School Team 3 - Round 3

School Team 3 - Round 3

ECSD Elementary School Teams: Coaching for Excellence
Welcome to the third round of School Teams, where we continue to grow together in our shared commitment to student success. This round’s focus is on Coaching for Excellence, emphasizing how every educator, like even the most elite athletes, benefits from thoughtful guidance and tools to perform at their best. Through this lens, we will dive into our new curriculum subject areas, equipping you with strategies to support optimal teaching and learning.
Explore 16 impactful sessions designed to empower K-6 teachers, instructional leaders, and coaches, including a special kindergarten throughline that establishes the foundations for lifelong success. Together, we’ll foster collaboration, build skills, and set the stage for excellence in every classroom.
Dive into the schedule below to find inspiring sessions, resources, and tools to help you and your team succeed. Let’s empower our educators and students to reach new heights!

8:00am MST

Registration and Check in (all participants please register for this session)

Friday February 7, 2025 8:00am - 8:30am MST

3A/B

Friday February 7, 2025 8:00am - 8:30am MST
3A/B

8:30am MST

Welcome and Opening Kickoff

Friday February 7, 2025 8:30am - 9:15am MST

3A/B

Coaching for Excellence: Empowering Growth and Achievement
Join us for an inspiring keynote session that dives into the transformative power of coaching. Whether in the classroom, on the field, or in leadership, everyone—from students to teachers to instructional leaders—benefits from thoughtful guidance and encouragement to reach their full potential. Just as even gold medal athletes rely on coaches to help them shave milliseconds off their performance, we too can achieve remarkable growth through support, feedback, and collaboration.
In this session, you’ll discover how coaching principles can empower educators and learners alike to cross the finish line of excellence. Together, we’ll explore actionable strategies and mindsets that foster growth, build resilience, and inspire success. Let’s harness the power of coaching to elevate ourselves and those we serve to new heights!

Speakers

Trisha Roffey

Manager of Elementary Curriculum, Edmonton Catholic Schools

Trish Roffey is the Manager of Elementary Curriculum for Edmonton Catholic Schools. She is an urban hippy with backyard chickens and bees, loves to build computers, and uses way too many exclamation points in emails!!!

Friday February 7, 2025 8:30am - 9:15am MST
3A/B

All Participants

9:30am MST

Focus on Fluency: Coaching Confidence and Reading Progress

Friday February 7, 2025 9:30am - 10:45am MST

3A

Session Materials

In this session, we’ll explore the Reading Progress tool, fluency-building activities like games and reader’s theater, and practical strategies teachers can use right away. You’ll also learn how to incorporate coaching into reading instruction to help students unlock their potential, improving fluency and confidence.

Speakers

Stephanie Denman

English Language Arts Consultant (K-6), Edmonton Catholic School Division

Stephanie is a newbie joining the ELA Elementary team. She has been an Educator for 15 years with ECSD and completed her Masters in Religious Education. Stephanie has a passion for building powerful literacy classrooms where all learners experience success. She loves reading, traveling... Read More →

Friday February 7, 2025 9:30am - 10:45am MST
3A

3-6

9:30am MST

Change the TIDE on Learning: Transformative Classroom Practices LIMITED

Friday February 7, 2025 9:30am - 10:45am MST

2A

Discover how to "Change the TIDE on Learning" with a practical framework designed to guide instructional leaders, coaches, and teacher teams in collaborative classroom observations. The T.I.D.E Learning Walk Framework focuses on four critical components—Tasks, Instruction, Design, and Engagement—to identify evidence of effective teaching and learning. Inspired by the concept of medical rounds, this process fosters collective insight and actionable strategies to elevate classroom practices. Participants will explore how to assess and refine classroom tasks, instructional approaches, environmental design, and student engagement to create dynamic, high-impact learning experiences. Join us to learn how to collaboratively transform classrooms into spaces where both teaching and learning thrive.

Speakers

Trisha Roffey

Manager of Elementary Curriculum, Edmonton Catholic Schools

Trish Roffey is the Manager of Elementary Curriculum for Edmonton Catholic Schools. She is an urban hippy with backyard chickens and bees, loves to build computers, and uses way too many exclamation points in emails!!!

