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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.

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Friday, October 16
 

3:00pm MDT

Meeting for Local Substitute Chairs (BY INVITATION ONLY)
Friday October 16, 2026 3:00pm - 5:00pm MDT
Online via Zoom
This meeting for local substitute teacher committee chairs or contacts is by invitation only. 

If you are a local substitute teacher committee chair or contact and you have not confirmed your attendance, please email [email protected]. 
Friday October 16, 2026 3:00pm - 5:00pm MDT
Online via Zoom
  Local Chairs Meeting

5:30pm MDT

Sign in at the Registration desk
Friday October 16, 2026 5:30pm - 7:00pm MDT
Hemisphere Lobby
Friday October 16, 2026 5:30pm - 7:00pm MDT
Hemisphere Lobby 123 Freeport Blvd NE, Calgary, AB T3N 0A3, Canada
  Conference Registration

5:45pm MDT

Light Dinner
Friday October 16, 2026 5:45pm - 6:45pm MDT
Hemisphere Ballroom

Friday October 16, 2026 5:45pm - 6:45pm MDT
Hemisphere Ballroom 123 Freeport Blvd NE, Calgary, AB T3N 0A3, Canada
  Breaks & Meals

7:00pm MDT

Welcome, Greetings and Keynote: Substitute Teaches ARE Teachers: Removing the "Just" from "Just a Substitute..."
Friday October 16, 2026 7:00pm - 8:15pm MDT
Hemisphere Ballroom
7:00–7:05 pm – Committee Chair & DR attached to committeeWelcome, Land Acknowledgment, Human Rights Statement, Introduction of provincial Substitute Teachers Committee members, and overview of the conference program.7:05–7:15 pm – President/Vice PresidentGreetings and provincial update from president of the Alberta Teachers' Association.7:15–8:15 pm –Brian DawydiukThis session will...
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Speakers
avatar for Brian Dawydiuk

Brian Dawydiuk

Friday Keynote Speaker
Brian Dawydiuk is a full-time teacher at St Catherine's school in Picture Butte, Alberta. He also is a touring stand up comedian, husband and father. In November 2025, Brian experienced burnout which led to an Autism diagnosis to go with a previous diagnosis of ADHD. While only recently... Read More →
Friday October 16, 2026 7:00pm - 8:15pm MDT
Hemisphere Ballroom 123 Freeport Blvd NE, Calgary, AB T3N 0A3, Canada
  Keynotes & Plenary Sessions

8:00pm MDT

Mix and Mingle--Join us for entertainment and refreshments!
Friday October 16, 2026 8:00pm - 9:30pm MDT
Hemisphere Ballroom

Friday October 16, 2026 8:00pm - 9:30pm MDT
Hemisphere Ballroom 123 Freeport Blvd NE, Calgary, AB T3N 0A3, Canada
  Breaks & Meals
 
Saturday, October 17
 

7:30am MDT

Just arrived? Sign in at the Registration desk
Saturday October 17, 2026 7:30am - 8:30am MDT
Hemisphere Lobby
Saturday October 17, 2026 7:30am - 8:30am MDT
Hemisphere Lobby 123 Freeport Blvd NE, Calgary, AB T3N 0A3, Canada
  Conference Registration

8:00am MDT

Networking Breakfast
Saturday October 17, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am MDT
Hemisphere Ballroom

Saturday October 17, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am MDT
Hemisphere Ballroom 123 Freeport Blvd NE, Calgary, AB T3N 0A3, Canada
  Breaks & Meals

9:00am MDT

The Strategic Sub Part 1—Building Relationships and Managing the Classroom
Saturday October 17, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am MDT
TBD
In this session, we will focus on building connections and shaping a space where students feel safe, respected and ready to learn. We will explore practical strategies for fostering positive relationships and maintaining a classroom environment that balances warmth with structure. Designed to be flexible across grade levels and teaching contexts (including substitute teaching assignments), these...
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Speakers
avatar for Association Instructor
Saturday October 17, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am MDT
TBD
  Engaging & Managing Sessions

