anxiety disorders and ways to support children and youth with anxiety. Attendees will learn about the cognitive-behavioural approach to treating anxiety, with a focus on helping children learn tools to manage their symptoms and realize their resilience.
Dr. Magali Brulot, a Victoria based registered psychologist.
Body Smart: Right From the Start (Primary - Grades 1-3)
Day: Sunday 10:30-11:25am
In this workshop we will discuss the reasons why we teach sexual health from a very young age.1. To increase abuse resistance in children.
2. To build a foundation for the development of positive attitudes about sexuality and themselves as sexual beings.
3. To feel good about themselves as males and females and be aware of opportunities available regardless of their gender.
4. To receive accurate, age-appropriate information about the questions they are likely to ask.
5. To gain control of their small world by naming it. With each new word, the child grows in understanding and power. Once a sexual part is named, the child can talk about it, ask questions about it, understand its specialness.
Age appropriate resources and activities will be shared.
Kerri Isham is a knowledgeable, experienced and passionate educator, coach and facilitator dedicated to excellence and committed to the empowerment of young people. She is a skilled presenter and excellent communicator. Her primary goal is to make exploring sexual health fun and meaningful, and to alleviate the shame and embarrassment sometimes associated with this extremely important topic. Kerri completed the Sexual Health Educator Certification program through Options for Sexual Health in Vancouver.
Body Smart: From Child to Teen (Intermediate: Grades 4-7)
Day: Sunday 11:35am-12:30pm
When teachers talk openly and honestly about sexuality, students will have the comfort, knowledge and support they need to achieve healthy sexual lives. Puberty can be a scary and challenging time. As a teacher, you have the unique opportunity to make puberty an exciting right of passage for your students. With fun, meaningful and hands-on activities, our students can learn to be open and confident with these sensitive topics. This workshop will be entertaining, engaging and informative.
Kerri Isham is a knowledgeable, experienced and passionate educator, coach and facilitator dedicated to excellence and committed to the empowerment of young people. She is a skilled presenter and excellent communicator. Her primary goal is to make exploring sexual health fun and meaningful, and to alleviate the shame and embarrassment sometimes associated with this extremely important topic. Kerri completed the Sexual Health Educator Certification program through Options for Sexual Health in Vancouver.
Body Smart: Decision-Making for Teens (Secondary - Grades 8-12)
Day: Sunday 1:30-3:30pm
When teachers talk openly and honestly about sexuality, students will have the comfort, knowledge and support they need to achieve healthy sexual lives.
As a teacher, you have the unique opportunity to help guide decision-making in the teen years. Once we have built relationships with our students, we are able to discuss topics such as gender, sexual orientation, sexting, pornography, condom negotiation, the effects of alcohol on decision-making, etc.
With fun, meaningful and hands-on activities, our students can learn to be open and confident with these sensitive topics.
This workshop will be entertaining, engaging and informative.
Kerri Isham is a knowledgeable, experienced and passionate educator, coach and facilitator dedicated to excellence and committed to the empowerment of young people. She is a skilled presenter and excellent communicator. Her primary goal is to make exploring sexual health fun and meaningful, and to alleviate the shame and embarrassment sometimes associated with this extremely important topic. Kerri completed the Sexual Health Educator Certification program through Options for Sexual Health in Vancouver.
Choose Your Voice (All grade levels)
Day: Saturday 1:30-3:30pm
A dynamic, evocative anti-racism workshop using profound and practical teaching resources (free lesson plans & DVD). FAST – will present and discuss "Choose Your Voice", an antiracism and antisemitism education program that empowers students to speak out against all forms of discrimination. First launched in September 2005 in Ontario, "Choose Your Voice" is offered at no cost to educators across Canada and has reached over one million eight hundred thousand students in almost all provinces and territories. The program has been distributed in British Columbia schools since 2008, has been reviewed and approved by ERAC, and meets curriculum requirements in Social Studies, Language Arts and the Arts for grades 6 and up. Many different racial groups are profiled in CYV’s 28 fact sheets, such as Asian, First Nation, Jewish, Black Canadian, French Canadian and more. The workshop will explore the need for programs such as "Choose Your Voice" and the impact it has on students. Workshop participants will have an opportunity to discuss issues they have faced regarding racism and exclusion and what that may look like within their classroom. Choose Your Voice can be downloaded and consists of a Teacher’s Guide with 4 lesson plans, Graphic organizers, Fact Sheets, Rubrics and an assessment strategy, as well as an educational DVD that will be viewed and discussed during the workshop. "Choose Your Voice" won the Award of Excellence 2010 from the Canadian Race Relations Foundation.
Jodi Derkson is a BC Certified teacher, with over fifteen years of professional teaching experience in the public school system. Throughout her fulfilling career she has worked very diligently to keep her students engaged, focused, and enthusiastic about their own education and their place in the world. Jodi holds a Masters of Education in Curriculum and Instruction Planning and always introduced topics of discrimination, racism, and bullying into her classroom lessons. In her experience, doing so created safe classrooms where students treated each other with more respect and compassion. Jodi is very proud to be the BC Coordinator for FAST: Choose Your Voice and wholeheartedly believes that opening the dialogue on such sensitive topics is an effective way to reduce racism in the future.
Safer and Inclusive Classrooms: Skills for Preventing Gender-based Violence(All Grades)
Day: Sunday 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Facilitated by a youth-adult team, this workshop is designed to equip teachers to create safer, more inclusive classrooms. Through critical discussion, interactive activities and reflective theatre, participants will build skills to address and prevent common forms of gender-based violence, such as homophobia, transphobia and slut-shaming. Participants will explore issues of gender, power and responsibility within the classroom and practice skills for intervening effectively as bystanders. This workshop will provide resources and skills to challenge heteronormativity and sexism, and create a more positive learning environment for all students.
Based out of the Victoria Sexual Assault Centre’s Project Respect, the Rhizome Youth Social Action Team is an award-winning collective of young people from across Victoria dedicated to engaging diverse community members in understanding and addressing the root causes of gender-based violence. Their goal is to build safer, more inclusive communities free from violence by creating innovative, cutting edge, community-based social action projects. http://www.yesmeansyes.com/
Social Justice in the Classroom
Day: Sunday 11:35-12:30pm
Carol collaborated with local teacher, Sherri Norbury, to design a unit of study around Social Justice and Canadian Children's Literature. Students in the Grade Three-Four class became Young Social Justice League Investigators to critically examine their environment for evidence of social conscience. Parents were invited to contribute via home interviews.
The presentation will be held in the Curriculum Library so that Carol can share examples of student work (currently on display). She will share the process and lead a discussion about introducing tough topics in the classroom.
Carol Nahachewsky is the new Educator in the Curriculum Library. Her teaching experiences include:
- TEFL for young adults in Instanbul
- Substitute and classroom teacher in rural Saskatchewan,
- Teaching in a multi-grade classroom at the Dinsmore Hutterite Colony (grades 4 – 8)
- Teacher-Librarian at a K-9 high-needs school in Winnipeg
- Seminar Leader, Instructor & Practicum Supervisor, UVic
Using Your WITS To Deal With Cyberbullying
Day: Saturday 1:30 - 3:30pm
This presentation will explore the WITS program and the current cyberbullying issues and helpful resources. Specific emphasis will focus on the conditions underlying cyberbullying, developing a curricular framework for your students and the best Canadian based free materials available for you to use.
Kathreen Riel is a teacher currently working with UVic's WITS Research Team to develop curricular resources, cultivate social media collaborations and deliver online training to educators and community leaders. Kathreen has extensive instructional experience in teaching children and adults in traditional and online environments.
Language Arts
Achieving Excellence in Writing (Grades 3-10)
Day: Sunday 10:30 am - 12:30pm
Achieving Excellence in Writing presents an exciting and effective method of teaching writing. Covering various stylistic techniques and structures, both expository and fictional writing are addressed. The workshop demonstrates the teaching of techniques that are easy to teach and easy for students to learn. The program is an extremely powerful tool for teaching students to write effectively. Within a short time, students experience a dramatic improvement in their writing, which in turn, creates high levels of intrinsic motivation. Students are motivated to write, given the tools to write well, and led to take ownership of their writing. Meeting the requirements of both criteria-based assessment and ministry standards, this approach is ideal for teachers who are eager for their students to achieve excellence in writing. This introductory workshop will provide an overview of an extensive writing program and cover the following aspects in detail: outlining, summarizing, paragraph writing, narrative story writing as well as a set of stylistic techniques that enable students to add interest and variety to their sentences. The workshop is practical, offering a useful set of skills to use in the classroom to use immediately. Applicable for teachers with classes from grades 3 to 10.
Susan Augustyn is a popular Canadian workshop presenter with many years of experience facilitating writing workshops. She began teaching in Saskatchewan but has spent most of her teaching career in British Columbia. Susan has worked in schools and districts across the province to improve writing instruction. Reflecting her many years of experience in the classroom, Susan's workshops are interesting and practical. Susan shares her passion for teaching writing with humour and insight.