Friday February 7, 2025 9:30am - 10:45am MST
2A

Instructional Leaders and Coaches

9:30am MST

Talk Like a Scientist: Empowering Scientific Discourse and Oracy LIMITED

Friday February 7, 2025 9:30am - 10:45am MST

3B

Session Materials

Join us for an engaging, hands-on session to explore best practices for encouraging all learners to fully engage in scientific discourse. Develop classroom protocols for oracy, integrating collaborative strategies and visible thinking routines to foster meaningful student conversations. Utilize resources from “Visible Learning for Science” and “Strive for Five Conversations” to gain practical tools and techniques for immediate classroom application.

Speakers

Natalie Zuberbuhler

Elementary Science Consultant, Edmonton Catholic School Division

Natalie Zuberbuhler: Elementary Science Curriculum and Assessment Consultant with Edmonton Catholic Schools lives for Science and supporting her teacher colleagues. Natalie always has great recommendations on books, tips for catching fish, and how to incorporate computer science to... Read More →

Friday February 7, 2025 9:30am - 10:45am MST
3B

K-6

9:30am MST

Hot To Glow: Light As A Pop of Play LIMITED

Friday February 7, 2025 9:30am - 10:45am MST

2B

Session Materials

You have a new Light Panel in your classroom - YAY! Come explore creative ways to use it, along with accompanying resources, to engage students in immersive learning experiences within the new curriculum for months February through May. Learn how translucent 3D shapes, hands-on letter and number building activities, and sand trays promote literacy and numeracy skills. We will also look at English, French, and Spanish math picture books that compliment classroom instruction. This session has been revamped and offers completely different ideas than those offered from the “Light Bright Delight” session earlier in the school year.
One set of resources will be given to each school that has not yet received them.

Speakers

Kathleen Ruff

Kindergarten Programming Consultant, Edmonton Catholic School Division

Kathleen Ruff, B.Ed. Kathleen is a Kindergarten Programming Consultant with Edmonton Catholic Schools. She enjoys providing professional development to the teachers of the youngest learners in school divisions, focusing on combining play and curricular programming in one. She is a... Read More →

Friday February 7, 2025 9:30am - 10:45am MST
2B

Kindergarten

11:00am MST

Embracing CTF and PEW LIMITED

Friday February 7, 2025 11:00am - 12:15pm MST

2A

Session Materials

Explore how Career and Technology Foundations (CTF) connects with Phys. Ed. and Wellness (PEW) by stepping into the role of a student in this hands-on, immersive session. Learn to design interdisciplinary projects and leave with practical tools and strategies for intentional planning and student engagement.

Speakers

Haidee deRoca-Garcia

STEM Consultant, ECSD

Haidee de Roca-Garcia is the STEM Consultant for ECSD. She has taught K-6 for almost 30 years and is passionate about making learning fun and engaging for all learners. She believes curiousity is a superpower and robots are the best! When not learning something new every day, she... Read More →

Jacqueline Koval

Physical Education and Wellness Consultant, Edmonton Catholic School Division

Jackie is a Physical Education and Wellness consultant with Edmonton Catholic schools. She is an elementary trained teacher who has taught both in Edmonton and internationally. Over a twenty-year career, Jackie has taught preschool through to grade six. Her greatest pleasure when... Read More →

Friday February 7, 2025 11:00am - 12:15pm MST
2A

4-6

11:00am MST

Fostering Independence in EAL Learners (K-6) LIMITED

Friday February 7, 2025 11:00am - 12:15pm MST

3A

Session Materials

In this session, educators will explore various scaffolding techniques tailored to support EAL learners. Participants will be guided through the process of assessing how to choose appropriate scaffolds to empower EAL learners and build their independence. Through interactive activities and practical examples, teachers will gain confidence in implementing these strategies in their classrooms. Join us to empower your EAL students and foster an inclusive learning environment!

