Last Updated Mar 15, 2010
This list of professional development conferences is provided as a service to members. The Federation does not necessarily endorse all the conferences, nor does it accept liability for errors or omissions in any of the information provided. Individuals planning to attend a conference should contact the sponsoring organization to confirm the dates and other details of registration. Conferences sponsored by the Federation's provincial specialist associations appear in boldface type throughout the calendar.
Please note procedure statement 36.28.10: "That the BCTF's PD Calendar not publish PD events by outside agencies scheduled for the provincial PSA Day."
22 Pemberton, BC. The Sea to Sky Teachers' Professional Development Committee is hosting "Connectedness: within, with each other, and with the world". We are thrilled to have Dr. Gordon Neufeld to deliver his keynote address, "Relationship Matters: Harnessing the Power of Attachment". In addition, Dr. Neufeld will then stay for the day to expand on his keynote in workshop sessions. We are also proud to feature a fantastic line-up of speakers including Terry Small (Brain Boosting Secrets), Rachel Mason (Aboriginal Ed), Judy Fainstein (Youth and Environmental Sustainability), and more! Visit the SSTA website http://bctf.ca/ssta/ for workshop descriptions.
26-27 Kelowna. BC Science Teachers' Association present Catalyst 2010-A Science Odyssey. A conference for all Science Educators K-12+ at the Delta Grand Okanagan Resort and Conference Centre. Join us for: Exciting Keynotes, Featured Speakers, Teacher-Led Professional Development, Hands-on Workshops, Technology Workshops, Science Literacy and Reading Strategies, IRP Implementation Ideas, Current Issues in Science Education, Presentations by Leading Scientists, Science Teacher Collaboration, K-7 Science Workshops, Exhibitor Hall... And much more! Visit the BCScTA website www.bcscta.ca/ for more details.
26-27 Richmond, BC. BCTF New Teachers and Student Teachers Conference 2010. The 2010 conference will take place at the Radisson hotel in Richmond. For further information please contact Cécilia Huard de la Marre at chuarddelamarre@bctf.ca or 604-871-1869.
27 Vancouver, BC. Foundations for Adult Learning, 13th Annual Conference of the Adult Educators' Provincial Specialist Association. BC Teachers' Federation Building, 100 - 500 W. 6th Avenue, Vancouver. Keynote address by Mark Selman followed by five small group sessions, panel presentation and afternoon plenary. Contact Lynda Toews at psac74@bctf.ca and http://adultedpsa.wordpress.com/ for registration information.
31 Burnaby, BC. BCTF Day on Campus will take place in SFU at the Burnaby Campus. For further information please contact Cécilia Huard de la Marre at chuarddelamarre@bctf.ca or 604-871-1869.
31-April 1, Vancouver. The Special Education Association (SEA) is proud to present the 35th Annual Crosscurrents Conference (right before the Easter long weekend) at the Westin Bayshore Hotel. The dates have been changed this year to accomodate the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics. Keynote: plus a variety of quality sessions and exhibitors for regular and special education. For information contact or visit the website: www.bctf.ca/sea. Exhibitors contact Karen Bell at karbell@shaw.ca
9-11 Delta, BC. William Glasser Choice Theory and Lead Management training - BASIC LEVEL . Counselling credits if applicable. Further info call 604. 948.1967
10 Burnaby, BC. PITA's Build UP Series provides a year long program of support for early career teachers with strategies presented are helpful for all teachers! Two Sessions, SS & LA: Social Studies with Holly Lloyd: We will focus on differentiation of instruction through project-based learning. We will walk through the research process together, exploring the continuum that students move along as they head towards independent learning. Participants will be introduced to multiple strategies to help meet a range of needs and learning styles. These strategies can then be applied in the research unit developed for their grade level available on the PITA website. LA with Diana Cruchley. Using picture books: 'Love That Dog' is a fabulous book, the students love it, you can read it aloud in less than an hour and it lends itself to great discussions and terrific lessons. Use it to teach multiple reading strategies, introduce and motivate students' journal program, inspire students in a poetry unit, and more. Why prepare alone? We provide resources including the book, practical strategies and suggestions. For details and to register, go to www.pita.ca or contact Ray Myrtle president@pita.ca