SMART Learning in Action: French & French Immersion (Grades K-3)
Day: Saturday 10:30am - 12:30pm
Leaders with expertise at different grade levels will model ways they personally get started with SmartLearning. Participants will leave with a detailed plan for applying the modeled practices, and links to resources to further their learning.
Ashley Frketich is a primary French Immersion teacher in SD 61 (Greater Victoria) who has worked with learners in primary and intermediate grades. She has applied the principles and practices of SmartLearning for a number of years, and in 2012 completed a Masters of Education degree in curriculum with a focus on vocabulary acquisition using A/B partners. In 2012-2013 Ashley participated in the international study of SmartLearning and enjoys sharing her findings with colleagues. Ashley is currently on maternity leave with her second child.
Frketich
SMART Learning in Action: Kindergarten & Grade 1 (Grades K-1)
Day: Saturday 10:30am - 12:30pm
Leaders with expertise at different grade levels will model ways they personally get started with SmartLearning. Participants will leave with a detailed plan for applying the modeled practices, and links to resources to further their learning.
Erika Warkentin is a primary teacher and early literacy facilitator in SD 40 (New Westminster). For many years Erika was the K-2 District Learning Facilitator. Through the work she led learning initiatives that included workshops, training sessions and classroom-based learning rounds. Erika leads SmartLearning initiatives designed with district and school goals in mind. She has led sessions throughout B.C. and Alberta. Erika also led the development of the K-2 A•S•K Reading and Responding Assessment (2013). This new assessment shows where the learners are on a skills continuum, in relation to K-2 ELA outcomes. Erika is currently on maternity leave with her second child.
SMART Learning in Action: Grades 2 -5 (Grades 2-5)
Day: Saturday 10:30am - 12:30pm
Leaders with expertise at different grade levels will model ways they personally get started with SmartLearning. Participants will leave with a detailed plan for applying the modeled practices, and links to resources to further their learning.
Ann Nottingham started teaching in 1977, and has taught Gr.1-7 in both Langley and New Westminster. She has been a teacher librarian and a Gr. 3-7 District Learning Facilitator (Gr.3-7) in No.40 (New Westminster). Ann has led SmartLearning initiatives that include workshops, training sessions and classroom-based learning rounds throughout B.C., Alta. and the N.W.T. She co-led the development of the Gr.3-5 A•S•K Reading and Responding Assessment (2013). This new assessment shows where the learners are in relation to ELA outcomes.
SMART Learning in Action: Grades 6-8 (Grades 6-8)
Day: Saturday 10:30am - 12:30pm
Leaders with expertise at different grade levels will model ways they personally get started with SmartLearning. Participants will leave with a detailed plan for applying the modeled practices, and links to resources to further their learning.
Carrie Ng has taught in inner city environments that welcome learners with diverse backgrounds and needs. She has been at the forefront of implementation work around SmartLearning. For the past two years Carrie was the K-8 District Learning Facilitator in SD No.40 (New Westminster). She worked side-by-side with teachers planning and implementing learning sequences designed with deep learning in mind. In the fall she will enroll a primary class at Queen Elizabeth Elementary School in Queensborough. Twice now she has travelled with a team to Rwentutu, Uganda to show teachers how to use SmartLearning to develop literacy skills. (Rwentutu/cdnhorses2010).
Patricia Pain is a middle school educator in SD No.40 (New Westminster) with extensive SmartLearning experience. She received her Master’s Degree in Educational Practice with a focus on SmartLearning, specifically on structured talk and giving students a voice. She has been a demonstration teacher for the past 9 years, and was a District Facilitator before having her son. Patricia co-led the development of the Gr. 6-8 A•S•K Reading Assessment (2013), and participated in the 2012-2013 international study of SmartLearning. She has led workshops and learning rounds featuring aspects of the practice, throughout the province and in the N.W.T.
SMART Learning in Action: Grades 9-12 (Various Disciplines) (Grade 9-12)
Day: Saturday 10:30am - 12:30pm
Leaders with expertise at different grade levels will model ways they personally get started with SmartLearning. Participants will leave with a detailed plan for applying the modeled practices, and links to resources to further their learning.
Tammy Renyard is a teaching vice-principal in SD No. 61 (Greater Victoria). She is passionate about side-by-side work with teachers. Together they co-plan and implement lessons designed to deeply engage learners in the learning process – lessons that guide learners to know what to do on purpose to develop powerful thinking and understanding. Tammy has led workshops and classroom-based learning rounds for middle and secondary educators in B.C., Alberta, the Yukon, and in the N.W.T.
Literacy Leads the Day: Achieving Literacy Through Immersion and Integration (Primary - Grades K-2)
Day: Sunday 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Every part of a classroom should function as an interactive space in which students acquire literacy skills through immersion and integration. Participants will learn how to organize such a space! Dozens of practical ideas will be shared along with ready to use centers and literacy ideas across the curriculum. Topics such as teaching literacy through the use of themes, familiar songs, dramatic play, children's literature, manipulatives and literacy centres will be explored. Participants will understand how to organize and deliver a balanced literacy program in an early elementary classroom.
With Thirty-four years of teaching experience, I have taught Kindergarten through to grade three including various combinations of each. I have embraced the challenges of teaching in both multi-age and multi-ability classrooms. I am passionate about the Primary Program and continue to seek new and innovative ways to make teaching and learning meaningful. I strive to create dynamic classrooms with rich and divergent learning experiences through the use of manipulatives, centres, children's literature and integrated learning. I have served on numerous primary committees over the years in addition to presenting a variety of workshops on both numeracy and literacy. My workshops address both the art and the science of teaching.
A Tapestry of Learning: Weaving Together Rich Learning Experiences to Create A Unique Design (Primary - Grades K-2)
Day: Saturday 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Learn how to engage reluctant and emergent writers in the writing process! This session offers dozens of practical ideas to foster the development of writing for a variety of meaningful and relevant purposes. Using a "writing menu", participants will be guided through a sample year within an early elementary classroom. Children's literature, numeracy, music, movement and criterion-referenced self-evaluation are just a few of the topics that will be woven together through monthly themes. Participants will learn how to organize a classroom so that students will enthusiastically embrace writing and "writing to read" throughout the year.
With Thirty-four years of teaching experience, I have taught Kindergarten through to grade three including various combinations of each. I have embraced the challenges of teaching in both multi-age and multi-ability classrooms. I am passionate about the Primary Program and continue to seek new and innovative ways to make teaching and learning meaningful. I strive to create dynamic classrooms with rich and divergent learning experiences through the use of manipulatives, centres, children's literature and integrated learning. I have served on numerous primary committees over the years in addition to presenting a variety of workshops on both numeracy and literacy. My workshops address both the art and the science of teaching.
Teaching Using Graphic Novels
Day: Sunday 1:30 pm - 2:25pm
Ever wondered how to help adolescents get more out of ideas visually presented? Graphic novels are a hot new genre in schools to engage learners. In this one hour workshop, we will be examining graphic novels for middle/high school students. Participants will learn to identify their main visual features and discuss how these novels might be used in language arts and other subjects to meet learning outcomes.
Deborah Berogay, PhD is a Professor of Language and Literacy in the Faculty of Education. She teaches literacy and literature classes focusing on topics such as the use of young adult novels in secondary classrooms. She publishes in the area of visual literacy and is interested in the influence of media and graphic novels on adolescent learning. She works across subject areas as well as in language arts.
Exploring the Artwork and Narrative Structures in Picturebooks
Day: Saturday 1:30 - 3:30pm
A picture book is an aesthetic object, an “art form” according to Bader (1976). However, in order for students to understand the “how” of the artwork in picture books, they need to develop knowledge about and appreciation of the compositional elements and design of visual texts. Explicit pedagogy that focuses on visual elements of art and design can affect students’ experiences and interpretations of images, which can inform their aesthetic responses to texts. In addition to discussing the artwork in a selection of picture books, workshop participants will have opportunities to explore the complex and diverse narrative structures that are evident in many contemporary picture books.
Dr. Sylvia Pantaleo is an Associate Professor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction in the Faculty of Education at the University of Victoria. She teaches courses in language and literacy and children’s literature at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Her 12 years of elementary and middle school teaching experience inform her university teaching and research program. Her research has explored the development of students’ narrative competence, literary understanding, comprehension and interpretation, and visual meaning-making skills through the reading and discussing of sophisticated picturebooks. Recently, the texts used in her case study research have also included graphic novels. She is author of Exploring Student Response to Contemporary Picturebooks (2008), co-editor of Postmodern Picturebooks: Play, Parody, and Self-Referentiality (Sipe & Pantaleo, 2008), and co-author of Learning with Literature in the Canadian Classroom (Bainbridge & Pantaleo, 1999).