Speakers

Devin Austin

Elementary EAL Consultant, Edmonton Catholic School Division

Devin Austin, a forward-thinking K-12 Elementary EAL consultant with Edmonton Catholic Schools, sharing his skills in diverse capacities since 2011. He loves globe-trotting, keeping abreast of the newest tech innovations, and moments with his family. Devin is deeply committed to enhancing... Read More →

Melissa Astle

EAL Consultant, Edmonton Catholic School Division

Melissa is an EAL consultant with Edmonton Catholic Schools. Her background includes teaching in both bilingual and second language programs in elementary and junior high setting. As a language lover and multilingual herself, she is committed to helping EAL learners find success in... Read More →

Friday February 7, 2025 11:00am - 12:15pm MST
3A

K-6

11:00am MST

Making Learning Visible - A Book Creator Workbee LIMITED

Friday February 7, 2025 11:00am - 12:15pm MST

3B

Session Materials

Join us for a hands-on Book Creator Workbee designed for K-6 educators! Start with a mini-session that walks you through the must-know features of Book Creator to empower students to express and demonstrate their learning. Then, dive into creating your own digital book with on-the-spot coaching and support from our consultant team. Whether you're crafting a classroom resource, a student template, a visual journal, this session will help you turn ideas into digital creations that engage learners of all abilities and learn how to provide formative feedback along the way.

Speakers

Nicole Cunningham

Emtech, Edmonton Catholic School Division

Nicole Cunningham is a Consultant with the Emerging Technology team in Learning Services with Edmonton Catholic Schools. She has been an educator with ECSD for 24 years, teaching K-6 students and serving as a technology coach for Early Learning, Inclusive Education and Curriculum... Read More →

Leanne Hemphill

Curriculum and Assessment, Edmonton Catholic School Division

Leanne is a tech enthusiast and new assessment consultant! Her passion lies in revolutionizing how assessments are conducted, making them engaging and insightful for all. When she's not diving deep into assessment strategies, Leanne can be found gliding through the water with the... Read More →

Friday February 7, 2025 11:00am - 12:15pm MST
3B

K-6

11:00am MST

Shake It Off: Energizing Classrooms Through Music & Movement LIMITED

Friday February 7, 2025 11:00am - 12:15pm MST

2B

Session Materials

It’s time to shake it off and turn your classroom into a space where music and movement take center stage! This session will show you how to embrace your most loved YouTube songs and videos and extend them in meaningful ways to get your students moving and grooving.
Learn how gross motor resources bring these ideas to life in your classroom. Get ready to leave with a playlist of fresh ideas and practical tools to energize your students. This session has been revamped and offers completely different ideas than those offered from the “Move, Groove, and Feel: Kindergarten Expressions” session earlier in the school year.
One set of resources will be given to each school that has not yet received them.

Speakers

Kathleen Ruff

Kindergarten Programming Consultant, Edmonton Catholic School Division

Kathleen Ruff, B.Ed. Kathleen is a Kindergarten Programming Consultant with Edmonton Catholic Schools. She enjoys providing professional development to the teachers of the youngest learners in school divisions, focusing on combining play and curricular programming in one. She is a... Read More →

Friday February 7, 2025 11:00am - 12:15pm MST
2B

Kindergarten

12:15pm MST

Lunch LIMITED

Friday February 7, 2025 12:15pm - 1:00pm MST

3A/B

Join us to refuel and refresh with a delicious lunch!

Friday February 7, 2025 12:15pm - 1:00pm MST
3A/B

All Participants

1:00pm MST

Building Bridges: Fostering Peer Relationships with Restorative Circles

Friday February 7, 2025 1:00pm - 2:15pm MST

3A

Session Materials

Speakers

Melissa Astle

EAL Consultant, Edmonton Catholic School Division

Melissa is an EAL consultant with Edmonton Catholic Schools. Her background includes teaching in both bilingual and second language programs in elementary and junior high setting. As a language lover and multilingual herself, she is committed to helping EAL learners find success in... Read More →

Lori Arksey

Inclusive Consultant, Edmonton Catholic School Division

Shireen Mohammed

EDIAR Specialist, Edmonton Catholic School Division

Shireen has been in education for 30+ years as a teacher, consultant, counsellor, and assistant principal. She is truly passionate about students and how we can improve our practices to fully support them in all areas of their lives. Shireen is originally from Trinidad which is... Read More →