10 Kelowna, BC. PITA & BCPTA collaborate to provide support for early career teachers. Choose from Intermediate or Primary Sessions: IntermediateTwo Sessions: Sc and Math. Eg. Invertebrate Adaptations (Gr. 6) and Food Webs in Ecosystems (Gr.7) both of which addressing grade-specific Life Science PLOs. and Science 4/5 The Body a 6-8 week unit. MATH with Ray Appel. 'Using Mental Math to Deepen Learning'. Ray will show you how to help support students to make sense of adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing. Ray will also look at the role of number, equality, and algebraic reasoning while exploring the many new changes in the new math curriculum. PRIMARY: AM- Chapter Assembly-Issues and information Session, a discussion forum, BCPTA update, and Primary Program revitalization information. PM- Choice of 2 primary workshops- Teachers' Tool Kit or Full Day Kindergarten - Doing it Right . To register go to www.pita.ca or contact Ray Myrtle president@pita.ca for intermediate or for details about the primary program go to www.bctf.ca/bcpta or contact Lori Boychuk: loriboy@telus.net
10 Surrey, BC. PITA's Build UP Series provides a year long program of support for early career teachers with strategies presented are helpful for all teachers! Two Sessions: PE & Writing: PE with Glenn Young: In this intermediate PE workshop, learn the foundation for physical activities and everyday movements. This activity-oriented session will cover the skills that are in the K-7 IRP and how to observe and provide assessment FOR learning through specific rubrics. Extensive handout with rubrics provided. PM: WRITING with Bryan Gidinski: Participants will gain insight into delivering mini-lessons to enhance their writing programs that are social, engaging, encourage revision and challenge students to extend themselves creatively. Why prepare alone? We provide practical strategies, resources and suggestions. Registration varies from $20-$75 and includes lunch. For details or to register, go to www.pita.ca or contact Ray Myrtle president@pita.ca
16-17 Harrision Hot Springs, BC.
The Adult Basic Education of BC is hosting a conference at Harrison Hot Springs. "Inspiring Skills for Success" is the title of the conference, our 30th annual event, which is open to all educators.
Usually we have instructors of adults from school districts, colleges, prisons, and aboriginal centres, people working with ESL, English, Math, and High School Completion programming. For further information, please check the website at http://www.abeabc.ca/conferences.htm
or contact Leonne Beebe
leonne.beebe@ucfv.ca
20-24 Victoria, BC.
BC Teachers' Institute on Parliamentary Democracy Spring 2010. The Legislative Assembly of British Columbia offers an exciting professional development program for British Columbian teachers in elementary, middle and high school. Come to your Parliament Buildings in Victoria and learn about parliamentary democracy and the political process. Eighteen teachers will be selected to participate and experience B.C'.s parliamentary system first-hand, returning to their schools and communities with an enhanced understanding of democracy. Deadline for applications is January 31, 2010.Further information and to apply on-line visit www.leg.bc.ca/bcti
23 Vancouver, BC.
Yoga In Your School Pro-D workshop with Teressa Asencia (M.A. and E-RYT) and author of "Yoga in Your School", which has been #1 on Amazon.ca for P.E. in schools in Canada. 1--4 p.m. The Path Yoga Centre, 2083 Alma St, Suite 240, Vancouver - For registration email info@yogainyourschool.com or call 778-990-3850. $125 fee includes the 3-hour workshop and also a take home PowerPoint presentation with voice and images of the material presented in the workshop to make it easy for teachers to begin to easily insert Yoga Breaks into their daily classroom schedule. Special price for registration by April 1st, $100. Additional information available on www.YogaInYourSchool.com
23-24 Vancouver, BC. First Nations Schools Association 14th Annual Conference and AGM. Conference theme: Valuing and Caring for All. Featuring workshops that support school and student success, with a focus on BC First Nations schools. Call for Workshops deadline: January 15, registration materials available February 2010. www.fnsa.ca/currentevents.htm Toll-free: 1-877-422-3672
25-26 Delta, BC. William Glasser Choice Theory and Lead Management training - BASIC LEVEL .Counselling credits if applicable. Further info call 604. 948.1967.