9:00am MDT

Breakout A (6) Creativity versus Innovation in Teaching
Saturday October 17, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am MDT
TBD
Creativity & innovative thinking are extraordinary skills that reflect successful learning in your middle school classroom. Students that learn and possess these skills demonstrate better retention of information, and application of knowledge beyond the curriculum and your classroom. This session will focus on how to ignite K-9 student curiosity and the innate human desire to learn. Fun, engaging...
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Speakers
avatar for Paul Bohnert

Paul Bohnert

President, Career and Technology Education Council
Innovation in Education has been Paul's passion and focus for the past 30 years. He has shared his classroom and educational experiences with more than 15,000 educators and pre-service teachers across North America speaking at regional, national and international conferences/workshops... Read More →
Saturday October 17, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am MDT
TBD
  Impactful Pedagogy Sessions

9:00am MDT

Internationally Educated Teachers (IET) Session
Saturday October 17, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am MDT
TBD

Saturday October 17, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am MDT
TBD
  Internationally Educated Teachers

9:00am MDT

Your Pension Matters for Substitute Teachers
Saturday October 17, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am MDT
TBD
ATRF’s presentation of Your Pension Matters for Substitute Teachers will provide a general overview of the plan specifically for substitute teachers. The following information will be presented:• Pension eligibility• Calculating a pension• Eligibility to purchase substitute service• Steps to purchasing substitute service• Income tax implications• How to use the MyPension service...
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Speakers
avatar for Lorraine Wirzba

Lorraine Wirzba

ATRF Pension Counsellor, The Alberta Teachers' Retirement Fund

Saturday October 17, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am MDT
TBD
  Pension and Career Sessions

9:00am MDT

Breakout A (3)
Saturday October 17, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am MDT
TBD

Saturday October 17, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am MDT
TBD
  Substitute Toolkit

10:00am MDT

Refreshment Break
Saturday October 17, 2026 10:00am - 10:30am MDT
Hemisphere Lobby

Saturday October 17, 2026 10:00am - 10:30am MDT
Hemisphere Lobby 123 Freeport Blvd NE, Calgary, AB T3N 0A3, Canada
  Breaks & Meals

10:30am MDT

Saturday Keynote: Breathe, Trust, Teach: The Courage To Surrender
Saturday October 17, 2026 10:30am - 11:45am MDT
Hemisphere Ballroom
What if the greatest strength we bring to our classrooms isn’t our control-but our capacity to let go?True transformation happens not when we tighten our grip, but when we loosen it.In this session, participants will; Understand surrender as an empowering mindset shift, not a weakness Recognize areas in teaching where letting go can create more space for student growth Learn strategies...
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Speakers
avatar for Herky Cutler

Herky Cutler

Saturday Keynote Speaker
Herky Cutler is a passionate educator, facilitator, and coach who has dedicated his life to inspiring meaningful learning experiences for students, teachers, and school leaders. With a career that bridges education, career development, youth service and leadership, Herky empowers... Read More →
Saturday October 17, 2026 10:30am - 11:45am MDT
Hemisphere Ballroom 123 Freeport Blvd NE, Calgary, AB T3N 0A3, Canada
  Keynotes & Plenary Sessions

11:45am MDT

Lunch
Saturday October 17, 2026 11:45am - 12:30pm MDT
Hemisphere Ballroom

Saturday October 17, 2026 11:45am - 12:30pm MDT
Hemisphere Ballroom 123 Freeport Blvd NE, Calgary, AB T3N 0A3, Canada
  Breaks & Meals

12:30pm MDT

Navigate, Share, Influence—Communication Skills for Teachers
Saturday October 17, 2026 12:30pm - 1:30pm MDT
TBD
Lead challenging professional conversations with confidence, credibility and impact! Be ready to explore visible and invisible dynamics that shape our professional conversations and relationships. This workshop offers practical strategies to navigate tough talks, share ideas clearly, and influence the productivity of professional conversations—tailored for Alberta’s K–12 teaching context.
Speakers
avatar for Association Instructor
Saturday October 17, 2026 12:30pm - 1:30pm MDT
TBD
  Engaging & Managing Sessions

