uLead2026 - The Summit of Educational Leadership: Full Schedule

This is the Sched site for the uLead 2026.

Welcome to uLead 2026. We are thrilled you will be joining us at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel for our annual school leadership conference hosted by the Council for School Leadership of The Alberta Teachers’ Association.

If you have any questions during the event, we will have uLead team members throughout the venue wearing red and black plaid. The registration desk will also have our team available throughout the conference. This table can be found just outside of the Van Horne Ballroom, where all of our keynote presentations are taking place.

If you need a digital map of the facilities, you can click here

In order for our team to best determine room allocations for breakout sessions would ask that delegates log in (top right corner of this page) and select sessions that they are interested in attending.

Finally, if you are interested in earning University credits for attending uLead, please visit the uLead website

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6:45am MDT

Starbucks Stroll

Tuesday April 21, 2026 6:45am - 7:45am MDT

Hotel Lobby

Do you need caffeine? Do you want to meet new people? Come stretch your legs and fill your cup - both figuratively and literally. Join us for a morning stroll into town, where the coffee is hot, the conversation is fresh, and your step count soars. The Starbucks Stroll—because leadership is best fueled by caffeine and connection!

Tuesday April 21, 2026 6:45am - 7:45am MDT
Hotel Lobby

Social

7:30am MDT

BREAKFAST

Tuesday April 21, 2026 7:30am - 9:00am MDT

Riverview Lounge (Main Building)

Tuesday April 21, 2026 7:30am - 9:00am MDT
Riverview Lounge (Main Building)

Meals and Breaks

9:00am MDT

Keynote - Bubbling Up

Tuesday April 21, 2026 9:00am - 10:15am MDT

Van Horne Ballroom (Conference Centre)

Dr. Sean Lessard shares stories from a life spent working with young people in and beyond school communities. Bubbling Up, a reflection on the feeling of possibility, identity, and belief that lives inside us, serves as the opening for a broader conversation about how we support youth.
Drawing from his experience as a youth worker, teacher, counsellor, administrator, and professor, Dr. Lessard explores his approach to working alongside young people through community, relationship, and what he describes as a pedagogy of tea. He reflects on the importance of presence, trust, and consistently showing up for youth - academically, socially, and emotionally.
With honesty, warmth, and humour, Dr. Lessard highlights the role educators and leaders play as advocates and allies, and the impact of holding an unwavering belief in young people, even when they struggle to find their voice.
Bubbling Up is both a reflection and a call to action, reminding us that when youth are supported through relationship and community, powerful things can rise to the surface

Speakers

Sean Lessard

Professor of Indigenous Education and Core Studies, University of Alberta

Dr Sean Lessard is from Montreal Lake Cree Nation he is a former youth worker, teacher and counsellor. He is currently a Full Professor at the University of Alberta in the Faculty of Education. He is an award winning researcher, writer and speaks internationally about his approach... Read More →

Tuesday April 21, 2026 9:00am - 10:15am MDT
Van Horne Ballroom (Conference Centre)

Keynote

10:15am MDT

TRANSITION

Tuesday April 21, 2026 10:15am - 10:30am MDT

TBA

Tuesday April 21, 2026 10:15am - 10:30am MDT
TBA

Transition

10:30am MDT

CAP (Canadian Association of Principals): The National Voice of School Leaders

Tuesday April 21, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am MDT

Oak Room (Main Building)

This session explores the role of the Canadian Association of Principals (CAP) as the national voice of school leaders and its impact on education across Canada. Participants will examine current challenges facing schools, including student mental health, staff workload, and equity, and consider how national advocacy connects to local contexts. Through guided discussion, attendees will reflect on their own experiences and identify key priorities that should inform the broader educational conversation. This interactive session is designed to strengthen understanding of collective leadership voice and its role in shaping effective and responsive school systems.

Speakers

Dean MacInnis

Principal, Ecole Sir John Franklin High School

Tuesday April 21, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am MDT
Oak Room (Main Building)

10:30am MDT

Elevating Health Education Through School Leadership

Tuesday April 21, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am MDT

Baron Shaughnessy Room (Conference Centre)

This session invites school leaders—as lead learners—to reimagine health education as a core element of pedagogical leadership. When health education is prioritized as a foundation for learning, it can enhance student wellbeing, strengthen school culture, and improve academic outcomes. Grounded in national research, this session will demonstrate how leadership decisions and leadership practices themselves shape the quality and impact of the school community experience. We will share examples from Canadian contexts where placing health education at the heart of school vision led to measurable improvements in student and whole-school success and wellbeing. Participants will reflect on their leadership practice through the lens of leadership for learning and leave with actionable strategies to embed health education into the fabric of their school's culture and instructional leadership.