An Author's Perspective: The Writing Process
Day: Saturday 1:30-3:30pm
As teachers, you have an important role in influencing how kids and teens feel about reading and writing. You have an opportunity to introduce them to books that speak to them, and to help them explore writing and develop their skills in a way that is joyful. Reading and writing fiction can have benefits beyond the academic realm-- it can also play a role in helping children and teens to develops social understanding and empathy. In this session, I will tell you a little about myself and how I came to be a writer, explain my writing process, highlight some of the ways reading and writing fiction can help develop emotional literacy, and talk about how I engage students of all ages and abilities in the writing process.
Robin Stevenson is the author of sixteen books for children and teens, including early chapter books, juvenile novels for middle-grade students, hi-interest/low reading level fiction for reluctant readers, and young adult novels. Before turning to writing full-time, Robin spent ten years working with individuals and families as a clinical social worker. Robin also teaches courses at UVic and Camosun, offers writer-in-residence programs at elementary and middle schools, and facilitates creative writing workshops in schools, libraries and community settings. She is currently working on a new juvenile novel, beginning a term as writer-in-residence at Central Middle School, and enjoying spending time with her nine year old home-learning son.
Day: Sunday 10:30 am - 12:30pm
Achieving Excellence in Writing presents an exciting and effective method of teaching writing. Covering various stylistic techniques and structures, both expository and fictional writing are addressed. The workshop demonstrates the teaching of techniques that are easy to teach and easy for students to learn. The program is an extremely powerful tool for teaching students to write effectively. Within a short time, students experience a dramatic improvement in their writing, which in turn, creates high levels of intrinsic motivation. Students are motivated to write, given the tools to write well, and led to take ownership of their writing. Meeting the requirements of both criteria-based assessment and ministry standards, this approach is ideal for teachers who are eager for their students to achieve excellence in writing. This introductory workshop will provide an overview of an extensive writing program and cover the following aspects in detail: outlining, summarizing, paragraph writing, narrative story writing as well as a set of stylistic techniques that enable students to add interest and variety to their sentences. The workshop is practical, offering a useful set of skills to use in the classroom to use immediately. Applicable for teachers with classes from grades 3 to 10.
Susan Augustyn is a popular Canadian workshop presenter with many years of experience facilitating writing workshops. She began teaching in Saskatchewan but has spent most of her teaching career in British Columbia. Susan has worked in schools and districts across the province to improve writing instruction. Reflecting her many years of experience in the classroom, Susan's workshops are interesting and practical. Susan shares her passion for teaching writing with humour and insight.
SMART Learning in Action: French & French Immersion (Grades K-3)
Day: Saturday 10:30am - 12:30pm
Leaders with expertise at different grade levels will model ways they personally get started with SmartLearning. Participants will leave with a detailed plan for applying the modeled practices, and links to resources to further their learning.
Ashley Frketich is a primary French Immersion teacher in SD 61 (Greater Victoria) who has worked with learners in primary and intermediate grades. She has applied the principles and practices of SmartLearning for a number of years, and in 2012 completed a Masters of Education degree in curriculum with a focus on vocabulary acquisition using A/B partners. In 2012-2013 Ashley participated in the international study of SmartLearning and enjoys sharing her findings with colleagues. Ashley is currently on maternity leave with her second child.
Frketich
SMART Learning in Action: Kindergarten & Grade 1 (Grades K-1)
Day: Saturday 10:30am - 12:30pm
Leaders with expertise at different grade levels will model ways they personally get started with SmartLearning. Participants will leave with a detailed plan for applying the modeled practices, and links to resources to further their learning.
Erika Warkentin is a primary teacher and early literacy facilitator in SD 40 (New Westminster). For many years Erika was the K-2 District Learning Facilitator. Through the work she led learning initiatives that included workshops, training sessions and classroom-based learning rounds. Erika leads SmartLearning initiatives designed with district and school goals in mind. She has led sessions throughout B.C. and Alberta. Erika also led the development of the K-2 A•S•K Reading and Responding Assessment (2013). This new assessment shows where the learners are on a skills continuum, in relation to K-2 ELA outcomes. Erika is currently on maternity leave with her second child.
SMART Learning in Action: Grades 2 -5 (Grades 2-5)
Day: Saturday 10:30am - 12:30pm
Leaders with expertise at different grade levels will model ways they personally get started with SmartLearning. Participants will leave with a detailed plan for applying the modeled practices, and links to resources to further their learning.
Ann Nottingham started teaching in 1977, and has taught Gr.1-7 in both Langley and New Westminster. She has been a teacher librarian and a Gr. 3-7 District Learning Facilitator (Gr.3-7) in No.40 (New Westminster). Ann has led SmartLearning initiatives that include workshops, training sessions and classroom-based learning rounds throughout B.C., Alta. and the N.W.T. She co-led the development of the Gr.3-5 A•S•K Reading and Responding Assessment (2013). This new assessment shows where the learners are in relation to ELA outcomes.
SMART Learning in Action: Grades 6-8 (Grades 6-8)
Day: Saturday 10:30am - 12:30pm
Leaders with expertise at different grade levels will model ways they personally get started with SmartLearning. Participants will leave with a detailed plan for applying the modeled practices, and links to resources to further their learning.
Carrie Ng has taught in inner city environments that welcome learners with diverse backgrounds and needs. She has been at the forefront of implementation work around SmartLearning. For the past two years Carrie was the K-8 District Learning Facilitator in SD No.40 (New Westminster). She worked side-by-side with teachers planning and implementing learning sequences designed with deep learning in mind. In the fall she will enroll a primary class at Queen Elizabeth Elementary School in Queensborough. Twice now she has travelled with a team to Rwentutu, Uganda to show teachers how to use SmartLearning to develop literacy skills. (Rwentutu/cdnhorses2010).
Patricia Pain is a middle school educator in SD No.40 (New Westminster) with extensive SmartLearning experience. She received her Master’s Degree in Educational Practice with a focus on SmartLearning, specifically on structured talk and giving students a voice. She has been a demonstration teacher for the past 9 years, and was a District Facilitator before having her son. Patricia co-led the development of the Gr. 6-8 A•S•K Reading Assessment (2013), and participated in the 2012-2013 international study of SmartLearning. She has led workshops and learning rounds featuring aspects of the practice, throughout the province and in the N.W.T.
SMART Learning in Action: Grades 9-12 (Various Disciplines) (Grade 9-12)
Day: Saturday 10:30am - 12:30pm
Leaders with expertise at different grade levels will model ways they personally get started with SmartLearning. Participants will leave with a detailed plan for applying the modeled practices, and links to resources to further their learning.
Tammy Renyard is a teaching vice-principal in SD No. 61 (Greater Victoria). She is passionate about side-by-side work with teachers. Together they co-plan and implement lessons designed to deeply engage learners in the learning process – lessons that guide learners to know what to do on purpose to develop powerful thinking and understanding. Tammy has led workshops and classroom-based learning rounds for middle and secondary educators in B.C., Alberta, the Yukon, and in the N.W.T.
Literacy Leads the Day: Achieving Literacy Through Immersion and Integration (Primary - Grades K-2)
Day: Sunday 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Every part of a classroom should function as an interactive space in which students acquire literacy skills through immersion and integration. Participants will learn how to organize such a space! Dozens of practical ideas will be shared along with ready to use centers and literacy ideas across the curriculum. Topics such as teaching literacy through the use of themes, familiar songs, dramatic play, children's literature, manipulatives and literacy centres will be explored. Participants will understand how to organize and deliver a balanced literacy program in an early elementary classroom.
With Thirty-four years of teaching experience, I have taught Kindergarten through to grade three including various combinations of each. I have embraced the challenges of teaching in both multi-age and multi-ability classrooms. I am passionate about the Primary Program and continue to seek new and innovative ways to make teaching and learning meaningful. I strive to create dynamic classrooms with rich and divergent learning experiences through the use of manipulatives, centres, children's literature and integrated learning. I have served on numerous primary committees over the years in addition to presenting a variety of workshops on both numeracy and literacy. My workshops address both the art and the science of teaching.
A Tapestry of Learning: Weaving Together Rich Learning Experiences to Create A Unique Design (Primary - Grades K-2)
Day: Saturday 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Learn how to engage reluctant and emergent writers in the writing process! This session offers dozens of practical ideas to foster the development of writing for a variety of meaningful and relevant purposes. Using a "writing menu", participants will be guided through a sample year within an early elementary classroom. Children's literature, numeracy, music, movement and criterion-referenced self-evaluation are just a few of the topics that will be woven together through monthly themes. Participants will learn how to organize a classroom so that students will enthusiastically embrace writing and "writing to read" throughout the year.
With Thirty-four years of teaching experience, I have taught Kindergarten through to grade three including various combinations of each. I have embraced the challenges of teaching in both multi-age and multi-ability classrooms. I am passionate about the Primary Program and continue to seek new and innovative ways to make teaching and learning meaningful. I strive to create dynamic classrooms with rich and divergent learning experiences through the use of manipulatives, centres, children's literature and integrated learning. I have served on numerous primary committees over the years in addition to presenting a variety of workshops on both numeracy and literacy. My workshops address both the art and the science of teaching.
