This year’s Substitute Teachers’ Conference will be held at the Acclaim Hotel by Clique Calgary Airport on October 16-17, 2026. For more information and to register, click here.
Closing Keynote: Bridges in the Storm – Navigating Change as a Substitute Teacher Substitute teachers stand at the heart of today’s shifting landscapes in education. Each day you step into classrooms shaped by rapid changes in technology, labour, and politics—often without the stability or recognition that comes with permanent roles. The rise of the gig economy and on-demand work mirrors much of your own experience, where the essential work you do can sometimes leave you feeling like a second-class citizen despite the vital role you play in students’ lives. This keynote will explore the realities you face: navigating student aggression, balancing your own mental health while contending with moral distress, and striving to capture attention in an age of distraction. Grounded in compassion and respect, we will name the challenges openly while also shining a light on the resilience, adaptability, and deep professional commitment that define substitute teachers. Together, we will consider how to find meaning, dignity, and strength in the midst of uncertainty—ensuring that substitute teachers are not only seen but celebrated as essential partners in the educational journey of every child.
3:00–3:30 pm Murray Lalonde & Heather McCaig
Stick around after the keynotes for some thank yous and for your chance to win a wonderful door prize!
Saturday October 17, 2026 2:45pm - 3:00pm MDT Hemisphere Ballroom123 Freeport Blvd NE, Calgary, AB T3N 0A3, Canada