Speakers

Lauren Sulz

Associate Professor, Faculty of Education, University of Alberta

Lauren D. Sulz, PhD, is an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Education at the University of Alberta. She teaches undergraduate courses in physical and health education curriculum and pedagogy, and graduate courses on physical and health literacy and health-promoting schools. Dr... Read More →

Kim Hordal

Assistant Principal, Edmonton Public Schools

Kim Hordal-Hlewka is the Assistant Principal of Michael Phair Junior High that opened it’s doors in the fall of 2017. Kim has taught Kindergarten to Grade 9 Physical Education and was the Physical Education, Health and Comprehensive School Health Consultant for Edmonton Public Schools... Read More →

Doug Gleddie

Professor, The Healthy Schools Lab - University of Alberta

Doug is a Professor in the Faculty of Education at the University of Alberta. He teaches physical education curriculum and pedagogy to undergraduate students. He also teaches graduate courses in health and physical education, reflective practice, physical literacy and research methods... Read More →

Tuesday April 21, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am MDT
Baron Shaughnessy Room (Conference Centre)

10:30am MDT

Building Bridges!

Tuesday April 21, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am MDT

Ivor Petrack Room (Main Building)

"Building Bridges!" Description: Catholic education thrives when home, parish, and school work together in unity. This panel conversation will highlight successful models of collaboration, identify challenges, and provide strategies to strengthen these partnerships in support of student faith development.

Speakers

Jo-Ann Kelly

Jo-Ann Kelly is an accomplished and dedicated Catholic school leader currently serving as the Religious Education and Curriculum Support Lead Teacher at Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools (RDCRS). With over two decades of experience in education, Jo-Ann specializes in fostering spiritual... Read More →

Liisa Honish

Liisa began her teaching career with the Calgary Board of Education in 2000 and joined the Calgary Catholic School District in 2014. Since entering the Catholic Church in 2006, she has served her parish, St. Albert the Great, through roles with the CWL, as a lector, youth camp coordinator... Read More →

Fr. Troy Nguyen

Fr Troy Nguyen is a priest of the diocese of Calgary. He discovered his faith and vocation at the Benedictine Monastery in Mission BC. He went on to study for the priesthood and completed his BA in Philosophy. Fr Troy left seminary for a period of time to decide if the priesthood... Read More →

Tuesday April 21, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am MDT
Ivor Petrack Room (Main Building)

Catholic

10:30am MDT

Rooted in Relationship: Reflections and Strategies for Lasting Equity & Anti-Racism in Education

Tuesday April 21, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am MDT

Theatre (Conference Centre)

This interactive fireside chat brings together two perspectives on advancing anti-racism and equity within Alberta's education system. Dr. Shariff will share & reflect on her experiences and research, bringing equity and anti-racism professional learning into one of Edmonton's largest and diverse high schools, highlighting how she has empowered educators, celebrated successes, and helped them navigate resistance. The conversation then shifts as Owen Holloway shares how this foundational learning helped co-create a plan and a detailed formal proposal for the faculty council and the school administration, ensuring this work continued to have positional leverage to revise policy and provide more equitable practices. Together, they share the lessons learned, practical strategies for fostering educator-led professional development, and the challenges and possibilities required for institutional change in education. Designed as a dialogue rather than a lecture, this session models the relational and reflective practices at the heart of EDIAR work. A Q&A period will close the session, offering participants the opportunity to connect insights to their own leadership contexts.