Teaching Using Graphic Novels
Day: Sunday 1:30 pm - 2:25pm
Ever wondered how to help adolescents get more out of ideas visually presented? Graphic novels are a hot new genre in schools to engage learners. In this one hour workshop, we will be examining graphic novels for middle/high school students. Participants will learn to identify their main visual features and discuss how these novels might be used in language arts and other subjects to meet learning outcomes.
Deborah Berogay, PhD is a Professor of Language and Literacy in the Faculty of Education. She teaches literacy and literature classes focusing on topics such as the use of young adult novels in secondary classrooms. She publishes in the area of visual literacy and is interested in the influence of media and graphic novels on adolescent learning. She works across subject areas as well as in language arts.
Exploring the Artwork and Narrative Structures in Picturebooks
Day: Saturday 1:30 - 3:30pm
A picture book is an aesthetic object, an “art form” according to Bader (1976). However, in order for students to understand the “how” of the artwork in picture books, they need to develop knowledge about and appreciation of the compositional elements and design of visual texts. Explicit pedagogy that focuses on visual elements of art and design can affect students’ experiences and interpretations of images, which can inform their aesthetic responses to texts. In addition to discussing the artwork in a selection of picture books, workshop participants will have opportunities to explore the complex and diverse narrative structures that are evident in many contemporary picture books.
Dr. Sylvia Pantaleo is an Associate Professor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction in the Faculty of Education at the University of Victoria. She teaches courses in language and literacy and children’s literature at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Her 12 years of elementary and middle school teaching experience inform her university teaching and research program. Her research has explored the development of students’ narrative competence, literary understanding, comprehension and interpretation, and visual meaning-making skills through the reading and discussing of sophisticated picturebooks. Recently, the texts used in her case study research have also included graphic novels. She is author of Exploring Student Response to Contemporary Picturebooks (2008), co-editor of Postmodern Picturebooks: Play, Parody, and Self-Referentiality (Sipe & Pantaleo, 2008), and co-author of Learning with Literature in the Canadian Classroom (Bainbridge & Pantaleo, 1999).
An Author's Perspective: The Writing Process
Day: Saturday 1:30-3:30pm
As teachers, you have an important role in influencing how kids and teens feel about reading and writing. You have an opportunity to introduce them to books that speak to them, and to help them explore writing and develop their skills in a way that is joyful. Reading and writing fiction can have benefits beyond the academic realm-- it can also play a role in helping children and teens to develops social understanding and empathy. In this session, I will tell you a little about myself and how I came to be a writer, explain my writing process, highlight some of the ways reading and writing fiction can help develop emotional literacy, and talk about how I engage students of all ages and abilities in the writing process.
Robin Stevenson is the author of sixteen books for children and teens, including early chapter books, juvenile novels for middle-grade students, hi-interest/low reading level fiction for reluctant readers, and young adult novels. Before turning to writing full-time, Robin spent ten years working with individuals and families as a clinical social worker. Robin also teaches courses at UVic and Camosun, offers writer-in-residence programs at elementary and middle schools, and facilitates creative writing workshops in schools, libraries and community settings. She is currently working on a new juvenile novel, beginning a term as writer-in-residence at Central Middle School, and enjoying spending time with her nine year old home-learning son.
Math
Math Mania
Day: Saturday 1:30pm - 2:25pm
Welcome to Math Mania! Learn some of the interactive demonstrations, puzzles, and games that are designed to demonstrate to children - and their parents - fun ways of learning both math and computer science concepts. Math Mania welcomes all age levels, but is particularly suited to students in grades 2 to 5.
David Leeming retired from the University of Victoria in June 2004 after forty one years as a member of the Department of Mathematics and Statistics. He is the author of over thirty research papers in the areas of interpolation, rational approximation and the Bernoulli polynomials. Dr. Leeming was the Education Coordinator for the UVic Office of the Pacific Institute for the Mathematical Sciences (PIMS) from 1997 - 2012. He has been the recipient of several awards, including the 2003-04 Faculty of Science Teaching Award, the Education Prize from PIMS in 2005 and in January 2006, a University of Victoria Community Outreach Award for his work on bringing Math Mania into elementary schools in Greater Victoria. His most recent initiatives have been in bringing Math Mania to First Nation schools.
Day: Saturday 1:30pm - 2:25pm
Welcome to Math Mania! Learn some of the interactive demonstrations, puzzles, and games that are designed to demonstrate to children - and their parents - fun ways of learning both math and computer science concepts. Math Mania welcomes all age levels, but is particularly suited to students in grades 2 to 5.
David Leeming retired from the University of Victoria in June 2004 after forty one years as a member of the Department of Mathematics and Statistics. He is the author of over thirty research papers in the areas of interpolation, rational approximation and the Bernoulli polynomials. Dr. Leeming was the Education Coordinator for the UVic Office of the Pacific Institute for the Mathematical Sciences (PIMS) from 1997 - 2012. He has been the recipient of several awards, including the 2003-04 Faculty of Science Teaching Award, the Education Prize from PIMS in 2005 and in January 2006, a University of Victoria Community Outreach Award for his work on bringing Math Mania into elementary schools in Greater Victoria. His most recent initiatives have been in bringing Math Mania to First Nation schools.
Physical Activity
Juggling 101 (All grade levels)
Day: Sunday 1:30-2:25pm
"Be brave, take a chance......remember what it feels like to learn in steps where the outcome is fuzzy or may seem impossible. Local entertainer Jonny Flash will teach you to tap into the juggling hero within your students, and (gasp) even yourself! "
Jonny Gentille is a local entertainer and teacher.
Exercise in Disguise (All grade levels)
Day: Sunday 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Exercise in Disguise will show you how to make the best use of your classroom space with indoor games and drama activities. Great for a TOC's repertoire or to use as brain breaks in the classroom. Behaviour management and the best way to lead games will also be covered in this session. You will get to experience the games first hand and can ask lots of questions as well!
Gary Pemberton has been an advocate for youth for over 15 years in the capital region, starting out as a Club Coordinator with Boys & Girls Club Services, a Youth Programmer with Saanich Community Services and currently as a Neighbourhood Coordinator for the City of Victoria. He has created a youth strategy for the Township of Esquimalt, the Step Up Leadership Crew for the City of Victoria and also operates as one third of a creative partnership known as Exercise in Disguise. EID is a group that is dedicated to creating activities that challenge youth and youth practitioners to think outside the box when programming, as they strive to innovate new ways to keep kids who don’t play sports active and engaged in physical activity. Gary’s latest program initiative involving youth leadership and summer programming has recently received aProgram Excellence award via the BC Parks & Recreation Association in 2011.
Day: Sunday 1:30-2:25pm
"Be brave, take a chance......remember what it feels like to learn in steps where the outcome is fuzzy or may seem impossible. Local entertainer Jonny Flash will teach you to tap into the juggling hero within your students, and (gasp) even yourself! "
Jonny Gentille is a local entertainer and teacher.
Exercise in Disguise (All grade levels)
Day: Sunday 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Exercise in Disguise will show you how to make the best use of your classroom space with indoor games and drama activities. Great for a TOC's repertoire or to use as brain breaks in the classroom. Behaviour management and the best way to lead games will also be covered in this session. You will get to experience the games first hand and can ask lots of questions as well!
Gary Pemberton has been an advocate for youth for over 15 years in the capital region, starting out as a Club Coordinator with Boys & Girls Club Services, a Youth Programmer with Saanich Community Services and currently as a Neighbourhood Coordinator for the City of Victoria. He has created a youth strategy for the Township of Esquimalt, the Step Up Leadership Crew for the City of Victoria and also operates as one third of a creative partnership known as Exercise in Disguise. EID is a group that is dedicated to creating activities that challenge youth and youth practitioners to think outside the box when programming, as they strive to innovate new ways to keep kids who don’t play sports active and engaged in physical activity. Gary’s latest program initiative involving youth leadership and summer programming has recently received aProgram Excellence award via the BC Parks & Recreation Association in 2011.
Professional Development
Tutoring (All grade levels)
Day: Saturday 2:35pm - 3:30pm &Sunday 11:35am - 12:30pm
The workshop will look at the opportunities tutoring provides: an avenue to earn extra income, the ability to work your own hours and set your own rate, and a way to develop teaching and entrepreneurial skills. The presenters will share resources and tips for building and growing your own tutoring business, and discuss the benefits of forming a tutoring community in Victoria! The workshop promises to be packed with great info and an opportunity to enter Tutors Nirvana's Giveaway!
Tutors Nirvana Team:
Vibhu’s the programmer and ideas guy behind Tutors Nirvana. He worked as a math and physics tutor while putting himself through grad school and quickly found out that organization and planning were not his strong suit. He loved tutoring, but hated the prep and planning that came along with it. So, the idea for Tutors Nirvana was born. When Vibhu’s not dreaming up the next big feature, he’s often chasing the ducks and peacocks around Beacon Hill Park with his 2 year old daughter.
Dona brings the calm, organized peace to the team. She lives for crossing things off of her to-do list and keeping the Tutors Nirvana team on track. Working as a tutor during grad school, Dona brings a great deal of insight and experience to Tutors Nirvana. A strong Americano and dreaming up travel adventures are two of her favorite things.
