MPTCA 2025: Full Schedule

Greetings and a warm welcome to the 2025 Mighty Peace Teachers’ Convention!

Convention will be held at Charles Spencer High School (CS) and St. Joseph Catholic High School (SJ), with some off-site sessions as well.

MPTC Wifi password: Mighty2025

Here are a few key points to get you started:

Keeping informed about MPTC 2025- The most up to date information is posted on our website and in our Facebook Group. Keep an eye on our posts and emails for upcoming social events, speakers, and contests. These opportunities will provide valuable insights, resources, and networking possibilities.
Read the February Newsletter.
Build your schedule - Be sure to read the descriptions!: Please note that adding a session to your schedule DOES NOT guarantee you a seat in the room. We allow attendees to select multiple sessions per time slot when creating their schedule to allow for maximum flexibility on the day of Convention. All sessions are first come, first served, unless otherwise stated in the session description. Some sessions are double sessions and some require pre-registration and may have a fee to cover costs of materials. Please read and follow the instructions in the descriptions. We are excited to include several off-site sessions this year, so be sure to check the location as well.

3. New schedule - There are four time slots when sessions are held on each day. Sessions are 70 minutes long and there is 20 minutes between sessions to allow time to get to the other venue(s) if necessary.
Session 1: 9am-10:10am
Session 2: 10:30am-11:40am
Lunch 11:40am-12:40pm
Session 3: 12:40pm-1:50pm
Session 4: 2:10pm-3:20pm

Teachers’ Conventions are organized by volunteer teachers from each of the participating locals.
If you are interested in joining the MPTCA Board, please contact your local president.

9:00am MST

The Arctic Experience: Goota's Journey Through Inuit Traditions

Thursday March 6, 2025 9:00am - 10:10am MST

CS 232

Post-Convention Survey

Rooted in the land-based resources of the North, Inuit traditions and culture flourished despite the unforgiving Arctic climate. Demonstrating incredible resilience and ingenuity, the Inuit have a rich history that Goota enthusiastically shares through her vivid storytelling and genuine Inuit artifacts.

Session Objectives:
1. Learn about Indigenous worldviews and perspectives
2. analyze the ways in which the Inuit have demonstrated resilience and ingenuity in adapting to the harsh Arctic climate.
3. will explore the importance of storytelling and the use of genuine Inuit artifacts in preserving and conveying cultural heritage

Speakers

Goota Desmarais

Inuit Education

Goota Desmarais, from Cape Dorset, Nunavut, experienced a unique upbringing, spending winters in a modern Inuit settlement and summers in a traditional camp. Now residing in Sherwood Park, Alberta, she stays connected to her heritage through regular visits. Through her business, Inuit... Read More →

Thursday March 6, 2025 9:00am - 10:10am MST
CS 232 20 Knowledge Way, Grande Prairie, AB

Administration, Fostering Effective Relationships, Indigenous Education | Division 1/ Grades 1-3, Fostering Effective Relationships, Indigenous Education | Division 2/ Grades 4-6, Fostering Effective Relationships, Indigenous Education | Division 3/ Grades 7-9, Fostering Effective Relationships, Indigenous Education | Division 4/ Grades 10-12, Fostering Effective Relationships, Indigenous Education | Pre-K/ K, Fostering Effective Relationships, Indigenous Education

10:30am MST

Autism 101

Friday March 7, 2025 10:30am - 11:40am MST

CS 232

Post-Convention Survey

Autism 101 gives the opportunity to gain a basic overview of autism and neurodiversity. It is an introduction to what autism is and gives information on how autistic individuals may interact with others and the world around them. More specifically, the presentation covers the following topics:
Overview of Autism
Characteristics of Autism
How Sensory Processing Works
Sensory toolbox
Language to Use
Introduction to Visual Supports

Session Objectives:
1. Participants will be able to use the information about learning characteristics to inform how they would work and interaction with Autistic youth.
2. Participants will be able to identify areas in their own understanding of Autism
3. Participants will be able to take the information and use it to inform teaching practices.

Speakers

Douglas Parsons

Friday March 7, 2025 10:30am - 11:40am MST
CS 232 20 Knowledge Way, Grande Prairie, AB

12:40pm MST

Autism 201 DOUBLE SESSION

Friday March 7, 2025 12:40pm - 3:20pm MST

CS 232

Post-Convention Survey

During this presentation, we dive deeper into what Autism is and share practical strategies that can help you interact with and support autistic individuals. The presentation also covers the strengths and challenges experienced by many autistic people and how to respond to create accommodating environments. Lastly, we unpack what might trigger a meltdown and how to help de-escalate a situation.

Autism 201 is a follow up session to Autism 101. Attendance in the Autism 101 class is advised but not necessary for Autism 201 as there is a review component. By joining this session, you will be able to:
• Expand your knowledge of Autism
• Dive Deeper into Common Autism characteristics and how you can support
• Identify the impact of sensory differences and respond to the sensory needs of autistic individuals
• Explore environmental accommodations
• Learn about co-existing disabilities
• All behaviour is a form of communication
• Discuss meltdowns including triggers, relationships recovery and repair as well as de-escalation techniques

Speakers

Douglas Parsons

Friday March 7, 2025 12:40pm - 3:20pm MST
CS 232 20 Knowledge Way, Grande Prairie, AB