Speakers

Dr. Farha Shariff

Senior Advisor, ACB initiatives, Office of the Dean, Faculty of Education, Director Centre for Research for Teacher Edu, University Of Alberta

Dr. Farha Shariff, Ph.D
Intersectional Anti-Oppression Educator, Academic Colleague
Senior Advisor, Accessibility, Community and Belonging
Office of the Dean, Faculty of Education, University of Alberta, Canada
Interim Director, The Centre for Research for Teacher Education and Devel... Read More →

Owen Holloway

Owen Holloway (M.Ed), Department Head of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Anti-Racism (EDIAR), St. Joseph Catholic High School, Edmonton Catholic Schools, Vice President, ECSD Teachers Local 54 Owen Holloway is an English as an Additional Language math teacher and the Department... Read More →

Tuesday April 21, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am MDT
Theatre (Conference Centre)

DEHR

10:30am MDT

Cultiver le sentiment d’appartenance

Tuesday April 21, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am MDT

Norquay Room (Main Building)

Atelier interactif proposé par le Conseil scolaire FrancoSud pour explorer l’identité et l’appartenance en milieu minoritaire francophone. À travers des activités ludiques et collaboratives, les participants prennent conscience de l’importance de la construction identitaire et du sentiment d’appartenance des jeunes, tout en partageant réflexions et repères culturels identitaires. Un réel partage de pratiques gagnantes pancanadiennes!

Speakers

Monique Baker

Superintendent, FrancoSud School Division

Monique Baker est une éducatrice chevronnée et directrice générale comptant plus de 37 ans d’expérience en éducation. Francophone fière de ses racines manitobaines, elle détient des diplômes en arts et en éducation ainsi qu’une maîtrise en administration et leadership... Read More →

Rémi Lemoine

Au cours des 26 dernières années, M. Lemoine a développé une compréhension approfondie des systèmes éducatifs en milieu minoritaire grâce à son expérience professionnelle à titre de direction d'école, auprès de la Division scolaire franco-manitobaine, du Conseil des écoles... Read More →

Elizabeth Tremblay

Director of Learning, FrancoSud

Elizabeth Tremblay œuvre dans le domaine de l’éducation depuis plus de vingt ans, d’abord comme enseignante de sciences au secondaire en Ontario. Elle a ensuite occupé plusieurs postes de direction au sein du CSC MonAvenir, tant au primaire qu’au secondaire, où elle a accompagn... Read More →

Érika Tavernari

Erika Tavernari œuvre depuis plus de 18 ans en éducation et plus de neuf ans dans le domaine culturel, artistique et communautaire. Arrivée au Canada en 2007, elle a construit un parcours ancré dans la francophonie, vivant et travaillant en français au Québec, en C.-B. et en... Read More →

Tuesday April 21, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am MDT
Norquay Room (Main Building)

Francophone

10:30am MDT

Racists in Recovery

Tuesday April 21, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am MDT

Sir Edward Beatty (Conference Centre)

"Racists in Recovery" supports school leaders in developing the awareness, skills, and practices needed to lead equitable schools with heart, humility and a touch of humor. This no-shame session invites honest reflection, practical skill-building, and supported learning. Leaders learn to recognize implicit bias, communicate about race with confidence, and interrupt harmful patterns in daily practice. They also gain tools for restorative conversations, stronger staff culture, and more equitable systems. "If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor." â€“ Desmond Tutu

Speakers

Dr. Heather Saunders

Director of Inclusive Education, TsuuT'ina Education Department

I am an educator and advocate with more than 40 years of experience in teaching, child development, and equity-centered practice. Holding a Doctorate in Cultural Responsiveness and a Master's in Change Management and Contemplative Practices, I support schools in creating learning... Read More →

Tuesday April 21, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am MDT
Sir Edward Beatty (Conference Centre)

Indigenous

10:30am MDT

Rooted in relationship, identity, and connection to land

Tuesday April 21, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am MDT

Alberta Room (Main Building)

This session invites participants into a deeper understanding of Nitsitapi—a term meaning “the people,” used by the Blackfoot Confederacy to describe themselves. Rooted in relationship, identity, and connection to land, Nitsitapi reflects a worldview grounded in respect, balance, and community.
Through storytelling, imagery, and personal reflection, participants will explore the cultural teachings, traditions, and ways of knowing that have shaped Nitsitapi identity across generations. This session will highlight the importance of language, kinship, and the land as foundational to understanding who we are and how we live in right relationship with one another.
Participants will be encouraged to reflect on their own sense of identity and belonging, while considering how Indigenous perspectives can deepen our understanding of community, leadership, and shared responsibility.

Speakers

Elder Randy Saa'okoto

Tuesday April 21, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am MDT
Alberta Room (Main Building)

Indigenous

10:30am MDT

Be Memorable! Why You Are "More Than Just Educators" to Students Everyday!