Amy is an ESL tutor and the voice behind Tutors Nirvana’s communications. She’s the main blogger, and the primary manager of its social media networks. With extensive work experience in the education sector in Asia and over ten years’ experience as an ESL tutor, Amy is skilled at building relationships with individuals from different backgrounds. She holds a BA in Pacific and Asian Studies, as well as a TESL Diploma, and is currently studying Public Relations at UVic. When Amy’s not studying, blogging, or preparing for her next lesson, you’ll find her running down by the ocean.
Practical Assessment Ideas to Use on Your Practicum (All grade levels)
Day: Saturday 1:30 -3:30 pm
Colleen and Kathleen will present practical and purposeful possibilities in assessment for/as learning for you to use in your practicum (focus K-grade 8)
Colleen Politano (B Ed, M Ed) is a consultant who works throughout North America with school districts. She presents workshops on a variety of topics, including self-regulation, literacy, assessment, brain-based learning and play. She was an elementary school teacher for 35+ years and a recipient of the Canadian Teachers Association hilroy Fellowship for innovation in education. She is an author and co-author of several books.
Kathleen Gregory (BA, M Ed) has been working with teachers in many provinces and territories on building their Assessment For/ As and Of Learning practices, as well as on building capacity in students’ literacy and learning skills. She taught in elementary, middle and secondary schools for 30 years and was also a District Consultant for Curriculum and a District Support Teachers for inclusion of special needs students.She is an author and co-author of several books.
Together, Colleen and Kathleen have been co-authors of a number of books, including:
- Together Is Better: Collaborative Assessment and Reporting (Portage and Main Press, Winnipeg)
- Voices of Experience: Practical Ideas to Start Up the Year; Spark Up the Year and Wrap Up the Year (A series for new teachers grades K-3 and for grades 4 – 8
Portage and Main Press (Winnipeg)., 2004/5.)
Weblink: http://www.portageandmainpress.com/book_detail.cfm?biD=353 (Practical Assessment Ideas for K-3 and gr 4-8 now available as e-books 7.99)
Five Things All Excellent Educators Should Know (All grade levels)
Day: Sunday 1:30pm - 3:30pm
This interactive workshop discusses 2 underlying principles and 3 points that all educators should know and practice in order to create a foundation of excellence in education for all students. Participants understand elements such as the importance of passion, the misuse of “I don’t see colour, I just see students”, and the key to why the student is the most important person at any school site/campus.
Dr. Lisa Gunderson is an award winning tenured professor of psychology who has taught students for over 17 years. She was the chair of professional development for the state of California’s Faculty Association of California Community Colleges (10,000 members) for four years, worked with numerous high schools in resource-limited areas of South Central Los Angeles. A former assistant professor at Loyola Marymount University, she received her tenure at Sacramento City College (pop. 23,000 students) where she taught for almost 9 years. For 4 years she served 50% time as the teaching and learning coordinator for the college. She provided professional development and has spoken to students and faculty at SMUS, Belmont and Lambrick High, Royal Oak and Monterey Middle, and Maria Montessori Academy (lower elementary-grades 1-3). She has taught child development at Camosun College and guest lectures at the University of Victoria. In October, she will be the educator of ceremonies for a multi-day international conference in the United States on the impact of Race and K-12 education. Currently, she is a consultant and lives in Victoria with her family.
Reality 101: A Day in the Life of a TTOC (All Grades)
Day: Saturday 10:30 am -12:30 pm
This workshop is designed to support teachers teaching on call with current teaching practices and resources, and to enhance their confidence in their professional status.
Melanie Sedergreen with the BCTF
BCTF - The British Columbia Teachers' Federation (BCTF), established in 1917, is the union of professionals representing 41,000 public school teachers in the province of British Columbia, Canada. All public school teachers belong to the BCTF and their local teachers' association.
Missing the 'C' in Edu-ation? How Your Community Can Be Your Best Classroom
Day: Saturday 10:30-11:25am
Studying motors? Take your class to an auto mechanic's garage. Field trips, guest speakers, service projects, job shadowing -- learning comes alive when you connect your class with your community. Sharon MacKenzie, 2009 BC Premier’s Award for Teaching Excellence, shares tips and tricks on how to make these partnerships happen within today's funding, safety, and scheduling parameters.
Sharon MacKenzie, BA, MEd (Curriculum), Intergenerationsl and Educational Consultant, Executive Director i2i Intergenerational Society of Canada
Sharon believes that you build resilient community by connecting children respectfully and meaningfully within their community…face to face, hand in hand. A classroom teacher, K-university for over thirty years, Sharon has also worked extensively in Learning Assistance, First Nations Education and Environmental Ed. Ten years ago she founded the unique ‘Intergenerational Immersion Project’ model, which is up for a top international award next week in Istanbul. Recipient of the 2009 BC Premier’s Award for Teaching Excellence, Rotary Service Above Self Award, and Healthy Living Alliance Award for Innovative Community Capacity Building, Sharon is founder (2008) and Executive Director of i2i Intergenerational Society of Canada (www.intergenerational.ca). In 2010, she initiated Intergenerational Day Canada June 1st, now recognized by over 100 cities ¾9 provinces and 3 territories. Sharon volunteers as a Director with the Canadian Network for Prevention of Elder Abuse and presents intergenerational workshops across Canada.As an Intergenerational and Educational Consultant, Sharon was primary researcher and writer of three intergenerational resources: ‘Across the Generations¾Respect All Ages’ (Public Health Agency Canada), ‘Creating Caring Communities’ (BC MoH), and Teen Kit (International Federation on Aging). She also advises grad students from around the world in the field of intergenerational studies.The best part of all? Being mom to three healthy young men, with three dynamic spouses (two who are new teachers!), and becoming ‘Gram’ to their wonderful offspring.
The Most Rewarding Experience of My 30 Year Career-Intergenerational Immersion-How to do it
Day: Saturday 11:35-12:30am
In 2000, Sharon MacKenzie, a teacher in Vernon, BC, moved her thirty grade five students into a makeshift classroom at a nearby Assisted Living Facility. Unsatisfied with the impact of occasional visits to senior care facilities with her students, Sharon was looking for something that would connect the two generations in a way that sustained the relationships, and the learning. And boy did it ever work! For five weeks in the fall and three weeks in the spring, students studied curriculum in the morning and interacted with the seniors in the afternoons. The resulting relationships improved mental and emotional health for both seniors and students. Recognizing the success of the project, the BC Ministry of Healthy Living and Sport asked Sharon to author a toolkit for educators to use in promoting age-friendly communities. Explore this resource with Sharon and learn how you too can build intergenerational connections into your teaching practice (Note: moving into a seniors residence is not required!).
Sharon MacKenzie, BA, MEd (Curriculum), Intergenerationsl and Educational Consultant, Executive Director i2i Intergenerational Society of Canada
Sharon believes that you build resilient community by connecting children respectfully and meaningfully within their community…face to face, hand in hand. A classroom teacher, K-university for over thirty years, Sharon has also worked extensively in Learning Assistance, First Nations Education and Environmental Ed. Ten years ago she founded the unique ‘Intergenerational Immersion Project’ model, which is up for a top international award next week in Istanbul. Recipient of the 2009 BC Premier’s Award for Teaching Excellence, Rotary Service Above Self Award, and Healthy Living Alliance Award for Innovative Community Capacity Building, Sharon is founder (2008) and Executive Director of i2i Intergenerational Society of Canada (www.intergenerational.ca). In 2010, she initiated Intergenerational Day Canada June 1st, now recognized by over 100 cities ¾9 provinces and 3 territories. Sharon volunteers as a Director with the Canadian Network for Prevention of Elder Abuse and presents intergenerational workshops across Canada.As an Intergenerational and Educational Consultant, Sharon was primary researcher and writer of three intergenerational resources: ‘Across the Generations¾Respect All Ages’ (Public Health Agency Canada), ‘Creating Caring Communities’ (BC MoH), and Teen Kit (International Federation on Aging). She also advises grad students from around the world in the field of intergenerational studies.The best part of all? Being mom to three healthy young men, with three dynamic spouses (two who are new teachers!), and becoming ‘Gram’ to their wonderful offspring.
Breaking into the Profession
Day: Saturday 10:30-11:25am
A open discussion on what you can expect as you get ready to finish off your program, and enter into your professional career.
Michelle Bond has wanted to be a teacher since she was a child, and is thrilled she gets to work her dream job every day. She graduated from UVic with a BA in 20th century European History & minor in English Lit before entering the PDPP program for Secondary schools. She also completed her BED and is teetering between Educational Psychology & Special Ed for her Masters. She has been a teacher for the Sooke School District for 5 years running, and has taught at numerous different high schools, middle schools and alternative schools. She is currently the Learning Support teacher at Journey Middle School in Sooke.