28 Vancouver, BC. Underwater Robots in the Classroom. Vancouver Maritime Museum, 7:30 pm. (No admission charge--just a donation offering for the VMM), The Underwater Archaeology Society of British Columbia (UASBC) will feature maritime author Vickie Jensen and student-built underwater robotics at its February Speakers Series. This lively, illustrated presentation dovetails with the Vancouver Maritime Museum's new Submersibles: Into the Deep exhibit. Jensen will take you into classrooms across North America where the challenge of building shallow-diving robots is enticing students to dive into scientific studies and explore maritime careers. The evening will also feature B.C.'s award-winning student teams, their robots, and a preview of the 800-page Marine Advanced Technology Education (MATE) textbook Underwater Robotics: Science, Design & Fabrication which Jensen has co-authored and edited. Vancouver Maritime Museum, 1905 Ogden Avenue, Vancouver, B.C. V6J 1A3, 604-257-8300
30 Whistler, BC. Whistler PITA's 5th Annual mini conference 'Supporting Struggling Students in Literacy and Math'. Learn practical ways to survive the diversity in your classroom in one of five all day sessions: 'Encourage reluctant readers using Elaine Jaltema's literature circle approach'; 'Guys Write!--nine sure-fire ways to excite your boys (and girls) about writing' with Diana Chruchley, 'You CAN teach everyone Math' with John Mighton- Jump Math founder; 'Simple, Effective Strategies to Reach More Kids.... Better' with Mary Moody; 'Learn to engage learners through differentiating instruction and start on adapting YOUR units together with Amber!' with Amber Flanagan. Marketplace focused upon resources for struggling students. Details and register at www.pita.ca questions contact Ray Myrtle president@pita.ca
15 Vancouver., BC. Investigating Our Practices 2010 13th annual conference. Teachers from different educational contexts convene at UBC to share their investigations, understandings and questions. Deadline for proposals March 19, 2010. Registration fee $25 ($15 for students). Lunch and refreshments included. Scarfe Education Building 2125 Main Mall UBC. For more information, contact Judy Paley 604-822-2733 judy.paley@ubc.ca or visit eplt.educ.ubc.ca/programs/institutes/ iop.php
15-16 Vancouver, BC. UBC offers at the Point Grey campus a French and Spanish Immersion Weekend. Single accommodation is available at the Pacific Spirit Hostel for $33 (+ taxes) per night. Teachers can use their Tuition Fee Certificate toward the $250 tuition fee. Call toll-free 1-866-528-7485 or see www.frenchcentre.ubc.ca/weekend.html
19-23 Vancouver.