Tuesday April 21, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am MDT

Cascade Room (Main Building)

As an educator, why do the job if you are not hoping to make a lasting impact on children, colleagues, or the profession as a whole? "More Than Just Educators" examines individuals who will never be forgotten by those who they had an impact upon, and will reminds every participant that their ripple effect never ends. Highlighting great teachers, support staff, and administrators from across the country, this presentation hits on all employee groups within a school in order to ensure that staff members know how much they matter to students. In today's world, educating students, or running schools and districts, is a difficult job that taxes the mind greatly. However, through reflection, attendees will be reminded that they have a legacy they are leaving behind, and that their time in their job is worth the effort they give each and every day.

Speakers

Robert Hinchliffe

Principal / Speaker / Author, Clark County School District

Robert Hinchliffe is a successful principal, author, and speaker based in Las Vegas, Nevada, where he has been an elementary school administrator for over 19 years. His career accomplishments include leading various highly rated schools, schools that have received distinguished awards... Read More →

Tuesday April 21, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am MDT
Cascade Room (Main Building)

Outside Alberta

10:30am MDT

Transforming Teaching and Learning Through Technology: Activating Strategic Projects with Apple

Tuesday April 21, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am MDT

D C Coleman (Conference Centre)

Step into a play-based, future-focused experience designed to spark imagination and illuminate what’s possible when districts partner with Apple on bold, strategic projects. In this highly interactive session, participants will get hands-on with cutting-edge tools—including AR, VR, spatial computing, and emerging AI experiences—and explore how purposeful integration of technology can catalyze powerful shifts in teaching, learning, and system culture. Apple leaders will guide participants through experiential stations that blend creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving. Along the way, we’ll spotlight real examples of district-level strategic projects, highlighting how organizations across Canada are leveraging Apple ecosystems to strengthen educator capacity, enhance student engagement, and design more inclusive, future-ready learning environments.What makes this session unique is its emphasis on doing: leaders will experiment, prototype ideas, and explore strategic pathways aligned to their local priorities—from workforce readiness to assessment innovation to digital ecosystems and beyond. Join us to imagine, co-create, and chart the next wave of strategic innovation for your district—powered by Apple and grounded in the transformation of teaching and learning.

Speakers

Shawn Lennie

National Lead: Strategic Iniatives, Research and Leadership Enablement, Apple

Apple Education Some of the most powerful opportunities for technology are realized in the hands of students and teachers. Apple designs technology that empowers every individual, no matter how they learn and what they love to do. And Apple Education is dedicated to helping schools... Read More →

Tuesday April 21, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am MDT
D C Coleman (Conference Centre)

Technology

Company Apple

10:30am MDT

Leading for Wellbeing: School Leadership that Sustains Staff and Students

Tuesday April 21, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am MDT

Van Horne Ballroom (Conference Centre)

How can school leaders make mental health a shared condition for learning, rather than an add-on initiative? Drawing on recent Alberta pilots and whole-school cases, this session examines how leadership practices can protect staff wellbeing, integrate mental health supports into pedagogy, and sustain student outcomes. We will share concrete strategies such as embedding short daily regulation routines, protecting collaboration time, using light-touch data for improvement, and learning from implementation missteps. Participants will leave with practical guidance to strengthen both adult and student wellbeing in their own contexts.

Speakers

Stephen MacGregor

Assistant Professor | Director, Experiential Learning, University of Calgary

Dr. Stephen MacGregor is an Assistant Professor at the University of Calgary's Werklund School of Education, where he works closely with schools and communities to strengthen leadership and teaching practice. His research focuses on how educators and leaders can work together to share... Read More →

Nyasha Nyereyemhuka

Assistant Professor, University of Calgary

Dr. Nyasha Nyereyemhuka is an Assistant Professor of K-12 School leadership and governance at the Werklund School of Education. Dr. Nyereyemhuka joined Werklund as a previous SSHRC Postdoctoral Fellow from Queen's University's Faculty of Education. Her writing employs qualitative... Read More →

Tuesday April 21, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am MDT
Van Horne Ballroom (Conference Centre)

Wellness

10:30am MDT

Towards Flourishing: School Leadership in a Complex World

Tuesday April 21, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am MDT

New Brunswick Room (Main Building)

School leadership is at once a highly rewarding and highly challenging career. As school leaders, our work enhances the lives of each learner, educator and family in our school community. At the same time, it can feel as if we are navigating a never-ending set of demands and expectations. Drawing on the job demands â€“ resources model, this session weaves together current research and practice, highlighting effective strategies school leaders use to support their own wellbeing and to foster flourishing school communities.