Classroom Management for TTOCs
Day: Sunday 10:30am - 12:30pm
TTOCs must establish rapport with students quickly and use management strategies that work immediately. The workshop will explore the basics of classroom management and how TTOCs can adapt them for their work. Practical strategies for creating a positive environment and taking constructive action with individual students will be explored.
Melanie Sedergreen with the BCTF
BCTF - The British Columbia Teachers' Federation (BCTF), established in 1917, is the union of professionals representing 41,000 public school teachers in the province of British Columbia, Canada. All public school teachers belong to the BCTF and their local teachers' association.
The Four Movements in Education
Day: Saturday 11:35am-12:30pm
Description to come
Valerie Irvine to come
Day: Saturday 2:35pm - 3:30pm &Sunday 11:35am - 12:30pm
The workshop will look at the opportunities tutoring provides: an avenue to earn extra income, the ability to work your own hours and set your own rate, and a way to develop teaching and entrepreneurial skills. The presenters will share resources and tips for building and growing your own tutoring business, and discuss the benefits of forming a tutoring community in Victoria! The workshop promises to be packed with great info and an opportunity to enter Tutors Nirvana's Giveaway!
Tutors Nirvana Team:
Vibhu’s the programmer and ideas guy behind Tutors Nirvana. He worked as a math and physics tutor while putting himself through grad school and quickly found out that organization and planning were not his strong suit. He loved tutoring, but hated the prep and planning that came along with it. So, the idea for Tutors Nirvana was born. When Vibhu’s not dreaming up the next big feature, he’s often chasing the ducks and peacocks around Beacon Hill Park with his 2 year old daughter.
Dona brings the calm, organized peace to the team. She lives for crossing things off of her to-do list and keeping the Tutors Nirvana team on track. Working as a tutor during grad school, Dona brings a great deal of insight and experience to Tutors Nirvana. A strong Americano and dreaming up travel adventures are two of her favorite things.
Amy is an ESL tutor and the voice behind Tutors Nirvana’s communications. She’s the main blogger, and the primary manager of its social media networks. With extensive work experience in the education sector in Asia and over ten years’ experience as an ESL tutor, Amy is skilled at building relationships with individuals from different backgrounds. She holds a BA in Pacific and Asian Studies, as well as a TESL Diploma, and is currently studying Public Relations at UVic. When Amy’s not studying, blogging, or preparing for her next lesson, you’ll find her running down by the ocean.
Practical Assessment Ideas to Use on Your Practicum (All grade levels)
Day: Saturday 1:30 -3:30 pm
Colleen and Kathleen will present practical and purposeful possibilities in assessment for/as learning for you to use in your practicum (focus K-grade 8)
Colleen Politano (B Ed, M Ed) is a consultant who works throughout North America with school districts. She presents workshops on a variety of topics, including self-regulation, literacy, assessment, brain-based learning and play. She was an elementary school teacher for 35+ years and a recipient of the Canadian Teachers Association hilroy Fellowship for innovation in education. She is an author and co-author of several books.
Kathleen Gregory (BA, M Ed) has been working with teachers in many provinces and territories on building their Assessment For/ As and Of Learning practices, as well as on building capacity in students’ literacy and learning skills. She taught in elementary, middle and secondary schools for 30 years and was also a District Consultant for Curriculum and a District Support Teachers for inclusion of special needs students.She is an author and co-author of several books.
Together, Colleen and Kathleen have been co-authors of a number of books, including:
- Together Is Better: Collaborative Assessment and Reporting (Portage and Main Press, Winnipeg)
- Voices of Experience: Practical Ideas to Start Up the Year; Spark Up the Year and Wrap Up the Year (A series for new teachers grades K-3 and for grades 4 – 8
Portage and Main Press (Winnipeg)., 2004/5.)
Weblink: http://www.portageandmainpress.com/book_detail.cfm?biD=353 (Practical Assessment Ideas for K-3 and gr 4-8 now available as e-books 7.99)
Five Things All Excellent Educators Should Know (All grade levels)
Day: Sunday 1:30pm - 3:30pm
This interactive workshop discusses 2 underlying principles and 3 points that all educators should know and practice in order to create a foundation of excellence in education for all students. Participants understand elements such as the importance of passion, the misuse of “I don’t see colour, I just see students”, and the key to why the student is the most important person at any school site/campus.
Dr. Lisa Gunderson is an award winning tenured professor of psychology who has taught students for over 17 years. She was the chair of professional development for the state of California’s Faculty Association of California Community Colleges (10,000 members) for four years, worked with numerous high schools in resource-limited areas of South Central Los Angeles. A former assistant professor at Loyola Marymount University, she received her tenure at Sacramento City College (pop. 23,000 students) where she taught for almost 9 years. For 4 years she served 50% time as the teaching and learning coordinator for the college. She provided professional development and has spoken to students and faculty at SMUS, Belmont and Lambrick High, Royal Oak and Monterey Middle, and Maria Montessori Academy (lower elementary-grades 1-3). She has taught child development at Camosun College and guest lectures at the University of Victoria. In October, she will be the educator of ceremonies for a multi-day international conference in the United States on the impact of Race and K-12 education. Currently, she is a consultant and lives in Victoria with her family.
Reality 101: A Day in the Life of a TTOC (All Grades)
Day: Saturday 10:30 am -12:30 pm
This workshop is designed to support teachers teaching on call with current teaching practices and resources, and to enhance their confidence in their professional status.
Melanie Sedergreen with the BCTF
BCTF - The British Columbia Teachers' Federation (BCTF), established in 1917, is the union of professionals representing 41,000 public school teachers in the province of British Columbia, Canada. All public school teachers belong to the BCTF and their local teachers' association.
Missing the 'C' in Edu-ation? How Your Community Can Be Your Best Classroom
Day: Saturday 10:30-11:25am
Studying motors? Take your class to an auto mechanic's garage. Field trips, guest speakers, service projects, job shadowing -- learning comes alive when you connect your class with your community. Sharon MacKenzie, 2009 BC Premier’s Award for Teaching Excellence, shares tips and tricks on how to make these partnerships happen within today's funding, safety, and scheduling parameters.
Sharon MacKenzie, BA, MEd (Curriculum), Intergenerationsl and Educational Consultant, Executive Director i2i Intergenerational Society of Canada
Sharon believes that you build resilient community by connecting children respectfully and meaningfully within their community…face to face, hand in hand. A classroom teacher, K-university for over thirty years, Sharon has also worked extensively in Learning Assistance, First Nations Education and Environmental Ed. Ten years ago she founded the unique ‘Intergenerational Immersion Project’ model, which is up for a top international award next week in Istanbul. Recipient of the 2009 BC Premier’s Award for Teaching Excellence, Rotary Service Above Self Award, and Healthy Living Alliance Award for Innovative Community Capacity Building, Sharon is founder (2008) and Executive Director of i2i Intergenerational Society of Canada (www.intergenerational.ca). In 2010, she initiated Intergenerational Day Canada June 1st, now recognized by over 100 cities ¾9 provinces and 3 territories. Sharon volunteers as a Director with the Canadian Network for Prevention of Elder Abuse and presents intergenerational workshops across Canada.As an Intergenerational and Educational Consultant, Sharon was primary researcher and writer of three intergenerational resources: ‘Across the Generations¾Respect All Ages’ (Public Health Agency Canada), ‘Creating Caring Communities’ (BC MoH), and Teen Kit (International Federation on Aging). She also advises grad students from around the world in the field of intergenerational studies.The best part of all? Being mom to three healthy young men, with three dynamic spouses (two who are new teachers!), and becoming ‘Gram’ to their wonderful offspring.
The Most Rewarding Experience of My 30 Year Career-Intergenerational Immersion-How to do it
Day: Saturday 11:35-12:30am
In 2000, Sharon MacKenzie, a teacher in Vernon, BC, moved her thirty grade five students into a makeshift classroom at a nearby Assisted Living Facility. Unsatisfied with the impact of occasional visits to senior care facilities with her students, Sharon was looking for something that would connect the two generations in a way that sustained the relationships, and the learning. And boy did it ever work! For five weeks in the fall and three weeks in the spring, students studied curriculum in the morning and interacted with the seniors in the afternoons. The resulting relationships improved mental and emotional health for both seniors and students. Recognizing the success of the project, the BC Ministry of Healthy Living and Sport asked Sharon to author a toolkit for educators to use in promoting age-friendly communities. Explore this resource with Sharon and learn how you too can build intergenerational connections into your teaching practice (Note: moving into a seniors residence is not required!).