The Environmental Educators' Provincial Specialist Association (EEPSA) hosts the EECOM 2010 national conference in partnership with Simon Fraser University and Metro Vancouver. Diversity, Sustainability, Environment: Cultural and Practical Diversity in Environmental Education. Contact Patrick Robertson, (604) - 818-6521, pabrobo@shaw.ca
20-21 Vernon, BC. SD #22 Techology Showcase and BCBEA Regional Conference. Keynote speaker Steve Dotto. Keynote topics: CyberSafe, Currents Trends in Technology and VSS Cyber Bullying Presentation "Be the Change" presented by Mike Sawka plus 16 BCBEA conference sessions and showcase presentations. For more information visit http://www.sd22.bc.ca/~showcase. To register for BCBEA sessions email Terry Downton at tdownton@sd22.bc.ca
1-13 . The 7th Peace & Reconciliation Study Tour for B.C. Teachers. This is an excellent and heavily subsidized professional development opportunity supported by BC Social Studies Teachers' Association. The Study Tour is organized to enhance teachers using "Human Rights in the Asia Pacific 1931-1945: Social Responsibility and Global Citizenship" - a teachers' guide developed by the BC Ministry of Education to support aspects of senior Social Studies Curriculum. The Study Tour facilitates selected teachers to have better understanding of the cultural and historical background of China during the Asia-Pacific War (1931-1945) through meeting survivors and historians, as well as visiting museums and historical sites in Beijing, Quzhou, Nanjing and Shanghai. The Study Tour organizer, B.C. ALPHA covers all ground costs inside China while teachers basically need only to take care of their own international travel costs between Canada and China. For application details and highlights of the Study Tours in previous years, visit http://alpha-canada.org/StudyTour or contact Thekla Lit at 604-313-6000 or bcalpha@alpha-canada.org . Application deadline: February 15, 2010
5-23 Quebec City, Quebec. Institut de Français, UBC à Québec, French Bursary Program for Teachers. This French immersion program is intended for all teachers and administrators interested in learning or improving their French language skills. www.frenchcentre.ubc.ca/quebec or toll-free 1-866-528-7485
18-23 Vancouver, BC. 37th Annual International Systemic Functional Congress, University of British Columbia. A rare opportunity for educators to hear the latest in research and teaching in the field of functional systemic linguistics. Congress Theme: Language Evolving: Language is constantly evolving, whether we consider it from the perspective of its use in practical contexts or as a system. This congress presents an opportunity to learn about, reflect on, and extend SFL's various ways of thinking about language evolving. We will be joined by researchers, teachers and students working on these topics from around the globe. Plenary speakers include Michael Halliday, Jim Martin, Terrence Deacon and Gunther Kress . Wednesday, July 21st will open with a plenary session given by Mary Schleppegrell, a Professor of Education at the University of Michigan School of Education and author of The Language of Schooling (Erlbaum, 2004). Dr. Schleppgrell's research explores the relationship between language and learning with a focus on students for whom English is a second language. This will be followed by parallel sessions from both practicing teachers presenting classroom-based work involving SFL and academic leaders in the field of SFL, or functional grammar in educational contexts. Further information is available at: www.isfc2010. ubcconferences.com
13-16 Parksville, BC. The three-day Achieving Excellence in Writing Workshop, presented by Susan Augustyn, offers an exciting and effective method of teaching writing. The workshop demonstrates the teaching of various structures and stylistic techniques that are easy for students to learn. Students are motivated to write, given the tools to write well, and led to take ownership of their writing. Teachers will leave the workshop ready to teach a repertoire of writing skills that will greatly improve their students' writing within a few months. The workshop is practical, offering an extensive set of skills to take back to the classroom to use immediately. Used widely across British Columbia and Alberta, this method has empowered thousands of students and proven to be effective for those students who struggle with writing as well as those who are gifted. Applicable for Grades 2 to 11. Contact: saugustyn@shaw.ca or phone 250 248-6434
22 Kamloops, BC. BC Peace and Global Educators, PSA Provincial Conference. PART 2 CONTINUING THE CONVERSATION: THE GREEN CHALLENGE, ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY AND THE CHALLENGES FOR CANADA Please visit www.pagebc.ca for the Panel Presentation Video Part 1 and for the Friday Oct. 22, 2010 Conference Updates. Contact: Roz Johns rjohns@sd38.bc.ca, Susan Ruzic sruzic@sd43.bc.ca, Don Wilson dwilson@sd73.bc.ca
30.A. 14 That for the purposes of a province-wide PSA day, the BCTF supports the third Friday in October as the day on which all districts hold a professional day, except in years in which Thanksgiving Monday falls in the same week, in which case the fourth Friday would be the designated day.
2010 - 2011: October 22, 2010
2011 - 2012: October 21, 2011
2012 - 2013: October 19, 2012
2013 - 2014: October 25, 2013
2014 - 2015: October 24, 2014
2015 - 2016: October 23, 2015
Additions or changes? E-mail Sandy Drummond.
Compiled and maintained by Sandy Drummond, PSA services co-ordinator, Professional and Social Issues Division, BCTF.