Friday February 7, 2025 1:00pm - 2:15pm MST
3A

K-6

1:00pm MST

Play with Purpose: Fun-tastic Ways to Enhance Geometry and Measurement LIMITED

Friday February 7, 2025 1:00pm - 2:15pm MST

2A

Session Materials

Prepare to elevate your teaching toolkit with our Math Games for Geometry and Measurement session. Through hands-on game play experiences, we will engage in a four-part lesson structure designed to build student success. From independent practice to insightful assessments, you'll gain tips and tricks to make management and differentiation a breeze. And the best part? You'll walk away with a resource that's sure to "measure up" to your expectations. Join us to "shape" the way your students practice!

Speakers

Anita Hanneman

Elementary Mathematics Consultant, Edmonton Catholic School Division

Anita makes up one fifth of the elementary mathematics team. Her passion and giddiness for mathematics grows with each article read, teacher conversation, and interaction with students. On her spare time Anita enjoys spending time with her family, dancing, being in nature, pina coladas... Read More →

Friday February 7, 2025 1:00pm - 2:15pm MST
2A

K-6

1:00pm MST

Reframing Autism: Empowering Communication LIMITED

Friday February 7, 2025 1:00pm - 2:15pm MST

3B

Session Materials

This session will delve into the Communication section of the Classroom Reflection Tool, guiding participants through the use of chat editor, AAC devices, and effective strategies to support oral language development. Get ready to dive into some neuro affirming resources and ideas to foster communication amongst all students!

Speakers

Lindsay Lott

Inclusive Consultant, Edmonton Catholic School Division

Lindsay Lott is an Inclusive Consultant with Edmonton Catholic Schools, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience to her role. With 15 years of classroom experience both abroad and here in Edmonton, Lindsay has developed a deep understanding of diverse educational environments... Read More →

Anne Simpson

English Language Arts Consultant (K-6), Edmonton Catholic School Division

I am a mom to two children and two fur babies. I love to travel, read, do anything creative and spend time with friends and family (especially in cold hockey arenas and very hot soccer centers).

Friday February 7, 2025 1:00pm - 2:15pm MST
3B

K-6

1:00pm MST

Shaping Success Through Peer Feedback LIMITED

Friday February 7, 2025 1:00pm - 2:15pm MST

2B

Session Materials

This session is offered in French***
This session will explore how to effectively use examples and non-examples of mentor texts to co-create success criteria with students, fostering a deeper understanding of quality writing and language use. Discover practical strategies to engage students in providing meaningful peer feedback that enhances their critical thinking and communication skills. Walk away with tools to cultivate a supportive classroom environment where students learn from each other and develop confidence in their language abilities.

Speakers

Suzanne Pitts

French Immersion Consultant, Edmonton Catholic School Division

Suzanne Pitts is a French immersion consultant with ECSD. With an insatiable appetite for snacks, an undeniable zest for sports, and an unwavering love for technology, Suzanne is a multifaceted force to be reckoned with. However, her true ardor lies in supporting and empowering teachers... Read More →

Carmen Vaugeois

French Immersion Consultant, Edmonton Catholic School Division

Carmen Vaugeois is a French Immersion consultant with ECSD. She is a cheese aficionado, a self-professed reality tv junkie and a sun worshiper. Mentoring beginning teachers in the French Immersion program is near and dear to her heart!

Friday February 7, 2025 1:00pm - 2:15pm MST
2B

K-6

2:30pm MST

Edwin Subject Spotlight LIMITED

Friday February 7, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm MST

3A

Session Materials

Join us for Edwin Subject Spotlight, a hands-on session designed to help you explore Edwin’s rich library of resources for Science, Social Studies, Math, and English Language Arts. Whether you're looking to discover new materials, create engaging lessons, or plan your next unit, this session provides the perfect opportunity to focus on one or all of the subject resources offered by Edwin. Work at your own pace or collaborate with colleagues as you uncover curated content, interactive tools, and planning strategies tailored to your needs, with facilitators available to guide you and share tips for maximizing Edwin's potential. Come prepared with your subject in mind, and leave with fresh ideas, actionable plans, and a renewed sense of inspiration for your teaching!