Sharon MacKenzie, BA, MEd (Curriculum), Intergenerationsl and Educational Consultant, Executive Director i2i Intergenerational Society of Canada
Sharon believes that you build resilient community by connecting children respectfully and meaningfully within their community…face to face, hand in hand. A classroom teacher, K-university for over thirty years, Sharon has also worked extensively in Learning Assistance, First Nations Education and Environmental Ed. Ten years ago she founded the unique ‘Intergenerational Immersion Project’ model, which is up for a top international award next week in Istanbul. Recipient of the 2009 BC Premier’s Award for Teaching Excellence, Rotary Service Above Self Award, and Healthy Living Alliance Award for Innovative Community Capacity Building, Sharon is founder (2008) and Executive Director of i2i Intergenerational Society of Canada (www.intergenerational.ca). In 2010, she initiated Intergenerational Day Canada June 1st, now recognized by over 100 cities ¾9 provinces and 3 territories. Sharon volunteers as a Director with the Canadian Network for Prevention of Elder Abuse and presents intergenerational workshops across Canada.As an Intergenerational and Educational Consultant, Sharon was primary researcher and writer of three intergenerational resources: ‘Across the Generations¾Respect All Ages’ (Public Health Agency Canada), ‘Creating Caring Communities’ (BC MoH), and Teen Kit (International Federation on Aging). She also advises grad students from around the world in the field of intergenerational studies.The best part of all? Being mom to three healthy young men, with three dynamic spouses (two who are new teachers!), and becoming ‘Gram’ to their wonderful offspring.
Breaking into the Profession
Day: Saturday 10:30-11:25am
A open discussion on what you can expect as you get ready to finish off your program, and enter into your professional career.
Michelle Bond has wanted to be a teacher since she was a child, and is thrilled she gets to work her dream job every day. She graduated from UVic with a BA in 20th century European History & minor in English Lit before entering the PDPP program for Secondary schools. She also completed her BED and is teetering between Educational Psychology & Special Ed for her Masters. She has been a teacher for the Sooke School District for 5 years running, and has taught at numerous different high schools, middle schools and alternative schools. She is currently the Learning Support teacher at Journey Middle School in Sooke.
Classroom Management for TTOCs
Day: Sunday 10:30am - 12:30pm
TTOCs must establish rapport with students quickly and use management strategies that work immediately. The workshop will explore the basics of classroom management and how TTOCs can adapt them for their work. Practical strategies for creating a positive environment and taking constructive action with individual students will be explored.
Melanie Sedergreen with the BCTF
BCTF - The British Columbia Teachers' Federation (BCTF), established in 1917, is the union of professionals representing 41,000 public school teachers in the province of British Columbia, Canada. All public school teachers belong to the BCTF and their local teachers' association.
The Four Movements in Education
Day: Saturday 11:35am-12:30pm
Description to come
Valerie Irvine to come
Science
When Elvis the Elk Sings, People Listen
Day: Sunday 10:30am -11:25am
How do your reach people that don’t seem interested in your message? For us the problem wasn’t the message it was the way we were delivering it. This session will illustrate how music revolution-ized the way do science education, the amazing results we generated, and some simple tools for how everyone create and use education songs.
Scott Mair is a curious guy. He likes rocks, bugs, flowers, trees, birds ... you get the idea. Scott learned to love dinosaurs while curator of education at Alberta's Tyrrell Museum, stars as director of Victoria's Centre of the Universe and traffic while at the Natural History Museum in LA. He is currently program manager at Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary in Victoria
Mad Science: An Exploration of fun classroom experiments and their connections to everyday life.
Day: Sunday 1:30am -3:30am
In this workshop you will explore a number of hands-on experiments and their background science. You will find out how to connect them to out- of-classroom experience and everyday life. You will learn how to simplify your prep-time while enhancing students' understanding of the applicability of scientific principles in their lives.
Alena Kottova is PhD Candidate finishing her PhD in Philosophy at the University of Victoria, focusing on developing new approaches to science education. In 2010 she co-authored a book review published in the International Journal of ESE and single-authored a chapter in a book on career plans and science education. With her background in Physics, she worked for many years at the Ontario Science Centre in Toronto, Ontario and mastered fun science presentations of any kind. She now actively promotes science as the Chief Mad Scientist of the MAD SCIENCE of Vancouver Island through hands-on science after-school programs, working with schools, community groups, and first nations around the entire Vancouver Island area. She was featured in a CTV program “I love this island” and recently presented at UVIC’s IdeaFest 2013.
Every Drop Counts (Primary - Grade 2)
Day: Sunday 10:30am - 12:30pm
Looking for lessons and resources for your “tool kit”? The Capital Regional District (CRD) has created locally relevant environmental education resources and workshops for educators in the capital region. Join us in this interactive workshop showcasing the following resources:
EVERY DROP COUNTS: Designed for grade 2 but adaptable for other grades, this comprehensive cross-curricular learning resource will help your students learn where our drinking water comes from and how to be water wise. During the workshop you will have an opportunity to try some hands-on experiments to introduce to your students, preview the program’s many resources, including videos and print materials. You’ll learn strategies and skills to explore learning links and plan ways to engage students in exploring the world of water. The session will give you ideas and information about involving students in exploration of the science behind this vital resource. Workshop participants will receive Every Drop Counts resource contents on a USB key.
REGIONAL PARKS SCHOOL PROGRAMS: It’s time to get out of the classroom and into the parks! Each Spring (April-June) and Fall (October-November), Regional Parks offers a wide variety of nature programs to support your efforts in the classroom, and engage students with the natural world. Programs are available for children in preschool through grade 5. All programs are designed for the ages and curriculum requirements of your students.
Katie Pearson, Environmental Education Development Coordinator, Capital Regional District (CRD) A UVic Education Program Graduate, Katie applies her skills with the regional government’s Parks & Environmental Services Department, working in the areas of school and community outreach and education. A key part of her position is creating initiatives for regional residents of all ages to raise environmental awareness, support environmental education and empower environmental stewardship. She currently updates, designs and coordinates CRD K-12 environmental education learning resources working with experts, regional school districts, teachers, the Ministry of Education and non-government organizations (NGOs) to develop and promote resources that are locally relevant, user-friendly, and align with BC Ministry of Education curriculum requirements. Katie has created and delivered environmental education programs for a range of regional services, including garbage and recycling, transportation, pollution prevention, watersheds and drinking water, a highlight being the transformation of a Langford cottage into a place-based learning centre at Hartland landfill and recycling facility, hosting approximately 100 school workshops for over 3,000 participants every year, as well as community workshops and tours. You can reach her at: [email protected] 250.360.3196
Nancie Dohan is the Coordinator of Environmental Interpretation with CRD Regional Parks. She has her BSc in Biology and a Bachelor of Education and has taught for several years in the public school system. Nancie works with a team of professional park interpreters to develop and deliver school programs throughout the year to over 6,000 primary and intermediate students within the Capital Region District. She coordinates the Kokanee Salmon School Program in Nelson each September when 2,000 young people learn about the natural history of the land-locked Kokanee salmon during a spawning channel field trip. Nancie also works with Habitat Conservation Trust as a Wild BC facilitator. Through a variety of excellent resources she has developed school kits and presented at many professional development days. She looks forward to meeting you and showcasing some of the school programs offered by CRD Regional Parks.
She can be reached at: Nancie Dohan, Coordinator of Environmental Interpretation Visitor Services and Community Development [email protected] T:250.360.3327 F:250.478.5416
The Branches of Environmental Education (All Grades)
Day: Sunday 2:35 - 3:30pm
Join us for a campus tree walk and an exploration of a few fun activities for children of all ages in the field of environmental education. This refreshing outdoor workshop (rain or shine so be prepared) will explore a wide variety of EE activities for elementary and middle school educators. This workshop is also well designed for informal educators (parks, museums, and nature centres) who regularly work with children.
Michael Hammond-Todd has studied or taught at national parks, nature centers and schools in Canada, the United States, and Mexico. Currently a doctoral student in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction, Michael has been researching the complex relationships between science and environmental education and at risk populations. In addition to his work in education, Michael worked on endangered species programs in the Southwestern United States including rare and endangered fish, amphibians, and the Mexican Gray Wolf
Water in Our Community (Intermediate -Secondary)
Day: Sunday 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Looking for lessons and resources for your “tool kit”? The Capital Regional District (CRD) has created locally relevant environmental education resources available free of charge for educators in the capital region. In this interactive workshop, we will explore the Water in Our Community cross-curricular learning resource aimed at helping to educate Grade 8 -12 students about water with a focus on Greater Victoria drinking water supply, quality, and conservation. You will have an opportunity to try some hands-on experiments and preview the many resources including locally-produced videos, PowerPoints, and print materials. A free resource kit will be available to each middle and senior secondary school in the region. We will have these resource kits available for reference.
Katie Pearson, Environmental Education Development Coordinator, Capital Regional District (CRD) A UVic Education Program Graduate, Katie applies her skills with the regional government’s Parks & Environmental Services Department, working in the areas of school and community outreach and education. A key part of her position is creating initiatives for regional residents of all ages to raise environmental awareness, support environmental education and empower environmental stewardship. She currently updates, designs and coordinates CRD K-12 environmental education learning resources working with experts, regional school districts, teachers, the Ministry of Education and non-government organizations (NGOs) to develop and promote resources that are locally relevant, user-friendly, and align with BC Ministry of Education curriculum requirements. Katie has created and delivered environmental education programs for a range of regional services, including garbage and recycling, transportation, pollution prevention, watersheds and drinking water, a highlight being the transformation of a Langford cottage into a place-based learning centre at Hartland landfill and recycling facility, hosting approximately 100 school workshops for over 3,000 participants every year, as well as community workshops and tours. You can reach her at: [email protected] 250.360.3196
Day: Sunday 10:30am -11:25am
How do your reach people that don’t seem interested in your message? For us the problem wasn’t the message it was the way we were delivering it. This session will illustrate how music revolution-ized the way do science education, the amazing results we generated, and some simple tools for how everyone create and use education songs.