12:30pm MDT

The Strategic Sub Part 2—Student Engagement and Managing the Unexpected
Saturday October 17, 2026 12:30pm - 1:30pm MDT
TBD
Get ready to explore practical, adaptable strategies that keep students engaged—no matter what the day brings. In this session, we will explore a versatile toolbox of strategies designed to spark curiosity, sustain attention and navigate the unexpected with confidence. Whether you are in your own classroom or working as a substitute teacher, these strategies can be tailored to different grade...
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Speakers
avatar for Association Instructor
Saturday October 17, 2026 12:30pm - 1:30pm MDT
TBD
  Engaging & Managing Sessions

12:30pm MDT

AI Tools to Amplify Your Professionalism and Save Time
Saturday October 17, 2026 12:30pm - 1:30pm MDT
TBD
Ready to revolutionize your teaching? Join our workshop on AI tools that go beyond traditional lesson planning. Explore how generative AI can create personalized content, assessments, and more. We’ll guide you through a process that balances efficiency with creativity, ensuring you remain the architect of exceptional learning experiences. Plus, let’s delve into professional...
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Speakers
avatar for Association Instructor
Saturday October 17, 2026 12:30pm - 1:30pm MDT
TBD
  Impactful Pedagogy Sessions

12:30pm MDT

Breakout B (6) Introducing New Gr. 7-9 Career Exploration Curriculum
Saturday October 17, 2026 12:30pm - 1:30pm MDT
TBD
In 2026-2027 school year the new Career Exploration and Financial Literacy curriculum for Gr. 7-9 will be mandatory for all Alberta students. This session provides educators with practical frameworks to help middle schoolers connect their current learning to future aspirations during this critical developmental period. Attendees will explore how to transition students from general career awareness...
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Speakers
avatar for Paul Bohnert

Paul Bohnert

President, Career and Technology Education Council
Innovation in Education has been Paul's passion and focus for the past 30 years. He has shared his classroom and educational experiences with more than 15,000 educators and pre-service teachers across North America speaking at regional, national and international conferences/workshops... Read More →
Saturday October 17, 2026 12:30pm - 1:30pm MDT
TBD
  Impactful Pedagogy Sessions

12:30pm MDT

Internationally Educated Teachers Sharing Circle
Saturday October 17, 2026 12:30pm - 1:30pm MDT
TBD

Saturday October 17, 2026 12:30pm - 1:30pm MDT
TBD
  Internationally Educated Teachers

12:30pm MDT

The Code of Professional Conduct: What Every Substitute Teacher Needs to Know
Saturday October 17, 2026 12:30pm - 1:30pm MDT
TBD
This session outlines Alberta's teacher discipline process for complaints of unprofessional conduct and incompetence, and what it means for substitute teachers specifically. You'll learn how the Alberta Teaching Profession Commission handles a complaint through each stage, what the Code of Professional Conduct requires of you, and practical strategies - drawn from real cases - to avoid ever...
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Speakers
avatar for Tim Jeffares

Tim Jeffares

Associate Coordinator, Regulatory Affairs, The Alberta Teachers' Association

SD

Steven Diachuk

Steven Diachuk is a Regulatory Affairs Officer with the Association's Regulatory Affairs team, bringing 20+ years in quasi-judicial, disciplinary, and adjudicative processes. He leads analysis of teacher conduct and competency files and serves as Second Chair in hearings and appeals. Previously, he sp... Read More →
Saturday October 17, 2026 12:30pm - 1:30pm MDT
TBD
  Pension and Career Sessions

12:30pm MDT

Breakout B (2)
Saturday October 17, 2026 12:30pm - 1:30pm MDT
TBD

Speakers
avatar for Tina Chadwick

Tina Chadwick

Secretary and Conference Registration, Middle Years Council
avatar for Marissa Gillespie

Marissa Gillespie

Calgary Area Representative, Middle Years Council
Marissa has been a middle years teacher for the last seventeen years with the Calgary Board of Education. She specializes in French Immersion Humanities and has taught many subjects as well as grades in the middle years. She is passionate about language learning and cross curricular... Read More →
Saturday October 17, 2026 12:30pm - 1:30pm MDT
TBD
  Substitute Toolkit