Speakers

Stephanie Denman

English Language Arts Consultant (K-6), Edmonton Catholic School Division

Stephanie is a newbie joining the ELA Elementary team. She has been an Educator for 15 years with ECSD and completed her Masters in Religious Education. Stephanie has a passion for building powerful literacy classrooms where all learners experience success. She loves reading, traveling... Read More →

Samantha Davidson

Elementary Social Studies Consultant, Edmonton Catholic School Division

Samantha Davidson is the Elemenraty Social Studies consultant. She loves movies and will use movie quotes and songs whenever possible.

Friday February 7, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm MST
3A

4-6

2:30pm MST

Focus on Fluency: Coaching Confidence and Reading Progress LIMITED

Friday February 7, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm MST

3B

Session Materials

This session focuses on building reading fluency in K-2 classrooms through interactive and engaging strategies. Explore tools like Reader’s Theater, Choral Reading, Echo Reading, and Fluency Passages that make fluency practice fun and effective. Learn how to coach young readers to develop confidence, expression, and smooth reading, unlocking their potential and setting them on the path to reading success. Walk away with practical ideas you can implement immediately!

Speakers

Carilynn Salisbury

English Language Arts Consultant, Edmonton Catholic School Division

Carilynn Salisbury is one of our Elementary English Language Arts Consultants who has been teaching for 15 years with ECSD. She loves all things literacy, especially diving into a great literacy podcast on her commute to work. Loves coffee, sunshine and movement to name a few e... Read More →

Stephanie Pedersen

English Language Arts Consultant (K-6), Edmonton Catholic School Division

Stephanie is an Elementary English Language Arts consultant with ECSD. She is passionate about literacy and establishing effective reading and writing instruction. In her spare time you can find her visiting with friends and family; likely sharing her love of podcasts, plants, and... Read More →

Friday February 7, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm MST
3B

K-2

2:30pm MST

Do The Math… And Doing it Well LIMITED

Friday February 7, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm MST

2A

Session Materials

Wondering what all the hype is about Do The Math? Do The Math is a powerful resource that has been introduced to all schools. In this session you will receive an overview of this resource, which is specifically tailored to support targeted instruction and intervention for students in Kindergarten through Grade 6. This comprehensive program serves a dual purpose: helping students to progress mathematically by meticulously rebuilding their mathematical foundation and focusing on critical math concepts. If you have never attended a Do The Math session before, then this session is for you.

Speakers

Anita Hanneman

Elementary Mathematics Consultant, Edmonton Catholic School Division

Anita makes up one fifth of the elementary mathematics team. Her passion and giddiness for mathematics grows with each article read, teacher conversation, and interaction with students. On her spare time Anita enjoys spending time with her family, dancing, being in nature, pina coladas... Read More →

Friday February 7, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm MST
2A

K-6

2:30pm MST

Connections to Nature with First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Literature in Kindergarten LIMITED

Friday February 7, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm MST

2B

Session Materials

Join us for a cross-curricular extravaganza where we look at texts by Indigenous authors and illustrators that focus on connections to nature. Learn about the connection First Nations, Métis, or Inuit have with nature, by exploring Paul Windsor’s artwork in the books “Good Morning World” and “Goodnight World” and the book “Shape,” part of the First Nations Strong Readers Set. Explore how food connects to daily life through Jennie Eaglespeaker’s book “Please Don’t Hide My Vegetables.” French Immersion teachers will also examine cross-curricular connections between FILAL and other subject areas through the text “Mon Ami Agnès” by Julie Flett.
This PD is a repeat of our Summer Summit 2024 session.

Speakers

Kathleen Ruff

Kindergarten Programming Consultant, Edmonton Catholic School Division

Kathleen Ruff, B.Ed. Kathleen is a Kindergarten Programming Consultant with Edmonton Catholic Schools. She enjoys providing professional development to the teachers of the youngest learners in school divisions, focusing on combining play and curricular programming in one. She is a... Read More →

Friday February 7, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm MST
2B

Kindergarten

School Team 3 - Round 3

Register to attend