Speakers

Kathleen Lane

Kathleen Lane is the Executive Director for the EdCan Network. Kathleen studied population health before earning her Master of Business Administration from the University of British Columbia, where her research focused on how the university learning environment affects student mental... Read More →

Tuesday April 21, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am MDT
New Brunswick Room (Main Building)

Wellness

10:30am MDT

Who Am I Beneath It All: Permission to Pause and Re-discover the Woman Within

Tuesday April 21, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am MDT

Alhambra Room (Main Building)

In the fast-paced world of leadership, women often juggle multiple roles without pausing to honour the person beneath the titles. This interactive session invites participants to reflect with self-compassion, reconnecting with the values and strengths that define them as women and leaders. Together, we will explore three stages of self-discovery: Who Were You Before, Who Are You Right Now, and Who Are You Hoping to Become. Through guided reflections, journaling prompts, and interactive exercises, participants will uncover resilience, clarity, and authentic leadership grounded in compassion. They will leave with a renewed confidence to lead with who they already are.

Speakers

Jennifer Baeta

Assistant Principal, Edmonton Catholic Teachers

Jennifer Baeta is an educator, leader, and advocate for women in leadership, with over fifteen years of experience in teaching, administration, and leadership development. She holds a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership and is deeply passionate about teacher well-being, believing... Read More →

Tuesday April 21, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am MDT
Alhambra Room (Main Building)

WIL

10:30am MDT

Multi-Faith Space (open and available to all)

Tuesday April 21, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am MDT

Robert Ritchie Room (Conference Centre)

Tuesday April 21, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am MDT
Robert Ritchie Room (Conference Centre)

Zero Stimulation Zones

10:30am MDT

Quiet Work Space

Tuesday April 21, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am MDT

David Obrien Room (Conference Center)

This space is set aside for school leaders who may need to make a phone call, send an email, or sit an think. No programing is in the room.

Tuesday April 21, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am MDT
David Obrien Room (Conference Center)

Zero Stimulation Zones

11:30am MDT

BREAK (COFFEE AND FOOD)

Tuesday April 21, 2026 11:30am - Wednesday April 22, 2026 11:45am MDT

Van Horne Foyer (Conference Centre)

Tuesday April 21, 2026 11:30am - Wednesday April 22, 2026 11:45am MDT
Van Horne Foyer (Conference Centre)

Meals and Breaks

12:00pm MDT

Keynote and Conference Closing: Reflections on my Journey to the United Nations Highest Humanitarian Prize - the UN Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela Prize

Tuesday April 21, 2026 12:00pm - 1:30pm MDT

Van Horne Ballroom (Conference Centre)

in this talk, I share the personal and professional journey that led to receiving the United Nations Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela Prize, reflecting on decades of work grounded in Indigenous knowledge, trauma-informed practice, and human rights advocacy. I trace this path from frontline counselling at an Indian residential school to community-based healing initiatives to national and international efforts addressing the intergenerational impacts of cultural genocide, systemic violence, and displacement. Central to this journey are the teachings of responsibility, collective care, and truth-telling—values that shaped my work with Indigenous survivors, families, and communities, and later informed policy and global advocacy. The presentation emphasises that this recognition is not an individual achievement, but a collective one, honouring the resilience, leadership, and wisdom of Indigenous peoples whose stories, strength, and insistence on justice continue to guide the work forward, in the spirit of Nelson Mandela and the human rights commitments of the United Nations.

Speakers

Dr. Brenda Reynolds

BISW, RSW, Master of Arts Counseling Psychology, Psy.D. (ABA)United Nations Nelson Mandela Laureate Brenda Reynolds is Saulteaux from Fishing Lake First Nation, Saskatchewan, Canada. She is known for her development of the trauma-informed and culturally sensitive Indian Residential... Read More →

Tuesday April 21, 2026 12:00pm - 1:30pm MDT
Van Horne Ballroom (Conference Centre)

Keynote

6:45am MDT

7:30am MDT

9:00am MDT

10:15am MDT

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11:30am MDT

12:00pm MDT

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