1:30pm MDT

Refreshment Break
Saturday October 17, 2026 1:30pm - 1:45pm MDT
Hemisphere Lobby

Saturday October 17, 2026 1:30pm - 1:45pm MDT
Hemisphere Lobby 123 Freeport Blvd NE, Calgary, AB T3N 0A3, Canada
  Breaks & Meals

1:45pm MDT

Breakout C (1)
Saturday October 17, 2026 1:45pm - 2:45pm MDT
TBD

Saturday October 17, 2026 1:45pm - 2:45pm MDT
TBD

1:45pm MDT

Being in Good Relations—An Introduction to Cultural Protocols
Saturday October 17, 2026 1:45pm - 2:45pm MDT
TBD
Join this introductory workshop to learn more about Cultural Protocols for engaging with Indigenous ways of knowing, being and doing. Rather than a "prescriptive guide" or a "checklist of dos and don'ts", this conversation-based workshop is an opportunity to be introduced to foundational concepts for developing and strengthening relationships with Indigenous Peoples and Indigenous systems of...
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Speakers
avatar for Indigenous Education PD Facilitator
Saturday October 17, 2026 1:45pm - 2:45pm MDT
TBD
  Engaging & Managing Sessions

1:45pm MDT

Mental Health 101
Saturday October 17, 2026 1:45pm - 2:45pm MDT
TBD
Similar to first aid training, this workshop will give teachers the basic information they need to identify and help students who may be experiencing mental health issues. Lessons learned in this workshop are not confined to the classroom however, and the skills acquired will also help teachers understand the feelings their colleagues, and even themselves, may be experiencing at times....
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Speakers
avatar for Association Instructor
Saturday October 17, 2026 1:45pm - 2:45pm MDT
TBD
  Engaging & Managing Sessions

1:45pm MDT

Breakout C (5)
Saturday October 17, 2026 1:45pm - 2:45pm MDT
TBD

Saturday October 17, 2026 1:45pm - 2:45pm MDT
TBD
  Impactful Pedagogy Sessions

1:45pm MDT

Breakout C (6)
Saturday October 17, 2026 1:45pm - 2:45pm MDT
TBD

Saturday October 17, 2026 1:45pm - 2:45pm MDT
TBD
  Impactful Pedagogy Sessions

1:45pm MDT

Internationally Educated Teachers
Saturday October 17, 2026 1:45pm - 2:45pm MDT
TBD

Saturday October 17, 2026 1:45pm - 2:45pm MDT
TBD
  Internationally Educated Teachers

1:45pm MDT

Strategic Sub Part 3-Hiring Guidance and Career Development
Saturday October 17, 2026 1:45pm - 2:45pm MDT
TBD
Let’s talk career growth! In this session, we will explore a variety of tips and tricks for creating, résumés, cover letters and application packages that get noticed. We will also cover skills to help you navigate interviews with confidence and career development opportunities in the teaching profession. 
Speakers
avatar for Association Instructor

Saturday October 17, 2026 1:45pm - 2:45pm MDT
TBD
  Pension and Career Sessions

2:45pm MDT

Closing Remarks & Prize Draw
Saturday October 17, 2026 2:45pm - 3:00pm MDT
Hemisphere Ballroom
1:45–3:00 pm Dr. Lisa EverittClosing Keynote: Bridges in the Storm – Navigating Change as a Substitute TeacherSubstitute 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...
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Saturday October 17, 2026 2:45pm - 3:00pm MDT
Hemisphere Ballroom 123 Freeport Blvd NE, Calgary, AB T3N 0A3, Canada
  Keynotes & Plenary Sessions
 

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Friday, October 16
Saturday, October 17
Hemisphere Ballroom
Hemisphere Lobby
Online via Zoom
TBD
  • Breaks & Meals
  • Conference Registration
  • Engaging & Managing Sessions
  • Impactful Pedagogy Sessions
  • Internationally Educated Teachers
  • Keynotes & Plenary Sessions
  • Local Chairs Meeting
  • Pension and Career Sessions
  • Substitute Toolkit