This plenary explores the work of the BCTF Provincial Specialist Associations and the many ways in which they support new teachers and teacher candidates throughout the province. Join a selection of PSA representatives as they discuss how they incorporate a range of cross-curricular and core competency elements into their practice and their learning communities. For more information on these specialist associations, click here.

Création d’une Culture d’Inclusion des Genres en Milieu Scolaire

Cet atelier fournira aux membres enseignants des stratégies pour contribuer à créer des environnements plus inclusifs. Les participant(e)s découvriront et discuteront un certain nombre d'obstacles à l'inclusion basés surtout sur l'identité de genre et l'orientation sexuelle.

Decolonization and Indigenous Rights

Join us for an enlightening workshop addressing the critical issues of systemic racism and the journey towards reconciliation in Canada. This session will feature insights from esteemed Indigenous scholars and activists, including Senator Murray Sinclair, Taiaiake Alfred, Pam Palmater, and Kanahus Manuel. This workshop is essential for leaders committed to fostering a more just and equitable society and for those seeking to deepen their understanding and support of Indigenous rights. Participants will explore the history of colonialism, current Indigenous activism, and the inherent rights of Indigenous Peoples to their lands. Gain a deeper understanding of Indigenous Nationhood and the impact of colonialism. Learn from the perspectives and experiences of Indigenous leaders. Discover Actionable steps towards supporting decolonization and (rethinking) reconciliation efforts. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with transformative ideas and contribute to meaningful change.

Getting to Know Learning in the Primary Years

This workshop will give attendees the opportunity to learn more about the new Ministry document Learning in the Primary Years. Topics covered are play-based learning, social and emotional learning, outdoor learning, literacy, numeracy, and more.

Help! I Have to Teach Music!

Participants will explore: 1. identifying and applying elementary, middle, and high school music strategies for teaching and TTOC'ing elementary, middle, and high school music classes, 2. increasing new teacher confidence and capacity in teaching music classes whether TTOC'ing or in a temporary or continuing position, and 3. knowing how to access professional support and professional development through the BCMEA.

Not STEM, not STEAM, but SHTEAM!

Participants will build confidence and skill through embedding the following into their practice:

• Cross-curricular thinking through SHTEAM: Learn how approaching the world through multiple lenses encourages adaptability, creativity, and critical thinking
• Bias awareness and multiple perspectives: Develop strategies to help students recognize and challenge biases in their thinking, and how this self-awareness is linked to becoming open-minded and inclusive of others perspectives
• Power of communication: The Claim, Evidence, Reasoning (CER) approach with hands-on experience using the CER framework and how to apply it in any subject area

Roles and Responsibilities of Learning Assistance Teachers

In this presentation, we open discussion amongst participants on the key areas of responsibilities for a learning assistance/learning support teacher. Across the province, this role's title varies. Within each district, this role has different responsibilities. Both learning support teachers and those who are curious about the role are encouraged to come to this workshop as it offers an opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions around supporting learners through supporting each other in this work.

Teaching in a Time of Climate Grief

In the face of escalating climate crises, educators find themselves grappling not only with the responsibility of imparting knowledge about climate change but also with the obligation to ensure the emotional well-being of students, many of whom feel the fear and grief of climate crisis already. This workshop aims to empower educators to navigate the complexities of teaching about climate change with empathy, authenticity, and resilience. It is designed to provide a space for educators to explore the emotional landscape of climate grief drawing on the transformative frameworks. By acknowledging and processing the emotional aspects and impacts of the realities of this time, like grief, fear, hopelessness and rage, participants will develop the skills to be better equipped to support both themselves and their students to move through these feelings to a place of hope and action. Participants will leave the workshop with activities they can do with their students around this issue.

Work-Life Balance for Early Career Teachers

Participants will:

• identify the areas of your life that are your priorities and those needing your attention
• discuss your concerns and learn practical strategies (i.e. productivity tips, managing resources, support network, etc.) to support you in your journey through teacher wellness
• learn about communities of practice and how BCECTA supports early career teachers.

Adaptations for Diverse Learners

Participants will:

• engage in activities to collaborate, problem-solve, and explore with other participants various methods to accommodate individual learning needs through varied adaptations
• reflect upon ways to decolonize your approach to teaching and create inclusive spaces for learning
• identify barriers to academic success and explore various strategies for supporting diverse groups of students, such as those with intellectual disabilities, gifted abilities, autism, and twice-exceptional learners.

Building Resilience in Children in an Age of Disasters

Participants will become more confident in supporting children's resilience. They will gain knowledge of various natural and unnatural disasters that could affect school children. Participants will learn about local disaster preparedness resources, as well as broader resources that could be used in their classrooms to help build resilience.

Diversity in Core French: How to Make Everyone Feel Safe and Included

Participants will explore ways to make all students feel safe and welcome in a classroom. Lesson examples that include Indigenous, 2SLGBTQIA+, different religions, cultures, races, and body types will be explained. Additionally, lesson examples and resources suggestions will be shared.

Integrating Digital Citizenship and ADST through Blended Learning: A New Teacher’s Guide

Participants will explore the ability to incorporate digital citizenship and ADST curriculum through a blended learning approach into all subject areas in this workshop. Blended learning approaches will be explored as a vehicle to allow cross-curricular learning, programs, and assessments. As newer educators, we will explore ways that digital citizenship curriculum can be woven into all subject areas and grade levels including relevant Artificial Intelligence topics and Freedom of Information and Privacy (FIPPA) implementations. Digital literacy for both elementary and secondary students as directed by BC’s Ministry of Education will be the focus through numerous examples of student-centered learning activities. Practical techniques and strategies will be given to allow newer teachers the confidence to use technology as a tool to foster a culture of cross-curricular learning and responsible digital citizenship that meet the needs of today’s learners.

PHE it is not just about Games: it is about Creating Connections through PHE Activities!

Participants will explore:

1.      safety and class management skills for their class inside and outside a gym

2.      easy ways to create connections with and between students in a physical activity setting

3.      games and activities which students enjoy and build on curricular competencies.

Classroom Management

This workshop provides a framework for creating a classroom management plan that includes preventing problems, taking action when problems arise and intervening with individual students. This framework allows teachers to create a management plan that is based on positive behaviour support but is flexible to accommodate many strategies and teaching styles. Included is the opportunity to re-examine personal practice and beliefs, explore respectful discipline approaches and expand classroom management strategies.

"Working Together", Reconciliation and Friendship as a First Nations and Settler Writing Team

The first half of the workshop will focus on teachers' professional practice in relation to Aboriginal Education. In the context of an intentionally created safe space, participants will explore the concept of "walking on cultural eggshells" together. This concept can help teachers to address barriers that might hinder incorporating Indigenous content into their practice. This concept will be explored through discussion. The second half of the workshop will focus on classroom applications including ways to connect reconciliation in the classroom to more personal understandings, such as children's friendships.

Workplace Occupational Health & Safety: What Every New Teacher Needs to Know

Participants will explore:

• understanding WorkSafeBC OH&S Regulations within a classroom environment
• knowing what their safety rights are as a worker in a school setting
• becoming prepared with health and safety knowledge when stepping foot into a school each day.