Scott Mair is a curious guy. He likes rocks, bugs, flowers, trees, birds ... you get the idea. Scott learned to love dinosaurs while curator of education at Alberta's Tyrrell Museum, stars as director of Victoria's Centre of the Universe and traffic while at the Natural History Museum in LA. He is currently program manager at Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary in Victoria
Mad Science: An Exploration of fun classroom experiments and their connections to everyday life.
Day: Sunday 1:30am -3:30am
In this workshop you will explore a number of hands-on experiments and their background science. You will find out how to connect them to out- of-classroom experience and everyday life. You will learn how to simplify your prep-time while enhancing students' understanding of the applicability of scientific principles in their lives.
Alena Kottova is PhD Candidate finishing her PhD in Philosophy at the University of Victoria, focusing on developing new approaches to science education. In 2010 she co-authored a book review published in the International Journal of ESE and single-authored a chapter in a book on career plans and science education. With her background in Physics, she worked for many years at the Ontario Science Centre in Toronto, Ontario and mastered fun science presentations of any kind. She now actively promotes science as the Chief Mad Scientist of the MAD SCIENCE of Vancouver Island through hands-on science after-school programs, working with schools, community groups, and first nations around the entire Vancouver Island area. She was featured in a CTV program “I love this island” and recently presented at UVIC’s IdeaFest 2013.
Every Drop Counts (Primary - Grade 2)
Day: Sunday 10:30am - 12:30pm
Looking for lessons and resources for your “tool kit”? The Capital Regional District (CRD) has created locally relevant environmental education resources and workshops for educators in the capital region. Join us in this interactive workshop showcasing the following resources:
EVERY DROP COUNTS: Designed for grade 2 but adaptable for other grades, this comprehensive cross-curricular learning resource will help your students learn where our drinking water comes from and how to be water wise. During the workshop you will have an opportunity to try some hands-on experiments to introduce to your students, preview the program’s many resources, including videos and print materials. You’ll learn strategies and skills to explore learning links and plan ways to engage students in exploring the world of water. The session will give you ideas and information about involving students in exploration of the science behind this vital resource. Workshop participants will receive Every Drop Counts resource contents on a USB key.
REGIONAL PARKS SCHOOL PROGRAMS: It’s time to get out of the classroom and into the parks! Each Spring (April-June) and Fall (October-November), Regional Parks offers a wide variety of nature programs to support your efforts in the classroom, and engage students with the natural world. Programs are available for children in preschool through grade 5. All programs are designed for the ages and curriculum requirements of your students.
Katie Pearson, Environmental Education Development Coordinator, Capital Regional District (CRD) A UVic Education Program Graduate, Katie applies her skills with the regional government’s Parks & Environmental Services Department, working in the areas of school and community outreach and education. A key part of her position is creating initiatives for regional residents of all ages to raise environmental awareness, support environmental education and empower environmental stewardship. She currently updates, designs and coordinates CRD K-12 environmental education learning resources working with experts, regional school districts, teachers, the Ministry of Education and non-government organizations (NGOs) to develop and promote resources that are locally relevant, user-friendly, and align with BC Ministry of Education curriculum requirements. Katie has created and delivered environmental education programs for a range of regional services, including garbage and recycling, transportation, pollution prevention, watersheds and drinking water, a highlight being the transformation of a Langford cottage into a place-based learning centre at Hartland landfill and recycling facility, hosting approximately 100 school workshops for over 3,000 participants every year, as well as community workshops and tours. You can reach her at: [email protected] 250.360.3196
Nancie Dohan is the Coordinator of Environmental Interpretation with CRD Regional Parks. She has her BSc in Biology and a Bachelor of Education and has taught for several years in the public school system. Nancie works with a team of professional park interpreters to develop and deliver school programs throughout the year to over 6,000 primary and intermediate students within the Capital Region District. She coordinates the Kokanee Salmon School Program in Nelson each September when 2,000 young people learn about the natural history of the land-locked Kokanee salmon during a spawning channel field trip. Nancie also works with Habitat Conservation Trust as a Wild BC facilitator. Through a variety of excellent resources she has developed school kits and presented at many professional development days. She looks forward to meeting you and showcasing some of the school programs offered by CRD Regional Parks.
She can be reached at: Nancie Dohan, Coordinator of Environmental Interpretation Visitor Services and Community Development [email protected] T:250.360.3327 F:250.478.5416
The Branches of Environmental Education (All Grades)
Day: Sunday 2:35 - 3:30pm
Join us for a campus tree walk and an exploration of a few fun activities for children of all ages in the field of environmental education. This refreshing outdoor workshop (rain or shine so be prepared) will explore a wide variety of EE activities for elementary and middle school educators. This workshop is also well designed for informal educators (parks, museums, and nature centres) who regularly work with children.
Michael Hammond-Todd has studied or taught at national parks, nature centers and schools in Canada, the United States, and Mexico. Currently a doctoral student in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction, Michael has been researching the complex relationships between science and environmental education and at risk populations. In addition to his work in education, Michael worked on endangered species programs in the Southwestern United States including rare and endangered fish, amphibians, and the Mexican Gray Wolf
Water in Our Community (Intermediate -Secondary)
Day: Sunday 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Looking for lessons and resources for your “tool kit”? The Capital Regional District (CRD) has created locally relevant environmental education resources available free of charge for educators in the capital region. In this interactive workshop, we will explore the Water in Our Community cross-curricular learning resource aimed at helping to educate Grade 8 -12 students about water with a focus on Greater Victoria drinking water supply, quality, and conservation. You will have an opportunity to try some hands-on experiments and preview the many resources including locally-produced videos, PowerPoints, and print materials. A free resource kit will be available to each middle and senior secondary school in the region. We will have these resource kits available for reference.
Katie Pearson, Environmental Education Development Coordinator, Capital Regional District (CRD) A UVic Education Program Graduate, Katie applies her skills with the regional government’s Parks & Environmental Services Department, working in the areas of school and community outreach and education. A key part of her position is creating initiatives for regional residents of all ages to raise environmental awareness, support environmental education and empower environmental stewardship. She currently updates, designs and coordinates CRD K-12 environmental education learning resources working with experts, regional school districts, teachers, the Ministry of Education and non-government organizations (NGOs) to develop and promote resources that are locally relevant, user-friendly, and align with BC Ministry of Education curriculum requirements. Katie has created and delivered environmental education programs for a range of regional services, including garbage and recycling, transportation, pollution prevention, watersheds and drinking water, a highlight being the transformation of a Langford cottage into a place-based learning centre at Hartland landfill and recycling facility, hosting approximately 100 school workshops for over 3,000 participants every year, as well as community workshops and tours. You can reach her at: [email protected] 250.360.3196
Technology
Wired Up
Day: Sunday 2:35-3:30pm
When we think of technology, we think of everything from watches on our wrists to the innovations in modern computing. Our home lives are scarcely complete without the presence of a shiny laptop or cellphone. Tristan hopes to teach you about how to bring computer science and critical thinking into your classroom – without the need for expensive apps and licenses! We will learn about the accepted pedagogies of primary/intermediate computer science education, play games to practice logical thinking, and connect to current BC IRPs.
Tristan Powell is a Third-Year B.Ed student with a passion for French Immersion and Educational Technology. She graduated from the Saanich School District, and plans to teach there upon her graduation. Coding and computers came to her naturally as a child, and her first job was as a freelance web designer for a local hotel chain. Now, she utilizes that joyous skill for teaching others how to bring the wonders of technology into their classroom. She spends her free time lurking on Imgur and collecting ginormous stuffed dogs, insisting they will be put to use in her future classroom.
Day: Sunday 2:35-3:30pm
When we think of technology, we think of everything from watches on our wrists to the innovations in modern computing. Our home lives are scarcely complete without the presence of a shiny laptop or cellphone. Tristan hopes to teach you about how to bring computer science and critical thinking into your classroom – without the need for expensive apps and licenses! We will learn about the accepted pedagogies of primary/intermediate computer science education, play games to practice logical thinking, and connect to current BC IRPs.
Tristan Powell is a Third-Year B.Ed student with a passion for French Immersion and Educational Technology. She graduated from the Saanich School District, and plans to teach there upon her graduation. Coding and computers came to her naturally as a child, and her first job was as a freelance web designer for a local hotel chain. Now, she utilizes that joyous skill for teaching others how to bring the wonders of technology into their classroom. She spends her free time lurking on Imgur and collecting ginormous stuffed dogs, insisting they will be put to use in her future classroom.